Sika provides unique, fully-bonded, highly-flexible FPO membrane systems that can easily meet all of the stringent requirements, as well as safely accommodating the project’s needs – to create and keep new and existing basement structures durably and securely watertight. Nowadays, basements and other below-ground structures have to accommodate more and more demanding performance specifications, from living and leisure areas for residential buildings, to technical facilities, services and sensitive storage areas in commercial buildings. Thanks to its simple, fast and secure application the SikaProof-A and -P systems are increasingly being chosen for new structures as well as renovations of existing basements. [caption id="attachment_33271" align="alignright" width="300"]sika-proof-live SikaProof in situ[/caption] SikaProof membrane systems provide this high level of waterproofing due to their fully-bonded nature. Not only is the concrete structure protected, the innovative grid sealant system of the SikaProof-A membrane bonds together with the concrete to prevent lateral water underflow and migration between the concrete structure and the membrane system, in the event of any damage. The highly-reliable, durable and waterproofing performance achieved with the SikaProof systems, combined with worldwide experience gained over more than 45 years, gives basement owners, specifiers and contractors the highest level of confidence in achieving their objectives. SikaProof offers two systems and methods of installation:

    • SikaProof-A – the pre-applied system The membrane is installed in the formwork before the reinforcement and concrete is placed. Membrane sheets are available in 1m and 2m wide rolls with prefabricated self-adhesive strips. Fewer joints and faster installation time, makes the whole process more efficient, especially on large areas.
    • SikaProof-P – the post-applied system The membrane system is installed on the existing concrete structure. To create a durable and enhanced bond, use with SikaProof Primer-01 prior to the peel and stick SikaProof-P membrane sheets being installed. Both systems are cold-applied – the joints are not welded with hot-air guns and the membrane sheets are not torched-on with open flames. The SikaProof system is simply bonded with self-adhesive strips and tapes, which ensures fast and secure installation. Sika can provide appropriate finishing accessories as we understand the importance of attention to detail.
[caption id="attachment_33273" align="alignright" width="300"]sika-proof SikaProof[/caption] SikaProof systems are therefore an efficient standalone solution for basement waterproofing or engineered waterproofing for new and existing below-ground civil engineering structures. SikaProof systems can be easily combined with other compatible Sika waterproofing products, such as Sika joint sealing, to design and create a complete solution for durable and cost-efficient, watertight construction, whatever the requirements.

Case study: One Albert Quay, Cork

[caption id="attachment_33275" align="alignright" width="211"]albert-quay One Albert Quay[/caption] The project team consisted JCD Group, (the client and developer), Murphy Matson O’Sullivan Consulting Engineers, Henry J Lyons Architects and BAM Ireland (the main contractor). Sika representatives were involved during every stage of the project, from design to completion of the waterproofing and car-park finishes. From resulting structural design calculations, the SikaProof-A 12-membrane system was selected. The fully bonded system eliminates the possibility of lateral water movement along with its high flexibility, crack bridging, radon and methane blocking qualities. Combined with full BBA certificate and the Sika warranty, it was the preferred choice for all parties involved. The basement was constructed using welded steel sheet piles around the perimeter and the SikaProof A12 was used to waterproof the double level basement car park that was installed by the Sika approved contractor DPM Environmental. In conjunction with the SikaProof-A 12-membrane complementary products were also used, SikaSwell A and SikaFuco around the steel sheet piles, Sika Metal Water Bar for joints in the lift shafts and SikaLastic 1K a waterproofing slurry for external backfilled exposed concrete areas. Pat Connolly, contracts manager at BAM Contractors, said: “BAM were extremely impressed with the high level of technical service and on-site back up from Sika, from design through to on-site inspections and finally completion. Installation was made quick and simple by installer DPM Environmental using the SikaProof-A unique 2m wide roll design, which was of critical importance on this accelerated build programme. "Given the excellent level of service throughout, combined with the ultimately very successful end product, we could not recommend either the Sika products or the Sika technical delivery team more highly.” [caption id="attachment_33276" align="alignright" width="300"]car-park Basement car-park[/caption] Martin O'Brien from JCD Group stated: “We have used Sikafloor 263 car-parking systems in two previous developments and it was a natural progression to use the Sikafloor 263 systems again in Albert Quay. The Sikafloor 263 system gives One Albert Quay an aesthetically beautiful fresh finish, while also maintaining high durability and ease to keep clean.”

For further information in relation to Sika waterproofing, please visit http://www.sikawaterproofing.co.uk/products-systems/sikaproof/or call 00353 1862 0709