6 - Vicat

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES11in the fields of crystallography, thermics and additives.To carry out this research, state of the artequipment is mobilised at the research laboratoryat L’Isle-d’Abeau, in particular, diffractometer, X-rayfluorescence, field effect electron microscope. Newproducts resulting from this fundamental researchare then tested in close cooperation with the concreteresearch and development teams which arealso present on the L’Isle-d’Abeau site. Partnershipshave been signed with industrial groups who providetechnology or potential users for these futureproducts.In the framework of its research and developmentactivities, the Group registers patents in order toprotect the development of products resulting fromthem.The Group’s research policy in relation to concrete isdirected towards developing products allowing forthe improvement of working conditions and profitabilityon building sites by facilitating their use. Theresults obtained to date allow the Group to supplyconcretes with adapted plasticity, or self-layingconcrete.Similarly, development of the Vicat screed in partnershipwith EDF is a significant development focuswhich provides tillers and screeders with significantproductivity gains while bringing a solution adaptedto the new heating requirements combining convenienceand saving energy. New families of screeds areunder development in our laboratories and shouldsoon be offered to our customers.Development guidelines also address sustainabledevelopment and improvement of the energy behaviourof future concretes that will be offered to ourcustomers and the construction systems for buildingthat have very low consumption of electricity.2009 registration document - VICAT 93