Dumbbell Waterstop

In the 1940’s, engineers started specifying copper for water control in the joints of concrete hydraulic structures. Copper had limited flexibility when bridging across concrete joints and years of performance data indicated waterstop had to improve to ensure the integrity and serviceability of the structures. A flexible PVC dumbbell waterstop provided the increased strength and flexibility that engineers demanded.

Dumbbell Waterstop Development

In the 1950's, Ontario Hydro engineers developed flexible PVC waterstop for improved performance in joints with movement. The basic dumbbell waterstop design gets its name from the distinctive shape of a cross sectional view. IMAGE HERE With the use of flexible PVC and the distinctive shape, engineers got two important benefits. With flexibility, they could both accommodate increased joint movement and yield longer life of the waterstop, therefore increasing serviceability of the structure. With the new dumbbell waterstop shape, they got improved hydraulic head performance.

Hydraulic Head

Defined as " a specific measurement of water pressure or total energy per unit weight above a datum. It is usually measured as a water surface elevation, expressed in units of length" (Wikipedia), hydraulic head presents the challenges that waterstop design addresses. Depending on the use of the structure the amount of head present rises or lowers.
Head Types (Wikipedia)

• Static head is due to gravitational force on a column of fluid.
• Velocity head is due to the motion of a fluid (kinetic energy).
• Resistance head (or friction head) is due to the frictional forces against a fluid's motion.
• Pressure head is due to other mechanical forces acting on a fluid.

Beyond Dumbbell Waterstop

As engineers pushed for better performing designs, ribbed centerbulb waterstop was developed. IMAGE HERE The introduction of ribs improved performance and the seal could withstand higher head. The centerbulb provides integrity and longevity of the seal in joints with increased movement. Today, both dumbbell and ribbed centerbulb shapes are the workhorses in the industry for embedded waterstop applications. See our main waterstop page for more types.

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.