Chemical Resistant Waterstop: Accept No Substitutes

Thermoplastic Elastomeric Rubber prevents the passage of water, waterborne matter and chemicals through cement joints. A principal characteristic of chemical resistant waterstop and is flexibility, good recovery, extensibility and resistance to fatigue. TPER is additionally beneficial when splicing can be done on the job site because of its flexibility. PVC offers some advantage as a chemical waterstop in limited situations. It is one of the easiest of all to apply and to adapt to directional changes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has set forth specifications for waterstops in their Civil Works Construction Guide. It is considered the standard against which all others are measured. The guide also gives detailed instructions on application techniques and requirements.

Non-metallic waterstops come in 4 shapes: flat, dumbell, centerbulb and labyrinth. What kind of chemical waterstop you use will largely depend on expected movement and function. The centerbulb type is fairly well the universal application because it can be used across expansion and contraction joints with great movement and transverse action.

Chemical Resistant waterstop is not like joint sealant, in as much as it is imbedded in the concrete form before the cement is poured, and not applied subsequent to curing or form removal. A chemical bond is formed with the bulb or ribs of the waterstop. The guidelines call for all waterstops to be unwound at least 24 hours prior to application and to be kept protected from the environment. Damaged waterstop is required to be removed from service without attempts at repair. Call us today about the rest of our concrete form accessories.