The new “Seven I” apartment project in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, was completed in September 2020, before the start of the region’s cold winter weather. The Penetron System was applied to the below-grade concrete structure to solve problems caused by a failed membrane system.
The Seven I apartments are located in the center of Nur-Sultan (previously Astana), in close proximity to the Expo 2017 Astana exhibition venue and feature views of the city’s Ishim River. The residential complex comprises about 400 apartment units housed in two multi-story buildings.
“Initially, a conventional membrane waterproofing system was specified as a waterproofing solution for the below-grade basement structures,” explains Pavel Salnikov, Director of Penetron Kazakhstan. “Unfortunately, leaks quickly became apparent shortly after installation and before construction was even finished! At that point, the project contractor came to Penetron for a superior and permanent solution.”
Turning Failure into Success
The waterproofing challenge for the contractor was high groundwater levels at the construction site. The Penetron Kazakhstan experts recommended a topical application of Penetron crystalline technology for reliable – and permanent – waterproofing protection for the below-grade concrete structures.
As a first step, the Penetron Kazakhstan team used PENEPLUG, a rapid-setting, crystalline compound, to quickly stop all active leaks in the basements. PENECRETE MORTAR was then used to fill any cracks, construction joints, form-tie holes, and any structurally damaged concrete. As a final topical layer, PENETRON, a surface-applied, integral crystalline waterproofing material, was applied to all below-grade concrete surfaces to stop any further water infiltration.
The waterproofing properties of Penetron crystalline technology are unaffected by the often extreme climatic conditions in Nur-Sultan, one of the coldest capital cities in the world. The non-soluble crystalline network that forms throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete permanently seal microcracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction, even under high hydrostatic pressure.
“Last but Not Least – Our Local Factory…”
“Despite the interruption to the project schedule due to the failed membrane system, our team was able to finish all waterproofing work on time,” says Pavel Salnikov. “Last but not least, the quick response was thanks to the overnight delivery of Penetron crystalline materials from our local Penetron factory.”
Crystalline is better: After failure of the membrane system, the “Seven I” apartment complex in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan specified the Penetron System to ensure a waterproofed and durable foundation.
