The opening ceremony of the Remezov Airport (TOX) in Tobolsk, Russia on September 24th, 2021 completed a final phase of construction for a key facility that now provides direct access to Siberia from the major Russian centers of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk. The Penetron System was specified to ensure durability of the airport’s concrete structures exposed to the frigid Siberian climate.
Construction of the Remezov Airport began less than two years ago, as part of a national investment program to upgrade Russia’s rural transportation infrastructure across the vast country. The new airport was built in partnership with the Siberian Petrochemical Company (SIBUR), the largest petrochemicals company in Russia, and the Tyumen regional government.
"Built in the shortest possible timeframe, Remezov Airport will become a new driver of tourism and economic growth," says Igor Chernogolov, President of Penetron Russia. "This particular airport is certain to create new opportunities for economic, business and tourism growth. I wish Tobolsk much success!"
A city of about 100,000 people, Tobolsk is located east of the Ural Mountains, 600 km (37 -miles) from Yekaterinburg. Known as the “2nd oldest Siberian settlement,” Tobolsk is home to the well-known White Kremlin, a stone-walled fortification unique in Siberia, built around the beginning of the 18th century. Today, the city is also home to the SIBUR Zapsibneftekhim production facility, the largest petrochemical complex in Russia.
Standing Up to Siberian Winters
This stage of construction for the Remezov Airport comprised a new passenger terminal, new flight safety systems, and radio and light-signaling equipment. Shortly after construction began in 2019, Penetron Russia was asked to propose a robust concrete waterproofing solution for the passenger terminal and the concrete reservoirs that provide a reliable supply of water for drinking and firefighting purposes.
“Our team recommended a combination of PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing repair mortar, and PENETRON, a topical crystalline waterproofing material applied as a slurry, to ensure a concrete matrix with the required waterproofing characteristics and durability to stand up to the Siberian winters,” adds Igor Chernogolov. “Thanks to our success with other airport projects in Russia, we were confident this solution would exceed the project’s strict requirements.”
Unaffected by Climatic Conditions
Once applied to a prepared concrete surface, the proprietary chemicals in Penetron crystalline products react in a catalytic reaction to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. The resulting crystal formation permanently seals micro-cracks, pores, and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction, making the concrete impermeable – a notable advantage in Siberia’s subarctic climate.
“With low permeability and self-healing capabilities to seal future hairline cracks, the Penetron-treated concrete elements will enjoy an extended service life,” concludes Igor Chernogolov. “Thanks to PENETRON maintenance for the treated structures will be minimal at the Remezov Airport – saving time and money.”
Protected from winter damage: The foundation of the new passenger terminal and the drinking water reservoirs of the Remezov Airport in Tobolsk, Russia are protected by the Penetron System.
