Water and chemical agents are major threats to reinforced concrete. Uncontrolled infiltration promotes corrosion of reinforcement and chemical attack of the cementitious matrix.

The formation of carbonates and chloride deposits within the concrete lowers its pH, cracking the passivity film of the steel. This results in cracking, loss of section and reduction in overall structural strength.

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As pointed out, water, interconnected porosity and aggressive agents (oxygen,CO₂, sulfates, chlorides, alkalis) are needed simultaneously to cause serious damage. Therefore, it is essential to design cementitious mixes with low porosity and adopt integrated protection systems to prevent the entry of damaging agents from the outset.

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DRYBOXSYSTEM® from Drykos is an integrated active waterproofing system with a guaranteed seal.

At the heart of the system is the use of crystallizing admixtures incorporated into the concrete at the time of pouring: these react with the byproducts of cement hydration to form insoluble microcrystals in pores and capillaries, which occlude passability.

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In this way, the cementitious mass becomes impermeable from the moment it is poured and remains protected over time. The mechanism is self-repairing: if small cracks (up to 0.5 mm) appear, the active components trigger a second crystallization that automatically seals the water paths.

In addition to the internal additive, DRYBOXSYSTEM® includes the installation of dedicated solutions for the recovery joints (hydro-expansive sealants, tapes and waterstop profiles). These precautions ensure that every structural discontinuity is also waterproofed, ensuring the overall watertightness of the work.

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Key system components

• Liquid crystallizing admixtures to be mixed with the casting: they penetrate the pores of the concrete to form networks of insoluble crystals that prevent the passage of water.
• Special membranes and sheeting (e.g., bentonite or polymeric) applied to surfaces or in casting joints, which provide a water-reactive and self-healing barrier over time.
• Elastomeric sealants and injection mortars for spot treatments of cracks or discontinuities, useful in complex construction sites or on existing structures.
• PVC or hydro-expansive rubber waterstop profiles for incorporation into construction joints to ensure continuity of the waterproof barrier at structural joints.

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These elements work synergistically: the crystallizing admixture protects the inner concrete mass, while membranes, sealants and waterstops provide sealing on surfaces and joints. The result is a work that is deeply waterproof, resistant to surface damage and durable.

DRYBOXSYSTEM® is particularly suitable for structures where it is crucial to prevent all infiltration. Typical applications include stormwater collection and lamination tanks, underground potable water tanks and firefighting tanks, sewage treatment plants and digesters, and containment tanks in industrial (chemical, petroleum, energy) environments.

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Thanks to its ability to make concrete impervious to aggressive substances, the system protects civil works and sensitive infrastructure (e.g., civil, port, and logistics facilities) and prevents soil and groundwater contamination.

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In addition to structural protection, DRYBOXSYSTEM® offers distinctive environmental benefits. Because it eliminates leaks, it helps to conserve water resources and protect soil from contamination. The additives used are formulated without volatile organic solvents (VOCs) and are recyclable at the end of the work's life.

According to internal studies, the use of crystalline technologies can reduce the overall carbon footprint of a concrete construction by up to 65 percent. In practice, LEED points for sustainability are achieved through reduced waste production and emissions. In addition, the technique uses only the natural components of concrete, without adding polluting materials: in this sense, it can be called "green" and conforms to green building principles.

A crucial aspect is durability: the permanent waterproofing provided by the system keeps the protection intact over time. Unlike traditional surface coatings (bituminous or liquid membranes), which have a limited service life and require periodic reapplications, DRYBOXSYSTEM® additive concrete is waterproofed from the start.

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Once disarmed, the element is already airtight, and the crystallization phenomenon is activated as long as there are pores to fill. Any micro-cracks are also "self-sealed" over time. This translates into net economic savings: fewer extraordinary repairs, less rehabilitation work on coatings, and less water consumption (avoiding waste due to leaks). In sum, routine maintenance is greatly reduced, making the system more cost-effective over the life cycle than traditional solutions.

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Conclusions

The adoption of an advanced system such as DRYBOXSYSTEM® ensures that construction companies, designers and public agencies have a reliable and effective solution for waterproofing incconcrete tanks.

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With permanent structural protection and a commitment to sustainability, these systems extend the service life of the work while respecting the environment.