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Vasche e calcestruzzo: protezione impermeabile e durevole con soluzioni Winkler
Flood prevention in Parabiago: Winkler’s Unibar F protects massive accumulation tank
In the municipality of Parabiago (MILANO, ITALY), to avoid the recurrence of flooding due to heavy rainfall which often undermines the sewerage system, the Administration has created a large accumulation tank. Unibar F by Winkler was chosen for the protection and waterproofing of the floors and walls.
The challenge of modern rainfall and Parabiago’s innovative solution
Recent meteorological events have drastically altered their characteristics and predictability. Unfortunately, flooding is now a frequent occurrence, even in city centres, particularly near waterways that overflow due to severe weather.
municipality of Parabiago To combat this escalating problem, the municipality of Parabiago has implemented a significant intervention to minimise its effects: the construction of a 10,000 cubic metre underground accumulation tank. This tank, located beneath a car park, serves to temporarily store rainwater that the sewage network cannot handle during heavy downpours, thereby preventing network overload. Once the adverse weather subsides, a pumping system activates, releasing the accumulated water into the sewage network downstream for proper purification.
Unibar F: the ideal waterproofing for a cyclically used structure
The tank has a footprint of 1500 m² and is 8 meters deep, and is completely underground. This tank, therefore, will fill and empty cyclically, and it was essential to protect the concrete structure from the effects of water and humidity, to always guarantee its integrity.
Having to work with a thin layer of material, we chose to propose the UNIBAR F product by Winkler, the two-component, water-breathable epoxy finish, suitable for protecting concrete floors and plinths, even those subject to moisture and without a vapour barrier. Unibar F, in fact, despite being a breathable product, creates a surface with good resistance to diluted acid, alkaline and saline solutions.
For this implementation, two coats of gray Unibar F were applied with a roller for a total consumption of 400/500 g/m², covering not only the floors but also the walls and pillars. With this application, perfect waterproofing of the tank was achieved, allowing for a high speed of installation with consequent savings in labor costs. Like all the products in the Winkler range, Unibar F is also solvent-free and ensures very low emissions, in perfect line with the Winkler-Safe philosophy which involves the creation of systems and products with excellent technical performance that also take human health into account and the environment.
Useful tips for Unibar F application
For optimal results when applying Unibar F, ensure the surfaces are clean and free from loose particles, anti-adherent substances, and oils. Perform thorough sandblasting, sanding, shot peening, or milling. The surface must have a tear resistance of at least 1.5 N/mm². To reduce future soiling and enhance the product’s durability, we recommend applying the transparent topcoats WINMAT (matt) or WINGLOSS (gloss).
FAQ
What product is used to waterproof large concrete structures?
For large tanks, two-component epoxy finishes like Unibar F are used. It is a breathable product that creates a waterproof surface resistant to acidic, alkaline, and saline solutions, making it ideal for concrete subject to moisture.
Is specific preparation of the concrete necessary before treatment?
Yes, it is essential. The concrete surface must be solid, clean, and free of any friable parts or oils. Thorough mechanical preparation such as sandblasting, sanding, or milling is required to ensure the product’s perfect adhesion.
What are the advantages of an epoxy finish like Unibar F?
In addition to effective waterproofing, it is breathable and resistant to chemical agents. Being water-based and solvent-free, it is safe for both health and the environment. Furthermore, it allows for a very rapid application, reducing labor costs.
