Cemex helps US theme park erupt

Mexico-based building materials giant Cemex has revealed it delivered 10,000 m³ of cement to a new theme park in Orlando, a significant proportion going into the construction of its centrepiece – a 61m volcano.

The hand-carved volcano, thought to be the largest of its kind in the world, includes internal and external waterslides, and 2,500 m³ of sprayed concrete from Cemex required a special mix of corrosion inhibitor and waterproofing admixture, designed to withstand the constant flow of water, as well as the volcano’s unique fire features.

During construction, concrete was sprayed at a high velocity onto the mesh and rebar structure, before it could be carefully hand sculpted, giving it the appearance of rock.

Keith Stewart, senior account manager for CEMEX in Orlando, said, “To complete this project, we utilised three plants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One plant ran corrosion inhibitor and waterproofing, while another ran colour and a third handled white concrete.”