Fadi Farhat of Kryton International tells ME Consultant that the Krystol Internal Membrane brings many benefits to its users
What are some of the long-term values that the Krystol Internal Membrane brings to projects?
Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) concrete waterproofing admixture brings many long-term values to projects in areas all over the world. KIM allows developers to build structures that are resilient, durable and sustainable by replacing the need for an external waterproofing membrane. Using KIM reduces the risk and potential liabilities on clients and stakeholders with technology that transforms the concrete into a waterproof barrier.
Further, KIM technology is the category leader and is the only PRAH (Permeability Reducing Admixture For Hydrostatic Conditions) according to the leading concrete authority in the world, the American Concrete Institute (ACI). Moreover, the ACI’s report (AC1 212.3R-10: Report on Chemical Admixtures for Concrete) states that KIM has stood up to more independent tests than any other solution. Ensuring structures are built to withstand hydrostatic pressure is key to the Middle East and GCC in order to construct sustainable buildings that will have a long lifespan. KIM also decreases the lifecycle costs of any given structure by making sure costly repairs are avoided throughout the life of the building.
What are your thoughts on the GCC market? How can Krystal Internal Membranes benefit projects here?
The GCC market is one with which Kryton and KIM thrives. This is a region that our waterproofing system was built for. Some may believe a concrete waterproofing system isn’t needed in an arid region where the chance of rain is slim. However, many of the GCC major cities are on the coastline, which means they will be Facing high hydrostatic pressure below ground.
According to statistics worldwide, the ingress of water and water-borne chemicals is the greatest threat to early concrete deterioration. In the GCC, which needs to protect concrete against below grade high hydrostatic pressure, KIM’s PRAH capabilities and green characteristics prove invaluable in keeping concrete structures watertight. KIM’s ability to turn the concrete into a waterproof barrier lessens the risk of early concrete deterioration, and saves time and money by avoiding costly repairs throughout the life of the structure.
ls there an understanding of long-term value in the market?
The long-term value in the Middle East is great, the market is certainly booming. Most of the countries in the Middle East are developing and doing so at a Furious rate. This means the building of infrastructure, tall buildings and residential developments, all of which we provide the concrete waterproofing for. With the World Cup on its way to Qatar and Expo 2020 coming to the region, the economic wave will bring more and more development for the developing and maturing region.
With construction continuing to grow, as well as the knowledge in using innovative technologies to create sustainable structures, our KIM waterproofing admixture will prove its value.
Given KIM’s history and knowledge (built over 42 years in the industry), how can you change the mindset of contractors! specifiers here?
The expected lifespan of a concrete structure is growing every year, especially as buildings grow higher and higher, and cost more and more. With that in mind, the infiltration of water is well documented as being the leading cause of concrete deterioration. Kryton has 4-Z years of concrete protection, coating and corrosion-inhibiting technological expertise that we bring to every project throughout the Middle East. Our expertise in the industry is what has become more noticed.
How do you work with clients or project teams to ensure that best performances and practices are achieved?
Working with clients and project teams to ensure best practices are realised is a must. Our belief is that we are not just selling a product, a simple waterproofing material that you can grab off a shelf and institute. ‘Ne are selling a full waterproofing system, which includes technical support in reviewing project requirements and concrete mix design with the consultants, engineers, architects, owner and developer. During application we have someone on-site to supervise KlM’s use with the general contractors, and even give after-sale service to ensure the system is working as specified.
We provide an overall solution to concrete waterproofing projects.
What projects have used Krystol Internal Membrane in the Middle East’s unique environment?
Yes, we have been throughout the Middle East since 2001 and have waterproofed many high-profile projects with great success in the region despite the harsh environment. Recently, our KIM waterproofing admixture was specified For the Juma Al Majid Tower in Dubai, where we waterproofed four basements and a car park structure, as well as the foundation of the main tower. Further, in Abu Dhabi KIM was specified to waterproof the basement level and all wet areas of the Rotana Resort on Saadiya Island, which sits in the Marina facing hydrostatic pressure that an external membrane would be at risk ofpunctures or tears. KIM, on the other hand, didn’t come with those risks and continues to waterproofas intended.
These are just two of the recent projects we’ve been on, but have been specified many more and are growing every single year. To date, Kryton has been used on hundreds of projects throughout the Middle East, which should catapult ever higher with the economy in Dubai and Qatar continuing to grow, and more global business arriving in the Middle East.
Source: Middle East Consultant
