Roman concrete used a mix of volcanic ash, lime, and seawater to bind together with volcanic rocks. This mixture resulted in a concrete that, in some cases, has proven to be extremely durable, with structures lasting for over two millennia.
Portland cement is a successor to a hydraulic lime that was first developed by John Smeaton in 1756 when he was called in to erect the Eddystone Lighthouse off the coast of Plymouth, Devon, England.
The Gotthard Railway is a Swiss mountain railway line that connects northern Switzerland to the south. The line is an essential part of the greater European railway network, linking Zürich in Switzerland to Milan in Italy.
Construction of the Gotthard railway started in 1872, and the first lowland sections from Biasca to Locarno and Lugano to Chiasso were opened by 1874.
The original Gotthard Tunnel was completed in 1882, and it was one of the longest railway tunnels in the world at the time. The tunnel was a significant achievement in engineering, making it possible to traverse the challenging Alpine terrain more efficiently
The original Gotthard railway was built in 1882. But in the early days, many passengers became sick as they ingested engine smoke during the 15-minute tunnel journey. The Swiss Study Commission for Electric Railway Operation recommended the use of electric trains replacing coal fired engines.
The Swiss Study Commission for Electric Railway Operation recommended the use of electric trains replacing coal-fired engines, however, the tunnel was often saturated with water and as we know electricity and water do not play well together. This meant waterproofing the tunnel because any leaks would destroy the electricity.
A company called Sika was tasked with creating a waterproof admixture to achieve better performance in the processing and durability of concrete, the world's most important building material. By waterproofing the tunnel in 1918, Sika allowed the north-south axis railway to be electrified in 1922, marking the end of smoke-clogged journeys
Several decades after their initial implementation, the composite materials engineered by Kaspar Winkler began to exhibit signs of deterioration, including leakage. While the prevalent industry approach was to install isolation barriers to address these issues, this method served more as a cosmetic fix rather than a lasting solution. As such, there emerged a clear need for a more sustainable and effective approach to preserving the integrity of these materials.
A Visionary Solution is born:
A visionary solution was required. Zoran Kostić, a graduate architect took up the challenge. His innovative approach utilized a high-pressure mineral-based gel injection that expels and absorbs water in damaged construction areas.
The gel formulated by Euras Technology exhibits a volumetric expansion upon contact with water, partially absorbing the liquid. It maintains its elastic properties, effectively mitigating the risk of future subterranean water intrusions. Utilizing this technology ensures the permanent and comprehensive removal of water from the affected area.
500+ Critical Infrastructure Projects
Over 500 projects have been successfully completed, primarily in Eastern Europe. Zoran continues to create even more innovative solutions to solve one of the most common construction industry problems.
The gel formulated by Euras Technology exhibits a volumetric expansion upon contact with water, partially absorbing the liquid. It maintains its elastic properties, effectively mitigating the risk of future subterranean water intrusions. Utilizing this technology ensures the permanent and comprehensive removal of water from the affected area.