Kemper System showcased at Museum of Liverpool

12 Sep 2018

Kemper System has played a part in refurbishing of a section of the Museum of Liverpool, which spans an area 110 metres long by 60 metres wide and is 26 metres high at its tallest point.

The waterfront museum is one of the largest in the country and is positioned over the Leeds Liverpool canal link.

Architects Bickerdike Allen Partners (BAP) was responsible for the remedial works, which saw the removal of the original terrace steps and the failed single ply waterproofing of two separate terraces to the north and south of the building.

Kemper System’s solvent-free Kemperol 2K-PUR liquid waterproofing system was used for the new terrace support structure and structural deck, and installed by roofing contractors K Pendlebury & Sons.

The work was undertaken in two phases; firstly, the original steps and terraces structure were removed by main contractor WH Snow – this was followed by Kemperol 2K-PUR being used to waterproof the original concrete slab underneath.

The next phase saw a complex steel support system installed and bolted through the new waterproofed concrete slab.

Further waterproofing took place, with very specific detailing needed – this included 672 metres of galvanised steel stepped beams with in excess of 200 small individual supports and over 3,600 individual bolt heads securing the steel to the slab.

Further work included the application of a protective coating consisting of Kempertec EP5 Primer and quartz sand to flat terrace areas where cement bonded blockwork supports were being used.

The museum was kept open to the public throughout the project, including all structural work, waterproofing and installation of the new replacement terrace steps.

Neilan Symondson, of K Pendlebury, commented: “This was an extremely intricate job which had to be carried out in challenging weather conditions as the building is located right on the waterfront.

“The Kemperol 2K-PUR was applied on slopes ranging from 20 to 35 degrees with very complex and specific detailing. It had to provide a guaranteed watertight solution, resolving many issues resulting from the original construction and retention of external cladding finishes.

“Kemperol 2K-PUR was an ideal solution as it’s applied wet-on-wet, which made it much easier for us to work around the extensive structural detailing and awkward shapes, ensuring they were waterproofed effectively.

“As it’s odourless, this also assured the client that anyone visiting or working at the museum during the works wouldn’t be affected by any disruptive odours.”

Upon completion, there was seating, terraces and steps at both ends of the Museum, leading to two viewing platforms providing observation points over iconic parts of the city, including the River Mersey and Liverpool Bay.

Kemper System’s Stuart Hicks added: “This was a complex, high-profile project that had to meet a number of strict requirements with no room for error.

“Crucially, the application process for Kemperol 2K-PUR will ensure the waterproofing performs to the highest standards to keep the museum watertight for many years to come.”