Reaching the heady heights of the AZ Tower in Brno, Czech Republic with the Mixokret 760 DHB screed pump

The fallout of the economic crisis left its mark on our neighbours in the Czech Republic, even if the volume of trade between Germany and Czech Republic was barely affected and actually increased in many areas.

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After zero growth of the gross domestic product in 2012, which was widely anticipated, it is generally expected that the GDP will rise by approx. 1.3 % this year. The worst of the crisis seems to be over, even though additional austerity measures such as another increase in the VAT rate are looming on the horizon.

The construction of the AZ Tower in Brno shows that it has been possible to defy the odds during the crisis. Construction started in April 2011 and completion is scheduled for midway through 2013, which continues to be a realistic deadline.

The 111m high AZ Tower is currently the tallest building in the Czech Republic. From the outset, the plan was to construct the 30-storey structure with energy-efficient features such as a photovoltaic installation and heat pumps for air conditioning. The top six storeys will consist exclusively of apartments with outdoor swimming pools on floor 28 and 29. The remaining floors are reserved for shops and offices.

Pumping the screed into a building of this height was one of the main challenges during the project. Reliability and the ability to meet tight deadlines also play an all-important role in this kind of building project.

The company awarded the contract for laying cement screed over a total of 10,000 m² was Beton K.R. based in Prachatice. The company has had many years of experience managing major projects in urban centres within the Czech Republic and their good reputation undoubtedly played an important role in securing the contract.

"The quality and efficiency of the Mixokret has impressed me for more than 10 years", says Karel Resl, Director of Beton K.R., "but this project was a new and exciting prospect for us all." Resl already owns a fleet of 740 models but decided to purchase a Mixokret 760 to play it safe. Equipped with powerful 4-cylinder Deutz motor, the Mixokret 760 can easily cope with the most extreme delivery ranges and heights, a fact confirmed by Mr Resl during the meeting. The Mixo conveys material right up to the top storeys. It was possible to pour the screed on schedule and achieve a more than satisfactory result.

The erection of the AZ Tower should attract more domestic and overseas investors to Brno to undertake similar construction projects. Karel Resl seems quite confident at the prospect. With his M760, he is well equipped for the job.

E-mail: mm@putzmeister.de