Self-compacting concrete

The construction industry is shifting toward more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions, which use state-of-the-art technology to improve the overall product manufacturing process. Through our efficient and sustainable innovation, our technical centers aim to provide our operations and our customers with the best, most viable and creative construction materials and systems. Our activities and initiatives place a strong emphasis on product development, processes, and construction trends.

Our Global Center for Technology and Innovation in Switzerland houses a state-of-the-art research laboratory. This laboratory has a unique and broad range of investigation tools and novel in-house testing methods that are available to the CEMEX community. Our research center has considerable experience and expertise in the following areas: new and enhanced construction materials; sustainable construction; cementitious materials (cement, fly ash, and slag); concrete and mortar products; admixture formulations; and aggregates.

Some of our product innovations:

• High insulation concrete forms are generally made from polystyrene and filled with concrete to help keep heat out in hot climates and prevent heat from escaping in cold weather.
• Self-compacting concrete has a dense formulation that improves strength and durability, increasing the life of the building and reducing maintenance costs. It also reduces labor costs, energy use, and health risks during construction.
• Porous concrete allows rainwater to filter through, reducing flooding, helping to prevent skidding on wet roads, and reducing heat concentration by up to 4°C.
• Rapid-setting concrete contains up to 80% fly ash, making it a low-carbon alternative to conventional concrete.
• Concrete with high acid resistance is robust and durable for uses such as cooling towers or for storing silage on livestock farms.
• Antibacterial concrete controls bacteria growth, helping to maintain clean environments. For example, it is used in hospitals, laboratories and farms, for example.

Rapid-setting concrete	Porous concrete	Antibacterial concrete