What is a waterstop? What is its function? How to construct it? (Purpose of waterstop)

A rubber waterstop is a rubber product primarily used within concrete, specifically in deformation joints and expansion joints, exhibiting the ability to accommodate concrete expansion and contraction through the elasticity and structural form of rubber materials. During construction, it is directly laid in the concrete joints. The rubber waterstop, when directly poured into concrete, utilizes the high elasticity and compressive deformability of rubber to undergo elastic deformation under various loads, effectively tightening and sealing to prevent water leakage and seepage from building components. Additionally, it serves as a shock absorber and buffer, ensuring the longevity of engineering structures.

Primarily used in infrastructure projects, underground facilities, tunnels, sewage treatment plants, water conservancy, subways, and other projects

What is the purpose of steel-edged waterstop? (Is the use of waterstop extensive?)

In box foundations or basements, the concrete for the floor and exterior wall panels is poured and vibrated separately. The next time the concrete for the wall panels is poured and vibrated, there will be a construction joint. When the position of this joint is below the groundwater level, water infiltration is likely to occur. Therefore, technical treatment is required for this joint. There are many methods for treatment, among which a commonly used method is to install steel-edged waterstop.

When pouring the lower layer of concrete, embed a 300*3 steel plate, with 10-15cm of its upper part exposed. During the next concrete pouring, embed this part of the steel plate together, serving to prevent external pressure water from infiltrating. The thickness of the steel plate waterstop is generally chosen to be 2mm or 3mm thick. Generally, cold-rolled steel plates are used as the base material for steel plate waterstops, as cold plates can achieve uniform thickness, while hot plates generally do not reach a uniform thickness. The thickness is generally 2mm or 3mm, and the length is usually processed to be 3m or 6m long, with 3m being more convenient for transportation. Steel edge waterstops have high requirements for welding joints, and there must be no leakage points that affect waterproof performance.

Key points of construction:

1. Every effort should be made to ensure that the steel-edged waterstop is positioned on the centerline of the wall;

2. The welding between two steel plates should be full and ensure no water leakage, usually with double-sided welding. According to the supervision requirements, single-sided welding is also acceptable;

3. For the treatment of wall corners, there are three options: 1. bending a whole steel plate; 2. T-shaped welding; 3. 7-shaped welding.

4. For the support welding of steel-edged waterstop, small steel bars can be electrically welded onto the main reinforcement;

When the steel-edged waterstop passes through the column stirrups, the stirrups it passes through can be disconnected and made into open stirrups, which are then electric welded onto the steel plate.