Penetron Shows the Way to Waterproof Concrete in Azerbaijan

Positioned on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the aptly named towers of the Lighthouse Residence in Nardaran (Baku), Azerbeijan welcomed their first residents in March 2021. The Penetron System was used to treat all below-grade and exposed concrete structures to ensure durability and resistance to the saltwater environment.

Nardaran is a district of the Baku municipality on the Abşeron Peninsula surrounded by the Caspian Sea. With a population of 8,300, the town is located 25 km (16 miles) northeast of downtown Baku, the country’s capital.

The Lighthouse Residence comprises two eight-floor towers housing 221 luxury apartment units. The project also included construction of a hotel, restaurants, indoor & outdoor pools and a yacht harbor. The new district is surrounded by 20 hectares (50 acres) of lemon and olive trees, blue pines, Texas palm trees and other species.
 

How to Deal with a Saltwater Environment?

“With views of the Caspian Sea and luxury amenities throughout, the Lighthouse Residence offers a ‘Florida lifestyle’ experience,” says Kirman Mammadov, Managing Director of Penetron Azerbaijan. “The project contractor also wanted a high level of durability for the concrete elements to prevent deterioration from exposure to the chloride ion environment.”

Because the Nardaran district lies directly on the shores of the Caspian Sea, all exposed concrete of the Lighthouse Residence was treated with the Penetron System to ensure waterproof below-grade concrete structures.
 

Using a Range of Waterproofing Products

All new concrete structures, including the outdoor pool, the foundation slab, retaining walls, elevator pits, basement storage rooms, and the underground parking garage, used PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete. PENETRON ADMIX, a permeability-reducing admixture, is mixed into the concrete during the batching phase. This gives a waterproofing and protection solution for the concrete at the time the concrete is placed. The result is a streamlined construction process that is unaffected by climactic conditions.

PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing mortar, and PENETRON, a topical crystalline waterproofing slurry, were applied to seal the construction joints and fill the tie holes where the concrete for both towers was treated with PENETRON ADMIX.

“Penetron Azerbaijan worked with the Lighthouse project contractor on many previous construction projects,” adds Kirman Mammadov. “The jobs were a success, proving the Penetron System is a cost-effective solution for all concrete waterproofing and durability-related concerns.”