An innovative and comprehensive concrete reinforcement and waterproofing system from global building product manufacturer, Sika, was specified for use on Surf Snowdonia, a revolutionary inland surf lagoon in Dolgarrog, North Wales.

Built by D Morgan civil engineering contractor on a redundant former aluminium works and the size of six football pitches, the 300m x 113m long lagoon is able to generate the longest artificial waves in the world through unique wave-generating technology. This outdoor adventure park also features a hub building, lodges, restaurant, retail and play facilities. The lagoon has been built to strict profiling and contours in order to create perfect waves.

In the creation of the Wavegarden central channel, the base for the wave making machine, two large concrete boxes were constructed which included the specification of a robust and durable waterproofing solution. More than 400m2 of SikaProof® A, a totally new concept in membrane barrier design, together with 200m2 of Sika’s cementitious fibre reinforced Sikalastic®-1K waterproofing system delivered outstanding levels of watertightness to the central channel.

The membrane surface of SikaProof® A is embossed with a grid pattern, which contains a sealant, and is topped by a thin layer of fleece which forms a mechanical bond to the concrete when it dries. To complete the system, construction joints were sealed with Sika® Tricosal® Metal Waterbar. This consists of a galvanised metal sheet with a layer of composite film on one side that bonds closely and permanently to the concrete. This acts as a physical barrier to the passage of water through the joints.