Infrastructure Waterproofing Technology Deployed in Croatian Rail Tunnel Rehabilitation

## Crystalline Waterproofing Technology Strengthens Croatian Rail Tunnel The Dujmovača railway tunnel in Split, Croatia, has undergone a significant structural rehabilitation programme utilising advanced crystalline waterproofing admixture technology, according to PR Newswire. The project highlights growing industry interest in durable, long-term waterproofing solutions for underground and marine-adjacent infrastructure. The rehabilitation involved the application of PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, incorporated directly into shotcrete used to reinforce the tunnel lining. The treatment is designed to prevent water seepage and support long-term structural stability — challenges that are equally pertinent to port tunnels, underwater transit infrastructure, and coastal civil engineering projects worldwide. ### Relevance to Maritime Infrastructure While the Dujmovača Tunnel serves rail operations, Split is a major Adriatic port city and a key hub for Croatian ferry and cruise operations. Infrastructure resilience in such environments is of direct relevance to the maritime sector, where port authorities and terminal operators increasingly face the challenge of maintaining ageing civil structures exposed to saltwater ingress, hydrostatic pressure, and corrosive marine conditions. Crystalline waterproofing technology works by reacting with water and unhydrated cement particles to form insoluble crystals within the concrete matrix, effectively self-sealing cracks and pores over time. This characteristic makes it particularly attractive for structures in high-moisture or tidal environments. ### Industry Context Port authorities and maritime infrastructure managers globally are under growing pressure to extend the operational lifespan of existing assets rather than pursue costly full replacements. Rehabilitation techniques such as those deployed in Split offer a cost-effective alternative, with the added benefit of reduced construction downtime. The project serves as a practical case study for engineers and asset managers working on quay walls, dry docks, submarine cable ducts, and other maritime civil structures where water infiltration poses a persistent structural threat. *Source: PR Newswire*