Basement Waterproofing Above A Railway, Edinburgh

Summary

• 

  Wise recommended a new structure within the steel building in order to provide adequate waterproofing

• 

  Newton CDM System membranes were installed with specialist fixings to the new internal walls

• 

  The cavity drain system also utilised perimeter drainage and sump and pump systems to remove water

Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh is a unique piece of Scottish architecture that sits directly on the city’s famous Royal Mile. Built in the 1890s, the structure is not only a road bridge, but also forms the roof of Edinburgh Waverley train station, with active train lines running directly beneath.

The Project

Newton Specialist Contractor Wise Basement Systems were tasked with waterproofing Waverley Bridge Booking Office’s existing basement, ahead of its conversion into a Wetherspoons.

The existing basement had water leaking in from various sources, both via the roadway above, and also thanks to the water tracking along the steel frame of the basement. Furthermore, the tricky site required an inventive solution because it sat within the cast iron and concrete bridge structure, supported by steel columns from the railway platforms beneath.

The Solution

To overcome the site’s obvious challenges, Wise proposed building a new internal structure within the existing space. This allowed them to install a Type C waterproofing solution. The Newton CDM System then provided the necessary internal cavity drainage membranes, maintenance points, and drainage.

The structure’s listed status also prevented them from cutting the drainage channel into the existing slab. Newton’s Fibran XPS 500-C closed-cell insulation served as the perfect 50mm spacer.
It allowed installers to lay 700 m² of floor membrane and install Newton Basedrain around the perimeter to direct captured water to the drainage beneath the floor slab.

Finally, the main contractor, Sanderson Ltd, installed a sloping roof above the new structure. This roof captures leaks from the road and pavement above and directs them safely behind the cavity drainage membranes. The system now manages the water and prevents it from reaching the dry internal space.

The Result

Carried out in compliance with BS 8102:2009, Wise Basement Systems effectively protected the basement for years to come, as well as providing support on site to the main contractor. The Property Care Association also highly commended the unusual project for the ‘Project of the Year Award.’

Testimonial

“We initially spoke with Wise regarding Waverley Station to seek their advice and were dealt with quickly and professionally with a meeting on site to discuss our options. I was very impressed with their suggestions, and once we gave them the go ahead, the installers were extremely helpful on what was a very demanding and tricky project, and worked well with other trades. I would have no hesitation in picking up the phone to Wise in future, or in recommending their services.”
John S – Construction Manager, Sanderson Ltd