case study - victoria & albert museum - part 1 · delta membrane systems ltd . tel: 01992 523...

Delta Membrane Systems Ltd . Tel: 01992 523 523 . [email protected]

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Case Study

Victoria & Albert Museum – Part 1 Basement Waterproofing

Main contractor: Wates Construction

Sub-Contractor: VolkerLaser Ltd

Overview Work has begun on the creation of a three-storey

basement at the Victoria and Albert Museum in

London, with a variety of materials from Delta

Membrane Systems selected to create the

necessary waterproofing to the structure. The

contract itself is being carried out by Wates

Construction, with VolkerLaser (a company that

has used the Delta range on many occasions)

being called upon to carry out the waterproofing

work.

Methodology The external structure of the new area has been

formed from contiguous piling that has been

faced up with sprayed waterproof concrete. In

plan, this piled area has an ‘L’ shape, with the soil

within the structure excavated to create the

necessary space, and the piling forming the walls.

The end result will be a new entrance, courtyard

and purpose built subterranean gallery for

temporary exhibitions – showcasing the best of

contemporary design as well as the beauty of the

V&A’s existing structure.

The entire internal facing is coated with Köster

Polysil TG500 – a thin anti-lime fluid based on a

polymer and silicate combination. It helps reduce

the pore volume and reduce the danger of new

development of salt efflorescence and free lime

egress. It also increases the chemical and

mechanical resistance of mineral building

materials. Capable of penetrating the substrate by

up to 20mm, Köster Polysil TG500 also has

strengthening and hydrophobic properties. It is

compatible with mortars, plasters, cementitious

slurries and with concrete.



Case Study

Victoria & Albert Museum – Part 1 Basement Waterproofing



Methodology continued…

Many of the wall areas in the building are then

being waterproofed using the well-established

Delta MS500. This drains any water/water vapour

that may ingress through the structure to a

suitable drainage outlet. For the floors, Delta MS20

has been employed. This heavy gauge option has

20mm deep studs, and is used in on the floor slab

to give extra drainage capacity. Features include a

compressive strength of approximately 150kN/m2,

with excellent pressure distribution and low point

loads.

Other internal walls within the structure are

benefiting from Köster NB1 grey slurry which is a

mineral coating containing crystallising and

capillary plugging agents. It can be used for

waterproofing against ground moisture, non-

pressurised and pressurised water. Waterproofing

undertaken with Köster NB 1 is characterised by

excellent resistance to pressure and abrasion as

well as excellent resistance to chemicals. Areas

that are coated with NB1 slurry also benefit from

bentonite sheeting on the outside of the piling in

areas.

Work is expected to be complete by the end of

2016, creating a number of public spaces inside

and outside the museum, and ‘opening up the

relationship’ between Exhibition Road and V&A, as

well as the Science Museum and the Natural

History Museum.

Part 2 coming soon…



. Case Study

Victoria & Albert Museum– Part 1 Basement Waterproofing



System Components

>Delta MS500 Wall membrane

>Delta MS20 Floor membrane

>Qwik-Seal Fixing Plugs

>Double-Sided Tape

>Delta Corner Strip Tape

>Delta Drainage Channel

>Koster Polysil TG500 Deeply penetrating primer for damp, salt-containing substrates and an anti-lime treatment for new concrete. Also a liquid hardener for sealing slurries.

>Koster NB 1 Grey Slurry Mineral waterproofing slurry system for sealing against pressurised water

case study - victoria & albert museum - part 1 · delta membrane systems ltd . tel: 01992 523...

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