American Concrete Institute Report Recommends Crystalline Admixtures

The American Concrete Institute (“ACI”) recently went on record with a published report recommending crystalline material class (PRAH-type) admixtures for applications where hydrostatic pressure is significant – a situation typically found in below-grade and water retaining structures. Xypex introduced Xypex Crystalline Technology in the United States some 40 years ago and through the detailed testing and monitoring of thousands of projects, became the most relied upon resource for information regarding crystalline waterproofing to the concrete industry. Our leadership role in this field has also made us the dominant brand, attracting the attention and specifications of architects, engineers and concrete producers around the world. We are particularly proud of the part we have played in ‘laying the groundwork’ for the ACI report and its endorsement.

More information and a copy of the ACI 212-3R-10 report is available online at ACI International.

“XYPEX/slag combination created the densest, most durable, waterproof concrete that we have yet been able to produce…” Joseph Bellomo, Architect

The use of concrete as a design element has always appealed to architects. However, concern over water seepage, efflorescence and rebar corrosion has often held them back. Faced with this issue, Joseph Bellomo Architects used the crystalline waterproofing and protection features of Xypex in an innovative concrete mix on their new LEED Platinum project in Palo Alto, California. A 70% slag concrete mix combined with Xypex Admix was used for the 3600 cubic yards required for the six-story building’s façade.

Joseph Bellomo, principal architect, reported that, “The slag/Xypex combination created the densest, most durable, waterproof concrete that we’ve yet been able to produce. There is no porosity and no signs of efflorescence in the concrete. It is ideal for indoor/outdoor facades, integrated drip edges and tight reinforcement.”

Registered with a LEED certification goal of Platinum this structure, located along California’s central coast at 102 University Avenue in Palo Alto, is expected to provide a sustainable, energy efficient environment – come rain or shine.

Repeat Performance

Xypex was used to waterproof the concrete in the initial construction phase of the Santo Domingo Metro. Over 100,000 lbs (45,000 kg) of Xypex Admix C-1000 NF was installed in the concrete required by 15 km of tunnel construction.

Based on the successful results of this first application, Xypex Admix C-1000NF and its proprietary crystalline technology has again been specified for the waterproofing and protection of the tunneling in the second line of the metro – estimated at 13 km, and a completion date of mid 2012. The Santo Domingo Metro, part of a National Master Plan to improve transportation and expand infrastructure, is the first subway system in the Dominican Republic and the second in the Caribbean and was prompted by the need to reduce the continually rising road traffic congestion and air pollution in the city.

Xypex – The Below-Grade High Water Table Solution

Xypex Crystalline Technology is well known worldwide for its reliability in waterproofing and protecting below grade concrete from ground water, high water tables and extreme hydrostatic pressure. Such were the concerns of the architects, engineers and contractors responsible for the design and construction of Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, a landmark government structure in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Xypex Admix C-2000NF (4325 cubic metres) was blended into the concrete required for the raft slab of the single level basement in this structure.

World of Concrete – Opportunity to Meet

Xypex is always interested in any opportunity to meet with the architects, engineers, contractors and concrete producers who have specified or expressed serious interest in our crystalline concrete waterproofing and protection technology. This year’s WOC offers such an opportunity and we hope you will be able to drop by our booth to meet our team of experts as well as many from our international network of distributors and licensees. The past year has been a good one for Xypex and we want to tell you about it. We have exciting new plans for 2011 and invite you to meet the new management people (see below) who will be helping us realize these plans both domestically and internationally.



Meet Chris Miller
Director of International Development 
Chris joined Xypex as Director of International Development and is responsible for worldwide business outside of North America. Chris holds a degree in International Business Administration and has over 20 years of worldwide construction-related experience. This new position at Xypex represents the company’s commitment to achieving its full international potential.


 

Meet Jim Caruth
Technical Services Manager
Jim Caruth, P.Eng, has embraced his role as Manager of Technical Services to great success. Jim holds a Degree in Civil Engineering and, in joining Xypex, furthers an extensive career in the concrete and construction industry – a career that most recently included technical sales development with Sika Corporation.


 

Meet Bert Korteling
Regional Manager
Bert Korteling has joined Xypex as Regional Manager for the North and Mid-Atlantic States which include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. He is an active member of the Metropolitan New York Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and at this time serves as a Director and Chairman of the Membership Committee.

Xypex AIA Course – Online at Hanley Wood University

How Xypex Crystalline Technology can make concrete better for Architects is now available in a new, fully accredited, easy-to-follow online course at Hanley Wood University’s learning center.

Titled, “Concrete Waterproofing with Crystalline Technology”, this highly interesting and informative course is made even more engaging through the use of flash technology and a unique sound track. Voice, accompanied by easy-to-follow text display, more clearly illuminates the comprehensive content that ranges from the nature of concrete, crystalline technology and how it works, to how it’s applied. A wide range of project applications are also included.

The course is yet another platform for Xypex distance-learning and represents our continuing effort to highlight the ever-expanding role of Xypex in the field of concrete waterproofing, protection and durability.

To view or take the course:

1. Register at Hanley Wood University.
2. Enter Concrete Waterproofing in the Search Box.
3. Click on course title above the Xypex logo.

Introducing Xypex FCM 80

FCM 80 with its exceptional adhesive and elongation characteristics, has recently been added to the Xypex product line, specifically for the repairing of cracks subject to movement, sealing construction joints, restoring deteriorated concrete and waterproofing concrete structures. FCM 80, often used in conjunction with the Xypex Crystalline Concrete Waterproofing and Protection System, is a two-component product consisting of a specialized liquid polymer dispersion and a cementitious powder.

Waterproofing London’s Fourth Tallest Building

Xypex Admix C-1000 was used to waterproof and protect the below-grade concrete slab and elevator pits of this 28-storey skyscraper. Xypex Concentrate Dry-Pac was then installed in all floor-wall joints followed by a slurry coat application of Xypex Concentrate. Changing the skyline, the Willis Building is the fourth tallest building in London. Its progressive environmental strategy surpasses statutory carbon reduction targets and meets the highest standards for sustainability. Over 15,000 cubic metres of concrete were used in its construction.

Located in the heart of London’s financial district, the Willis Building is the new headquarters of the global insurance broker, Willis Group Holdings. Designed by world-renowned architects Foster + Partners, the building won the New City Architecture Award for its unique architectural form and contribution to the streetscape and skyscape of the City of London. The project is significant in both urban and environmental terms. Most of the material from demolition of the previous building was recycled and crushed for use in the 38-metre-deep foundations.

Architects: Foster + Partners

Xypex Selected to Help Meet Superior Environmental Standards

The Academy of Science in San Francisco, designed by Renzo Piano emphasizes light, fluidity and transparency and incorporates a 2.5 acre Living Roof, recycled and natural materials, and a photovoltaic ‘solar halo’ which provides a minimum of 10% of the structure’s energy requirements. The Academy was designed with superior environmental standards in mind, striving for the highest LEED rating possible: Platinum. The non-toxic and eco-friendly characteristics of Xypex made it the ideal choice for the waterproofing and protection of the 4,000 cu. yds. of concrete used to construct the building’s foundation slab and walls. Over 48,000 lbs. of Xypex C-500 were used on this innovative structure.

Architect: Gordon H. Chong and Partners Contractor: Webcor Construction