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Who we are

Anchored in Switzerland and internationally active, WALO is managed as a family business in the 4th and 5th generation. For over 100 years, WALO has focused on the combination of consistency and innovation.

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What we do

WALO is active as an innovative total solutions company in all markets of the construction industry. The family-owned company has established itself as a reliable partner in the construction industry and infrastructure projects in Switzerland and worldwide with its decades of experience and the permanent development of sustainable as well as economical solutions.

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Projects

We have successfully implemented many challenging projects. Therefore, we proudly let our references speak for our work.

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Products

Whether residential, industrial, healthcare, outdoor or for sports and leisure facilities - seamless floor coverings have to meet a wide variety of requirements on a permanent basis.

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Career

Good buildings and thus satisfied customers require precise construction work. All our employees, from unskilled workers to engineers, play a key role in ensuring that we achieve this goal time and time again.

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Locations

With our locations in three countries, we are successfully active for you worldwide.

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Chillon Viaducts, Switzerland

The Chillon viaducts are located in Switzerland, over the east end of Lake Geneva, south east of Montreux. It comprises two parallel 1.4 mile long prestressed concrete box girder bridges, bearing the east and westbound lanes of the Swiss A9 highway. Built in the 1960s, it was one of the largest works in prestressed concrete for many years, so it was of great historic value to the area. Originally designed to sustain an estimated volume of 10,000 vehicles per day, it is currently being used by 50,000 vehicles daily.

Case Study Description

The Problem

The bridge was scheduled for deck rehabilitation but an inspection of the viaducts revealed that they were significantly damaged and deemed structurally deficient. In various places the concrete’s reinforcing bars had been corroded and the concrete itself was betraying signs of Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR). On closer inspection, following hydrodemolition tests, Alkali-Aggregate Reactions (AAR) were also detected, which meant the mechanical properties of the concrete were compromised. If repairs were not undertaken, it is likely the structure would have needed totally rebuilding.

The Requirements

With an ever increasing number of vehicles using the bridge, a solution was required to increase the shear, bending and fatigue resistance of the deck slab. The structure also needed any damage caused by ASR and AAR to be reversed, as well as waterproofing to prevent future damage and a significant improvement of its structural properties.

Our Solution

A thin steelbar-reinforced Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cement-based Composite (UHPFRC or UHPC) overlay was selected as the best and most cost-effective solution to meet the complex needs of the structure. The material has extraordinary strengthening and waterproofing qualities and, with the right skills and machinery, it is possible to place it extremely quickly, meaning that the roadway could be closed for the least amount of time possible, minimizing disruption and costs.