DRYBOXSYSTEM® is designed to extend the life of reinforced concrete structures. Its "core" is the on-site addition of DRYMIX ULTRA into the concrete: 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 an airtight 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 at the most vulnerable structural points (joints, fittings, fasteners).

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

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• Viaducts and decks: the extrados of bridges are subjected to heavy loads, temperature changes and de-icing salts. An internally waterproof concrete prevents seepage under the wear layer, preventing traffic and frost from causing cracking and deterioration. Crystallizing action seals microcracks, extending the service life of the slab.
• Foundations and bridge piers: elements in continuous contact with water table and corrosive soils. Water exerts high hydrostatic pressures, often rich in aggressive chlorides or sulfates. With DRYMIX ULTRA, concrete withstands these stresses: it "resists high hydrostatic pressures ... chemical aggression even continuously." This protects the internal reinforcement from the corrosion process even over time.
• Underpasses and road tunnels: underground works subject to hydraulic loads and seasonal freeze/thaw cycles. The DRYBOXSYSTEM® provides total impermeability against aggressive agents (chlorides, carbonation, etc.) and preserves the seal even under extreme conditions. In particular, the crystallizing technology "enables infrastructure to withstand the most critical conditions such as chemical aggression, chlorides, ... freeze/thaw cycles."
• Retaining walls and drainage works: retaining walls are in contact with wet soil and dissolved salts, while canals and tanks drain sometimes contaminated water. Crystallized concrete acts as a capillary barrier, preventing moisture elevation and 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 features:

• Perennial imperviousness: due to internal crystallization, concrete is "perennially impervious," 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, sulfates, carbonation). This is critical on highways exposed to deicing salts and wet smog.
• Self-sealing of cracks: crystallizing action seals cracks down to 0.5 mm. Even when microcracks occur due to freeze/thaw cycles or mechanical stress, the system reactivates with moisture, preventing new seepage.
• Structural durability: by eliminating abrasion-prone exterior coatings, the system increases the overall durability of the work. If maintenance of surface waterproofing is traditionally costly and frequent, DRYBOXSYSTEM® dramatically reduces the need for future work.
• Certified reliability: the product is compatible with technical regulations and certified for use in contact with potable water. Drykos issues a 10-year seal guarantee on the applied system, confirming its effectiveness over time.

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DRYBOXSYSTEM® is developed primarily for new construction, integrating as early as 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 mix for new castings, it is possible to intervene on in-service structures with injections or complementary crystalline coatings, safeguarding the overall hydraulic seal. In both cases - new or retrofit works - the system creates a continuous barrier against water, significantly extending the service life of the structures.

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

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According to Drykos, crystallizing technology can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 65 percent compared to traditional solutions. The products are designed to be recyclable and environmentally friendly, contributing to sustainability goals (LEED, SDG).

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In addition, the adoption of a single system simplifies the construction site: Drykos supports the customer at all stages-design, supply, installation, and on-site service-optimizing time and resources. This results in reduced maintenance costs and greater overall efficiency.

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Conclusions

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

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It durably protects concrete from water, chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycles and operating stresses, extending the useful life of the infrastructure and reducing operating costs. Drykos offers specialized technical advice to design and implement customized interventions, both for new works and for the rehabilitation of existing structures.