Kryst l Magazine

®
®

www.kryton.com Leaders in Integral Crystalline Waterproofing 2010 | Volume 13 | Issue 1

Photo: Aakisisv

Marina Bay Sands

Krystol Project of the Year Winner

3096602

Krystol® Magazine 
2010 Vol. 13-1 Contents
Kryton Rises to Third Best Employer in BC ................. 3

Krytonite Achieves Green .............................................. 3

How KIM® Can Work For You ....................................... 4

The Obama Factor .......................................................... 5

Going Green with Concrete ........................................... 6

The Frustration with Blind-Wall Applications .............. 7

How KIM® Can Work For You Marina Bay Sands - An Icon to Last .............................. 8

Krystol® Magazine is printed twice a year Waterproofing a Luxury Hospital in Australia.............. 10

by The Kryton Group of Companies
1645 East Kent Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5P 2S8 Sunset Gardens ............................................................... 10
Canada
www.kryton.com
KMA™ - Build Water Protection into Your Mortar ...... 11
For information about this publication or
about The Kryton Group of Companies,
write to the above address, phone Waterproofing Tunnels in Sichuan, China ................... 12
(604) 324-8280 or 1-800-267-8280, or
email info@kryton.com
Kryton in Canada ............................................................ 14
Copyright © 2010 Kryton International Inc.
All rights reserved.
Photo: Andrew Ng
Editors/Contributors
Kari Yuers
Kevin Yuers
Leo Connell
Karen Ng
Danielle Preston
Sheila Calder
Judith Walker

Design/Production
Lulu Zhou

Printed in Canada by Wayside Printers

SW-COC-002234

Marina Bay Sands - An Icon to Last

 www.kryton.com
Kryton
Rises to Third Best Employer in BC

F or the second consecutive year, The Kryton Group of

Companies has been named among the best companies to
work for in British Columbia, Canada. Kryton was ranked
third best company in BC with less than 100 employees
by BCBusiness Magazine and Mindfield Group and was
honoured at the “2009 Best Companies to Work For in BC”
Awards Gala in late November.

#3
“We are so pleased to continue being considered among the
top three best employers in BC, especially because it’s our
employees themselves that have said so,” says Kari Yuers,
CEO of Kryton. “This is a family-based business and our team
truly cares about each other. That’s quite an accomplishment
with multicultural employees based around the world.”

The top 10 employers in BC are selected based on employees’

opinions. Kryton offers employees profit-sharing, a gym,
extended benefits, compassionate human resources policies
and, above all else, a welcoming and fun work atmosphere.

Krytonite Achieves Green!

K ryton has a long standing commitment to environmentally-sound building practices. Building on this foundation,
Kryton is now able to offer customers the services of an in-house Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Accredited Professional (AP). Our director of research and development, Alexandra Emlyn, is now a certified LEED-AP.
Alex’s achievement demonstrates Kryton’s commitment to help you meet your green
building goals.

The Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) certifies projects that deliver healthier,
lower impact, more economical and more productive environments. The LEED-AP’s role in
the process is to provide project-specific interpretations of the LEED credit manual and to
assist project teams in achieving the LEED credits they have targeted. The LEED-AP can also
suggest strategies to improve environmental performance and, in turn, gain more credits
from the CaGBC.

Alex has more than 20 years of experience in research, product development and
technical service. She has been a part of the Kryton team since 2006 and has championed
the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. For more
Alexandra Emlyn, LEED AP information on LEED and the CaBGC visit www.cagbc.org.

Krystol® Magazine 
How KIM Can Work For You
I f you’re an architect, an engineer, a contractor or
developer, you know a lot about concrete. You know that
concrete is porous and, if it is not waterproofed, water
seepage can occur, bringing in water-borne contaminants and
chemicals that can cause deterioration. If you want to protect
your concrete and ensure your building or structure has a
long, serviceable life, you also know that waterproofing
is essential.
So what is Krystol Internal Membrane™ (KIM®)
and how can it work for you?
A Unique Crystalline Admixture
KIM is a dry powder that, when added to the concrete mix,
forms billions of needle-like crystals that block the passage
of water.
It is manufactured by Kryton and is the world’s original
integral crystalline concrete waterproofing admixture.
KIM eliminates the need for conventional external
waterproofing membranes.
Now you know a little more about KIM. Here’s how it can
work for you.

Kryton’s integral crystalline

waterproofing products
are now shipped around
the world to answer
the needs of architects,
engineers, developers and
ready mixers.

 www.kryton.com
How KIM can help Architects and Engineers
Ever since Thomas Edison invented and patented the first system of poured
concrete architecture, architects and engineers have used concrete to build
higher, stronger and better structures. Architects and engineers play a key role
in determining the structural design and strength of a building. So their choice
of waterproofing material is critical to the success and longevity of a structure.

Kryton’s product KIM offers architects and engineers a reliable, long-term

solution to concrete waterproofing problems. First and foremost is effectiveness.
Simply put, KIM works. In fact, Kryton’s other waterproofing products, such as
Krystol T1 and Krystol Plug, are often called in to repair cracks and leaks when
surface applied systems fail. KIM is also effective against hydrostatic pressure
– up to 460 ft (140 m) of head pressure – an important consideration on
projects such as the Underwater World Aquarium in Melbourne, Australia,
where the structure is several storeys below grade and the pilings have
to withstand tidal waters. On that project, as on many others, the KIM The Obama Factor
waterproofing admixture was the sole waterproofer specified. The use of KIM
completely eliminated the necessity for other systems and continues to ensure U.S. President Barack Obama took the
that there’s no water seepage. world by storm during his election
campaign, building popularity with
Another huge advantage for architects who choose to waterproof concrete his charismatic and easy-going style;
with KIM is that uneven forms, irregular corners, outcroppings and other his hope and optimism for the future.
architectural design features can be securely waterproofed. Concrete treated So when President Obama threw his
with crystalline admixtures is highly suitable for complex architectural designs. support behind ‘waterproofing from
the inside out’ this past summer,
As architectural protrusions do not pose any waterproofing challenge, any people listened.
type of concrete structure – vertical, horizontal or shaped – can be securely
waterproofed. Externally applied membranes cannot be effectively used in these The president spoke to the media after
situations as the sheet membranes are not easily adaptable to unusual angles hosting a meeting with energy CEOs
and uneven surfaces. where they discussed how to create a
clean and sustainable future. “When
Kryton International helps architects and engineers solve the most difficult you hear the innovation that’s taking
waterproofing challenges by providing service and support second to place…that gets you excited about
none. Kryton sets aside 10 per cent of its worldwide revenues to support the future,” said President Obama.
its international concrete research laboratories that streamline testing and He described one technology that
certification processes on behalf of users and specifiers. caught his attention – admixtures
that waterproof from within the
Architects and engineers who choose KIM also know that they’re lowering concrete pores.
the cost of waterproofing by up to 40 per cent and shaving weeks off the
construction schedule, both important considerations. Obama told reporters that new
concrete materials “last longer and
What people say about KIM are waterproofed from the inside out,
and that can mean that bridges and
“As a spec writer, I am always searching for the product(s) that best enhance and roads and buildings can last 20 or
reflect the true intent of the architect’s design; the contractor’s ongoing concern for 30 years longer than using
reliability and durability; and the responsibility towards the owner’s need to stay on conventional concrete.”
budget. For years, I have confidently specified Kryton’s KIM to protect the concrete
structures where water damage is eminent or possible. This product works as a The positive technology endorsement
general waterproofing system for concrete. When a product works then my search is had Kryton’s phones ringing off the
over. Thank you Kryton, for your continuing support and in making my research so
hook and brought publicity to a growing
much easier.”
– Glenn Chatton, Specworks Consulting
sector in the construction world.

Continued on page 6
Krystol® Magazine 

Going Green
With Concrete
According to the World
Green Building Council,
the world’s buildings
and communities are
responsible for 40 per
cent of greenhouse
gas emissions into
the atmosphere.
Adopting
green building
practices can
reduce those emissions
by 35 per cent, lower energy use
by 30 to 50 per cent, decrease waste
output by 70 per cent and reduce water
usage by 40 per cent. Given those
impacts, it’s no surprise that building
green has rapidly become an integral
part of the construction industry today.
But can concrete be green?
The answer is yes. Concrete is a viable
and sustainable building material that
not only extends the life of structures
but is now being produced with
recycled alternative materials such as
reclaimed fly ash. And, waterproofed
concrete can also be green.
Using integral crystalline waterproofing
rather than external membranes
reduces jobsite waste, enables the
future recycling of concrete materials
and extends the serviceable life of
structures – while at the same time
keeping water out. It contains no
volatile organic compounds, is non-
toxic and is safe for contact with
potable water.
Now you can make the choice to build
structures that serve both people and
the environment by using integral
crystalline waterproofed concrete.
 www.kryton.com
Continued from page 5
How KIM can help Ready Mixers
It’s estimated that in the US alone, there are more
than 70,000 ready mix concrete trucks on the road,
delivering concrete to job sites around the country. The
competition is fierce, but ready mixers who know and use
Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane waterproofing system
have the advantage. Not only can they offer an additional
ready mix product to contractors and developers, they can
increase their profit because KIM-treated concrete has a higher
value than regular concrete. Ready mixers with knowledge and
experience in Kryton’s products can gain access to new markets
and revenue sources without interrupting their normal supply to
existing businesses.
Kari Yuers, Kryton’s CEO, explains it this way: “It opens up an entirely new
revenue stream by giving them access to waterproofing dollars that would
normally go to waterproofing applicators. It puts that money in the pockets of
ready mixers.”
Last year Kryton launched the first integral waterproofing certification program
designed specifically for ready mixers. Known as KIM Certification, the free
program provides assurance to contractors and confidence to ready mix
suppliers. Certification verifies that participants understand how to properly
and effectively use KIM. “Using KIM and becoming certified gives ready mixers
one more tool in their sales arsenal, helping them to maximize their dollars and
enhance their reliable and trustworthy reputation,” says Yuers.
For ready mixers, there are other advantages too. Kryton’s labs can assist with
mix testing and verification for unusual job sites and situations. The experienced
and qualified technical service team can help them deal with any potential
issues and offer mix-design advice. And, at the batching plant itself, Kryton has
removed any guess work in the ratio of KIM-to-concrete mix. KIM comes in
pre-measured, pulpable mixer-ready bags that can be thrown directly into the
concrete-mixer trucks.
KIM was the first crystalline
admixture to be available
in pulpable bags for easy
addition to the concrete
mixer. And the mixer ready
bags are in custom sizes to
match your mix design.
 Integral crystalline
waterproofing relies
The Challenge
on microscopic
crystals to fill
of Blind-Wall
concrete’s pores,
blocking the flow Applications
of water.
Pouring a concrete wall directly against
another wall is called a blind-wall.
And anyone who has ever tried to
waterproof a blind-wall knows that it
is a difficult task. Without adequate
access, placing external membranes
KIM won the “Most Innovative Product” award is a challenge. So why not build your
from the World of Concrete tradeshow in 2003. waterproofing into the concrete rather
In addition, KIM was the first concrete admixture than on top of it and save time, money
to be certified by the International Code Council and space?
– Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) as a Chemical
Admixture used in Concrete (AC198). Crystalline waterproofing formulas:

Become part of the concrete matrix

How KIM can help Contractors and Developers Waterproof concrete from the
inside out
It’s contractors and developers who create, co-ordinate and control the process Eliminate the need for blind-wall
of development from beginning to end. They work to improve property and membrane applications
increase its value. In doing so, they take on the greatest risk and therefore Can be added directly to the
need to feel confident in every decision they make. They must rely on research concrete mix at the time
and sound judgment to ensure the best, most economical and profitable use of batching
for their property. Kryton’s high quality products provide contractors and Allow you to achieve a larger
property developers with confidence that their decision to use unique crystalline building footprint and
technology is one they can trust. maximize space
Allow you to backfill sooner
Contractors and developers who use KIM rather than an externally-applied Reduce the cost of labour as well as
membrane system find that their buildings can actually be constructed with a the potential for application errors
larger footprint. There is no need to accommodate the extra space that would
be demanded for perimeter excavation for membrane applications. KIM-treated Choose a waterproofing system that will
concrete can be poured to the full extent of permitted space. not only work for the long-term but will
make your life easier – and your project
KIM’s pulpable bags are also an advantage for developers and contractors as more profitable.
they reduce waste and enhance the building’s eco-friendliness. And that’s an
important consideration if a sustainable building market is in their sights.

Another important consideration is that using KIM allows contractors and

developers to save time on the construction schedule, opening the way to
incentive bonuses for adhering to contracted timelines and allowing them
to move to other projects faster. One less sub-trade, less push back and
problems on the jobsite, dedicated field support from Kryton itself – all Solve difficult design
add up to a clear choice in waterproofing solutions for many contractors challenges such as blind-
and developers. wall applications.

So the next time you’re faced with a job requiring waterproofed concrete, turn
to Kryton for a solution that will work for you.
Krystol® Magazine 
Marina Bay Sands -
An Icon to Last
T here are some developments and structures that leave a
legacy on a city and significantly impact its culture. The Eiffel
Tower in Paris. The Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Sagrada
Familia in Barcelona, Spain. And soon, Singapore will be
changed as the soaring towers of Marina Bay Sands redefine
that city.

In 2006, the Singapore government turned to Las Vegas

Sands Corp. based in Nevada, USA, to develop and operate
an integrated resort that would put the country on the world
travelling map.
The goal was simple: enhance Singapore’s status as one of
the world’s top travel destinations. But the plans soon became
enormously ambitious. Las Vegas Sands Corp. committed to
opening the doors in three years to a five-star resort unlike
anything in the world. The cost for the development is valued
at S$8.0 billion (US$5.7 billion).
When it opens in a few months, Marina Bay Sands will
feature three 55-storey hotel towers, crowned by a two-acre
SkyPark bridging across the towers 200 metres in the air. The
SkyPark offers 360-degree views of the city and the sea as
well as 250 trees, swimming pools, restaurants and a night
club. The resort will provide guests with jogging paths, spas,
gardens and a lotus-inspired Arts and Sciences Museum on
Did You Know?
Suspended 200 metres in the air, the Sands SkyPark
is the crowning jewel of Marina Bay Sands Integrated
Resort and Casino. The sheer size of the SkyPark is mind-
boggling – it is large enough to accommodate four and
a half A380 jumbo jets and features a public observation
deck, landscaped gardens, swimming pools, restaurants
and a night club.
So how would you build something that big and that high
in the sky? In October 2009, the construction team began
lifting the first 330-tonne steel piece into the air to form a
bridge between two of the hotel towers. The process took
nearly 24 hours to complete and was one of the highest
strand jacking operations ever completed in the world.
Since then, another 13 pieces of the SkyPark have been
hoisted atop the buildings. The result is a significantly
changed skyline for Singapore.
 www.kryton.com
Photo: Andrew Ng
the promontory. If that isn’t enough, Marina Bay Sands will
also feature one million square feet of integrated waterside
promenade, high-end boutiques, a one-million square foot
convention centre with the biggest dining hall in Asia, two
2,000-seat theatres, a casino and a 4,000 car garage.
“The unique iconic design of Marina Bay Sands Integrated
Resort and Casino will be a global landmark for Singapore,”
says Bradley Stone, president of Global Operations and
Construction for Las Vegas Sands Corp. “With this promise
comes a challenging engineering and construction process,
which we continue to successfully overcome.”
One of the many challenges that faced the team was
waterproofing. Not only does Singapore have a tropical
rainforest climate known for its high humidity and abundant
rainfall, but the complex is also being built on reclaimed land,
surrounded by seawater. Any leaks in the foundations, below-
grade areas or acres of roof-top park
would be disastrous – and costly.
The challenge was to find a sole
waterproofing product that could
address the many intricacies
associated with such a mega-
project, including all below-
grade areas, multiple floors,
tunnels, lift and sump pits
and water tanks.
With the eyes of
the tourism and
construction worlds
watching and billions of dollars
on the line, it was imperative that proven
solutions be found.
 Luxury Living
Test Your Knowledge

A. The most expensive hotel room in the world can

be found at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva,
Switzerland. The Royal Penthouse Suite per night
costs (in US dollars):
1. $35,900 2. $37,200
3. $43,200 4. $61,100

B. The two-bedroom, US$35,300 per night Hugh

Hefner Sky Villa in the Palms Resort in Las Vegas,
USA spans:
1. 4,000 square feet 2. 9,000 square feet
3. 12,000 square feet 4. 25,000 square feet

C. The hotel that boasts in its marketing materials

that it offers “one of the most famous suites in the
world” is:
The project’s architects, engineers and contractors considered various 1. The Ritz Carlton, New York, USA
waterproofing options – from densifiers to pore-blockers to crystalline formulas 2. Hotel Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy
– to protect the structure. In the end, they selected Kryton’s Krystol Internal 3. Hotel Regina Paris, Paris, France
Membrane™ (KIM®) as the best choice. The waterproofing project was awarded 4. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, UAE
to Lee Construction Pte. Ltd., the exclusive Kryton distributor for Singapore, in
D. The hotel that offers a suite with a New Zealand
August 2007. wool carpet made with twice the average number
of tufts and 22-carat gold threats is called:
Kryton’s team knew what they were up against. The construction timeline 1. Hotel Orfila, Madrid, Spain
was very tight and the waterproofing system needed to be easy and quick to 2. The Dorchester, London, UK
3. Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, South
apply. Delays to the timeline could lead to unacceptable financial and logistical Sinai, Egypt
complications. With the project’s proximity to seawater, the waterproofing 4. Mondrian South Beach, Miami, USA
system needed to withstand salt water, rain water and significant hydrostatic
pressure – the deepest point in the project is 25 metres below grade. Finally, the E. The mastermind behind Beenie Babies, Ty
waterproofing needed to endure for decades without failure. Warner, has a penthouse named after him
charging more than US$23,800 per night at which
Manhattan, New York, hotel:
KIM’s integral crystalline waterproofing technology transforms porous concrete 1. 70 Park Avenue Hotel 2. Soho Grand
into a permanent, water-resistant barrier. If cracks later form, the incoming 3. Four Seasons 4. Bryant Park Hotel
water will react with KIM’s dormant chemicals and trigger further crystal growth
F. The luxurious hotel that features a suite with
that will keep the structure watertight. It was just what the project team needed. bulletproof walls and windows, an armoured
entrance, private elevators to an underground
Due to the project’s size, the work was divided into “packages” and awarded to garage, an independent telecommunications
nearly a dozen different contractors. Lee Construction oversaw the addition of centre and five BMW limos for bodyguards
KIM directly into ready-mix trucks at the batching plant, which streamlined the is called:
1. Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, USA
process and helped to minimize logistical challenges. Because KIM could 2. Savoy Hotel, Moscow, Russia
be added directly to the trucks, on-site application errors were also avoided 3. The Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas
and the construction timeline was maintained. In all, about half a million 4. Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Germany
kilograms of KIM have been used on the project to transform
more than 60,000 cubic metres of concrete – base slabs,
suspended slabs, walls, tunnels and water tanks – into OWNER Las Vegas Sands Corp.
watertight barriers. DESIGN TEAM Moshe Safdie and Associates
READY-MIX Island Concrete Pte Ltd.
CONTRACTORS Penta Ocean, KTC, Sembawang,
As the project nears completion, the skyline is already Ssangyong, KTC, Sato Kogyo,
changing and worldwide buzz about the project is building. Lian Beng, Sambo and McConnell D. 2; E. 3; F. 4.
There is no doubt that Marina Bay Sands will put Singapore APPLICATOR Lee Construction Pte Ltd. A. 3; B. 2; C. 2;
on the map as one of the best places to visit in the world and
Answers:

will change the identity of the country forever.

Krystol® Magazine 
Waterproofing a
Luxury Hospital
in Sydney
W ords like “airy” and “elegant” are not often used to
describe hospitals but that is exactly what patients and
visitors experience when they visit Norwest Private Hospital
in Sydney, Australia – a hospital designed to provide all the
bells and whistles of a modern hotel. The hospital caters to
a high socio-economic demographic and the majority of its
admissions are private patients. Aside from featuring wall-to-
wall windows and contemporary décor, it also offers 171 beds,
10 operating theatres, almost 700 car bays and more than
8,000 square metres of strata suites.
Sydney lies in a coastal basin and surrounds Sydney Harbour.
It is prone to heavy rainfall and flash floods. The architectural
firm, Health Projects International Pty Ltd., recognized
the hospital needed not only to look appealing but to be
consistently dry for health and safety.
The architects specified a waterproofing admixture as a
solution. After considering multiple factors, the development
Sunset Gardens
S unset Gardens is a Beirut-based project touted for its
lavish and luxurious amenities, from Botoccino marble tiles to
hardwood parquet décor. Residents – who paid a hefty
US$4 million for each suite – will be able to enjoy the pinnacle
of elegant living in this 14-storey development overlooking
the Mediterranean when they move in at the end of
December 2010.
The complex is built at sea level, with a huge garden
located over a suspended slab at the ground entrance level,
surrounding a circular pool. Waterproofing the concrete
below grade, as well as the ground entrance, pool, garden
slab, water reservoir and patio, was essential and demanding.
Hani Haddad, the developer and owner of A&H Construction
and Development, chose to use Kryton International’s integral
crystalline waterproofing system because he had used it
before and knew it worked.
“Having tried Kryton in waterproofing different parts of three
different projects before this one, I have to say that I felt quite
comfortable using it in this project,” says Haddad. “What I like
most about it is that it does not interfere with my construction
10 www.kryton.com
The high-end Norwest Private Hospital needed a
superior quality product to answer its waterproofing
needs and looked to Kryton for assistance.
team decided to use Kryton International’s Krystol Internal
Membrane™ (KIM®). They chose KIM because it was more
cost effective than conventional membranes, provided a
longer warranty term and simplified on-site application by
being delivered in dissolvable bags added directly to ready-
mix trucks. Most importantly, KIM was proven to work.
A total of 3,200 cubic metres of KIM was used to waterproof
the car-park decks, water tanks, on-site substation, ground
slab, roof decks and all other exposed areas throughout the
levels of the building.
The Norwest Private Hospital opened its doors to patients,
staff and visitors on September 7, 2009.
Sunset Gardens is touted for its lavish
amenities and multi-million dollar suites.
schedule, and this is a major factor resulting in more efficient
concrete work.”
Kryton’s exclusive distributor in Lebanon, T.A. Group S.A.R.L.,
waterproofed the project. They supplied and supervised
the use of Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane™ (KIM®), a
waterproofing admixture that is added directly to concrete
batches. T.A. Group also used the Krystol Waterstop System to
seal the joints of existing concrete.
The developer couldn’t have been more pleased with the
outcome and has confidence the project will open on time,
with all elements dry – luxuriously dry.
 KMA TM
Building Water Protection Right into Your Mortar
Key Benefits
Provides water resistance without
requiring a surface applied sealer
Reduces overall cost
Improves resistance to cracking
Improves adhesion
Improves durability
Construction methods in Southeast Asia, China, the Middle
East, Southern Europe and Latin America still depend largely
on brick-based construction. Bricks can be manufactured
locally and are a fairly low-technology solution to housing
shortages and low-rise construction needs in these areas.
But the finished buildings depend on surface-applied sealers
for waterproofing, as the bricks and mortar are porous.
Masonry mortar that’s not waterproofed against high
humidity and rain allows for leaks and seeping. Rendering
mortar that’s not waterproofed allows for water damage to
the substrate, mold growth and discolouration of the building.
Although they’re often used, sealers are not a permanent
solution – chipping and flaking as buildings age. Kryton’s
introduction of Krystol Mortar Admixture (KMA)TM into the
construction marketplace answers the need for a different
solution. KMA offers builders a huge opportunity to reduce
cracking, reduce shrinkage and improve water resistance – all
with one product.
KMA is a dry crystalline powder added to mortar during
mixing. It is used as both a masonry mortar and a rendering
on the outside of buildings or for interior wet rooms like
kitchens and bathrooms. It is based on Kryton’s trusted
Kryton is introducing
the new and improved
Krystol Mortar Admixture
into the marketplace.
Krystol technology. Like other Krystol products, when added
to mortar mixes KMA reacts to form long, needle-like crystals
that block the capillary pores and micro-cracks within the
mortar, effectively blocking water passage. Not only does
KMA reduce mortar’s permeability, should any cracks form in
the mortar later, KMA reactivates in the presence of water to
re-seal the concrete.
In development in Kryton’s labs, KMA has been improved to
ensure increased bonding with the building exterior when
added to rendering mortars. KMA’s proprietary formula has
also been enhanced to decrease the amount of water in the
mortar, leading to fewer cracks in the finished product.
“We’ve tested and refined our admixture specifically
to address issues that our customers around the world
identified,” explains Kevin Yuers, Kryton’s vice president.
“They wanted better adhesion, reduced cracking and
increased water resistance – we’ve given them the best
product to meet their needs.”
KMA can be used with an existing mortar mix design and
applied in the usual fashion. It’s easy to add KMA to the
ongoing construction activity and get superior results.
Ask your Kryton distributor for full details on this new and
improved product.
Krystol® Magazine 11
Waterproofing Tunnels This was no small job. The surface area on the leaking tunnels

in Sichuan, China
was more than 125,000 square metres (1.3 million ft2). In
addition, the repair location was remote, in the middle of
a province known as among the most inaccessible in all
of China.

A mid the worldwide economic slowdown, the Chinese

economy has been booming, thanks in large part to the
Kryton International learned of the repair challenge and
submitted a proposal to the China Highway Authority.
Kryton’s team recommended using the Krystol T1 and T2
government’s US$585 billion stimulus package. The People’s surface applied crystalline slurry coat system to repair the
Republic of China has poured billions of dollars into damaged concrete. The leaking tunnels had been built
improving its infrastructure, spending a significant chunk of with cast-in-place concrete and a surface repair was the
government funds on transportation – express roadways, only solution.
airport construction and improvements and high-speed
railways with target speeds of 320 kilometres an hour. Krystol T1 and T2 is a two-step, surface-applied integral
system that prevents water intrusion and repairs cracks
With China’s transportation network being a key factor driving while maintaining the existing concrete structure. Krystol T1
its economy, it is no surprise that much of the investment contains a high concentration of crystalline chemicals and
over the past couple of years has gone into developing and is the first coat of the system, sealing the concrete against
improving the country’s extensive highway system. China has permeating water. Krystol T2 provides a second dose of
spent more on its roads crystalline chemicals and protects and fortifies the initial
since 2001 than it has application of T1 as the
over the previous 50-year Soil and rock conditions, combined with heavy seasonal rainfall, treatments penetrate the
period. In the next 10 led to water leaks in multiple tunnels that were built in China’s concrete. The system
years, it is predicted that Sichuan province. works together and
the number of miles waterproofs the existing
of developed roads in structure from the inside.
China will overtake that Kryton’s proprietary
in the United States. chemical formula causes
Construction has been millions of needle-like
fast and not always with crystals to form when
the best results. combined with water.
Over time the crystals
In 2006, as part of grow and fill naturally
a project to create a occurring pores and voids
highway network that in concrete, along with
would connect all of the cracks from damage,
China’s 31 provinces, to provide permanent
the government focused waterproof protection.
its attention on a Once it’s applied, it
superhighway project takes 28 days for most
in Sichuan province, in of the active crystalline
southwest China. The chemicals to migrate into
new expressway was to span more than 180 kilometres and the heart of the concrete, creating a permanent water barrier.
run along the Yangtze River, connecting two major cities: At that time, the surface-applied slurry can be completely
Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital city, and Leshan. The project removed from the face of the concrete, without any effect on
involved building five pairs of tunnels in a mountainous its waterproofing abilities.
region of the province. Although the tunnels were completed
in early 2007, the soil and rock conditions, combined with Many of the crystalline chemicals sit dormant in concrete
heavy seasonal rainfall, quickly led to concrete cracking and until the presence of water reactivates them. If water re-enters
subsequent water leaks. Only a few short months after they the concrete through cracks due to shrinkage, settling or
were built, the tunnels needed to be repaired. seismic activity, the presence of water prompts the crystals
to grow again, re-sealing and waterproofing the concrete.
12 www.kryton.com
 Kryton’s team used Krystol T1 and T2, a two-step, surface-applied
system, to prevent water intrusion and repair cracks in the tunnel walls.

This unique ability to self-seal against moisture makes from the wall surfaces by using a high pressure washer and
crystalline technology a permanent waterproofing solution additional water was applied to thoroughly saturate the
that becomes more effective over time and reduces long-term surface. Kryton’s crack repair system was also used to fix large
repair and maintenance costs. static structural cracks.

About 250 tonnes of Kryton’s products were made in Scaffolding soaring six metres high was erected in the tunnels
Vancouver, Canada, and shipped to China in the summer of to help the workers effectively apply the slurry. Once the
2007. When they arrived in port, the products were delivered surfaces were prepared, the project team began applying the
inland by truck and then transferred onto smaller flatbed Krystol T1 and T2 slurry coating. In total, the crews used 250
trucks to navigate the roads to the tonnes of T1 and T2 to waterproof
jobsite in the mountains. the tunnel walls. Another two
tonnes of Kryton’s crack repair
The remote work location required system was applied to fix the
extensive planning. Contractors 1,200 metres of cracked and
needed to be able to live onsite leaking concrete.
for a long period of time. Kryton’s
distributor in Chengdu, Chengdu Only 18 weeks after shipping the
Kaidan Underground Works Ltd., products to China, the project was
assembled a crew of workers who Efflorescence and contaminants were leaching through finished. It was an ambitious and
would live at the remote location the concrete tunnel walls causing deterioration and aggressive timeline for a project
for at least 12 weeks. All the spalling before Kryton was brought on to help. this scope and size. The China
workers completed preliminary Highway Authority gave its stamp
training in Chengdu as well as in-depth, hands-on training at of approval on the project completion in late 2007.
the jobsite with Kryton staff. It was essential that the workers
could be prepared to handle any challenges. They learned On May 12, 2008, less than a year later, a massive earthquake
how to store and mix materials for the best performance struck Sichuan, killing 90,000 people and injuring 375,000. It
and were taught application techniques, curing methods and was one of the deadliest earthquakes in world history. The
best practices. earthquake left more than five million people homeless and
destroyed entire communities. Despite the devastation all
Before any work could begin, the surfaces in the tunnels around the region, the newly waterproofed tunnels were not
needed to be carefully prepared to ensure the best adhesion affected. Today, they continue to provide dry and safe passage
of the slurry. Dust and other loose particles were removed for everyone who travels China’s southwest superhighway.
Krystol® Magazine 13
Kryton in Canada
I n spite of a tough economic ride over the
last couple years, Canada’s construction
industry still employs an estimated 1.2
million Canadians. Of that, 27,000 produce
cement, concrete and concrete construction
materials. In addition, according to the
Cement Association of Canada, cement and
concrete sales in 2008 contributed $3.2 billion
to Canada’s gross domestic product.

Canada continues to build innovative

buildings and infrastructure from coast to
coast. With almost four decades of answering
Canadian’s concrete waterproofing needs,
Kryton has been part of the country’s
innovation and success.

The Jameson House, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Jameson House is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. A part
of the designated heritage district along Hastings Street, the development
involves preserving two 1920s-era buildings as well as constructing a
new 37-storey, $180-million tower. Kryton was brought on board in 2008
to waterproof all above-grade exposed concrete surfaces. Using Krystol
Internal Membrane™ (KIM®) admixture instead of a traditional external
sealer gave the development team the multiple benefits of using an
integral crystalline waterproofing system, including keeping the natural
architectural concrete finish and providing permanent long term protection.
In all, 15,000 kilograms of KIM were used to waterproof The Jameson
House. The project is expected to be complete in late 2010.

South Health Campus, Calgary, Alberta

Touted as the “future of health care,” the South Health Campus is currently under
development in Calgary. Kryton began working on the 155,000 square metre
facility in 2008. The development team needed a reliable waterproofing system for
the shotcrete water tanks that were designed to catch rain water and feed irrigation
systems spread across the 44-acre property. A number of suspended slabs also
needed guaranteed waterproofing to protect electrical systems and insulation that
were being installed underneath the slabs. The team turned to Kryton as a cost
effective and reliable solution that is also compatible with shotcrete application.
Approximately 6,000 kilograms of Kryton’s KIM were used on the water tanks
while the company’s Krystol Waterstop System was used on the tank joints.
Another 9,000 kilograms of Kryton’s Krystol Broadcast – a crystalline concrete
waterproofing application with a dye that assists with uniform distribution – were
used on the suspended slabs. The first phase of construction is expected to be
complete in 2011.

14 www.kryton.com
Sherbourne Park Water Feature, Toronto, Ontario
Covering almost four acres, Sherbourne Park was designed to be an iconic feature for Toronto.
It is located in the centre of East Bayfront, a unique 55-acre neighbourhood, and features a
one-and-a-half kilometre water’s edge promenade. Kryton was selected as the waterproofing
supplier for the project based on the durability and long-term reliability of its flagship product,
KIM. The water feature will be filled with water year round. In the chilly winter months, the
water will turn into ice, and, as a result, the structure will face freeze-thaw cycles. More than
12,000 kilograms of KIM were used to waterproof the project and it quickly became the most
high profile project Kryton ever completed in Toronto.

Edmonton International Airport Tunnels and Water Cisterns,

Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton International Airport is expecting annual passenger traffic to grow from six to nine million by
2012. When the airport’s management company decided to embark on a massive, $1.1 billion airport
expansion project to accommodate that increased traffic, they faced strict deadlines to minimize disruption
to service and passenger flow. Kryton was selected to waterproof airport tunnels and water cisterns
because of its products’ effectiveness, cost savings and ability to be integrated into the concrete mix off-
site. More than five tonnes of KIM have been used to date to waterproof the concrete. The project also
called for the use of Kryton’s Krystol Waterstop System to protect joints in the tunnel and cistern walls.

Beaumont Water Reservoir, Nisku, Alberta

Water reservoirs hold water that may eventually flow to taps in your home. So it’s crucial that
the water is safe and protected from leaching contaminants. The concrete that surrounds the
reservoirs must be reliably and effectively waterproofed. In 2009, Kryton’s products were used
to waterproof the Beaumont Water Reservoir in a small community called Nisku, Alberta. The
project required a guaranteed defence against water contaminant and leakage. More than five
pallets of the surface-applied Krystol T1 and T2 were used on the reservoir.

Kryton Distributors in Canada

Kryton has distributors throughout Canada. Contact any of these distributors to find out more about how Kryton’s waterproofing products can save time and money.
Check out www.kryton.com to see other areas where Kryton distributors are changing concrete construction for the better, including America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Calgary, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Medicine Hat, Alberta Burnaby, British Columbia Quebec, Quebec
Cascade Aqua-Tech Ltd. Northland Construction Supplies Construction Supply Ltd. Fairwind Construction Products Ltd. Specmont, Inc.
Contact: Kevin Skogstad Contact: Bob Millard Contact: Alan Rose Contact: Jack Nicholson Contact: Michel Guevremont
Tel: (403) 571-4080 Tel: (780) 452-3481 Tel: (403) 526-6027 Tel: (604) 513-9944 Tel: (450) 449-2545
Fax: (403) 571-4084 Fax: (780) 451-0966 Email: consupply@gmail.com Fax: (604) 513-3660 Fax: (450) 449-0322
Email: kskogstad@cascadeaqua.com Email: bmillard@ Email: jnicholson@ubp-usa.com Email: specmont@specmont.com
northlandconstruction.com Red Deer, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta Northland Construction Supplies Kelowna, British Columbia Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Northland Construction Supplies Fort McMurray, Alberta Contact: Bill MacDonald Cascade Aqua-Tech Ltd. Brock White Canada Inc.
Contact: Jeff Hutt Northland Construction Supplies Tel: (403) 342-1555 Contact: Steve Dmytry Contact: Brian Stumborg
Tel: (403) 531-0050 Contact: Mark Schoonbaert Fax: (403) 342-1549 Tel: (250) 868-1331 Tel: (306) 931-9255
Fax: (403) 531-0053 Tel: (780) 790-1804 Email: wbouchon@ Fax: (250) 869-1332 Fax: (306) 242-7113
Email: trobertson@ Fax: (780) 790-1806 northlandconstruction.com Email: sdmytry@cascadeaqua.com Email: bstumborg@brockwhite.com
northlandconstruction.com Email: mschoonbaert@
northlandconstruction.com Burnaby, British Columbia Victoria, British Columbia
Edmonton, Alberta Cascade Aqua-Tech Ltd. Cascade Aqua-Tech Ltd.
Cascade Aqua-Tech Ltd. Lethbridge, Alberta (Headquarters) Contact: Andy Smith AUTHORIZED
Contact: Kevin Skogstad
Tel: (780) 453-6682
Construction Supply Ltd.
Contact: Stuart Ferguson
Contact: Albert Nomura
Tel: (604) 291-6101
Tel: (250) 381-3623
Fax: (250) 381-4085 DISTRIBUTOR
Fax: (780) 451-9170 Tel: (403) 327-2700 Fax: (604) 291-7202 Email: asmith@cascadeaqua.com
Email: kskogstad@cascadeaqua.com Fax: (403) 327-2151 Email: anomura@cascadeaqua.com
Email: bwconst@telus.net

Krystol® Magazine 15
 Make every truckload count!
Get KIM®®-Certified Today!

AS A READY MIX PROVIDER,

YOU WORK HARD FOR EVERY PROJECT.
Make each one count with the award winning KIM® admixture
for waterproof concrete. Kryton invented crystalline waterproofing
admixture technology, was the first to provide it in mixer-ready bags and
the only manufacturer to offer
certified training in quality control
and product sales.

Get KIM®-Certified now and:

www.kryton.com/makeitcount
Increase your profit
Tap into the multi-billion dollar
waterproofing market
Bid with confidence and support
direct from the manufacturer

Visit www.kryton.com/makeitcount today!

At the Lab. In the Field. By Your Side.

16 www.kryton.com