Little
has changed in sealing technology for concrete structural joints
since the introduction of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) waterstops
in the 1940's. Today, most structural joints still rely on this
sixty year old technology to prevent fluid passage through the
joint. However, each year millions of dollars are spent on secondary
waterproofing products to stop resulting leaks. The problem
is that conventional waterstops are severely limited in their
ability to provide a continuous barrier against liquid penetration
through the joint. They are difficult to install and secure
properly, easily displaced during concrete placement, and prone
to failure during joint expansion or separation.
A New Solution
In response to these problems, Paul Murphy
Plastics Company has developed WIRESTOP, a patented product,
which represents an improvement on PVC waterstop technology
that meets the engineer's requirements for an effective primary
joint sealing system.The secret of WIRESTOP's performance
is a series of continuous galvanized steel wire loops along
both edges of the waterstop which provide a completely self-contained
attachment system for tying WIRESTOP to the reinforcing bars.
The quick, inexpensive, accurate fastening ensures WIRESTOP's
proper positioning and holds it securely in place during the
heavy load strain of the pouring concrete.
The WIRESTOP loops are an integral part
of the PVC waterstop, so there are no holes for the fluid
to penetrate.
This is in sharp contrast to conventional
waterstops, which are installed by inserting "hog rings"
or other devices through the waterstop into drilled or punched
holes.
|
Cross section shows how concrete
flows through and around the WIRESTOP loops to produce
a strong mechanical bond between WIRESTOP and the cured
concrete surrounding the joint.
Even if the hog rings are
not torn out due to the weight of the pouring concrete, a common
occurrence, the holes inevitably become sources for subsequent
leakage through the waterstop.
A New Level Of Performance
Because it is firmly anchored by the integral
wire loops, WIRESTOP stands up to the stresses of concrete
placement. During consolidation, the vibrator heads can
be positioned closer to the WATERSTOP sealed joint, ensuring
stronger concrete matrices in this critical area.
An added benefit is provided by the fact
that wet concrete flows freely through and around the WIRESTOP
loops during placement and consolidation. This produces
a strong mechanical bond between the WIRESTOP and the cured
concrete on both sides of the joint, creating a watertight
seal throughout the joint's range of movement.
A Proven Technology
WIRESTOP has been proven in thousands of joints on hundreds
of critical projects, including treatment plants, dams, tanks,
retention structures, nuclear waste containment vaults, tunnels,
and many others. It is the modern answer to the structural
engineer's long-standing need for an effective, economical
primary joint sealing system.
|
