University of South Wales
Watertight concrete system
Product
Heidelberg Materials Watertight System concrete
Volume
350m3
Client
University of South Wales, Glyntaff Campus, Pontypridd
Contractor
Interserve
Overview
Heidelberg Materials supplied our Watertight System, including 350 m3 of Waterproof concrete, to ensure a dry basement at the new extension to the Health, Sports and Science (HESAS) facility at the University of South Wales, Glyntaff Campus, Pontypridd.
Project description
The extension, which was designed by Boyesrees Architects, houses state of the art laboratories and IT facilities and consists of two storeys plus basement. It is linked to an existing Grade ll listed building which is being refurbished – all part of a £6.9 million scheme being undertaken by Interserve, which will see the relocation of the HESAS departments to this new facility. The site is at the base of a large hill, creating a wet environment for the new structure. As it was imperative that no water penetrated the new basement, consulting engineers Nicholson Jones Partnership specified a BBA certified Watertight System, by Heidelberg Materials and Sika, for the basement slab and retaining walls.
With a proven track record, this Watertight System will ensure a dry basement, that meets the requirements of BS8102 Grade 3 (Habitable Space) where people are living or working and no water penetration is acceptable.
Heidelberg Materials supplied 350 cubic metres of Waterproof concrete, which was then sealed with the SikaSwell® jointing system, consisting of joint sealing profiles that expand on contact with water to seal any voids between adjoining concrete slabs.
The use of Heidelberg Materials’ Waterproof concrete, not only simplified the design and construction process, saving time and money, but also allowed full utilisation of the space available as the overdig requirement was reduced compared to traditional membrane methods of waterproofing.