Anders Claesson, Pump Manager at Thomas Betong, shares his experiences from the project:
“Karlatornet has been unique in so many ways, from the technical challenges to the customized solutions. We were well-prepared and had a clear plan, but the project also required quick problem-solving and ad hoc adjustments to handle unexpected situations that arose along the way.”
Customized equipment for unique project
To reach the high altitudes of Karlatornet, specialized equipment was required for almost every task. The concrete pump used was manufactured by Schwing Stetter in Germany and could handle a concrete pressure of 230 bar in high-pressure mode – almost three times more than a standard pump.
The 350-meter pipe through which the concrete was pumped was specially built to withstand a pressure of up to 200 bar at the base.
“The concrete in the pipes weighed over ten tons in total, which placed extreme demands on both the materials and equipment,” says Anders Claesson.
At the top of the tower, a 32-meter-long distribution mast was used, which was moved upward as construction progressed. The mast made it possible to distribute the concrete exactly where it was needed, despite the height and enormous pressure.
The project was also dependent on the weather, which sometimes affected both lifting and material handling, especially when the wind was too strong. This meant that the team needed to be flexible and quickly adapt to new plans.
High-strength concrete that resists
The concrete used in Karlatornet was also far from standard. To meet the high strength requirements, a special ballast of granite from Glimminge was used. At the same time, the concrete needed to cure quickly enough for the forms to be released the day after each casting.
“High-strength concrete is a challenge to pump because it feels like it ‘resists.’ But thanks to our two dedicated plants, we were able to ensure concrete of precisely the right quality and deliver what was required to meet the extreme demands,” says Anders.
A milestone for Team Thomas
The work on Karlatornet has not only resulted in a new landmark for Gothenburg but also provided us with invaluable experiences for the future.
“It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come, both figuratively and literally. Karlatornet has not only challenged us technically but has also shown what we can achieve together, as the Concrete Specialists. This project has been a fantastic journey for us at Team Thomas, and we look forward to bringing the experiences to future projects,” concludes Anders.
In the third and final part about Karlatornet, we get an insight into the construction process and the finished tower that the city of Gothenburg now proudly boasts.
