Ardex tile adhesives were specified for the installation of natural stone and tiles during the recently completed $80 million expansion of Newcastle Airport.
A key objective of the expansion was to transform the existing airport and create a second international airport for New South Wales. The airport terminal’s size was doubled and facilities improved to cater for international flights. ARDEX products were specified for the tiling throughout the expansion, spanning an area of 2,600 square metres.
Newcastle Tile Company supplied a sample of the natural stone to the ARDEX Technical Team and a specification was issued for the complete tiling system to suit the stone type. Since the natural stone was thermally sensitive, a speciality tile adhesive ARDEX S 16 along with ARDEX E 90 was specified. The floor was also levelled where necessary to fix undulations between the old and new slabs.
ARDEX S 16 was used to lay 1600 square metres of natural stone throughout the arrival and departure lounges of the airport. With its ability to lock in moisture, ARDEX S 16 reduces the risk of efflorescence and water marks on natural stone tiles. Recently, ARDEX S 16 has been replaced with the superior ARDEX S 28 Neu, an Ardurapid, Microtec stone and tile adhesive.
Additionally, ARDEX X 10 was used over the membranes to provide excellent slump resistance for both wall and floor tiles. ARDEX X 10 provides mastic type properties.
ARDEX WPM 155 rapid waterproofing system was used with ARDEX STB Tape to install and waterproof bathroom tiles over an area of 1000 square metres on both walls and floors. This system allows wet areas to be tiled in as little as four hours after the application of the membrane, benefitting projects with challenging timelines.
ARDEX Account Manager, Jeff Anderson added that ARDEX was proud to be involved in such an iconic project.
