A conventional external waterproofing membrane was specified for this Fire Vehicle Repair Facility but during construction concern grew for potential leakage.
Many details in the below grade concrete such as mechanics’ trenches, hoist pits and sump pits proved to be difficult for conventional membrane installation. Also, poor soil conditions in high water table areas have a high silt content that retain 53% + moisture, which can swell and shrink causing stress on below grade structural components.
The Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) Admixture System was adopted for waterproofing critical areas of the below grade construction. The KIM Admixture System provided relief for concern over contamination of the re-circulation tank and for potential leakage in consideration of the challenging site and soil conditions.
Important to the success of the project is that contaminated water is kept from leaking in and/or out of the sump pits. To date, the structure is performing excellent. Subsequent construction has commenced next door, where engineers have required piles be driven into the poor soil conditions and basements are being avoided altogether.
Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) is a hydrophilic crystalline admixture used to create permanently waterproof concrete.