Quality concrete mix provides Aldi flooring solution

Hanson supply concrete containing 20% Regen GGBS for new regional distribution centre

HANSON concrete containing Regen GGBS (ground granulated blast-furnace slag) has been used to create high-quality warehouse flooring for supermarket chain Aldi at their new £20 million regional distribution centre in Sawley, Derbyshire.

Hanson supplied contractors Snowden Seamless Floors with more than 16,000 cubic metres of concrete containing 20% Regen for the centre, which will serve existing and planned new Aldi stores throughout the Midlands.

Using Regen GGBS – a by-product of the iron-making industry that enhances the durability of concrete whilst adding to its sustainability credentials – in the concrete mix for the Aldi warehouse reduced the risk of thermal cracking in the large-scale floor pours and provided improved workability, flexibility and durability.

‘We have a strong working relationship with Snowden Seamless Floors and they were keen to use Regen in the mix to reduce the carbon footprint of the project and provide enhanced durability,’ said Hanson territory sales manager Callum Parkinson. ‘The mix design was extensively tested to ensure the concrete would withstand the rigours of the warehouse environment.’

To supply the large pour volumes of between 350 and 500 cubic metres per day to the project, Hanson set up a second mobile concrete plant at Shardlow Quarry, near Derby. The mix varied depending on weather conditions and steel fibres were added on site.

‘In addition to its sustainability and durability benefits, Regen GGBS also helps to reduce the initial drying shrinkage of the concrete,’ commented Bob Bynt, senior design estimator at Snowden Seamless Floors. ‘We have worked with Hanson on many projects across the country and are consistently impressed with their technical and customer support, which is vital on a project like this.’