Fosroc International Limited

The new Ardley EfW Plant, including a 12m basement built over an Artesian Well, presented a host of construction challenges. Due to the extreme water pressure created by the Artesian Well, as well as ammonium salts in the ground, Fosroc worked closely with Tata Projects specifying a solution using Proofex Engage to provide a watertight, chemically resistant barrier, with Supercast SW20 in the construction joints to reinforce the floor to wall joint. Fosroc provided a ‘total solution’ package to ensure Tata Projects could feel confident with the proposed specification, from basement waterproofing, to grouting crane bases, flooring and sealants.

THE PROJECTCanterbury Riverside is a major new residential development designed by PRC Architecture for Bouygues Development\Link City. Its construction has been in progress since 2020, and in January 2022, the main contractor for one of the housing elements, Jenner Ltd, commenced work on the below-ground Block 11-13 car park. Jenner appointed specialist contractor GSE to install a new ground bearing slab within the car park, which would tie in with existing columns and retaining walls. The dimensions of the slab required movement joints to be accommodated and there were multiple access points that required waterproofing detailing. The design and installation was also required to meet the requirements of the NHBC (National House Building Council), so Fosroc was appointed to supply materials, and Waterproofing Design Services to carry out the design work. Jenner had previously worked with both Fosroc and WDS on block 14 of the project to provide gas resistant membranes and design.THE SOLUTIONSupercast Crystalline Waterproof concrete was selected due to its robust waterproofing response to any potential ingress through the ground bearing slab. Supercast PVC waterbars were also installed at every movement joint, with the complete Fosroc joint solution installed via Hydrocell XL closed cell compressible joint filler and Nitoseal MS300 joint sealant, which protected the joints against damage from traffic. Care was taken to design a fully linked waterproofing system around the joints between the new slab and existing column bases. This element was closely coordinated with the installing contractor (GSE).THE BENEFITSPour sizes and schedules were optimised by careful design and coordination. A flexible and fully watertight solution was achieved, and regular dialogue with the installing contractor ensured obstacles were swiftly overcome. Feedback from GSE was positive, with Site Manager Darren Knight commenting “This was the first time we had installed the FOSROC products on a waterproof detail. The advice and the back up from the team was very good and Paul Hitchins was on hand all along the install route to aide any issues, promptly answering our questions. The products were easy to install, and regular on-site inspections ensured a smooth install throughout. I would have no issue installing this product on any other job when specified.”

Fosroc contacted the designers of the Victoria Dock project in early 2013. Working with the design team Fosroc UK used its highly experienced sales and technical staff to produce a waterproofing solution using Supercast PVC waterstop and Supercast SW hydrophilic waterbar. Materials including special angles were hand made at our Tamworth manufacturing plant and passed the scrutiny of the Crossrail approvals team. To ensure watertight construction Fosroc provided on-site training on product installation. Materials used on C340 have since been passed for use on other rail projects.

Crown House is a change of use project from an old 1960s office block into modern student accommodation and highlights the opportunity to repair and refurbish concrete structures to provide much needed housing for local communities. The refurbishment and repair approach is of course, significantly greener than a complete demolition and rebuild, particularly in a busy town location such as Brighton. The concrete surveys found issues with the underlining substrate, including carbonation, so the project required a specification which would ensure protection of the concrete, in addition to a pleasing aesthetic finish for the client and student residents of the new block.

The innovative new low odour, non-taint polyaspartic based floor coating, Nitoflor PAFS, was used to rejuvenate the floor of a poultry processing area.

Gowriehill Distribution Service Reservoir is located in Dundee City and managed by Scottish Water. In late 2021, part of the reservoir tank construction was discovered to have a brittle asphalt waterproofing layer over the top of a beam and block roof. Fosroc proposed a solution that was easy to apply and provided a robust watertight finish and a 20 year warranty.

THE PROJECTThe One City Park development, designed by architect Sheppard Robson, is being built on a former police HQ site, is the first Grade A office scheme delivered in Bradford city centre for 20 years to address the need for high-quality offices. As a five-storey high rise building, the basement required an effective below-ground waterproofing solution to the main building core that would be fully compliant with the client's requirements and the relevant codes of practice and stand the test of time. The main contractor for the project, Caddick Construction engaged specialist concrete contractor Howard Civil Engineering for the basement build who then contacted Fosroc for assistance in producing a tailored waterproofing specification solution that would address the requirements of the project. As a trusted supplier of building materials and technical specification advice, Howard Civil Engineering has utilised Fosroc’s products for many other projects previously.THE SOLUTIONFosroc specified a full product solution for installation in accordance with BS8102 supported by a fully detailed waterproofing design provided by Waterproofing Design Services Limited. This included one of Fosroc’s innovative self-healing Supercast CWA product – crystalline waterproofing additive for concrete, Supercast SW20 and Supercast SWX waterstops in conjunction with Proofex Engage waterproofing and Proofex Total damp proof membranes. Materials were available to order ready to commence installation when required.THE BENEFITSThe main core works and basement project element is now complete, allowing the next construction phase to continue. Fosroc’s Supercast CWA will allow any small cracks to ‘heal’ with free lime crystal before they create damp problems, and the tough damp and water proof membranes will protect against ground gas, chemicals and corrosion. As the Fosroc products are designed to work together, a truly reliable and robust solution is delivered that keeps long-term costs of repair and maintenance to a minimum. Additionally, the contractor was able to access high quality technical advice from specification through to application, allowing them to mitigate potential problems and delays before they happened.

Fosroc used Nitodek FS to resurface the walkway of Glasgow's 'Squiggly Bridge'.

Fosroc used Nitodek FS to resurface the walkway of Glasgow's 'Squiggly Bridge' resulting in a safe, long-lasting and easy-care finish.