Why did you choose the Ductal® solution?
I envisioned a white concrete LRT station with durable, thin-shelled canopies. Initially, when I met Don Zakariasen at Lafarge/ Precast (Calgary) to discuss the possibilities, I expressed interest in white Agilia® concrete. Don then told me about Ductal®, a unique new material that would permit the design flexibility i was seeking. A subsequent presentation to the Shawnessy community showed the canopies made with Ductal® and the concept was approved.
Ductal®, a unique new material that would permit the design flexibility i was seeking
From an architect's point of view, what does this solution offer that traditional solutions don't?
Unique conceptual flexibility! Ductal® provided the ability to achieve the free-flowing form design of the canopies - with a span of 5.1 meters x 6 meters.
Were there any specific technical requirements that only Ductal® could satisfy?
Ductal® was able to achieve higher compressive and flexural tension strengths than other materials and permitted the fluid design.
