Avalon Bay Communities
Hollywood, California
Client: Avalon Bay Communities
Project Manager: Paul Miller | Kyle Stimpson
Scope & Systems
- Surface & System Type: Below-grade foundation waterproofing with integrated friction solution
- AVM Systems Used:
- Aussie Skin 550G
- Aussie Membrane 520 Pro
Construction Process Overview
- The AVA Hollywood at La Pietra Place project required a high-performance waterproofing solution that could be installed efficiently despite the presence of numerous deep footings and a high water table. By using AVM’s Aussie Skin 550G and Aussie Membrane 520 Pro, the construction team avoided encapsulating the footings and grade beams—significantly accelerating the installation schedule.
- The team first placed the structural footings and grade beams. AVM’s system allowed waterproofing to be installed after the footings were placed, eliminating the need for rat slabs or extended dewatering. Once footings were in place, crews installed the Aussie Skin 550G membrane across the mat slab, keeping a two-inch clearance from the rebar line as required by the structural engineer. To address the exposed gap, AVM’s high-solids polyurethane (Aussie Membrane 520 Pro) was applied in two coats, followed by a silica-sand broadcast to refusal for friction.
Challenges & Solutions
- Challenge: High water-table conditions and numerous deep footings made it costly and time-intensive to encapsulate each footing.
- Solution: AVM’s hybrid system allowed footings to be set first, cutting down on dewatering time, reducing costs, and simplifying installation. The polyurethane and sand-broadcast finish met the engineer’s requirement for added friction and structural integrity.
Results
- Continuous waterproofing coverage enabling AVM’s standard Aussie Guard 15-Year NDL Warranty
- Installation that stayed on schedule and cut several weeks off construction timelines
- Met both structural and waterproofing requirements, even under challenging site conditions
Design Integration
- The decision to avoid encapsulating the footings was key to staying on schedule and reducing costs. AVM’s solution paired Aussie Skin 550G, a highstrength fully bonded waterproofing membrane, with Aussie Membrane 520 Pro, a high-solids polyurethane that was applied in two coats and topped with a silica-sand broadcast to meet the structural engineer’s friction requirement.
- This innovative approach maintained the building’s structural integrity, prevented water migration through the gap near the rebar line, and avoided additional excavation and dewatering costs.
System Selections & Benefits
| System | Purpose | Design Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Aussie Skin 550G | Fully bonded belowgrade waterproofing membrane | High strength, durable, continuous waterproofing layer |
| Aussie Membrane 520 Pro | Polyurethane topcoat with silica-sand broadcast | Provides structural friction and additional protection |
Technical Collaboration
- AVM Industries worked in close coordination with the project’s structural and geotechnical teams to address the challenges presented by the deep footings and high water-table environment.
- The team’s primary design challenge was to maintain the structural friction required between the footings/grade beams and the mat slab, while still ensuring a continuous waterproofing barrier.
Outcome
- Continuous waterproofing that qualified for AVM’s 15-Year NDL Warranty
- Significant savings in both cost and time by removing the need for rat slabs and extended dewatering
- Achieved structural engineer’s friction criteria while keeping the project on schedule
Project Objective
Deliver a cost-effective and efficient below-grade waterproofing system that preserved the structural engineer’s friction requirements, minimized dewatering costs, and ensured a continuous waterproof barrier for long-term protection.
Owner Goals
- Meet the aggressive installation timeline without compromising structural integrity
- Avoid the additional cost and delays of encapsulating deep footings and installing a rat slab
- Secure a robust waterproofing system backed by a long-term warranty
Key Challenges
- High water-table conditions across the site
- Numerous deep footings complicating traditional waterproofing methods
- The need to maintain friction between the footings, grade beams, and the mat slab for structural stability
AVM Solutions Delivered
- Aussie Skin 550G: Fully bonded membrane that simplified below-grade waterproofing
- Aussie Membrane 520 Pro: Applied in two coats with silica-sand broadcast to meet structural friction requirements and enhance waterproofing protection
Value Delivered
- Cost and Time Savings: Avoided the added expenses of encapsulating footings and reduced dewatering requirements—cutting several weeks off the schedule
- Reliability: Delivered continuous waterproofing coverage that qualified for AVM’s 15-Year NDL Warranty
- Performance: Met the structural engineer’s requirements and provided long-term protection against water intrusion
