Crystalline waterproofing admixture is a concrete component that makes below-grade reinforced concrete structures watertight by giving up to 4mm static cracks the ability to self-heal.
But what are the main truths about the crystalline waterproofing admixture? We will talk about what we have learned over the past 10+ years in more detail.
CONCRETE
Since the crystalline admixture is a component of waterproof concrete, we must first talk about concrete. Concrete is an artificial stone that solidifies as a mixture of binder, water, and aggregate. The binder and water are the active ingredients that join the grains of aggregates together when they become artificial stones. Fillers are usually inert - they do not react with water and binders and are typically simple and relatively cheap materials such as sand, crushed stone, gravel, etc. Aggregate constitutes 80-90% of the total volume of concrete.
For construction, concrete must be reinforced because concrete is a material with very high compressive strength but relatively low tensile strength. Reinforcement helps to significantly increase the tensile strength of concrete. Reinforced concrete is a composite building material consisting of concrete and steel. As mentioned, concrete has good compressive strength, but steel has good tensile strength. Therefore, reinforcement steel is placed inside the structure only for its future point of use.
CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING ADMIXTURE
The main components of crystalline waterproofing admixture are aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and silicon dioxide, which are among the most common compounds in nature. In terms of properties, the crystalline waterproofing admixture reacts with the compounds found in concrete to form a crystal structure that permanently closes pores, capillaries, and microcracks, thereby reducing water penetration into the concrete. Through this process, concrete achieves self-healing ability. Unfortunately, it is impossible to describe the chemical reaction of the crystal structure formation process in more detail because the recipes and exact chemical composition of all additives for the crystalline waterproofing of concrete are a trade secret of the manufacturers, often protected by patents.
Concrete admixture increases the compressive strength of concrete and protects concrete from carbonization and corrosion caused by chlorides and sulfates. The use of concrete admixture reduces water penetration by two times.
The crystalline admixture is available in both liquid and powder form. We have included a powder version in our product range and favor it because it withstands changing weather conditions well. So the clients do not have to worry about external temperature fluctuations.
Among other things, the powder is also easier to transport and store. Another advantage of the powder is that, since its dosage per unit contains more active compounds than in liquid form, it needs to be added to the concrete less in terms of weight and volume.
It is important to know that before using the admixture, compatibility tests with concrete must always be done, and determine suitable dosages and concrete quantities. If the amount of admixture in concrete is too small, the concrete will not develop the desired healing properties. Avoid lumps when mixing!
SUMMARY
It all starts with the concrete itself - how it is mixed and what filler material is used. A crystalline waterproofing admixture has three main components that help to form a self-healing concrete. The formation of the crystal structure is a mysterious process that cannot be explained by detailed because the most important information belongs to the trade secrets.
We have chosen Schomburg and WFP crystalline waterproofing admixtures in our product range, which have been tested by us and whose effectiveness has been proven. The crystalline admixture we offer is in the powder version because it can withstand changing weather conditions well, and compared to liquid, it needs to be added to the concrete less.
Compatibility tests are imperial as they help to ensure the desired results and free those responsible from the worry that the admixture might not work. The entire process must be carried out with high quality and by experts - that's the only way to ensure a functional result.