Testing of metal waterstops for waterproofing tack welds

Abstract

The existing information on the study and application of tack weld metal waterstops in Russian construction practice is limited. The authors of the present paper investigate the operation and effectiveness of metal waterstops designed for waterproofing tack welds. An experimental study of metal waterstops made of zinc-coated sheets and installed in a factory-fabricated capacitive monolithic reinforced concrete structure was conducted. In order to provide different exposure conditions for a waterstop, a vessel structure was manufactured with two split-level tack welds on its perimeter. As a result of filling the vessel with water and monitoring the waterstops through special cavities, it was determined that the waterstops mounted with epoxy glue did not provide sufficient sealing, unlike those mounted with a silicone sealant. In addition, some technological advantages and disadvantages of metal waterstops were experimentally revealed. The disadvantages included a relatively high labor intensity of their installation, in particular, joining the elements along the length. The main technological advantage consisted in the inherent rigidity of the product. Further research should investigate the chemical behavior of the waterstop metal in the concrete body. To this end, the steel behavior under increased water pressure and the influence of the waterstop geometry and the chemical activity of the "structural concrete – waterstop metal" complex on the value of the hydrostatic pressure resistance limit should be elucidated.