Case Study - Water Feature for San Jose Civic Center

"Spray-application of the Gaco materials saved valuable time."

Problem: Effective waterproofing for unusually shaped pylons.

Solution: GacoFlex LM-60 Urethane.

Cutting-edge buildings should have cutting-edge art. This is the basis for "Waterscape," the interactive water feature that is part of San Jose's new city hall building. Located in the heart of Silicone Valley, it seems appropriate that everything about the new city hall should be high tech -even the parts hidden from view.

The finished water feature looks like slabs of granite, with water flowing and trickling down towards the plaza in front of the building. The water feature was designed to mimic the landscape of the region, with amounts of water varying by time of day and by season.

Hidden beneath the granite slabs would be a concrete basin to catch the water, and concrete pylons to support the structure.

The designers of "Waterscape" turned to Gaco Western Representative Warner Hobart to waterproof the pylons and catch basin. As the water feature would be interactive, the waterproofing system needed to be suitable for potable water. Application time was an additional consideration.

Liquid-applied GacoFlex coatings proved the perfect solution for the project, and Gaco Western approved Applicator Alliance Roofing was selected to apply the Gaco materials.

First, GacoFlex U-5677 urethane sealer was applied to all surfaces to be waterproofed. Next, GacoFlex epoxy primer E-5320 was spray-applied to save application time. With the primer/sealer system applied, the next step was to apply the waterproofing membrane. GacoFlex LM-60 liquid urethane has demonstrated proven reliability in below-grade applications since the 1970s. The LM-60 was also spray-applied to save time.

In order to provide the most effective waterproofing membrane, LM-60 was installed to a thickness of 90 mils on horizontal surfaces and 60 mils on vertical surfaces. When the LM-60 had cured, the granite slabs and other decorative features were installed to complete the project.

The new City Hall building was dedicated on October 15, 2005. Visitors entering the building to conduct city business pass by the water feature, which lends a natural and relaxing air to the building courtyard. Beneath the surface, the tough LM-60 membrane will continue provide reliable waterproofing for years to come.