Axim Admixtures Used in Progressive Skatepark

Project:
Chinguacousy Skatepark - Concrete Skateboard Plaza

Location:
Brampton, ON, Canada

Owner:
City of Brampton

Architect:
LANDinc

Engineer:
Blackwell Bowick Partnership Ltd.

Skatepark Designer:
Spectrum Skatepark Creations Ltd.

General Contractor:
Rutherford Contracting Ltd.

Concrete Supplier:
Innocon

Products:
CATEXOL A.E. 260
CATEXOL 1000 N
DURAFLUX 66

Situation:
The City of Brampton, Ontario, wanted to develop a new skatepark at the Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park for its youth population. The city worked with about 50 dedicated local youths and several consultants to develop plans for Canada's most progressive skatepark. The plans called for the park to feature several unique and innovative designs for inline skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders.

Challenge:
At 1,400 square meters (15,000 ft2) in size, the plan called for the park to have a street-style plaza design to address the requests of skateboarders for an urban feel, along with "bowl" features for BMX riders. Concrete was specified for its durability and flexibility to meet the unique design.

Solution:
The general contractor worked with Innocon and Axim to develop a concrete mix that met the demanding specifications for the project. Innocon utilized Axim's DURAFLUX 66, polycarboxylate-based multi-range water reducer, for its design flexibility. DURAFLUX 66 provides normal- to high-water reduction, excellent slump retention and enhances the finishing characteristics of concrete. DURAFLUX 66 also worked well with Innocon's EcoSmart concrete, which contains a high proportion of fly ash. The project used over 450 cubic meters (590 yd3) of this high-performance concrete.

Highlights:
The project included a series of unique features and details that elevate it above the ordinary. Concrete is sometimes seen as a heavy material, yet in this application the concrete expresses lightness and motion via a series of cantilevers and arches. The overall effect is one of youth and active life which is highly appropriate for the creative energy of skateboard culture.

The park has been very well received by the Brampton community. The design and its unique use of concrete have won praises from the public and has been recognized in North America as an innovative concrete application. The park was recognized at the 2008 Ontario Concrete Awards for its unique design and concrete performance.