Pikaliiva Kaarmaja is a development by Bonava Eesti OÜ that creates modern, energy-efficient apartment buildings in the Haaberst district. The district is located on the shore of Lake Harku.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT
The first phase, which included two apartment buildings, started in the second half of 2022. Primostar OÜ started work in November 2022, when the first material deliveries to the object took place.
Solutions Used in the First Stage:
- WPM® Crack Inducing Waterstop – controls and waterproofs shrinkage cracks (in large joints and floor slab)
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WPM® Metal Sheet Waterstop 125R, 125L – waterproofs construction joints against pressurized water
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WPM® Formwork Waterstop – ensures smoothness and strength of concrete pouring without weak points (only in concrete pouring)
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Crystalline Concrete Admixture – gives concrete self-healing ability
- Kraso Pipe Sleeves – provide an efficient and waterproof solution for pipe and cable penetration into the building
The floor slab construction employed an integral waterproofing solution known as a white tank system. The walls used both crystalline admixture and membrane waterproofing with SBS.
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT
The construction of the second stage of Pikaliiva Kaarmaja started in January 2024. This time, Bonava used only the Primostar integral waterproofing system without membrane waterproofing.
The materials and solutions for the second stage included the same as in the first stage:
- WPM® Crack Inducing Waterstop(floor slab and walls)
- WPM® Metal Sheet Waterstop 125R, 125L
- WPM® Formwork Waterstop
- Crystalline concrete admixture
- Kraso pipe and penetration system
In the second phase, 2,160 m³ of crystalline concrete was used, ensuring the structure's long-term durability and water resistance.
Together we did the project Pikaliiva Kaarmaja. How satisfied are you with the results of the project?
The result was good. A few isolated areas where leaks occurred were reviewed together with Primostar’s representative, solutions were identified, and the leaks were successfully resolved. Considering the volume of underground concrete work and the high surface water level associated with the proximity of Lake Harku, we can confidently say that the chosen solution was highly effective.
In the first stage, we used Crackers only in the floor slab to prevent shrinkage cracks, and stop-end profiles were used only on construction joints. In the second stage, after discussions and consultations with the designers and Primostar, we decided to use Crackers in the walls as well, which meant for us that we dared to leave out an additional waterproofing layer on the concrete walls in the outer perimeter.Would you do anything differently with the Pikaliiva Kaarmaja project? If yes, then what.
I believe we made the right decisions and wouldn’t change anything. Having the project divided into two stages provided a great opportunity to compare different solution options. After confirming the effectiveness of Crackers in the floor slab during the first stage, we confidently moved forward in the second stage by utilizing Crackers in the walls and eliminating SBS waterproofing layers in those walls, which reduced construction costs.
How would you rate the cooperation with Primostar?Were there any expectations for Primostar?
I liked that there was a quick response and we always got things resolved quickly. All materials were delivered on time, even with the intense construction pace. Everything was handled exceptionally well—necessary tools and materials were always available when needed. Primostar also provided great support, ensuring their representatives inspected the installations before concrete works began.
We didn’t have specific expectations beforehand but were confident in trying this solution due to previous success stories we had heard, which assured us of its proven reliability.
Was Primostar's project manager Kristen available enough and able to adapt solutions to requirements/needs? Justify.
Was able to adapt the solutions to the needs. There was a significant amount of information exchange, especially concerning the Crackers. The designers always received quick responses. In Kristen's case, it should be noted that if something unexpected happened, he reacted very quickly and was immediately there - even at the construction site.
A major plus is that Kristen regularly visited the site to check the installation of profiles or other materials. In addition, he always explained on site how to install the materials and where exactly they should be placed, and also added tips on how to speed up the installation.
Would you use Primostar’s underground waterproofing solutions for similar projects?
Yes, because it is reasonable to use it. In addition, you can save money with this waterproofing solution. We would most likely use it again if we had a similar situation with a high groundwater level and an underground parking lot.
