Sikafloor system ensures smooth operation at GE Energy facility

Sika has delivered a hard-wearing flooring system for GE Energy’s factory facility in Rugby. The system comprised a self-levelling mortar and high strength screed that would be able to withstand the high levels of traffic and heavy equipment on the factory floor.

GE Energy’s facility produces high efficiency electric power conversion components, such as generators, motor drives and automation controls.

In order to transform the existing uneven concrete floor to facilitate the safe and fluid movement of the equipment, specialist contractor Zircon Flooring specified 3,000m² of Sika flooring solutions.

To prepare the area, Zircon removed the existing rail tracks, which consisted of around 520 linear metres of steel, before the areas were cleaned and reinforced ready for a concrete infill. Old manholes were cut out and replaced with new frames and 40mm thick manholes. 

After shot blasting and vacuuming the areas, Zircon applied Sika EpoCem, an epoxy cementitious combination material, which acts as a surface mounted Damp Proof Membrane (DPM).

The surface of the factory floor was then levelled with the fast-setting Sikafloor Level 30 mortar, followed by a layer of Sikafloor 161 primer broadcast with quartz aggregate. Sikafloor 161 provides an integral DPM to prevent moisture from passing into the factory space.

A 3mm layer of Sikafloor 263 SL was applied to add an ultra-smooth finish to the floor, ensuring the air skates are able to move around efficiently without the threat of damage.

Stewart Draper, Director at Zircon Flooring, commented: “To ensure the finished floor was flat to within 1mm over a 2m straightedge, we had to drill screws every metre to achieve the correct level and ensure the completed floor was totally flat. An ultra-flat and smooth floor would also guarantee that no air would escape beneath the air skates, hindering their movement.”

Sika Limited
Watchmead
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 1BQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 1707 394444

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