Preheater, Airvault cement plant, France (Sub-Slipform Heavy Duty)

PREHEATER, AIRVAULT CEMENT PLANT, FRANCE

In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, a major CO₂-reducing upgrade was carried out at the Ciments Calcia (Heidelberg Materials) cement plant in Airvault. We delivered both technology and expertise for the construction of the preheater tower – the plant’s new architectural centerpiece. The slipform reached its peak position at 97.7 metres above ground level.

The structure featured a complex geometry supported by four corner columns with reducing thickness, interconnected by concrete beams across seven levels. The beam spans ranged from 14 to 19 metres. The entire structure was cast using our heavy-duty slipform system in a continuous process, with only short interruptions to install supports for beam casting.

The project was carried out in collaboration with Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG and Vinci Construction.