Brand of concrete for water resistance: characteristics and

Concrete is one of the most frequently used materials in modern construction. At the same time, there are many types of its species, which differ in different characteristics and properties. However, professional masters are most interested in the brand of concrete for waterproofing the foundation, since it is from this parameter that the quality of the entire product and its service life will depend.

General concepts and purpose

To begin with, it is worth saying that all types of such concrete are marked with the Latin letter “W”, followed by a numerical designation. At the same time, these figures indicate the pressure applied to the sample at the rate of one kilogram per square centimeter, at which they will not pass water. It should be noted that the water resistance of concrete according to GOST is checked on a frozen material with a height and diameter of 15 cm.

Required criteria

First of all, it must be said that the water resistance of a given material directly depends on the composition of its small particles and the binder. Therefore, special types of cement are often used to create a moisture-resistant material, which are used in a larger ratio to the filler.

However, some masters often confuse the brand of concrete for frost resistance and water resistance with the classification of binders, which is absolutely wrong and when ordered can lead to unpleasant consequences.

• Also, this characteristic of the material depends on the plasticizers used in it.. There are special additives that can significantly improve this parameter. However, it must be remembered that they also affect the strength of the final product and when working with it may require diamond drilling of holes in concrete, and not the simplest use of a puncher, which means making all the seats and openings at the reinforcement stage.
• The presence of air bubbles in the product has a special effect on water resistance.. The less macroporosity it contains, the more reliable and denser it will be, which means it will not let water through. Such a structure is achieved by using special vibrators at the filling stage, which, using certain vibrations, remove all air bubbles from the still liquid composition.

It is worth noting that the brands of concrete and frost resistance and water resistance suggest that these parameters, which are indicated in the characteristic or name, will be achieved immediately after the mortar has completely set, which is equal to 90 days.

The fact is that after a certain period of operation, they can increase, since the product will gain strength, which is used by unscrupulous manufacturers, indicating the opposite in the specification.

Tip! Independent production of concrete with high water resistance is quite possible, since it is enough just to use good cement, to have the necessary amount of plasticizer and to use a vibrator when solidifying. However, it will be very difficult to determine its parameters and you will have to trust your skills and experience.

Using

The conventional classification of concrete by water resistance implies that the W2 and W4 grades get a characteristic with normal absorbency, and can be used to create various building elements or structures.

They are quite practical and have a low cost.

• Products with the classification of W6 and W8 is quite suitable for the manufacture of foundations of varying complexity and configuration. However, it must be borne in mind that the installation manual strongly recommends that when it is applied, it is necessary to manufacture hermetic joints and arrange additional waterproofing.
• Experts advise the use of the W10 and W12 marks only in cases where the base will be located on the soil, which is characterized by spring spills and periodic elevation of the groundwater level. The fact is that the price of such material is quite high and when pouring it is worth using several vibrators, carrying out constant quality control.

Other types of mixtures are used only in specific structures or for the manufacture of piles. It is assumed that the design will have constant contact with water and possibly even sea. Therefore, to create such mixtures with your own hands is very difficult and sometimes practically impossible.

Tip! You should not buy expensive brands of concrete for the manufacture of the simplest products, since this will have practically no effect on the quality and will only lead to overspending.

Recommendations

• Usually, the concrete strength increases with water resistance. Therefore, upon further installation, it may be necessary to cut the reinforced concrete with diamond circles.
• Before the solution hardens completely and the time necessary for its complete solidification does not pass, it is not necessary to subject it to various kinds of influences and checks.
• When purchasing ready-made concrete, you should ask about the presence of a special certificate or certificate confirming that it is the material of the desired grade and corresponds to the stated characteristics.

Conclusion

Ознакомившись с видео в этой статье можно подробно изучить все разновидности бетона по данному показателю. Также на основании статьи, которая приведена выше, стоит сделать вывод о том, что для каждого вида работ существует свой тип материалов, который разработан именно для него (см.также статью «Кабель для прогрева бетона: ключевой элемент системы внутреннего отопления раствора»).