Jointseal Tape SW
Hydro-expansive waterstop joint based on polyethylene, butyl rubber, and polymeric binders for applications in contact with seawater or organic leachates
Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW is a preformed hydro-expansive waterstop joint designed for sealing construction joints in concrete structures, masonry, and foundations, even under particularly aggressive conditions or high hydrostatic pressures. The product is formulated with polyethylene, butyl rubber, resins, and elastomeric binders. Its specific chemical composition provides the material with high stability and durability over time, ensuring consistent performance even after repeated hydration and dehydration cycles.
Due to its technical and mechanical characteristics, Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW exhibits high strength, elasticity, and dimensional stability, making it suitable for applications under severe conditions.
Upon contact with water, Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW initiates a gradual and controlled expansion process. The swelling kinetics are designed to allow fresh concrete to complete the setting and curing phase without undergoing unwanted deformations or stresses. Once confined within the joint, the material expands to adapt to the available volume, compensating for voids and surface irregularities and ensuring continuous, hermetic sealing. The elastomeric structure enables the product to maintain its expansion capacity unchanged even after numerous alternating hydration and dehydration cycles, ensuring long-term reliability.
The high hydraulic seal, certified up to a hydrostatic pressure of approximately 12 bar, makes Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW particularly suitable for structures subject to high water pressures.
It is supplied with a rectangular cross-section of 10 × 20 mm in 10 m rolls.
Features
Main features
- High mechanical strength and elasticity
- Gradual and controlled expansion upon contact with water
- Performance stability even after repeated hydration/dehydration cycles
- Composition remains unaltered over time
- High hydraulic seal up to 12 bar (≈ 120 m water column)
Fields of application
- Sealing of construction joints in concrete structures subject to constant presence or significant pressure of water
- Suitable for use in contact with seawater
- Horizontal and vertical construction joints
- Foundations and slabs in the presence of groundwater
- Retaining walls and underground structures
- Tanks, reservoirs, and hydraulic structures
- Tunnels and underground infrastructure
- Wastewater treatment plants and structures exposed to wastewater
- Structures subject to high hydrostatic pressures (up to 12 bar)
- Application in environments with aggressive conditions
Technical specifications
Packaging
Color
Blue.
Appearance
Compact cord.
Storage
12 months from production date.
Storage conditions
Store properly in the original, sealed, intact packaging, protected from moisture, frost, and direct sunlight exposure, preferably at temperatures between +5°C and +35°C. Unsuitable storage conditions may compromise the rheological performance of the material.
Application data
Theoretical consumption
1 m per linear meter
Application temperatures (substrate and environment)
Minimum -20°C | Maximum +50°C
Application info
Substrate preparation
At the time of application, the concrete substrate must be solid, compact, and free of loose particles.
Before installation, it is necessary to remove cement laitance, dust, construction debris, and any residues from casting operations to ensure proper adhesion of the cord to the substrate.
Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW can also be applied to slightly damp surfaces, provided there is no standing water or active runoff.
Application
Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW must be positioned manually along the planned construction joint line, ensuring proper continuity of the cord and its perfect adhesion to the substrate.
Fixing can be performed by bonding with the specific cartridge adhesive Drykos® Sealflex N or by mechanical nailing using steel nails with washers, with one fixing point approximately every 20–25 cm.
Joints between different cord sections must be made by simply butting the ends for a minimum length of 5 cm, avoiding overlaps that could compromise the regularity of expansion.
Under particularly demanding application conditions or on irregular surfaces, the dedicated containment cage Drykos® Jointnet is available, made of steel wire with a 13 × 13 mm square mesh, supplied in 1 m profiles. The cage must be fixed to the substrate by nailing, ensuring effective confinement of the cord.
Correct positioning of the waterstop must ensure a minimum concrete cover of 8 cm on both sides, a condition necessary to contain and counteract the expansive action generated by bentonite hydration. Similarly, any formwork spacers must be placed at a distance of no less than 8 cm from the bentonite cord.
Drykos® Jointseal Tape SW is treated with a surface retardant that delays the onset of expansion for approximately 48 hours, even in the presence of light precipitation. This characteristic reduces the risk of premature expansion before concrete casting.
Other indications
- However, it is recommended to carefully verify the condition of the cord before concrete casting in cases of: intense weather events with prolonged submersion of the material; exposure to atmospheric agents for several days before casting; environments characterized by high humidity, persistent fog, or standing water in direct contact with the cord
- Do not apply to structures immersed in water at the time of installation. Any free water present on the surface must be removed beforehand
- The product must not be used on surfaces heavily contaminated by aggressive substances such as acids or solvents. Under such conditions, thorough cleaning of the substrate is required and application suitability must be assessed in advance
- Do not install the cord without adequate confinement
- Not suitable for structural joints or expansion joints
- Reinforcement spacers must be placed at an adequate distance from the cord to avoid interfering with proper material expansion
- For anything not covered, contact Technical Support at +39 0171 1874992 or write to [email protected]
Technical performance
Environment and safety
Safety
The product is classified as an article and, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), does not require a Safety Data Sheet. During handling and use operations, however, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, is recommended, along with compliance with safety procedures established in the workplace.
Use
Product for professional use.