BASF at IGI T-3

The glitzy new airport terminal 3, recently inaugurated in a hi-profile launch event has BASF's contribution in its making. BASF's Plastics and Construction Chemicals division supplied several innovative products and solutions in the construction of this new, iconic airport terminal 3, accomplishing its vision of building a sustainable future for India.

The Plastics division supplied nearly 80 tons of Styropor® (EPS: expandable polystyrene) which were converted into 9300 Geofoam blocks, used as land fill material for developing landscapes at Delhi International Airport.

Styropor is produced locally in Thane, and primarily used in packaging and construction applications.  The light-weight blocks produced from Styropor have higher compressive strength and are significantly lighter than soil, the conventional filling material.  This application of using such foam blocks in road construction and landscaping is commonly referred to as 'Geofoam'.

The Construction Chemicals division also provided a variety of products and innovative solutions to make the new airport impressive and durable. BASF's innovative admixture technology was provided for most of the concrete works in the project; Pozzolith 6865 was used in PQC for Apron concrete, which provided consistent flexural strength. Hyperplastiser Glenium 51 was used in critical sections of the superstructure for gaining high early strength, for faster and durable construction. Superplastizers, Rheobuild 522 and 5656 were used for most of the superstructure concrete for its superior consistent performance. In total, around 2000 metric tons of admixtures were supplied by BASF's Construction Chemicals division for the airport reconstruction project.

Similarly, Masterseal 300H, a high quality anti-carbonation acrylic coating was supplied to protect the concrete from extreme weathering conditions, in the forecourt area. Masterseal HLM 5000 R, a single component polyurethane waterproofing membrane was also supplied for waterproofing of critical areas. The membrane has an elongation capability of 600% to take care of any movement within the concrete.