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Summary
Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh is a unique piece of Scottish architecture that sits directly on the city’s famous Royal Mile. Built in the 1890s, the structure is not only a road bridge, but also forms the roof of Edinburgh Waverley train station, with active train lines running directly beneath.
The Project
Newton Specialist Contractor Wise Basement Systems were tasked with waterproofing Waverley Bridge Booking Office’s existing basement, ahead of its conversion into a Wetherspoons.
The existing basement had water leaking in from various sources, both via the roadway above, and also thanks to the water tracking along the steel frame of the basement. Furthermore, the tricky site was going to require an inventive solution, as it was situated within the cast iron and concrete bridge structure, all held up by steel columns from the railway platforms beneath.
The Solution
To overcome the obvious challenges of the site, Wise proposed that a new internal structure be built within the existing space, which would allow a Type C waterproofing solution to be installed - the Newton CDM System therefore provided the necessary internal cavity drainage membranes, maintenance points, and drainage.
The listed nature of the structure also meant that the drainage channel could not be cut into the existing slab. Newton’s Fibran XPS 500-C closed-cell insulation acted as the perfect 50mm spacer, allowing 700m2 of floor membrane to be laid, and Newton Basedrain to be installed around the perimeter to direct any captured water to the drainage beneath the floor slab.
Finally, the main contractor Sanderson Ltd installed a sloping roof above the new structure, capturing the leaks that were coming through the road and pavement above and directing it safely behind the cavity drainage membranes, where it is now managed and prevented from coming into contact with the dry internal space.
The Result
Carried out in compliance with BS 8102:2009, Wise Basement Systems effectively protected the basement for years to come, as well as providing support on site to the main contractor. The unusual project was also Highly Commended for the ‘Project of the Year Award’ by the Property Care Association.
“We initially spoke with Wise regarding Waverley Station to seek their advice and were dealt with quickly and professionally with a meeting on site to discuss our options. I was very impressed with their suggestions, and once we gave them the go ahead, the installers were extremely helpful on what was a very demanding and tricky project, and worked well with other trades. I would have no hesitation in picking up the phone to Wise in future, or in recommending their services." John S - Construction Manager, Sanderson Ltd
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Our staff are able to provide guidance for projects of all sizes, whether you require some general advice about damp or waterproofing, or support with technical drawings and specifications.
