Watertight concrete offers a simple, cost-effective alternative to traditional watertight construction methods.
When used in conjunction with approved secondary and tertiary waterproof systems, and provided the concrete has been placed, compacted, and cured correctly, Roadstone's watertight concrete offers a fully watertight system. Depending on the specification, there’s no need for additional finishes or external membranes, so it’s very quick and easy to install.
Ordinary concrete contains fine pores that allow moisture to penetrate the surface and pass through. The size and volume of these pores is dictated by the water/cement ratio, the higher the ratio, the more porous the concrete.
Roadstone employ a two-step process to achieve a watertight concrete:
Firstly, the water/cement ratio is lowered to a maximum of 0.5 reducing the volume of capillary pores in the concrete matrix. This increases the density of the mix and minimises the size of pores.
Secondly, a pore blocking admixture is used to create a hydrophobic layer within the remaining pores, thus blocking the passage of water through the remaining capillary pores.
The minimum requirements for watertight concrete are:
- A minimum cement content of 360kg/m³
- A maximum water cement ratio of 0.5
- The use of a pore blocker
Depending on the location and the scale of the project Roadstone can use one of two pore blocking admixtures. At larger locations or for the supply of larger projects, a liquid pore blocking admixture is typically used. For smaller projects a powdered pore blocker is commonly used which allows for the production process to be simplified.
In conjunction with the watertight concrete admixture, a plasticising admixture is commonly used to allow for high water reduction which in turn results in low water/cement ratio concrete being achieved with high density and reduced permeability. In addition, the effect of plasticisers results in improved placing and compaction characteristics of the concrete.
Key Features & Benefits
- Watertight Construction (keeps water out/in)
- Reduces shrinkage of concrete
- Increased durability
- Prevents corrosion of reinforcement
- No impact on setting time
- Can be used and placed like normal concrete
Applications
- Water retaining structures
- Basements
- Electrical and plant rooms
- Reservoirs
- Lift shafts
- Swimming pools
- Underground car parks
- Tunnels