Hychem engineers long-term durability for the Adelaide Public Realm

Hychem Infrastructure, alongside partners PolyTech and Portolesi, recently delivered a large-scale waterproofing and structural protection solution for the Adelaide Riverbank and Festival Plaza precinct.

Our team utilised an integrated suite of rapid-curing MMA/PMMA membranes and lightweight screeds, ensuring the structural integrity of one of South Australia’s most significant civic hubs long into the future.

The challenge

The redevelopment of the Adelaide Public Realm was a critical component of the broader transformation of the Riverbank precinct, which connects major landmarks including SkyCity Adelaide, the Festival Tower, and Her Majesty’s Theatre.

At the center of this urban renewal was a 20,000sqm structural deck constructed over a multi-level basement car park. The primary engineering challenge was to provide a high-performance waterproofing system capable of protecting the underlying structure from chlorides and water ingress while supporting the immense weight of landscaping and high pedestrian traffic.

Furthermore, the project required a solution that could be delivered in complex stages to align with the broader precinct’s construction sequencing, requiring a system with exceptional speed and flexibility.

The engineered solution

Hychem Infrastructure specified the Matacryl and Polyac RB system – a cold-applied, MMA/PMMA membrane – to form a seamless, fully bonded waterproofing layer across the entire deck area. This system was chosen for its rapid-curing characteristics, which allowed follow-on trades to proceed without delay, and its superior crack-bridging capabilities over dynamic structural joints.

To ensure absolute continuity, all construction and movement joints were reinforced with epoxy adhesive and joint tape, fully integrated into the primary membrane. Within the landscaped zones, the system was seamlessly integrated with Velosit SC241, a lightweight screed used to achieve necessary falls while minimising the structural dead load. This was further supported by Velosit WP120, providing a robust cementitious waterproofing layer that worked in perfect unison with the primary Matacryl membrane.

The outcome

The completed project stands as a benchmark for large-scale urban infrastructure protection, providing a durable and robust waterproofing solution that supports significant pedestrian activation and urban greenery.

By utilising a staged-delivery approach, Hychem met the rigorous demands of the construction program while maintaining a uniform, high-quality application across 20,000sqm. The integration of rapid-curing MMA/PMMA technology with compatible screeds and cementitious systems has secured the long-term performance of the structural deck.

The Hychem team is proud to have deployed solutions that protect the critical infrastructure underpinning the Adelaide Riverbank precinct, ensuring that this vital civic link remains safe, functional, and resilient for decades to come.