Henkel Technology Contributes to Completion of Sagrada Familia

Henkel's advanced adhesive solutions played a key role in completing the central towers of Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia. The Loctite adhesive technology used in the project enabled the implementation of a modular construction system, contributing to the structure's durability and accelerating the construction process.

The six central towers, completed in the centennial year of Antoni Gaudí's death, represented one of the basilica's most complex engineering phases. Over more than 10 years of collaboration, Henkel not only provided structural adhesive solutions but also contributed to the project through comprehensive testing procedures, technical expertise and supply support tailored to project requirements.

24 Tonnes of Adhesive Used
A total of 24 tonnes of Loctite EA 9497 adhesive was used in the project, with an average of 30 kilograms of adhesive applied per panel. The six central towers contain a total of 826 panels and more than 2,100 stone pieces.

The adhesive technology, which bonded stone and steel components as a single structural element, played a critical role in realising Sagrada Familia's modular construction approach. This approach, which significantly accelerated construction schedules compared to traditional methods, enabled the completion of the towers without compromising structural safety.

Solution Resistant to Challenging Environmental Conditions
Sagrada Familia, due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, is exposed to challenging environmental conditions including high humidity, salty air, temperature fluctuations and vibrations caused by metro lines.

For this reason, the Loctite EA 9497 used in the project was designed to provide high structural strength and flexibility. The bonded areas with the adhesive are capable of bearing loads equivalent to 100,000 people per square metre.

This technology contributed to the safe construction of Sagrada Familia's most critical structural components, which at 172.5 metres in height holds the title of the world's tallest religious structure.

A Project Where Engineering and Innovation Meet
Mark Dorn, Vice President of Henkel Adhesive Technologies, noted that the Sagrada Familia project is an important example where advanced engineering solutions converge with architectural vision, and that high-performance adhesive technologies are becoming increasingly critical in today's construction projects.

Henkel's work with Sagrada Familia demonstrates how modern adhesive technologies can play a strategic role in historical and large-scale structures, while highlighting the importance of advanced material technologies in the construction sector.