Listed Farnborough wind tunnels repaired with Sika

Refurbishment works on three reinforced concrete buildings that house the wind tunnels at the former RAE in Farnborough, have recently been completed using Sika concrete repair systems and coatings.

SEGRO, who bought the site from the MOD following its closure in 1999, are developing the site as Farnborough Business Park, whilst incorporating the 25 acre historic quarter where the wind tunnels and research buildings are situated.

Repairs to the listed buildings have been completed by specialist contractor Gunite Limited using Sika concrete repair systems.

Large areas of spalled concrete have been replaced using SikaCem 133 Gunite, a one-part dry spray system that can be applied both vertically and overhead.

It has rapid strength gain with low shrinkage, making it ideal for large volume repairs.

Smaller repairs were carried out using the Sika MonoTop repair system.

Sika Monotop 615 is a cementitious pre-bagged, hand applied repair mortar that has low shrinkage and when used in conjunction with Sika Monotop 610 has an excellent bond to properly prepared concrete.

SikaGard 550W anti-carbonation, protective, decorative coatings were chosen to complete the project.

BBA approved SikaGard elastic coatings are water based with excellent UV and crack bridging properties, and can be manufactured by Sika to any colour specified by the client.

Julian Harrap Archtects have worked with English Heritage to ensure the integrity of the refurbished buildings.

Feasibility studies are ongoing to explore both the potential reuse as wind tunnels or alternative uses for the buildings.

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