LafargeHolcim contributed to the construction and reconstruction of key infrastructure projects in Russia, including eight of the 12 stadiums that will be used for the football tournament.
 
The group's cement plants in Shurovo, Ferzikovo and Volsk and aggregate quarries in Karelia Republic all played a vital role in providing construction materials for stadiums, such as Moscow's flagship Luzhniki Stadium, which will host seven matches including the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia as well as the final, says LafargeHolcim.
 
In particular, for the flagship Luzhniki Stadium, following a four-year renovation programme completed at the end of 2017 and a capacity expansion to 80,000, LafargeHolcim Russia provided specialised cement according to the project and technical requirements: high compressive strength and reduced hydration heat to avoid cracks and increase durability of construction.
 
The project called for an uninterrupted supply of cement, additional quality control and technical support in the composition of ready-mix concrete. The volume of cement supplied was more than 20,000t for more than 60,000m3 of concrete works.  Most of construction elements were produced from this concrete: foundation elements, plates with a thickness of 600mm, berms, stiffeners, columns, stands, jet piles of 20m x 600mm.
 
The main venues built using the group’s products are:
•    Luzhniki Stadium (Moscow) – The stadium will host seven tournament matches including the opening match and final
•    Kazan Arena (Kazan) – The stadium will host six games
•    Ekaterinburg Arena (Ekaterinburg) – The stadium will host four group-stage matches
•    Nizhny Novgorod Arena (Nizhny Novgorod) – The stadium is hosting six matches
•    Volgograd Arena (Volgograd) – Four matches will be played at the Volgograd Arena
•    Samara Arena (Samara) – Six matches to be held at the Samara Arena
•    Rostov Arena (Rostov-on-Don) – Four group-stage matches and Round-of-16 tie to be held at Rostov Arena.