Alchatek Blog

Are you familiar with our Waterstop line of preventative waterproofing products? Make sure to ask us all about them when you visit our booth at  World of Concrete 2019! Drop by to see us at Booth # O40551 in the Silver Lots (same location we were in last year).

A Brief Overview of the Waterstop Line

Newly constructed floor/wall joints with no waterstop lining can be vulnerable to water infiltration. Neglect to line the joints, and water will seep into the structure and out onto the floor. Needless to say, water on the floor can be an inconvenience, it can be a safety hazard and it can damage property. In addition, floor/wall joint leaks can cause the concrete to decay and spall over the long run.

Spetec ITS Kit
The Spetec ITS Kit is a complete injection tubing system for sealing of construction joints in concrete. It can also be used to seal cold joints, expansion joints, pipe penetrations, and tunnel segment joints. In addition, this kit can be used as a primary waterstop system.

Spetec R-ITS
The Spetec Re-Inectable Tube System is a primary waterstop in cold joints and pipe joints. When used with acrylates like Spetec AG 200, it can be flushed with water at a pre-determined set time, creating a clean tube ready for subsequent use. It can also function as a standard single-use injection tube system with polyurethane injection resins like Spetec PUR H100 and Spetec PUR F400. The Spetec R-ITS is compatible with combination grouting techniques involving microfine cements.

Spetec SST500
This is a black hydrophilic synthetic waterproofing strip. Spetec SST500 swells up to 500% of its original size upon contact with water and is used to seal pipe penetrations as well as wall/floor joints. This is a caulk designed to swell and/or expand in the presence of water. It is safe for marine environments and can be applied under water. Spetec WT400 is used to seal pipe penetrations, wall joints, and sheet pile joints.

Learn more about the Waterstop line in our booth at World of Concrete 2019!

Want to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a rep at World of Concrete?

Want more info on the Waterstop line?

Alchemy-Spetec products will now officially be promoted under the Leak Seal and Geotech lines.  As holds true with most mergers (Alchemy Polymers and Spetec formed Alchemy-Spetec in 2017), the integration of products and services can take time.  This rebrand will be reflected in two separate product catalogs.  One for Leak Seal products and one for Geotech products. We are confident that the two-catalog offering is the best solution for our partners and customers. 

Both product types are now easily discernible by the Spetec or AP nomenclature in which Spetec represents Leak Seal, and AP represents Geotech. 

The Geotech line encompasses all two-part rigid polyurethanes used for void filling, slab lifting, permeation grouting, and soil stabilization; as well as acrylic grout used for permeation grouting, and all associated pumping equipment and accessories. Due to the technical support requirements of geotechnical applications in terms of equipment use, accessory setup, and application technique, this line will remain a direct sale to contractors performing slab lifting and soil modification applications.  

Conversely, the Leak Seal line remains a distributor sale through our continued support of distribution partners.  The Leak Seal line encompasses all water-activated grouts, acrylic grouts, waterstop products, mechanical packers and ports, and all associated dispensing equipment.   Since structural repair products are also sold through distribution, they are included in the Leak Seal catalog.

If you have any questions about the Alchemy-Spetec Leak Seal or Geotech product lines, please contact Jim Spiegel at jspiegel@alchemy-spetec.com for further assistance. 

Want more info on Alchemy-Spetec Leak Seal products?

Want more info on Alchemy-Spetec Geotech products?

You can lead a hose to water…

Waterstops are common and come in all different shapes and sizes. What if you could install one that was 100% custom fitted for your project? Well that is how the I.T.S. (Injectable Tube System) works. It allows injection of a cold joint or construction joint via a pre-installed injection canal/hose. This is normally done with a flexible polyurethane.

The end result is a custom shaped, flexible urethane “gasket” or waterstop. The grout will even fill in any honeycombing or defects and is considered a life-of-the-structure product.

The I.T.S. can be used as a stand alone waterstop, or it can be installed inside of a waterstop and injected as needed. Settlement of a structure can eventually lead to leaks, so it is great to have a pre-installed method to address those leaks when they appear.

But wait there's more! There is also an R-I.T.S. (Re-Injectable Tube System). The Re-Injectable Tube System is very similar but is for use with acrylate grouts instead of polyurethane. It is rubber based and has slits that act like valves. This allows for the pressurized grout to travel out into the substrate.  Then the tube can be flushed with low pressure water that does not open the “valves”.

Want more information about Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products?

The Alchemy-Spetec R-ITS system is a re-injectable system for acrylic resins and combination grouting with microfine cements. It can also be used as a standard single-use injectable tube system with polyurethane
resins and foams. Due to the specialty nature of this system, it is not sold in kits.

Ordering details are outlined below (and in our price list)...

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products?

The Spetec Re-Injectable Tube System is a primary waterstop in cold joints and pipe joints. When used with acrylates like Spetec AG 200, it can be flushed with water at a pre-determined set time, creating a clean tube ready for subsequent use. It can also function as a standard single-use injection tube system with polyurethane injection resins like Spetec PUR H100 and Spetec PUR F400. The Spetec R-ITS is compatible with combination grouting techniques involving microfine cements.

Procedure:

Spetec R-ITS Application:

1. Tube to be set in maximum runs of 30’ (10m).
2. Terminal ends to overlap to avoid discontinuity in coverage.
3. Must have flush connection with substrate free of rubble and large debris.
4. In conditions with uneven substrate profiles, consider use of Spetec WT400 to fill in imperfections or used as sole waterstop.
5. S-curve technique to be used at hori­zontal-vertical transitions.
6. R-ITS single or dual terminal boxes provide thread for zerk or button head fitting connection.
7. Make a cup test to clearly note reaction time of polyacrylate gel mix.
8. Continue pumping to generate pressure, and achieve penetration through desired profile and substrate. Pump for maximum 75% of reaction time established in cup test, then remove zerk plug, and flush line with water.
9. Reinstall zerk plugs to prevent any unwanted substances in the re-inject­able tube.

Applications:

• Primary waterstop systems.
• Cold Joints.
• Expansion Joints.
• Replacement for traditional PVC waterstops.
• Combination grouting techniques.
• Tunnel crowns, slurry walls, and details.
• Stabilization/permeation combination grouting.

Advantages:

• Re-injectable functionality.
• Monolithic waterstop seal.
• Effective in applications with honeycomb concrete.
• Will not fold or crush with concrete weight.
• Can be injected under flowing water.
• Chemical resistance once injected.
• With NSF approved resin, can be installed in a potable water application.
• Dynamic valve behavior accordingly to pressure.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products?

Waterproofing is a broad term in the construction world.  The distinctions of above-grade and below-grade pretty well sum up the offerings out there.  But when considering chemical grout’s place in the waterproofing world, we primarily stick to below-grade applications. 

An understanding of what chemical grouts can and can’t do is a very valuable tool for any waterproofing or concrete repair contractor.  On many job sites, several systems are being applied across a variety of trades against costly and ambitious deadlines.  Most well-established manufacturers have all of the physical property testing, warranties, case studies, and approved applicator programs to get the job done.  Unfortunately, no manufacturer warrants against human error. 

What happens when an HVAC contractor or an electrician takes it upon themselves to drill a “little” hole for their penetration?  What happens when backfill operators “barely touch” an installed membrane system?  Or what happens when another contractor just “pushes or pulls a bit” to make a penetration detail work?  What often happens is very costly to the client and/or general contractor in both time and money.  Enter chemical grouts. 

In a hydrostatic condition, the smallest of failures can cause huge water infiltration issues.  Chemical grouts can be utilized in below-grade hydrostatic conditions, while providing a positive side repair applied from the negative side.  In all estimations, these conditions can be a nightmare for even the best waterproofing contractors.  As localized repair of the compromised membrane is achieved, often the hydrostatic pressures relocate, causing seemingly new leaks in other areas (when in actuality, it is the same small failure causing the bigger problem). 

Some advanced below-grade manufacturers are going the route of specifying pre-installed injection tube systems such as the Spetec ITS Kit in which leaks can be quarantined to specific areas of repair.  Chemical grouts such as Spetec AG200, Spetec PUR H100, Spetec PUR F400, and Spetec PUR H40 can then be injected into cracks, cold joints, and through injection tube systems. 

So, although some contractors may not associate chemical grouts with new construction waterproofing, these solutions definitely have their place to be at the pre-bid and design tables when discussing the waterproofing design.  To schedule an experienced technician for your next design meeting, please contact us today. 

 Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec Waterstop products?

Most of you are probably familiar with our most popular product offerings: polyurethanes for sealing leaks, lifting slabs, and stabilizing soil.  But it's important to be fully aware of all the tools at your disposal.  We also offer water stop, crack repair, and soil stabilizing acrylate products.  Let's take a closer look:

Water Stop

The Spetec Injection Tube System kit is used in conjunction with our leak seal resins as a primary waterstop in cold joints and pipe joints. This system can also be used in retrofit applications for expansion joints and other wide cracks or joints measuring over 3/8 of an inch.

SST500 strips are simply fastened onto an existing joint.  When in contact with water in a confined space, SST500 will swell and stop water infiltration.

Crack Repair

Epicol T is a putty with a simple mixing ratio suitable for filling and moulding.  It can be applied underwater and it sticks to wood, stone, concrete and metal.

Epicol INJ is a low-viscosity epoxy resin for structural bonding of cracks and micro cracks in dry or wet concrete.  It can also be used as glue for bonding and anchoring.

Acrylates for Soil Stabilization

These are three-component, water-swelling hydrogels based on acrylate that harden to an elastic form.  They are especially noted for their low blending viscosity that is almost equivalent to the viscosity of water.

AG100 has a 20 cps mixed viscosity.  It can be used for curtain grouting and ground stabilization.

AG200 has a 40 cps mixed viscosity.  It can be used for ground stabilizion, preventing erosion around floors, walls, etc.  In adddition it can be used for curtain grouting and crack injection.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec Products?

A few things have changed since I posted the previous version of this article. So I've updated it to reflect our current waterstop product line. While similar in function, there is a difference between leak seal products and waterstop products. Waterstop products are designed to prevent water leaks from occurring, while leak seal products are designed to repair existing leaks.  

Here's an overview of Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products:

Spetec WT400

This is a caulk designed to swell and/or expand in the presence of water.  It is safe for marine environments and can be applied under water. Spetec WT400 is used to seal pipe penetrations, wall joints, and sheet pile joints. It is available in two package sizes:

12 Sausage Case (20 oz)

Spetec ITS Kit

The Spetec ITS Kit is a complete injection tubing system for sealing of construction joints in concrete. It can also be used to seal cold joints, expansion joints, pipe penetrations, and tunnel segment joints. In addition, this kit can be used as a primary waterstop system. It includes four parts:

100 lf of injection tube. 20 lf of 3/8" reinforced PVC tube. 1/4" clips (100). 12 3/8" elbow hose barbs.

Spetec SST500

This is a black hydrophilic synthetic waterproofing strip. Spetec SST500 swells up to 500% of its original size upon contact with water and is used to seal pipe penetrations as well as wall/floor joints. This product is available in two sizes:

20mm Width x 5mm Thickness (10 Meter Rolls)
20mm Width x 10mm Thickness (10 Meter Rolls)

For ultimate waterstop protection, call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438 for instructions on how to use all three of these products together.  

Want more information on waterstop products?

As I mentioned in this blog post a few months ago, Alchemy-Spetec's injection tube system kit (a.k.a. the I.T.S. Kit) is a reliable and cost effective way to seal floor to wall joints.  For quick reference, here's an overview of the kit description, applications and contents:

The Alchemy-Spetec I.T.S. Kit is a complete system for post-injection sealing of construction joints in concrete.

Applications:

• Primary waterstop system.
• Cold joints.
• Expansion joints.
• Seal pipe penetrations.
• Seal tunnel segment joints.

Contents:

• 100 lf of injection tube.
• 20 lf of 3/8" reinforced PVC tube.
• 1/4" clips (100), 12 3/8" elbow hose barbs.

Want more information on waterstop products?

While similar in function, there is a difference between leak seal products and waterstop products. Waterstop products are designed to prevent water leaks from occurring, while leak seal products are designed to repair existing leaks.  

Here's an overview of Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products:

Spetec WT400

This is a caulk designed to swell and/or expand in the presence of water.  It is safe for marine environments and can be applied under water. Spetec WT400 is used to seal pipe penetrations, wall joints, and sheet pile joints. It is available in two package sizes:

12 Cartridge Case (10.5 oz)

12 Sausage Case (20 oz)

Spetec ITS Kit

The Spetec ITS Kit (Injection Tubing System) is used as a complete and primary waterstop system for post-injection sealing of construction joints in concrete. It is used to seal cold joints, expansion joints, pipe penetrations, and tunnel segment joints. This kit includes four parts:

100 lf of injection tube. 20 lf of 3/8" reinforced PVC tube. 1/4" clips (100). 12 3/8" elbow hose barbs.

Spetec SST500

This is a black hydrophilic synthetic waterproofing strip. Spetec SST500 swells up to 500% of its original size upon contact with water and is used to seal pipe penetrations as well as wall/floor joints. This product comes in two package sizes:

5 Roll Case (10 Meters) & 9 Roll Case (10 Meters)

Spetec MSA

Spetec MSA is used in conjuction with Spetec SST500 as an adhesive sealant that cures into an elastic compound with excellent adhesion to nearly all surfaces.  It is used for sealing joints between walls and slabs. This product comes in one package size:

12 Cartridge Case (9.81 oz)

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec waterstop products?