The December 2019 inauguration of the first Ozone Residence apartment building in Brașov, România, was one of the year’s largest residential developments for the city. PENETRON ADMIX was used to ensure a durable and waterproof underground parking garage.
Located in the Transylvania region of România and framed by the Southern Carpathian Alps, Brașov was founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211. The city preserves an attractive medieval ambiance even today, resplendent with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture. With over 250,000 inhabitants, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Ozone Residences was developed just north of the city center and comprises 100 apartment units housed in three buildings. The two- and three-bedroom units feature spacious (72-112 m2) layouts and elevator access. Each of the three blocks is four floors tall, with additional below-grade floors reserved for underground parking.
"The design concept was simple: minimize the number of above-ground parking spaces to create more space for playgrounds and green areas,” explains Claudiu Stoenescu, Engineer and Technical Manager of Penetron România.
Looking for a More Cost-Effective Solution
The project originally specified a bituminous topical coating to protect the below-grade concrete structures from the high-water table encountered at the construction site. The project engineers at Le Bon Projet asked Penetron România for advice about a reliable concrete waterproofing solution.
“The Bon Projet engineers were concerned about the costs of installing the topical coating and, in particular, the lack of a guarantee to cover any downstream maintenance and repair costs,” adds Claudiu Stoenescu. “They contacted our team during the planning phase to collaborate on a better solution.”
Ultimately, PENETRON ADMIX was specified to replace the previous topical system. The PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete was used to construct the underground parking garage, including the foundation slabs, retaining walls, elevator pits and all concrete elements exposed to groundwater. PENEBAR SW-45, a swellable waterstop that expands rapidly when exposed to water, was used to seal the construction joints.
Protecting Concrete from Deterioration
The active ingredients in PENETRON ADMIX provide a catalytic reaction, generating a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts inside the concrete matrix. This formation permanently self-heals and seals microcracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids – protecting the concrete matrix from deterioration, even under the adverse environmental conditions encountered in Brașov.
“The advantages of an integral Penetron solution are obvious when compared to conventional topical systems,” says Claudiu Stoenescu. “The capability of PENETRON ADMIX to self-heal cracks for the lifetime of the concrete virtually eliminates any future maintenance issues, as well.”
Waterproofing the basement: Added during batching, PENETRON ADMIX significantly increases concrete durability and is impervious to climatic conditions, saving time on the construction schedule.
1st stage done: The first of three Ozone Residence buildings was completed in December. With 100 apartments and underground parking, it was one of the largest residential projects for Brașov in 2019.
Keeping the basement intact: The Ozone Residence apartment building project in Brașov, România, used PENETRON ADMIX to ensure a durable and waterproof underground parking garage.
