Civil infrastructure waterproofing: protection and durability
In any concrete work, water is the main enemy of durability. In fact, moisture and seepage quickly promote corrosion of reinforcement and the formation of cracks in the cementitious mass.
Proper waterproofing is therefore crucial to prevent extensive and costly damage: for example, modern reinforced concrete bridges are designed for a service life of about 100 years and require an impermeable membrane to protect them from chemical attack and freeze/thaw cycles.
Only by effectively isolating water and carbon dioxide from the structural element can carbonation that drastically reduces durability and safety be avoided, as well as preventing high moisture conditions that trigger the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) resulting in swelling and cracking.
Large underground infrastructures (tunnels, dams, underground parking lots) are subject to severe challenges: groundwater buoyancy and soil movement result in hydrostatic pressure infiltrating through pores, micro-cracks and joints.
Under the effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycles, penetrated water expands causing internal cracks, while aggressive salts dissolved in the soil (sulfates, chlorides) chemically attack concrete. Consequently, even elevated structures such as bridges and viaducts must cope with traffic loads and winter freezing salts, which is why an effective waterproofing membrane is the key element in preserving their integrity and durability.
additivated
Water-related chemical pathologies
The penetration of atmospheric CO₂ into concrete causes carbonation: the formed limestone lowers the protective pH and causes reinforcement passivation to be lost, promoting rusting. This phenomenon greatly reduces the durability and safety of the works.
Similarly, moisture fuels the alkali-silica reaction (ASR), triggered by reactive aggregates and alkalis in the cement. When water is present (e.g., absorbed by concrete or introduced by de-icing salts), the silica gel expands causing a diffuse network of internal cracks. Preventing water ingress is therefore also an effective preventive measure against these chemical pathologies.
Waterproofing solutions
Various technologies are used to ensure the sealing of new and existing works. Among the most popular are bituminous or synthetic membranes, polyurethane or epoxy liquid treatments, cementitious waterproofing plasters, gel resin injections, and advanced expansion joint sealants.
In recent years, integrated solutions have also gained importance: for example, the use of crystallizing admixtures (to be incorporated directly into the concrete or applied as a surface treatment) makes it possible to make the entire cement mass waterproof from the inside.
Such admixtures react with water to form insoluble crystals that permanently occlude pores and micro-cracks. In practice, in addition to traditional exterior coating methods, integral concrete waterproofing can be achieved: the structural matrix itself becomes a water barrier. In parallel, one should not forget dedicated joint systems (waterstops, self-adhesive tapes, etc.) that ensure watertightness in construction discontinuities and joints between deck and abutments.
Economic benefits and security
Investing in professional waterproofing results in concrete benefits. A well-protected structure dramatically reduces the frequency of maintenance work and long-term operating costs. It also ensures a significant extension of service life: suffice it to say that road bridges are designed for 100 years of operation, a goal achievable only with adequate protection systems.
Reliability and safety benefit: eliminating water prevents the initiation of reinforcement corrosion, prevents the development of expansive rust, and preserves overall structural integrity. A good waterproofing cycle is therefore essential not only to protect the work, but also to reduce the risks of premature failure and extraordinary expenses for complex repairs.
DRYBOXSYSTEM®: the integrated Drykos system.
Drykos' DRYBOXSYSTEM® embodies a turnkey approach to waterproofing. It is designed to provide guaranteed, long-lasting sealing right from construction. In summary, the method involves five main steps: customized design analysis, pouring with concrete admixed with Drymix Ultra (crystallizing mass waterproofing) and subsequent joint treatment, specialized on-site technical assistance, and a 10-year posthumous warranty. This ensures a complete and compatible package of products and procedures that is certified and sustainable.
The concrete advantages of DRYBOXSYSTEM® are documented: the crystallizing formulation protects against chemical aggression (chlorides, sulfates, CO₂, etc.) and significantly reduces the need for future rehabilitation work. The result is long-term structural protection that makes the works more durable and safer, even in contact with aggressive water or water intended for drinking.
For expert advice and tailor-made waterproofing solutions, visit Drykos or contact us directly: our technical team is available for detailed analyses, customized projects and on-site support. Protecting your civil infrastructure in the best way possible means ensuring long-term safety and savings.
MLN
waterproofed surfaces
%
%
ecological footprint
