Waterproofing for the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children. A partnership between Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

As a world-leading Centre of excellence, this facility will help diagnose, treat and cure young people with rare diseases. The project started in 2016 with the planned opening in 2018.

The waterproofing challenge

Providing an effective waterproofing system was imperative. The basement required proven resistance to water ingress. In addition, a Grade 3 (BS 8102:2009) level of protection was an essential project outcome.

The Xypex solution

Xypex was selected as the primary solution. This was part of an integrated waterproofing approach and a change to the original specification. Furthermore, Xypex was chosen to help speed up the construction process. As a consequence, a cost saving was also achieved. Its proven reliability was another benefit, giving reassurance that it would provide effective, long term protection.

Xypex Admix C Series – Capping beam, top layer of basement slab as a monolithic pour and intermediate slab perimeter

Xypex Concentrate – All joints

Hydroswell Bentostrip – All joints

The results

Utilising Xypex in only the top layer of the thick slab ensured costs were kept to minimum. A Grade 3 (BS 8102:2009) environment was also achieved. Furthermore, the contractor was able to carry out larger pours. This was due to Xypex requiring no restrictions on pour sizes on aspect ratio. As a consequence, time, risk and costs were minimised.