Independent waterproofing experts reviewing project documents say installation details — not the waterproof coating itself — may explain why the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s new lining is already peeling. The $14 million taxpayer project has been plagued by questions over why the newly installed waterproof coating is already failing.
Expert Analysis
Kyle Flanagan, president and founder of Freedom Chemical Corp., and Aidan Bradley, the company’s vice president and co-owner, have nearly 60 years of combined experience designing, developing and installing the same material used during the reflecting pool’s recent renovation. They say the coating is a spray polyurea — or spray polyurea hybrid — a specialized waterproof coating designed to protect concrete that remains underwater.
The experts focused their attention on how the coating was installed, rather than the coating itself. Based on the photographs and video they reviewed, neither expert saw signs that the coating was separating from the concrete underneath it. However, they did identify potential issues with the tie-in details and expansion joints.
Conclusion
The experts’ analysis suggests that the installation details, rather than the coating itself, may be the cause of the problems with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Further investigation is needed to determine the full extent of the issues and to identify a solution.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
