Reinforced Concrete Waterproofing: Effective Solutions for Durability
If you work in the construction industry, you may need to protect a concrete structure. Have you ever wondered what is the best way to waterproof reinforced concrete? It is important to do it in a durable and effective way.
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 related to the conformation and characteristics of the concrete structure. While the use of concrete plasticizing additives is common, crystalline additives are useful in certain situations. These additives improve performance and protect structures.
Using crystalline additives helps to change the properties of the concrete. It makes the concrete waterproof and increases its resistance. Thus, it reduces the degradation caused by chemical and atmospheric agents.
This improves the durability of the concrete. In this way, maintenance costs can be reduced in the long term. In addition, the deterioration of the cement is slowed down.
Concrete porosity causes structural degradation.
The use of additives to make concrete water-resistant can also improve the workability of the mixture. This has a positive effect on hardened concrete, especially for the repair of existing structures.
One of the characteristics of concrete that leads to its degradation is porosity. This forms during setting and hydration. Porosity makes concrete vulnerable to external chemical agents.
The crystallizing action of DRYMIX and DRYMIX ULTRA
The rate at which a fluid passes through a solid is called permeability. A permeable material allows the liquid to pass through without changing its structure. In impermeable materials, this passage does not occur because the structure does not allow it.
The DRYKOS crystallizing technology is used to waterproof concrete. It is a chemical treatment that improves this process. It guarantees waterproofing that does not only concern the surface. It also involves the entire structure of the concrete.
The use of crystalline additives makes the concrete water-resistant. These additives cause a chemical reaction in the pores and microcracks.
This leads to the formation of needle-shaped crystalline structures. These structures are insoluble and form inside the pores and capillaries. Thus, they block the passage of water.
The DRYMIX crystalline additive from DRYKOS is made for this purpose. It is placed directly into the cement mixture. It can be used both on-site and in concrete plants.
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 to:
- achieve a waterproof concrete structure by adding DRYMIX ULTRA, a water-based, crystallizing, 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
- DRYMIX ULTRA automatically integrates into the concrete mix using liquid additive dispensers, becoming part of the plant's automated production cycle.
- 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
DRYKOS' DRYMIX ULTRA is a modern crystallizing product. It is water-based and used to waterproof, restore, and protect concrete.
DRYMIX ULTRA is superior to cement-based crystallizing products, offering greater compressive strength and penetration resistance. It is formulated for compatibility with all cement types and can be used in the automatic cycle of the concrete mixing plant, like other liquid additives.
Also, DRYMIX ULTRA reacts with moisture, creating a crystalline formation that blocks water passage. This formation reactivates upon new infiltrations, sealing cracks up to 0.4 mm.
MLN
waterproofed
%
%
footprint
