Media Release

Penetron Concrete Waterproofing Technology Keeps Elevators in New Charlotte, NC Community on Solid Footing

USA

The LoSo Apartments in Charlotte, NC opened its first apartment units in May 2023, a further milestone in the emergence of the city’s “entertainment district,” the Lower South End. PENETRON ADMIX SB, a crystalline permeability reducing admixture for hydrostatic conditions, was specified to protect key below-grade concrete structures from high groundwater levels.

The largest city in North Carolina with a population of over 875,000, Charlotte is a cultural, economic, and transportation center of the state – and home to a number of well-known colleges and universities. The city is also ranked as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, and is home to many Fortune 1000 companies, including Bank of America, Lowe's, and Wachovia Corp.

In the heart of Charlotte's popular Lower South End (LoSo) neighborhood, Cline Design Architects positioned the LoSo Apartments project as a cross between an urban and garden style community. It comprises two five-story buildings housing 273 apartments and a 7,000 ft2 (636 m2) clubhouse with an outdoor swimming pool and deck area. The apartment units are available as studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts. Further amenities include a covered patio with fireplace and grilling areas, a fitness center, co-working spaces, and a pet park.

Due to the groundwater levels typical for this area of North Carolina, Lithko Contracting, the concrete sub-contractor, asked for a reliable waterproofing solution to protect specific below-grade concrete elements from the hydrostatic pressure and resulting water intrusion.

“Both Lithko Contracting and Thomas Concrete, the ready-mix concrete supplier, are very familiar with our product thanks to past projects that were successfully completed,” says Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “PENETRON ADMIX SB was specified to provide a durable and waterproof mix design.”

Easily mixed in during batching, Thomas Concrete added PENETRON ADMIX SB to concrete used for the elevator pits to protect the deepest concrete elements from groundwater.

Once added to the mix, the active ingredients in PENETRON ADMIX SB generate a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete that permanently seals microcracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction. This formation provides long-term protection for concrete from deterioration, even under conditions of high hydrostatic pressure.

“PENETRON ADMIX SB performs consistently during the service life of the concrete thanks to the continuous self-healing of any hairline cracks in the concrete. This virtually eliminates any future further waterproofing-related maintenance or treatment,” says Christopher Chen.