Watertight solutions for new treatment works

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A section of the concrete forming part of the new wastewater treatment works

WATERTIGHT SOLUTIONS

for new treatment works

To keep pace with population growth, a new wastewater treatment plant was recently constructed in the Northern Cape town of Orania, which now has four times the processing power of the old works. Orania Infrastruktuur was the appointed contractor on the project, which ran from March through to mid-December 2021.

Sika SA was consulted, asked to consider solutions, and then supplied the relevant specified materials to the project. It was important to ensure that the concrete works and joints be totally watertight. The basic methodology initially required the installation and fastening of Sika-Waterbar DR EG, an expansion joint sealant for watertight concrete construction, prior to casting of the concrete.

SikaPlast 220VX, a water-reducing multipurpose admixture was dosed at the readymix supplier, and Sika WT-200 P was then added to the load just prior to discharge, and thoroughly mixed. Sika WT-200 P is a combined water-resisting and crystalline waterproofing admixture used to reduce the permeability of concrete and to enhance the selfhealing abilities of the concrete.

SikaPlast-220 VX can be used in both readymix and on-site batching applications, and is ideal for use with lean, harsh concrete mixes, and concrete containing slag, fly ash or microsilica. Additionally, SikaPlast-220 VX’s superplasticising action provides high-slump, flowing concrete that maintains excellent workability and may be placed with minimal vibration.

Application criteria

The selection of a suitable Sika-Waterbar is governed by the type of joint, the concrete thickness, grade of concrete, reinforcement position, expected movement (expansion/shear), as well as the water head to which it is to be exposed. The correct consistency of the concrete itself is also important, and the aggregates must be well graded.

The Sika-Waterbar DR EG range is made from thermoplastic PVC and can therefore be easily heat welded – as adhesive jointing is not permitted. Further advantages include high tensile strength and elongation, permanent flexibility, resistance to hydrostatic pressure/ stress, and a resistance to natural soil and groundwater mediums – all important factors in ensuring a watertight structure.