CEMEX Provides Solution for Rehabilitation of Historic Plaza de Armas in Zacatecas

December 16, 2015

The recent renovation of the Plaza de Armas in Zacatecas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most emblematic spaces, is an example of CEMEX’s tailor-made building solutions.

Located in the historic center of the Zacatecas state capital and bordered by the government palace and the cathedral, the square became a UNESCO World Heritage in 1993 due to its historical and architectural heritage. After decades without upkeep, one of the main objectives of the renovation was to raise the sunken surface of the square, allowing for a more accessible and functional design for its more than two thousand daily visitors.

With the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration nearing, the Zacatecas Department of Infrastructure (Sinfra) and a local construction company faced the challenge of completing the project quickly but without compromising the historic buildings that surround the square.

With the aim of providing a solution to these challenges, CEMEX proposed filling the surface area of the square with an innovative fluid fill product. "Because of its versatility, strength and durability it is an appropriate product in all cases where efficiently filling and/or leveling any space is required," says Guillermo I. Laserna Peraza, Zacatecas Regional Manager at CEMEX.

Unlike locally common materials like tepetate – a volcanic stone traditionally used to build foundations and the contractor’s initial option for the filling stage – this particular type of concrete does not require compacting or vibrating during application, eliminating the negative impact of the use of heavy machinery. Therefore, pouring nearly 2,000 cubic meters using boom pumps and ready-mix trucks posed no harm to the protected buildings.

Since the self-leveling and self-compacting properties of the material did not require special equipment or additional labor, CEMEX’s solution reduced the logistical complications that would have arisen from having to transport different traditional materials.

Despite the presence of adverse weather conditions, CEMEX contributed to a reduction in the initial work program, which had been projected to take more than 45 days. "It allowed us to trim the pouring step by 85 percent, taking us 10 days. With this fluid fill we worked non-stop, regardless of the rain," says José Arellano Cervantes, engineer in charge of the project.

The fulfillment of the goals set for the rehabilitation of the Plaza de Armas is one more example of the strong commitment that CEMEX has to provide its customers with the best solutions in the industry and together build a better future.

Luis Mario Báez Vázquez, undersecretary at Sinfra, affirms that "CEMEX's expertise helped us achieve a successful outcome in this space that is so emblematic for all Zacatecas residents.”

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the wellbeing of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.