Burj Khalifa – Middle East
Teams:
- ARDEX Middle East
- ARDEX UK Installer:
- Floortec Arabia Technical Services LLC – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contractor:
- Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction Group – Seocho-Gu Seoul, Korea
Architects:
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) – Chicago, IL (USA)
- Holford Associates – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Featured:
- ARDEX ARDITEX NA Latex Sub-Floor Levelling & Smoothing Compound
Challenges:
- Fast-track time line
- Tallest building in the world – 828m (2,716.5 ft.)
- Water not readily available for mixing on upper floors during construction
- Concerns of water spillage during site mixing
- Earlier attempts with competitors products caused wood floors to warp
- Concerns of scarifying the concrete slabs in preparation for Self-Leveling Underlayments up to 186 floors
Problem:
Housing a hotel, residential units, corporate suites, restaurants and many leisure areas; the Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world, but also a state-of-the-art destination. So when problems arose during the construction, ARDEX Middle East was called upon to provide recommendations and implement a solution. Earlier attempts with competitors’ products left this landmark falling short of expectations with wood flooring failures caused by moisture in the concrete underlayment and water spillage during the mixing process.
Solution:
Offering a full guarantee, ARDEX Middle East worked with the ARDEX UK Technical Team to recommend ARDITEX NA Self-Smoothing Compound. This ammonia free formula product is used to level uneven internal sub-floors, creating a smooth surface, by using a pre-formulated additive and not requiring water. ARDITEX NA also saved time because it can be placed over strongly bonded existing adhesive residues and allows floor coverings to be placed after four hours. Time was also saved since the need for water to be transported from the ground up to each level was eliminated.
Oracle Broadbech Apartments – Australia
Installer/Applicator:
- BAT Tiling – Caboolture, Queensland, Australia
General Contractors:
- Niecon Developments Pty Ltd. – Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Architect:
- Niecon Developments Pty Ltd. – Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Product Featured:
- ARDEX WPM 002 Superflex Bathroom and Balcony Two Part Under Tile Waterproofing Membrane
- ARDEX WPM 155 Undertile PU Acrylic Hybrid Membrane
- ARDEX Multiprime Water-Based Primer
- ARDEX Abacrete Bonding Agent (for Use with Sand / Cement Screeds and Renders)
- ARDEX Abaflex Premium Polymer Modified Flexible Tile Adhesive
- ARDEX X 10 Flexible Non Slump Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive
- ARDEX White Grout Fine Textured Wall Tile Grout
- ARDEX Wide Joint Grout White
- ARDEX FG 8 Flexible colored grout (for tile joints 1 to 8 mm wide)
- ARDEX DS 40 Impact Sound Reduction and Decoupling Systems
- ARDEX AF 266 Outdoor Grass Carpet Adhesive
Challenges:
- One 40 level and one 50 level tower
- Mixed use development
- Multiple tile applications
Problem/Situation:
As part of a redevelopment plan to turn Broadhead Beach into a high-end ‘live-work-play’ destination, an $850 million investment was provided to build two modern towers, the Oracle Broadbeach Apartments. Niecon Developments specified ARDEX products as the solution to this challenge. In doing so, they received complete peace of mind knowing ARDEX tile adhesives are high quality products compatible with marble, vitrified and ceramic tile. The Oracle Beach Apartments consisted of a 40 and a 50 level tower. The two towers were new construction and tile was to be used throughout the majority of the interior spaces. The building consisted of residential, retail and office space. Reliable tile and water-proofing systems were needed to prohibit any water leakage in the towers that cause damage.
Solution:
BAT Tiling worked with ARDEX Australia to offer a SYSTEMARDEX solution. SYSTEMARDEX is a complete regiment of high quality, compatible tiling, flooring and waterproofing products matched with unparalleled technical and field support. Each SystemARDEX product is engineered through meticulous research and developed with feedback from contractors, specifiers, manufacturers and clients. Because of this thorough process, ARDEX customers have full confidence in the quality and end results of SYSTEMARDEX products. Starting with one of the markets fastest drying acrylic membranes, installers applied ARDEX WPM 002 Superflex Bathroom and Balcony Two Part Waterproofing Membrane where needed. ARDEX WPM 002 specifically addresses internal moisture issues under tiles. Because ARDEX WPM 002 is microfiber reinforced, a reinforcing mat is not needed. In non-exposed permanent immersion areas, ARDEX WPM 155 Undertile PU Acrylic Hybrid Membrane was applied. This water-based, polyurethane-acrylic waterproofing membrane was developed for internal and external wet areas for high performance under tile waterproofing. Once the waterproofing membrane was sufficiently dry, screeds were placed throughout the building. To ensure the screeds would have strong bonds, high shears and tensile strengths, ARDEX Abacrete Bonding Agent was added. ARDEX Abacrete is a non-toxic liquid polymer additive designed specifically for use with screeds and renders. This additive also improves water resistance in the flooring. To ensure the tile adhesives would bond appropriately to the substrates, ARDEX Multiprime Water-Based Primer was recommended. ARDEX Multiprime is easy to apply using a sponge, brush or roller. This process saves time and creates a strong bond between the screed and adhesive. Where necessary, ARDEX Abaflex Premium Polymer Modified Flexible Tile Adhesive was applied, and ARDEX DS 40 Impact Sound Reduction and Decoupling system was placed. ARDEX Abaflexs’ eight-hour cure time allows contractors to quickly move forward with the project. ARDEX Abaflex is a good choice because of its flexibility in accommodating cracks (up to .9 mm) created by building movement. ARDEX DS 40 enhanced the luxury of the multipurpose building by reducing impact noise transfer from tenants above. ARDEX DS 40 acoustic mats are pre-cut for easy application and can be placed over various substrates. ARDEX DS 40 can also be directly tiled over using an ARDEX tile adhesive. To accommodate the variety of tiles used in the building, ARDEX X 10 Flexible Non Slump Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive was recommended. ARDEX X 10 is a polymer modified, cement-based wall and floor tile adhesive created with mastic properties ideal for all tile types. The mastic properties prevent sagging and movement in flooring and wall tile installation, maintaining the level of quality required by general contractors. Once tiles were placed, ARDEX grouts were used as the final step. Where pigmented grout was required, ARDEX FG 8 Flexible Colored Grout for Tile Joints 1 to 8 mm wide was used. ARDEX FG 8 may be used on floors and walls and is easy to apply using a rubber trowel. Because it contains anti-mold agents and water repellents, the appearance and overall cleanliness of the rooms is easily maintained. ARDEX FG 8 also cures to a smooth finish reducing the amount of trapped dirt and airborne contaminants. ARDEX Fine Textured Wall Tile Grout was placed in areas that required white grout with a joint size from 1 to 3 mm. This standard grade compressed grout was designed specifically for use on walls, and is an economical choice for ceramic and porcelain tiles. This helps reduce the cost of the project when a specialty grout is not necessary. Wherever a wider joint width occurred, ARDEX Wide Joint Sanded Cement-Based Grout was applied. This grout is shrink-resistant, and is especially suited for wider joints ranging from 5 to 15 mm. It can be used for floor or wall applications, around swimming pools and showers, and is available in a range of colors. For all carpeted areas, ARDEX AF 266 Outdoor Carpet Adhesive was recommended. This water-based adhesive has a low odor, so it is ideal for indoor use. ARDEX recommended this product, because it is resistant to the frequent, commercial grade cleaning expected in a luxury multi-purpose high rise. Each of the products used for this project are part of the SYSTEMARDEX solution. With SYSTEMARDEX, not only are they receiving products that have been manufactured and tested to ARDEX procedures in accordance with Quality System Standard ISO 9001, but they are also warrantied for 10 years. With SYSTEMARDEX warranty and quality assurance, specifiers, contractors and building owners have complete peace of mind knowing that installation was done right the first time, and will withstand heavy use.
AEON Shopping Mall – Vietnam
Project Name:
AEON Mall
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Installer / Applicator:
Intechem Co Ltd
Featured Products:
ARDEX WPM 160 ARDEX WPM 185
SITUATION:
A well-known chain of shopping malls in Vietnam required waterproofing for deck roof with an A.P.P (atactic polypropylene) membrane.
CHALLENGES:
The project required an A.P.P membrane with high quality and the installation had to be completed after 2 weeks.
SOLUTION:
ARDEX WPM 160 Polyester reinforced APP Bitumen Membrane & ARDEX WPM 185 Mineral coated APP membrane. When torching APP membranes, the bitumen begins to flow like candle wax when it reaches temperatures above 300◦F. The molten bitumen then behaves like hot mopping asphalt and will flow. That makes the job quick, smooth and fast.
McDonald – United Kingdom
Ardex UK has been appointed by the world’s largest family restaurant chain, McDonalds, to supply a tile fixing solution for the re-fit of all of the chain’s UK restaurant locations, having demonstrated expertise and understanding of large scale ‘roll out’ refurbishment programmes, and the necessity to ensure consistency of product, as well as the provision of technical support.
After initial consultations and site visits with the Mcdonald’s Property Team, Ardex proposed and efficient cost and labour saving ‘tile on tile’ solution for the tilling refurbishment. The proposal was supported by product demonstrations to the McDonald’s team. As well as the appointed tiling contractors.
Each refit will commence with the existing wall and floor tiles being cleaned with ardex DGR degreaser. Any damaged tiles will be removed, and the areas patch repaired to level using Ardex Ardurapid A45 rapid hardening and drying internal repair mortar which is able to receive new tiles only 90 minutes after application, regardless of thickness.
To facilitate tile on tile application, Ardex P4 Primer Was specified for use onto the existing tiles. This offer rapid drying of just one hour, enabling the early fixing of new tiles with Ardex X 77 Microtec Flexible Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive. Ardex X 77 has an opentime of up to 60 minutes, providing greater fixing efficiency over large areas, and has been developed to fix heavier, large tiles without slipping.
For the floors, Ardex P 4 Primer was specified for use on the existing floor tiles prior to the application of Ardex Microtec X 78 S Ultra Rapid Setting Floor Tile Adhesive that offers rapid hardening performance that enables tiles to be walked on and grouted after only 90 minutes.
Ardex-Flex FL Rapid Setting Flexible Grout, With Built-in admix, was chosen to fill the tie joints. In addition to offering a colour palette of 32 colours, Ardex-Flex tile grouts incorporate flexibility, water repellence, ease of application and dirt resistance.
H & M,Kallang Wave Sport Hub – Singapore
Project Name:
H&M,
Kallang Wave-Sports Hub Mall – Singapore
Installer:
Coating and Lining
Technologies Pte Ltd – Singapore
Architect:
H&M – Singapore HQ
Featured Products:
ARDEX A 35 Rapid Set Screed Cement
ARDEX R2SE Solvent Free Epoxy Primer
ARDEX R 25 SE Self-Smoothing Epoxy
Floor System
Challenge:
- 200 m2 installation area
- Four – day installation time frame
- Store located on ground level with risks for moisture in slabs
- Multiple trades on the job site
Situation:
H&M Singapore was opening a retail space in the Kallang Wave Mall within Singapore Sports Hub. The distance from the subfloor to the finished floor top level was more not level. The store was located on the ground floor of the mall putting it at issues. Tile installers, heating, vent and air conditioning installers and painting trades functioned simultaneously and had to complete work in four days.
Solution:
To remedy the uneven subfloor, Coating and Lining Technologies used ARDEX A 35 Rapid Set Screed Cement to create an unbonded surface. ARDEX A 35 Rapid Set Screed Cement provides an instant floor, receiving most finished floor materials after only 24 hours. ARDEX A 35 can also be installed as an unbonded screed layer without warping risk. Next, ARDEX R2SE Solvent Free Epoxy Primer was used to seal the substrate preventing air coming out from cement screed pores. ARDEX R 25 SE Self-Smoothing Epoxy coating was installed at varying thicknesses of 2 to 3 mm with no blistering or air bubbles. ARDEX R 25 SE combines outstanding wearing properties with chemical resistance and decorative properties. Ideally suited in areas where a seamless, joint free finish is required and maximum cleanliness is essential.
H & M,Vivo City Mall – Singapore
Project Name:
H & M, Vivo City Mall, Singapore
Installer/Applicator:
Coating & Lining Technologies Ptd Ltd, Singapore
General Contractor:
Kingsmen Projects Pte Ltd, Singapore
Owner / Architects:
H&M Singapore Head office
Featured Products:
PANDOMO K2
ARDEX A 45 Rapid Hardening & Drying Repair Mortar
ARDEX R2SE General Purpose Solvent Free Epoxy Primer
ARDEX Stone Oil
Challenge:
- Multiple trades working simultaneously
- Nosie regulation, night work
- Wet areas
- 1200m2 project in just three days
Situation:
The client wanted a beautiful PANDOMO® Loft floor. The substrate was old cement sand screed with numerous cracks and loose patch. The environment presented strict prohibitions against dust and noise. The temperature in the mall is around 21 to 23 degrees Celsius when open, but up to 30 degrees after hours.
Solution:
A combination of ARDEX products, customer service, technical services and support enabled this job to be successfully completed from start to finish. Coating & Lining Technologies is experienced in the retail environments and was able to work around other trades, even on the crowded midnight schedule. Communication between all the parties was outstanding. The finished, colour- matched PANDOMO Loft floor was delivered on time and in perfect condition.
City Link Mall – Singapore
Installer and General Contractor:
Featured Products:
- ARDEX P 51 Primer and bonding agent
- ARDEX CL 5 Commercial Self-Levelling Topping
- ABA 330L
Challenges:
- ARDEX had been chosen to provide a flooring solution in a newly opened retail shop located at City Link Shopping Mall in Singapore. The design featured triangle shapes of 10mm thick flooring.
Problem:
- The challenges for this project were a tight timeline and customized shape of the finished floor. The installation needed to be completed in one week and was 1000㎡, so the team was required to work at night.
- To achieve the desire thickness of 10mm and a finish in consistent color, the application of topping had to be completed two times at 5mm thickness each application.
- In line with expectations, the product used were environmentally friendly, being certified with the Green Label.
Solution:
- Correct subfloor preparation and priming, completed with the water-based primer ARDEX P51, played a major role in the success of this project. In oder to achieve the required thickness of the self-levelling topping ARDEX CL 5, two applications of 5mm each were necessary. To ensure color consistency, exact water ratio was used when mixing the 25 kg bags. To ensure excellent toughness and wear resistance of the finished floor, concreate sealer ABA330L was used as a topcoat over the cementitious topping. The product was spray-applied and completely dry after 24 hours.
Bur Juman Centre – Middle East
Teams:
- ARDEX UK
- ARDEX Middle East
Installers:
- Al Habtoor Marble Co. – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Plus Screeding LLC – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
General Contractor:
- Al Ghurair Group – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Architects:
- Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) – London, UK
- Dar Al-Handasah – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Featured:
- ARDEX A 35 Rapid Setting and Drying Cement for Floor Screeds
- ARDEX S 16TM Natural Stone Adhesive
- ARDEX MG Grout
- ARDEX K 15® Self-Leveling Underlayment Concrete
Other Products:
- ARDEX P 51TM Primer
- ARDEX WPM 002 Rapid Drying Two-Component Waterproofing Membrane
Challenges:
- Fast Turnaround, overnight installation 11 p.m. – 8 a.m. to receive foot traffic by 10 a.m.
- Large amount of traffic
- 24,000 m2 (258,333 ft2)
- Replace the floor without disturbing other shops in the mall
- Existing screed and natural stone floor had to be removed
Problem:
BurJuman opened in 1991 and is currently one of the oldest malls in the area; however it also offers office space and residential areas with access to metro station lines. Currently, it houses stores such as Tiffany & Co making it one of the most popular shopping destinations. Because of its popularity, when deciding to refurbish the cracked and stained natural stone flooring, the Al Ghurair Group wanted the work to be completed in 100-200 m2 (1000-2000 ft2) sections at night with minimal disruptions to the stores. This gave the workers a daily window of 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. with an expectation of the floor needing to be ready for foot traffic each day by 10 a.m. Originally built with poor quality screeds and adhesives with sub-standard installation practices; BurJuman Centre had not lived up to the original expectations of the luxury stores found inside this Dubai destination. With that in mind, when it was time to install a new floor system, ARDEX Middle East was called upon to provide a product solution utilizing the ARDEX Natural Stone System. Solution: The specification was written by KPF Architects in London with assistance from the ARDEX UK Representative. To ensure the system would be installed properly, ARDEX provided training for the team of installers. Product training seminars are offered by each ARDEX branch to ensure the products are used properly and to introduce contractors to products which they may not be familiar with. ARDEX also provides on the jobsite training. When the installation began, an ARDEX Representative from Middle East and a Technical Representative from ARDEX UK were on site offering installation tips to further train the installation crew on ways to install the products to protect the surrounding areas. Each night, the workers started by removing the old flooring down to the concrete making sure to remove all existing materials that could create a bond breaker for the new floor system. Once the concrete was prepared, a layer of ARDEX P 51 Primer was applied. Using ARDEX P 51 sealed the existing porous concrete and helped create a bond for the ARDEX K 15 that was being installed. ARDEX P 51 was well suited in this time sensitive situation, because it can dry in as little as one hour in a controlled environment. Once the primer dried, the specification called for an underlayment of ARDEX K 15, an easy to use, self-leveling underlayment that can be poured or pumped into placed and can be installed in thicknesses ranging from 5 to 35mm neat. Because ARDEX K 15 is a fast-track product, this allowed the flooring installation to continue in only 16 hours. Once the ARDEX K 15 sufficiently cured a layer of ARDEX WPM 002 was applied. ARDEX WPM 002 is a strong, fast drying two component waterproof membrane that is formulated with synthetic microfibers to increase strength and eliminate the need for a separate reinforcement mat. Because WPM 002 has been designed to use with ARDEX tile adhesives it does not re-emulsify and accommodates normal building movement. ARDEX WPM 002 eliminated steps typically associated with competitors’ products because it is a fast-drying product and controls excess construction moisture in the subfloor, so it helped the crew stay on schedule with the project. ARDEX A 35 was the next step in the BurJuman floor refurbishment. ARDEX A 35 is a rapid-setting and drying cement floor screed with a compressive strength of 40 N/mm2 (5,800 psi) and can be applied as bonded, unbonded or floating. Because ARDEX A 35 was developed with ARDEX Rapid Dry Technology, the installers could move to the next step of the installation quickly. Finally, a combination of ARDEX S 16 Stone Adhesive and ARDEX MG Grout was used to place the natural stone tiles. ARDEX S 16 was specified, not only because of its rapid drying properties, but also because it can be used in areas that are intermittently damp and was specifically designed for use with natural stone systems. This would help control the staining caused by many tile adhesives associated with moisture problems. This allowed the contractors to grout the tile with ARDEX MG after only a two hour drying period. ARDEX MG Grout is strong enough for foot traffic in just 1½ hours and was specifically developed to use with natural stone systems. Working with ARDEX UK, KPF Architects of London was able to specify a system that would get the refurbishment done properly and on time, meeting the required criteria set by the Al Ghurair Group with a comprehensive 10-Year warranty. In 2005, After the installation, BurJuman won the Retail ME Mall of the year.
Folkwang Museum – Germany
Installer:
- Otto Aman Estrichverlegung GmbH & Co. KG – Beelen, Germany
GENERAL CONTRACTORS:
- Neubau Museum Folkwang Essen GmbH (Wolff Group) – Stuttgart, Germany • W+P Gesellschaft für Projektabwicklung mbH (Wolff Group) – Stuttgart, Germany
ARCHITECTS:
- David Chipperfield Architects – Berlin, Germany
- Plan Forward (Wolff Group) – Stuttgart, Germany
Product Featured :
Challenges:
- 6,500 m2 (17,223 ft2)
- Fast track installation
- Durable
- Incorporate local mineral aggregate
Problem:
In anticipation of Essen’s upcoming City Cultural Year of 2010, Halbach-Stiftung announced the foundation would provide funds for a new building. This prompted Essen to hold an international architecture competition in which twelve architecture firms were invited for participation. Once the winner was chosen and announced, the construction of the new building began.
The new building, which would incorporate the old building from 1960, was designed to flow from space to space with interior courtyards, gardens and foyers. The minimalist elegant style would feature clear lines with flowing rooms, all on one level and be highlighted by an almost seamless floor that was individual in nature, incorporating local minerals into a terrazzo style floor.
Solution:
With the floor surface being such an important part of the design, the Architects from Plan Forward consulted with ARDEX to create the PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic floor. This floor provided a completely modern and individual look defining a new generation of terrazzo floors.
PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic was created in exact accordance to the architects’ wishes. Top design quality, speed of installation, and durability were of the upmost importance. Incorporated into approximately 6,500 m2 (17,223 ft2 ) of the building; PANDOMO BG Binder was mixed with locally sourced Rhine gravel to give the exhibition areas a unique image without being too dominating and distracting the visitors’ attentions from the exhibits. The materials are lightweight, and can be applied with a standard forced action mixer or screed pump, saving time and money. For this installation, the floor was applied in 100m2 (1,075 ft2 ) sections, sanded several times and any voids created in the process were filled with PANDOMO TFW / TFB filling compounds.
PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic is based on the traditional terrazzo technique but uses local materials which gives the flooring a much more lively structure compared to its classic counterparts. This homogenous material is suitable for rebuilds, renovations and high-traffic areas.
IKEA Store – China
Installer:
- Shanghai Weigu Corrosion Company – Shanghai, China
Product Featured:
- ARDEX Polyurethane Self-Leveling System
Challenges:
- Cracking in various areas throughout the existing concrete substrate
- Installation completed while store remained open, so a product with low or no odor was required
- Area to be repaired in sections 4500 m2 (48,439 ft2)
- Abrasion resistant floor required
- Able to withstand heavy rolling loads and foot traffic
- Over five year floor repair solution required
Problem:
Known for its inspiring quality and economical home furnishing displays, IKEA experienced failures with their existing floors and asked ARDEX to find a solution. IKEA wanted a product that was durable, abrasion resistant and aesthetically pleasing. They also wanted a floor with superior longevity that was easy to maintain.
Solution:
Offering complete customer service and technical support, ARDEX recommended Shanghai Weigu Corrosion Company and IKEA China to use ARDEX Self-Leveling Polyurethane System. This flooring system would repair existing cracks in the substrate and meet IKEA’s finished flooring requirements. To ensure there would be no harsh odors during installation, Shanghai Weigu Corrosion Company installed a fan system and VOC monitors. This system was used to make sure there was absolutely no distracting odor in the air while customers shopped. After each area was sectioned off, Shanghai Weigu Corrosion Company used a grinding machine to prepare the existing surface to receive ARDEX Self-Leveling Polyurethane System. The grinding process creates a strong bond to concrete, removing any possible contaminates that could cause failures with the ARDEX system. To prevent cracks from reflecting or telegraphing through to the new floor system, cracks larger than .8 mm (1/32”) were filled with a suitable cementitious patching compound. The ARDEX Polyurethane Self-Leveling System is a threecoat system. Once all pre-existing cracks were filled, the ARDEX R7PP Polyurethane Primer was installed to ensure a strong bond between the flooring system and the substrate. Next, ARDEX R120PP Polyurethane Body Coat was installed followed by the ARDEX R115PP Polyurethane Top Coat. The ARDEX Polyurethane Self-leveling System was selected because it is easy to install, extremely durable, abrasion resistant and has a long life span. ARDEX Polyurethane Self-Leveling Systems could be installed seamlessly to maintain an aesthetically pleasing floor, the perfect combination for IKEA China.
