Waterproofing Before Water Ingress Becomes a Problem
The most effective opportunity to waterproof a concrete structure is often during construction.
Rather than waiting for a basement, tank or foundation to begin leaking before treatment is introduced, crystalline waterproofing can be incorporated into the concrete itself.
Xypex Admix C-Series is designed for precisely this purpose.
The product is introduced into the concrete during batching and becomes an integral component of the hardened concrete.
How Xypex Admix Works
After being incorporated into concrete, the Xypex chemicals react in the presence of moisture with products created during cement hydration.
This produces insoluble crystalline formations inside pores and capillary tracts.
These formations restrict the routes through which water and certain aggressive liquids can penetrate the concrete.
Rather than waterproofing only the visible surface, the objective is to protect the concrete matrix itself.
Where Xypex Admix Can Be Used
Xypex identifies the Admix C-Series for applications including:
- foundations;
- basements;
- underground parking;
- water-retaining structures;
- reservoirs;
- treatment plants;
- manholes;
- pump stations;
- tunnels;
- swimming pools;
- marine structures;
- secondary containment; and
- precast concrete.
This makes integral crystalline waterproofing particularly interesting where future access to external concrete surfaces may be difficult.
For example, once a basement wall has been backfilled, repairing its exterior waterproofing can become expensive and disruptive.
Admix Is Not a Substitute for Good Construction Practice
Integral waterproofing does not remove the need for:
- correct concrete mix design;
- proper vibration;
- adequate curing;
- joint detailing;
- waterstops;
- crack control;
- suitable reinforcement;
- good construction sequencing; and
- quality assurance.
Construction joints and penetrations still require particular attention.
A waterproof concrete structure should therefore be designed as a system, not simply treated by adding one material to the concrete.
Tetrabuild's Preventative Waterproofing Approach
For suitable projects, Tetrabuild can incorporate crystalline waterproofing considerations during planning and concrete works rather than waiting until the structure has already developed leakage.
This approach is especially valuable for underground or water-retaining structures where remedial access may later become difficult.
Preventative waterproofing is generally more controlled than repairing water ingress after finishes, backfilling and occupation have already taken place.
