SigmaSlab®, a revolutionary technology co-developed by Bekaert and CCL.

In the bustling town of Niederaula, Germany, the CDC faced a challenge: constructing a durable concrete floor for its new logistics center that could withstand constant vehicular movement during loading and unloading. Seeking innovation, flooring contractor GVG Industriebodenbau turned to SigmaSlab, a revolutionary technology co-developed by Bekaert and CCL, with the aim of creating jointless, eco-friendly concrete floors.

What is SigmaSlab®?

SigmaSlab, born out of a collaboration between Bekaert and CCL, integrates passive reinforcement (steel fibers) with active reinforcement (post-tensioning). The result is a patented solution capable of producing seamless, expansive concrete floors without the need for expansion joints. The technology underwent rigorous testing at Virginia Tech University, proving its efficacy in creating surfaces as vast as 150x150m.

How to install SigmaSlab®?

GVG Industriebodenbau presented SigmaSlab as a viable solution to the CDC, highlighting its potential to reduce carbon footprint by over 50% compared to traditional methods. CDC, recognizing the advantages, greenlit the project. The installation process unfolded in three key steps:

1. Preparation: 
   • Post-tensioning strands were supplied by CCL, forming a robust grid within the formwork.
   • Strands, wound on coils, were pulled, cut to length, and laid out to create a solid foundation.
2. Concreting: 
   • Bekaert's Dramix steel fibers, glued in bundles, were mixed into the concrete on-site.
   • The fiber-enriched concrete, with superior strength, was poured onto the floor using mixer trucks.
3. Stressing: 
   • Post-casting, stressing operations were carried out in two phases—initial stressing after two to three days and final stressing three to five days later.
   • Protruding strands were cut, and anchor openings filled with grout mortar.

Designed to be more efficicient, cost effective and sustainable

SigmaSlab yielded substantial benefits:

• A remarkable 70% reduction in steel usage compared to conventional reinforcement.
• Minimized risk of epoxy coating cracks, enhancing the floor's chemical and mechanical resistance.

Hendrik Thooft envisions SigmaSlab's application in various scenarios, including floors on an elastic bed, foundation piles, and elevated slabs. Its successful deployment in projects globally, from Niederaula to Belgium, Norway, Australia, and Mexico, positions SigmaSlab for a worldwide rollout.

SigmaSlab has not only transformed the CDC's logistics center in Niederaula but has set a new standard for sustainable, jointless concrete flooring. As this innovative technology gains traction, it promises to redefine the norms of construction, offering a greener, more efficient, and cost-effective solution for projects across the globe.

We can help you make the correct choice

We hope you now see why it is important to select the correct steel fiber for your intended application to ensure optimal performance and durability of the reinforced concrete structure. At Bekaert our experts are always willing and available to give you specific recommendations and help you make the correct choice. Feel free to contact us with your questions about the correct steel fiber to choose for your specific application.