One of Europe’s busiest motorways, the M25 handles around 200,000 vehicles every day on its busiest sections. At the core of the UK motorway network, it is one of Europe’s busiest roads and the widening is delivering much needed extra capacity to tackle congestion and improve journey times. In 2002 the London Orbital Multi Model Study (ORBIT) was tasked with addressing the problem. The ORBIT report recommended that most of the dual 3 lane sections of the M25 should be widened to 4 lanes.
The widening project from junctions 27 to 30 is being carried out by Skanska Balfour Beatty Joint Venture for Connect Plus, working on behalf of the Highways Agency, as part of the Design Build Finance and Operate Contract for the M25.
Sikaflex Construction, a high performance product, was approved by Skanska Balfour Beatty Joint Venture to be used as a joint sealant on the M25 Widening from junctions 27 to 30. This product has been used to seal the vertical movement joints of the newly constructed reinforced concrete walls at the Emergency Access Routes situated behind the embankment piers. It has also been used to seal the horizontal movement joints of the newly constructed reinforced concrete pier protection and pier strengthening at various bridge locations between junctions 27 and 30 of the M25.
Sikaflex Construction, from Sika was used to create a 100% watertight seal. A one part polyurethane sealant, Sikaflex is a versatile sealant that can be used for a variety of construction and civil engineer purposes. Easy to install and environmentally friendly, it is stain resistant and can be over painted. More importantly, once installed it provides a seal that is impregnable by water, dirt, dust and chemicals.
A classic one part polyurethane sealant, Sikaflex Construction is suitable for a wide range of building facades and structures and has a track record of over 35 years. Available in 4 standard colours, to help match stone or concrete, it is supplied in 600cc foil sausages for easy on site application by gun. Conforming to ISO 11600 Class F25HM/F20LM, it offers a cost effective method of sealing construction joints of up to 35mm.
Chosen for its tear resistance and ability to withstand dirt, water and chemical attack, it provided the ideal solution to protect the concrete retaining walls on the M25. By completely filling the joints between the various concrete components, Sikaflex Construction will help to prevent water, dirt and chemical ingress and ensure the longevity of the structures.
Sika offers a comprehensive range of joint sealing products, designed for a variety of different applications and building or structure types. These solutions are backed up by a highly experienced technical team, who offer expert specification advice and support.
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