In concrete products in general and in those placed below the level of the ground level or in the vicinity of aquifers, in particular a constructive detail, moreover indispensable, such as the formwork spacers consisting of PVC tubulars, usually about 21 mm in diameter internal, constitutes a dangerous element of discontinuity, permeation and infiltration.
In fact, the water is located at the concrete-spacer interface, a place for differential shrinkage and frequent crawl spaces, an easy way of access and infiltration capable of seriously affecting the hermetic seal of the building.
The special characteristics of the Azichem hydro-expansive tires allow the protection to be extended to this true and constructive “Achilles heel”, through water-tight devices that are both easy to manufacture and economically advantageous, consisting of organically functional systems: the RINGSEAL T 21 hydro-expansive gaskets.
Ringseal T21
Ringseal T21 is a ring gasket made with a special hydro-expansive rubber that reacts upon contact with water, increasing its initial volume. Used in combination with a tubular spacer for metal formwork with a diameter of 22 mm, Ringseal T21 hermetically seals any discontinuities in conduits that could easily settle in the concrete due to the presence of the spacer and which would compromise the impermeability of the masonry itself. The hydro-expansive capacity of Ringseal T21 has been laboratory tested with three different types of water: demineralised, salt and with a highly basic pH (to simulate conditions in contact with concrete). The expansion tests showed a variation in volume ranging from a minimum of around 200% with salt water (three times the initial volume) to a maximum of over 900% with demineralised water.
Ringseal T21
Ringseal T21 is a ring gasket made with a special hydro-expansive rubber that reacts upon contact with water, increasing its initial volume. Used in combination with a tubular spacer for metal formwork with a diameter of 22 mm, Ringseal T21 hermetically seals any discontinuities in conduits that could easily settle in the concrete due to the presence of the spacer and which would compromise the impermeability of the masonry itself. The hydro-expansive capacity of Ringseal T21 has been laboratory tested with three different types of water: demineralised, salt and with a highly basic pH (to simulate conditions in contact with concrete). The expansion tests showed a variation in volume ranging from a minimum of around 200% with salt water (three times the initial volume) to a maximum of over 900% with demineralised water.