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ARALDITE® USED IN SWEDISH CASTLE RESTORATION
Originally built in the 12th century, the castle withstood seven hundred years of history until it fell into disrepair and was eventually burnt down in 1806. Today it is the subject of a major renovation programme with one of the round towers currently being restored with a new pine beam structure, 14m in diameter, being built to support a limestone floor. The new floor comprises a layer of beams with 1650 threaded bolts holding them together and a layer of concrete poured on top. Over the concrete there will be a layer of insulation and then a sealing layer. The floor will then be levelled with gravel before a limestone top floor is laid. “The bolts are driven 200mm unto the 300mm thick beams,” explained Site Manager Lars Magnusson. “These are not drilled in, as would be the traditional approach but secured using Araldite adhesive.' Araldite was chosen as the bonding method because as the wood dries out, its adhesion characteristics gradually deteriorate and the bolts would loosen making the structure unstable. “We drill holes 22mm in diameter and the bolts are 20mm diameter. Before inserting the bolts we fill the holes with Araldite using a compressed air driven handgun. Araldite is highly reliable and adheres well to both materials. One important factor is that Araldite does not absorb moisture, which would break an adhesive down and shorten its life expectancy when exposed to cold and heat. Another advantage with Araldite is that it adheres to wood, even if not completely dry.” Once the new floor is complete, the 100,000 people who visit Borgholm Castle every year will be able to walk out onto the new terrace created in the Tower and enjoy views over the Allvar and Kalmar Sound.
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