Concrete in Concert
Waterproof Performance at Royal Albert Hall
PUDLO waterproof concrete admixture and sealants from specialists, David Ball Group plc, have played a vital waterproofing role in the major extension and refurbishment programme currently in progress at London's Royal Albert Hall, due for completion by 2004.
During the 24 month Royal Albert Hall contract, over 100m3 of ready mixed concrete modified with integral waterproofer - PUDLO CWP, was used by specialist frame and underground works contractors John Doyle Construction to ensure the waterproofing of perimeter walls, capping beams, lift shafts and floors. Throughout the contract David Ball Group also provided a general inspection service on site and supervision and advice at the Battersea production plant of ready-mix supplier London Concrete.
Designed to the specification of consultants. Building Design Partnership, the watertight concrete was required to meet stringent standards, of the products then available that satisfied these conditions. PUDLO waterproof concrete was the material of choice.
According to John Doyle Construction's Technical Director, Peter Goring, the outcome was satisfactory. He says: "Very close attention is always given to the construction materials in use and the lest procedures that prove their reliability and performance. But when you are working on a national monument like the Royal Albert Hall the sense of responsibility becomes more acute. That was certainly the case with this very high profile contract. The required watertight performance of ihe perimeter slab edges of the five underground storeys that formed the bulk of our work behind, and below the level of the hall's impressive South Steps took on added significance. Quality assurance, mix design and precise delivery and installation of the concrete were all pivotal to a satisfactory conclusion to the job as a whole In this demanding area of our operations test results proved satisfactory and the PUDLO worked well. We were also assured by the presence of the admixtures specialists during and after installation."
David Ball Group also supplied Instacem Primer Latex as a bond coat and Instalastic as a sump sealant to the PUDLO-waterproof concrete used in the building's drainage system and elsewhere.
Contractor
Royal Albert Hall Trustees
Main Contractor
Taylor Woodrow
Contractor Concrete Structures
John Doyle Construction Concrete
Specialist Concrete Admixture & Sealants
David Ball Group plc