Waterproof concrete: advanced technologies for ultimate protection
If you work in the construction sector or need to protect a concrete structure, you've probably asked yourself: How can I waterproof concrete effectively and durably?
The answer lies in innovative solutions such as crystalline waterproofing, which enhances the performance of structures and prevents water damage. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know, from the most advanced technologies to the advantages of waterproofed concrete.
concrete
Additives for waterproofing concrete: DRYMIX and DRYMIX ULTRA properties
There are different types of additives, the use of which is linked to the conformation and characteristics of the concrete structure. While the use of concrete superplasticizers is now widespread, in specific circumstances, crystallizing additives provide fundamental performance for the protection of structures.
The use of crystallizing additives makes it possible to act directly on the properties of the concrete, waterproofing the entire mass and increasing its resistance to degradation due to chemical and atmospheric agents, thus improving its durability.
In this way, it is possible to significantly reduce maintenance costs over time and, in general, slow down the structural degradation of the concrete.
Concrete porosity causes structural degradation.
The use of additives to make concrete waterproof can also improve the workability of the fresh cementitious mix, as well as act effectively on hardened concrete, as in the case of repairing existing structures.
One of the microstructural characteristics that cause concrete degradation is porosity, which develops during the setting and hydration phase of the concrete, making it vulnerable to external chemical aggressors.
The crystallizing action of DRYMIX and DRYMIX ULTRA
The rate at which a solid material is traversed by a fluid is called permeability: a permeable material allows the passage of liquid without altering its structure, which does not occur in impermeable materials, where this passage is not possible.
The DRYKOS crystallizing technology for making concrete waterproof is a chemical treatment that intervenes precisely in this process, to obtain waterproofing that is not only superficial, but throughout the entire mass of the concrete.
The action of crystallizing additives to make concrete waterproof generates a chemical reaction in the pores and micro-fractures of the concrete, which leads to the generation of acicular and insoluble crystalline formations inside pores and capillaries, preventing the passage of water.
DRYKOS' DRYMIX crystallizing additive is a product formulated specifically for this purpose, which is added directly to the cementitious mixture for use on site and in the concrete mixing plant.
DRYBOXSYSTEM® for concrete waterproofing
For watertight waterproofing of foundations, tanks, and hydraulic works in general, DRYKOS has developed DRYBOXSYSTEM®.
This is a white tank system that allows for:
- in constructing the work with waterproof concrete obtained by adding DRYMIX ULTRA, a water-based crystallizing and mass waterproofing product from the DRYKOS range.
- in taking care of the construction of rigid, movement and construction joints with specific products and measures designed and tested over time by DRYKOS. Thus obtaining the total and lasting impermeability of the structure.
It is a system that offers numerous advantages, including:
- it does not require modifications to the structural design or to the characteristics of the concrete mix specified by the designer
- in the concrete mixing plant, DRYMIX ULTRA is automatically integrated into the concrete mix through the use of common liquid additive dispensers, thus falling within the automated production cycle of the plant.
- the exact quantity of DRYMIX ULTRA crystallizing agent within the load will be indicated in the end-of-cycle printout and in the DDT.
- It does not require the intervention of specialized third-party companies for its implementation.
- is environmentally friendly and safe, does not pollute, is suitable for contact with drinking water, and allows to obtain points for the LEED system.
- it is economical and reduces construction site times compared to other systems
when applied under the supervision of DRYKOS technicians, it allows for the release of a ten-year post-construction warranty by a leading insurance company.
The waterproofing action of DRYMIX ULTRA
The rate at which a fluid passes through a solid material is called permeability. DRYMIX ULTRA by DRYKOS belongs to a range of latest-generation, water-based crystallizing products, which includes water-based crystallizers for waterproofing, restoring, and protecting concrete.
DRYMIX ULTRA performs better than cementitious crystallizers in terms of compressive strength and penetration resistance. It is specifically formulated to be compatible with all types of cement and can be incorporated into the automatic cycle of the concrete mixing plant like other liquid additives.
DRYMIX ULTRA also reacts with moisture by-products, creating a crystalline formation that prevents water passage. The development of crystalline formation reactivates even later, in the event of new water or moisture infiltration, and seals cracks up to 0.4 mm.
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