Newton Waterproofing has partnered with Oldroyd, Scandinavia’s leading supplier of tunnel membrane systems and, as a result, is able to design and install Oldroyd Xtf membrane as a cavity drain waterproofing system during tunnel waterproofing projects.

What is Oldroyd Xtf?

Oldroyd Xtf is the best membrane available in the UK for a combined fireproof and waterproof solution for below-ground projects.

It is a waterproof, fire-resistant membrane designed specifically to protect tunnels from the detrimental effects of water.

It has been designed to be mounted in tunnels against cast concrete walls, bare rock, to vaults in escape routes, or in technical rooms and other similar locations.

The membrane consists of a specially-profiled, studded and grooved, flame-retardant polypropylene (PP) sheet, approximately 1mm (40ml) thick, onto which is laminated a high tensile strength, fire-resistant woven fabric of basalt mineral fibres.

Whilst the polypropylene sheet provides the structure of the membrane and ensures that it is waterproof, the basalt fibres considerably increase the mechanical strength of the membrane, as well as being of vital importance to its fire-resistant properties.

Features and benefits

  • B-s2.d0 fire rating to EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009

  • Fire resistant for more than 20 minutes at >1000°C

  • Plug fixings have an average pull-off strength of 413 N, so are able to withstand the extreme negative pressure / suction of high-speed trains

  • Protects railway tunnels for a minimum of 60 years

  • Does not require covering

  • Thoroughly tested in challenging Norwegian and Faroe Island railway tunnels

  • During a fire, toxic gas emissions are less than 10% and CO2 formation is less than 20% of the maximum allowed levels

  • Halogen-free – no chlorine compounds, bromides or fluorides

Typical applications

As a cavity drain membrane for tunnel waterproofing within the Newton CDM System, installed to:

  • Cast concrete walls

  • Bare rock surfaces

  • Vaults in escape routes

  • Technical rooms (or similar)

Testing

Together with the Norwegian railway authority, the Oldroyd Xtf system has been thoroughly tested with extreme technical requirements.

The Oldroyd Xtf membrane is tested according to EN 13501-1, on the ‘Fire classification of construction products and building elements – Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire tests’.

This specific test evaluates the membrane’s fire properties regarding its heat release rate, smoke production, flame spread and burning droplets.

Oldroyd Xtf achieves classification of B-s2 d0:

  • B: Combustible materials – very limited contribution to fire

  • S2: Emissions with average volume intensity

  • d0: No burning droplets

The tried-and-tested membrane has also already undergone testing and approval by Scandinavian railway agencies, including Bane NOR who maintain, operate and develop the Norwegian railway network, and Sporveien Oslo who operate public transport in the Norwegian capital.