Little Giants Stadium is Big on Penetron Waterproofing Technology

Construction of the new Little Giants football stadium at Wabash College was completed in August 2020, just in time for the start (hopefully) of the fall semester in Crawfordsville, Indiana (USA). Penetron crystalline products were used to ensure the stadium’s concrete structures would be permanently waterproof and durable for many decades.

A highly-ranked, private men's liberal arts college, Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, was founded in 1832. Today, the College has about 900 students enrolled in a range of undergraduate liberal arts curricula.
 

Winning Teams Need a Waterproof Home

Designed by the DRL Group, a design and architectural firm in Kansas City, the new Little Giants Stadium comprises grandstand seating for 3,550 fans, suites, and a Club Lounge. The new $13 million facility will also include offices for game operations, media booths, a turf playing surface & all-weather track, restrooms, and upgraded concession areas. The new stadium is home to Wabash College's NCAA Division III football and track & field programs. Both sports programs have enjoyed remarkable success, winning multiple conference championships over the past 20 years.

“The main challenges in Crawfordsville were to ensure durability for the below-grade concrete structures and any exposed concrete elements,” explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “Our local Penetron representative worked with Irving Materials, Inc., the project’s ready-mix supplier, to provide an optimal waterproofing solution for the Little Giants Stadium project.”
 

Key Strategy for New Stadium

PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was added to the concrete used for the stadium’s below-grade elevator pits. PENETRON, a crystalline material, was topically spray-applied on the stadium walls to provide a waterproof solution. PENECRETE MORTAR was used to complete concrete repairs where required.

Once added to the concrete mix or applied to the surface of concrete, the active ingredients in Penetron crystalline products react in a catalytic reaction to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. This crystalline formation makes the concrete impermeable, stopping the penetration of water or liquids from any direction.

“The Penetron crystalline waterproofing system also provides the capacity to self-heal micro-cracks for the lifetime of the structure. No additional treatment or maintenance is required,” adds Christopher Chen. “That’s a big advantage for the Little Giants Stadium.”