DRYBOXSYSTEM® is designed to extend the life of reinforced concrete structures. Its "heart" is the addition of DRYMIX ULTRA to the concrete on site: this generates an insoluble crystalline lattice over time that seals capillary porosity.

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In practice, the concrete becomes self-healing and waterproof: with each contact with moisture, the crystallizing activity is reactivated, filling even micro-cracks up to 0.5 mm.

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This creates a hermetic barrier that blocks water and corrosive agents from any direction. In addition, Drykos provides specific profiles and systems for waterproofing expansion joints, ensuring sealing even in the most vulnerable structural points (joints, connections, fixings).

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Thanks to the internal effectiveness of the treated concrete, DRYBOXSYSTEM® is suitable for numerous highway components:

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• Viaducts and decks: the extrados of bridges is subjected to heavy loads, thermal variations and de-icing salts. An internally waterproof concrete prevents infiltration under the wearing course, preventing traffic and frost from causing cracking and degradation. The crystallizing action seals micro-cracks, extending the service life of the slab.
• Foundations and bridge piers: elements in continuous contact with aquifers and corrosive soils. The water exerts high hydrostatic pressures, often rich in aggressive chlorides or sulphates. With DRYMIX ULTRA, the concrete resists these stresses: it "resists high hydrostatic pressures... even continuous chemical attacks". This protects the internal reinforcement from the corrosion process over time.
• Underpasses and road tunnels: underground structures subjected to hydraulic loads and seasonal freeze/thaw cycles. The DRYBOXSYSTEM® guarantees total waterproofing against aggressive agents (chlorides, carbonation, etc.) and maintains sealing even in extreme conditions. In particular, the crystallizing technology "allows infrastructures to withstand the most critical conditions such as chemical attacks, chlorides, ... freeze and thaw cycles".
• Retaining walls and drainage works: the retaining walls are in contact with wet soil and dissolved salts, while channels and tanks drain sometimes contaminated water. The crystallized concrete acts as a capillary barrier, preventing the rise of humidity and the penetration of chemical and biological pollutants.
• Expansion joints and other critical points: traditionally weak points for infiltration. In addition to the additive, Drykos provides elastic strips and PVC profiles for sealing expansion joints, ensuring continuity of waterproofing in all structural parts.

The use of DRYBOXSYSTEM® offers distinctive technical characteristics:

• Permanent waterproofing: thanks to internal crystallization, the concrete is "permanently waterproof", regardless of the thickness or direction of water flow.
• Chemical and hydraulic resistance: the treatment protects against hydrostatic stresses (both positive and negative) and chemical attacks (chlorides, sulphates, carbonation). This is fundamental on highways exposed to de-icing salts and wet smog.
• Self-sealing of cracks: the crystallizing action seals cracks up to 0.5 mm. Even in the event of micro-lesions due to freeze/thaw cycles or mechanical stress, the system is reactivated with humidity, preventing new infiltrations.
• Structural durability: By eliminating external coatings subject to abrasion, the system enhances the overall durability of the structure. While traditional maintenance of surface waterproofing is costly and frequent, DRYBOXSYSTEM® drastically reduces the need for future interventions.
• Certified reliability: The product complies with technical standards and is certified for use in contact with potable water. Drykos provides a ten-year warranty on the applied system's watertightness, confirming its long-term effectiveness.

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DRYBOXSYSTEM® is primarily developed for new constructions, integrating directly into the structural design phase. However, Drykos also offers specific solutions for the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.

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In particular, the Drykos Repair line is designed to "restore deteriorated concrete quickly, effectively, and sustainably."

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This means that, in addition to the additive mixture for new pours, it is possible to intervene on existing structures with complementary crystalline injections or coatings, safeguarding overall hydraulic tightness. In both cases – new constructions or retrofits – the system creates a continuous barrier against water, significantly prolonging the service life of the structures.

The Drykos approach with DRYBOXSYSTEM® offers clear advantages in terms of sustainability and cost optimization: integrated protection reduces the need for chemical-petroleum coating materials (often pollutants) and ensures a much longer life cycle.

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According to Drykos, crystallizing technology can reduce the ecological footprint by up to 65% compared to traditional solutions. The products are designed to be recyclable and have a low environmental impact, contributing to sustainability goals (LEED, SDG).

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Furthermore, adopting a single system simplifies the construction site: Drykos supports the client in all phases – design, supply, installation, and on-site assistance – optimizing time and resources. This translates into reduced maintenance costs and greater overall efficiency.

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Conclusions

In conclusion, DRYBOXSYSTEM® represents an integrated, high-performance solution for waterproofing critical highway structures.

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It durably protects concrete from water, chemical attacks, freeze-thaw cycles, and operational stress, extending the infrastructure's service life and reducing management costs. Drykos offers specialized technical consulting to design and implement customized interventions, both for new constructions and for the rehabilitation of existing structures.