CRYSTALLIZING SYSTEMS

“Crystallizing” systems for capillary mineralization are now commonly used as a result of their combination of price, excellent performance and versatility. These are based on cement based mortars with chemical additions which, following their mineralization in the concrete capillary system, react with the calcium hydroxide present in the cement, forming crystalline structures which block the transmission of water at depth, via the capillary system of the concrete. The said systems, once fully dry, have demonstrated their effectiveness in testing, resisting hydrostatic pressure equivalent to 50 metres water column.

The capillary mineralization systems can be applied by dry sprinkling on concrete which is not yet fully dry.  This is the method employed principally for the waterproofing of slabs and decks, allowing simultaneous waterproofing during the execution of the treated element, facilitating the construction process and speeding up completion of the work.

Their principal purpose is waterproofing for continued negative hydraulic pressure situations.

Bearing in mind that their effectiveness depends to a large degree on the conditions and level of imperfections present in the concrete surface/structure on which it is applied, as well as the future movements which may occur (differential settlements) given the extreme rigidity which these systems present and their sensitivity to movement.