Home & Kitchen Ideas,

All About Having A Swimming Pool

Swimming pools are an excellent way to stay cool during hot weather and they can also be a great source of exercise. They are also a fun and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

Pool Service Gilbert AZ

There are many types of pool to choose from, including in-ground and above-ground. There are three types of pools: concrete, fiberglass and vinyl-lined. In-ground concrete pools are the most common.

Having your own pool is a great way to add extra quality and convenience to your life. You can relax with your friends, enjoy the sunshine, or have an outdoor party.

It can also be a great place to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Studies have shown that people who spend time in the sunshine are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Your local environmental health officer can help you make sure your pool is properly maintained and safe for swimmers. To ensure the correct pH and chlorine levels, they will check them. You can get advice from Pool Service Gilbert AZ on how to maintain your pool’s health and filtration.

You can also find helpful advice on swimming pools from the CDC, including information on how to choose a pool and what you should know about water safety. You can even find a list of pools with lifeguards and other water safety measures.

When choosing a pool for your home, make sure you find one that is built to code. You should also choose one with an automatic cover. This will make it easy to maintain and safe for everyone.

Although they can be a bit more expensive than others, these covers are very easy and convenient to use. You can either attach a motor that covers and uncovers the pool automatically at the push of a button or you can manually operate them using a reel. And to help pay for the upkeep and miscellaneous expenses, you might want to consider playing some fun and interactive sports betting games via www.rantan.com.

These devices can reduce heat loss due to evaporation which is often a problem in swimming pools. These can be attached to above-ground swimming pools.

A person standing in front of a cockpit
Engineering,

Becoming a Flight Engineer

Flight engineers accompany the aircraft during a flight to carry out checks and make any the necessary adjustments or repairs that may become necessary while in the air. Whereas, aircraft engineers are technicians who ensure the safety of airplanes and that the maintenance of aircraft between flights is of high quality.

The Job:

Most flight and aircraft engineers are based at airports and work for airline companies.

Some are also employed by aircraft manufacturers to assist test pilots and also to carry out final checks on an aircraft prior to its delivery. Other engineers work in the national air forces on defense-related duties, maintaining combat aircraft in a state of constant readiness.

Aircraft engineers are essentially technician engineers who receive reports from flight engineers and pilots at the end of each flight about any problems that may have arisen while the aircraft was in the air. Their job is to carry out a program of routine maintenance of aircrafts between flights, and also to use the reports from flight engineers and pilots to look for and solve specific problems. They make any repairs that may become necessary and ensure that the aircraft is airworthy and ready for its next flight.

When any new piece of equipment is introduced into an aircraft they must be fully aware with its operation and maintenance.

Each system within an aircraft is subject to checks. These include an inspection of the structural integrity of the plane to detect any cracks in the metal. All mechanical systems, including the undercarriage, brakes and tires, ailerons, flaps, and rudder, are also examined. Electronic systems, including those used for navigation, control of the aircraft, and communication with air traffic control must all be fully checked and operational.

Other aspects of the plane that are examined and maintained by these engineers include the fuel and fuel flow, the engines, and electrical power.

Flight engineers accompany an aircraft during a journey as a member of the flight crew. They assist the pilot with all the necessary pre-flight checks. Should any problem arise during a flight, they will give advice and, where possible, carry out emergency repairs.

Training Involved:

The training of flight and aircraft engineers is usually a mixture of on-the job experience and academic study which takes between 2 and 4 years to complete. During training, each system within the aircraft is studied separately and in detail. Common faults that regularly occur are identified so that, in most cases, an early diagnosis can be made of what is wrong and the problem resolved. To help you with the expenses, you might want to consider playing some fun and thrilling sports betting games via www.ufabet168.info/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A5/

Training includes gaining a thorough understanding of maintenance regimes, including the stripping down of many different parts and electronic checks on printed circuits. Trainees must achieve a clear understanding of the difference between normal flight conditions and situations in which serious problems could arise.

Academic studies, sometimes conducted on a part-time basis at a local college, include workshop training, mathematics, and the gaining of a thorough knowledge of the electronics and mechanics that are required for this type of work. The stripping down and reassembly to full working order of particular pieces of equipment are important abilities that all trainees must master.

Useful Qualifications to Have:

Useful subjects include mathematics, science, and physics.

Salary Expectations:

The base salary range of a Field Service Engineer ranges from $55,609 to $77,617 annually, while the median salary for most Field Service Engineers is $66,325 annually. (US Base Pay)

Future Prospects:

Employment prospects for flight and aircraft engineers are generally good in most countries. The civil aviation industry continues to expand. The number of flights each year is highly dependent on the level of international business and the number of people taking holidays abroad. Both continue to increase each year.

The reliability of the electronic equipment is steadily improving, which leaves less work for engineers to do on the repair side. However, engineers are concerned with the whole aircraft and are not reliant on one system within it for their work.

The building of new aircraft is now so expensive that most are manufactured by multinational consortia of aerospace companies pooling their resources. This has reduced the number of opportunities to work within the aerospace industry. Employment with national air forces is entirely dependent on the need for air defense.

For further information, contact local airlines and airports and engineering institutions representing the interests of these engineers.

Shape
Business,

Accelerated growth momentum with +5.8% in Net Sales LFL in Q3; Over-proportional increase in Recurring EBITDA of +8.1% LFL

  • Strong Net Sales growth of 5.8% LFL in Q3
  • All four business segments contributing
  • Over-proportional increase in Recurring EBITDA of 8.1% LFL in Q3
  • SG&A cost savings program delivering results ahead of target
Group Q3 2018 Q3 20172 ±% ±% LfL
Net Sales of cement 4,707 4,628 1.7 6.5
Net Sales of aggregates 1,175 1,120 4.9 6.0
Net Sales of ready-mix concrete 1,454 1,408 3.3 3.8
Net Sales of Solutions & Products 737 694 6.2 5.6
Net Sales1 7,362 7,175 2.6 5.8
Recurring EBITDA 1,867 1,774 5.2 8.1
All figures expressed in millions CHF. 
1 Net Sales shown after eliminations.
2 Net Sales Q3 2017 restated by CHF 231m due to the reporting of Gross Sales from trading activities, following the application of the IFRS 15, effective 1 January 2018. This had no impact on Recurring EBITDA. Recurring EBITDA Q3 2017 restated by CHF 24m due to the reclassification of the Group share of net income of Huaxin to joint ventures.

Jan Jenisch, CEO: “In Q3 we were able to increase our positive momentum and to continue delivering on our Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth”. Despite headwinds from steep cost inflation, we delivered stronger Net Sales and our earnings grew even faster. I am very satisfied with our growth in volumes, our solid pricing and the impact of our cost and efficiency programs. We are executing at full speed on our Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth”.”

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW 

Like-for-like Net Sales grew by 5.8 percent for the third quarter and by 5.1 percent in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the prior-year period. Growth was driven by increased demand as well as sales price increases. All four business segments contributed to the Net Sales increase.

Recurring EBITDA grew over-proportionally by a very strong 8.1 percent in Q3 compared to the prior-year period on a like-for-like basis, demonstrating strong momentum. Steep cost inflation in energy and logistics was more than offset by the company’s volume growth as well as the effectiveness of its pricing and efficiency programs.

The North America region delivered a robust contribution supported by favorable market conditions and successful commercial initiatives. Results from the Latin America region were lower in Q3 2018 compared to the very strong performance in the prior-year period, impacted by weakening demand in several countries. The Europe region delivered positive results overall, with continued good momentum from most key markets. The Middle East Africa region showed signs of stabilization in key markets. The Asia Pacific region had another strong quarter, supported by contributions from China and India as well as improved performance in South East Asia.

STRATEGY 2022

The execution of Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth” is at full speed and well on track on all four value drivers: Growth, Simplification & Performance, Financial Strength and Vision & People.

On Growth: to date four bolt-on acquisitions have already been completed in highly attractive markets, the most recent being the acquisition of Denver (US)-based ready-mix concrete manufacturer Metro Mix in August. The July 2018 acquisition of the Vritz sandpit (FR) helps secure reserves in a well-positioned market for the next three decades. The business segments Aggregates and Ready-Mix Concrete achieved improved margins, a significant step in the implementation of the company’s Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth”.

On Simplification & Performance: with the successful implementation of a new operating model based on a corporate-light structure and simple reporting lines, the company has achieved significant progress in its CHF 400 million SG&A savings program. The execution of this program is ahead of plan and has started to deliver results in Q3. The corporate offices in Singapore and Miami have been closed and the Zurich and Paris offices will be closed within Q1 2019.

On Financial Strength: since June 2018, more than CHF 1.3 billion has been successfully refinanced at attractive terms leading to an improved debt maturity profile and a decrease in financing costs. Progress towards the divestment target of CHF 2 billion has been made.

OUTLOOK

The accelerated sales growth and over-proportional increase in Recurring EBITDA demonstrates the strength of Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth”. This positive momentum is expected to continue in Q4 with the following underlying market trends:

  • Continued growth in North America
  • Softer cement demand in Latin America
  • Strong markets in Europe
  • Challenging but stabilizing conditions in Middle East Africa
  • Continued demand growth in Asia

Based on the above trends and positive momentum, the Net Sales guidance for 2018 is adjusted upwards to 4 to 6 percent on a like-for-like basis (compared to 3 to 5 percent as previously guided).

While continued headwinds from cost inflation remain challenging, the volume growth, solid pricing and efficiency programs are expected to result in further growth in Recurring EBITDA in Q4. The Recurring EBITDA growth guidance for 2018 is adjusted to 3 to 5 percent on a like-for-like basis.

GROUP AND REGIONAL FIGURES

Group Q3 2018 Q3 2017 ±% ±% LfL 9M 2018 9M 2017 ±% ±% LfL
Sales of cement
(million tonnes)
57.2 56.2 1.9 5.1 165.4 163.8 1.0 4.6
Sales of aggregates
(million tonnes)
80.0 80.1 -0.1 3.0 205.3 208.1 -1.4 1.5
Sales of ready-mix concrete
(million m3)
13.5 13.3 1.2 1.1 38.0 37.7 0.9 1.3
Net Sales
(million CHF)
7,362 7,175 2.6 5.8 20,634 20,093 2.7 5.1
Recurring EBITDA
(million CHF)
1,867 1,774 5.2 8.1 4,351 4,356 -0.1 2.5
Asia Pacific Q3 2018 Q3 2017 ±% ±% LfL 9M 2018 9M 2017 ±% ±% LfL
Sales of cement
(million tonnes)
21.1 21.6 -2.3 5.7 66.6 68.2 -2.4 5.3
Sales of aggregates
(million tonnes)
7.8 8.1 -4.1 -4.1 23.6 23.7 -0.5 -0.5
Sales of ready-mix concrete
(million m3)
3.2 3.4 -5.4 -5.4 9.3 9.5 -1.8 -1.4
Net Sales
(million CHF)
1,770 1,787 -0.9 7.0 5,576 5,463 2.1 8.6
Recurring EBITDA
(million CHF)
378 308 22.7 35.0 1,151 1,000 15.1 22.6
Europe Q3 2018 Q3 2017 ±% ±% LfL 9M 2018 9M 2017 ±% ±% LfL
Sales of cement
(million tonnes)
12.6 12.1 3.8 3.8 33.9 32.3 4.9 4.9
Sales of aggregates
(million tonnes)
32.0 33.9 -5.7 1.1 91.0 93.9 -3.1 2.8
Sales of ready-mix concrete
(million m3)
5.0 4.6 9.9 8.8 14.3 13.5 6.2 5.4
Net Sales
(million CHF)
2,027 1,883 7.7 6.9 5,692 5,209 9.3 4.6
Recurring EBITDA
(million CHF)
480 450 6.6 4.4 1,079 1,000 7.9 2.7
Latin America Q3 2018 Q3 2017 ±% ±% LfL 9M 2018 9M 2017 ±% ±% LfL
Sales of cement
(million tonnes)
6.3 6.7 -5.1 -3.6 18.9 18.5 2.4 6.3
Sales of aggregates
(million tonnes)
1.0 1.0 -4.4 6.7 2.7 3.3 -19.0 -1.5
Sales of ready-mix concrete
(million m3)
1.4 1.4 -3.7 4.4 4.2 4.4 -5.7 11.8
Net Sales
(million CHF)
698 746 -6.5 7.8 2,126 2,205 -3.6 11.1
Recurring EBITDA
(million CHF)
251 288 -13.0 -5.5 739 785 -5.8 1.2
Middle East Africa Q3 2018 Q3 2017 ±% ±% LfL 9M 2018 9M 2017 ±% ±% LfL
Sales of cement
(million tonnes)
9.2 8.8 5.1 5.1 26.9 26.9 0.0 0.0
Sales of aggregates
(million tonnes)
2.6 2.7 -5.8 -5.8 6.7 8.0 -16.3 -16.3
Sales of ready-mix concrete
(million m3)
1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 3.1 3.6 -13.6 -13.6
Net Sales
(million CHF)
772 803 -3.8 -1.3 2,306 2,541 -9.2 -5.5
Recurring EBITDA
(million CHF)
200 232 -13.6 -9.8 566 824 -31.3 -26.9
North America Q3 2018 Q3 2017 ±% ±% LfL 9M 2018 9M 2017 ±% ±% LfL
Sales of cement
(million tonnes)
6.1 5.9 4.0 4.0 14.9 14.4 3.7 3.7
Sales of aggregates
(million tonnes)
36.8 34.4 6.9 6.9 81.3 79.2 2.7 2.7
Sales of ready-mix concrete
(million m3)
2.8 2.9 -2.5 -5.0 7.2 6.7 6.1 -1.1
Net Sales
(million CHF)
1,891 1,790 5.6 4.7 4,366 4,194 4.1 3.3
Recurring EBITDA
(million CHF)
643 621 3.5 2.9 1,113 1,093 1.8 2.5

ABOUT LAFARGEHOLCIM

LafargeHolcim operates four businesses segments: Cement, Aggregates, Ready-Mix Concrete and Solutions & Products, which includes precast concrete, asphalt, mortar and building solutions. LafargeHolcim’s broad portfolio is focused on solving the toughest challenges that masons, builders, architects and engineers face, from urbanization to population growth and the demand for affordable housing. Headquartered in Switzerland, LafargeHolcim holds leading positions in all regions across the globe. It employs approximately 80,000 employees in around 80 countries and has a portfolio that is equally balanced between developing and mature markets.

Important disclaimer – forward-looking statements:

This document contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements do not constitute forecasts regarding results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets, as the case may be, including with respect to plans, initiatives, events, products, solutions and services, their development and potential. Although LafargeHolcim believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions as at the time of publishing this document, investors are cautioned that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of LafargeHolcim, including but not limited to the risks described in the LafargeHolcim’s annual report available on its website (www.lafargeholcim.com) and uncertainties related to the market conditions and the implementation of our plans. Accordingly, we caution you against relying on forward-looking statements. LafargeHolcim does not undertake to provide updates of these forward-looking statements.

A store filled with lots of food
Business,

LafargeHolcim offers Russian customers Geocycle’s unique, award-winning waste management solution

In Russia, industries and local municipalities must find solutions for their waste. Last year, Geocycle Russia stepped up its business to better answer the needs of its major customers from the Ferzikovo plant. The co-processing solution offered at Ferzikovo is one of a kind in the country, and was recently honored with the Change Management Visionary Award for Ecology.

Helping municipalities take charge of waste management

Waste management is a growing topic of public and political interest in Russia. Until recently, land disposal facilities with very low levels of reuse, recycling, and resource recovery were the go-to waste management solution in Russia. This is now changing thanks to recent legislation, which requires waste producers to organize appropriate treatment for their waste, following the “polluter pays” principle.

LafargeHolcim Russia, together with Geocycle Russia, is on hand to help their industrial and commercial customers treat their waste through co-processing; the repurposing of waste in the cement manufacturing process, with zero-residue and full energy recovery and mineral recycling. As the only business licensed to co-process waste by the Russian government, Geocycle’s facility at our Ferzikovo cement plant in Kaluga is uniquely placed to offer a solution that helps our clients deliver on their zero-waste goals. In 2017 alone, the Ferzikovo plant co-processed around 26,000 tons of sorted solid municipal waste from the Kaluga and Moscow regions.

Biting into the food and beverage industry

Ferzikovo’s co-processing solution offers industry leaders a more sustainable and resource-efficient alternative to incineration or landfill, attracting major clients from the food and beverage industry such as Nestlé.

The total monthly volume of plastic packaging waste from clients such as this treated at Ferzikovo reached 1000 tons in 2017 with 2000 tons expected in 2018. This will be 2000 tons of non-recyclable waste revalorized in the cement production chain for a best-treatment solution that is fully aligned with EU waste treatment principles. “The volumes of this market segment are steadily growing in Russia. We continue to increase the co-processed volumes each year and we are doing our best to deliver better service to our customers, and to understand the market demand and need,” says Konstantin Bojinov, Head of Geocycle Russia

A green bus on a city street
Construction, Interior Styles,

Partnering on infrastructure projects in Switzerland, and beyond

By one estimate the world requires USD 3.7 trillion in economic infrastructure investment every year. At LafargeHolcim we are dedicated to meeting that need. Our product innovations represent significant leaps over traditional solutions. To ensure high performance we provide them with full-service support.

Fast application for greater longevity

Ductal®, for example, represents a significant improvement over traditional solutions. The Ductal® range of UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete) products and solutions can be applied twice as quickly and will last three times as long when compared to traditional solutions. These characteristics are especially valued by infrastructure owners, which helps explain why Ductal® has been successfully applied to bridges, dams, marine structures and buildings.

Casted on bridge decks, as shown here in Switzerland, the Ductal® structural overlay solution forms a thin, watertight layer that can withstand freeze and thaw cycles while resisting chloride penetration from de-icing salts. These characteristics offer owners significant savings on maintenance costs. The thin layer of Ductal® also allows the bridge owner to re-open to traffic only few hours after casting and does not suffer from weather conditions as a waterproof membrane does. This solution also restores the load-bearing capacity of bridges or even extends it to new type of loads, without requiring additional works on piers and foundations.

A truck is parked on the side of a building
Construction, Real Estate,

Holcim Azerbaijan’s cement used for a new transportation hub in Central Asia

A new port in Central Asia looks set to be a major hub in the Belt and Road Initiative, and it was built using cement and support from Holcim Azerbaijan.

In 2011, it was just a 20km2 expanse of wasteland, but the new Port of Baku in Alyat, is now the site of one of the most promising logistics and manufacturing zones of the entire New Silk Road, and it was built with the help of Holcim Azerbaijan. Located at the crossroads of major Eurasian land and air transport corridors, the new port is a transportation hub with access to all major markets – Turkey and the European Union to the west, Iran and India to the south and Russia to the north. When completed, it will be capable of accommodating 10,000-tonne-capacity ferries and all other types of vessel serving the Caspian Sea.

A key partner from start to finish

Since the beginning of the project in 2011, Holcim Azerbaijan has been the main supplier of cement. Our teams provided 118,000 tons of it to produce approximately 385,000m3 of concrete, as well as structural elements such as diaphragms and load-bearing platforms. Close to half of the concrete used was destined for parts of the port that are in direct contact with seawater, requiring sulfate-resistant cement to ensure durability and longevity. If you are looking to visit here, transportation would be seamless and stress free, you could even play your favorite sports betting games via UFABET since cell reception would also be really good as well. 

“The strategic importance of this project required continued supply of stable and high-quality cement, strict control and systematic technical support in the refinement of concrete recipes.”

Evrascon, the customer in this huge scheme, noted the great support shown by Holcim Azerbaijan during the entire project, one that will benefit the whole country for years to come. Transport corridors such as the ones that crisscross Central Asia promote the growth of this economically diverse and rapidly developing region, providing a significant opportunity for Azerbaijan to become a hub in supply chains for global, regional and national companies.

Our world is built on cement, from homes to the giant public and commercial infrastructures that keep us connected. By supplying cement for part of the larger Belt and Road initiative, Holcim Azerbaijan has assisted in the growth and development of Azerbaijan and the broader Eurasian region. However the tide turns, the new Port of Baku is built to last, thanks to Holcim Azerbaijan.

A truck is parked on the side of a road
Construction,

Capital Markets Day 2018: Delivering Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth”

LafargeHolcim is executing at full speed on its Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth”. In the course of the year the company has delivered solid results, developed positive momentum and showed significant progress at increasing profitable growth. At today’s Capital Markets Day senior leaders will give further updates on performance and strategy delivery.

Jan Jenisch, CEO: “Our performance in 2018 shows that execution of Strategy 2022 – “Building for Growth’ is at full speed. We have simplified the organization and are ahead of target with our SG&A savings program. With the recent divestment of our Indonesia operations we reached a major milestone in focusing our portfolio which allowed us to accelerate deleveraging. At the same time we aggressively move forward in Aggregates and Ready-Mix Concrete. These results are strong proof points for our Strategy 2022 and we will continue delivering across all value drivers.”

The 2018 full year targets are confirmed as follows:

  • Net Sales growth of 4 to 6 percent on a like-for-like basis
  • Recurring EBITDA growth of 3 to 5 percent on a like-for-like basis

In 2019, the solid global market demand is expected to continue. As part of its full year targets 2019 the company expects:

  • Net Sales growth of 3 to 5 percent on a like-for-like basis, delivering target of Strategy 2022
  • Recurring EBITDA growth of minimum 5 percent on a like-for-like basis, delivering target of Strategy 2022
  • Accelerate deleveraging, achieve 2 times or lessNet Debt to Recurring EBITDA ratio by end of 2019

The Capital Markets Day will take place at Bardon Hill, the site of one of Europe’s largest aggregates quarries. Aggregate Industries, the company’s UK business, will display its leading position as an integrated provider of building materials solutions. In the UK, Aggregate Industries recorded net sales of CHF 1.7 billion in 2017 and has around 4,000 employees at 200 sites.

About LafargeHolcim

LafargeHolcim is the global leader in building materials and solutions and operates four businesses segments: Cement, Aggregates, Ready-Mix Concrete and Solutions & Products, which includes precast concrete, asphalt, mortar and building solutions. With its broad portfolio LafargeHolcim solves the toughest challenges masons, builders, architects and engineers are faced with, from urbanization to population growth and the demand for affordable housing. Headquartered in Switzerland, LafargeHolcim holds leading positions in all regions across the globe. It employs approximately 80,000 employees in around 80 countries and has a portfolio that is equally balanced between developing and mature markets. LafargeHolcim is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and on Euronext Paris, and is a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) European Index.

A statue of a person
Construction, Real Estate,

Holcim Mexico develops concrete for experimental structure by Block Research Group and Zaha Hadid Architects

Holcim Mexico and its Center of Technological Innovation for Construction developed a concrete to realize an experimental shell structure developed by Block Research Group of ETH Zurich and Zaha Hadid Architects. “KnitCandela” is an homage to Spanish-Mexican architect and engineer Félix Candela.

Constructed at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City, KnitCandela is part of Zaha Hadid Architects’ first exhibition in Latin America. The dazzling concrete form reimagines Candela’s thin concrete structures through the introduction of new computational design methods and innovative formwork technology which were developed in Zurich.

Philippe Block, Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and member of the Academic Committee of the LafargeHolcim Foundation, introduced the formwork technology known as “KnitCrete” and worked together with Holcim Mexico’s Center of Technological Innovation for Construction (CiTeC) that developed a concrete mix to realize the expressive shell structure. The main challenge of the Mexican Group company of LafargeHolcim was to design a concrete that can be mixed on-site, and that allows the layers to be placed by hand with sustained workability – all requirements of the construction process.

“The collaboration with CiTeC was exceptional: The concrete engineers under the lead of Jose Alfredo Rodriguez understood all requirements and delivered the innovative concrete in the quality required,”

Thin and winding concrete surface on ultra-lightweight formwork

Félix Candela’s shell structures relied on combining hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces (similar to the shape of a Pringles potato chip) to produce reusable formworks made out of straight wooden elements. But new technology allows for a much wider range of complex, curved geometries. With the cable-net and fabric formwork system, expressive, free form concrete surfaces can now be constructed efficiently, without the need for complicated, wasteful and time-consuming molds. In Mexico City, KnitCandela’s thin, double-curved concrete shell with a surface area of almost 50 square meters and weighing more than 5 tons was applied onto a knitted formwork shuttering of only 55 kilograms.

The concrete of the KnitCandela shell is manufactured with Holcim cement, acrylic resins, and admixtures to achieve the adherence requirements. To replace conventional steel reinforcement and minimize cracks on the concrete element, macro synthetic fibers with a rough finish and polypropylene fibers are added.

Designed for a tight construction schedule, restricted space and minimal budget, KnitCandela demonstrates the rapid evolution and adaptation of digital design and fabrication to the challenges faced by the construction industry.

The structure’s overall form was inspired by colorful and fluid forms of traditional Jalisco dresses of Mexico – but the construction process and advanced materials enable complex and free-form geometries of contemporary architecture that are highly optimized in terms of material consumption, energy efficiency, and usability.

“KnitCandela” can be experienced at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City until March 2019.