As part of a multi-billion development which aims to make Doha a world-famous cultural capital, the Museum of Islamic Art in the Qatar capital’s harbour has been given continuous watertight protection thanks to the application of Preprufe waterproofing membrane from worldwide leader in construction products, Grace.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei and built by SixConstruct – Midmac JV and Baytur, the Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic artefacts and artworks.
Built on reclaimed land over 60 metres from the Doha Corniche, and with basements below sea level, the project required a comprehensive waterproofing system which would prevent water penetration whilst providing structural protection from highly aggressive chloride and sulphate attack.
Grace’s Preprufe 300R waterproofing membrane was selected to provide exceptional protection to all built elements up to levels above the water table – including foundation pile caps and beams. Bituthene 8000 HC waterproofing membrane was also specified to provide complete protection for the substructure walls from the aggressive soils.
Designed with synthetic adhesive layers combined with a robust HDPE film, Preprufe provides a permanent physical barrier which will protect the structure from the chloride and sulphate conditions found below the water table. Without this exceptional protection the concrete would quickly deteriorate, dramatically reducing the life expectancy of the structure.
Grace’s patented Advanced Bond Technology enables concrete to aggressively adhere to Preprufe, forming a unique intimate seal which prevents any water migration between the waterproofing and the structure and substantially reduces the risk of leaks.
No other system on the market protects a substructure from the harmful effects of water, vapour and gas than Preprufe. It can also be applied to wet substrates and is immediately ready without protective layers to receive rebar installation, which further accelerates the construction programme.
Connected to the Doha mainland by a pedestrian walkway, two vehicular bridges and a causeway, Grace’s Preprufe 300R and Bituthene 8000 HC waterproofing membranes were also used extensively on the bridge and causeway leading to the superstructure.
Since opening in November 2008, the building has attracted universal acclaim for its modern interpretation of Islamic architecture and the ability to perfectly communicate its vision as a bridge between the past and present. Combining innovative technologies and time-tested products with its Preprufe® waterproofing system, Grace provided the Museum of Islamic Arts with a continuous waterproofing solution which will stand the test of time.
