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Xypex Bio-San, River Islands Sewage Pump Station, Lathrop, CA. J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 57 Waterproofing P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y K RY TO N I N T ER N AT I O N A L I N C .; X Y P E X C H EM I C A L CO R P.; H O LC I M B U I L D I N G EN V ELO P E A deep dive into revolutionary waterproofing products currently making waves by ROBIN BRUNET P roduct development continues to be intense in the waterproofing realm, for the simple reason that water ingress is the biggest potential hazard for any type of enclosure, whether it is a building or sub-surface infrastructure. One prominent solution continues to be crystalline technology. The products from Xypex Chemical Corp. have for over 50 years been trusted by designers, engineers, and contractors to resist hydrostatic pressure, permanently seal hairline cracks, and reactivate and self- heal whenever water is present, thanks to creating a crystalline structure deep within the concrete to prevent penetration of liquids. Xypex recently released a new product that incorporates crystalline waterproofing for a new environment. Xypex Bio-San protects concrete in harsh sewage conditions where hydrogen sulphide causes microbial induced corrosion, by combining potent antimicrobial properties with Xypex crystalline waterproofing technology. Xypex Bio-San contains mineral solids that remain permanently fixed within the concrete throughout the life of the sewage structure. These kill acid-generating microbes such as Thiobacillus, and combined with Xypex's crystalline technology, Bio-San protects concrete from infiltration and exfiltra- tion as well as resisting acid and sulphate attack. Xypex Bio-San is recommended for use in sewage systems especially in areas where hydrogen sulfide gas is likely to accumulate. This includes sewer lines with long retention times (flat, long, low flow) and sealed or unvented manholes. Another new product from Xypex is Xypex Megamix II with Bio-San, a resur- facing mortar specifically designed for the restoration of deteriorated concrete surfaces caused by microbial induced corrosion, abrasion/erosion, and chemical attack. It is formulated for ease of application, superior bond, low shrinkage, high strength, and resistance to microbial, acid, and sulphate attack. This single component mortar can be spray or trowel applied at a thickness of 10 to 50 mil- limetre per layer. Master Builders Solutions, a leading manufacturer of concrete admixtures, approaches waterproofing in two ways. This first employs pre-injection and post-injection technologies to stop unexpected water ingress and poor ground conditions during mining and tunneling operations. Secondly is Master Builders' crystalline waterproofing to help achieve watertight concrete struc- tures. The MasterLife 300 series are integral crystalline capillary waterproofing admixtures designed for use in above- and below-grade applications to reduce concrete permeability and help seal hairline cracks, should they occur. However, crystalline products in and of themselves are not sufficient to achieve proper waterproofing. John Andersen, territory manager, Western Canada, at Kryton International Inc., says, "A challenge I see on jobsites is a disconnect between the design and construction people and the people actually installing products. Part of this is due to ongoing labour shortages and unskilled workers assigned to complex tasks, resulting in a lot of things crucial to water- proofing systems being missed – despite everyone's best intentions and efforts." To avoid reports of installation deficiencies, Kryton is increasingly becom- ing involved early in the design stages of building development, to review specifications and subsequently give site support. "Under our Krystol Assurance Program, our technical teams are kept busy, but one advantage is that our reach is international thanks to site meetings and even product installation demonstrations being conducted via Zoom and other online platforms," Andersen says. "It's easy for us to conduct reviews and train installers, and this results not only in a sound waterproofing system with Kryton products, but it also advances the skillsets of new labourers." This is a crucial service considering the importance of waterproofing in many of the projects Kryton is relied upon to provide, such as remediating the deterioration that had occurred over 55 years at the Seton Canal in Lillooet, B.C. Kryton's crystalline waterproofing and repair products were chosen for their long history and proven reliability; the walls and floor of the canal were pressure washed in sections, cracks and spalls were repaired, and the surfaces were coated using Kryton's Krystol Crack Repair and Surface Treatment system. Over 11,000 kilograms of Kryton's repair products were used to restore and waterproof the massive concrete structure. In a related development, Kryton offers an extended service package for its products, "plus our crystalline waterproofing products have extended warran- ties for high-risk projects," according to Andersen. Jasmeet Deol, senior manager, product marketing at Holcim Building Envelope, points out that a well-developed roof system "is an integral compo- nent to waterproofing, and our Elevate SA product is part of a waterproofing system that continues to eliminate a lot of waste and helps contractors save time on the job, in addition to its remarkable performance merits." Deol is referring to Elevate's portfolio of self-adhering membranes that install faster than traditional application methods and with fewer people required. Specifically, Elevate's single-ply self-adhering membrane can be installed up to four times faster depending on site circumstances (RubberGard EPDM SA and UltraPly TPO SA can reduce man hours by up to 77 percent per square on membrane installation). Plus, since the Elevate portfolio is free of VOCs, it means there is no intense odours during application enabling businesses to stay open and occupied. As for performance, both RubberGard EPDM SA and UltraPly TPO SA install in temperatures as low as minus seven Celsius. Secure Bond Technology ensures uniform adhesion coverage across the entire membrane and helps widen the installation weather window. Moreover, any piece of membrane can be cut and used for detail applications, thus eliminating waste. Watertight Solutions Krystol Crack Repair and Surface Treatment system, Seton Canal, Lillooet, B.C. UltraPly TPO SA.

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