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Concrete Waterproofing at The Atlantis Hotel in Dubai

Concrete Plant International (North America Edition) – April 2009

Kryton International Inc., Barbados, USA 

When it comes to resorts, there is nothing quite like The Atlantis Hotel. Beginning with its location on the outer pinnacle of Palm Jumeirah, the world renowned man-made island complex off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, The Atlantis Hotel represents a construction marvel. This luxury hotel boasts a 42-acre theme park called Aquaventure that includes an aquarium of 65,000 marine animals, snorkeling trails, a dolphin encounter program and a water slide park with seven slides, two of which wind through a lagoon full of sharks. The Atlantis also offers abundant relaxation and unlimited entertainment for all their guests. For the Kryton Group of Companies, The Atlantis Hotel provided the ultimate test in concrete waterproofing. 

The extraordinary location of this project created significant challenges for the construction of four below-grade water storage tanks – including temperature-controlled seawater tanks for dolphins and a dolphin skimmer tank. The close proximity to the salt water of the Arabian Sea posed a serious risk of sulfate-laden ground water contamination, and strong potential damage to the steel rebar within the water tank structures. The resort’s location in the open sea, proximity to the desert, and exposure to changing temperatures also left it at risk to rising water levels from fluctuating tides, storms or other natural calamities. 

The Atlantis Construction Management Team was concerned that rising water levels could compromise the integrity of the dolphin tanks, raising concerns about keeping the temperature-controlled water in and keeping sulphate-contaminated water out. 

Water tanks are among the most critical projects that demand a reliable waterproofing solution. A leak in a water tank can be expensive and time-consuming to repair, especially in underground or partially buried tanks, since below-grade cracks and leaks are often difficult to detect and repair.

Kryton’s Krystol® Concrete Waterproofing System was selected to waterproof all four of the water storage tanks at Aquaventure. The Krystol surface applied system of Krystol T1® and Krystol T2® cementitious slurry treatments was applied to the entire surface area inside the water tanks. This prevented the intrusion of sulphates and other elements that could compromise the integrity of the structure and protected the purity of the water inside. Membrane systems were also applied to the outside walls as outlined in the specifications. 

The Kryton system employs advanced integral crystalline waterproofing technology to transform porous concrete into a permanent, water-resistant barrier. It provides a guaranteed defense against water damage and steel reinforcement corrosion through constant head pressure. When combined with water and concrete, Krystol causes millions of needle-like crystals to grow and spread within the concrete. The crystals permanently block the movement of water and waterborne contaminants, and resist hydrostatic pressure. If cracks later form in the concrete, the ingress of water causes additional crystals to grow, filling the cracks and ensuring the structure’s waterproofing barrier is protected. Kryton’s Krystol Concrete Waterproofing System was chosen for its ease of application and compatibility with tropical soil. The soil found in tropical climates, particularly along coastlines, contains high levels of sulphates, chlorides and other chemicals that corrode steel reinforcements. Unlike membrane-based waterproofing systems, the Krystol Concrete Waterproofing system becomes a permanent part of the concrete matrix; therefore, it will not wear away from the concrete. It is impervious to surface damage making it extremely effective in tropical environments. 

By blocking the penetration of water that carries contaminants and safeguarding concrete reinforcements against corrosion, the Krystol Concrete Waterproofing System will prolong the lifespan of concrete structures.Using the Krystol Concrete Waterproofing System reduced the volume of membranes required for the project, which saved the construction team significant construction time and costs. Unlike external membranes, Krystol does not deteriorate when exposed to harmful UV rays, aggressive chemicals and sulphate found in Dubai’s groundwater or prolonged heat. 

FURTHER INFORMATION
Kryton International Inc.
Upton, St. Michael BB11103
Barbados, USA
T +1 246 4373202
F +1 246 4295143
distribution@kryton.com
USAsales@kryton.com