Al Mashfa Hospital in Jeddah.
Kabbani offers latest waterproofing system
01 September 2009
BMC, the waterproofing and insulation division of Kabbani Construction Group (KCG), has explored the world of waterproofing since its inception in 1980, to become an expert contractor tailoring unique solutions for individual projects through a growing number of strategic global alliances.
The group’s research and development department is behind the latest discovery: the revolutionary integral crystalline waterproofing system. Described as the future of waterproofing by many, this new technology relies on chemical admixtures added to the batch mix, turning porous concrete into an impermeable barrier. The system, also known as the Krystol concrete waterproofing system, owes its existence to a dedicated concrete research laboratory located in Kryton’s headquarters in Vancouver, Canada.
Kryton International has proven its product’s reliability with more than 35 years of success in the field, and it was this remarkable track record that caught the attention of Wassim Mahfouz, R&D division manager, KCG.
“I was impressed with Krystol Internal Membrane’s (KIM) chemical properties and the way it guarantees watertight concrete. We conducted a thorough investigation only to find out that there has already been a successful project in Saudi Arabia,” says Mahfouz, referring to Al Mashfa’s 10-storey full-service private hospital in Jeddah.
It is then that the group realised the importance of contacting Kryton for local representation.
Due to the high concentration of sulfates in the soil beneath the hospital and the wet conditions on account of an underground lake, the Al Mashfa project team found that the only solution that would both save time and cost while guaranteeing zero water penetration was in the water-tightness of the concrete itself.
“I can say with complete confidence that if Kryton had not been involved in this project, we would still be looking for a waterproofing solution to meet the demands of our project,” says A Hamis Elmas, project manager and architectural consultant for Al Mashfa Group.
Although BMC is known to use sheet membrane systems (EPDM), single-ply, thermoplastic) for most projects, the decision to collaborate with Kryton made sense in every aspect.
“With Kryton as our exclusive supplier, we can easily tackle the obstacles encountered in difficult projects such as underground structures and extreme wet conditions. Now that our arsenal of systems is complete, we can say without a doubt that BMC is ready for any waterproofing project in the region,” says Fuad Fidda, general manager, KCG.
Krystol waterproofing systems rely on a revolutionary crystalline technology that turns porous concrete into an impermeable barrier. The result is a structure with reduced cracking, self-sealing and waterproofing abilities which provides a powerful defence against water damage and corrosion of reinforcing steel, he adds.
“Whether it is new construction, upgrading of an existing structure or repairing cracks, Krystol helps build quality, reliability and cost-effectiveness into the concrete. Krystol penetrates deep into concrete many inches over time. It also self-seals hairline cracks (minimum 0.5 mm), and reactivates in the presence of moisture, even years later. It is effective against hydrostatic pressure (up to 140 m of head pressure) as it waterproofs from any direction (that is, positive or negative side),” says Fidda.
Krystol becomes an integral part of the concrete matrix when applied to existing concrete or added to the mix at the time of batching. When combined with water and concrete, it reacts with unhydrated cement particles to form millions of needle-like crystals. Over a period of weeks and months, these crystals grow, filling the naturally-occurring pores and voids in concrete, and permanently blocking the pathways for water and waterborne contaminants.
Later, if cracks form due to settling or shrinkage, ingressing water triggers the crystallisation process and additional crystals begin to grow. The crystals fill the cracks and ensure that the structure’s waterproofing barrier is maintained and protected. In other words, Krystol has the unique ability – even years later – to self-seal hairline cracks before they turn into costly cracks in the projected budget, he points out.
This is what led to the launch of the waterproofing system in the region. “Once I understood the power of Krystol systems, I became certain that many projects could benefit from them in the near future. This is why we decided to share our excitement with as many companies as possible,” says Mustapha Dani, products development manager KCG, when asked about the product launch in the region.
Three major seminars were held in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, respectively, during which Kryton’s regional manager for the Middle East and Africa Rodney Bennett presented the complete line of Kryton products to audiences coming from governmental organisations, municipalities, contractors, consultants and others.
However, Krystol products are not simply materials meant for mass distribution. They form an integral system offered as a complete service, whereby BMC assigns an ACI-certified concrete specialist to handle and oversee all the stages necessary to ensure optimal client servicing.
The Kryton specialist makes initial trial batches using the mix design assigned by the contractor, which are then tested for compressive strength, water impermeability and other criteria. In the batching plant, he supervises the addition of the chemical admixture into the concrete mix.
On site, he must make sure the concrete handling, placing, finishing and curing are executed according to ACI standards. BMC has also dedicated a quality control vehicle to all Kryton projects, where all the concrete testing tools and materials are stored (slump test, concrete thermometer, concrete cylinders and cube moulds, cylinder mould carriers, cracks repair system materials, trowels and others).
“Our agreement with Kryton is not that of mere distributors. We were and always will be waterproofing contractors. We have mastered the application of membranes over the years and have dedicated time and efforts into building a team of capable technicians. We are doing the same with Kryton,” explains Walid AbuShaker, BMC Jeddah operations manager.
Since the alliance in mid-2008, KCG has executed the Baghlaf Centre project on Prince Abdul Aziz Street, Jeddah, using KIM and the T1/T2 system. Another project in Abhur is currently under way, whereby the high water table and extreme wet conditions of the terrain make Krystol the ideal solution. In Dammam, KCG is involved in the underpass along King Fahad/Dammam Road intersection, which has suffered critical leaks and is currently undergoing heavy repair works. The KIM system will guarantee a watertight concrete foundation, eliminating the risk of future leakage and infiltration.
Based in Canada, Kryton develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of products designed to waterproof, repair and protect concrete structures. Founded in 1973, the company has grown to become a multi-million-dollar company with offices, agents and manufacturing facilities around the world. Developed in Kryton’s dedicated concrete research laboratory and tested in the field for over 35 years, the Krystol concrete waterproofing system is the world’s leading integral crystalline waterproofing technology.
Since its inception in Jeddah in 1980, KCG has undergone a steady expansion and has evolved from a roofing subcontractor to a leading specialised engineering company. The company serves the entire Saudi market through its numerous branches across the kingdom, as well as the Middle East by way of its affiliates in the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. The company is an approved contractor for Aramco since 1990 and has successfully undertaken hundreds of projects under general service contracts.
KCG consists of 10 main divisions, which include waterproofing and thermal insulation (BMC); concrete repair and industrial flooring (CRES); construction and maintenance (Cosma); pool and marine division (PMD); security and networking (Sintec); specialised oil and gas engineering (Sogec); industrial insulation and cladding (IIC); construction management division (CMD); infrastructure management solutions (Inspectech); and operation and maintenance contracting (OMC).
