Construction can be fast-paced, nonstop and have challenges at every turn. It is not uncommon for any contractor to run into situations and conditions in the field that were not expected. In these instances, this is where a team approach, or “calling in the troops”, is most successful.
When encountering challenges during construction, partnering with contractors, subcontractors, and manufacturers produces better results as they facilitate discussion about existing conditions, applications, and best practices.
Braun Intertec staff adopted this approach in a recent project with a downtown high-rise with a podium deck and pool, which we will further discuss in this blog.
Substrate challenges & investigation
The pool was a waterproofed Gunite Pool form-fitted into a structural deck. The pool had been waterproofed with a cementitious waterproofing system. The structural deck had been waterproofed with a hot applied bitumen waterproofing system with a drainage mat for protection. The issue was not with the waterproofing systems themselves but where the two separate systems came together. This transition had not been discussed or coordinated up until this point. The issue was discovered when the plants and irrigation were installed on the podium deck and the landscape was beginning to be watered on a regular basis. It was noticed that water was entering the pool from some hairline cracks in the pool waterproofing system, and it was unknown from where the water was originating.
Waterproofing systems solution
After extensive investigations and testing we determined the water coming from the planters was moving along the structural deck and entering the pool through the back of the gunite, an area that connected to the structural deck and had not previously been waterproofed.
The solution involved several project partners: the architect, the contractor, the subcontractor, the enclosure consultant, the manufacturer of the pool waterproofing and the manufacturer of the structural deck waterproofing. Together the project partners created details to address the connection of the two waterproofing systems including flashing, sealants and overlapping or shingling the systems.
Validating the new waterproofing system
At this point, Braun Intertec was tasked with proving the waterproofing solutions work. We isolated a section of the observed condition and created a mockup of the proposed solution to see if it would work in place. With the testing and adjustments of material thicknesses now complete, Braun Intertec proved this system to be the right solution.
Buy-in
Buy-in from all parties, or “shared risk”, is the agreement we make together that we, as a team, have determined the correct solution and collectively feel confident that the solution will resolve the problem. Together we have worked though the details, proper application and sequencing. As a result of this project approach, once completed, we all have some ownership in the solution. This holds everyone accountable during installation and warranty.
Building enclosures
Building enclosures can be one of the trickiest pieces of a construction project. “Getting it wrong” could mean years of leaks and moisture intrusion failures to deal with in the future. Getting it right means the owner gets a complete facility they can occupy and use for their benefit.
Bringing the right team members to the table will give everyone the confidence the job will be a success.