Ancoats Mobility Hub

Adding Life to Concrete – How MARKHAM applied hydrogel waterproofing systems to the new Ancoats Mobility Hub multi-storey car park structure in Manchester, England.

OBJECTIVE

The more traditional multi-coat deck membrane that this type of deck structure would normally be sealed with presents a number of challenges, being significantly impacted by poor weather conditions and delays waiting for the appropriate level of concrete cure. MARKHAM were asked to provide an alternative waterproofing system to seal the Top Deck (Level 8) and Deck Level 1 (due to having critical infrastructure rooms / areas at the ground floor level that needed extra protection) of this structure.

An alternative solution to seal and surface densify the concrete at Deck Levels 2-7 was requested to enhance the durability of the structure.

The development of the Ancoats Mobility Hub required a concrete protection strategy that could support the long‑term performance of this next‑generation mobility facility. With multiple exposed decks, heavy traffic loading, and constant environmental pressures, durability and waterproofing were critical. MARKHAM’s integrated system allowed the project team to enhance structural resilience while minimising delays and ongoing maintenance requirements, ensuring the hub remains functional and future‑proof for the community it serves.

SOLUTION

MARKHAM was able to assist with a holistic three-part system to Deck Levels 1 and 8. The concrete itself was made waterproof by including AQURON 300 admixture in the mix design and AQURON 2000 spray applied treatment. All electrical and drainage penetrations in the decks, and the edge kerb upstands on the decks were sealed with CONQOR 47B delayed swell waterstop gasket.

No waterproofing admixture was used in Deck Levels 2-7 but the seal and surface densification requirement was met through the application of AQURON 1000.

RESULTS

The inclusion of AQURON 300 in the concrete at mixing stage and the treatment of the concrete with AQURON 2000 the day after placement meant that the waterproofing process was going on concurrently with the pour schedule. This removed the delays typically encountered with the application of a multi-coat membrane system.

Sealing all penetrations and kerb upstands using CONQOR 47B meant that MARKHAM’s waterproofing solution was contiguous across the whole of the top deck area of this structure.

As the waterproofing solution is included right through the full depth of the concrete, this means that it is in place for the lifespan of the concrete and will not require any reapplication or ongoing maintenance. Both AQURON 300 and AQURON 2000 are fully compatible with any form of line marking / road signage meaning that there was no adverse effect / change required to the marking out process for these two deck levels.

MARKHAM’s work on the Ancoats Mobility Hub demonstrates the importance of durable waterproofing in modern mobility infrastructure.

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