High Pressure Waterproofing Injection

High pressure waterproofing injection is a technique used to seal cracks, voids, and joints in concrete and masonry structures. It involves injecting specialized waterproofing materials into the structure under high pressure to ensure deep penetration and effective sealing. This method is commonly employed to stop water leaks, reinforce structural integrity, and protect against moisture damage.

Why It Is Used

Water Leakage Control: It is used to stop active water leaks in basements, tunnels, retaining walls, and other underground structures.

Structural Repair: It helps in reinforcing weakened structures by filling cracks and voids, thereby restoring their strength and durability.

Protection Against Moisture: Prevents water ingress that can lead to corrosion of reinforcement bars, mold growth, and other moisture-related issues.

Longevity of Structures: Enhances the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure by providing a durable and effective waterproof barrier.

Types of High Pressure Waterproofing Injections

Polyurethane (PU) Injections

Hydrophilic PU: Expands upon contact with water, filling cracks and voids. Ideal for sealing active leaks and can form flexible seals.

Hydrophobic PU: Repels water, typically used for sealing dry cracks. Forms rigid and durable seals.

Acrylic Gel Injections

Highly flexible and capable of penetrating fine cracks and porous structures. Suitable for sealing leaks in various substrates and providing long-term water resistance.

Epoxy Injections

Used primarily for structural repairs rather than waterproofing. Epoxies bond cracks and provide high mechanical strength. They are less flexible compared to polyurethanes and acrylics.

Cementitious Injections

Cement-based materials are injected to fill large voids and cracks. They provide good structural strength but are less effective in dynamic or moving cracks.

Silicate Injections

Silicate-based materials, such as sodium silicate, are injected to form a waterproof gel when in contact with calcium hydroxide in concrete. They are often used for damp-proofing rather than stopping active leaks.

Application Process

Surface Preparation: Clean and prepare the surface to be injected.

Drilling Injection Ports: Drill holes at specific intervals along the crack or void.

Installing Packers: Place injection packers or ports into the drilled holes.

Injection: Inject the chosen waterproofing material under high pressure using a specialized pump.

Curing: Allow the material to cure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Surface Finishing: Remove packers, fill the holes, and finish the surface as needed.

Conclusion

High pressure waterproofing injections are a crucial technique in construction and repair for controlling water ingress and maintaining structural integrity. The choice of injection material depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as the type of crack, the presence of active water leaks, and the desired durability of the repair. Each type of injection material offers distinct advantages, making it important to select the appropriate one for the given application.