CEMEX, in the USA, recently contributed to the reinforcement of the Houston Ship Channel, a main maritime trade route between Houston-area terminals and the Gulf of Mexico. CEMEX provided a special concrete and logistical solution that aims to enhance the structure of one of Houston’s most important economic assets.

As one of the United States’ busiest seaports, the Houston Ship Channel has undergone several improvement projects. In 2010, CEMEX first contributed to this seaport by providing protection for an electrical tower that was vulnerable to accidental collisions from barges. The installation of short-term barriers made from 40 cubic yards of CEMEX concrete worked so well that the tower’s owners decided to invest in a more sturdy and permanent solution in 2015.

The special barrier system called for 650 cubic yards of concrete and required six pours, two trips per day, two times a week, and up to six trucks per trip. During each trip, CEMEX had to place its ready-mix concrete trucks on barges for transportation to the pour site in the middle of the ship channel.

The one-and-a-half hour trip out to the pour site also posed the challenge of designing a mix that could go the distance without losing slump. The resulting mix provided up to seven hours for the team to complete the pour before setting.

Extensive pre-planning with the customer enabled the teams to complete each pour without a hitch. “Our team’s customer-focused approach to this project was the key to success. We are proud to have completed this unique and challenging project safely and successfully,” said Scott Ducoff, CEMEX USA Regional President, Texas and New Mexico.

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 well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.