Sika Group

Sika Group

Megatrend Digitalization

Digitalization

Transforming the industry

Digitalization is a radical leap in development with implications for all walks of life. The rise in digital networking is not only leading to exponential growth in communication possibilities, it also has a deep-rooted impact on market dynamics and social structures. Companies are confronted with the challenge of tapping into new, digital business areas alongside the successful expansion of their existing core competencies, while at the same time including their employees, customers, and business partners in the transformation process.

Sika's digital solutions

Sand App illustration showing digital beam encircling cement plant for concrete

Concrete
Concrete Admixture

Sand & Aggregate Analysis

Aggregates are the main part of concrete, making up 70% of its volume and 80% of its weight. Additionally, there is a global shortage of high-quality sands and aggregates. Therefore, low quality sand and aggregates will have to be used with continual analysis, in order to maintain high-performing concrete. Learn how Sika's Sand App can more efficiently analyze sand and aggregates for higher quality concrete.

Collection of Sika 3D concrete printed elements columns towers shapes forms

Concrete
3D Concrete Printing
Article
Architect
Contractor

3D Concrete Printing

3D concrete printing (3DCP) is a form of cementitious, additive manufacturing used to fabricate buildings, houses or construction components in completely new shapes not previously possible with traditional concrete formwork. Sika offers Sikacrete® 3D material solutions for printing concrete rapidly, precisely, and inexpensively according to your project needs.

Sika at the HackZurich 2023: Multiple Opportunities and inspiration

Hackathons foster innovation by bringing together diverse talent and encouraging creative problem-solving. This year, Sika did participate for the first time at the Zurich Hack 2023. By engaging with the tech-savvy community, Sika explored how technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain revolutionize solutions and processes.

Sika builds on digital laboratories

Digitalizing R&D means using digital technologies to streamline and optimize research and development processes. It is becoming increasingly important in today's fast-paced and data-driven world. Sika has been digitalizing R&D processes to support and focus on efficiency, collaboration, data analysis, risk management, and innovation.

A fasthouse construction from Ireland where Sika products have been used in the modular construction.

Modular Construction

Modular construction - or offsite construction - is a construction method in which parts of the building, such as the facade, wet rooms, or other pre-fabricated building components are used. The construction projects are assembled according to the modular principle - various elements are therefore constructed in a factory and assembled on-site.

Hand holding metal tray with house building design

Solutions for Modular Building

In offsite construction - or modular building - typically more than 80% of the construction is completed off site, and the component parts (or modules) are transported to the site for assembly. The sector is growing in popularity due to its many benefits such as less time on the construction site, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, improved quality control, reduced waste and sustainability. It can also help to address specific, local construction challenges, such as dealing with skilled labor shortages or meeting local regulations.

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, South Africa: with the technological expertise of Sika, the old grain silos were transformed into a new landmark of Cape Town.

The World Runs Out Of Sand

The world is running out of sand. However, Sika has the solutions to solve this problem in the construction industry. Sand covers much of the earth’s surface, but sand isn’t just sand. In the industrial world, it’s an “aggregate,” a category that includes gravel, crushed stone, and various recycled materials. Natural aggregate is the world’s second most heavily exploited natural resource after water, and for many uses the right kind is scarce or inaccessible.

Many various types of sand are used for concrete formulation

Overcoming Material Shortage

The global materials markets have been in an unstable situation throughout 2021, both related to prices and delivery times. This irregular situation together with the need to save finite, high-quality materials has challenged R&D with qualification testing of numerous alternative and second-sourced materials and fueled the development of product formulations relying on recycled or bio-sourced materials.