Winter is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. That means reinforced concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings could be in for a wild ride on the “roller coaster” of freeze-thaw cycling. To minimize damage from these inevitable temperature swings, Cortec® recommends taking the simple maintenance step of applying a water repellent at least once every ten years. Here’s a closer look at why that is important. The Danger of Freeze-Thaw Cycling Residents of northern climates know what it is like to experience days or weeks of freezing winter temperatures, followed by a sudden thaw that temporarily melts snow and ice before freezing it again. Unfortunately, concrete absorbs moisture, which expands when it freezes, putting stress on the concrete and eventually causing it to crack. This allows more corrosives to enter, exacerbating the problem until corrosion and deterioration set in. Benefit of Applying Water Repellents One simple step toward minimizing the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle is to limit the amount of moisture (and chlorides) entering the porous structure by applying a silane water repellent that still leaves the concrete breathable and does not change its appearance. A good practice to follow is application once every 10 years, starting as early as possible in the life of the structure. Choose Your Level of Protection Engineers and contractors can choose from a range of silanes that offer varying degrees of protection, but the fact is that any water repellent is better than nothing. The use of a 40% silane water repellent tends to be more budget-friendly, while the use of a 100% silane water repellent keeps out more moisture. Combining either of these with an MCI® surface applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) is even better, providing two-in-one protection against the ingress of corrosives and actively fighting against corrosion at the rebar level if any corrosives do find their way into the concrete. The following options represent lower to higher protection: Protect Your Concrete Before Winter The next time you shiver at the thought of winter snow and cold, be sure to consider giving an extra layer of protection to your reinforced concrete to help it withstand harsh winters better. Whether your concrete is new or old, adding an MCI® water repellent is a great way to fortify your concrete structure against the effects of freeze-thaw cycling to promote a longer service life. Winter is coming. Prepare your structure now. Contact Cortec® MCI® for additional technical support on selecting the best water repellent for your situation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The slabs are an essential part of GOLDBECK’s systemised construction method – a process based on industrially manufactured system elements, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This approach ensures improved sustainability, delivering consistent quality, reducing waste and improving delivery times. Equally as important, this new partnership will enable the company to replicate its rigorous production and quality control standards while manufacturing within the UK, in Lound, Nottinghamshire, at a purpose-built facility for GOLDBECK on the ORANMORE PRECAST site. The partnership strengthens GOLDBECK’s network of production facilities across Europe. “This partnership with ORANMORE PRECAST represents a major step forward for GOLDBECK in the UK,” said Craig Davies, UK Managing Director. “Having been established here for over two decades, consistently delivering high-quality buildings manufactured precisely to the needs of each customer, we are incredibly excited to begin local production of our system components in this country. This move significantly strengthens our commitment to the UK market, aligning with our vision for building excellence.” The decision to partner with a UK manufacturer, also confirms GOLDBECK’s dedication to sustainability, a move that reduces transportation, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint. This means that for the immediate future, the company’s plans will be focussed on incorporating ORANMORE’s precast car park slabs into all its UK MSCP projects. “We are proud to mark a significant milestone in our partnership with GOLDBECK with the completion of a purpose-built fully automated carousel plant dedicated to the production of their premium car park slabs,“ said Ross Melville and Richard Burke, Joint Managing Directors at ORANMORE PRECAST. “This achievement reflects over 12 months of close collaboration between both teams, working together with a shared focus on efficiency, quality and sustainability.” In broader terms, the partnership represents a long-term investment in the UK’s construction infrastructure, aligning with GOLDBECK’s vision for scalable, systemised building solutions that combine quality, sustainability and efficiency. As ORANMORE PRECAST’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Nottinghamshire has recently gone live, the collaboration also sets a new benchmark for localised industrial production and positions both companies at the forefront of innovation in UK construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cable Services Group, the UK’s leading specialist distributor of cable and cable accessories, has strengthened its presence in London and the South East with the opening of a new distribution facility in Guildford. This latest strategic investment complements the group’s existing site in Swindon and reinforces its commitment to delivering a highly responsive service in the region. The new facility includes an 8,000-square-foot warehouse, which will significantly increase stockholding capacity and provide customers with greater product availability and faster response times. London and the South East continue to see strong demand for electrical supplies, driven by infrastructure upgrades and industrial projects. This investment positions Cable Services Group as a responsive, reliable and adaptable supplier. Having a local facility reduces lead times for urgent orders, whether time-sensitive projects or emergency repairs, and enables shorter delivery routes, supporting both sustainability and efficiency for developers and contractors. Commenting on the expansion, Ian Hill, Operations Manager for Cable Services South, said: “This investment allows us to work even more closely with our customers in London and the South East. We have developed tailored stock profiles to meet their specific needs, and our commitment to best-in-class customer service remains unwavering. By bringing our operations closer to our customers, we can deliver even more reliable, responsive and flexible support.” Cable Services Group is renowned for its commitment to high-quality products backed by agile, responsive service. Operating six branches across the UK, the group serves a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations across markets such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals; power generation, transmission, and renewables; utilities; rail; and EV charging. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

WJ Group has been nominated for Product of the Year after it successfully completed the installation of coloured surfacing on over 150 Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) as part of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme for National Highways. Shortlisted for Product of the Year at the Highways Awards later next month (September), WJ Group’s new product, RapidGrip was installed across the £390 million programme developed to improve driver confidence and safety by reducing the distance between emergency refuge areas. This ensures drivers have a safe space to pull over along smart motorways during situations such as breakdowns. Having high friction levels in each emergency area was essential to support safe stopping distances from vehicles rapidly decelerating from motorway speeds. Without the correct surface treatment, drivers risk skidding. Given the important role these bays play in supporting motorists during emergency situations, the speed at which they can be installed was a major factor. However, traditionally ERA bays required a two-coat high-friction coloured surfacing system. This method involved multiple teams and vehicles with long curing times, resulting in higher emissions, greater costs and increased work-related road risks. To address these challenges, SMP Alliance – the enterprise delivering the NEAR programme for National Highways – sought to find a more efficient solution. In response, WJ Group developed RapidGrip, a one-coat, cold-applied system that combines pigment, aggregate, and binder into a single application – enabling 2 bays to be completed in 1 shift. Developed in house, working closely with National Highways and SMP Alliance to ensure technical and operational compliance, the system went through extensive lab and live-site testing to ensure it delivered all of the Alliance’s requirements. This product eliminates the need for a road sweeper and multiple curing stages, significantly streamlining the installation process while maintaining high levels of skid resistance and surface performance. Since deployment, RapidGrip has delivered measurable outcomes: Martin Webb, Innovation Director at WJ Group, said: “WJ Group has been involved with the smart motorway programme since its inception, supporting the installation of ERA bays. However, with the scale and pace of the NEAR programme rollout, it became clear that a new solution was needed to address the limitations of previous methods. “Thanks to our close collaboration with SMP Alliance, and the capabilities of our in-house engineering, product manufacturing, and contracting teams, we knew we could develop a smarter way to deliver surfacing for ERA bays, one that truly worked better for our crews, clients, road users, and the environment. “With RapidGrip, I believe we’ve created a solution that meets all three of National Highways’ core imperatives: Safety, Customer, and Delivery.” For more information about RapidGrip and WJ Group’s surfacing innovations, visit www.wj.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

NEW UK INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY UNDERLINES NEED FOR LONG-TERM THINKING ON ROAD MAINTENANCE  THE GOVERNMENT’S 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, published this week, sets out a long-term vision to build resilient, efficient and high-performing infrastructure, which includes a commitment to invest £24 billion in the local road network by 2030. But while these long-term funding pledges are welcome, potholes remain one of the most visible and frustrating signs of the current strain on roads. Paul Thompson, technical specification manager at civil engineering solutions provider Wrekin Products, has responded to the strategy by stressing the urgent need to tackle the critical underlying issue using preventative solutions instead of short-term fixes.  Paul said: “Despite the promise of long-term investment in infrastructure, the reality on the roads tells a different story. The backlog of carriageway repairs in England and Wales remains severe, with recent estimates putting the figure at around £15.6 billion. What’s more, data continues to show that over half of the local road network has less than 15 years’ structural life remaining. The critical underlying issue here, which is highly and unhelpfully politicised, is the vast quantity of potholes.  “Road users want to see immediate action; meanwhile local authorities want to be seen to be fixing the issue. However, funding needs to be used wisely to prevent the formation of potholes in the first instance so that the longevity of our road network is increased and the need for costly, constant repairs is reduced.   “The mindset of those responsible for road maintenance needs to shift to one which focusses on whole life cost. Our view is backed by the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils and said the government should focus on preventative measures rather than “reactively” fixing potholes.  “Working with local authorities for many years, we’re fully aware of the power that correctly installed and high-quality materials can have on the likelihood of potholes forming. Issues typically arise when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Addressing these weaknesses stops the cycle before it can begin. Every 16 seconds a pothole is filled, which is simply not sustainable. Surface failures and failing ironwork go hand in hand, so we need this connection to be more widely recognised.   “Though the initial cost of measures like this is higher than patchwork repairs, soon enough the expenses from further repairs, disruption to roads while carrying them out, and damage to vehicles from untreated potholes makes the potential savings for local authorities and their residents alike astronomical.  “It was recently revealed that under new government plans there will be greater monitoring of local authority performance on road maintenance, with councils expected to publish annual reports in order to maintain access to millions of pounds in funding. The Department for Transport has also contacted local highway authorities to outline what this reporting should include, covering both reactive and preventative work. Importantly, it reinforces that temporary quick fixes should be avoided wherever possible and that a focus on prevention delivers better long-term value.”  “We see this as a positive step forward but urge those responsible for road maintenance to see potholes as more than just a surface issue. Within the framework of a 10-year infrastructure vision, long-term, below-the-surface solutions must become the standard rather than the exception.”  For more information on solutions to the UK’s pothole problem, read Wrekin Products’ industry report Potholes – More Than a Surface Issue here: wrek.in/potholes  To learn more about Wrekin Products, visit www.wrekinproducts.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first quarter of the year, with both products declining by 6.3% compared to the previous quarter. Asphalt sales are now at their lowest point in over a decade, not counting the pandemic years, pointing to a particularly subdued road-building pipeline. Ready-mixed concrete volumes have dropped to around three million cubic metres per quarter—the lowest level seen in over 60 years. While the UK’s major infrastructure projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C continue to drive some demand for aggregates and concrete, they are increasingly the exception rather than the rule. The roads sector is especially under pressure, with numerous local and national schemes postponed or cancelled. This has had a direct impact on asphalt consumption, signalling a wider slowdown in public infrastructure spending. There was a modest 0.5% uptick in primary aggregates (crushed rock and sand & gravel), offering little comfort in an otherwise downbeat picture. The only sustained growth came from mortar sales, which rose by 3.8% for the fourth consecutive quarter—an indication that housebuilding activity, while still below normal levels, may be stabilising. External economic forces are also casting a shadow. Trade tensions stemming from recent global policy shifts, including fresh tariffs introduced by the US, are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility. There are concerns that redirected cement imports could place further strain on the domestic market, which already sees nearly a third of cement sourced from abroad. Leaders within the industry are calling for stronger government intervention to safeguard the UK’s mineral products sector. With construction so reliant on materials like cement, aggregates, and concrete, industry voices warn that a lack of policy support—on energy costs, planning reform, and public procurement—risks undermining the very foundations of future growth. Aurelie Delannoy, Director of Economic Affairs at the Mineral Products Association, commented that while housebuilding shows “early signs of improvement”, the broader construction outlook remains “fragile”, with delays in investment and interest rate uncertainty threatening progress. As the UK seeks to revive its building sector and deliver on net zero and growth ambitions, ensuring a robust domestic materials supply chain is more important than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

An upsurge in business, with orders for aggregate plants, equipment and services, has led Midlands headquartered Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies to undertake an all-encompassing recruitment drive. Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies (QMS) is a wholly owned and family run company located in the heart of England. Since its inception, QMS has passionately striven to deliver exceptional engineering, designing, developing and delivering process solutions that support customers in the quarrying, mining, recycling and demolition industries. QMS is today recognised as Europe’s premier manufacturer of aftermarket crusher spares, wear parts and bespoke processing equipment. The Coalville headquartered company has in recent years built on its success, supplying parts, services, and bespoke solutions throughout the UK, and increasingly throughout Europe and the rest of the world. In recent months the company has installed aggregate production facilities for some of the biggest names in the industry including Breedon Aggregates, Tarmac and Heidelberg Cement. In addition, the export side of the business is thriving with recent orders for its leading cone crushers to customers in Belgium, France and East Africa as well as a large bespoke quarry plant in Romania. “QMS continues to set an ever-increasing standard, not only meeting the needs of our customers, but also exceeding them, delivering a diverse range of products, solutions, and services through extensive industry knowledge, innovation and exceptional engineering ability,” said company managing director Jonathan Beck. “We operate from an extensive purpose-built facility, as well as other UK locations, and have established a robust and efficient network for supporting customers throughout the UK and across the globe.” QMS possesses fully equipped manufacturing and repairs workshops, placing a premium on investment in its people, technologies, processes and supplier partnerships, continuing to raise the bar in manufacturing excellence, aiming to deliver, at all times, exceptional service and outstanding value. As well as adding to its existing extensive offering, QMS is now undergoing an expansion, with a new additional purpose built manufacturing facility set to be completed by the end of 2025.  This will sit alongside the existing factory and offices in Coalville. In order to support its growing customer base, QMS has recently announced a major recruitment drive. “We have numerous vacancies for highly trained and motivated people who wish to contribute to our growing success. We would love to hear from design engineers, technicians and fitters who would like to contribute to our further success,” said Jonathan, who added, “And to help with our new staff, we also are looking for a dedicated and exceptional HR manager to join our management team.” Interested parties are advised to contact Jonathan Beck at Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies in Coalville. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A highly innovative screed, proven to deliver a lower carbon footprint, has played a key role in a major construction project, helping reach new heights at Canary Wharf in London’s Docklands! The project involved the development of two high-rise residential towers, known as Buildings J1 and J3, reaching an impressive 34 and 48 storeys respectively – or 180 metres! Main contractors, Canary Wharf, and specialist contractors TCS, needed a screed solution that could be pumped to such significant heights without compromising quality or performance. Gypsol TS-15, from LKAB was the product of choice. This groundbreaking step means that even the very tallest buildings can now install an advanced screed solution to support underfloor heating and other services – a product which LKAB Minerals will be showcasing for the first time at Futurebuild on Stand No E40. Traditional concrete and other options on the market tend to segregate during pumping at such great heights, which is why Gypsol was seen as the obvious choice. LKAB Minerals’ screed maintains its consistency, ensuring a flawless finish without the risk of segregation and the screed offers reduced carbon emissions as well as countless other advantages compared to its competitors! Other benefits include its ultra-thin application, which allows for greater floor-to-ceiling height and maximises usable space and its ability to deliver larger bay sizes, which reduces the need for joints, resulting in a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing floor. Gypsol TS-15 can also be poured more quickly and easily, reducing project timelines costs and is a preferred choice compared to traditional cement-based screeds. “LKAB Minerals’ Gypsol TS-15 screed proved to be the perfect solution for this ambitious project,” said Aaron Butterfield, of Canary Wharf Contractors. “The combination of its technical performance and pumpability made it a clear choice for us.” “This project has also set a new standard for high-rise construction. Using Gypsol screed allowed us to install, quickly and efficiently, a screed application at unprecedented heights.” Gypsol TS-15 delivers a low carbon footprint, aligning with Canary Wharf’s commitment to environmentally friendly development. The minimal thickness of the screed – it can be placed at a depth of just 15mm in either bonded or unbonded constructions – further minimises the weight on the building’s structure, contributing to overall efficiency. The project has delivered 790 new apartments, private amenity spaces and vibrant ground-floor retail and leisure facilities, all housed within two stunning towers. This development represents a significant step forward in creating a thriving and environmentally responsible urban community within London! “We were proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project,” said Timothy Draper, Technical Sales Manager for LKAB Minerals. “Our Gypsol TS-15 screed demonstrates how innovative materials can contribute to achieving ambitious construction goals while keeping responsible sourcing in mind.” “This project also signifies a major leap forward in high-rise construction. The use of Gypsol TS-15 screed not only addresses the technical challenges of reaching extreme heights, but further demonstrates our commitment to environmentally conscious building practices.” Gypsol TS-15 screed, a revolutionary liquid screed material specifically formulated for interior floors uses anhydrite as its primary binder. Anhydrite production generates significantly less CO₂ compared to cement! Furthermore, the Gypsol product range delivers faster drying times compared to traditional screeds, allowing for quicker project completion, matched by excellent strength and durability. It is suitable for a wide range of different applications including new build, refurbishment, underfloor heating systems and timber floor applications making it a compelling choice for architects, builders and developers seeking innovative construction methods. This has been demonstrated at Canary Wharf where the success of this project paves the way for even more ambitious high-rise developments. With innovative materials like Gypsol TS-15 pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of urban skylines appears to be reaching new heights, quite literally! Come and visit us at Futurebuild on stand E40. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals