READYMIX concREtE

The ultimate low shrinkage flooring solution

topfloor

Traditionally, the only way to reduce shrinkage and cracking in industrial, warehousing and commercial concrete internal floors has been through mesh or steel fibre reinforcement. While durable, this option is time-consuming, costly and environmentally unsustainable.

Now there is an alternative from Lafarge Tarmac. A sustainable flooring solution that offers very real benefits to floor designers, contractors and end-users. Solving the problem of shrinkage cracks, eliminating the need for steel mesh, and saving time and money.

Topfloor from Lafarge Tarmac. The ultimate low shrinkage flooring solution.

Topfloor provides superior flexural and compressive strength – fast. Its unique crack control technology reduces shrinkage without the need for steel mesh reinforcement, delivering a more efficient floor design.

SOLUTION

beNefITSSustainable

Compared to traditional steel mesh or steel fibre reinforced concrete, Topfloor can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

Reduced thickness

Its enhanced flexural strength enables the installation of a more efficient flooring section.

Less joints

Saw joints can be spaced out to 20m x 20m without the requirement for steel.

Cost-effective

Less material usage, high surface durability and lower maintenance costs can significantly reduce whole life costs.

Ease

Topfloor can be placed using conventional laserscreed methods and traditional finishing processes.

Faster working

Time is saved through early power-trowelling and joint cutting, while high compressive strength means slab loading can begin at just 14 days.

Durable

Topfloor is highly durable without surface treatment, achieving BS-8204 standard.

UltIMAtE DURAbIlItYTopfloor provides superior flexural and compressive strength without the need for steel reinforcement.

Reduces shrinkage, time and costs

The mechanical and shrinkage properties of Topfloor enable the design of thinner and unreinforced slabs, with increased joint spacing at 20mx20m (400m²). Construction can be shortened through early power-trowelling and joint cutting, while slabs can be loaded from just 14 days. The drastic reduction of joints, limited curling and high surface durability combine to deliver substantial savings in maintenance and whole life costs.

High strength durability

Combine low oxygen permeability and low water porosity with high compressive and flexural strength, and you have a flooring solution that is designed to last.

HOw IT wOrkSTopfloor is a low shrinkage concrete for use in ground bearing slabs. Extremely durable, with very high abrasion and impact resistance, it provides superior flexural and compressive strength, without the need for steel or mesh reinforcement.

INSPIreD SOLUTIONS fOr INTerNAL fLOOrS

Subjected to all types of wear from heavy machinery, abrasive oils and high point loads, Topfloor is a proven solution for internal industrial and commercial floors.

Typical applications

Topfloor is breakthrough technology, meeting the market’s need, based on the understanding of hydration, shrinkage and the cracking associated with a concrete floor’s structural behaviour. The unique patented Topfloor solution uses crack control concrete technology offering a tangible advantage for floor designers, contractors and end users.

• Waste and recycling

• Warehouses

• Factories and industrial units

• Supermarkets

EXPERIENCE

Loxley Building, Scunthorpe

CHALLENGE

The Loxley Building was commissioned by Somi Trailers who manufacture and repair innovative lorry trailers. This huge 1,750m² floor area was to be subjected to heavy loads and surface abrasion meaning the original specification was to use a 200mm thick slab with 30kg of steel fibres. An alternative was sought.

SoLuTioN

Topfloor was chosen eliminating the need for steel reinforcement and allowing for a reduction in slab depth, while still meeting the load requirements of the floor. A total of 284m³ of Topfloor was laid over an 8 hour period.

RESuLT

The entire floor was laid quickly and cost effectively giving the client substantial cost savings, a thinner floor slab and a more sustainable solution.

New waste transfer station, Fareham

CHALLENGE

Due to the type and size of the heavy plant that would be in operation, the floor slab had to be extremely durable with very high abrasion and impact resistance, and as few joints as possible.

SoLuTioN

Topfloor was the only flooring solution that answered every challenge. The entire floor area of 1,850m2 at a depth of 200mm was completed over just a two day period. The saw cut detail was extended to 20x20m, dramatically reducing long-term floor maintenance and removing the issue of steel fibre pop outs which can occur under heavy traffic.

RESuLT

A long-lasting, durable finish was achieved with no surface cracking so often associated with industrial floor slabs.

“this is a far superior finish with no cracks and a strong smooth finish.”

Pauline Dawes, Managing Director, Somi Trucks

“Not only have we achieved a floor that looks good and meets our requirements in every respect, with a saving in cost, but it is also environmentally sustainable.”

Dean Marlow, Site Manager, Raymond Brown Construction

ULTIMATE RESULTSTopfloor is proven concrete

technology, saving time and money.

SUSTAINAbILITY

ULTIMATE COMMITMENTLafarge Tarmac converts over 6.5 million

tonnes of construction and industry waste into new products each year.

Topfloor Concrete

• The number of materials required for the floor make up are minimised due to the removal of steel

• Resource efficiency created through enhanced compressive and flexural strength enables thinner section floor design

• Maintenance costs and time are reduced due to fewer saw cut joints

• Minimisation of joints creates safety, durability and maintenance benefits in highly used areas e.g. warehouses

• Due to its durability, early loading of the Topfloor slab can be considered

• Compared to alternative products such as traditional concrete with steel mesh/fibres there is a 20% reduction in CO2

• Due to the absence of steel, Topfloor can be fully recycled at the end of its life

Lafarge Tarmac is committed to providing construction materials and solutions that make a positive contribution to the built environment. By working closely with our customers, together we can reduce the environmental footprint of projects and deliver innovative, more sustainable solutions.

We take a ‘whole life’ approach, addressing not only the extraction, manufacture and transport of our products but also consider their sustainable performance in use and opportunities for reuse and recycling at end of life. We use management systems certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 across our operations to continuously improve social, economic and environmental performance.

Our commitment to support our customers and provide sustainable solutions is further demonstrated by certification across our product range to BES 6001, the framework standard for Responsible Sourcing and 5* accreditation in the Achilles BuildingConfidence scheme.

Combining industry-leading innovation and market-leading supply and distribution, together we offer the ultimate range of products and services:

Aggregates for concrete, asphalt and mortar production, sub-base construction, capping, drainage and landscaping.

Asphalt and Contracting Services for infrastructure, motorways, roads, car parks, footpaths, sports facilities, stadiums and runways.

Readymix Concrete and Cement for the construction of homes, power stations, water treatment works, freight depots, ports, office buildings and shopping malls.

Lime and Powders for water purification, soil stabilisation, land reclamation and the manufacture of iron and steel, plastics, glass, pharmaceuticals and animal feed.

Our solutions play a pivotal role in delivering the services on which we all rely. Fresh food on supermarket shelves. Clean water on tap. Electricity at the touch of a button.

Maintaining these services is a big responsibility. And one that we don’t take lightly. We work closely with clients, contractors and partners across the supply chain to make sure that the solutions we deliver are not only practical and cost-effective, but also long-lasting and sustainable.

All of our products are responsibly sourced in accordance with BES 6001. Our asphalt and concrete mixes increasingly contain up to 50% recycled content, and we are the UK’s leading supplier of recycled construction materials.

Delivering sustainable solutions is what our business is all about. It’s what we do. It’s what Britain’s built on.

Readymix Concrete

Lafarge Tarmac is the No 1. supplier of innovative readymix concrete solutions:

• 1,000’s of unique formulations

• 90+ concrete production facilities across the UK

• 10 mobile batching plants

• 17 regional sales and technical teams

• 560 employees

Lafarge and Tarmac have joined forces to create the ultimate construction products solution provider. One company with one vision. Committed to safety. Dedicated to sustainability.

AggREgAtEs AnD AsphAlt

cEMEnt

lIME AnD powDERs

contRActIng

cAPAbILITY

ULTIMATE PARTNERShIPAs one company, Lafarge Tarmac

provides unrivalled solutions and expertise.

READYMIX concREtE

Why choose Topfloor over steel-reinforced concrete?

Topfloor is fast to lay and load, cost-effective with reduced maintenance and material costs and more sustainable reducing CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

What are the potential cost savings?

Less material usage and lower maintenance costs can significantly reduce the project’s whole life costs, while the high surface durability provides a longer lasting floor.

How long does it last?

Topfloor is highly durable, requires no surface treatment and has a high abrasion resistance achieving BS-8204: part 2 2002.

What are the sustainability benefits?

Compared to traditional steel mesh or steel fibre reinforced concrete, Topfloor reduces CO2 emissions by up to 20%.

How does it reduce shrinkage and cracking?

Due to Topfloor’s mix design technology conventional concrete shrinkage of 550-880 micro metres per metre is reduced to 250-350 micro metres per metre with Topfloor.

How much time can be saved?

Topfloor can be placed fast using conventional laserscreed methods. Time is also saved through early power-trowelling and joint cutting, while slab loading can begin at just 14 days.

What technical support will i receive?

To ensure the full benefit of Topfloor is delivered, Lafarge Tarmac work exclusively with a selected number of industrial flooring contractors who in conjunction with ourselves will answer your project requirements.

fAQs

support

MOre ANSwerSFor more information about Lafarge Tarmac Topfloor contact your local regional office or visit lafargetarmac.com/topfloor

T +44 (0)800 1 218 218

E topfloor@lafargetarmac.com

UltIMAtE AssURAncETopfloor provides superior flexural

and compressive strength.

Every solution starts with a challenge. tell us yours at lAfARgEtARMAc.coM

3265/0114

The names ‘Lafarge Tarmac’, the ‘LT logo’, ‘Tarmac’, ‘Topfloor’ and ‘Lafarge’ are all registered trademarks. ©2014 Lafarge Tarmac Trading Limited.

Portland House, Bickenhill Lane, Solihull, Birmingham B37 7BQT +44 (0)800 1 218 218