Stirling unveils new tunnel lining membrane
01 October 2009
STIRLING Lloyd Polychem, a leading UK waterproofing manufacturer, has recently launched a new membrane designed for tunnels constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which involves sprayed concrete linings.
Called Integritank HF, the membrane was launched after eight years of development at the Rapid Excavation Tunnelling Conference in Las Vegas, US, in June.
“The membrane provides a strong bond to the primary concrete, is robust enough to withstand the sprayed application of the secondary lining and offers a unique lasting quality assurance/integrity testing regime – features that assure engineers that they have a solution to the problem of waterproofing bored tunnels,” says a company spokesman.
Stirling Lloyd, which specialises in the development, manufacture and application of high-performance waterproofing and structural protection membranes and systems, provides solutions that cover various designs of tunnel construction including immersed tube, cut and cover and bored as well as suspended decks in tunnels.
Integritank HF boosts the company’s extensive range of systems, which also includes the market-leading Eliminator system for suspended decks and the Integritank waterproofing solution for immersed tube and cut-and-cover tunnels. Stirling Lloyd attributes its success in the tunnelling industry to its approach which is based on five key fundamentals, namely consistency, control, suitability, seamless and proof.
The company, which has been providing waterproofing for the industry since 1989, has now outlined its formula for success in a newly-released brochure entitled ‘Five Fundamentals of Effective Waterproofing’.
Stirling Lloyd ensures consistency by eliminating the risk of product variation by delivering the material to site pre-batched, as on-site batching can lead to products variation, potentially affecting the integrity of a waterproofing membrane and allowing water penetration.
The second fundamental is control on application. The spokesman explains: “A product’s potential is fully realised only when it is installed correctly. Consequently, Stirling Lloyd insists that the installation of its membranes is only carried out by fully trained and authorised contractors. This is backed up by a unique on-site quality assurance programme.”
Close attention should also be paid to the suitability of the product for the application, as different tunnel designs have different challenges and therefore the products used should address these unique issues. Stirling Lloyd has a clear understanding of this requirement and has developed a range of products, each suited to a specific tunnel construction method.
Seamless work takes care of weak joints that pose the greatest threat to the protection of a tunnel. Stirling Lloyd’s spray-applied waterproofing membranes lend a seamless finish, eliminating any vulnerable or weak laps.
Finally, proof of the integrity of the membrane is required to ensure its long-term performance, according to the company.
The brochure also introduces the benefits of the Integritank HF as well as of the Eliminator and the Integritank solution.
