2017
Coventry, United Kingdom

This visually stunning new Engineering and Computing facility at Coventry University, forms part of the university’s £160 million redevelopment plan for the city centre campus. This innovative building, which was designed by Arup Associates and built by Vinci Construction, has impressive environmental credentials, incorporating highly sustainable technologies that include solar thermal energy, biomass boilers and rainwater harvesting. The building is at the heart of the university’s commitment to using new and dynamic ways of educating students. It includes a 250-seat theatre in the round, a high precision wind tunnel and a £3 million high performance, engineering centre that is home to a Harrier Jump Jet aircraft. Other key features include classrooms for 4,000 students, bookable learning booths and IT workspaces and a £2.6 million centre to support small and medium sized enterprises around the UK with the development of sustainable technologies.

Coventry University watertight concrete project
Coventry University watertight concrete project

Project Requirements

A cost effective watertight solution for the basement was required, that would ensure complete watertightness and adhere to the principles laid out for Grade 3 of BS 8102:2009.

Sika Solutions

The BBA approved Sika® Watertight Concrete System, which was supplied by Cemex, is a guaranteed solution for the construction of watertight basements and incorporates two powerful, state-of-the-art Sika admixtures that work together to prevent water penetrating through the concrete. This extremely effective watertight concrete solution has a successful track record going back over 50 years, and ensures the future integrity of the building. Within the system, construction joints were sealed with the BBA approved SikaSwell® jointing system, which consists of joint sealing profiles that expand on contact with water to seal any voids between adjoining concrete slabs.