In the article “The Concrete Advantage”, National Ready Mixed
Concrete Association states that the installation of waterproof concrete will
simplify the design, building and maintenance processes. The article also
discusses about the advantages of using waterproof concretes and how various
stakeholders will benefit from using it.
The article claims that the unique characteristics of the
waterproof concrete make it commercially viable, and mentions that the
permanent built in waterproofing makes it less prone to wear and tear, and
allows for easier identification and reconditioning of the minor defects. In
addition, the article explains how the defects can be rectified with
polyurethane grout injection repair, and it can be done without disrupting the
green roof. Hence the article evaluates that it will shorten the drafting
process, lower the per square foot costing as membranes are omitted and there
will be a reduction in the overall construction cost.
Constructions should utilize waterproof concrete as its unique
characteristics make it commercially viable as it simplifies construction
processes and makes maintenance easier.
The first reason is the omission of the waterproofing membrane.
“Case study of Miami Science Museum Aquarium” (n.d.) observes that the addition
of a special mixture into concrete mix enhances waterproofing in adverse
conditions, even without the application of waterproofing membrane. “Hycrete
Benefits” (n.d.) estimates that this approach reduces the construction cost by
30% as the design phase was shortened due to the omission of the costly
membranes. This supports the commercial viability of using waterproofing
concretes in greenroofs as compared to the application of waterproofing
membrane.
Furthermore, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association explains
about the complications of repair work relating to traditional waterproofing
method. In a supporting article written by Kadlubowski (2014), the common
problem of waterproofing layers is the damage of the fragile layers due to
rough handling during constructions. Kadlubowski (2014) also mentions that the
grade of waterproofing layer is essential as it is very difficult to carry out
maintenance work thereafter. In addition, National Ready Mixed Concrete
Association suggests that with the use of waterproofing concrete, there will
not be a need to wait for the concrete to cure before applying the membrane,
taking away precious time of the construction. This reduces the overall
construction cost, as time equal cost and a longer construction period will
elevate the cost on site due to rental of construction machines and manpower.
In addition, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association claims that
with the use of waterproofing concrete the use of root barrier for the
greenroofs can be excluded. In a research study by Tan, Chew and Wong (2012),
they share that plants with growing roots tend to penetrate the waterproofing
layer causing severe damage to the membranes. Tan, Chew and Wong (2012) warn
that tremendous amount of effort and money are needed to carry out the tedious
repair works and explain that the process will kill the green plants as the top
layers have to be removed to reapply the membrane. National Ready Mixed
Concrete Association states that minor cracks from the penetrating roots can be
easily identified and resolved with a grout injection repair that is cost
efficient. The unique characteristic simplifies the maintenance work needed for
waterproofing concrete and it reduces the future maintenance cost.
In conclusion, National Ready
Mixed Concrete Association discusses valid points, and is able to justify the
advantages of using waterproofing concretes. The supporting articles further
highlight the strength and characteristics of the waterproof concretes, showing
the commercial and technical viability of using such concrete. Hence, the use
of waterproofing concrete will benefit various stakeholders of the construction
process.
References:
Case study of Miami Science Museum Aquarium. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.hycrete.com/wp-content/uploads/Hycrete-Case-Study-Miami-Science-Museum_v9-8-17-16.pdf
Hycrete Benefits. (n.d). Retrieved from
K.K.Tan, M.Y.L.Chew and N.H.Wong (2012, May 9).
Effects of plant roots on waterproofing membrane. Retrieved from http://www.bse.polyu.edu.hk/researchCentre/Fire_Engineering/summary_of_output/journal/IJAS/V8/p76-88.pdf
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