The new Apartment Lotus buildings in Oradea, Romania – opened at the end of 2017 – are part of an ongoing modernization of the country’s residential market. PENETRON crystalline technology ensured that the complex stands on a durable and waterproof foundation.
The construction industry in Romania has been a success story since rebounding from the financial crash of 2008-2010. Rising incomes and a brighter job market have combined to drive growing investment in infrastructure projects and residential construction across the country.
“The resurgence in the real estate market in Romania has gained momentum over the past three to four years,” says Theodor Mentzikofakis, General Director of PENETRON Hellas, who works closely with the local PENETRON Romania team headed by Yuval Meirovitz. “Oradea, located on the banks of the Crișul Repede River and close to the Hungarian border, is at the center of much of this activity.”
A city of about 200,000 inhabitants, Oradea is the capital of Bihor County and the economic center of western Romania. The new Apartment Lotus development includes three eight-story buildings overlooking the Lake Salca Park, close to the center of town. The complex has over 40 apartments, including top-floor penthouses, along with the corresponding underground parking garage. The ground floor features shopping and dining areas.
“With a construction site adjacent to a lake and near the city’s main river, the general contractor for the Lotus apartment project needed a sure-fire waterproofing solution,” adds Mr. Mentzikofakis. “Especially for the extensive underground parking garage.”
After consultations with Claudiu Stoenescu, Technical Manager at PENETRON Romania, the project managers chose PENETRON ADMIX for about 3,000 m3 of concrete for the foundation slab, perimeter walls, and all below-grade concrete structures and, in particular, the underground parking garage. PENEBAR SW waterstop was used for over 300 m of construction joints. Finally, PENETRON and PENECRETE MORTAR were applied for form tie-holes and any concrete repairs to complete the PENETRON waterproofing solution.
A recent two-year research program completed by independent labs tested the effectiveness of PENETRON ADMIX on the durability of concrete. Many key parameters were tested, such as compressive strength, drying shrinkage, permeability, freeze-thaw cycle resistance, self-healing ability and, most importantly, a calculation of the improved service-life of concrete. The results showed that PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete added up to 60 years or more to the service life of conventional concrete.
Mr. Mentzikofakis notes, “In addition to permanently reducing permeability by sealing microcracks, pores and capillaries, PENETRON ADMIX also gives the concrete a self-healing capability that lasts for the life of the concrete matrix, making the admixture the optimal solution for the Apartment Lotus project.”
One down, two to go: The first of three Apartment Lotus buildings is already up; the below-grade framework for the next one is being prepared for the PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete pour.
High groundwater alert: About 3,000 m3 of PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete were used for the foundation slab, perimeter walls, and the underground parking garage of the Apartment Lotus complex.
