It is a myth that waterproofing treatments can be carried out by application of single material on new concrete and existing treatments. There cannot be a single material that is right for each structure. Most of the failures in waterproofing are on account of this misconception. The only way to confirm reliable treatment is by considering the waterproofing treatment as a system. A System for Waterproofing can be defined as a combination of materials, preparation of specifications, application techniques designed by taking into considerations the requirement of the client and homeowner, which would provide efficient, reliable and long-term protection to concrete structures with minimum maintenance costs. Waterproofing should never begin with a specific material in attention. The properties of material needed are to be stated and then the material is to be selected as per the merit. To combat the different entry modes of water into concrete, a combined system of treatments is therefore necessary. To waterproof a structure completely, one has to address the 3 primary routes of entry into the structure etc. Pores, Capillaries and Voids in the concrete, Joints and Transitions, Cracks in the concrete cover etc. These can be achieved by use of admixtures and additives to reduce the porosity and capillarity in the concrete. Treatment of joints, transitions and cracks using suitable coatings with reinforcement, flashing tapes and expansion joint tapes. The cover concrete is to be protected by appropriate surface barrier coatings. Many a times, due to age and deterioration, the effect of these treatments begin to fade and water enters the living / usable space. It is at this time remedial waterproofing comes into play. The aim of this remedial waterproofing is to minimize the voids in the structural element walls (basement and rooms), slab other structural elements. Normally a combination of this re-densification of the structural elements and joint treatment will solve most water ingress problems. This is a special injection application used when joint treatments in an RCC Structure fail. Water-bars are used to seal joints in moving structures against pressurized water. However, the concrete often proves to be defective in the area of the water-bar because of inadequate compaction. Water-stop Injections effectively address this defect. The materials used here are flexible methacrylate/Acrylic Gel Injections.
Other critical areas with regard to the water tightness of a building and structure are expansion joints that are not sealed with water bars. Inserting injection pipes provides the possibility of sealing expansion joints effectively at a later date. The material used for such cases must display excellent flow properties. Injection is a proven method of sealing against pressurized water in structural renovations. The filling of injection hoses also provides the benefit of using. The advantages of injection technology in new construction specifically for the closing of construction joints. New generation injection hoses can be injected several times, have been used successfully for construction joint sealing for many years. They can be injected with microfine cements, acrylate gels or urethane resins. In contrast to passive sealing systems such as conventional water stops which only seal by so-called edge extension, active systems such as injection hoses. The injection grouts can be used to strengthen possible weak points in the concrete caused by cracks or badly compacted concrete. The technologies highlighted in the article are a first step to stopping water leakages completely. The injection treatment is usually followed by treating the transition with flashing or expansion joint tapes. This is finally protected by a coating system to enhance the durability of the waterproofing system as a whole.
