Addressing Water Ingress in a Concrete Basement Car Park
In construction projects, effectively managing water ingress is essential for preserving structural integrity. This project in Manchester involved Total Specialist Maintenance (TSM) collaborating with a construction contractor to tackle significant water ingress issues in a newly constructed concrete basement car park.
The Challenge
The client faced water ingress issues through the movement joint between the old and new buildings of the concrete basement car park. Timely intervention was critical to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of the structure. Key challenges included:
- Identifying the Source of Ingress: Determining the extent and cause of the water ingress at the joint was essential for effective remediation.
- Ensuring Longevity: It was vital to implement a solution that would not only address the immediate issue but also enhance the long-term durability of the structure.
The Solution
TSM implemented a comprehensive waterproofing strategy that involved several key steps:
- Exposing the Joint: The process began with accessing the joint between the old and new buildings to thoroughly evaluate the issue and understand the extent of the water ingress.
- Removing Fibre Board: TSM extracted the fibre board within the joint to its full depth, preparing the area for effective repairs and ensuring a clean surface for subsequent treatments.
- Temporary Plugging: A fast-setting R4 concrete repair mortar was used to temporarily plug the joint. This step was crucial for preventing the resin injection material from escaping during the repair process.
- Installing Injection Packers: Injection no-return valve packers were fitted to facilitate precise resin application, ensuring an effective seal could be achieved without any material loss.
- Applying Elastomer Gel Injection System: TSM utilised the MC Injekt GL 95 TX thixotropic elastomer gel injection system to thoroughly seal the joint, providing a robust barrier against water ingress.
- Removing Packers: After the injection process, the packers were removed, and the joint was covered with temporary plugging mortar, preparing it for final finishing.
- Creating a Recess: A 250mm recess was broken out within the concrete slab to accommodate the final waterproofing detail, ensuring a seamless integration with the existing structure.
- Fitting Waterproofing Membrane: TSM installed the Sika Combiflex waterproofing membrane (200mm wide x 2mm thick) over the waterproofed joint, providing enhanced protection against future water infiltration.
- Applying Epoxy Repair Mortar: Finally, an epoxy repair mortar was applied to cover the recessed joint, safeguarding it from foot and vehicle traffic and ensuring long-term durability.
Project Management Excellence
TSM’s project management team ensured that all aspects of the waterproofing process were executed efficiently and effectively. By coordinating closely with the construction contractor and maintaining open lines of communication, TSM minimised disruptions and kept the project on schedule.
Quality Assurance and Safety
Safety was a priority throughout the project. TSM implemented strict quality assurance protocols to ensure that all repairs met industry standards. Regular inspections during the process helped to confirm the effectiveness of the waterproofing measures.
Environmental Considerations
The materials used in the waterproofing process were environmentally friendly, ensuring that no harmful substances were introduced to the surrounding area. TSM’s commitment to sustainable practices reinforced the project’s alignment with best practices for environmental safety.
