BEIJING, Dec. 7 -- Being waterproof is key to construction projects, particularly for Olympic venues.

    Beijing Dongfang Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co Ltd, a company that evolved from the original Changsha Changhong Construction Waterproof Co Ltd, has taken the lion's share of waterproof projects for Olympic venues.

    "It is an honour for the people of Hunan Province that a Changsha-based company has won more than 90 per cent of waterproof projects for the Olympic Games," said Li Weiguo, chairman of the company.

    His company has signed 26 sub-contracts for waterproof engineering with the builders of Olympic venues, including the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), the National Aquatics Center (Water Cubic) and the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.

    The whole concept of waterproofing is a difficult issue, said Li.

    According to technicians at the construction site, the upper part of the Bird's Nest is entirely steel. The underground part is more complicated than any other structure and is the only part that is waterproof.

    "This requires us to adopt more quality waterproof materials and a more scientific construction plan," Li said.

    The company will use materials that are heat and cold resistant, anti-ageing and have the same life expectancy as the construction. The special waterproof material can mend any possible leaks brought about by the changes of structure of the construction.

    The Bird's Nest involves a total investment of 3.13 billion yuan (391.25 million U.S. dollars). It is the largest steel structure with the largest range in the world. It is also a complicated sports structure. The opening and closing ceremony, athletics and football events will be held in the venue.

    Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park is another challenge for the company. It is built at Shunyi in Northeast Beijing where the sandy soil is dry and lacks water.

    On March 8, 2006, open bidding was held in Beijing. A total of 12 companies competed for the project. His company beat the rest with its unique waterproof materials, first-class construction team and practical plan.

    The park is like a huge "water pool" dug out of the sandy land. To ensure quality waterproof work, the company invested 30 million yuan (3.75 million dollars) to introduce an advanced waterproof material production line from the United States.

    It invested another 10 million yuan (1.25 million dollars) to set up China's most advanced research and development centre and examination institute in the sector.

    It also invested 50 million yuan (6.25 million dollars) to set up a modern waterproof material-manufacturing base.

    As a result, the investment has exceeded the bidding price, causing a loss of nearly one million yuan (125,000 dollars).

    "Everyone is contributing to the Olympic Games in Beijing. In comparison, our loss is nothing," said Li.

    The people of Hunan are working miracles in the field of waterproof construction in Beijing.

    In 1997, 30-odd people entered Beijing to start their venture. By 2006, the company had set many records.

    Its research and development, output and quality of waterproof materials top the sector in China.

    Its waterproof material production equipment and technology tops the Far East.

    It has set up the only China Construction Waterproof Museum in the world.

    It has completed waterproof engineering for more than 1,000 State construction projects and large public constructions. Major projects for the company include the Great Hall of the People, China Millennium Monument, the Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing-Shanghai Highway and 67 State Grain Depots.

    Net asset of the company soared to 200 million yuan (25 million dollars). Its brand "Yuhong" was approved by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce Administration as a famous brand in China.

    Although the company has become a leading company in research and development, production and engineering design and a high and new technology enterprise in Beijing, Li is not satisfied.

    He is planning to build Dongfang Yuhong Waterproof Industrial Group and make the group a top company in Asia and enter the world's top 20 in the sector.

    According to Li's strategy, in five years, Beijing Dongfang Yuhong will realize a revenue of 1.5 billion yuan (187.5 million dollars).

    (Source: China Daily)