With export sales in 65 countries worldwide, Flexcrete’s protective coatings and concrete repair products are specified for refurbishment projects in hostile conditions all around the world. One impressive contract has recently been undertaken in the Krvavec Mountains in Slovenia’s Kamnik-Savinja Alps, where a reinforced concrete Radio and Television (RTV) Transmitter Tower has been renovated using a Flexcrete repair and protection system.
Around 100 metres high and based at an altitude of 1,740 metres, the Krvavec Transmitter Tower is the largest and most important Transmitting Centre in Slovenia, supplying the radio and TV network throughout many parts of the country, as well as international coverage. In fact, it facilitated the first television broadcast ever in Slovenia in 1957.
The tower is operated by RTV Slovenija and was built in the 1980’s, having replaced a former metal tower originally constructed in 1955. The structure has to withstand harsh conditions, as it is located in the ski resort of Krvavec and in 1991 it was even bombed by Yugoslav fighter planes during the Ten Day War, otherwise known as the Slovenian Independence War.
Concrete repairs were first carried out on the tower using Flexcrete Monomix HD, a rapid hardening cementitious repair mortar with exceptional high strength and abrasion resistance. It offers low permeability to water, even at 10 bar pressure, and very high diffusion resistance to acid gases and chloride ions. It enables easy high build trowel application and is CE marked in accordance with the demands of BS EN 1504, the pan European standard for concrete repair.
Flexcrete Bond-Prime was then applied to seal and consolidate the substrate prior to the application of Flexcrete Monodex Smooth, a highly advanced, waterborne, single component, waterproof, anti-carbonation coating. With a service life of up to 15 years and CE marked to BS EN 1504, it has an elastomeric formulation and can withstand substrate and thermal movement without deteriorating. It is exceptionally fast drying and two coats can be applied on the same day all year round, even in aggressive climatic conditions.
Monodex Smooth has an attractive, decorative finish and is available in a range of colours, of which light grey was chosen for this project, ensuring the tower will maintain an aesthetic, protective finish for many years. All Flexcrete materials were supplied by the company’s distributor in Slovenia, EMSA d.o.o.
With origins dating back to 1983, Flexcrete Technologies Limited manufactures a wide range of concrete repair mortars, fairing coats, waterproof cementitious coatings and decorative protective coatings. With its head office and manufacturing complex based in Leyland, North West England, Flexcrete products are available from stockholding distributors all around the UK. The company also has a global presence through international agents and distributors in 65 countries worldwide with export sales accounting for over 50% of its business.