Page 121 - Demo

PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTSwww.cpi-worldwide.com CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 4 | 2025 121The technology behind BioMatrix is based on the proprietary production method of IceFormwork, which uses regular ice to program the network of cavities of a specific size and shape in a concrete element. The production process uses standard industrial material-processing operations, such as crushing and sieving of ice bits, as well as it benefits of the integral intelligence of ice crystallization and self-organization. An ice processing unit based on a standard intermodal container provides production capacity of 8 m%u00b3 of ice formwork per day. Once ice has taken the shape of the desired cavity program, the geometry is transferred to a mineral binder through casting. In-house developed admixture allows superior rheology and rapid strength gain at negative temperatures, preventing ice melting. In 24 hours material reaches 20% of its final strength and can be demoulded through autonomous ice melting. Through this process, the extremely intricate shape of BioMatrix is being safely released into meltwater in a completely autonomous way. The meltwater aids the curing process during the early stages of hydration and is collected at the end of the cycle to produce new ice. After demoulding, the BioMatrix mechanical strength development accelerates and reaches a value of over 70 MPa of compressive strength in 28 days. BioMatrix facade demonstrator, 100 x 250 x 15 cm, 300 kg, porosity 15-20 cm. %u00a9Vasily Sitnikov