Scope:
Supply & Installation of Expansion Joint Systems & Membrane Waterproofing Works.
Main Systems: FADRAS FR23 Expansion Joint System | High-Performance Membrane Waterproofing.
Key Features: Thermal, seismic & structural movement accommodation | Continuous waterproof protection.
Executive Summary
Atlantis Contracting executed the supply and installation of FADRAS FR23 Expansion Joint Systems integrated with high-performance membrane waterproofing systems across designated areas within the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) development in Riyadh. Works were carried out in full compliance with approved specifications and manufacturer recommendations, delivering effective accommodation of structural and thermal movement while ensuring complete waterproofing integrity and long-term durability. The integrated system approach — combining the movement capability of the FADRAS FR23 with continuous membrane waterproofing — positions this installation as a benchmark for expansion joint and waterproofing integration within one of Saudi Arabia's premier commercial and financial developments.
Site Conditions Upon Arrival
Upon mobilization to the KAFD site, the Atlantis team conducted a comprehensive survey of all expansion joint locations and surrounding surfaces designated for waterproofing treatment. The following conditions were documented:
• Expansion joint locations exhibited varying degrees of substrate preparation — some areas required remedial cleaning, grinding, and surface profiling before waterproofing membrane application could commence.
• Existing joint interfaces between structural elements showed minor cracking and surface irregularities at transition zones, requiring careful preparation to achieve a continuous, bond-ready substrate.
• KAFD's high-specification architectural environment demanded precision finishing at all expansion joint cover plate installations — zero tolerance for misalignment or surface damage to surrounding finishes.
• Active construction and fit-out works across the KAFD development created a high-traffic, multi-trade environment requiring strict material staging, protection protocols, and access coordination.
• Joint geometry and movement gap dimensions varied across zones, requiring zone-specific FADRAS FR23 size selection and membrane detailing to suit each location.
Challenge 1: High-Specification Architectural Environment
KAFD is one of Riyadh's most premium commercial destinations — with exacting standards for surface finish quality, alignment precision, and seamless integration of building systems with architectural finishes. Expansion joint cover plates and membrane terminations were required to meet near-perfect visual and dimensional tolerances.
Solution: Atlantis assigned dedicated finishing teams to all cover plate installations, with each unit surveyed, pre-fitted, and adjusted before final fixing. Membrane terminations and edge details were executed with precision tooling, and all surrounding finishes were masked and protected throughout the works. Final visual inspections were conducted with the main contractor's quality team before sign-off.
Challenge 2: Membrane-to-Joint Interface Continuity
Achieving a fully continuous, watertight transition between the membrane waterproofing system and the FADRAS FR23 expansion joint assembly was technically demanding. The interface zone is the most vulnerable point in the system — any discontinuity in bonding, detailing, or material overlap would compromise overall waterproofing performance.
Solution: Atlantis followed manufacturer-approved integration details for the FADRAS FR23-to-membrane interface at every joint location. Membrane flashing and reinforcement strips were applied at all transitions, with overlap dimensions strictly controlled and inspected. All interface zones underwent independent water-testing prior to cover plate installation to confirm watertight performance before the system was concealed.
Challenge 3: Substrate Variation & Surface Preparation
Substrate conditions across the various KAFD expansion joint zones were inconsistent — with areas of surface contamination, minor cracking, and residual construction materials that required removal before waterproofing application. Inadequate substrate preparation would have directly compromised membrane bond strength and long-term adhesion.
Solution: A zone-by-zone substrate assessment was conducted prior to commencement in each area. Contaminated and weak surfaces were mechanically prepared using grinding and scarifying equipment. Cracks and surface defects were filled with compatible repair mortars and allowed to cure before membrane priming and application. No membrane was applied to any surface that had not passed Atlantis's internal substrate acceptance check.
Challenge 4: Coordination with Active Architectural & Structural Finishes
Works at KAFD were executed within a live construction and fit-out environment, with other trades actively installing flooring, wall finishes, and MEP systems in adjacent areas. Expansion joint and waterproofing works required careful scheduling to avoid conflict with these trades while preventing newly applied membranes and installed joint covers from being damaged.
Solution: Atlantis coordinated directly with the main contractor's site programme to identify sequencing windows for each zone. Completed works were immediately protected with temporary hoarding and protective coverings. A handover inspection was conducted for each completed zone before other trades were permitted to re-enter, with any damage to completed works documented and remedied before final handover.
Application
Structural, thermal & seismic movement accommodation | Aluminum cover plates & anchorage components
Continuous waterproof protection across joint interfaces & adjacent surfaces | Membrane flashing at all transitions
Operations Summary
The following sequence of operations was carried out by the Atlantis team:
• Site mobilization and zone-by-zone survey of all expansion joint locations, movement gap dimensions, and substrate conditions.
• Mechanical preparation of all substrates — grinding, scarifying, and crack repair using compatible repair mortars.
• Application of primer coat across all designated waterproofing surfaces in preparation for membrane application.
• Application of continuous high-performance membrane waterproofing system across expansion joint interfaces and adjacent surfaces.
• Installation of membrane flashing and reinforcement strips at all joint transitions, terminations, and interface zones.
• Water-testing of all membrane-to-joint interface zones prior to cover plate installation.
• Supply and installation of FADRAS FR23 expansion joint assemblies — aluminum frames, cover plates, and anchorage components.
• Treatment of all joint transitions and termination details to achieve seamless integration with surrounding architectural finishes.
• Final inspection, movement functionality verification, and quality assurance documentation submitted to the main contractor.
Outcome & Performance
Upon completion, Atlantis Contracting successfully delivered an integrated expansion joint and waterproofing system across the designated zones of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The combined FADRAS FR23 and membrane waterproofing installation provides continuous structural movement accommodation, full waterproof protection, and long-term durability suited to the demanding operational and environmental requirements of KAFD. The seamless integration with the project's high-specification architectural finishes reflects Atlantis's capability to execute technically complex, quality-critical works within Saudi Arabia's most prestigious commercial and financial environments.
Prepared by:
Atlantis Contracting
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