Waterstop

Designed and manufactured for a concrete hydraulic structure, waterstop holds back fluid when embedded in and bridging across concrete joints. Nearly every concrete structure requires seals in some of the joints to ensure the integrity and serviceability of the structure. Typically, an embedded waterstop seals these joints.

Waterstop Classes

Traditionally, we subdivide waterstop into two classes: rigid and flexible. In the 1940’s, engineers started specifying copper for water control in concrete structures. Most rigid waterstops are metallic: stainless or carbon steel, copper, and occasionally lead. In the 1950's, Ontario Hydro engineers developed flexible PVC dumbbell waterstop to accommodate movement in joints. A flexible waterstop also provides benefits in installation, handling and manufacturing. Today, manufactures use a variety of materials for flexible waterstop; however, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) prevails as the most widely used.

Though popular, PVC has some limits. For example, you must use a chemical resistant thermoplastic elastomeric rubber (TPER) material in some containment structures. Also, with the growing focus on "green building", some architects and owners replace PVC with TPER to provide a PVC free alternative.

Alternative Waterstop

Other alternative waterstop types avoid PVC content and save both time and labor cost. Construction labor cost drives innovation in design and use. The waterstop types described at first share a common feature. They are all embedded in the concrete. Using strip applied waterstop, you reduce both time and labor cost associated with the preparation to place embedded waterstops. In addition, strip applied waterstop (mastic and hydrophilic waterstop types) offer extra benefit when placing new concrete to existing structures. However, mastic and hydrophilic waterstop types cannot provide the proper seal in joints that require normal movement. A PVC or TPER ribbed centerbulb waterstop seals joints designed for normal movement.

Installation Considerations

Waterstop forms excellent barriers to prevent the movement of fluid through the many joints in a concrete hydraulic structure. Once installed waterstop cannot be replaced; consequently, you must use the highest quality material and carefully supervise installation.

Typical failure of a waterstop include excessive movement of the joint which ruptures the waterstop, honeycombed concrete areas adjacent to the waterstop, contamination of the waterstop surface which prevents bond to the concrete, complete breaks in the waterstop because of poor or no splices.

Manufacturing Quality

BoMetals' 180,000 Square ft. manufacturing facility in Carrollton, GA. All waterstop meets the highest standards for physical properties requirements set forth by both ASTM International and CORP of Engineers CRD-C572.