Waterproofing of water works: protection, durability and efficiency

Drykos' DRYBOXSYSTEM® is a turnkey solution designed for new concrete construction. It is an integrated active waterproofing system, with a guaranteed seal, specifically designed to extend the life of concrete structures. Thanks to its crystallizing technology, DRYBOXSYSTEM® makes the concrete itself waterproof (instead of external membranes) and self-healing, autonomously sealing any micro-cracks in the presence of moisture.

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Key stages of the system include:

• Customized design and analysis-experts evaluate hydraulic loads and site conditions to define the optimal waterproofing strategy.
• Concrete admixed with Drymix Ultra - during pouring, a crystallizing admixture is mixed into the concrete mixer. This makes the entire concrete mass waterproof in depth: any micro-cracks (up to 0.5 mm) recrystallize upon contact with water, sealing themselves.
• Sealing of structural joints - recovery joints, deformation axes and other critical points are treated with special sealants and hydro-expanding profiles, ensuring airtight continuity throughout the work.
• Technical support and warranty-Drykos supports the system application on site and issues a 10-year leakage warranty, offering contractors the certainty of a certified and durable solution.

This integrated approach eliminates the fragilities of traditional waterproofing (bitumen, polymer membranes, etc.) because the protection is embedded in the concrete itself. This reduces installation time and complexity (no membranes to weld or toxic materials) and increases safety on the construction site.

DRYBOXSYSTEM® offers several key technical benefits for hydraulic works:

• Bidirectional impermeability-the crystallizing additive can be applied from both the positive and negative sides of hydraulic pressure, resisting high pressures. This makes the system effective against seepage from both inside and outside the structure.
• Self-repairing and long-lasting actions - treated concrete becomes "self-healing": the crystallizing action reactivates over time in the presence of moisture, sealing cracks up to 0.5 mm without external intervention. In practice, the work remains waterproof over the long term, protecting reinforcement from corrosion and minimizing structural degradation.
• High chemical resistance - additive concrete is impervious to aggressive agents (sulfates, chlorides, nitrates, organic acids, etc.), preventing carbonation and corrosion. This is crucial in hydraulic contexts where water may contain harmful substances (groundwater, sewage effluent, contaminated water). For example, DRYBOXSYSTEM® is certified for use in contact with potable water, making it ideal for aqueducts and reservoirs that require full sanitary safety.
• Vapor transmission-despite the impermeable barrier, the system allows water vapor to pass through, preventing internal condensation problems.

These combined features ensure durability and reduced maintenance: according to Drykos studies, the crystallizing system can extend the useful life of the structure, significantly reducing future intervention costs. The absence of perishable coatings means that there will be no new periodic applications to be made, making the facilities' operation sustainable in the long run as well.

DRYBOXSYSTEM® is suitable for all waterproofing of concrete hydraulic works. Some application examples are:

• Water tanks and reservoirs (drinking and waste water)-additive concrete lining ensures absolute tightness, preventing any leakage.
• Catch basins and cisterns-large volumes of underground storage (e.g., rolling basins) remain sealed from groundwater and possible seepage.
• Wastewater treatment and purification plants-tanks, clarifiers, and purifier channels-benefit from advanced protection: the absence of leaks prevents contamination and reduces inspections and extraordinary maintenance.
• Drainage channels, pipelines and collectors - DRYBOXSYSTEM® is also effective on underground sewer and water networks: the additive concrete of precast pipes or in-situ structures is internally impermeable and resists water laden with aggressive substances.
• Parking lots and underground spaces - foundations and walls of basements, garages and technical rooms stay dry thanks to the action of the special self-healing concrete. This protects finishes and installations and prevents damage from seasonal moisture.

The flexibility of use of DRYBOXSYSTEM® comes from the fact that each component (crystallizing additive, additional membranes or geotextiles, sealants, waterstop profiles) is designed to work in synergy. Thus each application enjoys a continuous and uniform barrier over the entire structure, providing total protection even under complex conditions (hydrostatic pressure, mechanical stress, freeze-thaw cycle, chemical aggression).

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The use of DRYBOXSYSTEM® brings tangible benefits to all involved:

• Reliability and guarantees-being a certified system with 10-year warranty options, it offers designers and contractors the certainty of a waterproof result from the start. In addition, the components (limestone, additives, sealants) are certified to regulatory standards (including for drinking water and green building sites).
• Reduced maintenance - concrete's self-repairing nature and long durability dramatically reduce the need for future interventions. This translates into savings in operational and water costs: water leaks are eliminated, while extraordinary rehabilitation activities (inspections, reapplication of membranes, reconstructions) decrease significantly. For public water and sewer utilities, this means infrastructure protected for decades with optimized maintenance budgets.
• Design and operational simplification-because the seal is guaranteed internally in the concrete, the designer no longer needs to provide many external waterproofing layers. The entire admixture, together with a few targeted sealants, forms the entire waterproofing package. This streamlines project specifications, reduces installation time on site and improves work safety (no open flames or solvents for installation). Workers on site also benefit from faster and more standardized procedures.
• Component Compatibility - DRYBOXSYSTEM® is an "all-in-one" system: each component-from crystallizing additives to waterstop profiles-is designed to be perfectly compatible with the others. This ensures uniformity of waterproof performance across the entire structure and facilitates integration between materials, avoiding anchoring problems or adverse reactions.

In summary, designers, contractors and clients achieve waterproofed works with absolute reliability. The innovative technology of DRYBOXSYSTEM® allows them to focus on sustainability (fewer polluting materials and lower environmental impact), safety (durability and resource savings) and full regulatory compliance. As the manufacturer points out, choosing DRYBOXSYSTEM® means guaranteeing "durability, savings in maintenance costs, and increased safety on the construction site," protecting hydraulic structures from moisture, seepage, and aggressive agents throughout the life of the work.

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