Research & Innovation
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Highlights

Thanks to its long-standing focus on research and development, Lafarge has contributed to major advances in the construction industry. See construction projects that use Lafarge's most innovative materials, in Egypt and around the world.

Lafarge's key achievements

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Hypergreen, a multi-function tower concept

Agilia®

Agilia® offers a revolution on the work site. Easy-to-use Agilia® flows into the smallest nooks, matching any shape perfectly. Its fluid texture eliminates the tiresome and noisy task of vibrating concrete to make it spread evenly - saving time and energy and reducing noise for workers and neighbors.

The Hypergreen tower project, developed by architect Jacques Ferrier in partnership with Lafarge, was designed around Agilia® self-positioning, self-leveling concrete and ultra-high performance Ductal® concrete.

Hypergreen is a tower concept which respects the environment and was developed for the world's megalopolises. The tower's geographic orientation allows it to capture a maximum of light and wind energy. The tower is able to generate enough energy to meet most of its own needs.

The Peace Bridge in Seoul, South Korea

The Peace Bridge, designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, crosses the Han River to link the island of Sunyudo to the center of Seoul. It was built in 2002 with ultra‑high performance Ductal® concrete.

"This footbridge has a span of 130 meters but the deck (horizontal platform) is only 3 cm thick!" Rudy Riciotti points out. This exceptional feat was made possible thanks to Ductal®.

The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Ductal®

Ductal®, an ultra-high performance, fiber-reinforced concrete with 2 to 4% metallic or organic fibers, offers exceptional performance:
• Compression resistance 6 to 8 times greater than conventional concrete
• High ductility
• Fluidity and ease of pour
• Longevity 2 to 3 times that of conventional concrete
• High resistance to corrosion, abrasion and shocks

The product of 10 years of research, Ductal® is a highly versatile, environmentally friendly material recognized by architects and engineers for its aesthetic and its structural qualities.

 

The Spinnaker Tower, designed by Scott Wilson Advanced Technology Group, was built in 2004 with Agilia® self-positioning, self-leveling concrete.

The highest tower in England, it rises 170 meters above sea level. The Spinnaker Tower offers a panoramic view extending for 23 miles (37 km) and boasts 3 different panoramic viewpoints.

 

The RATP bus center in Thiais, France: the first building covered entirely in Ductal®

The building seems to emerge organically from the pavement thanks to Ductal® panels linking ground and walls. Ultra-high-performance concrete reduces consumption of raw materials and energy during construction. Enhanced thermal insulation delivers energy savings for the lifetime of the building.

Luxor Air-port Egypt

Airport (LXR) is an entry point for this popular tourist destination in the Nile Valley, and is currently Egypt's fourth-biggest airport, the airport has been designed to handle around seven million passengers annually.    

American University in Cairo (AUC) New Campus

AUC is a vital bridge between the cultures of East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, study-abroad programs and partnerships with academic and research institutions.    

Children's Cancer Institute

Lafarge Egypt cement played a vital role in the construction of the Children Cancer Institute which is the only centre of excellence dedicated solely children with cancer in Egypt.    

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Low-energy housing

Take the owner's tour!

Combining 20 sustainable construction rules with innovative solutions produced by Lafarge's R&D, low-energy housing is explained in this flash animation. From the foundations and the exterior to the insulation and the interior - see how a low-energy house is created!