Bekaert’s Dramix®, Société du Grand Paris and Eiffage receive prestigious Pioneer Award

2024-10-17

Press release

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Bekaert’s steel fiber reinforced concrete solution Dramix®, Société du Grand Paris and Eiffage have been presented with the prestigious Pioneer Award by the Solar Impulse Foundation, honoring their pioneering spirit in advancing ecological sustainability in the construction industry. Using Dramix® steel fibers to reinforce line 16.1 of Grand Paris Express, Société du Grand Paris was able to reduce the CO2 emissions with 10,000 tons of CO2 on average per 10 km of tunnels compared to traditional reinforcement with rebar.  

The Pioneer Awards by the Solar Impulse Foundation celebrate client-adopters who defy the status quo by implementing a sustainable solution, turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring others towards a more sustainable future. 160 efficient solutions from the sectors Agrifood & Natural Environment, Building and Construction, Industrial Processes and Consumer Goods, Mobility, and Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste) were analyzed by the SIF technical team, with the combination of Société du Grand Paris / Eiffage / Bekaert (with Dramix® steel fibers) winning in the Building and Construction category.

Dr. Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation emphasized the environmental benefits of the project, stating: “In the construction industry, the solution Dramix® makes it possible to reinforce concrete elements with less concrete, steel, and water, reducing CO2 emissions drastically. This shows how to reconcile ecology and economy! The Grand Paris Express was the first French infrastructure project of such magnitude where steel fiber reinforced concrete was used on such a massive scale. We’re convinced this will set a precedent for future infrastructure projects.”

Nicolas Gevaert, Business Lead Tunneling & Mining at Bekaert stated: “We are honored to be recognized with this prestigious Pioneer Award. Bekaert’s pursuit is to offer sustainable solutions to contribute to a low-carbon society, and Dramix® steel fibers is the perfect example of how you can solve complex reinforcement challenges with best in class innovative technology, while protecting the planet and reducing carbon emissions.”

The impact of Dramix© in the project Grand Paris Express

The Grand Paris Express is a project consisting of new rapid transit lines and the extension of existing lines being built in the Île-de-France region of France. The project comprises four new lines for the Paris Métro, plus extensions of two existing lines. A total of 200 kilometers of new tracks are to be added. Since 2020, around 4 km of tunnel have been designed in fiber reinforced concrete.

The benefit of using steel fiber reinforced concrete is twofold: by using Dramix© fibers instead of traditional rebar, only half as much steel and less concrete is used. This leads to a saving of 10,000 tons of CO2 on average for 10 km of tunnel. There is also a solid saving in transportation and associated CO2 emissions, as one truck of Dramix® steel fibers represent the production of nearly 185 segments compared to only 60 segments with one truck of rebars.