View of the construction site of the FOUR Quarter in Frankfurt am Main.
Inspiration

Top-Down construction method with MC-DUR TopSpeed

The top-down construction method is gaining importance in high-rise construction due to increasing urbanization and ever-scarcer inner-city space. In this method, MC-Bauchemie’s specialty resin MC-DUR TopSpeed is used in a unique way of application.

MC-DUR TopSpeed – Smart solution for top-down construction

2025-09-26

In times of increasing urbanization and ever-scarcer inner-city space, the top-down construction method is gaining importance in high-rise construction. It allows for the simultaneous use of the construction area both above and below a "top slab" that is cast at an early stage. In this method, MC-Bauchemie’s specialty resin MC-DUR TopSpeed is used in a unique way of application, offering crucial advantages for scheduling and construction progress.

View of the construction site of the FOUR Quarter in Frankfurt am Main, which was built using the top-down construction method.

View of the construction site of the FOUR Quarter in Frankfurt am Main, which was built using the top-down construction method.
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

Placing of the slotted/drilled pile walls

Placing of the slotted/drilled pile walls
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

1st slab is concreted

1st slab is concreted
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

Basement & underground car park

Basement & underground car park
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

Building construction

Building construction
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

For high-rise projects in densely built-up urban locations, the conventional construction method – where the entire excavation is completed first – reaches its limits. It requires a complex bracing concept with drilled piles and sheet pile walls, resulting in high setup costs. In addition, it involves significant time and effort: a large amount of material must be installed and later removed – an effort that can be significantly reduced with the top-down method. In this approach, a load-bearing slab is first cast on the site before excavation and construction of the floors beneath begin. The slab not only serves as a working platform but also takes on structural functions. By being firmly anchored to diaphragm or drilled pile walls, it stabilizes the excavation pit, reduces deformations and often eliminates the need for costly tie-backs – a clear advantage in dense urban settings where neighbouring properties cannot be used.

The challenge of the separation layer

A critical aspect of the top-down method is creating a reliable separation layer between the so-called blinding layer – a roughly 15 cm thick, smoothed concrete layer – and the slab cast above it. This layer must function reliably, be easily removable from the concrete later and not hinder construction progress. Typically, PVC sheets or smooth timber formwork are used for this purpose. However, in the major FOUR development project in Frankfurt (as previously reported in MC aktiv 2/2024) – one of the most significant high-rise construction projects currently underway in Germany – MC-DUR TopSpeed was deliberately chosen. And for good reason.

MC-DUR TopSpeed quickly creates a reliable separation layer

With its unique properties, MC-DUR TopSpeed is very impressive. It cures extremely quickly, even in cold and damp conditions and becomes walkable within a very short time, allowing the reinforcement for the main slab to be laid without delay. At the same time, the resin forms a thin, smooth and reliable separation layer that enables easy excavation of the blinding layer from below using an excavator. This makes it ideal for use in top-down construction, where any delay can have serious consequences for the construction schedule.

Smart solution for an innovative method

Top-down construction is an innovative method with great potential for complex urban building projects, though it also poses high demands on planning and execution. The targeted use of MC-DUR TopSpeed as a separation layer between the blinding layer and the slab represents a smart material solution that not only meets technical requirements but also significantly accelerates construction progress. Whether as a roller-applied coating for heavy- duty floors, as part of surface protection systems for trafficable structures such as parking facilities, or – as in this case – as a strategic component in an unconventional yet highly effective application: MC-DUR TopSpeed once again demonstrates its versatility and performance on the construction site.

Watch the video on the top-down construction method used at the FOUR Quartier in Frankfurt (in German only).

>> Click here to watch the video ...

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