BHS deliver six twin-shaft batch mixers to Pakistan
Mixers required to facilitate construction of world’s largest roller-compacted concrete dam
THE Chinese-Pakistani consortium CEC-POWERCHINA and the Pakistan Frontier Works Office is building the Diamer-Basha Dam near the Chinese border in northern Pakistan – a construction project that will require 18.6 million cubic meters of mainly roller-compacted concrete (RCC) over the next few years.
BHS-Sonthofen’s Chinese facility, in Tianjin, was awarded a contract to deliver six BHS twin-shaft batch mixers to Pakistan to meet this huge demand for concrete, two of which have already been built and delivered.
The construction project is of key importance to Pakistan in terms of energy policy and represents closer co-operation between Pakistan and China. The dam is being built on the Indus river in northern Pakistan and will form a reservoir approximately 40km downstream from Chilas.
The world’s largest roller-compacted concrete dam will be 272m high and is expected to use 17.1 million cubic meters of RCC and 1.5 million cubic meters of ordinary concrete. According to the current plan, construction will be completed in 2029.
The supply and delivery of six BHS twin-shaft batch mixers for this major project includes four type DKX 7.00 mixers capable of producing seven cubic metres of hardened concrete per batch, and two type DKX 6.00 mixers each capable of producing six cubic metres of hardened concrete per batch.
Ronny Laux, general manager of BHS-Sonthofen’s Tianjin site, is responsible for the construction and delivery of the mixers. He said: ‘The hydraulically bound base layers required for the dam, also known as roller-compacted concrete, must withstand the heaviest of loads.
‘Our mixers are designed to handle demanding mixing tasks. With low wear on the mixing tools and the mixing trough lining, the twin-shaft batch mixers meet the highest demands for mix homogeneity and reproducibility, even with large quantities – ensuring optimum concrete quality.’
Two of the mixers built in Tianjin have already been delivered to the vast construction site, whilst the remaining four are due to follow by the end of the year. Co-operation with BHS-Sonthofen went so smoothly that even before delivery of the first two units, the customer had already suggested the prospect of a follow-up order.
‘BHS are expected to deliver another six mixers next year,’ said Mr Laux. ‘Having a location in Tianjin allows us to combine our expertise with regional proximity to the customer – this creates trust. Maintenance services can be provided, or spare parts can be delivered quickly and easily.’
