Begovaya Station: Running on Time Thanks to PENETRON

Inaugurated May 2018, the new Begovaya Station of the St. Petersburg Metro network was constructed with PENETRON topical crystalline materials to ensure tunnels that connect the new station to the Metro’s Line 3, as well as the station platform, are waterproof. The project is part of St. Petersburg’s infrastructure upgrades for this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2018 tournament (June 14-July 15).

The Begovaya (“running” in Russian) or "Savushkina Street" station, on Line 3 (the Nevsko-Vasileostrovskaya Line) is the newest stop in the Saint Petersburg Metro. The extension of Line 3, which will ultimately include two new stations – Novokrestovskaya and Begovaya – provides access to the new soccer stadium on Krestovsky Island (Novokrestovskaya Station) and a convenient public transportation connection for residents of the city’s Primorsky district (Begovaya Station).

Integral Crystalline Solution Superior to Membrane 
“The architectural design of the new Begovaya Station uses themes of modern industrial and urban imagery that reflect the station's location,” explains Yevgeniya Kuzminova, Director of Penetron St. Petersburg. “Typical for many of our Metro stations, it’s a very beautiful design.”

Originally, the engineers of Metrostroy Company (the major engineering/contracting company for Metro construction projects) specified a conventional bitumen membrane system to secure the Metro tunnels, over 5 km (3 miles) in length. The waterproofing experts at Penetron St. Petersburg presented a comparative evaluation that showed how an integral crystalline solution is a superior solution. It would not only save money during construction, but also help accelerate the construction schedule and minimize any future maintenance costs.

Permanent Protection Against Concrete Deterioration 
Unlike a membrane solution, concrete treated with PENETRON crystalline technology becomes an integral part of the matrix by generating a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. This action permanently seals micro-cracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction. The waterproof concrete of a subway tunnel can now stand up to the tough environmental conditions common in St. Petersburg, eliminating the need for any alternate protection systems.

PENETRON crystalline materials were used to treat the concrete subway tunnels and about 8.5 km (5.5 miles) of PENEBAR SW waterstop were used to seal the construction joints.

“Our Penetron team has successfully completed a number of challenging tunnel projects over the years,” explains Kuzminova. “Once we were able to show how easy it is to integrate PENETRON crystalline technology into the concrete mix and construction schedule, the Metrostroy engineers were convinced!”