The Project
Rising majestically to a height of 182 meters, The Statue of Unity proudly holds the title of the world’s tallest statue. This iconic masterpiece pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Designed by the acclaimed Indian Sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the construction of the Statue of Unity was meticulously overseen by a consortium that included Turner Construction, Michael Graves and Associates, and the Meinhardt Group.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was entrusted with the monumental task of construction and in a remarkable feat of engineering, achieved the impossible by completing this colossal statue within a mere 36 months.
The Approach
Central to the success of this iconic structure was the strategic choice of Architectural Concrete for the base and surrounding features. Architectural concrete harmoniously merges form and function and is well known for its versatility, durability, and low maintenance. For the foundation of The Statue of Unity, cast-in-situ gray concrete was used to replicate the texture of natural stone. The unique challenge we faced was to transform gray concrete panels to mimic the natural rocks found in the surrounding area. Each adjacent panel was to be of a slightly different color, creating a strikingly realistic resemblance to the diverse hues and tones of natural stone.
The Product
Our team worked closely with the site team to fulfill this ambitious aesthetic endeavor by offering a palette of shades in ProtectGuard Colour, a revolutionary product from Guard industry for concrete aesthetics and protection. The final selection comprised two basic shades, each available in three different opacities to ensure that the statue harmoniously blended with its natural environment.
The Challenge:
The preservation of an iconic monument like The Statue of Unity hinges on effective protection against the relentless forces of deterioration—dirt, stains, pollution, UV, water intrusion, and the wear and tear of time. What distinguishes ProtectGuard Colour is its ability to become a part of the concrete substrate—a critical consideration in preserving the aesthetics over long term.
ProtectGuard Colour excels in offering exceptional durability that guarantees the preservation of the architectural concrete’s appearance and structural integrity for many years. ProtectGuard Colour’s unique formulation allows the architectural concrete to breathe, ensuring that the material remains healthy and structurally sound throughout its lifetime. Reduced maintenance needs and cost savings over the long term are the other benefits.
The Winning Stroke:
While the vision for The Statue of Unity was grand, the timeline was notably tight. The final order placed in June 2018 had a stringent deadline set for completion by end September. Importing the product from France to India within this timeframe presented a logistical challenge but synchronized effort and meticulous planning with teams in Paris ensured that the project remained on track for its historic inauguration on October 31, 2018.
The application executed by M/s Deepak Enterprise, trained and closely supervised by our Technical service team present on-site throughout the project, ensured seamless coordination and was successfully completed in time.
In conclusion, Architectural concrete is celebrated not only for its durability and aesthetics but also for its creative expression. This case study underscores the awe-inspiring use of Architectural concrete and the pivotal role played by ProtectGuard Colour in ensuring its long-term aesthetics and protection. The Statue of Unity will continue to stand as a source of pride and inspiration for generations yet unborn.