Concrete joints below ground are a prime entry point for water. Stopping that infiltration demands a positive, active barrier, not just a passive resistance. Pasco Aquastop delivers certainty in these critical areas, transforming a potential leak path into a permanently sealed barrier, even under pressure.
Leaks in basements, lift pits, or tunnels start small. They escalate into structural degradation, demanding costly remediation. Pasco Aquastop exists to prevent this from the outset. It’s a flexible hydrophilic polymer rubber waterstop, specifically engineered for non-moving construction joints and penetrations in concrete structures below ground. Unlike traditional PVC or rubber waterbars that rely on complex welding or split forming, Aquastop integrates a bentonite clay mechanism. On contact with water, its charged microscopic platelets attract water molecules, initiating a controlled expansion of 100-300%. This forms an impermeable, self-healing, pressure-tight seal. As hydrostatic pressure increases, these platelets compact further, reinforcing the seal against water ingress.
Installation is straightforward, designed to simplify a complex waterproofing task. Surfaces must be sound, clean, and dry, free from contaminants and standing water. Apply a compatible adhesive, such as Pasco Aquastop Adhesive, along the concrete surface. While the adhesive remains tacky, press the Aquastop firmly into place, ensuring good contact. Joins are simply butt-ended, forming a continuous barrier without the need for welding or complex overlaps. Crucially, do not pre-hydrate the waterstop or submerge it before concrete placement; its activation must occur in situ.
Pasco Aquastop excels in demanding below-ground waterproofing applications where long-term performance is critical. It is a proven solution for sealing non-moving construction joints and details in:
In critical systems like capping beams, construction joints, and penetrations, Pasco Aquastop is typically the first step in the waterproofing sequence. It is cast into the concrete itself, establishing a primary, active water barrier before any other membrane or detailing layers are applied. This ensures the joint itself is sealed from within, providing robust protection against hydrostatic pressure that external systems might struggle to contain alone.
Yes, Aquastop is safe for use in potable water tanks. It is certified non-toxic, making it suitable for contact with drinking water.
No, Aquastop is not designed for expansion joints. It is engineered to seal non-moving construction joints, where it expands to create a permanent pressure seal.
Aquastop can withstand hydrostatic head up to 70 metres. This performance is verified over 25 wet/dry cycles, ensuring long-term resistance.
Aquastop is compressible and malleable, allowing it to conform to irregular contours. It fills minor cavities and cracks, ensuring a continuous seal without leaving gaps.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing non-moving concrete construction joints | Prevents water ingress by forming an impermeable, self-healing seal with up to 300% expansion and 70m hydrostatic head resistance. | Concreters, Waterproofers, Civil Contractors |
| Sealing around pipe and utility penetrations | Conforms to irregular shapes and fills voids, providing a continuous, positive seal against water infiltration. | Plumbers, Civil Contractors, Waterproofers |
| Waterproofing precast concrete panel joints | Compressible and malleable for good contact, eliminating the need for traditional waterbar welding or split forming. | Precast Installers, Concreters |
| Sealing joints in potable water structures | Non-toxic formulation makes it safe for use in tanks and reservoirs designed for drinking water storage. | Civil Contractors, Tank Builders |
| Waterproofing underground structures (basements, tunnels) | Permanently active system provides a durable, long-term barrier against groundwater pressure, unaffected by wet/dry cycling. | Civil Contractors, Waterproofers |
This material is not classified as hazardous according to Safe Work Australia GHS 7. No known hazards are associated with normal use.
Wear safety shoes, overalls, nitrile rubber gloves for intermittent contact, and safety glasses.
Ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations below Exposure Standards. Use in well-ventilated areas, especially when generating dust.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight and away from foodstuffs. Keep containers closed and upright. Shelf life is 12 months minimum when stored below 25°C. Dispose of material and containers according to local regulations.
Proper surface preparation is crucial for Aquastop to achieve its documented waterproofing performance and to prevent product failure.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are structurally sound and clean. Remove all dirt, dust, grease, paint, oil, form release agents, and curing compounds. Standing water must be removed before application.
Primer: Required. Apply Aquastop adhesive by brush along the concrete, covering the width of the waterstop strip. The waterstop should be applied while the adhesive is still tacky (within 10-15 minutes).
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hydrostatic Head Resistance | >70 m (25 cycles) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.57 |
| Wet/Dry Cycling | No effect (25 cycles @ 70m) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 40˚C to 80˚C |
| Elongation | >450% |
| Colour | Black |
| Adhesion to Clean Dry Concrete | Excellent |
| Penetration Cone (ASTM D-217) | 4±5 |
| Expansion | 100 - 300% |
| Form | Putty |
| Density | 1.6 - 1.7 g/mL |
| Flash Point | 185 °C |
Here are some common examples on where Pasco Aquastop used by our customers.
