The chimney at the Bourgeat production site in Les Abrets, in the Dauphiné region (38), has just been restored to its original appearance. The renovation of the Bourgeat chimney, entrusted to the company mcc2i, was completed following a series of repairs focused on the masonry, cracks, reinforcement rings, and waterproofing of the structure.
This chimney is a visual landmark at the Matfer Bourgeat Distribution Division’s factory in Repas. It is an integral part of the site’s landscape and industrial history. Thanks to the work carried out over the past few months, it will remain in place for many years to come.
A chimney that bears witness to Les Abrets' industrial past
The Abrets site in the Dauphiné region is home to Bourgeat’s production operations, which are part of the Matfer Bourgeat Meal Distribution Division. The chimney holds a special place there: it is one of the most visible features of the factory and one of the oldest reminders of its operations.
Before the renovation, the structure exhibited the typical problems of old masonry exposed to the elements: weathered joints, cracks, and worn-out tie rods. This type of structure cannot be replaced. A masonry chimney is a unique structure, tied to the site’s history and the legacy of the teams that have worked there over the years. Preserving it is therefore a choice: to maintain rather than demolish.
It was this decision that led to the start of construction.
The Four Steps of the Bourgeat Chimney Renovation
The project, carried out in collaboration with mcc2i, was structured around four complementary phases. Each phase addresses a specific issue with the masonry.
Masonry Joints
The joints hold the structure together. When they become hollowed out, water seeps in and weakens the structure from the inside. Re-pointing restores the masonry’s original continuity and waterproofing.
Crack Repair
The cracks were repaired one by one. This step is critical to the success of the subsequent steps: applying a surface treatment to a cracked structure would simply mask the problem without solving it.
Replacement of Strapping
The reinforcement rings encircle the structure and counteract the tensile forces that the masonry alone cannot absorb. Replacing them restores the chimney’s structural integrity.
Application of a water-repellent treatment
,The final step—the water-repellent treatment—limits water absorption by the masonry.
Preserving Industrial Heritage, Preparing for the Future
A production facility is not just a collection of machines and production lines. It is also a history, buildings, and landmarks passed down from one generation to the next.
The Bourgeat chimney renovation meets two requirements: preserving the structure’s legacy and ensuring its safety for decades to come. The Abrets chimney in the Dauphiné region will thus continue to watch over the factory and the daily operations that take place there.
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