Flowcrete Scores Hat Trick Ahead of FIFA World Cup
In the largest ever project carried out by Flowcrete South Africa to date, three of the company’s specialist flooring systems have been installed at the iconic Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Set to be viewed by millions of people across the globe, the stadium takes centre stage as the venue for several of the key games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including the opening and closing matches.
Beating off stiff competition, Flowcrete secured the specification for 90,000 square metres of its flooring systems to be installed. Flowcrete South Africa Managing Director Ian Harrison says, “This is a major milestone in our history and we are very proud to be associated with this landmark project.”
Flowcrete flooring references at similar stadia projects elsewhere in the world helped land the deal. These include Wembley in the UK and Zayed Sports City in the UAE.
Ready For Kick Off
At Soccer City, Flowcrete’s Deckshield polyurethane deck-coating system was selected for installation in the external walkways and the new players’ tunnel. “Deckshield provides a durable and fully trafficable surface capable of withstanding the heavy foot and vehicular traffic expected at the stadium,” says Mr Harrison.
“The system is also waterproof and UV stable, providing protection against the elements.” It is the only system of its kind to be certified to the stringent American Standards Testing specification ASTM C957.
In order to provide a sound, level substrate for the Deckshield, a high strength semi-cementitious screed known as Isocrete Self Level Plus was installed first. In the stairwells and changing rooms, Flowcrete’s Flowcoat Cascade was installed.
The three flooring systems were locally produced and supplied from Flowcrete South Africa’s manufacturing facilities to international specifications. The entire installation was carried out by local firm Sealcon, Flowcrete South Africa’s licensed contractor.
Durban Delivery
Flowcrete also worked on a second World Cup venue, the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where over 2,700 square metres of its Flowcoat Cascade system was installed.
Formulated to a special colour specification, Stadium Grey, and with integrated slip resistance, the system was applied in all the food and beverage areas as well as the washrooms.
Both projects were carried out in accordance with an intensive construction schedule in order to deliver the facilities in time for the grand opening.
More About Soccer City: Symbolic Design, Extensive Upgrade
World-leading stadium architects Populous teamed with Boogertman Urban Edge of South Africa to develop the unique Soccer City design, taking inspiration from the African calabash or cooking pot.
The calabash design was chosen as the ultimate symbol of the melting pot of African cultures. The stadium façade is comprised of glass fibre reinforced concrete panels in eight different colour shades and two different textures, reflecting those of the calabash.
The upper roof is cantilevered from a vast triangular spatial ring truss and covered by a PTFE membrane similar in colour to that of the sand in Johannesburg’s old gold mines.
The project involved refurbishment of the original 80,000-seat First National Bank Stadium to create a modern facility with a capacity for 94,700 spectators. New offices and changing rooms have been built, as well as a new players’ tunnel and a basement.
The works were carried out by a consortium comprising BAM International of The Netherlands and Grinaker LTA of South Africa. Phumelela Africa Professional Engineers acted as Project Managers.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Flowcrete UK Ltd, part of Flowcrete Group Ltd, is a world leader in the manufacture of seamless industrial and commercial flooring with international manufacturing facilities in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Flowcrete supplies world-class seamless flooring solutions to transform environments across the globe including; decorative seamless resins, waterproof car park deck coating systems, seamless resin terrazzo, durable antimicrobial flooring, corrosion protection, self leveling Isocrete screed underlayments, underfloor heating and sound-proofing acoustic insulation.
Flowcrete’s ambitious and dedicated team is inspired by excellence in people, products and service as well as continual innovation and sustainable growth.
Flowcrete continues to use its global expertise to introduce environmentally friendly, hygienic and aesthetically attractive floors to create a better and more sustainable world.
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