The Canberra Centre, Canberra

CONTRACTOR: PDA Marble & Granite

CHALLENGE:
The challenge posed to ARDEX was that the 6000m² of walkways at The Canberra Centre needed an upgrade; however, minimal disruption to the walkways was of key importance to allow shoppers to move freely around the centre.

This meant that the new screed and tile adhesive would be subject to heavy foot traffic in a matter of hours.

As some of the work conducted was to outside areas in the middle of winter, the temperature also provided a challenge to ARDEX as the temperature would get down to as low as 2 degrees.

SOLUTION:
Working with Marble and Granite specialist PDA, ARDEX specified the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed to be used to re-screed the walkways after existing tiles and screed were removed. Large areas of the project could all be done in the one night as the ARDEX A 38 screed has a walkability time of 8 hours and achieves 20MPa compressive strength after 1 day and 35MPa after 28 days. The shopping centre walkway could then be covered to allow foot traffic in the morning and throughout the day.

Areas which had a smaller depth to level before tiling were levelled with ARDEX LQ 92 Under Tile Levelling Compound, which can be accessed in 4 hours after installation in suitable conditions, to a thickness of up to 25mm.

The ARDEX S 16 Rapid Drying and Hardening Tile and Natural Stone Adhesive, mixed with ARDEX E 90 Admix was then used in order to allow the tiling to be completed on the second night. With it being trafficable after 2-3 hours in suitable conditions, ARDEX S 16 allowed the tiling component of the project to be performed efficiently to allow the walkways to be open and ready for foot traffic at the start of the day.

A special batch of the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed was produced for the 500m2 external areas, which experienced single digit temperatures throughout the winter installation.

In addition to the high performing system components, ARDEX’ Key Account Manager for Tiling NSW, ensured that the products were on site when the project required; and installation guidance combined with advice was always available to ensure the project ran smoothly.

Using a complete system by ARDEX ensured that all components were working together to provide an efficient, robust base and floor at The Canberra Centre which was backed by an ARDEX System Warranty. A special batch of the ARDEX A 38 Rapid Set Screed was produced for the 500m2 external areas, which experienced single digit temperatures throughout the winter installation.

In addition to the high performing system components, ARDEX’ Key Account Manager for Tiling NSW, ensured that the products were on site when the project required; and installation guidance combined with advice was always available to ensure the project ran smoothly.

Using a complete system by ARDEX ensured that all components were working together to provide an efficient, robust base and floor at The Canberra Centre which was backed by an ARDEX System Warranty.