Concrete reinforcement and waterproofing system installed at Surf Snowdonia

A concrete reinforcement and waterproofing system developed by Sika has been used on Surf Snowdonia, a new inland surf lagoon in Dolgarrog, North Wales.

Built by D Morgan, the 300m x 113m lagoon is capable of generating the longest artificial waves in the world. In order to create perfect waves, the lagoon has been built to strict profiling and contours.

In the creation of the Wavegarden central channel – the base for the wave making machine – two large concrete boxes were constructed that required a robust and durable waterproofing solution. D Morgan specified 400m² of SikaProof A, together with 200m² of Sika’s cementitious fibre reinforced Sikalastic-1K waterproofing system to deliver the necessary levels of watertightness to the central channel.

SikaProof A and Sikalastic

SikaProof A features a membrane surface, embossed with a grid pattern containing a sealant. The integrated sealant bonds tightly with the surface of the concrete, forming mini watertight compartments.  The membrane is topped by a thin layer of fleece which forms a mechanical bond to the concrete when it dries.

Following the application of SikaProof A, D Morgan installed the Sikalastic cementitious waterproofing membrane to the visible element of the walls that will sit above the waves.

The one component, fibre reinforced mortar is based on cement modified with special alkali-resistant polymers. It is ideally suited for waterproofing surfaces subject to flexural strain, such as water tanks and reservoirs. 

Central to the design of the lagoon are reinforced concrete housings at either end of the centrally located reinforced concrete channel that supports the wave making technology.  

Polypropylene fibres

In order to save installation time, Sika’s Adfil Durus polypropylene fibres were specified to replace traditional steel reinforcement around the edge of the lagoon. By using macro synthetic fibres, disruption to the site was minimised, as the system enabled faster placement within the concrete.

Further advantages of the polypropylene fibres include rust-resistance, 25% better abrasion resistance and 400 times better impact resistance. There is also an approximate saving of 50% CO2 compared with steel reinforced concrete.

To complete the system, construction joints were sealed with Sika Tricosal Metal Waterbar – a galvanised metal sheet with a layer of composite film on one side that bonds permanently to the concrete, acting as a barrier to the passage of water through the joints.

Sika’s solution was delivered in time for the re-opening of Surf Snowdonia in March 2016.

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

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