The construction comprised two mine shafts (almost 400 m/1320 ft deep), a processing plant, a vast conveyor belt system, a potash storage bunker, and a logistics building. Because of the extreme environmental conditions experienced in that region of Russia and the difficult geological conditions, the project engineers at Souz SV reached out to specialists at Penetron Perm, the regional Penetron distributor, to provide a waterproofing solution for the below-grade concrete components in the new buildings.
The contractors used PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete to construct the foundation slabs of the processing plant and storage bunker, and the pile caps of the logistics building. Added during the batching phase, PENETRON ADMIX becomes an integral part of the concrete matrix by forming a network of insoluble crystals, making the concrete impermeable. This network provides protection against deterioration caused by chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycles and corrosion throughout the lifespan of the structure.
“The use of PENETRON ADMIX provided a durable and permanent concrete waterproofing solution that will last for the lifetime of the concrete, even in the harsh environmental conditions found in Ural region of Russia,” said Igor Chernogolov, President of Penetron Russia. “It also helped Souz SV finish construction of the Solikamsk mine on time and minimises the need for any future maintenance for Uralkali.”