The initial phase of construction of the new Therapeutic Diagnostic Center of La Serena Hospital (Chile) was completed in August 2019. The medical center, built on the grounds of the former La Serena Prison, features below-grade concrete structures that were treated with PENETRON ADMIX to ensure a durable – and dry – basement area.
Set to open in 2020, the new US$ 105 million (CLP 66 billion) Therapeutic Diagnostic Center at the La Serena Hospital in La Serena, Chile, was developed by the country’s Ministry of Health. Upon completion, the Center will comprise three buildings (40,130 m2/441,400 square feet) to house diagnostic, therapy and general treatment areas, in addition to six surgical blocks, a maternity ward, 20 dialysis stations, an oncology unit, a clinical laboratory and an MRI unit. Finally, a 15,700 m2 parking garage is located in the basement, below the medical facilities.
“The new medical center in La Serena is a long-awaited addition that has been eagerly anticipated by the community, which actively promoted the bond issue for construction,” says Domingo Lema, Managing Director of Penetron Chile. “Initial excavation at the site began at the beginning of 2018 and construction of the concrete structures was completed by mid-2019.”
A Superior Waterproofing Solution
Originally, another integral waterproofing product was specified by Empresa Constructora Moller y Perez. However, after technical experts from Penetron Chile showed Penetron crystalline technology to be a superior solution, PENETRON ADMIX was chosen by the project contractor.
“Our team showed how PENETRON ADMIX is a more cost-effective waterproofing solution when compared to the competitive product, offering numerous durability and time-saving benefits,” explains Domingo Lema.
Non-Soluble Crystalline Network for Concrete Durability
PENETRON ADMIX consists of various active, proprietary chemical formulations that react with the water in concrete to generate a non-soluble crystalline network in the pores and capillary tracts to permanently protect the concrete matrix and embedded reinforcing steel against penetration of water or liquids from any direction. PENETRON ADMIX treated concrete provides permanent protection against deterioration, extending the lifespan of concrete up to 60 years.
PENETRON ADMIX was added to the concrete truck on-site. Over 8,000 m3 of concrete were treated and used for the construction of the below-grade walls and foundation slab of the Therapeutic Diagnostic Center tower.
“While work continues at the La Serena Hospital, our team will assist the project team to help with any technical issues or concrete repair needs as they arise,” adds Domingo Lema. “Penetron crystalline waterproofing materials helped the project keep to the construction schedule – and increase the durability and lifetime of the concrete structures.”
Work continues: Over 8,000 m3 of concrete for the below-grade walls and foundation slab of the Therapeutic Diagnostic Center at the La Serena Hospital were treated with PENETRON ADMIX.
Waterproofing the foundation: Over the underground garage, the La Serena Hospital expansion has surgery rooms, a maternity ward, dialysis stations, an oncology unit, a clinical lab and an MRI unit.
Coming soon: Once completed in 2020, the Therapeutic Diagnostic Center at the La Serena Hospital in Chile will house diagnostic, therapy and general treatment areas, and an underground parking garage.
