2019
London, United Kingdom

This access shaft at the new Farringdon Underground Station, is part of the new Crossrail project, which will link Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, via 21km twin-bore tunnels running under central London. On completion, the Farringdon Interchange will link with London Underground and Thameslink and will become one of Britain’s busiest train stations. The shaft was formed by the construction of concrete piles around the perimeter, followed by the excavation of the enclosed earth from within. The pile rings and base slab were then constructed.

Crossrail Sika concrete project
Crossrail Sika concrete project

Project Requirements

A safe and reliable waterproofing solution was required to prevent any water ingress through and around the base slab, which is of circular section, approximately 200m2 in area, and situated 20 metres below ground level. Dense steel reinforcement within the base slab and the complicated detail at the intersection between the cast slab and the sprayed concrete lining, meant that traditional rear-guard waterbars were not an option to seal the joint.

Sika Solutions

The new, innovative, fully bonded waterproofing membrane system SikaProof® A-12 was selected to prevent water ingress through the base slab. It is a completely engineered solution, which produces a mechanical bond with the concrete, and incorporates a unique grid pattern of sealant that prevents any lateral water underflow and migration between the membrane and concrete.

SikaProof® A-12 is easy and simple to install and complies with BS 8102-2009 Type A construction. Sika® Tricosal Metal Waterstop, SikaSwell® A-2010 and SikaFuko® VT 1 jointing solutions were installed around the perimeter of the slab to protect against any water ingress at the interception of the slab and the walls.