Category: Events

Xypex is recognized for Excellence in the Repair of The Macomb Sewer System.

The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) is a 22 year old organization whose statement of purpose is “to improve the quality of concrete restoration, repair and protection through education of, and communication with its members.” Xypex is proud to have received such high recognition from this institute for its quality work on the Macomb Sewer System.

The Macomb Sewer System was constructed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) in the early 1970s. Since that time, the system has experienced deterioration of the sewer pipe due to hydrogen sulfide and ground movements. The sewer was inspected and areas were identified that required repair. Sewer inspections were done using man entry, CCTV inspections, geophysical multiple analysis of surface waves (MASW) methods, and test borings in isolated areas, and identified several reaches that required immediate repair.

The ability of Xypex to penetrate deep into the pipe’s concrete to repair, waterproof and protect it, even in the presence of moisture and a constant flow of raw sewage, made it the ideal product choice for this challenging environment. In addition, Xypex, through its crystalline technology, becomes an integral part of the concrete to also protect it against Hydrogen Sulphide attack.

A major design challenge was managing flow in the sewer to allow physical access to perform the repairs. Flow quantities, operation methods, and acceptable working conditions were identified to develop a flow control sequence. This included shutting down pumping stations on a temporary basis, operating existing flow control gates, and construction of flow control weirs within the sewer. A platform was constructed within the sewer to allow work to continue over the flow level. To control flow from one branch of the system, a large flow control structure was designed that included a drilled secant pier temporary earth retention system, groundwater dewatering, a cast-in-place concrete structure, and installation of a flow control gate. Given the urban location of the structure, support of an existing adjacent five-lane roadway, utility relocations, and traffic control were significant design aspects.

Remarks by President Obama concerning:
“NEW CONCRETE MATERIALS THAT LAST LONGER AND ARE WATERPROOFED FROM THE INSIDE OUT…” 

At a press conference on July 2nd, 2009 in the Rose Garden of The White House, President Obama, after meeting with CEOs from a number of “innovative energy companies”, spoke about a new clean energy economy and the importance of encouraging these companies’ efforts.

Based on his discussions with these CEOs, President Obama cited energy saving examples such as LED lighting and solar energy innovation. Most importantly, from our point of view, he also included comments about new concrete materials:

“New concrete materials that last longer and are waterproofed from the inside out, and that can mean that bridges and roads and buildings can last 20 or 30 years longer than using conventional concrete.”

His comment indeed represents support for integral concrete waterproofing as an alternative to traditional membrane or barrier systems, a challenge and opportunity that has been the very basis of the concept, design and development of Xypex crystalline technology. Xypex has, without doubt, led the way with integral concrete waterproofing in North America and, although The President did not endorse any particular product, we are very pleased that he is so clearly drawing attention to our type of technology and innovation.

D’Arcy Mainwaring
President

In the cold, clear dawn of September 10, ten climbers in support of the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia climbed the last ridgeline to stand on the 19,340-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa. Xypex was proud to team up with the international accounting firm, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, to be a summit sponsor for the climb.

For each one of the climbers it was a personal journey, and the culmination of a commitment made months earlier. Whether it was in memory of a family member afflicted with Alzheimers, or a need to give back to the community, the team came together to climb the mountain, and in the process raised more than $ 100,000 for the Alzheimer Society.

In the final assault, the group left its last camp at Kibo Hut – elevation 15,220 feet – just past midnight to begin the six-hour ascent in the dark. At high altitude, the lack of oxygen affects climbers both physically and mentally, and mirrors the struggle and confusion that those afflicted with Alzheimers endure every day.

On the climb was Sue Ross, wife of Xypex technical advisor Dave Ross. Sue is a registered nurse, who had worked for the last six years with people with Alzheimer’s. Other climbers were Darcy Bender, Angela Chang, Peter Debay, Harry Diemer, Shannon Epp, Lisah Fraser, Kit Morissette, Becki Paterson, and Cliff Saito. “We extend our heartiest congratulations to all who made the ascent,” said Xypex President D’Arcy Mainwaring. “Our company slogan, Being There, not only represents our commitment to the engineers, architects, and contractors who use our products, but also our commitment to the greater community in which we all live.”