Geometrica supplied three bulk storage structures for Carthage Cement’s Djebel Ressas cement works, Tunisia’s largest and newest cement facility.

The 5800tpd plant was completed in 2013 and now supplies cement to Tunis, the national capital. FLSmidth was entrusted with supply machinery and engineering for the cement plant. Turkish contractor, EKON, was FLSmidth’s partner for the civil works, including civil design, supply of structural steel and plate work, site preparation, plant erection. The civil work compares in scale to that required to build an entire town.

 “We have paid particular attention to adopting the latest technology, high economy of energy consumption and great respect for the environment,” said Lazhar Sta, CEO of Carthage Cement.

Geometrica supplied three storage buildings: for additives, coal and limestone. The additives and coal longitudinal buildings are 200m and 300m long, respectively, and similar in span (50m). The limestone building is a 90m circular dome.

 All domes were reinforced with arch ribs. “We assembled the domes in half-arch segments on the ground. Then we lifted the arches into place, and stitched them to the growing structure. This minimised the amount of time workers had to spend working at heights,” said Fernando Gracia, Geometrica’s lead engineer for the project. “Oval hubs in the bottom chord of the domes’ ribs allowed us to use two rectangular bars in parallel, reducing the overall arch count, and increasing structural efficiency.” Gracia explained.

 “Their structures are light and easy to install--like Lego®!,” said EKON Project Manager, A. Cem Sevük. “Because the components are so light - and are packaged so efficiently - we saved money on transportation as well. Those savings in time and money, combined with their cooperative and professional approach, confirmed that we’d made the right decision in choosing Geometrica.”

“The environment near Djebel Ressas, including its orchards, livestock and nature preserve, are protected, and Carthage Cement helps Tunisia continue on its growth path,” notes Geometrica.