Universiade 2019: PENETRON Enables International Student Sports Event
When plans were made in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, to host the 2019 Winter Universiade sports event, the local Penetron team ensured that all new concrete structures, especially in the Central Stadium, would withstand the aggressive, sub-arctic climate. Construction work on the stadium was completed in December 2018.
EAST SETAUKET, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- When plans were made in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, to host the 2019 Winter Universiade sports event, the local Penetron team ensured that all new concrete structures, especially in the Central Stadium, would withstand the aggressive, sub-arctic climate. Construction work on the stadium was completed in December 2018.
The 24th Universiade (or 2019 World Student Games), scheduled for March 2-12, 2019 in Krasnoyarsk, comprises events in 11 winter sports. This international multi-sport event is organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for university athletes. The name is a combination of the words "University" and "Olympiad."
Krasnoyarsk, Russia, is located on the Yenisei River in Central Siberia; with over a million inhabitants, it is the 3rd largest city in Siberia (after Novosibirsk and Omsk). The city is best-known for its massive aluminum factory, a key economic driver for the region.
"The city has made considerable investments to improve the local infrastructure prior to the Universiade, including upgrades to the airport, highways and many hotels," says Sergei Gurov, Minister of Sports & Tourism for the Krasnoyarsk Region. "We've also built the Sever Arena for ice hockey and figure skating events, the Biathlon Academy, a multi-purpose sports complex, and the Yenisei Ice Stadium with a 120-meter ski-jump arena. Now that the construction of the athletes' village has been completed, the events can finally begin."
Keeping All Moisture Out of Concrete
One of the largest projects completed for the Universiade was the complete renovation of the city's Central Stadium. Originally built in 1967, the stadium is home to the FC Metallurg Krasnoyarsk soccer team and hosts matches for the national Russian rugby league. The completely refurbished venue will be the main hub of activities for the 2019 Universiade event. The recently-completed construction project included complete restoration of the seating area in the arena, which was enlarged from 15,000 to 22,000 seats. In addition, all auxiliary stadium facilities (power, wastewater treatment, security, etc.) were repaired and upgraded.
"When constructing in aggressive climates like ours in Siberia, the main challenge is to keep moisture – any type of moisture, water or chemicals – out of the concrete and making it impermeable," says Ekaterina Matveyeva, Director of Penetron-K Company, the Penetron distributor for the region. "Once the concrete matrix is impermeable, you can avoid the inevitable freeze-thaw cycles that lead to severely damaged structures."
Freeze-thaw cycles, common in the harsh Siberian climate, are among the most destructive weathering factors for untreated concrete. The process begins when water inside the concrete turns into ice and expands. The expansive pressure of the ice against the walls of the concrete pores, cracks and capillaries creates cracks, scaling and crumbling of the concrete. When the ice melts, the water penetrates deeper into the matrix. The water freezes and the freeze-thaw cycle is repeated. The deterioration accelerates in the presence of road salts and de-icing agents.
Treating Concrete Exposed to Temperature Extremes
The Penetron System was applied topically to all the concrete structures underlying the stadium tribunes. The products used to waterproof and protect the concrete structures include PENETRON, a surface-applied crystalline waterproofing material, PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing mortar, and PENEBAR SW, a swellable waterstop installed along all construction joints. Local Penetron experts advised the construction company how to apply the crystalline treatment to best effect in a climate that is hot in the summer (>35°C) and brutally cold during the long Arctic winters (often -35°C).
"The Winter Universiade is more than just a student sports event," adds Ekaterina Matveyeva. "We're going to enjoy a big festival for all of Krasnoyarsk. My Penetron team is proud to be part of this global event!"
A FISU delegation recently visited Krasnoyarsk for an inspection visit. Roger Roth, Chairman of the FISU Technical Committee, states, "I believe the Winter Universiade 2019 in Krasnoyarsk will be the best Universiade ever held and will be a very positive experience for all guests and participants."
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
SOURCE The Penetron Group
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