Sheffield Forgemasters has made a significant step in reducing its carbon emissions with a major concrete pour at its new 13,000-tonne forging line. The concrete mix used a recycled steel by-product to cut carbon emissions by 30%.
The pour, which was part of the installation of a ‘Top-Hat-Furnace Quench-Tank,’ involved digging out roughly 1,000 cubic meters of earth, four meters below ground level. The team also installed over 90 tonnes of reinforcement and poured more than 1,000 tonnes of structural concrete.
All the concrete used in the company’s forging project includes ‘ground granulated blast furnace slag’ (GGBS), a recycled material from steel production. GGBS serves as a substitute for cement, reducing the carbon footprint and improving the sustainability of the project.
Craig Fisher, Programs Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said, “We’ve completed the first major concrete pour for our forge project, and the use of GGBS as a cement alternative will clearly reduce the environmental impact of large concrete volumes. Both the forge project and the new machining facility, which has recently received planning approval, will use GGBS concrete. This will enhance the strength, workability, durability, and environmental benefits of our structures.”
As part of its £900 million recapitalization program, which aims to boost UK defense manufacturing, Sheffield Forgemasters plans to pour up to 10,000 tonnes of concrete per month for the forge project. This will include work on the main press pit, furnace bases, and supporting structures.
The company’s demand for structural concrete will increase as it moves forward with construction on its 35,000-square-meter machining facility. VINCI Building is the main contractor for the forge project, which will be home to the UK’s largest open-die forging line.
