Overview
PENETRON ADMIX® SB (Soluble Bag integral crystalline waterproofing and durability admix) is added to the concrete mix at the time of batching. PENETRON ADMIX® SB’s various active, proprietary chemicals react with the moisture in fresh concrete and with the by products of cement hydration to cause a catalytic reaction generating a non soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. Thus, the concrete becomes permanently sealed against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction. However, PENETRON ADMIX® SB treated concrete will still allow the passage of vapor through the structure (i.e. the concrete will be able to “breathe”). Even after the concrete has cured, PENETRON ADMIX® SB remains dormant in the concrete and will reactivate in the presence of moisture to seal capillary tracts and hairline cracks. The concrete is also protected from deterioration due to harsh environmental conditions.
Applications
- Reservoirs
- Sewage and water treatment plants
- Secondary containment structures
- Tunnels and subway systems
- Underground vaults
- Foundations
- Parking structures
- Swimming pools
- Precast, cast in place and shotcrete applications
Advantages
- Resists extreme hydrostatic pressure from either positive or negative surface of the concrete element
- Becomes an integral part of the concrete
- Highly resistant to aggressive chemicals
- Seals hairline cracks up to 0.5 mm (1/51 in)
- Allows concrete to breathe
- Nontoxic (NSF 61 certified for potable water applications)
- Less expensive than traditional methods
- Permanent
- Added to the concrete at the time of batching and therefore not subject to climatic restraints
- Reduces construction scheduling time
- Improves durability of concrete
- Permeability Reducing Admixture for Hydrostatic conditions (PRAH)
- Zero VOC: PENETRON powdered products contain zero volatile organic compounds and are safe for use both outdoors and in confined indoor spaces
- Exceeds requirements of ASTM C494 S (Specific Performance Admixtures)
- A nontoxic, non staining green tracer in the bleed water during concrete placement and curing visually confirms the addition of Penetron Admix® SB
Dosage
PENETRON ADMIX® SB is designed to be dosed at the rate of one soluble bag per cubic meter (or cubic yard) of concrete. For most mix designs in use, this falls within the range of acceptability of 1% by weight of cementing materials. Consult with Penetron’s Technical Department for assistance in verifying the appropriate dosage rate.
Special considerations
When incorporating PENETRON ADMIX® SB, the temperature of the concrete mix should be above 4ºC (40ºF).
Packaging
PENETRON ADMIX® SB is available in 3 kg (6.6 lb) soluble bags, packed 6 bags to a plastic pail.
Storage and shelf life
PENETRON products must be stored dry at a minimum temperature of 7ºC (45ºF). Shelf life is 24 months when stored under proper conditions.