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Sika concrete used to waterproof retail project

World Cement,


Sika’s range of waterproofing solutions have been used in the major new department store that forms part of the new £120 million Bond Street retail development on the banks of the River Chelmer in Chelmsford.

The new 120 000 sq f department store is the centre of the retail development which also includes other major retailers, riverfront restaurants, a cinema complex and a basement carpark. The water table at the site was high due to the development’s proximity to the river, which meant that consulting engineers had to pay close attention to the threat of water ingress. To overcome this they designed a dual waterproofing system.

Sika was ideally placed to meet the requirements of this design by providing a dual system of more than 7000m2 of the company’s Sikaproof A12 membrane system, along with 4500m3 of Sika Watertight Concrete. This combination of a membrane system and watertight concrete offers a dual approach to minimise risk and deliver high levels of watertightness.

The membrane surface of SikaProof A is embossed with a grid pattern, which contains a sealant, and is topped by a thin layer of fleece which forms a mechanical bond to the concrete when it dries. The grid pattern is also unique. It offers additional protection, due to the integrated sealant, which bonds tightly with the surface of the concrete, forming mini watertight compartments. Therefore, even if the membrane is damaged or pierced, moisture or pressured water cannot spread between the membrane and the concrete structure as it is contained within the small damaged grid square.

Sika Watertight Concrete is a high quality solution for below ground and basement construction that prevents water from migrating through the concrete. State-of-the-art Sika admixtures work within the concrete, firstly to reduce the water/cement ratio, thus increasing the density of the mix and minimising the size, volume and continuity of the concrete's pores, and secondly, fill the remaining pores.

To complete the system, construction joints were sealed with both the Sika Tricosal Metal Waterbar and the SikaSwell jointing system, which consists of joint sealing profiles that expand on contact with water to seal any voids between adjoining concrete slabs.

The development is set to open in 2016.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/25022016/sika-concrete-used-to-waterproof-retail-project-570/

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