Seoul Facilities Corporation Blocks Roof Leaks at Gocheok Sky Dome... What’s the Secret?

Investigation, testing, and discussion with Korea's top experts in roofing, waterproofing, and structural fields to identify leakage causes... 1st phase of 3-phase construction completed... No leaks at sites with recent 81mm rainfall... Leakage at Gocheok Sky Dome expected to be eliminated after 2nd waterproof coating before monsoon

Jong-il Jo, President of Seoul Facilities Corporation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Seoul Facilities Corporation (Chairman Seong-il Jo) is making every effort to block roof leaks at Gocheok Sky Dome, and even with only the first phase of the three-phase construction completed, significant leak prevention effects have been achieved, drawing attention.

The corporation has been pushing forward repair and reinforcement work divided into three phases from March to August, reflecting the results of a service project and on-site investigation initiated in November last year, with the determination to completely resolve the roof leakage problem that has been an issue since the opening of Gocheok Sky Dome in 2015.

Prior to this, from November last year to March this year, the corporation conducted a service project and advisory meetings composed of experts to identify and verify the fundamental and precise causes of the roof leaks, rather than using the conventional defect repair methods previously employed, and to prepare countermeasures based on verified results.

The corporation, together with the Korea Construction Waterproofing Society, HDC Hyundai Development Company which was responsible for turnkey design and construction, and top domestic experts in roofing, waterproofing, and structural fields, conducted a joint detailed drawing review, drone surveys, dismantling and visual inspection of suspicious areas, and thorough on-site investigations to analyze the causes of leaks and prepare repair and reinforcement plans, which were then reviewed in advisory meetings.

As a result, it was identified that the joints between roof panels and drainage channels, as well as the treatment around the landscape lighting, were the causes of leakage. A “rainfall reproducibility experiment” simulating water and wind similar to actual rainy conditions was also conducted to verify the service project results. There were 42 leakage points.

The first phase of construction, which started in March, was completed on May 26. Filling materials were applied to the joints and broken ends of the roof materials around the central drainage channel, and waterproof plates were installed in the landscape lighting areas. This process was characterized by a meticulous management system that included clear identification of leakage points, careful construction, and immediate sharing and discussion of any issues arising during construction for improvement and application.

During the first phase, there were two significant rainfalls allowing mid-construction inspections, with encouraging results. Despite 30.2mm of rain on April 29-30 and 81.9mm on May 15-16, there was no leakage in the areas where work was completed.

Additionally, on May 27, after the first phase was finished, 8.5mm of rain fell. Before construction, 12 out of the 42 leakage points leaked even with rainfall below 10mm, but on this day, there was no leakage at any point.

The second phase, starting May 31, will involve applying waterproof coatings over the entire drainage channel before the monsoon season. Upon completion of the second phase, it is expected that the chronic leaks that have occurred at Gocheok Sky Dome will be eliminated.

Besides waterproofing, the third phase during the monsoon period will include thorough monitoring and the application of guided drainage with double reinforcement in areas susceptible to leakage due to structural expansion. This will be carried out during July and August, when there are no professional baseball games due to the Tokyo Olympics.

Structurally, Gocheok Sky Dome is a metal plate dome where walls and roof are connected, causing about 4cm of expansion displacement due to seasonal temperature differences. Additionally, snow accumulation causes sagging and deformation, making it sensitive. To prevent permanent leaks, the corporation plans to develop a 'Roof Exterior Maintenance Manual' unique to Gocheok Sky Dome and begin work on it by the end of the year.

Furthermore, a flexible expansion joint capable of semi-permanent response to displacement sections is also under development.

Chairman Seong-il Jo stated, “We are striving to solve the Gocheok Sky Dome roof leakage problem through the review and application of various methods and have achieved initial success. We will not only resolve leaks and enhance internal maintenance safety but also endeavor to establish standards that can be utilized in the design, construction, and maintenance of future dome stadiums as Korea’s first dome stadium.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.