Port Athena Uses Admix Against High Groundwater
PENETRON ADMIX protects Port Athena’s €35 million Tartu business district from high groundwater in below-grade concrete structures.
The Penetron Group supplied crystalline waterproofing admixture PENETRON ADMIX for the €35 million ($41.1 million) Port Athena development in Tartu, Estonia, where high groundwater conditions affect below-grade construction. The first stage of construction was completed in August 2026, with the full complex, a total gross area of approximately 19,500 square meters, scheduled for completion in 2027. The project sits beside the Emajõgi River and includes a shared underground garage for 100 cars. PENETRON ADMIX was added to concrete used in foundation slabs, retaining walls, elevator pits and the parking structure.
Five Building District
Port Athena is being built between the Tasku Center and the Friendship Bridge, a short distance from central Tartu. The development comprises four six-story buildings and one seven-story building, with retail, restaurant and service space on all ground floors.
The upper floors will provide 12,000 square meters (132,000 square feet) of office space. Construction is continuing on the remaining three buildings.
Andrus Sõna, Director of Penetron Eesti, said:
“With the first two buildings complete, construction continues on the remaining three Port Athena buildings to meet the mid-2027 deadline. Located close to the city's center, this development will help meet the growing demand for modern office space.”
Below Grade Waterproofing
Project architect Salto AB specified a concrete waterproofing solution because of the site’s proximity to the Emajõgi River and its high groundwater. PENETRON ADMIX was incorporated into the concrete mix for the below-grade structures.
Penetron Group Port Athena.
Andrus Sõna, Director of Penetron Eesti, said:
“Thanks to Penetron's success with identical projects across many European countries, PENETRON ADMIX was specified as the waterproofing solution. Our admixture was added to the concrete mix for the foundation slab, retaining walls, elevator pits, and underground parking garage structures.”
Concrete Permeability Protection
Once mixed into concrete, the admixture uses a moisture-activated catalytic reaction to create a non-soluble crystalline formation. Penetron says the formation seals pores and capillary tracts in concrete, reducing its permeability and protecting against water and liquid penetration from any direction.
Andrus Sõna, Director of Penetron Eesti, said:
“Looking ahead for the long-term, PENETRON ADMIX-treated concrete features low permeability, low shrinkage corrosion mitigation, and self-healing properties. This virtually eliminates future concrete-related maintenance costs – an added benefit.”
