Officially inaugurated in March 2022, the new Dangote Industries headquarters in (Ikoyi) Lagos, Nigeria merges previously separate Dangote facilities under one roof. The Penetron System was specified as a concrete waterproofing solution to protect the building’s below-grade structures from the high hydrostatic environment of the adjacent lagoon.
A multinational industrial conglomerate, Dangote Industries offer building products (cements and aggregates) and are also active in the food and beverage, and packaging industries. One of Africa’s largest conglomerates, Dangote employs over 30,000 people across the continent.
The Ikoyi District of Lagos, surrounded on three sides by the Lagos Lagoon, has been the site of rapid development, with at least a dozen high-rise projects currently under construction or completed. Designed by James Cubitt Architects, the 18-floor Dangote Industries office tower is built on pilings to provide stability in the swamp-like geology. Dangote Projects, a company subsidiary, was the main contractor.
Confronted with Corrosive Groundwater Environment
“The main challenge for the contractor was the corrosive groundwater environment, with the resulting high hydrostatic conditions at the site,” adds Jonathan Whitehead, Technical Manager of Penetron Africa. “This made a robust and reliable waterproofing solution for the below-grade floors critical for the success of the Dangote project.”
Over 3,000 m3 of concrete was treated with PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, and applied to the pile caps, foundation and floor slabs, beams and columns, and the retaining walls. Over 600 m of PENEBAR SW-55 swellable waterstop strips were placed to seal all non-moving construction joints. A combination of PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing mortar, and PENETRON, a topical crystalline waterproofing slurry, was used to seal all tie-holes.
Permanently Sealing Micro-Cracks and Pores
Once added to concrete or applied to a prepared concrete surface, the proprietary chemicals 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. The resulting crystal formation permanently seals micro-cracks, pores, and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction – making the concrete impermeable with added corrosion mitigation properties, which will ensure an extended service life and increased durability.
Emmanuel De-Graft, Dangote HQ Project Manager, adds, “The Penetron System was chosen to counter the effects of corrosive ground water – it performed flawlessly.”
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.
For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron.com or Facebook.com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept@penetron.com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
Protection from high groundwater levels: PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was specified to treat the below-grade concrete structures of the Dangote Industries HQ.
Multinational industrial headquarters: Designed by James Cubitt Architects, the 18-floor Dangote Industries tower is built on pilings to provide stability in the swamp-like geology.
