RAWSEAL® Waterstops » Introduction
RAWSEAL® waterstops have numerous applications as standalone swellable waterstops in Structural Waterproofing and other areas of application.
It is also used as an accessory to the RAWMAT® HDB membrane to provide additional security in many situations. A wide variety of methods exist for the sealing of joints in both in-situ and pre-cast concrete, these include passive waterbar systems, hydrophilic materials and chemical additives.
- RAWSEAL® Waterstop inserted into irregular voids in concrete.
The RAWSEAL® range of pre-hydrated natural sodium bentonite hydrophilic waterstops are designed to replace the passive PVC/Rubber waterstops which rely on being cast and interlocking into the concrete. In doing so RAWSEAL® also replaces the need for special joint pieces, split-forming and seam welding, providing an altogether simpler form of construction.
Hydrophilic waterstops are effective in that they work on the principle of forming a compressive seal within the concrete in the event that water travels along the joint or through the concrete and activates the bentonite to induce expansion.
- RAWSEAL® Waterstop after 72 hours.
RAWSEAL® has been successfully independently tested to greater than 40 metres hydrostatic pressure. All bentonite waterstops except RAWSEAL® use additional materials as binders, and as a result performance is limited by these additional materials or the liquids activating the profile.
RAWSEAL® profiles contain only pre-hydrated natural sodium bentonite and have the ability to perform their swelling and sealing function in a wide range of hydrating fluids whilst still allowing extrusion of the bentonite into the smaller cracks preventing the passage of liquid.
RAWSEAL® is manufactured by vacuum extrusion producing light-weight flexible coils and bars that are easily handled by an operative working alone. Lengths are joined simply by splice jointing the two ends together (not overlapped) to form a continuous length of waterstop.
Applications for the materials include both horizontal and vertical non-moving concrete construction joints, new to existing concrete construction, irregular surfaces and around through wall penetrations as a replacement to a puddle-flange. In addition the RAWSEAL® profiles can be used to seal piles and steel posts adjoining or passing through slabs and walls.
RAWSEAL® waterstops are designed for reinforced structural concrete with a minimum 3000psi compressive strength. The RAWSEAL® CJ 2025, SQ 25 and RC 50 profiles are designed for 200mm thick or greater concrete between two rows of reinforcing steel. Other profiles are available for thinner concrete. Consult Rawell for guidance or to discuss the custom production of waterstop profiles to meet project specific requirements.
RAWSEAL® does not need any primers or extended curing times for the concrete to which it is applied. RAWSEAL® can be applied into a preformed chase or rebate in the initial pour of concrete or compressed securely into the joint surface, between the reinforcing bars. The surface should be clean and dry. Remove all dirt, dust or other construction debris. Do not install RAWSEAL® into standing water or in icey conditions. Secure the waterstop by fixing with masonary nails and (maximum 10mm) flat head washers to prevent movement or up-lift of the profile during concrete placement. Tightly splice the joints by cutting the profile with a craft knife. No wastage occurs as all material can be utilised simply by joining, as above. Make both horizontal and vertical transitions by splicing or butting – no special jointing pieces are required. Fixing of the RAWSEAL® profiles around pipe penetrations and other protrusions is done simply by holding the material in place with reinforcement tie wire. On irregular surfaces such as secant piles, rock or stone make sure the RAWSEAL® is in direct contact with the substrate along the entire installation.
RAWSEAL® waterstops are not designed, nor intended to function as expansion joint sealants, please contact Rawell to discuss applications for pre-cast concrete applications and technical information.
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All information contained within this site is given in good faith and is correct to the best of Rawell Environmental Ltd.'s knowledge. However, this information is not legally binding and may be changed at any time without notice. Rawell offer a free advisory service, please Contact Us for more details. RAWMAT® and RAWSEAL® are registered trademarks of Rawell Environmental Ltd.