Standing Up to Hydrostatic Water Pressure
Context
In densely populated neighbourhoods where expanding outward isn’t feasible and land is too precious to leave undeveloped, the only viable option is to build deeper underground. Consequently, opulent basements are becoming increasingly prevalent in such areas, including in Camden, London. One homeowner on Elsworthy Road sought to follow this trend by enhancing their residence with a new two-level basement.
This was no ordinary basement, however. It was designed to feature luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool, cinema, and upper-level bedroom.
However, a significant challenge in creating this below-ground masterpiece was the potential for dampness and flooding due to high hydrostatic water pressure at lower levels. Understanding this, the homeowner’s construction team sought an innovative and reliable waterproofing solution.
Solution
To safeguard the structure, a substantial underpinning model was employed to reinforce the existing house, with contiguous piles supporting the perimeter. This constrained the space available for the construction team. To address this and the inherent waterproofing challenges, the team opted for Kryton’s concrete waterproofing admixture, KIM, which could be seamlessly integrated into the concrete mix, eliminating the need for labor-intensive surface-applied waterproofing membranes.
Furthermore, to ensure that construction joints and details were as watertight as the surrounding concrete, the team applied additional Kryton products such as Krytonite Swelling Waterstop and Krystol Waterstop Treatment. The Krytonite Swelling Waterstop, in particular, was straightforward to install and boasted a proven capability to withstand hydrostatic pressure up to 0.8 MPa (8 bar). With Krytonite Swelling Waterstop, KIM, and Krystol Waterstop Treatment combined, the construction team established a comprehensive waterproofing system designed to perform reliably for the lifespan of the structure. As a testament to its effectiveness, Elsworthy Road remains completely watertight.