Sika ambitions no. 1 customer magazine

ambitions customer magazine

Big Potential Sika’s head of R&D gets inspiration from the new Technology Center where he works.

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issue no. 1

Impressive Contrast Hollywood actress Uma Thurman posed for a Louis Vuitton advertising campaign in front of raw concrete.

Page 19

Myths & Legends: Why miners underground believe in the protection granted by Saint Barbara and other patron saints of miners.

Page 22

Durability The Virtues of Concrete Interview: Valerio Olgiati on provocative architecture.

Page 8

Concrete Oasis The sculpture park of Swiss artist Bruno Weber is a fantasy world made of concrete – enriched by Sika products.

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Letzigrund Stadium Zurich, Switzerland: Sika Solutions from Basement to Roof.

intro

editorial 3

Dear Customers,

It is with great pleasure that we present Sika’s new international customer magazine. In addition to our good local relations, this magazine will give you the opportunity to learn more about Sika’s cutting-edge technology. The magazine’s title is our agenda: You will read about exceptional building projects that were achieved with Sika products, but also about ambitious company developments, such as our new Technology Center in Zurich that will strengthen our innovation capabilities. In every

Ernst Bärtschi, CEO Sika AG

issue, the magazine will focus on a Sika product segment, such as concrete or adhesives for industrial use. This current issue is dedicated to concrete. We will also concentrate on a different aspect of the Sika brand and show you the values that we share as a company and the principles we stand for.

I hope you enjoy reading ambitions!

Dear Readers, Concrete stands for durability. And Sika has contributed to that standing significantly in the course of its almost 100-year history. If there is a need for concrete with special characteristics, Sika products are there. At the tunnel construction site for a new railway through the Gotthard massif in Switzerland (called NEAT), for example, retarders prevent concrete from hardening on its long journey into the depths of the mountain. After placing, accelerators speed hardening and shorten work cycles, while Ernesto Schümperli, President of Business Unit Concrete

special powders boost the material’s strength. Superplasticizers grant easy application during all this time. They all contribute to the durability of the structure.

For the most part, concrete is made of natural, raw materials and “green concrete” is now an industry buzzword. It is all about using a maximum of renewable materials or materials that greatly improve energy efficiency during production. Sika pays close attention to ensure that the materials we use for

ambitions 1/2008 ambitions is Sika’s international customer magazine.

It appears twice a year in English (circulation: 5000 copies).

Project lead: Silvia Schärer, Kathrin Müller, Sika Services AG, Zurich Editor’s address: Sika Services AG, Corporate Marketing, Tüffenwies 16, CH-8048 Zurich, Switzerland; e-mail: ambitions.magazine@ch.sika.com

our international production are local. Sustainability is also a form of durability.

Sika’s rise and constant growth as an enterprise is as durable as the concrete we produce.

Sika has the right chemistry. And it is precisely that chemistry that we wish to communicate through our publication ambitions. This first edition of our customer magazine stands – how could it be anything else – under the motto “durability”.

Concept: Andreas Turner (editing and production), Beni Spirig (design), Infel AG, Zurich, Switzerland Printing: Abächerli Druck AG, Sarnen, Switzerland Contributors to this issue: Bastian Bicher, Reto Clenin, Laura Egli, Ricardo Gomez, Jeannette Kaufmann, Don Lewis Kirk, Kathrin Müller, Silvia Schärer, Jürg Schlumpf, Martin Stutz, Andreas Turner All trademarks used or mentioned herein are protected by law.

Reproduction is permitted with the written consent of the publisher.

04 Commitment Dependable Innovations

18 Fascination Spotlight on Concrete

06 Sika Local The Dubai Metro Project

22 People Patron Saints of Miners

08 Interview Architect Valerio Olgiati

24

Success Story Dissipating Earthquake Forces

12 Focus The Gotthard Base Tunnel

25 Events A Fantasy World Made of Concrete

13 Retro The Order Called for a Sealing!

26 Exceptional Concrete Truck Drivers Competition

14 Know-how Sika’s New Technology Center

27 You Do You Speak Sika?

ambitions | no. 1

constructiv

4 commitment

Freeway Bypass Brunau, Zurich West, Switzerland Underground tunnel passages were secured with high-performance Sika shotcrete and waterproofed with controlled tunnel membrane systems. Durable concrete solutions were used to build tunnel and bridging structures.

Turning Torso, Town Landmark of Malmö, Sweden Star architect Santiago Calatrava used a combination of art, geometry and modern technology to turn an unusual idea into reality. Spiraling 90 degrees, Europe’s tallest residential tower was built with Sika ViscoCrete® Technology.

San Bernardino Road Tunnel, Grisons, Switzerland Sika played a significant role in the new construction of the San Bernardino Tunnel in Switzerland and ensured the protection of concrete as well as waterproofing under the roadway during reconstruction.

The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland Sika furnished synthetic resin floor-covering systems, parquet systems and façade waterproofing as well as a concept for the concrete: the reconstruction required a concrete that was impermeable as well as caulking.

Dependable Innovations Concrete brings beauty, form and durability to our changing world.

C

oncrete shapes emotion. Adaptable, colorful, a medium of change, it transforms our cityscapes into beautiful environments for social contacts,

business and cultural events.

Photos: Ricardo Gomez (1), Pablo Faccinetto (1), Unique Airport Zurich (1), Sika

As a building material of choice, concrete is used more than any other man-made building material. Its strength and workability make it ideal for the construction of roads, bridges, airports, railways, tunnels, public buildings and other major infrastructure projects.

Some of the most spectacular structures in the world, including the thousand-foot Shanghai World Finance Center, are only possible because of concrete’s virtues. The result is a symbol of human ingenuity, engineering skill and concrete’s versatility. Advancements in chemical admixtures have increased concrete’s adaptability, making it a foundation for everything – a medium that connects people through form, texture, structure, light and shadow. Every innovation unlocks new hidden qualities of this material. Concrete has a bright – and aesthetic – future ahead.

No other material has so many forms of expression. With recent concrete innovations, this building material can be shaped into any structure, turning shelter and space into a comfortable and beautiful environment to live in.

Concrete enriches human life and forms the world around us.

ambitions | no. 1

Schoolhouse Hinter Gärten, Riehen, Switzerland Artist Jörg Niederberger and the architect’s office in charge, Marques AG, created a special color concept for this elementary school building in Riehen near Basel, Switzerland.

ve Unique Airport, Zurich–Kloten, Switzerland Work in progress since 1999: Sika provided the rapid cure cement, quick mortar and post-treatment products used to repair the runway. Construction work was done at night and the runway had to be ready for planes to land the next day.

commitment 5

Wilson Bridge near Washington D.C., USA The old bridge threatened to collapse under its heavy load of traffic and therefore a new construction had to be built. Sika offered a solution that included admixtures, adhesives and grout for cable duct post-tensioning and anchorage protection.

Dam near Düdingen, Canton Fribourg, Switzerland Continuous maintenance works such as Sika caulking systems and Sika concrete reconstruction systems are being carried out.

Road and Train Bridge, Winterthur, Switzerland A weak supporting structure, leaky bridge slabs, as well as cracked and corroded concrete made bridge repairs necessary.

Sika furnished the grouting mortar, repair grout and protective concrete coating needed to preserve the structure.

ambitions | no. 1

worldwide

6 sika local

Dubai Metro – a Project with Promise

Photos: iStockphoto/Dave Everitt (1), Sika

Dubai traffic snarl is the brunt of jokes, but for people on the ground it’s no laughing matter. Gridlock and traffic chaos are an everyday event, made worse by the highest accident rate per capita in the world. But relief is in sight.

ambitions | no. 1

sika local 7

Ready-mix concrete plant.

Precast part erection of elevated Metro station.

Testing of fresh concrete properties.

Finalized elevated section.

ubai Municipality is about a year away from putting a

about upcoming stop, but also about cultural events and

€2.7 billion fully automated train system into motion that

current topics of interest in Dubai. Metro stops will be timed

will help remedy traffic congestion, but also keep pace with

so that trains arrive every 90 seconds during rush hour, re-

the fastest-growing urban populations in the Middle East.

ducing waiting time for passengers to a maximum of 160

D

When completed, the Dubai Metro will run underground

seconds. Dubai Municipality expects so many people will be

in the city and on elevated viaducts elsewhere. Two lines, the

attracted to luxury train cars, prevalence of taxi stands, park

Red and Green Lines, are now under construction, and two

and ride parking spots and metro stations that it will make a

more (the Blue and Purple Lines) are proposed that will

major impact on traffic congestion, but also contribute to

eventually transport up to 1.2 million passengers a day.

noise reduction and reduce air pollution.

The Dubai Metro project. Driverless and fully automated,

A construction challenge. The Dubai Metro project,

the Dubai Metro will dramatically improve travel options for

which began construction in 2006, is a considerable chal-

city residents and visitors who are currently limited to taxis,

lenge for engineers and builders with a total volume of three

busses and abras (the traditional boat made of wood, used

million cubic meters of concrete. Huge Tunnel Boring

to transport people across Dubai Creek). A trip downtown at

Machines (TBM) are needed to excavate and construct train

rush hour, which now takes four hours, will take only a mat-

tunnels. 370,000 cubic meters of concrete are applied for

ter of minutes.

the excavation and security reasons. Sika’s powerful admix-

Scheduled to begin operations in September 2009, the Red Line will connect 28 stations, including Jebel Ali Port,

ture technology ViscoCrete®-3110 is used to extend concrete workability for up to 4 hours.

the American University in Dubai, the city center and connect

The overland elevated sections will cover a distance of

Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 with Rashidiya.

58.7 kilometers. Just for the viaduct support units, it was

The second, more critical Green Line, which is scheduled for

necessary to set up a special production plant to mix 700,000

completion in 2010, will start at Festival City, through a

cubic meters of concrete.

7.9-kilometer tunnel under the central business district, and

So much of construction depends on fast, efficient and

end in Al Qusais. The final proposed stages, the Purple and

effective use of concrete that Sika has become a major fac-

Blue Lines, will link Dubai International Airport with Al

tor in the Metro’s construction. Sika is providing admixtures

Maktoum International Airport.

that cover the entire range of concrete grades and technical requirements, which has made it a major contributor to the

State-of-the-art train travel. Traveling at speeds of up to

fast and economic production of all concrete types for this

110 kilometers an hour, a total of 87 five-car trains will

ambitious undertaking.

transport passengers in luxury. Designed to carry 643 seated

A project of promise for millions of people in Dubai, the

and standing passengers, the trains will have three classes

Dubai Metro should revolutionize public transport in the UAE

of accommodation: Gold Class, Women and Children Class,

Emirate and could even make gridlock and traffic chaos a

and Silver Class. Monitors in every train inform passengers

thing of the past.

ambitions | no. 1

architectur

8 interview

“In Connection with Bronze, Concrete Has an Almost Jewel-like Quality�

Photos: Aldo Tadaro, Atelier Olgiati

He seeks the tension between mathematics and emotion: Valerio Olgiati, one of Switzerland s most distinguished architects, on provocative architecture and the fascination of concrete.

ambitions | no. 1

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interview 9

1998 School, Paspels, Switzerland Made entirely of concrete, but lined with larch wood on the inside. Ingenious: the floor plan consists of bent right angles that are compressed by five degrees.

Mr. Olgiati, what makes an architect good? I think a

1999 Museum Yellow House, Flims, Switzerland The old building was reduced to a skeleton, left without plaster, and painted with white chalk. The roof is made of stone plates.

2003 Peak Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland Located 3100 meters above sea level, this concrete monolith uses large-format ornamentation to emphasize the unusual dimension of the landscape.

Are the ergonomics, the practical utility of a house,

good architect creates something with every new building

introduced subsequent to radical form? No. Every

that did not exist before.

intellectual engagement with a building is a practical thinking process. How doors open, how one looks from darkness into

What is your main objective when you take on a new

light – these sensual components are perceived by reason.

task? My work should create a prototype, something original

These are important aspects of the thinking that affects

and new from the ground up. This approach is something I

planning, but it is not the foundation of a good building.

expect of my students as well. I find it interesting, because

Anyone can build a practical house; any real estate broker

it’s the most important creative motivation.

can plan it. But that has nothing to do with good architecture.

You have a radical, often monumental architectural

Did fame allow you to cast off the normal require-

style. What are the ideals behind them? Among

ments of your occupation, like time pressure and

architects in this country the only thinkable construction is

profitability? Does an architect gain more freedom as his

contextual construction. To do that, you study the area

reputation grows? Yes, that’s partially true. It’s really difficult

where a structure is to be built, try to complement it, and

when a builder thinks the architect is a servant who can al-

enter into a dialogue. But there have always been structures

ways change his product at any time. It doesn’t work like that.

produced by architects who follow their own principles.

An architect works like a watchmaker – and cannot function

Stables, churches and temples for example. I am more

as a service provider.

interested in this kind of thinking and turn automatically to isolated structures that are called radical and monumental.

You are keeping track of projects in Asia. Are you

The architect Valerio Olgiati (50) is one of the most prominent, but also one of the most radical Swiss architects. He studied architecture at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) and opened an office in Zurich in 1996 and later in Chur in 2005.

Today, he lives and works in Flims, Switzerland.

Olgiati taught in Zurich, London and New York. Since 2002, he has been a full professor at the Accademia di architettura at the Università della Svizzera italiana, in Mendrisio.

looking for commonality in Asian and European culTemple-like structures and forms, resembling cult

ture? Together with my wife, I travel to a different country

places of worship, seem to appeal to you. The cult

every year for four weeks. Our most recent destinations were

concept relates to questions of speculation, memory and

Cambodia, Burma, Peru and India. Islamic architecture fas-

emotion. If I were only able to erect three-dimensional geo-

cinates me the most at the moment. It is unbelievably inspir-

metric forms, they would only be anemic and cold. They

ing – really something you cannot ignore. These influences

would have no poetic aspects.

are also evident in my projects.

About his work Olgiati says: “My buildings are not designed as a statement, but rather for dialogue. My intention is to create an architecture that leaves room for interpretation. Houses with a clear statement always have a didactic element to them, which is basically very boring.”

Ambitions ambitions || No. no. 1

architectur

10 interview

2004 National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan A “Buddhist pagoda” with an oddly crazed and distorted building form. The area of the levels gets wider at the top.

2004 Learning Center EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland The structure has a random and disjointed appearance, but is in fact the result of precise structural calculations.

2005 Ardia Palace, Tirana, Albania Façade elements serve as shields against sun, heat and glare, creating an impression of “soft” concrete.

2008 Visitors Center Swiss National Park, Zernez Connected at one corner, the two white cubes form a unit – the home of the Swiss National Park Center.

Is that why your path is becoming increasingly inter-

The architect profession has long recognized the

national? Yes. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland,

power and fascination of concrete. Why does a large

there is a normal inclination towards consensus – even in

portion of the public have such a hard time with it?

questions for which there can be no consensus – that is

I’m often asked that question. Even so, I can’t give you a

almost absurd.

conclusive answer. It can’t be the material – if you look at it from a value-free perspective. My attempt at an explanation

How do you deal with disappointment when you are

is that people often speak negatively of “concrete environ-

working on a project and suddenly the decisive final

ments” – even when concrete is completely absent or every

door standing between you and implementation is

gram of it is hidden under build-overs. I think that the term

suddenly closed? It is crucial for an architect to deal with

concrete is associated with a lot of the nonsense that was

that situation. In the early years, talented people, in particular,

built when it was perhaps the most dominate building

may crack when faced with this problem. Just consider that

material.

the ratio of my completed building projects versus my uncompleted projects is about 1:10. But I just accept that.

Is concrete the “philosophers stone” as architecture critic Christoph Hackelsberger called it 20 years

“There is so much potential in concrete that someone outside of our discipline really can’t understand how great this building material really is.” ambitions | no. 1

Do you sense greater triumph when you succeed in

ago? That would go too far, even though concrete is unbe-

spite of considerable opposition? No, you get used to

lievably versatile. There is so much potential in concrete that

winning, too. Building makes me feel good in a very natural

someone outside of our discipline really can’t understand

way. I like construction sites. It is simply a nice feeling when

how great this building material really is. I can think in terms

something is being built.

of pouring rooms and structures. And finally I can solve almost any technical problems with concrete.

Is it important for an architect to have an individual style to achieve international success? No, there is no

To what respect are you also a construction engi-

connection between style and international acclaim. The fact

neer? Even though I can’t calculate the forces systems in a

that I don’t have my own style is a result of the fact that I do

structure, I do understand them. In my view, the way forward

not prescribe to any persuasion, believe or truth.

today is not through the poetries of material and form. I think that architecture can only develop out of what is already tech-

Don’t your buildings have recognizable attributes?

nically grounded. That is why technical knowledge is so

No. When someone works the way I do, they are always

important.

looking for new possibilities. It’s about finding the truth in constantly different ways – even when you know that the

What is your favorite material to combine with con-

ultimate truth does not exist.

crete? My answer is very personal – I like concrete in con-

e

interview 11

nection with bronze very much. If applied liberally, bronze catapults concrete into another sphere. Together, they have an almost jewel-like quality.

Concrete is an extremely formable and a versatile material. Isn’t it also the most cost-efficient material? By far, concrete is not always the least expensive building

material. I hope very much that the manufacturing cost for concrete production can be kept within competitive limits.

Many things are possible with concrete, which is why it is

2007 Atelier Bardill, Scharans, Switzerland A playful treatment of empty space and volume: The only entrance is an unglazed breach at the front of the building, leading from the alley and opening to a view of open sky through the terracottared concrete sculpture.

used so often, sometimes extensively.

How do you explain design demands for raw concrete with its unevenness compared to a homogeneous material like steel, which permits share edges and fine-lined structures? It is only a matter of price. If

you can pay for it, you can build a structure as precisely with concrete as you can with steel. In Brazil, I found architecture made of concrete with unbelievably filigreed and light structures. Thick concrete is something architects like to use. The choice of rough concrete is a budget choice. I think it’s remarkable that raw concrete is not considered as aesthetic as fine concrete in Switzerland.

What advances in construction chemicals do you find particularly interesting at the moment? Self-

compacting concrete is well-suited to fulfill the aspiration for emotionality in today’s architecture. I think light and insulating concrete is exciting. I built the Swiss National Park building in Zernez, Switzerland, with this material. This wouldn’t have been possible ten years ago. You had to think in terms of layers to solve construction physics and energetic problems. Today, it is possible to pour an entire house without seams using this material, and thereby fulfill the newest energetic requirements.

What kinds of projects give you the greatest satisfaction? Those that I am allowed to build without making

any compromises in the design.

Does an architect need to be ahead of his time to avoid being overtaken by it one day? That would be

nice. Still, I am primarily a child of my time and take part in it, consciously – not as an interpreter of the future, nor a conjurer of the past.

Interview: Andreas Turner

Valerio Olgiati: “One can build a structure as precisely with concrete as one can with steel. It is only a matter of price.”

Ambitions ambitions || No. no. 1

gotthard

12 focus

Railway through the Rocks The Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest train tunnel, currently being built through the Swiss Alps, is a pioneering journey through 13 million cubic meters of rock – a spectacular 153-kilometer, 23-year passage made possible also by Sika innovation.

Construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is a journey through changing strata that requires concrete’s strength and durability.

A

n enormous rocky cavern, 1000 meters under a Swiss

The project owner, AlpTransit Gotthard AG, a subsidiary

massif of slate and gneiss. Workers are spraying shot-

of the Swiss Federal Railways, hopes the €5.5 billion project

crete onto a freshly excavated surface in order to secure the

will take cargo off the road and relieve other chronically

rock. In a matter of minutes, the concrete hardens supporting

congested Swiss tunnels.

the tunnel wall.

In this eerie environment, far below the Alpine city of

Photos: Sika

Sedrun in the Canton of Grisons, the Swiss are building the

ambitions | no. 1

Construction of the Gotthard Tunnel is a journey through changing strata that requires strength and durability of the project’s most important building material: concrete.

Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest train tunnel. Since

Progressing at a rate of many meters a day, workers

1993, work has been going on at five sites that will eventu-

depend on concrete that activates “just in time” for various

ally connect a mega two single-track tunnel system.

applications, including inverts and inner lining of the tunnel.

When completed in 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel will

In some cases, sprayed concrete must be workable for

provide passage for fast trains, weighing twice the maximum

up to eight hours and pumpable for long distances. To achieve

weight of existing freight trains, which will traverse Europe’s

this, a special admixture, called SikaTard®, is used to stabilize

main axis between North and South at speeds of up to 250

concrete, while accelerators (Sigunit®-AF) ensure that

km/h, reducing travel time by 50 minutes.

strength development starts on time.

1916

retro 13

The Order Called for a Sealing!

K

aspar Winkler’s formula of success when he founded the company in 1910 was sealing, and sealing still is the

formula of Sika Group’s worldwide success today. For almost 100 years the company’s success was the result of providing durable solutions to Sika’s customers. Of course, during the past decades countless new products and systems for various challenges and customers have been developed, however, always driven by the will to manufacture high quality products, also for sealing.

At the time the company was founded, Kaspar Winkler developed a product (Sika®-1) as protection against water and moisture. During the war years, adapted to economic hardship, Sika made the economic break through with this product in 1916. As a result of a shortage of coal reserves due to the length of the war, the idea to electrify the railways gained momentum. To realise this objective, the masonry walls of the tunnel needed to be sealed against water ingress. Sika®-1 or Sika®-3 proved to be the right solution.

These solutions speak for themselves since in many parts of the world they are still successfully used even today.

The system used to seal masonry walls during the early years of Sika developed into complex sealing systems used in the construction of the new alp transit NEAT at the Gotthard Base Tunnel (see opposite page). What began as a simple, ingenious product to improve mortar, eventually became a

The high temperatures and humidity underground call for concrete that is workable for long time, or has quick early strength characteristics. These opposite effects are achieved with “custom-designed” Sika admixtures. Behind the scenes, Sika scientists have been part of the project from

Keeping water from seeping through, Sika was already improving mortar in 1916. The original sealing compound Sika®-1 is still being used all over the world.

wide range of systems to improve concrete and shotcrete, the sealing of large areas with waterproofing membranes or the connection of different building parts with sophisticated joint sealing profiles. However, then as well as today the mission is sealing and the solution is durable.

the very beginning. The discovery of high-range water reducers (Sika® ViscoCrete®) based on polycarboxylate ethers (PCE) has made concrete more workable and stronger than was inconceivable only a few years ago.

As huge machines drill their way through the Alp’s rocky sediments, and eventually remove over 13 million cubic meters of rock – equivalent to five Cheops pyramids – workers continue to depend on fast, efficient and safe building materials. Virtues made possible by Sika.

ambitions | no. 1

potential

14 know-how

Technology for the Future Made in Switzerland Innovative, future-oriented, but conscious of its traditions, Sika recognizes the value of Switzerland’s technology environment: A new Technology Center, located in Zurich, has opened its doors where Sika began business almost one hundred years ago.

Scientists also synthesize different components, such as prepolymers, and combine them with diluents, fillers, pigments, additives or catalysts to achieve the effect they desire.

Once a composition is ready for a practical test, it is sent to the testing laboratory and later to the pilot laboratory that can produce larger quantities of the formula for customer tests.

The new R&D building is Sika’s homage to its roots, but also to the Swiss Technology landscape.

The same pilot laboratory can also similate large-scale production.

The surface analysis laboratory contains state-of-the-art equipment, will include an energy-dispersive spectroscopy

ika expects to unlock new potential in research and de-

machine (EDX) that is used to analyze surface characteristics

velopment by bundling the resources of 180 employees

and reveal causes of bond defects. Surfaces such as glass

from all segments of R&D and Operations (production and

or ceramics can be classified and modified through plasma

logistics). “Scientists who used to work at different locations

treatment. Scientists conduct corrosion measurements and

in Switzerland can work more efficiently at one location,”

define dielectric properties for products such as Sika’s

explains Urs Mäder, head of R&D. “This is also part of our

window adhesives.

S

strategy for 2010, which envisions the expansion, strengthening and reinforcing of R&D and Operations in Zurich.”

Meeting high standards. Located on the north side of

Photos: Ricardo Gomez, Sika

the building, the laboratories are protected from sunlight

ambitions | no. 1

Research on five floors. Research at the new facility

and heat with state-of-the-art equipment in rooms for

focuses on adhesives and sealants, based on polyurethanes,

analysis, storage and climatization that meet the high stan-

silane modified polymers, polyacrylates and epoxyhybrids.

dards of the chemical industry. “Our chemists appreciate

A chemical synthesis laboratory has facilities for fundamen-

the high laboratory quality,” says Urs Mäder. We are

tal research of adhesive and sealant technologies, including

able to increase the attractiveness of Sika Technology

design and synthesis of complex polymers, new curing

through the new building, and it is also easier to find highly

mechanisms and surface-active substances to improve ad-

trained employees. We currently hire about twenty scientists

hesion.

every year.”

The façade of the Technology Center: Sika’s advancements in structural glass adhesives were directly put into practice.

know-how 15

Sika Adhesives Advance Window Technology With their high bonding strength, Sika adhesives enable window manufacturers to reduce the thickness of wood sashes and increase the thermal-insulating and noise-reducing glass surface.

The result is a greater reduction of heat loss, much more light but also more effective sound insulation.

New window frame profiles are now possible that allow glass to cover wood, protecting it from the ravages of wind and weather.Expensive aluminum covers as weather protection on the sash are no longer necessary. With only one aluminum cover on the frame, this new system is very competitive, with more value for the end user such as heat and sound insulation and light transmission. Stronger adhesives also make break-ins more difficult compared to traditional window building techniques.

This window system with high thermal insulation and noise reduction was developed by the Swiss window manufacturer Baumgartner. Sika supported Baumgartner with a special fast-curing adhesive for use in a highly automated manufacturing process. The solution was the acrylate-based adhesive SikaFast®-5201 which cures within six minutes.

All window sashes in the Technology Center are now ultra-thin, but can hold tons of stress and strain with a minimum seam of only 2 mm by 10 mm. As an added benefit adhesives can withstand long-term UV affects of the sun, adding to the 30year life expectancy of the windows.

ambitions | no. 1

potential

16 know-how

Building chronology | Plan of concept April 2004 | Approval of the top management December 2005 | Application for planning permission January 2006 | Building license March 2006 | Laying of the foundation stone October 2006 | Beginning of the building construction November 2006 | Topping-out ceremony June 2007 | Opening April 2008

Overall the building is a Sika concept “from basement to roof.” Sika products are used for sealing underground, sealing and anchoring the glass façade on the court side, floor and wall coverings, and in the fair-faced concrete and on the roof. The research building has six floors above ground, a ground floor and a roof center. The conference area is on the The analysis laboratories contain state-of-the-art equipment.

ground floor, together with testing laboratories and a pilot facility. The building has 10,000 m2 of floor space and a total

Surrounded by Sika Technology. Sika scientists get

volume of 40,000 m3.

inspired by the building in which they work. The fair-faced appearance of the building’s façade with its self-compacting

Sika merges – two laboratory buildings become

concrete and thin-wall construction of only ten centimeters

one. The Tüffenwies Area has a history of growth. The way

was made possible by Sika’s concrete admixtures, which

the buildings stand, their heights and their façades create a

give some idea of the pioneering achievement of this new

look that is both heterogeneous and typical for the industrial

tech-nology. Thomas Hirschi, a Sika employee, was one of

sector. The new Technology Center stands above the other

the people who provided technical support. “The façade was

buildings, which gain from this new accent. The new building

made with self-compacting cast-in-place concrete and not

also blends nicely into the Tüffenwies Area through its con-

with prefabricated elements,” he explains. “The concrete is

nection with the older laboratory building.

beautiful to look at because of the excellent surface quality.”

The architecture, with its strict geometric shapes and

At the same time, the method resulted in very little shrinkage

clear-cut dimensions, is clearly committed to a classic,

in mass, and a flawless edifice with few seams, which is

rational style – that contrasts the artificial-world style of the

particularly difficult to achieve with self-compacting con-

labora-tories. Materials express the way they are made;

crete. “We were able to reach this high standard through

they are not disguised and follow their own essence: clear

constant quality control during the construction phase and

white walls and ceilings, staircases and elevator cores of

profession in concrete production and placing,” he says.

smooth concrete and untreated oak windows and oak

Another innovation that came from the Sika laboratory

ambitions | no. 1

carpentry.

was the window adhesive. Sika’s direct-glazing technology

In this configuration, the Technology Center can meet its

was used for the glass façade of the Technology Center,

operational and commercial needs, but also benefit from

which maximized the window surface and enhanced the view

architecture that reflects the area’s transformation into a

out of the windows. But that’s not all. The higher rigidity of

location for research. The prominent central free space at the

windows mounted by adhesives makes it possible to install

core of the facility brings together different working and

thinner window frames, which allows more light into the of-

meeting environments. This is a place that encourages team

fices. New adhesive and cement technology contributes to

spirit among the employees and reflects the openness of

the luster on the Sika Technology Center.

corporate culture which is Sika’s goal.

know-how 17

“Our chemists appreciate the high laboratory quality,” says Urs Mäder, Sika’s head of R&D.

PCE SCC Self Compacting PolycarboxylateEther Concrete New applications for concrete, unimaginable a few decades ago, are being found every day as scientists build on the discovery of a new generation of admixtures called PCE (polycarboxylate ether), which make concrete more workable, pliable and even more beautiful. Mixed with fine filament, self compacting concrete (SCC) becomes “fair-faced,” a term used by the industry to describe the fine finish they can achieve.

With SCC it is possible to build delicate and geometrically complex construction modules, and it opens new possibilities for building designers. The accelerated application process and the elimination of the compacting process generate an additional benefit in reducing the time needed for construction and cost optimization. An additional benefit of SCC is the fact that it does not need to be vibrated to pack, which reduces noise, something that is appreciated by workers on site and the public. With a specially designed SCC mixture, based on Sika® ViscoCrete® Technology, the contractor was able to create an exceptionally delicate façade for the Sika Technology Center.

Modern concrete is a product that stems from material that has kept the mason cladding of Roman bath houses, aqueducts and the Pantheon in place for centuries. Admired for its strength and durability over the years, concrete is today more beautiful, better workable and faster or slower drying – depending on the need.

The discovery of PCE (polycarboxylate ether), a polymer that reduces the water content of concrete, has greatly improved performance.

A building or tunnel may need different lengths of time to work with concrete; this can be the case when concrete is transported through pipes over a distance or has to set quickly to seal water leaks.

Scientific research has improved PCE to the point that it can be placed more easily and meet every requirement, including aesthetic needs.

A product called “fair-faced concrete” uses water reduction and durability to achieve flawless surfaces, such as the façade of Sika Group’s new Technology Center in Zurich, which was built with a self-compacting Sika® ViscoCrete® PCE Technology.

ambitions | no. 1

attraction

18 fascination

Spotlight on Concrete The in The T innovative nno nova v tive va v flair ir o off concre concrete rete te is diffi d ffic di cult u t to rresist: ul esist: W When hen n it com comes omes es tto o premium p em pr emium m bran brand a d ad a advertising, vert ve rtis issing in ng, ffew ew wb backa kac grounds g ou gr ound nd ds se serv serve erv r e as a w well elll as el as con concrete ncrret e e to o bring b in br ing g ou outt th tthe he e “c “coolness” coo ooln lness”” o lnes off pr products. od duc ucts ctss.

T

he more posh and pricey, the clearer the trend: The look of concrete heightens attention and image building. Just

ask advertising agencies and the marketing professionals who develop campaigns for high-tech companies such as Bang & Olufsen, or car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Daimler. Even luxury fashion designers Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Hugo Boss like to use concrete sceneries to stage their creations in advertisements and poster campaigns.

Concrete provides a discreet, neutral background that sells, and for good reason: This “cool” building material stands for stability and durability, and – more importantly – innovation and intellectual urban feeling. Concrete does not steal the show, but gives a product additional strength and contour. No distraction from reflective chrome glass or blazing colors. In an otherwise shrill advertising world, concrete offers a calm, relaxed center of gravity that lends a product its own strong qualities.

When French luxury brand Louis Vuitton signed a contract with the American actress Uma Thurman (Kill Bill), Art Photos: Bang & Olufsen (3); Louis Vuitton (1); Daimler (1); Rolf Benz (1)

Director Marc Jacobs knew nothing but praise for the Hollywood star: “Uma is an unbelievably beautiful woman – the perfect choice to capture the power of enigmatic attraction,“ he said in an interview published by the German women’s magazine Amica. In choosing a background for a photo shoot with Thurman and a Louis Vuitton handbag, Jacobs opted for a raw industrial background. “We had the idea to show this very feminine woman in a surrounding of concrete and raw architecture,” he explains. “The contrast was truly impressive.”

In return, concrete got a little free publicity. And there is every indication its time is far from over. Concrete architecture is as timeless as good design.

ambitions | no. 1

Andreas Turner

“Concrete does not steal the show, but

fascination 19

gives a product additional strength and contour.�

Concrete in the background strengthens the design effect: Bang & Olufsen audio-video system. And Sika supplies the screen adhesives.

ambitions | no. 1

attraction

20 fascination

“Concrete Gives You Time and Space to Reflect” Interview with Kasper Eis, Head of Marketing Bang & Olufsen, Denmark.

Looking at Bang & Olufsen advertisements, one can

other surface can. It represents our core qualities such as

sense B&O’s strong affinity for cool, modern ar-

design, craftsmanship, performance and ease of use.

chitecture. Why do you often choose concrete sur-

Kasper Eis of B&O: “Concrete enhances our products in a way that no other surface can.”

roundings for your product photos? There are a cou-

The relationship between Bang & Olufsen and con-

ple of reasons. Concrete, as we perceive it, is an honest

crete seems to be a close one. Just look at pictures of

material, made of the basic earth elements: water and sand.

our headquarters in Struer, Denmark. Concrete is part of our

At first glance it seems simple, but when you look closer,

heritage and our daily life. Our headquarters has many ar-

every surface has a different story to tell with the many pat-

chitectural elements. One is glass, which opens the view to

terns ingrained in the material. Not unlike a product from

nature that surrounds us: the water, the grass, the woods,

Bang & Olufsen which is simple on the outside but holds

the sky. On the other hand, most or all of our surfaces, even

many inner qualities.

the ceiling, are made of concrete. And we feel that these surfaces give our employees a soothing working environ-

Does concrete have other qualities that help you

ment. Room to think. We left the concrete bare and raw.

“stage” your products? Though rough on the surface,

Concrete doesn’t take away anything, it rather gives you time

concrete signals a pure and minimalistic way of life. That’s

to reflect. And that is also part of our heritage and corporate

what we strive to build into our products by removing unnec-

culture. So it is not only because concrete makes our prod-

essary clutter, buttons and functions, allowing our clients to

ucts look better. It gives our employees the chance to come

live a simpler and more harmonious lifestyle. Again you have

up with unique concepts and long-lasting products.

this connection between our products and what concrete

Interview: Andreas Turner

stands for. You don’t find many other materials that are so honest in the way they are built. This product philosophy is something we really strive to reflect in all of our systems.

Will you continue to use concrete backgrounds for your product photos and advertising campaigns?

Most definitely. I have just come from a photo shooting session with brand-new B&O products. Unfortunately I can’t show them to you yet, but we used concrete surfaces as a natural backdrop to some of our newest audio and video systems. And it was an easy choice because the very nature of concrete allows our products to stand out and show their best side. Concrete enhances our products in a way that no

ambitions | no. 1

Bang & Olufsen headquarters in Struer, Denmark.

fascination 21

The power of female attraction in contrast to raw architecture: Uma Thurman models for Louis Vuitton.

Cool, elegant and reserved: concrete sets the perfect stage for Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

Concrete and glass faรงades contrast with living room coziness: a couch combination by Rolf Benz. ambitions | no. 1

myths

22 people

Vittorio Oro, Job Site Manager Franzensfeste Pilot Tunnel, Brenner Base Tunnel, Italy

“I’ve seen tough miners bow their heads to Saint Barbara or bring her flowers. Some will stop to pray at our small chapel. I was 18 when I first saw a shrine to Saint Barbara and believe that she has been protecting me ever since.”

Patron Saints of Miners Courage, faith and sometimes superstition are the companions of miners underground. Sika looks at an unusual religious tradition in Europe and South America that encourages the use of shrines at the entrance of tunnels.

H

eavy machinery, dust and sweat. Men, rubble and seep-

Saint Barbara have shrines at the entrance of mines and

ing water. A mountain is hollowed out with all the power

tunnels. According to legend, Saint Barbara died for her faith,

and strength that technology and humans can muster. And

beheaded by her own father, who was subsequently struck

there is danger: despite all state-of-the-art equipment and

down by lightning. Besides protecting miners, she is there-

stringent safety precautions, experienced tunnel workers, in

fore invoked against thunder and lightning and all gunpowder

particular, know nature can unleash powers beyond anyone’s

explosions.

control.

ambitions | no. 1

In South America, similar veneration is paid to San

Courage, faith and sometimes superstition are the

Lorenzo, or Saint Lawrence, as he is more widely known in

companions of miners underground. While much safer than

the English-speaking world, a Christian martyr who in 285

it was in previous decades, mining accidents continue

B.C. protected Church treasures with his life. Both saints

to happen. Miners live with heavy machinery, drills and

have wide appeal in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox

explosives used for exploration and development, and

and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

extraction of minerals, rock and other geological materials

Living with mining danger is as old as civilization. The

of diverse hardness. In this environment, danger is as

world’s oldest mines date back to 4000 B.C. when iron min-

constant as tunnel air.

erals were excavated from “Lion Cave” in Swaziland and flint

In Europe, some miners strengthen their resolve under-

was mined in Hungary for weapons and tools. Whether

ground with the veneration of Saint Barbara, the Roman

driven by money, courage, faith or superstition, miners are a

Catholic patron saint of all those who face the danger of

special breed of explorers who continue to bring the earth’s

sudden and violent death in work. Typically, patron saints like

riches to light.

people 23

“For me, Saint Barbara is the patron saint of

“Saint Barbara is a very special saint to the mining

“The celebration of Saint Barbara on the fourth

mining and tunnel construction. I trust her

community. She protects those who work

of December is like Christmas. I am very grateful

completely and believe that she protects me while

underground in order to support their families. Her

to her when I or other miners escape catastrophe,

I am working underground.”

image is always at the entrance of the mine and a

and my gratitude grows every time I leave

lot of miracles are attributed to her.”

the tunnel safely. I have a card or small statue of Saint Barbara with me almost all the time.”

Florian Habit, Chief Construction Foreman Hochtief AG, Essen, Germany Project: AlpTransit Gotthard

José Perpétua, Filling Operator, Almodovar, Spain

Ferdinand Amlacher, TBM Driver, Alpine Mayreder Bau GmbH, Salzburg

Alberto Rey, Mining Engineer, Sika SA, Spain

Hans Gammel, Amberg Engineering AG, Switzerland

Alessandro Marchetti, Operations Foreman, CSC AG, Lugano, Switzerland Project: AlpTransit Gotthard

“I’m a 36-year-old mining engineer from Asturias,

“I don’t cross myself or put a candle in the

“My faith and veneration for Saint Barbara

Spain, a traditional coal, gold and metals mining

niche every time I enter the tunnel, but I do believe

has changed over the last ten years. She is sacred

region. During the last five years, my job has taken

Saint Barbara protects us. I find it interesting to

to me and I suspect to all Catholic miners.

me to hundreds of tunnels, and an image of Saint

see how attitudes change over time. It used to be

But the traditions surrounding this patron saint

Barbara was at the entrance of all of them. This

unthinkable that women could enter a tunnel,

are more commercial today. Unfortunately, her

Catholic patroness is even more important today

because it meant bad luck. Today, it’s a lot more

celebration is more an event for construction site

for people who believe she takes care of us while

relaxed.”

management, squad workers and the builders.”

we work.”

ambitions | no. 1

strength

24 success story

Earthquakes send shockwaves far beyond their epicenters.

Sika technologies make building structures safer.

When the Earth Shakes Earthquakes send shockwaves far beyond their epicenters. Besides endangering human lives, one single quake can cause severe damage to vital elements of infrastructure, making it understandable that builders are turning more often to Sika for seismic upgrades and earthquake recovery.

ost buildings in Switzerland have not been designed to

In 2004, structural assessment concluded that only 30%

withstand earthquakes and require upgrades. Industri-

of the building above ground would survive an earthquake.

elle Werke Basel (IWB), one of the country’s leading urban

Sika helped builders stabilize two brick structures above

energy and utility providers, decided to act and called upon

ground with reinforced concrete shear walls and used pre-

Sika to help with a seismic upgrade for a central dispersion

stressed carbon fiber reinforcement polymer plates (CFRP)

station, Wasgenring in Basel.

to connect buildings above ground with a larger tract under-

Sika technologies are helping architects, engineers and builders make structures safer before and after earthquakes

CFRP plates are made mostly of carbon fibers, are very

happen. Sika’s so-called CarboDur CFRP plates enhance

lightweight (a 10-m-long plate, 50 mm wide and 1.2 mm

upgrades with lighter than conventional steel reinforcements

thick weighs less than 1 kg), but have the same strengthen-

that have the same strength and durability necessary to bring

ing effect as steel plates. Once anchored above and below

greater structural integrity to bridges, roofs and walls.

ground, they dissipate the force of an earthquake, should it

®

A supportive wall has been secured with CFRP plates. They form a pattern of squares and are made mostly of carbon fibers that have the same strengthening effect as steel plates – at a small fraction of their weight.

ambitions | no. 1

ground.

Dispersion station Wasgenring is a major electricity

occur. With very high ductility, they bend, the force is trans-

source for hospitals, an airport, trains, as well as other utili-

mitted to structure and a higher strengthening effect is

ties companies, including water, natural gas and telecom-

achieved, reducing the likelihood of structural collapse.

munications – and located in one of the country’s most endangered earthquake zones.

With seismic upgrading and earthquake recovery now a major industry worldwide, Sika technologies are at the

Electricity is a vital, life-sustaining commodity. Experi-

forefront of efforts to improve structural integrity in earth-

ence with earthquake catastrophes shows that damage to

quake zones. Covering a wide range of strengthening op-

power supply stations, like Wasgenring, can have serious

tions, Sika solutions are making structural bonding and seal-

effects on infrastructure, impacting the lives of more people

ing of cracked concrete, stiffening and increased ductility a

than other utilities.

viable and cost-effective way to prepare for earthquakes.

Photos: René Ruis; iStock/Furchin

M

art

events 25

A world of nymphs, demons and sorcerers.

Artist, sculptor and architect Bruno Weber.

Nature and fantasy blend perfectly at the park.

W

hhat ha at do do a giant giiaantt 17-meter 177-me meter teer oow owl, wl,l, a ddouble-faced oubl ou blee--fa bleface ced ni ced nnightighhtt-andd--da an d y gate, ggaattee, and and a cow-shaped an coow-sshhaappedd living cowlivvin ing ng area areeaa with ar witth glass gllaasss ss and-day

ddo me have me hav ave in in common? comm om mmo mon?? How How ow do do they theeyy fit with th w wititith th a snaking snakin sn snak akkin ing ng slide, slid sl idee,, dome a dolphin-barbecue dolp do lphi hinn--barbec ecue uee eating eat atin ing tablee and aannd other o heer countless ot coun co ouunntltleesss fantasy faant ntas tas as y figures, gguuure rrees, s, including including ngg flying yinng dogs dooggss and anndd froglike fro rogl g ikke pond gl ppoond nd sentinels? ssen entiine en nelss?

An Oasis of Color and Concrete The sculpture park of the Swiss artist Bruno Weber is a fantasy world for the playful.

TThe Th he answer he aannsw swer is is that thaatt they th the heey all aalll come coom mee from from fro rom the ro the sheer th shheeeer boundless bbooun unddlleesss im maagggin inat inat in atio ionn and and creative an crreativee hand hhan a d of of BBruno ruunnoo W eebber er. Fo or 4400 yyears, ears ear ea rss,, imagination Weber.

For Webe W We ebe ber has hhaas been been toiling be toi o liling ng to to finish nisshh his ni his is life’s liffe’ e s work woorrkk – a 20,000w 20, 0,000000Weber sq qua uaree meter met eterr sculpture sscccuulp lptu turee park paarrk rk at at the the he edge eddgge of of the thhee forest for ores esstt near near ne ar square tthe th he vi vvillage illlage of ill of D ieetitik ikkoon by

by ZZurich, urich ur uric icch, SSwitzerland. w ttzzer wi erla laandd.

Dietikon AAnother An o her ot he thing thingg these thhes thes ese sculptures sscccul ulppttures ul ures ur es have have inn common coom mm mooonn iss that tha ha t m mo ost sstt of of them theem th m are arree made madde of of concrete coonnccrret ete enriched eennririch ched ch hedd by

by Sika SSiika ka prodproodmost uucts. uc cts ts. “Sika “SSikka supported ssuup upp ppoorrte t d me me very verry much muucchh in m in the the beginning,” begiinnninngg,,” says tth he 77-year-old he 7 -yyea 77 earr-ol old artist. arrttiiist s . Besides st BBeessiide des donating dona do nati atiting ting ng admixtures, adm mix i tu t re res, res s, Sika SSik ikka the aal so sou ough ghht Weber’s ght Webbeer’’s advice We addvviicee on on how hhoow best beest st to to develop ddeeveeloop Sika Siika k also sought ppr rod o uc u tss to to meet meet me et his hiss needs. nnee eeeddss. s. “Collaboration “C Colla ollaabo ol bora bora rattiion on was waass very ver ver ery valuvaalu valu luproducts aable ab blee from ffro room a human hhuum maan pe pperspective ers rspe pecctttiv ivve as as w ell, el ll,l,” sa ays ys W ebber eb er w er ho ho well,” says Weber who aalso al lso so sspeaks ppeeak aks ve vvery ery ry fon ffondly oonnndl ddlly ly ooff fformer or m or meer Board Booaaarrd off D Bo irirec ecto ctoors rs Pre PPresiresi re si Directors ddent, de entt, Hans Haans H ns Peter Petter Ming.

Minng. g.

We W ebe ber has ber has not ha nott quite no quitte reached qu rreeac ache che hed his hed hhiis final nal objective na obje ob ject ccttiv tivve and and bean be be Weber gga an work worrkk in wo in July Juuly ly 2007 200007 on on new new ew additions, addddititio tioons ns, including incl in cllud uddin ing “Wassering “Was “W Was asseerrgan ggarten” ga art rteen” (Water (W Wat ater Gardens) Garrddeens ens ns) and annd “Haus “H Hau aus des ddees Wandels” Wanddel Wa els” s” (House (Hous Hous Ho use of of C Ch han angee)).. Three Thr h ee ee 8-meter 8-m met e eerr concrete coonncr creette caterpillars cate ca cate terppiillla larss are arree planned plaann nned ed as as Change). tthe th he highlight hhiighhliligh ight gghht of of the thee project. prrooje jecctt. Sika SSiikkaa concrete coonncr cret ret etee admixtures addmi ad miixt m x ur ures res es will wilill also allso so sserve se erv r e him him fo hi or th tthose hos ose pr pprojects roojjec ecttss aand ndd oothers, ther th her erss,, ggiving ivvinng th ivin thee ar rtitist st aalllfor artist

A wonderful fairy-tale castle – and a marvel of technological structural achievements.

mo ost st endless ennddless ss means means eeaans ns to to express eexxpr presss himself. hhiims msel elf. lf.f. The The park par a k iss scheschhemost du ule led too open ope pen in spring spr prin pr i g 2009.

2009 20 009 09 . duled More information under: www.bruno-weber-skulpturenpark.ch

Ambitions | 1 | 2008

precision

26 exceptional

Precise maneuvering: An obstacle course was set up for measuring drivers’ abilities.

Concrete Challenges Experience is imperative! Top U.S. concrete truck drivers put their skills to a demanding test.

riving can be difficult enough under everyday circum-

lenged driver ability to stop before hitting a barricade. A per-

stances – congested traffic, demanding schedules and

fect stop in reverse or forward required centimeter-exact

tight spaces to maneuver. But suppose you are responsible

driving control that simulates maneuvers in situations like

for delivering a product that only lasts for 90 minutes, in a

those at a normal plant or site conditions.

D

Contestant Dana Prisbrey, eager to participate at America’s leading mixer drivers event.

vehicle that can weigh 60,000 pounds and has a very high

Beside driving skills, contestants also competed a rigor-

center of gravity plus severe limitations on speed, braking

ous multiple choice exam of detailed technical questions,

and turning. If you add to that the fact that your heavy cargo

and a five-minute “walk around” inspection of a truck that

is constantly spinning around, that would make you a

had been specifically prepared with dozens of safety viola-

concrete truck driver working to deliver this versatile and

tions. A special competition, “Chute Hoops,” challenged

essential building material.

driver timing and aim at the cement chute. Stopping in front

The top U.S. concrete delivery professionals recently put their skills to a challenging test. Maneuvering ever so gently

the chute normally used to deliver cement.

through a merciless obstacle course of narrow reverse driv-

This year marked the second NRMCA competition for

ing lanes, 38 of America’s best mixer drivers competed for

U.S. competitors. First-place winner was 23-year veteran

$4000 in prize money at the NRMCA National Mixer Driver

Kenneth Blair who was awarded $2500 in prize money.

Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.

Contestants had to pass six themed stations, including the stations “Up Against the Wall” and “Truck Stop” that chal-

ambitions | no. 1

of a basketball hoop, drivers had to drop a basketball through

The annual competition is decided by a panel of judges who represent some of the industry’s most experienced drivers.

identity

you 27

Do You Speak Sika?

Sika products are easy to obtain at construction sites or at Sika’s almost 100,000 distribution partners’ outlets worldwide. While they may have different packaging sizes, Sika’s technology is behind every product. Two distributors – in China and the Ukraine – talk about their Sika experiences.

W

hen it comes to large construction projects, product quality is essential for durability and

cost efficiency. The same can be said about smaller projects: Someone who renovates a bathroom wants the same high quality which is granted by the Sika brand. Ambitions spoke to two distributors who share

Ms. Han Meixia,

a particular affinity for Sika’s corporate design. They

Aleksey Viktorovisch Shelkov

Tianjin Lian Zhong Jie,

were chosen from a long list of successful distributors

(1st from right), Sistemotechnika,

Tianjin City, China.

on five continents.

Odessa, Ukraine.

As a Sika distributor, my business covers distribution to hardware stores, paint shops and other small shops.

I am confident about the future of my business with Sika.

We are growing together.

I think that Sika represents professionalism and quality.

An authorized dealership is a sign of authenticity to the customers.

How does

Our business in Odessa is developing dynamically.

your business work?

Are you satisfied with how business is going?

Yes. Even if the business suffers at the moment due to high inflation, we still have a big potential for growth.

Your place of business is

The Sika brand is a guarantee for products with high

carrying the Sika logo.

quality. It is nice to see when people are satisfied with

Why do you identify yourself

the products they use.

with this brand?

Sika is a more professional brand that does not have the run-of-the-mill consumer goods image.

How does Sika distinguish

Sika doesn’t sell products, Sika sells systems. We can

itself from other brands

offer solutions to the client. That’s a better service than

in the construction industry?

competitors have.

I am going to improve my service level to customers

Which goal would you like

We want to make the brand well known in the region.

beyond sales. Also, I am looking forward to receiving

to achieve professionally?

A lot of people still don’t know that Sika products have

specific training from Sika in order to pass on the knowl-

the same advantages for the home user as for the work-

edge and know-how to my customers.

ers on big construction sites.

ambitions | no. 1

Sika Marine Ensuring Durability with Watertight Solutions.

The Sika Marine range includes products for: Q Sealing Q Bonding Q Bedding

Q Caulking Q Levelling Q Acoustic- / Flooring

All Sika Marine products are Wheelmark-approved by leading certiďŹ cation societies.

www.sika.com