When the design team was confronted with a flooded building site for a new multi-story residential complex in the Coral Gables area of Miami, Florida, previous construction plans had to be abandoned. Fortunately, PENETRON technology provided a prompt and effective solution – and the job was completed on schedule.
The Modera Coral Gables is a 237-unit luxury apartment mid-rise building situated on 1.5 acres in Miami only one block south of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile. A pedestrian-friendly entertainment and retail hub, it features some of Miami’s best-known shops, restaurants, entertainment, hotels and art galleries.
The building is LEED Silver-certified and has six residential floors above three levels of parking. A large pool is situated on an elevated deck on the fourth floor where residents enjoy expansive views of Downtown Miami. The property also offers approximately 6,000 square feet of street level retail space fronting Douglas Road, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the area.
Flooded Construction Site
A bentonite mat was specified to waterproof the below-ground structures, but initial excavations showed the building would be 5’ into the water table. Even with seven dewatering stations installed to remove the water, it was impossible to eliminate enough to proceed with the installation of the bentonite system.
“We were contacted by the project owner and the ready-mix supplier about options to the bentonite mat,” explains Christopher Chen, Director of The PENETRON Group. “They urgently needed a waterproofing product to enable placement of concrete into the waterlogged site, despite constant high heads of water pressure.”
The treated concrete included all the below-grade structures of the three-level parking garage. PENETRON ADMIX was used for the six adjacent slabs, the three-level parking garage, the walls and all below-grade structures. PENEBAR SW-55 was used for all below grade construction joints and around all intrusions in the slab on grade and the basement walls. At this point, the designer also included PENETRON technology in the elevated 4th floor pool structure.
Exceeding Expectations
Around 2,500 cubic yards of concrete were treated. After construction was completed, the dewatering stations were shut off. Within hours, the water rose up around the below-grade structures, which remained waterproof.
Initial dampness and light leakage from random cracking appeared due to the building settling and the higher water pressure around the building. Within a matter of days, however, the structure was completely dry thanks to the active sealing capability of the PENETRON ADMIX in the concrete. This admixture is permanently imbedded in the concrete and will continue to keep the slabs and walls dry should any moisture find its way into the building in the future.
“This project went very well, despite the unimaginable job site conditions for pouring concrete,” adds Chen. “The project owner, the waterproofing consultant and the rest of the design team were very happy with the performance of the PENETRON technology and have since included the PENETRON system in a number of further projects!”
Aerial view of the Modera Coral Gables construction site shows off the dimensions of the project.
View of the finished luxury residential complex with from pool-side.
The PENETRON Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
For more information on PENETRON waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook.com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
