The popular resort city of Cancún, México has a new attraction: the Shark Tower, which opened in June 2022, just in time for the summer season. PENETRON ADMIX was used extensively to ensure the development’s concrete structures would remain waterproof and durable, despite the seaside location.
“The distinctive shark-fin shape of the Shark Towers has become a new visual reference for the resort city of Cancún,” says Alejandro Muciño, the Managing Director of Penetron Mexico. “In addition to luxury condos, the tower is home to a new research center that supports the preservation of one of the most amazing animals in the sea and also provides a facility to study the effects of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystems.”
Located in Puerto Cancún, an exclusive seaside district in the popular resort city of Cancún in Quintana Roo, México, the Shark Towers development comprises 134 luxury apartments, 6 stand-alone villas, and a 480,000 square-feet (44,000 m2) upscale shopping mall. Designed to U.S. building codes, the project architects implemented sustainable design strategies and construction processes to comply with International Building Code and LEED Certification guidelines.
The Shark Tower houses the 134 luxury units (including six penthouse suites) on 20 floors. Amenities include guest apartments for resident visitors, a lounge and infinity pool with a deck, a health spa and wellness center, a private yacht for residents’ use, a theater, ball courts, a business center, access to Puerto Cancún’s beach club with 820 feet (250 m) of beach, a private marina, and an 18-hole golf course.
“Because of the project’s proximity to the ocean, the site’s high water table and overall hydrostatic conditions were a challenge for the contractor,” explains Alejandro Muciño. “After consulting with Benau Comercial, the ready-mix concrete supplier in Cancún, we came up with an optimal waterproofing solution for the Shark Tower’s concrete structures.
About 3,900 cubic yards (3,000 m3) of concrete were treated with PENETRON ADMIX and used for the Tower’s foundation slab, the various swimming pools, drinking water tanks and elevator pits. PENEBAR SW was used to permanently seal all construction joints in the new concrete structures.
PENETRON ADMIX, added to the concrete during batching, generates an insoluble crystalline formation that fills the voids, capillaries and micro-cracks prevalent in the concrete matrix. The crystalline formation lowers the permeability of the concrete, halting water penetration – even against high hydrostatic pressures – to provide the ideal solution for the swimming pools, water tank and elevator pit applications at the Shark Tower. PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete is now not only waterproof, it provides corrosion protection in the harsh coastal environment and self-healing abilities for any hairline cracks that form in the future.
“The waterproofing capabilities of PENETRON ADMIX was crucial to prevent the the entry of water into the basements and elevator structures. The biggest challenge was two of the suspended swimming pools,” adds Alejandro Muciño. “The Penetron Mexico team provided the technical support needed to design and construct the PENETRON ADMIX-treated structures as efficiently as possible.”
About The Penetron Group
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
