WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BASINS IN
WASTEWATER AND DRINKING WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Wastewater treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants are special constructions and thus require special solutions for maintenance and rehabilitation.
Treatment of inner surfaces of tanks / basins should take into account – for treatment plants – the contact with aggressive agents and – for drinking water treatment plants – the need for the sanitary notice in contact with drinking water.
Since 2007, BIO TECH srl, in collaboration with specialized foreign companies, has implemented on the Romanian market products and technologies necessary for the safe rehabilitation of tanks and basins in water treatment plants.
To achieve optimal results in rehabilitation of tanks and water basins, the following steps are to be taken into account:
Incepand cu anul 2007 compania BIO TECH S.R.L. in colaborare cu firme specializate din strainatate, au introdus pe piata Romaneasca produsele si tehnologille necesare reabilitarii in conditii de siguranta a rezervoarelor si bazinelor statiilor de epurare si tratare apa.
Pentru a obtine rezultate optime in reabilitarea rezervoarelor si bazinelor de apa, trebuie respectate urmatoarele etape:
I Building diagnosis
II Preparation of surface and joints
III Protection/treatment of armature
IV Treatment/cementation of cracks and joints
V Reconstruction of the concrete profile
VI Waterproofing of the tanks/basins interior surfaces
I Building diagnosis
Before designing the professional repair solution, one must have detailed knowledge about the construction problems (field investigations and meetings with operational staff). This is based on a thorough visual inspection resulting in a so-called “map of cracks and joints“, clear determination of special damaged areas (visible armature, cracks, aggressive product definition). Also recommend is concrete testing (concrete samples), where the nature of the defect affects the building strength (technical expertise). Cracks and joints should be clearly defined in expansion joints (with clear determination of expansion size) and static joints / cracks.
This diagnosis is the basis for choosing the solution and materials.
II Preparation of surface and joints
Substrate and joints preparation are underlying the success of safely rehabilitation. Firstly, the paint layer, plaster, concrete, inconsistent or carbonate, must be removed. Removal can be done mechanically, but the last operation is washing / cleaning with pressurized water jet (for washing acids, grease, biologically contaminated areas, detergents can be used, when needed – their choice being determined by the intended use of the building).
III Protection/treatment of armature
IV Treatment/cementation of cracks and joints
Due to the various palette, for repairing cracks and joints we will mention only some situations:
- deep cracks – foam based materials and polyurethane foam to be used
- surface cracks – cement plasters, with polymers addition (which gives elasticity to the plaster) to be used
- expansion joints – products with a high degree of mobility
- static joints – products with high adhesion to concrete.
Choosing the right product depends on chemical and biological aggressiveness of the environment.
V Reconstruction of the concrete profile
Depending on the profile complexity, attention will be given to the design and choice of materials to be used.
VI Waterproofing of the tanks/basins interior surfaces
Treatment of inner surfaces of tanks / basins should take into account – for treatment plants – the contact with aggressive agents and – for drinking water treatment plants – the need for the sanitary notice in contact with drinking water.
1. Concrete waterproofing using waterproof plasters
In this case is used a two component mortar/film – cement/elastomer based on cement modified with liquid polymer – used for concrete waterproofing. This product is designed to protect reinforced concrete buildings against carbonation and chlorination and as a substrate for protective coatings (paints/waterproofing coatings).
Because of its elasticity, the mortar prevents formation of cracks smaller than 1 mm, even after prolonged exposure to water.
2. Concrete waterproofing using Polyurea
This treatment is recommended for tanks/basins in wastewater treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants. The treatment consists of applying a primer and two Polyurea layers (the second layer should be applied at right angles to the first layer).
These recommendations are only part of the professional solutions which we can offer when repairing cracks and concrete waterproofing. Each project is unique and every situation requires a customized approach. We can take your requirements and offer professional help – contact us and you will receive expert advice.