Carpark sealing with old school epoxy – still can’t be beaten
When sourcing the concrete sealant for a two-storey carpark at Sydney’s new Barangaroo South development, Lend Lease chose a two-part epoxy which after 30 years is still the best on the market.
Choosing the sealant
According to Chris Bauer, Head of Flooring at Hychem, Lend Lease requested the use of the industry’s highest quality and eco-friendly equipment to produce long-lasting results no matter the construction. In the case of the new 20,000㎡ carpark, a heavy-duty sealant with a good level of slip resistance and low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions was required.
“Hychem 100W water based epoxy sealer was the chosen for the job due to its eco-friendly qualities as well as hard-wearing capabilities.
“Unlike conventional concrete sealants that are only a single system, Hychem 100W is a two-part chemically cured formula.
“A two part formula is naturally stronger, as when brought together, each component reacts to form a long-lasting seal.
“As the sealant is water based and solvent free, it complies with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) requirements as a low VOC rated product. This rating allows Hychem 100W to be used in areas where solvent based sealers are prohibited due to odour, health and flammability issues.
“Hychem 100W is also our oldest product on the market and has had over 30 years success in concrete sealing across the country. It is known for being a heavy-duty and long lasting solution, so was perfect for the construction at Barangaroo,” says Mr Bauer.
Applying the coating
When applying the coating, aggregate was mixed into the second layer of the product and further slip tests were carried out to ensure carpark safety.
“The benefit of the two-part formula is that the second layer of the product can be mixed with aggregate to enhance slip resistance of the surface.
“Once dry, a Wet Pendulum test was then carried out to ensure a slip rating of W was achieved.”
Providing support in Australian conditions
As Sydney often experiences humid or warm weather, the underground carpark required appropriate ventilation to ensure health and safety during installation and that the coating dried correctly.
“To provide technical support, a member from Hychem was present at the site to oversee the installation and curing process. This included aiding in organising appropriate ventilation via a sophisticated network of extraction fans.”
Results
Mr Bauer said the carpark was successfully sealed in the single application and has since held up to the high volumes of car and foot traffic.
“Hychem 100W is known to outlast the lifespan of conventional acrylic sealers, and in the case of the Barangaroo carpark, it was chosen to ensure that the asset was protected well into the future without any degradation of the coating.”
About the Barangaroo South Development
Barangaroo South is located within the suburb of Barangaroo on the northern tip of Sydney’s CBD.
Overlooking the harbour, works began by Lend Lease in 2009 to transform the original container wharf into a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
The mixed-use space at Barangaroo South is comprised of commercial and residential buildings as well as shopping, dining, hospitality and public parkland.
Built upon a former container wharf, the Lend Lease development has required the utmost in quality and eco-friendly infrastructure to pave the way for the city’s new latest and greatest carbon neutral community.
The two other areas of the suburb – The Barangaroo Point and Barangaroo Central – will be developed by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and other partners over the next ten to 15 years.