Sika Watertight Concrete system specified for new shopping centre

Sika has supplied its Watertight Concrete system to protect a multi-million pound retail development in Newport.

Constructed by Bowmer and Kirkland for Queensberry Real Estate, Newport’s new Friars Walk Shopping Centre boasts almost 400,000 square feet of retail and leisure space. The complex features a range of shops, 12 restaurants, an 8 screen cinema and a large Debenhams department store, which spans 90,000 square feet.

The shopping centre also benefits from a new bus station and a modern car park, which can accommodate 350 vehicles.

For the lower area of the building, Waterman Consultants necessitated a waterproofing solution that could meet Grade 3 of B3 8102:2009 and BS 8485 codes. To meet the project’s requirements and achieve watertightness, a dual system of the SikaProof A08 system and Sika Watertight Concrete was specified.

The Sika Watertight Concrete system

The membrane surface of SikaProof A has an imprinted grid pattern with an integrated sealant, which works to bond with the surface of the concrete and form mini compartments for watertightness.

The grid is topped with a thin layer of fleece, which forms a mechanical bond to the concrete as it dries.

This helps to ensure the containment of pressed water; moisture is prevented from spreading between the membrane and the concrete structure if the membrane is pierced or damaged.

Supplied by Lafarge Tarmac to Churngold Construction, Sika Watertight Concrete offers a waterproofing solution for below ground and basement construction. Sika admixtures work within the product to reduce the water/cement ratio, fill remaining pores and prevent water from migrating through.

The SikaSwell jointing system was used to seal the construction joints and complete the system. The specification meets the project’s requirements: it offers compliance with BS 8102:2009 Grade 3 for habitable areas, and BS 848, providing assurance that the membranes are able to restrict the ingress of hazardous ground gases into the building.

Sika Limited
Watchmead
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 1BQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 1707 394444

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