LafargeHolcim’s World Cup work
13 June 2018
Materials producer LafargeHolcim has contributed to the construction and reconstruction of key infrastructure projects in Russia recently, including eight of the 12 stadiums that will be used for the World Cup football tournament that begins this week.
The group’s cement plants in Shurovo, Ferzikovo and Volsk, and aggregate quarries in Karelia Republic all played a role in providing construction materials for stadiums such as Moscow’s flagship Luzhniki Stadium. This venue will host seven matches, including the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as the final on 15 July.
At the Luzhniki Stadium, following a four-year renovation programme that was completed at the end of 2017, and a capacity expansion to 80,000, LafargeHolcim Russia provided the specialised cement required by the project and technical requirements – high compressive strength and reduced hydration heat to avoid cracks and increase durability of construction.
LafargeHolcim said the project called for an uninterrupted supply of cement, additional quality control and technical support in the composition of ready-mix concrete. The volume of cement supplied was more than 20,000 tonnes for more than 60,000m3 of concrete works.
In addition to the sporting venues, LafargeHolcim said it had provided a wide range of construction materials – cement and aggregates – for infrastructure projects, including airports, roads, tunnels and bridges, built to support what is the world’s most viewed sports event.
Marcel Cobuz, regional head Europe and member of the group executive committee, said, “Large infrastructure projects built to tight deadlines for such events are always a major challenge. As the leading global construction materials company, LafargeHolcim was able to meet these needs through our large network of cement plants and aggregate quarries across Russia that allowed a constant, high volume uninterrupted supply of highest quality cement to all construction projects.
“We are delighted and proud to be a preferred partner for such prestigious projects, in Russia and across Europe, capitalising on our global know-how.”
Apart from the Luzhniki Stadium, other major venues that LafargeHolcim was involved in include Kazan Arena, which will host six games; Ekaterinburg Arena with four group-stage matches; Nizhny Novgorod Arena, six matches; Volgograd Arena, four matches; Samara Arena, six matches; and the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, where four group-stage matches and one round-of-16 tie will be held.
