Project description:

As Australia’s strategic high performance sport agency, the AIS is responsible and accountable for leading the delivery of Australia’s international sporting success. The AIS Arena supports the institution by providing a large, multi-functional sporting and events area. The arena, built in 1980, has a capacity of 5,200 and can be configured to host trade shows, gala dinners, exhibitions and concerts with high profile acts such as Pink and Alice Cooper performing there.

Project requirements:

The designers, Phillip Cox Partners required a roofing solution that could protect the concrete roof of the AIS Arena; its unusual design and reverse fall to the centre of the structure demanded a proven long term waterproofing solution. In addition the harsh climatic environment of the Canberra region was taken into consideration when the waterproofing membrane was being selected. After 32 years of installation, Sika decided to go and check up on the original installation, to ensure that the membrane was still strong.

Sika’s roofing solution

Sika solution:

Sarnafil G membrane was selected because of its proven international long term performance and its ability to withstand large variables in temperature and UV radiation. The membrane was fully adhered directly to the concrete substrate. After 32 years of exposure under the harsh Australian sun and enduring a range of weather conditions including flash flooding and drought, the Sarnafil continues to perform and operate as a cohesive membrane, performing its original function of protecting the concrete substrate.

The AIS was kind enough to let Sika take a sample from the roofing so that it could be sent back to Sika Head R&D Office in Switzerland for testing. It was determined that the roofing membrane had another 7-10 years before it would begin to deteriorate, which supports Sika’s statements from the independent authority, British Board of Agreement (BBA UK): Excess of 35 years’ life expectancy fully exposed. Sarnafil has been proven to last for 40 years without replacement, making it one of the best roofing membranes on the market.

Products used:

Sarnafil® G214-44E
Sarnametal custom made termination angle

Project details:

Date: March 1980 - March 2012

Location: Bruce, ACT

Sika Representative: Matthew Sipek

Architecture & Design Team

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Sika Australia

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