At Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire the world renowned centre for radio astronomy Sika has demonstrated its ability to deliver high performance concrete repair and protection solutions with a comprehensive range of the companys products helping to repair a concrete frame supporting their Mark II telescope.
Supporting the 25x38 metre diameter telescope dish, the concrete frame stands 25 metres high and was constructed fifty years ago. To make primary repairs, Grade 2 utilised cherry pickers to apply the two-component Sika® Monotop system comprising a bonding primer and reinforcement coating followed by a concrete repair and reprofiling mortar. Once the repairs were made, Sika® Ferrogard®-903 was spray-applied to the external elements. Easy to apply and cost-effective, Sika® Ferrogard®-903 inhibits corrosion by delaying its start and dramatically slowing its rate, extending the maintenance and service life cycle of reinforced concrete. The surface applied system penetrates the concrete to provide a protective layer around steel reinforcement whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the structure.
Steve Parry, Operations Manager at Grade 2, said "a site which was very difficult to access due to the shape of structure we also couldnt use a fixed scaffold as the telescope had to freely rotate any time of day or night. The versatility of the cherry pickers allowed us to complete the high quality application of Sika products and bring this famous structure back to its best".