Officially opened in December 2020, the newly completed Terralta Guay Guay Condominiums on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile feature Penetron crystalline technology to increase the durability and lifespan of the development’s concrete structures.
Developed and built by Besalco SA, the Terralta Guay Guay Condominiums encompass 45 luxury units in a townhouse configuration, designed in an elegant urban architectural style. Each of the four-bedroom units (116-136 m2 in size) feature a ground floor, upstairs bedrooms, and an underground basement area for storage and parking. Located in Colina, an upscale suburb of Greater Santiago, these condominiums boast panoramic views of downtown Santiago.
Because Colina has a mountainous topography that endures low temperatures and plenty of rain during the winter season, the relatively high-water table at the construction site demanded a comprehensive waterproofing solution. In addition to groundwater issues, the Besalco project managers were also concerned about possible freeze-thaw cycles that could affect any exposed concrete structures.
Replacing a Competitor’s Solution
“Originally, a competitive product was specified for the Terralta Guay Guay project,” says Domingo Lema, Managing Director of Penetron Chile. “However, our technical experts were able to show how the use of a crystalline waterproofing solution coupled with the support of the local Penetron Chile team would result in reduced construction costs.”
As an integral part of the concrete matrix, PENETRON ADMIX eliminates the need for any surface-applied protection products by significantly reducing the permeability of the concrete. Testing by independent laboratories have shown how Penetron’s crystalline admixture can increase the durability and lifespan of concrete by 60 years or more.
Superior Permeability Reduction
The concrete used for the foundation slabs of each condo unit and all below-grade slabs and basement retaining walls was treated with PENETRON ADMIX to ensure durable and waterproof structures. Melon Concretes, the ready-mix concrete supplier, provided over 4,200 m3 of PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete for the project.
“It wasn’t only the cost savings that impressed the Besalco project team,” adds Domingo Lema. “Our guarantee of superior permeability reduction and an automatic self-healing capability for cracks throughout the service life of the concrete was also very convincing!”
Rooms with a view: The Terralta Guay Guay Condominiums on the outskirts of Santiago needed a robust concrete waterproofing solution for the site’s high water table. Penetron had the answer.
