74 Pirie Street, Adelaide

APPLICATOR: Mez Contracting
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Maras

74 Pirie Street is the location of an 8-level office building situated in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. Having been built in the 1980’s, this building was due for refurbishment which included the waterproofing of an exposed, fully self-contained rooftop terrace with facilities perfect for meetings and entertainment.

Challenge
Built in the 1980’s, the buildings exposed rooftop concrete substrate was subject to years of cumulative wear and tear. The concrete substrate also developed static cracking over the years. This exposed concrete required waterproofing as part of the refurbishment to turn the rooftop into an area suitable for entertaining.

As such, a waterproofing system was required to be suitable for the conditions of an exposed area, including a UV stable, trafficable membrane. Due to the required nature of the area, the system required a product that was to be non-slip with the ability to withstand high amounts of traffic.

Solution
The installer/applicator from Mez Contracting initially contacted ARDEX to discuss options for this project. Through site inspections and meetings with the contractor (Maras), a system consisting of ARDEX WPM 801 (Priming), ARDEX 812 (Waterproofing Membrane) and ARDEX WPM 822 (UV Stable Top Coat) was specified, and ultimately chosen.

ARDEX WPM 801 is a fast-drying primer suitable for polyurethane membranes that penetrates and seals concrete and is water resistant which protects the substrate in the event of interruption by wet weather.

ARDEX WPM 812, a single part, polyurethane membrane, is designed as trafficable and impact resistant – ideal for the intended use of the rooftop terrace. This membrane is highly receptive to the finish that ARDEX WPM 801 as a primer provides.

ARDEX WPM 822 was then used as a non-slip surface and top coat over ARDEX WPM 812 waterproofing membrane. It is UV resistant, foot trafficable and provides a chemically resistant finish.

A total of 120 sqm was waterproofed, with the area sand seeded as well. 200 sqm of cold joints were also treated with ARDEX RA 040 – a one component, polyurethane based joint sealant – to ensure complete protection of these joints.

The client was impressed not only with the quality of the finish, but also the technical support provided before, during and after the duration of the project.