Krystol® magazine discusses Kryton's integral crystalline waterproofing systems, highlighting their application in various significant projects, including the Alakanada Dam in India. The publication emphasizes the importance of permeability reducing admixtures (PRAs) and provides guidelines for selecting appropriate waterproofing solutions tailored for different conditions. Additionally, it features insights from Kryton’s CEO on the evolution of technology and relationships in the concrete industry.

1. Kryst l Magazine
®
®
www.kryton.com Leaders in Integral Crystalline Waterproofing Volume 14 | Issue 2
Waterproofing the
Alakanada Dam
PLUS:
Selecting a Waterproofing System for ICFs
Spotlight on Australia & New Zealand
Krystol® Magazine 1

2. photo credit: dejahthoris
WATERTIGHT CONCRETE.
KIM® was selected as the waterproofing solution that could meet the technical
complexities of the Aquarium at YVR within a tight schedule.
Kryton’s unique self-sealing Krystol® technology waterproofs your concrete and protects your reputation. We assure you’ll meet and exceed
spec because of our extensive testing, code approvals and conformance to ACI and PCA admixture guidelines for Permeability Reducing
Admixtures under Hydrostatic water pressure (PRAH).
Kryton’s concrete waterproofing system is used to waterproof the world’s iconic buildings, tunnels, dams and infrastructure developments of all
sizes where quality is paramount.
Contact us to see how we can help you.
www.kryton.com ® +1-800-267-8280
At the Lab. In the Field. By Your Side.

3. Contents Volume 14 | Issue 2
4 Top Five Things to Know About
Permeability Reducing Admixtures
6 Waterproofing a Dam in Rugged India –
The Alakanada Dam
9 CEO Column
10 Selecting a Waterproofing System for ICFs
12 Kryton News
13 Ask a Kryton Expert
10
14 Kryton in Australia and New Zealand Learn about how to waterproof concrete while
using Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF).
Krystol® Magazine is printed by
6 Kryton International Inc.
1645 East Kent Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5P 2S8
Canada
www.kryton.com
For information about this publication or
about Kryton International Inc., write to the
above address, phone 604-324-8280 or
1-800-267-8280, or email info@kryton.com.
Copyright © 2011 Kryton International Inc.
All rights reserved.
Editors/Contributors
Alain Lok Kevin Davis
Alex Emlyn Kevin Yuers
Ali Biparva Sheila Dong
Jeff Bowman Krystol Group PTY Ltd.
Jillian Work Fraser Brown & Stratmore Ltd.
Kari Yuers
Design/Production
Yvonne Lee
Printed in Canada by
Horseshoe Press Inc.
Read how Kryton products are helping to extend the life of the concrete at the massive
Alakanada Dam in India.
Krystol® Magazine 3

4. Top Five Things to Know
About Permeability
Reducing Admixtures
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) for Hydrostatic conditions (PRAH). at repelling rain water and reducing water
is a long-standing, globally recognized The new categories do away with the ingress under damp conditions.
institution that sets standards followed old terms of “damp-proofers” and However, with PRANs, the resistance to
by the construction industry around the “waterproofers”, which were vague, water pressure is limited or temporary at
world. Its extensive library of reports and poorly defined and lead to confusion best. As a result, PRANs are unsuitable
body of educational programs has made regarding the capabilities and limitations for use in structures exposed to
it an essential resource for all in of each admixture. hydrostatic pressure.
the industry.
PRAHs on the other hand, use a pore
The recently re-published ACI 212.3R-10: blocking mechanism that makes them
Report on Chemical Admixtures for capable of resisting water pressure.
Concrete includes a new chapter, Chapter This allows PRAHs to be used in
15, specifically discussing permeability more demanding applications such
Reducing Admixtures (PRAs). These as basements, tunnels and water
admixtures reduce the rate at which water containment structures. PRAHs are
enters into the concrete matrix. sufficiently stable to water under pressure
that they can protect the structure for the
Prior to the addition of Chapter 15, lifetime of the concrete.
PRAs were mentioned only in passing as
waterproofers or damp-proofers, and the 2. There are three different
information was buried in a section of compositions of PRAs
the report entitled “Miscellaneous”. Today,
this specific category of admixtures has PRA materials fall into three broad
found its rightful place. Below is a list of categories: 1) hydrophobic or water
the top five things to know about PRAs. repellent chemicals, 2) finely divided
solids or “densifiers” and 3) crystalline
1. There are two new categories chemicals. Water repellent chemicals
of Permeability Reducing describe soaps, stearates and oils designed
Admixtures to increase water repellency and reduce
The Santa Lucia Canal in Mexico was adsorption. Finely divided solids are clay,
waterproofed with a PRAH solution that
Permeability Reducing Admixtures now could resist hydrostatic pressure. silica and polymers that take up space
have a new system of classification. Today and densify the concrete. Crystalline
all PRAs can be either categorized as With a PRAN, water absorption is chemicals hydrate with cement and
Permeability Reducing Admixtures for reduced through the use of water water to reduce porosity and grow pore
Non-hydrostatic conditions (PRAN) repellent chemicals or small, filler blocking deposits. This creates a network
or Permeability Reducing Admixtures particles (densifiers). PRANs are effective of pore blocking crystals that becomes
4 www.kryton.com

5. 4. Some products claim to be
PRAHs but are not
Some products include a superplasticizer
so they can be tested with a much
lower water-cement ratio compared
to a control concrete. This increases
water resistance in the short term, but
Crystalline chemicals fill the concrete’s pores blocking the flow of water.
does not address the shortcomings of
hydrophobic water repellents or finely
integrally bound within the concrete. 3. Different testing methods are divided solids. These materials still
The crystals will continue to form in necessary for each PRA category fuction as PRANs. Furthermore, not all
the presence of water over the lifetime admixtures that claim to be crystalline
of the concrete, and can even self-seal There are different means of testing a are true hydrophilic crystalline. Some
leaking cracks. PRA – some are appropriate for testing chemical admixtures, such as those based
PRANs, while others are only suitable on sodium silicate, merely “crystallize”
Hydrophobic water repellent chemicals for testing a PRAH. Absorption tests, as they dry. This short term reaction
are PRANs because the concrete pores such as BS 1881-122 (or ASTM C1585), is very limited compared to on-going
are not blocked in any way. While immerse or partially immerse a sample of hydrophilic crystalline reactions, and
finely divided solids provide some pore concrete in water and measure the weight does not provide the long-term water
blocking and water resistance in damp gain over time. However, absorption tests resistance or self-sealing properties
conditions, their resistance to water do not apply to water under pressure; required for an admixture to be a
pressure is not stable enough to withstand therefore, they are inappropriate for PRAH. These admixtures are still
long-term water pressure. Crystalline testing products that must withstand classified as PRAN.
admixtures are PRAHs because they
offer the highest and most stable water
resistance, have self-sealing properties
and continuously improve over time.
Competitor A KIM Control (Untreated)
Permeability test showing the depth of water penetration of three samples.
hydrostatic conditions. A pressure driven 5. The long term success of a
test, such as DIN 1048-5 or BS EN PRAH relies on three main factors
12390-8, is required to test whether an
admixture is a PRAH because these are When choosing a PRAH, look for a
the only tests that compare performance product that offers high levels of water
under hydrostatic conditions. These resistance compared to a control (60 to
tests apply pressurized water to one side 90 per cent improvement compared to a
of a concrete sample over a period of control concrete) tested using a pressure
time. Results are reported as a time to driven test and without the use of a
full saturation, depth of water superplasticizer. It should also have the
penetration or as a coefficient of following traits in order to act as a reliable
permeability (a numerical expression of replacement for external waterproofing
the concrete’s permeability). In a pressure membranes: the ability to improve over
Absorption test showing how much water driven test, a PRAH should be able to time, the ability to self-seal hairline cracks
was absorbed into the concrete block. demonstrate the ability to significantly and a long performance history. It is only
Products that promote absorption testing reduce water penetration. by having all these features that you can
are generally a PRAN. rely on your product to perform as a
PRAH over the lifetime of your concrete.
Krystol® Magazine 5

6. Waterproofing a Dam in Rugged India
The Alakanada Dam
The Alakanada River runs through the capital region of Delhi, the second and proximity to mountain run off. It
foothills of the Himalaya Mountains largest metropolitan area in India, with a provided the best chance to develop
and is a major water source for northern population of nearly 14 million people. hydro electricity and manage the level of
India. In 2005 GMR Energy started the river.
developing a 330 megawatt (MW) The project includes a 40 metre (m)
hydroelectric dam and power plant on high dam, a three kilometre (km) long This site is nestled in a mountain valley.
the riverbanks to help satisfy the headrace tunnel and an underground While the surrounding mountains are
growing seasonal demand for power in penstock leading to an underground vast and breath-taking, it is a very remote
northern India. power station with two 70 MW run of region that presents challenges to travel
river turbines. The total head of water on and year-round work schedules. Getting
Consistent electricity is one of the major the project is 480m. to the site requires a 340 km drive from
issues facing India. Many homes and New Delhi on sometimes unreliable,
businesses throughout India maintain The dam and power plant is located winding mountain roads, which can take
gas generators to ensure a consistent just outside the town of Srinigar in 12 to 14 hours in travel time. The location
supply of electricity. Most of the power Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal) has snowfall for between four and six
generated by the dam and power plant State in northern India. This site was months a year, so construction cannot
will be channeled to serve the national chosen due to its location on the river take place during the winter. As a result,
6 www.kryton.com

7. Kryton has been working closely with the onsite ready-mix plant to optimize the mix design.
waterproofing concrete with a of Srinigar. Modern day Srinigar was re-
straightforward, dependable and established by the British between 1897
guaranteed system offers an indispensible and 1899. They used urban planning
level of protection, particularly for dam methodology to create a new grid-iron
walls with steel reinforcement. If water patterned town on the upper third terrace
enters cracks in the concrete, it can southeast of the previous city site. The
damage the reinforcing steel below the town was granted urban status in 1931
concrete surface. Steel expands when it and today is a major economic, cultural
corrodes, which leads to more cracks and and educational centre in the region.
water ingress. Over time, the concrete
deteriorates and fails, which can result in Due to the extreme risk potential in
devastating floods. building or waterproofing a dam,
governments and engineers are turning
The town of Srinigar is all too familiar increasingly to integral crystalline
with the devastation of floods. On August waterproofing manufacturers for help.
26, 1894, over 10,000 million cubic feet Integral systems can add decades to
of water from the breached Gohna Lake the life of a concrete structure. Unlike
completely swept away the original town membrane systems that can deteriorate
it is anticipated that it will take double
DID YOU KNOW?
the normal length of time to complete
the project. The project is scheduled to
achieve commercial operation in 2014.
The Alakanada River forms one of the
In addition, it is also an active seismic
headstreams of the mighty River Ganges,
zone at risk of earthquakes. On
the holy river for followers of Hinduism.
September 8, 1803, the area suffered
Hindu followers believe the Alakanada
a powerful earthquake that shook the
River split off from the Ganges River when it
whole region and devastated the town of
descended from heaven. It originates from Lake Satopath, a triangular
Srinigar. As a result, the engineering and
lake 4,402 metres above sea level, high in the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges,
construction teams have taken noticeable
and flows 190 kilometres through the Alakanada Valley in Uttarakhand State. In
steps to improve the soil stabilization on
India, the river is also known as a destination for rafting and kayaking adventure
the slopes surrounding the project area.
trips. In fact, the Alakanada River is among the best in the world for river rafting
due to its high grade rapids.
Concrete is bound to crack if it is not
properly placed or cured. Therefore,
Krystol® Magazine 7

8. BY YOUR SIDE
Approximately 1,000 tonnes of Kryton’s waterproofing system will be used to treat tens of
thousands of square metres of concrete at the massive dam.
over time, integral systems become part Membrane (KIM), to the dam face, canal
of the concrete matrix, waterproofing and two tunnels.
from the inside out. This gives these
systems added reliability over other Going forward, the 1.8 km long canal
waterproofing systems as they cannot leading to the pen stocks and two spillway
be punctured or torn. In addition, tunnels that are each one kilometre long
Kryton provided onsite and lab support for
integral systems won’t be worn away will be waterproofed entirely using KIM. the project in India.
by constant exposure to water, salts or Krystol T1 and T2 will be applied to the
other contaminants and are not affected upstream section of the dam face, which
by UV rays or concrete expansion and measures 128m by 340m. Kryton’s team has provided valuable
contraction. Finally, integral systems onsite support to the crews working on
are a green solution. They can extend In all, approximately 1,000 tonnes of the mammoth waterproofing project at
the serviceable life of structures by Kryton’s waterproofing systems will be the Alaknanda Dam and continues to do
decades and also allow the concrete to used to treat tens of thousands of square so today.
be recycled after its useful life is over. For metres of concrete.
hydroelectric dams, which are a green In addition to the initial site visit by
form of energy, integral waterproofing Kryton’s Director of Sales Kevin Davis,
systems make sense. the Delhi based sales and engineering
staff has travelled to the dam several
Kryton International Inc. became times since 2009. While there, they
involved in the project in 2010 after provide onsite technical support for
taking part in a site review meeting. concrete pours and application training.
Although Kryton has been involved in
constructing numerous hydroelectric Kryton also held a training program
dams, this is the first time Kryton has for the engineering staff to ensure they
contributed to the construction of a understood all of the steps that needed
hydroelectric dam in India. to be taken in using the various products
in Kryton’s waterproofing system. The
Kryton is working with the onsite company worked with the onsite
The two 1 km long spillways will be ready-mix plant to optimize the mix
ready-mix plant to optimize the mix waterproofed with KIM.
design. Achieving the optimum mix is design for the mass concrete and assisted
proving to be challenging due to the Using Kryton’s waterproofing system on in reducing shrinkage cracking on
vast annual temperature fluctuation at the dam face, canal and the tunnels concrete sections.
the site. In addition, Kryton is helping offers a cost effective solution that will
the onsite construction team to test surpass performance requirements and As the completion date for the dam is
and apply Kryton’s surface-applied ensure the dam’s concrete structure a few years away, Kryton’s teams will
waterproofing system, Krystol T1 and T2, remains durable, reliable and safe for continue to provide ongoing support
and its internal system, Krystol Internal decades to come. and guidance to ensure the project is
successfully completed.
8 www.kryton.com

9. CEO Column
By: Kari Yuers, President & CEO, Kryton International Inc.
I’ve been in the concrete industry for overseas distributors and customers. By changes we’ve seen in the information
most of my life. My father created the late 1980s, the fax machine replaced technology world.
Kryton International Inc. from the the Telex.
ground up. My brother and I had our Over the years, if there is one steadfast
chores as children – often sweeping With the arrival of the “World Wide Web” lesson I’ve learned about the concrete
the factory floor and labeling pails of in 1989, you could communicate with industry, it is that relationships are
Kryton products. In those days, we made anyone around the globe with an email important. Although technology has
waterproofing treatments and at one address. Google has only existed for a given us a range of positives, I’ve most
point had more than 150 products for little more than 10 years and current valued the new tools that have helped
repairing, coating and building mainstays like Facebook and YouTube Kryton stay in touch with our
concrete structures. didn’t exist even a half dozen years ago. distributors and customers. We’ve
Each new technology, amazing in itself, integrated those new communication
In 1991, I finished my studies, gained seemed to defy replacement by a superior tools to strengthen our relationships, and
work experience and returned to invention, but that was not the case. to better serve the global market that my
Kryton as Vice President of Technical father once envisioned.
Services. Ten years later, I became Similarly, concrete has developed
President and CEO. As I reflect on two from its simple origins as a mixture of Today, we no longer use the Telex. Instead,
decades with the company, I am awed by rock, sand, cement and water into an we’re building online communities
the rapid changes in technology and the increasingly complex and sophisticated through our blog, Concrete Thoughts
overall marketplace. chemical product. The applications are (blog.kryton.com) and Krystol
more versatile than ever – from soaring Connection e-newsletters you can sign up
When Kryton first opened, my father skyscrapers to historical structures in for on our website. As new technologies
envisioned a business that would serve a need of delicate restoration. come and go I would like nothing more
global industry. Within two years, Kryton than the concrete industry to become
secured its first international customer. Concrete has been used for thousands of early adopters of these advancements,
In those pioneering days, I remember years, yet the innovations happening now putting us on the forefront of change.
my mother sitting at the Telex machine are likely to create the same exponential Please join the conversations we’ve started
sending and receiving information from and let’s stay connected.
Krystol® Magazine 9

10. Worker treats concrete joints with the Krystol Waterstop System.
Selecting a Waterproofing System for ICFs
With growing pressure to build green, polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or move easily into formwork, filling even
high performance structures – without closed cell polyurethane, these foam the most congested designs without
the usual expensive eco-price tag – the forms interlock without the need for glue the vibration typically required in most
global industry is readily embracing or mortar and retain structural strength ICF applications.
Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF). via plastic or galvanized steel ties.
First developed in Germany in the 1950s, Concrete is inherently porous, so
the technology is currently used in more Concrete is then pumped into the forms placement becomes critical to avoid
than eight per cent of all low-rise housing in a circular pattern. This allows for better cold joining and honeycombing.
in Canada and the U.S. According to concrete consolidation, mitigating air Unintentional joints can provide a
a survey conducted by the Insulating pockets. Once set, the forms become high weak point where water ingress is more
Concrete Form Association, 36 per cent strength and air tight. Since the forms likely to happen. Once the water enters,
of builders say they have used ICFs in the stay in place, even after the concrete it can corrode reinforcement within
last decade. Across the pond in the UK, has set, builders benefit from increased the concrete and lead to cracking and
there is a growing number of approved durability, energy efficiency and sound structural deterioration. This is why
basement walling systems that use ICF deadening. To further strengthen the many ICF structures need waterproofing.
and the technology has been noted as a structure, reinforcing steel can also
Modern Method of Construction by the be incorporated or steel fibres can be External Membrane Waterproofing
Building Research Establishment, English added to the ready mixed concrete to an
Partnerships and Communities England. engineer’s specification. A waterproofing membrane acts as an
external barrier to prevent water from
A large part of ICF popularity is its With the introduction of self- seeping into the ICF structure. Most often
durability. The system is based on light- consolidating concretes, also known as they are polyurethane-based, spray or
weight and hollow interlocking forms, self-compacting concretes, the efficacies brush applied or peel-and-stick. Solvent-
which concrete is poured into. Composed of ICF’s have been further enhanced. based membranes, common in many
of insulating foam such as expanded These flowable, non-segregating concretes other types of concrete construction
10 www.kryton.com

11. An ICF prior to application. Integral Crystalline Waterproofing
structure. Water The ongoing challenges with
that enters behind waterproofing membranes have led to
the membrane a rise in the use of integral crystalline
will also affect waterproofing for ICF systems. Part of
its adhesion to the attraction is it can easily be added
the concrete to concrete during the mixing process.
surface, leading Once added, the chemical compounds
to failure at the remain active for the life of the concrete.
membrane seams The chemicals react with available water
and weakening and cementitious components within
the remaining dry the concrete to grow long, prism shaped
concrete sections. crystals inside the capillary pores, cracks
and joints, blocking water flow. If a new
Installation with ICF crack forms later in the concrete and
systems can also be a water penetrates, the chemicals react
challenge. To properly adhere to stop water ingress. This ever-present
membranes to ICF’s, the surface must chemical process ensures ongoing
be clean, dry, smooth and even. Because waterproofing years into the future.
membranes must be carefully wrapped
around corners and protrusions, pipes, Because the waterproofing ability is
conduit and other penetrations, the integrated within the concrete, crystalline
installation crew needs to be skilled waterproofing systems can be used on any
at cutting and lapping. Also, most concrete shape and cannot be scraped,
membranes require a certain amount of punctured or torn. This makes the time
space for correct installation. To meet consuming and often difficult installation
this need, and to comply with Health and process of membranes obsolete. It allows
Safety regulations, excavation size need other construction steps to proceed
to be scaled up. This means higher costs without delay, saving time and money.
for digging, handling and back filling as
A luxury home in the United Kingdom
being constructed out of ICFs. well as a possible restriction on the size of Finally, integral crystalline waterproofing
basement you can build on a given plot. helps to create greener ICF structures.
ICF systems are already well known for
aren’t compatible with ICF systems their multiple environmental benefits – it
because they destroy the foam. is estimated that every ICF home saves
approximately eight and a half trees.
External waterproofing systems tend ICFs also eliminate the soil erosion and
to have much stronger tensile strength habitat destruction that is associated
than rival waterproofing coatings and with timber building. Integral crystalline
are always a consistent thickness. These waterproofing products extend the
membranes can also effectively bridge serviceable life of concrete structures,
cracks, joints and other defects. This can enable the future recycling of the
be important when dealing with ICFs, concrete and also reduce jobsite waste
which are frequently at risk of unseen – an ideal partner for the already eco-
cold joints and honeycombing even friendly ICF system.
though the surface of the concrete is
rarely seen. Even though ICFs have been used in the
construction industry for decades, their
Despite these benefits, there are popularity and use is growing worldwide.
challenges when it comes to effectively Selecting the right waterproofing product
waterproofing ICF structures with for these systems is crucial. Regardless
traditional membranes. Although of which method you choose, select a
boasting good tensile strength, external high quality, dependable product – and
membranes can be compromised by When waterproofing ICFs with external adhere to good concrete practices – to
a single tear, making them vulnerable waterproofing systems the excavation needs ensure your ICF structure will remain
to damage during backfilling and to be scaled up. Leading to higher costs as permanently dry.
compaction. If the membrane is well as a possible restriction on the size of
basement you can build on a given plot.
punctured or torn, the damage is
impossible to detect from within the
Krystol® Magazine 11

12. Kryton News
A Big Year for Kryton Understanding
Kryton International Inc. is marking a
major milestone in 2011. This year our
CEO Kari Yuers celebrates 20 outstanding
Kryton
years with the company. Kari joined
her family’s concrete waterproofing
company in 1991 and has held various
Customers
leadership roles with the company in the
last two decades. Under her leadership Kryton is always looking for ways
as CEO, the company’s revenues have to improve themselves. Looking
grown, market reach has expanded to improve the service to their key
and it has been named the one of the audience groups, Kryton knew the first
best companies to work for in British step towards achieving this goal was
Columbia for three consecutive years. to listen. In order to learn more about
Congratulations Kari! the individual needs of these groups,
Kryton conducted an extensive market
research program which was led by an
independent consulting firm based in
Chicago. Kryton wanted to know
A Coast to Coast Kryton what their customer’s concerns were,
what challenges they faced, and what
factors were crucial to their success.
Kryton International Inc. is a proud the prairies. Arrow Construction Products The researchers were able to obtain
Canadian company that has had success is a great fit for Kryton in the Atlantic current and unbiased information from
in western markets for years. When the Provinces. With five branches across these groups.
recession hit, and construction slowed Eastern Canada, they are well known for
down, Kryton’s strategic response was to their great customer service and are very Although it was a time and resource
expand. The idea was to plan ahead by active in the market. consuming program, the findings were
developing a foundation in Central and well worth the investment. Kryton
Eastern Canada so that when the industry has undertaken to provide the tools
began to recover our presence would be and resources along with relevant
strong; catching more fish by casting a information to each audience segment.
wider net. Delivering on customer needs is core to
Kryton’s business model. So whether
For Kryton, finding the right distributor you are a contractor, owner, architect or
is extremely important as they drive the engineer, Kryton has the right solution
product forward, impact the quality of the to help you.
technical support and must collaborate
with all of the other groups in the project.
All these factors and more are considered
when Kryton selects their distribution
partners. After a thorough search, Kryton
has found four new distributors who meet Canada continues to build innovative
their criteria. buildings and infrastructure from coast
to coast. Kryton has now expanded our
In Ontario, Form and Build Supply distribution relationships to be able to
represents Kryton with their five offer solutions to every major city
locations throughout Southern Ontario across the nation. Kryton is now
and their sub distribution partners protecting concrete structures from the
in other areas such as with Alpine Pacific to Atlantic Oceans as well as from
Construction Supplies in Ottawa. In many bodies of water and high water
Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Nu West tables in between. If you are building
Construction Products stepped forward concrete structures and are trying to keep
as the company that would take on water in, out or both, Kryton is your
Krystol products and push them across Canadian solution.
12 www.kryton.com

13. Ask a Kryton Expert!
Preventing Concrete Corrosion
Deteriorating concrete structures are
a major problem around the world.
Largely attributed to the corrosion of
steel reinforcement, concrete structures
built to last 50 to 100 years routinely need
substantial repairs and rehabilitation
during their service life. Why are
traditional preventative measures
for corrosion not sufficient? More
importantly, what is the solution? Kryton
expert, Alireza Biparva, explains.
How Corrosion Happens
Concrete normally provides reinforcing Proper curing helps to minimize shrinkage and cracking.
steel with excellent corrosion protection.
Due to the high alkalinity of the concrete, Under the best conditions, the It is important to use a concrete mix
the steel reinforcing bars are passivated penetration of moisture, chlorides and with low permeability and to use an
by an iron oxide film that protects the carbon dioxide is slow, the passive layer appropriate amount of concrete cover for
steel. However, the passive layer can break is protected and corrosion is minimal. the application. Additionally, the concrete
down over time due to atmospheric Concrete’s ability to resist corrosion should be placed, consolidated and cured
carbon dioxide. Through a process called depends largely on the permeability of following ACI guidelines to minimize
carbonation, the concrete’s pH is lowered the concrete and the thickness of concrete shrinkage and cracking. With good
until the passive layer becomes unstable. cover over the reinforcement. However, if materials and workmanship, concrete
The passive layer can also be rapidly cracks are present, aggressive agents can can resist the development of corrosive
broken down by aggressive chemicals quickly reach the depth of the steel and conditions, which increases the durability
such as chloride, which are present in initiate corrosion. of structures and reduces lifetime
coastal environments and used in deicing maintenance costs.
chemicals. Once the passive layer is Traditional measures to mitigate
compromised, steel reinforcement will corrosion have proven to be less effective
corrode if there is moisture and oxygen than desired. Excessively thick concrete
present at the surface of the steel. cover over the reinforcing steel is
vulnerable to cracking and corrosion
inhibitors such as calcium nitrite provide
only temporary protection. Epoxy coated
reinforcement was once thought to be
a solution but has proven unreliable
in field applications. The problem is
these systems do nothing to prevent the
conditions that cause corrosion from
developing in the first place. So what is
the solution?
Preventing Corrosion
In all cases, the penetration of water
into concrete is a critical factor in the
corrosion of steel reinforcement. Water
acts as a carrier for chloride ions and
is also required for corrosion to occur.
Therefore, the first line of defense
against corrosion is to prevent the Alireza Biparva, Cementious Materials
Extreme corrosion can result in major leaks. penetration of water. Specialist at Kryton International Inc.
Krystol® Magazine 13

14. Kryton in Australia and New Zealand
The global construction industry has had its fair share of the next year, particularly in the earthquake-affected region
economic challenges over the last three years. Australia and New surrounding Canterbury. In addition, 75 per cent of architects
Zealand’s industries are no exception. But an increasing demand in New Zealand surveyed by international property and
for resources-based construction as well as progress on major construction consultants Davis Langdon are expecting new
infrastructure projects has started to turn the tide. business to increase – a sign of more construction activity on
the horizon.
According to a survey by Australian Industry Group and
Australian Constructors Association, the value of construction Kryton has been operating in Australia for more than 30 years
projects in the country will rise by almost eight per cent in 2011 and New Zealand’s construction industry for almost a decade.
and 2012. In New Zealand, the restoration and refurbishment With industry steadily growing, Kryton will continue to be a key
sectors are predicted to contribute the most to growth over player in the region for years to come.
Te Wharewaka O Poneke (Canoe House),
Taupo, New Zealand
Sitting on reclaimed land along the waterfront in central Wellington, the
Te Wharewaka O Poneke (Canoe House) is a new development that will
serve as an entertainment centre for the Rugby World Cup in September
and October 2011. Showcasing the rich history of Maori art and culture,
the venue will include exhibition and function areas, a café and offices.
It will also host powhiri (a Maori ritual ceremony), carvings, cultural
performances and interactive historic displays.
More than 1,100 kg of Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) was used
to waterproof 1,600 cubic metres of concrete in the slab and surrounding
concrete landscape. With its location adjacent to the ocean, KIM was the
optimal choice for this project where water exposure or ingress is a concern.
Westfield Shopping Centre, Sydney, Australia
Once completed, this high-end boutique shopping centre will house 130
fashion and food specialty stores including some the biggest style icons
such as Gucci, Hugo Boss, Mulberry and DKNY, as well as Australian
retailers CUE, Wanted Shoes, Zimmerman and Carla Zampatti.
On the recommendation of contractors, Kryton’s Krystol Waterproofing
System was selected to waterproof the basement walls, lift pits, water
tanks and cool-rooms. To date 350 cubic metres of KIM have been used
for the project, which began on November 19, 2009 and continues today.
Australian Red Cross Blood Services,
Melbourne, Australia
The Australian Red Cross Blood Services purchased a 16,500 square
metre former warehouse for their Melbourne operations but stringent
modifications were needed before the building would be able to house
the blood bank. The consulting engineers chose Kryton’s waterproofing
system because it was seen as the best solution for the job.
To date, the project team has used more than 200 cubic metres of KIM
to waterproof the substation, plant-room, switch room and trenches.
The project is running on schedule and due to complete later this year.
14 www.kryton.com

15. IKEA Store, Princes Highway Tempe,
Sydney, Australia
The 37,000 square metre store (equivalent to 20 football fields) with
parking for 1,775 cars, sits on a 2.3 hectare site located southwest of
Sydney’s central business district. Like all IKEA stores, the building
is a two-level rectangular shaped building that includes a showroom,
restaurant, children’s play area, warehouse, Swedish food market,
office space, public amenities and loading dock. Upon completion, the
building will be the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest IKEA Store and is
expected to attract between two and three million visitors annually.
Making the store unique, the building is being constructed on an old
garbage dump site. As a result, methane gases exist underneath a portion
of the new structure. A 700 metre methane gas wall is being constructed
to allow ventilation of the gases. Based on a previous experience, the
team of contractors chose Kryton products for waterproofing the
below-grade areas, lift pits, travelators pits, basement sections and water
tank. Just over 100 cubic metres of KIM-treated concrete were used to
waterproof the below-grade areas of the new store.
Sea World Penguin Exhibit,
Gold Coast, Australia
Sea World’s new Penguin Encounter exhibit is home to a large waddle of
King Penguins, the world’s second largest penguin species. The designers
wanted to create an environment that looked as natural as possible, while
retaining the required engineering attributes. The ambient summer
temperature in sub-tropical Queensland is close to 40 degrees Celsius,
but the penguins’ water is chilled to two degrees Celsius.The constant
movement at the waterline creates both significant physical wear on the
concrete structure as well as temperature variation.
Kryton’s KIM was chosen as a solution for waterproofing the artificial
rock in the exhibit. KIM’s self-sealing ability means that despite
temperate changes, the wearing effects of the waterline and penguins
clawing at the rock, the waterproofing will remain durable and reliable
for the lifetime of the structure.
Australia & New Zealand Distributors
Kryton has exclusive distributors throughout Australia & New Check out www.kryton.com to see other areas where Kryton
Zealand. Contact any of them to find out more about how distributors are changing concrete construction for the better,
Kryton’s waterproofing products can save you time and money. throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, India and
Or contact Alain Lok, Kryton’s Asia-Pacific Regional Manager at Asia-Pacific.
alain@kryton.com or by phone at +1-604-324-8280.
New Zealand New Zealand Australia
AUTHORIZED (Auckland) (Wellington and South Island) (NSW, VIC, ACT, QLD, WA)
DISTRIBUTOR Fraser Brown & Stratmore Ltd. Fraser Brown & Stratmore Ltd. Krystol Group Pty Ltd.
Contact: Mr. Denis Marra Contact: Mr. Hamish Stratmore and Contact: Mr. Aaran Duncan
Tel: (649) 535-3139 Mr. Craig Meiklejohn Tel: (612) 9545-3111
Website: www.fbsltd.co.nz Tel: (644) 567-8436 Website: www.krystol.com.au
Email: denis@fbsltd.co.nz Website: www.fbsltd.co.nz Email: aaran@krystol.com.au
Email: hamish@fbsltd.co.nz
Krystol® Magazine 15

16. Concrete Waterproofing
that Works!
KIM® resists hydrostatic pressure up to 140m.
Using KIM® in your concrete can save you time and
money and replace the need to use costly and time
consuming surface applied membranes that can
often prove to be unreliable. Since 1973 Kryton has
helped architects, engineers and builders create dry,
waterproof concrete using Krystol Technology.
Our waterproofing admixture, KIM®, is faster, more
reliable and costs 25% less than using traditional
waterproofing systems. KIM® is backed by the
industry’s longest warranty.
For more information on the longest standing Custom bags for added quality control
crystalline waterproofing admixture jobs in the
world, visit us online at www.kryton.com or
call us at 1-800-267-8280 or
+1-604-324-8280.
Certified to CERTIFICATE No 05/4217
NSF/ANSI 61
®
At the Lab. In the Field. By Your Side.