Innovative Waterproofing Technology Ensures Long-Term Structural Integrity at 30 Hudson Yards

The 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper's foundation durability is largely attributed to Kryton International's groundbreaking waterproofing technologies, which were essential given the building's location in a challenging 100-year flood plain above an active rail yard. Following the devastating Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the project's engineering team recognized the critical need for robust waterproofing solutions to protect against water infiltration in this complex environment. Architects and engineers selected Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM®) and associated technologies to address the unique challenges presented by the building's underground infrastructure, which required exceptional structural protection.

The innovative waterproofing approach focused on key structural elements including the base slab, elevator pits, flood retention tank, and underground facilities. Kryton's technologies enable concrete to self-seal cracks and block water indefinitely, with compression sealing power that significantly exceeds conventional methods. This represents a fundamental advancement in construction technology that has implications for urban development worldwide, particularly in areas susceptible to environmental stressors like flooding and water damage. The technology's effectiveness is detailed in technical documentation available at https://www.kryton.com/products/krystol-internal-membrane.

Six years after completion, 30 Hudson Yards' foundation remains completely watertight—a remarkable achievement in an environment prone to water-related structural degradation. This long-term performance demonstrates the technology's reliability and effectiveness in real-world conditions. The building has since attracted prominent Fortune 500 tenants and achieved LEED Gold certification, underscoring the success of its advanced technological infrastructure and the importance of sustainable construction practices. These achievements highlight how innovative engineering solutions can contribute to both environmental sustainability and commercial success in major urban developments.

Kevin Yuers, Kryton's Vice President for Product Development, emphasized that design excellence extends beyond visible architectural elements to include critical subterranean infrastructure. The project represents a masterful combination of design, materials, and skilled workmanship that ensures long-term structural sustainability. This perspective challenges conventional approaches to construction that often prioritize visible elements over foundational systems. The project's success has broader implications for the construction industry, suggesting a need to reevaluate how infrastructure projects approach durability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The 30 Hudson Yards project highlights the growing importance of innovative waterproofing technologies in modern construction, particularly in challenging urban environments. By preventing water intrusion and potential concrete corrosion, Kryton's solutions offer architects and engineers a sophisticated approach to maintaining structural integrity that could transform how buildings are designed in flood-prone areas. As urban development continues to expand in complex geographical contexts, technologies like those demonstrated at 30 Hudson Yards will become increasingly critical in creating resilient, sustainable infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges. This case study provides valuable insights for future projects facing similar environmental constraints, available through industry resources at https://www.kryton.com/case-studies. The building's continued performance serves as a testament to how advanced materials science can address some of construction's most persistent challenges, potentially influencing building codes and standards for future developments in vulnerable locations.