When you’re constructing a concrete bridge, or a concrete water tank, and many other types of infrastructure, the finished construction needs to be waterproof. This is not simply for protection against the elements today, but protecting against the long-term attack of reactive contaminants in the ambient environments.
And yes, it is possible to waterproof concrete itself.
However, we need to talk about waterproofing the air. Some specific air.
The air in the gaps
Specifically, when waterproofing a concrete structure, we need to consider the air-space between sections of concrete, otherwise known as construction joints or expansion joints.
You’re reading this and thinking to yourself, have they never heard of gaskets? Of course we have. Flexible-form waterstop gaskets are the obvious response. But the type of gasket is an important factor.
The most common form of adhered gaskets in use are made of bentonite clay. This substance is definitely waterproof once construction is complete and the gap is minimized. However, bentonite is at risk during the construction phase. It is not resistant to weather, if exposed to the elements for lengthy periods of time. This kind of gasket can swell prematurely and detach or delaminate, if wet weather hits between concrete pours, and the gasket is exposed.
Weather-resistant gaskets?
Meet CONQOR 47B and 87B delayed swell waterstop gaskets. These react to the presence of moisture and swell slowly, without delamination, and remain in place for the duration of the construction phase. And for their long-term service life, of course.
The two types have different swell rates, depending on the likely degree of exposure to the elements.
So let’s close the gap!
You can depend on CONQOR 47B and CONQOR 87B delayed swell waterstop gaskets to go the distance. Remove the risk of gasket failure, and the resulting expense of remediation after construction is complete.
Close the gap with CONQOR waterstops.
Waterproofing a structure? How about the air between? Get in touch to discuss design and installation options.
Download information on CONQOR Waterstops here.
