A swellable water bar, also known as a hydrophilic swelling water bar or waterstop, is a specialized construction material designed to prevent water infiltration through joints and cracks in concrete structures. These bars are made from a unique blend of materials that expand significantly upon contact with water, creating a tight, waterproof seal.
Swellable Water Bar Installation:
There is a process of installing the swellable water bar, which is:
- For installing the swellable water bar, it is necessary to check whether the concrete is dry and the surface is clean to make it free from any loose material.
- A nail is installed in the water swellable bar at the centre of the construction joint at an interval of 30 centimeters C/C before the concrete is poured for performing construction activities.
- Then one piece of the Hydroswell has to be joined at the end of the length to not over-lap the hydroswell. You can find it laid at the end of the butt joint.
- Hydroswell is then supplied with a water retardant coating to guard against the premature expansion or the swell of the product during construction. However, it is recommended to not use it during rainy weather.
Benefits swellable water bar:
Deesawala Rubber Industries is one of the leading swellable water bar manufacturer that offers this very beneficial product. Below are the benefits of using a swellable water bar:
- It is a user-friendly product that only needs nailing at the center.
- It is highly flexible and can absorb all deflection and movements in the structure during and post-construction.
- It has properties that make it highly resistant to hydrocarbons and chemicals.
- It is an efficient product against hard water, saline water, and potable water.
- It can be installed safely using nails.
Conclusion: Swellable water bars are essential components in modern construction, ensuring the long-term durability and performance of concrete structures. By preventing water infiltration, these innovative products help to protect buildings and infrastructure from damage, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall safety.