Media Release

PENETRON Genovese: An Urban Mobility Solution

Italy

The August opening of the Sampierdarena Funicular unveiled an elegant urban mobility solution in the center of Genoa, Italy. PENETRON crystalline technology was behind the durable concrete foundation and walls of the concrete shaft.

The € 5 million ($5.9 million) construction project completely updated and automated the existing pedestrian gallery dating from the early 20th century. After a two-year construction period, Genoa’s newest public transportation system now connects Cantore Street with Scassi Street, next to the Villa Scassi Hospital. The funicular is 136 m (450 feet) long and features a vertical climb of 30 m (100 feet). Maximum transport capacity is 420 passengers per hour.

“The new Sampierdarena Funicular makes it much easier to move from the lower Cantore Street district to the Course Scassi and the adjacent hospital of the same name,” says Enricomaria Brac, Director of PENETRON Italy.

A wide array of PENETRON products were used to realize the durable concrete structure that now carries the funicular:

  • Base station: the concrete shell was formed with PENETRON ADMIX-Enhanced Shotcrete (PAES); the foundation slab and walls were treated with PENETRON ADMIX, and construction joints were sealed with PENEBAR SW waterstop

  • Connecting tunnel: the structural cavities were filled with PENETRON INJECT, cracks were filled and sealed with PENECRETE MORTAR, and the foundation structure and concrete surfaces were treated with topical applications of PENETRON

  • End station: the structure and cable shafts were covered with a layer of PENETRON for added durability

Because concrete is essentially a hard, porous and absorbent material with pores, micro-cracks and capillary tracts, its durability and lifespan can be severely hampered by a wide range of problems that damage the concrete or the underlying reinforcing steel. PENETRON crystalline products are formulated to react with key concrete components to produce an integral crystalline network that renders concrete virtually impermeable to moisture, chemical attacks, drying shrinkage and freeze-thaw cycles. PENETRON-treated concrete shows vastly improved resistance to environmental influences and has self-healing capabilities.

“The original Sampierdarena Funicular lasted for many decades,” says Mr. Brac, Director of PENETRON Italy. “But the new PENETRON-treated version will prove to be even more durable!”
 

The rehabilitated tunnel is now dry and spotless – the waterproof and durable PENETRON-treated concrete foundation will ensure many decades of problem-free service.

After PENETRON: The rehabilitated tunnel is now dry and spotless – the waterproof and durable PENETRON-treated concrete foundation will ensure many decades of problem-free service.

 

The Sampierdarena Funicular tunnel needed a comprehensive renovation; cracks in the foundation structure were filled with PENECRETE MORTAR, and the PENETRON was applied to the surface.

Before PENETRON: The Sampierdarena Funicular tunnel needed a comprehensive renovation; cracks in the foundation structure were filled with PENECRETE MORTAR, and the PENETRON was applied to the surface.


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