Waterstops are used to waterproof concrete structures at joints. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials are used depending on the structure and whether initial leaks are allowed. Materials used include PVC, metals, and rubbers treated with chemicals such as bentonite clay. Hydrophilic waterstops absorb water and swell to plug joints, while hydrophobic waterstops prevent water from entering.
A waterstop is a component that can be used to waterproof a concrete structure. The joints that exist where sections of concrete meet can present an opportunity for water to escape, so a number of methods have been developed to address this problem. Two main types of waterstops are hydrophilic and hydrophobic, which are materials that either attract or repel water. The type of waterstop used in a given application depends on factors such as the type of structure and whether any initial leaks will be allowed. Some materials commonly used to construct waterstops include plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metals such as copper or steel, and various natural or synthetic rubbers.
Most concrete is quite impermeable, so it’s often used in structures that need to resist hydrostatic pressure. The weak point in any concrete structure is the joints where the sections are connected, so this is where waterstops are required. A waterstop typically consists of some type of material that is placed between sections of concrete to effectively seal them together. Hydrophobic waterstops are designed to prevent water from entering joints, while hydrophilic materials attract water, swell and seal the joint tightly. Each of these concrete joint plugging methods are suitable for different applications.
Common hydrophobic waterstops include PVC, thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV), and various metals. These waterstops are best suited to applications where the concrete structure must be sealed immediately and initial leaks are not permitted. Materials such as PVC and metals are typically used in case of movement of the joint. Hydrophobic rubbers can also be used in applications where the joint may move, as they typically can resist both shear motions and hydrostatic pressure well. A secondary purpose of many waterstops is to provide a limited ability for the different concrete slabs to move in relation to each other.
Hydrophilic waterstops are usually made from rubber treated with chemicals such as bentonite clay. This type of waterstop is placed into concrete joints, but does not provide any waterproofing ability until moisture is actually present. A hydrophilic waterstop will absorb water and swell until it fills and plugs the joint it was inserted into. This can allow for a certain amount of leakage until the waterstop has reached its final size. Hydrophilic waterstops can provide excellent resistance to hydrostatic pressure, although they typically do not resist shear motion very well.
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