One of the great construction secrets of the Sagrada Familia has come to light: the six central towers have been erected using Loctite adhesives. This technology allows stone and steel to be joined through tensioned stone panels, improving the precision and speed of the construction process.
This is not the typical 'Super Glue', but a product designed exclusively for Antonio Gaudí's work. Henkel, the company behind Loctite, has highlighted the crucial role of this adhesive on its website, considering it "the invisible hero" in the modular construction system that has made it possible to complete one of the most complex contemporary architectural challenges.
Henkel's technology has also been applied in other projects with high construction or reconstruction demands, such as the Burj Khalifa or the Great Wall of China. The collaboration with the Sagrada Familia has gone beyond adhesive supply, including testing, validation, specialized technical support, and flexible supply for over ten years, adapting to the variable construction schedule.
The adhesive, applied in liquid form to conform to the surface, requires a controlled curing process of approximately 24 hours. This phase is vital to ensure resistance against the saline environment near the sea, Barcelona's high humidity (between 65% and 75%), temperature variations (from 5ºC to over 30ºC), and metro vibrations. 24 tons of Loctite have been used, with an average consumption of 30 kg per each of the 826 panels and over 2,100 stone elements.
This system has accelerated construction processes up to ten times compared to traditional methods, capable of withstanding loads equivalent to 100,000 people per square meter, a capacity necessary for the tower of Jesus Christ. Loctite EA 9497 offers reliable performance and a balance between rigidity and flexibility, demonstrating how 21st-century innovation adapts to a historic work while respecting the original vision.
The president of Henkel Ibérica, Adrian Orbea, stated that "the Sagrada Familia is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when an ambitious vision meets technological expertise. This project highlights how innovation and collaboration continue to drive progress".
