Mammoth South Africa Residential Complex No Problem for Penetron

In March 2021, the 2nd construction phase of the Precinct in Waterval City (Midrand), Gauteng was completed. As a luxury residential development, this project is a key addition to the planned community of Waterval City, South Africa. The Penetron System provided a comprehensive concrete waterproofing solution for the expansive development.

The Precinct luxury apartments are located in Waterval City in Midrand. Situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Waterval City is a planned urban enclave built on previously vacant land. Midrand is part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and about 25 km from the city center. Home to major industries, such as textiles and automobiles, Midrand has grown rapidly over the past 10 years.

Designed by Century Properties, the Precinct is a $115 million residential development with 1,900 high-level rental apartments available in 1- to 3-bedroom layouts. Amenities include a restaurant, movie cinema, game room, a swimming pool, a two-floor gym and spa, and various outdoor sports facilities.

“In addition to a long list of amenities, the Precinct offers tenants a novel on-site storage solution,” adds Jonathan Whitehead, Penetron Africa Engineer/Tech Support. “In addition to underground parking, the project integrated a generous storage scheme – with over 900 m² (10,000 square feet) of underground storage space.”
 

Protection from High Groundwater

The construction plans included several below-grade and above-ground concrete structures (retaining walls, exposed parking decks, the underground parking garage and the noted storage area). Penetron Africa worked with project engineers at WSP Consulting during the planning phase of the project to develop a comprehensive suite of waterproofing solutions for the Precinct development.

“The below-grade concrete structures needed protection from the high groundwater levels and the above-grade concrete structures needed protection against exposure to the often-harsh weather prevalent in Midrand and the Gauteng region,” says Jonathan Whitehead.

Limpopo Ready-Mix, the concrete supplier, provided PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete for the elevator pits, foundation slab and below-grade retaining walls. PENEBAR SW swellable waterstop strips were also used to seal construction joints. A combination of PENETRON (as a slurry) and PENECRETE MORTAR was applied to the negative side of the swimming pool and other exposed concrete structures to repair any cracks larger than 0.5 mm (1/51”) that appeared in the basement structures.
 

Increasing Concrete Life Span & Durability

Penetron products are formulated to react with the moisture in concrete to produce an integral crystalline formation throughout the concrete matrix, resulting in impermeable concrete. Once treated, water, liquids, and waterborne elements are prevented from penetrating the concrete matrix, even against high hydrostatic pressure. This crystalline formation significantly increases the life span and durability of concrete – and provides self-healing capabilities for the life of the concrete.

“After our recent success with the nearby Sandton Gate project, we’re very happy with the results at the Precinct apartments,” concludes Jonathan Whitehead. “Yet another large-scale development, the Precinct has benefited from the ease of use and freedom from future maintenance afforded by the Penetron System.”