Editor’s Note: This post, originally published on August 23, 2018, has been thoroughly revised and updated to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Concrete is not just an ordinary construction material but the key with which today’s infrastructure has been built and remains the pillar of construction advancement. At Danterr, we are committed to extending the possibilities of concrete. Thus, our interest is not just in the material, but in a new material that is even safer, more efficient and produced in an environmentally friendly manner.
This blog is dedicated to the Three Gorges Dam in China, one of the most amazing architectural feats in history. This colossal shows how much concrete holds and how great Danterr’s innovative products can support projects of any scale. Learn more about the story behind this monumental project, the size, the state-of-the-art technology of the Three Gorges Dam, and how Danterr is paving the way for modern construction.
The historical use of concrete dates back to about 6500 BCE when the Nabataean traders in areas of Syria and Jordan were known to have used it. Fast forward nearly 8,500 years to 1893, when the first road was laid from stone. George Bartholomew paved the first concrete road in Bellefontaine, Ohio, USA.
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The Magnitude of Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam works can be called the second-largest construction project ever, and the largest in the history of China. To comprehend its enormity, consider this; while the Great Wall is 20,000 times longer, the Three Gorges Dam is just 0.01% of its length but weighs 20% as much.
Dam construction required removing 102.59 million cubic meters of earth, filling it with 29.33 million cubic meters of stone and earthwork, and pouring 27.15 million cubic meters of concrete. This colossal amount of concrete, weighing approximately 63.43 billion kilograms, required 255 million kilograms of metal structures and 321 million kilograms of rebar to reinforce it. The result? 231,000 square meters of waterproof concrete which is equivalent to the size of 17 Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCGs).
The Science Behind Its Leak-Proof Nature
The Three Gorges Dam retaining water from the Yangtze River weighs as much as 39 trillion kilograms. This much water mass gathered in a single place has caused the earth to slow down and this is scientifically explained by the moment of inertia.
The dam’s ability to hold back such a massive amount of water without leaking is thanks to advanced products that fortify the concrete. Similar products that we have at Danterr give concrete structures a guarantee which makes them reliable regardless of their size.
Danterr’s Expertise in Water-Blocking Solutions
We take pride in supplying products that could have played a crucial role in the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. Here are some of the innovative water-blocking solutions we offer:
Dayton Epoxies: These epoxies are widely used in the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, and are essential for reinforcing concrete. We also utilised them in the Sydney Metro Northwest NRT Project.
Hydrotite: This remarkable product expands when exposed to water, sealing the cracks between the concrete and ensuring concrete joints are watertight. Hydrotite was also a key component in the Tolosa Water Supply Upgrade Project.
PVC Waterstop: This product gives concrete pours an additional layer of waterproofing. The Three Gorges Dam required 2,200 trucking containers to consume an equivalent product as the PVC Waterstop. We supplied PVC water stops for the Moorebank Logistics Park.
Conclusion
Sustainability is at the forefront of modern construction, and recent advancements in concrete technology continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. At Danterr, we are committed to supplying and promoting sustainable construction materials that meet the highest standards. Whether using recycled materials, or ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), we have the solutions to ensure your project is innovative and environmentally friendly.
Experience the Danterr advantage as your partner in concrete innovation dedicated to providing top-quality concrete products for every construction size. Explore our extensive catalogue of water-blocking solutions and discover how we can help make your concrete structures robust and leak-proof. Contact Danterr today!
📞: 1800 262 383
📧: sales@danterr.com
For more information or to discuss your project needs, contact us at 1800 262 383 or email sales@danterr.com.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Construction began in 1994 and was completed in 2012, involving massive engineering and logistical efforts to create one of the world’s largest dams.
The massive weight of the water held by the dam slightly slows the Earth’s rotation due to the moment of inertia.
Hydrotite is a water-swelling sealant used in concrete joints to ensure watertightness. It swells upon contact with water, effectively sealing the joint.
Hydrotite ensures watertight seals in concrete joints, preventing leaks and enhancing the durability of structures.
Dayton Epoxies are used for reinforcing concrete structures, providing additional strength and durability. They were used in the Sydney Metro Northwest NRT Project.
PVC Waterstop is embedded in concrete pours and joints to prevent water from passing through. It’s ideal for ensuring waterproof integrity in structures like dams and tunnels.
We offer a wide range of products including waterproofing solutions, reinforcing materials, and concrete accessories like Hydrotite and PVC Waterstop.
The Three Gorges Dam exemplifies the scale and innovation that Danterr aims to support with our high-quality construction products.
Yes, we have experience supplying products for major projects like the Sydney Metro Northwest NRT Project and Moorebank Logistics Park.
The importance of advanced materials, rigorous planning, and sustainability in large-scale construction projects.
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