CASE STUDIES

Composite Vapor Barrier
Protects Waterproofing Systems

Dulles International Airport

Barrier-Bac waterproofing protection course protects critical waterproofing systems from an extreme construction environment..

Project Owner: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Washington D.C.
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates, New York, NY
Waterproofing Consultant: Brent Anderson Associates, Inc. Fridley, MN
Contractor: Facchina Construction Company, Inv. La Plata, MD
Installer: Prospect Proofing Company, Sterling, VA
Product: Barrier-Bac, VBC-350, 31 mil, composite Class A Vapor Barrier

Background

In the Dulles International airport mono-rail transportation system project, design professionals used Barrier-Bac Composite Vapor Barrier to protect expensive waterproofing materials from damage in heavy construction environments.

Conditions

Because of the extreme conditions encountered during this project, Brent Anderson Associates chose Barrier-Bac VBC-350, the 31 mil composite vapor barrier to provide protection from damage encountered throughout the heavy construction environments.

Barrier-Bac’s geo-textile Composite Vapor Barrier, VBC-350, protected the waterproofing system from damage by backfill operations, trades working adjacent to the tunnels, and movement of heavy equipment in the “Cut and Cover” trench while providing temporary protection of the system from natural elements and weather.

Floods in June 2006 allowed six to eight feet of water into the trench. Barrier-Bac VBC-350 stood up to this challenge by:

  1. Protecting the exposed waterproof system.
  2. Minimizing the damage occurring from flood water and floating debris, further protecting the system during repair efforts.

Conclusion

Barrier-Bac VBC-350 provided a cost effective protection course over a critical component of the structure. It was easily installed by the crews of the waterproofing contractor and will continue to protect Dulles International Airport through new construction of tunnels and stations and upon completion.