Reinforcing and waterproofing the underground spaces to restore full usability to the MUVE spaces in Mestre (Venice – Italy)
The underground spaces of the Mestre Art Newspaper Library, in the province of Venice, were in critical condition: water infiltration in multiple places, due to the constant presence of groundwater and the proximity of a river. The widespread moisture compromised the usability of the space, intended for storage, with water penetrating from various levels.
Volteco addressed this complex challenge by providing advanced waterproofing solutions, designed to withstand extreme conditions. Thanks to specific technologies for underground spaces subject to hydrostatic pressure, the spaces were remediated and made usable again, ensuring long-lasting protection against humidity and infiltration. The work was carried out by a Volteco Team H2Out member specializing in the technologies and application methods of Volteco products.
This project confirms the specialization of Volteco systems in the restoration of structures in challenging environments, transforming spaces with structural problems into safe and functional environments.
Techniques and products
The initial phase of the project focused on the walls, using a high-performance multilayer system with WT Strip to seal critical connections, ensuring hydraulic tightness in the joints, Bi Fix 300 anchoring resin, and Connector 20 for secure, pressure-resistant mechanical fastenings.
Bi Mortar Plaster Seal waterproof plater, incorporating a reinforcement mesh, was then applied to level the masonry.
The Bi Flex System then sealed the joints and cracks, and Plastivo 250, a waterproof flexible and radon-proof coating, ensured both negative and positive hydraulic pressure.
On the horizontal surface, the Amphibia 3000 Grip hydro-reactive self-repairing membrane was applied, an innovative solution that provides permanent sealing against infiltration, even under high hydrostatic pressure, with excellent adhesion to the substrate.
Fibro HFR waterproof pourable grout, reinforced with steel fibers and completed with specific anchoring connectors for optimal structural connection between layers, was applied over the membrane.
To give a finished appearance to the walls treated with Bi Mortar Plaster Seal, the premixed, white, hydrophobic lime-based finishing plaster, X-Lime, was applied.
This synergistic approach finally made the spaces usable and resistant to active groundwater conditions.
