Joint Waterproofing

Due to the nature of concrete and reinforced concrete, structures are built divided into sections by forming joints, namely three types – construction joints, movement joints and connection joints. The key function of joint sealing is to minimize water ingress and create a secure waterproofing barrier. The seal must be capable of accommodating the anticipated joint opening and closing due to static reasons or temperature changes. Joint sealing solutions are recommended for use in all kinds of construction and joints for waterproofing.

Typical Types of Joints in Structures

Construction Joint

Construction joints are designed to split areas of the structure into separate concrete sections for work scheduling reasons, or as a structural measure to transfer load, for example. The reinforcement in construction joints is therefore continuous through the joint.

Connection Joint

Connection joints are flat or indented joints which split the concrete section through its full thickness without a defined joint gap. The reinforcement in connection joints is discontinuous. When the concrete section contracts, joint movement (joint opening) is possible. When it expands, pressure transmission is possible.

Movement Joint (Expansion Joint)

Movement or expansion joints split components through their full thickness with a joint gap of defined width. The reinforcement in movement joints is discontinuous. Movement joints allow differential movement due to temperature variations and/ or load or settlement in one or more directions of the areas, sections or structures separated by the joint.

Control Joint (Controlled Crack-Induced, Dummy or Contraction Joint)

Control joints in walls, for example, are intended for defined crack control by engineered concrete cross-section weakening and formation of a controlled point of cracking through the concrete. This relieves stresses due to temperature and shrinkage, which thereby prevents uncontrolled cracking in the wall. Cracking takes place in the designed and crack-induced position instead.

Sika Provides All Kinds of Joint Sealing Solutions

Illustration of Sika red hydrophilic gasket at concrete foundation joint

Hydrophilic Gaskets

The full range of hydrophilic (swellable) SikaSwell® profiles, rings, and gun-applied sealants are an efficient solution for construction joints and complementary sealing of penetrations to provide an additional line of protection against water ingress.

Advantages:

Highly economical
No influence on formwork or reinforcement
Can be used as a back-up system
Tested and approved system
Alternative profiles available for different requirements

Illustration of Sika yellow waterbar waterproofing at concrete foundation

Thermoplastic Waterbars

Waterbars are the most common waterproof joint sealing solution for construction joints and are mandatory for expansion joints. The appropriate profile can be chosen from the wide range of Sika Waterbar® based on various materials, depending on project requirements.

Advantages:

Easy design of closed systems for construction and expansion joints
Easy connections by welding
Different products, shapes and sizes for diverse requirements (load and exposure)
Pre-fabricated waterstop systems possible
Internal and external waterstops available

Illustration of Sika injection SikaFuko system below concrete foundation

Injection Hose Systems

SikaFuko® injection hose system is typically used as a secondary or complementary back-up system to seal construction, movement or connection joints (e.g. diaphragm walls). For details, the appropriate Sika injection material should be chosen.

Advantages:

Suitable for highly stringent requirements
No influence on formwork or reinforcement
Stand alone or backup systems
A good injection fills the complete joint and prevents any entry of water
Re-injectable systems

Illustration of Sikadur Combiflex waterproofing joint tape at concrete foundation

Adhesive Tapes

Sikadur-Combiflex® SG System or Sika® Dilatec® System are post-applied tape systems adhered with epoxy resin onto the membrane, providing an ideal solution for construction and expansion joints, in particular to seal joints of precast components.