Mighty Argo Cable Car (Argo Gondola)

The gondola alignment rises approximately 1,300 vertical feet over a distance of about 1.2 miles through steep terrain. Due to the mountainous environment and continuous exposure to precipitation, groundwater, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, the project required durable concrete foundations capable of resisting water ingress and maintaining long-term structural performance.

To address these conditions, Xypex Admix C-500 NF crystalline waterproofing admixture was incorporated into the concrete mix design for the footing foundations. Approximately 100 cubic yards of Xypex-treated concrete were supplied by Peak Ready-Mix for the structural foundation elements supporting the gondola towers. Added during batching, Xypex Admix reacts with water and the by-products of cement hydration within the concrete. With water acting as the catalyst, the proprietary chemicals form a non-soluble crystalline structure within the interconnected capillary pores and microcracks of the concrete. This crystalline formation blocks pathways for water penetration and reduces permeability throughout the concrete matrix. By integrating waterproofing directly into the concrete, the Xypex crystalline system provides permanent protection against water ingress and enhances the long-term durability of the foundation structures supporting the Mighty Argo Gondola.