Client: Zest Apartments
Project Location: Upper car park, Zest Complex, Canberra
Completion Date: September 2023
Project Manager: Nathan
Site Supervisors: Aaron and Alex
Consulting Engineer: Adrian Lewis, Lewis Consulting
Project Overview
Water Tight Canberra was engaged by Zest Residential Complex to address ongoing water pooling issues in their upper car park. The lack of proper drainage resulted in significant water accumulation after every rainfall, creating both an inconvenience for residents and potential long-term structural risks. Our task was to design and install a drainage system that would eliminate this pooling by directing water into the existing stormwater system.
Challenges
This project presented several key challenges:
- Clearing the Work Area: Coordination with the strata and residents to ensure the parking area was cleared of vehicles took detailed planning. Clear communication was essential to avoid delays and ensure the team had unobstructed access to the site.
- Coring Through the Concrete Slab: The car park was situated directly above a basement parking area. Careful scanning was required to avoid damaging any existing services while coring through the slab.
- Waterproofing the New Installations: Given that new penetrations were made in the concrete slab, waterproofing became a critical aspect to prevent leaks into the basement car park. Implementing a robust waterproofing solution around the new drainage points was key to maintaining the structural integrity of the site.
Our Solution
Water Tight Canberra worked closely with Adrian Lewis from Lewis Consulting to create a bespoke drainage solution. After thoroughly scanning the concrete slab to identify safe coring locations, we installed four stormwater drains. These were connected to the existing stormwater pipework, ensuring proper drainage.
To ensure long-term reliability, we applied high-quality waterproofing materials from Duram, including Superprime 711 and Multithane UVR, around the newly installed drains. This guaranteed the basement car park would remain protected from water penetration following the core drilling.
Outcome
The project was completed on time, with the new drainage system effectively eliminating the pooling of water on the surface. Rainwater now flows directly into the stormwater system, providing a significant improvement in both the usability and safety of the car park.
Lessons Learned
This project highlighted the importance of detailed coordination and communication with both the client and engineering team. Clearing the car park in advance was crucial for keeping the project on schedule. The scanning and coring processes were particularly challenging, reinforcing the need for precision to avoid existing services. Additionally, the success of the waterproofing solution emphasized the value of using top-tier materials and working with experienced professionals like Adrian Lewis to achieve the best results.
Team Highlights
Nathan, as the project manager, led the effort with a strong focus on collaboration with the engineering team. Aaron and Alex, both site supervisors, ensured the smooth execution of the project, from supervising the day-to-day tasks to managing on-site challenges. Their dedication and attention to detail played an essential role in completing the project to the highest standard.
Next Steps
The new drainage system has resolved the pooling issues in the upper car park. Water Tight Canberra will continue to monitor the situation, and if needed, additional drains can be installed in the future to further enhance the car park’s water management.
