InfraClay: Basement Waterproofing Apartment Towers NSW/QLD

Case Studies

// Case Studies • InfraClay: Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL)

InfraClay: Basement Waterproofing Apartment Towers NSW/QLD

The Project

The booming real estate sector in Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has seen a surge in the construction of large apartment buildings. These structures, often featuring extensive basement areas for parking and utilities, require robust waterproofing solutions to protect against groundwater infiltration and to ensure structural integrity. InfraClay, a Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL), was chosen for the basement waterproofing of several large apartment complexes across these states, marking a significant advancement in the use of modern waterproofing technologies in residential construction. The choice of InfraClay was driven by the need for a waterproofing solution that was not only effective and reliable but also environmentally friendly and easy to install. The product's application spanned various construction sites, each with unique geological and hydrological conditions, necessitating a flexible and adaptable waterproofing approach.

Challenges

The primary challenge in basement waterproofing for large apartment buildings is ensuring a complete and durable barrier against water ingress. The basements of these buildings are often below the water table level, making them susceptible to hydrostatic pressure and groundwater penetration. Traditional waterproofing methods, such as liquid membranes or pre-formed sheet membranes, while effective, often struggle with seam integrity and long-term durability in such demanding conditions. Additionally, the varied geological conditions across QLD and NSW, ranging from sandy soils to clay, posed a significant challenge. The waterproofing solution needed to be versatile enough to perform consistently across these different soil types. Environmental considerations were also paramount, as the construction industry increasingly seeks sustainable building practices.

// Our Solution

InfraClay, with its advanced GCL technology, provided an ideal solution to these challenges. Comprising a layer of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between two layers of geotextile, InfraClay offers exceptional waterproofing capabilities. The sodium bentonite expands upon contact with water, forming a dense, impermeable barrier that effectively seals against water ingress. One of the key advantages of InfraClay is its self-sealing ability at overlaps, a critical feature in maintaining waterproof integrity across large surfaces. This property significantly reduces the risk of leaks that can occur at seams, a common issue with traditional membrane systems. Additionally, the mechanical bonding of the clay to the geotextiles in InfraClay ensures that the liner maintains its integrity even under the pressures exerted by deep soil layers and the building structures themselves. The flexibility of InfraClay was a significant benefit during installation. It could be easily cut and fitted to the complex contours of the basement structures, ensuring full coverage without the need for extensive pre-preparation. The ease and speed of installation meant that the project timelines were maintained, a crucial factor in large-scale construction projects. Moreover, InfraClay's environmentally friendly profile aligned well with the sustainability goals of the construction projects. The natural materials used in InfraClay are less environmentally intrusive compared to some traditional waterproofing methods, supporting the green building initiatives increasingly adopted in the construction industry. In conclusion, the use of InfraClay in the basement waterproofing of apartment buildings across QLD and NSW has proven to be a highly effective, sustainable, and reliable solution. Its successful application in these projects has demonstrated the potential for advanced GCL products in resolving complex waterproofing challenges in modern construction.

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