Airium set to Transform UK Construction with Foam Concrete
London Concrete, a division of the global Holcim Group, has introduced two pioneering foam concrete products—Airium Roadfill and Airium Voidfill—to the UK construction market.
These new additions promise to revolutionise traditional backfilling and void-filling approaches in infrastructure projects, blending sustainability, efficiency, and durability to meet the demands of modern construction. By minimising material waste, enhancing durability, and reducing project timelines, Airium Roadfill and Voidfill offer contractors and engineers a fresh approach to infrastructure resilience and environmental responsibility.
The official UK launch event in July gave industry experts an opportunity to see first-hand how these innovative materials perform in real-life applications. Attendees observed hands-on demonstrations that underscored the ease and versatility of these foam concrete solutions.
London Concrete Managing Director Jon Collyer expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to introduce Airium to the UK market. These are truly innovative solutions that align perfectly with the UK construction industry’s growing need for sustainable, high-performance materials. Airium enables our customers to build more with less, ultimately enhancing project efficiency and reducing the overall carbon footprint.”
Airium Roadfill Revolutionising Road and Utility Projects
Airium Roadfill is a lightweight yet durable foam concrete solution engineered to enhance road construction and maintenance. Replacing conventional granular-fill materials, Airium Roadfill offers a streamlined approach that eliminates the need for compactors or vibrators, resulting in a faster, more efficient application process. Unlike traditional methods, which often face limitations when working in tight spaces, Airium Roadfill adapts seamlessly to narrow trenches, reducing time on-site and minimising disruptions.
Perfectly suited for applications ranging from highway reinstatements to utility and pipeline repairs, Airium Roadfill is designed for scenarios where traditional compaction proves challenging. Its innovative formulation reaches 4 MPa strength in seven days, with an “Ultra” variant achieving the same strength within just one to two days—ideal for emergency road repairs or time-sensitive infrastructure projects. By simplifying backfilling, Airium Roadfill is helping the industry reduce labour costs and maximise site efficiency.
Key Benefits of Airium Roadfill:
- Speedy Application: Reduces project time with rapid strength gain, especially with the Ultra variant.
- Versatility: Ideal for use in confined spaces and difficult-to-compact areas.
- Reliability: Minimises long-term settlement, offering greater project longevity.
- Cost-Efficiency: Reduces the need for heavy machinery and granular materials.
Airium Voidfill for Precision and Durability in Complex Projects
In construction, void filling is often a challenge, especially around intricate or confined spaces like pipeline surrounds, building foundations, or underground structures. Airium Voidfill provides a practical, lightweight solution that maintains structural integrity without imposing additional load. This innovative material is ideal for voids that require precise, durable infilling, making it a valuable addition for infrastructure projects.
With Airium Voidfill, the application process is remarkably straightforward.
Martin Osbourne from Laing O’Rourke, a London Concrete project partner, praised its adaptability: “Airium Voidfill has proven to be an excellent alternative to traditional concrete, especially in applications that require reduced weight and specific density adjustments. Working alongside London Concrete, we tailored Airium Voidfill for our project’s needs, and it delivered impressive results.”
Noteworthy Advantages of Airium Voidfill:
- Lightweight Composition: Minimises added load, crucial for sensitive underground areas.
- Simplified Application: Reduces preparation and placement time, cutting down labour costs.
- Environmental Responsibility: Reduces material waste and project carbon footprint.
A Sustainable Solution for the Future of Construction
Both Airium Roadfill and Voidfill underscore Holcim’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with the construction sector’s global push toward carbon reduction and waste minimisation.
As Jon Collyer noted: “Airium’s design reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation. It allows our customers to build in a way that’s both cost-effective and environmentally responsible, reducing the carbon footprint of projects significantly.”
In the UK, Aggregate Industries, another Holcim Group company, is dedicated to pioneering sustainable construction practices. As the UK’s first construction materials company to achieve BES 6001 certification for responsible sourcing, Aggregate Industries is helping drive the industry’s transition to a circular economy model. From low-carbon solutions to recycling initiatives, Aggregate Industries is actively decarbonising the sector and fostering a sustainable future.
Decarbonising the Built Environment
Holcim Group, a global leader in sustainable building materials, continues to drive industry change with a clear mission: to build better for people and the planet. With net sales of CHF 29.2 billion in 2022, Holcim’s 60,000 employees work across continents, each playing a role in reshaping construction toward a sustainable model. From energy-efficient ECOPact concrete to circular solutions like ECOPlanet, Holcim’s product range is reducing emissions, minimising waste, and elevating building performance.
By harnessing innovative technologies, including Airium foam concrete, Holcim is working to decarbonise the built environment, demonstrating its commitment to net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Holcim’s global reach and environmental stewardship are setting a benchmark for companies worldwide, proving that sustainable innovation can be both profitable and impactful.
Achieving Progress in the UK Market
London Concrete’s launch of Airium Roadfill and Voidfill is poised to shape the future of UK infrastructure. With their unmatched adaptability, durability, and efficiency, these products meet the diverse needs of contractors, infrastructure developers, and environmental engineers. More than just filling voids and backfilling roads, these materials offer a glimpse into the future of construction, where speed, sustainability, and strength coexist.
For construction professionals, industry investors, and policymakers, the launch of Airium products signals a significant milestone. The UK is ready to embrace these advanced materials, setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient building. The Airium range by London Concrete is more than a product line; it’s a commitment to progress, a solution for today’s challenges, and a stepping-stone toward a greener tomorrow.
