Waterproofing of the retaining wall for the youth hostel, lifts pits, basement slab and walls that would be the shop, plus the suspended roof slabs that are stepped over three levels across the entire building.

THE CHALLENGE

A long term stand-alone waterproofing solution was required for the inclement climate whilst also avoiding loss of construction time. The project included waterproofing for below ground structures and the suspended slabs that made up the feature roof, one part of which would be the viewing platform overlooking the iconic Hadrian’s Wall. Concrete placement for the suspended slabs was made more difficult by the fact they were designed to slope across two planes at the same time.

THE XYPEX SOLUTION

Xypex provided a cost-effective solution, simplifying the construction process whilst ensuring the waterproofing installation did not cause any construction delays. The retaining wall to the youth hostel, lift pits and in situ basement walls all used Xypex Admix. Placement was required prior to the basement slab across these areas. Xypex Admix was also used in the suspended roof decks. This comprised both in situ concrete and 150mm thick Xypex concrete on top of suspended steel decking.

Xypex Admix C Series – Retaining wall, lift pits, basement slab, basement walls, in situ
suspended roof slab, 150mm structural topping on suspended steel decking.

Xypex Concentrate – All joints

Hydroswell Bentostrip – Either / or used at all joints

Hydroswell Sealant – Either / or used at all joints

THE RESULTS

Xypex technology means the product remains potentially permanently active for the life of the structure. This allowed all 1,060m3 of concrete, including the suspended decks, to be designed to a 0.3mm crack width and still be covered under the required 25 year warranty. Xypex also ensured that the waterproofing caused no additional delays despite poor weather conditions through the construction period.