002 Waterstop Facts

TECHNI CAL BULLETI N
002
WATERSTOP FACTS
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representations or warranties regarding this document. Envirotech Waterproofing Solutions shall not warrant that the document or information will
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assume full responsibility and risk of loss resulting from the use of this document and its information. Envirotech Waterproofing Solutions shall not
be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages in relation to this document and its information.
WATER STOP HISTORY
Sealing joints in concrete has not changed much since the early 1940`s as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) water stops are still
being used today to stop water passing through joints.
Each year in Queensland millions of dollars are spent on secondary waterproofing products to stop water penetration
into property. Why do we have this problem?
The most common problem with PVC water stops is that they are not successful in their ability to provide for expansion
and contraction nor a continuous barrier against water penetration through the joint as they are difficult to install and
secure and easily displaced during concrete placement.
Water stops are elements of concrete structures which are intended to prevent the passages of water when
installed the correctly. All water stops must be installed continuously through the concrete joints and in a straight line as
to work effectively in the joint.
Water stops are manufactured from numerous products which include extruded plastics such as flexible polyvinyl
chloride which is PVC, polyethylene PE, or thermoplastic vulcanized rubber TPV.
Other materials that are in use for water stops are styrene butadiene natural rubber, neoprene rubber, chloroprene
rubber, hydrophilic modified bentonite systems.
Hydrophobic water stops such as PVC, and rubber are supplied in coils and are generally between 180 mm and
250 mmwide with a variety of profiles that interlock when concrete is installed.
These profiles lock into the concrete which allow for limited movement within the joint and are installed in a continuous
line within the concrete joint. When the PVC needs to change direction or be joined a thermoplastic heat welding
machine is used incorporating a jig, to join the PVC together.
There are mainly two types of PVC water stops, ribbed or centre bulb.
Ribbed are mainly used centrally in non-working joints as they can only accommodate for small amounts of transverse
movement within the control joint.
Centre bulb water stops have a bulb in the middle to accommodate for all joint configurations including expansion
joints, were the c entre bulb should never be covered with concrete.
The larger the bulb in the middle of the PVC water stop the better the movement capabilities are for the joint to expand.
002
WATERSTOP FACTS
Joints that need PVC water stops need to meet certain criterias before installation such as type of joint, placement,
hydrostatic pressure, reo bar position, concrete thickness and slump, chemical resistance, and joint movement.
This is why an Engineer should specify PVC water stops in joints.
THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF PVC WATER STOPS.
Hard to install
Most PVC water stops are limited with the expansion and contraction of concrete and this will cause the PVC
water stop to split.
Concrete has issues adhering to concrete.
Joints have to be welded onsite which is very difficult and never done correctly.
Problems with warping in concrete.
PVC water stops have a higher rate of failure over swell able water stops.
Conclusion:
With the different types of water stops on the market today, it is wise to choose the right one for that particular
construction. Construction time lines and budget are the key considerations when choosing water stops, but if you
choose the wrong one you jeopardize the structure if the joint leaks.
HYDROPHILIC WATER STOPS
Hydrophilic water stops first came to light in the 90`s and are strips which are modified with hydrophilic additives like
bentonite (montmorillonite) encased by polyisobutylene rubber so they swell in the presence of water to seal
Bentonite water stops can swell up to 15 times its dry volume when in contact with fresh water, but swelling is much
less in salt water, around 4 times its dry volume. Bentonite water stops must be kept dry before and after installation
as exposure to moisture or rain can cause the bentonite to swell and warp as it swells prematurely which will weaken
the concrete and joint when concrete is poured. As with the PVC water stop bentonite water stops can be displaced
or damaged during the concrete pour so care is to be taken by the contractor when water stops are put in place.
002
WATERSTOP FACTS
As with most hydrophilic water stops they eventually dry out and will disintegrate due to their wet/dry
cycles making them less suitable in wet environments.
URETHANE WATER STOPS
Like bentonite, urethane water stops are spongy hydrophilic compounds that when exposed to water swell up to 350%
of their original volume to form a seal in the joint. They have the same issues as bentonite water stops above but have
the ability to cause concrete blow outs and concrete to crack.
As with most hydrophilic water stops they eventually dry out and will disintegrate due to their wet/dry cycles making
them less suitable in wet environments.
THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF HYDROPHILIC WATER STOPS
Easy application, self adhesive, nails, special adhesive.
No welding, strips butt together.
Swelling and shrinking are reversible procedures.
They expand to every crack and cavity.
They are more suitable for fresh water
Can get delayed swelling tapes
Can be reinforced with stainless wire mesh to stop snaking,
They are not suitable for expansion joints
Swell prematurely if rained on or ground is moist or wet.
Can be displaced if not installed correctly.
002
WATERSTOP FACTS
Can fail if cement slurry gets between the weathered concrete the water stop during pouring.
Have limited dry/wet cycles and will disintegrate in time.
Conclusion:
Bentonite water stops are here to stay as they are much easier to install, and with the proper attention they can offer
easy and reliable waterproofing solutions for a short time.
Summary
It is my opinion that hydrophilic/urethane water stops are much easier to install and work a little better in the joints,
they do not handle movement, salt water and they have limited wet/dry cycles before they fall apart.
PVC water stops have been around much longer and if installed correctly work more efficiently and are guaranteed
water stops
DO IT ONCE-DO IT RIGHT-FIXED FOR GOOD

002 Waterstop Facts

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