Protecting a Sloping Site from Water Infiltration
Context
199 Watling Street is a modern development comprising 15 luxury apartments and two commercial units in the highly desirable village of Radlett, Hertfordshire, just outside London, England.
During the development, the below-grade section was designed to include a car park with a lift system to lower vehicles to the basement level. Due to the underground construction on a sloping site, the structure faced a significant risk of water infiltration. To protect the vehicles below and maintain the integrity of the surrounding structure, a reliable and proven waterproofing system was essential.
Solution
Kryton’s Smart Concrete® solutions were well-regarded in the United Kingdom, prompting the contractor for 199 Watling Street to switch from their initial system to Kryton’s. Consequently, they incorporated Kryton’s waterproofing admixture, KIM, into the concrete used for the basement slab, sump pits, and retaining walls. With KIM, these areas formed a comprehensive waterproof barrier capable of self-sealing for the entire lifespan of the concrete, ensuring long-term structural protection.
To further safeguard the construction joints and details, the contractor utilised Kryton’s Krytonite Swelling Waterstop and Krystol Waterstop Treatment. These products were chosen for their exceptional reliability. Specifically, Krytonite Swelling Waterstop is the most dependable waterstop available, with a superior ability to swell compared to other products. This feature allows it to fill more voids in the concrete and create a better sealing pressure, ensuring a more effective waterproofing performance. Importantly, it does not swell immediately upon contact with water; instead, its swelling is delayed and progresses steadily, allowing the concrete to harden and gain sufficient strength to withstand the sealing pressure. This process protects the structure from water ingress while enabling it to achieve full strength.
As a result, 199 Watling Street remains watertight, with the Kryton Smart Concrete solutions performing as intended.