Second Draft - Reader Response on The Concrete Advantage

In the article (The Concrete advantage) written by Greenrooftops organisation taken from the website, it stated that various stakeholders will benefit from the enhancement of the greenroofs with the installation of waterproof concrete as it simplifies the design, building and maintenance processes.

The unique specialities of the waterproofing concrete yield positive outcomes. Waterproof concrete have permanent built-in waterproofing which cannot be tampered or worn out as compared to green-roof membranes during or after the construction phase. Minor defects such as cracks can be identified and reconditioned easily. In addition, defects can be rectified by adopting the polyurethane grout injection to fill up the gaps from the bottom deck and it does not damage the plant life. Application of membrane can be eliminated thus shortening the drafting process. The cost per square foot for installation not only decreases but it also lowers the overall construction cost.

The idea of adopting waterproof concrete helps elevate the prospects of different group of people. For the designers, the detailing process is shortened and hence constructions can commence earlier. Construction is also simpler, efficient and inexpensive hence increasing the value of the property for the owner.

I agree with the author that installation of the waterproof concretes results in construction time saving to a certain extent as the step to application of membrane has been eliminated prior to placement of the improved concrete structures.

Although the author mentioned that the construction may commence earlier as the design process has shortened. One factor which the contractor has to look into is the process for the production of the waterproof concrete that may incur more time to produce as compared to the original concrete, taking into consideration of the additional step of pre-mixing the waterproofing ingredients into the concrete. This may leads to longer waiting time for the arrival of the precast waterproof concrete to construction site upon placing order to the supplier. Hence, contractor has to allocate sufficient time and coordinate well in the ordering of materials process to meet the schedule for completion of the project. During the installation process, contractor may requires more time to plan and be extra cautious when lifting and placing the concrete as the improved concrete has extra loads due to the waterproofing mixtures.

In conclusion, with well coordination and detailed planning during the initial stage of construction, waterproof concrete is cost effective, less risky, environmentally friendly, having a high investment value in the long run and lower payback period can be achieved as the maintenance is lesser and easier in the future.