Tiling solutions for hydroelectric dam installation

Hydro Quebec - Manic II with Schluter-Systems

Hydro Quebec is one of the largest suppliers of energy in North America.  This facility had a tiled floor comprised of ceramic tile over a concrete substrate. Althought the tile floors are located inside the dam, they were subject to some of the most problematic elements found in exterior conditions.  Large trucks continuously enter the dam for maintenance and deliveries creating temperature fluctuations as doors open and close.  In additon, to the heavy loads they place on the tiled surface, they also bring with them snow and road salts.  The huge rotors in the generators within the dam causes extreme vibrations throughout the facility. 

The original tile installation failed because it was adhered directlyeme vibration from the generators, resulted in cracked and brocken tiles. 

DITRA's waterproofing function effectively prevents any water and salt residue from leaking through the grout, and allows this mosture to evaporate and escape.

The solution was to remove and repair the damaged concrete and intall Schluter-DITRA between the concrete substrate and the tile. 

The key function of the DITRA was uncoupling the tiled surface from the concrete substrate, allowing the two surfaces to move independently.  Thereby eliminating the vibration from the generators in the dam to be transfered to the tile.

DITRA's waterproofing function effectively prevents any water and salt residue from leaking through the grout, and allows this moisture to evaporate and escape.