Integral crystalline waterproofing technology ensures the best possible waterproofing of concrete tanked structures.
Now, the unique water- proofing needs of concrete tanked structures are no longer a concern, thanks to Kryton.
The Kryton Group of Companies is dedicated to meeting the demands placed on the construction industry for durable, long-term infrastructure worldwide. It develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of products designed to water- proof, repair and protect concrete structures. Founded in 1973 by current Chairman of the Board RG Yuers, Kryton has grown to become a multi-million dollar global company that recognised the need for developing products that performed in the field consistently, and has supported these products in the field with a focus on real-world applications.
The technologyIn addition to a wide range of commercial and residential coating systems, Kryton developed the revolutionary Krystol concrete waterproofing systems - the flagship product line in an array of more than 150 chemical construction products.
While concrete tanked structures, like wastewater treatment plants and reservoirs, have traditionally been waterproofed using external membrane systems, these methods are expensive, time-consuming to install and often difficult to apply. Even when properly applied, membrane systems have a finite useful life. They eventually dry, crack, peel or deteriorate as a result of UV exposure or other attack, leaving structures vulnerable to leakage and contamination.
Recently, designers and builders of a number of concrete tanked structures have chosen Kryton Inter national's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) instead. KIM is ideal for use in concrete tanked structures because of its convenience, easy application, affordability and superior performance.
The KIM advantageKIM is a crystalline waterproofing product that utilises Kryton's proprietary Krystol technology to transform porous concrete into an impermeable barrier. When added to a concrete mixture, it creates a chemical reaction that causes long, narrow crystals to form, filling pores, capillaries and hairline cracks in concrete. By blocking passageways within concrete, these crystals permanently prevent the movement of water in all directions.
As long as moisture remains present, these crystals will continue to grow throughout the concrete, reaching lengths of many inches over days, weeks or months. Once the concrete dries, Krystol technology sits dormant until the next dose of water causes the chemical reaction to begin again. The ability to remain dormant and reactivate in the presence of water gives KIM-treated concrete the ability to 'self-seal'. When cracks form, water entering through these cracks reacts with the dormant chemicals causing new crystals to form and grow, blocking the cracks and stopping the migration of water. KIM's ability to self-seal cracks dramatically reduces maintenance and repair costs over the life of the structure.
Along with superior waterproofing and self-sealing properties, KIM offers a number of advantages over conventional membrane systems. Incorporating KIM at the planning stage eliminates many of the challenges associated with blind wall applications. It does away with the need to leave room outside the structure for membrane application. Project teams can design a larger structural footprint, build right to the property line and begin backfilling as soon as the concrete is set.
Because KIM is added right to the concrete mix, there is no need for any kind of surface application. The cost of the admixture is more than offset by the savings realised by eliminating the time and labour required to apply membranes. KIM improves concrete's workability and pumpability during construction, reducing large air pockets that weaken concrete and entraining air (creating small, uniform air bubbles) to protect against freeze-thaw damage. By reducing premature moisture loss, KIM helps to strengthen concrete and reduce shrinkage and cracking during the curing process.
Unlike external waterproofing membranes, KIM is guaranteed to last the lifetime of the structure. Where membranes can be scraped, punctured or torn, KIM is impervious to physical damage. Even years later, its crystals remain, blocking water and self-sealing cracks.
Perfect for concrete tanked structuresKIM possesses a number of unique benefits that make it a superior waterproofing solution for concrete tanked structures:
By permanently blocking water penetration from all directions, it halts the migration of waterborne contaminants, protecting the purity of potable water in water containment structures.
Because it stops water migration through concrete, it protects reinforcing steel from corrosion due to moisture penetration and waterborne chemicals, prolonging the life of the structure.
It provides a proven, reliable waterproofing solution for zero-tolerance areas such as walls and structures adjacent to electrical equipment, computer rooms and living space.
Certified non-toxic by NSF International, it is safe for use in structures where potable water is stored.
In sub-grade structures, where cracking and leakage are difficult to repair, its durability and self-sealing properties provide an extra level of security.
When used as directed, KIM provides lifelong protection against leakage and contamination, the most common causes of service interruption in facilities such as drinking water reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants.
Use in existing concrete structuresEven if a tanked structure is already complete, Krystol technology is available as a surface treatment. The Krystol T1/T2 concrete waterproofing treatment is applied to existing concrete structures to repair existing cracks, fortify and waterproof concrete and protect against contamination and steel reinforcement corrosion.
After application, chemicals from Krystol T1/T2 are absorbed into the concrete by capillary action and diffusion. Once inside, the chemicals begin growing crystals and filling the spaces between concrete particles. The majority of active crystalline chemicals migrate into the concrete within the first 28 days, meaning the surface-applied slurry can be completely removed from the surface after this time without impacting its waterproofing properties.
Because Krystol T1/T2 becomes a permanent part of the concrete matrix, it is highly effective against hydrostatic pressure and can be applied to either side of the structure. It is particularly well suited for repairing sub-grade tanks, parking structures, elevator pits, basements and foundations where access to outside walls may be difficult or impossible.
Kryton in the Middle EastIt's clear, then, that Krystol technology overcomes many of the challenges associated with conventional external membrane systems in the construction of concrete tanked structures. Backed by Kryton's unprecedented 10 and 25-year material warranties, the technology has been tested and proven in major projects worldwide for 30 years.
Kryton's market research has led to a focus on the construction industry in the Middle East. As Kryton continues to grow the distribution network in the region, the company has partnered with industry majors such as Homebuilders, United Arab Emirates; Al Jaber Trading & Contracting, Qatar; Al-Rashid Trading Establishment, Saudi Arabia; National Industries Company for Building Materials, Kuwait; and TA Group, Lebanon.
For more information, visit www.kryton.com or call (800) 267-8280.
© Construction World 2004
