There are several types of additives, the use of which is related to the conformation and characteristics of the concrete structure. While the use of concrete plasticizing additives is now widespread, in specific circumstances, crystalline additives provide key performance benefits for structural protection.

The use of crystalline additives allows direct action 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.

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.
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One of the microstructural characteristics that causes concrete degradation is porosity, which develops during the setting and hydration phase of the concrete, making it vulnerable to external chemical aggressors.

The rate at which a fluid passes through a solid material 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.
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The DRYKOS crystallizing technology to make concrete waterproof is a chemical treatment that acts on this very process, to achieve waterproofing not only on the surface, but throughout the entire mass of the concrete.

The action of crystalline additives to make concrete waterproof generates a chemical reaction in the pores and micro-cracks 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 mix, for use on site and in the concrete mixing plant.

For watertight waterproofing of foundations, tanks, and hydraulic works in general, DRYKOS has developed DRYBOXSYSTEM®
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This is a white tank system that allows:

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• 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.

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It is a system that offers numerous advantages, including:

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• 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

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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.

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DRYMIX ULTRA by DRYKOS belongs to a range of latest-generation water-based crystallizing products, which includes water-based crystallizing agents for waterproofing, restoring, and protecting concrete.
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DRYMIX ULTRA performs better than cement-based crystallizing agents in terms of compressive strength and penetration resistance and is specifically formulated to be compatible with all types of cements and can be inserted into the automatic cycle of the concrete mixing plant like other liquid additives.
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Also, DRYMIX ULTRA reacts with the by-products of humidity, creating a crystalline formation that prevents the passage of water: the development of the crystalline formation is reactivated even at later times, in case of new infiltrations of water or humidity, and seals cracks up to 0.4 mm.