Data Centers & Concrete: Uptime at Risk
- Data centers depend on robust physical infrastructure, but concrete degradation is a silent threat.
- Microcracks and water ingress can compromise structural integrity and equipment safety.
- Moisture reaching steel reinforcement causes corrosion – weakening concrete structure (corroded steel tends to expand; hence concrete spalling)
Concrete Vulnerabilities Impacting Uptime
- Traditional concrete is prone to cracking, water penetration, and abrasion under heavy loads.
- Even minor cracks can lead to leaks that threaten sensitive IT equipment and cause outages.
- Preventing water and chemical ingress is critical to minimizing the odds of costly downtime and maintenance incidents.
Why Xypex? Protecting Digital Infrastructure
Xypex Admix C-500 NF: Integral Waterproofing Admixture
Xypex Admix C-500 NF has been formulated without fine sand, resulting in a more concentrated and pure crystalline waterproofing compound. The “NF” version is typically used when a more concentrated dose is ideal when a smaller volume,
easier batching, or a purer active compound is required.
- Heals cracks over time and withstands extreme hydrostatic pressure – maintaining a watertight structure even under groundwater force.
- Becomes a permanent part of concrete – cannot be punctured or peeled off like external membranes.
- Safe for use in potable water facilities (NSF certified), non-toxic and contains no VOCs – supporting healthy, sustainable construction.
Xypex versus Traditional Membranes
Traditional External Membranes
- Applied on concrete surface; can tear, puncture, or delaminate over time and are vulnerable to installation errors and damage during backfill.
- Membrane systems require additional trades and site coordination (primer, protection boards, etc.) and often have weather constraints.
Xypex Integral Waterproofing
- Mixed into concrete; the waterproofing is throughout the slab, with no seams or layers to fail. The “internal membrane” cannot be damaged by construction or ground movement and lasts as long as the concrete.
- Xypex admixture eliminates an entire waterproofing step, simplifying construction.
Building Resilience with Smart Concrete
Proven in Data Center Projects
- Global Footprint: Xypex has been used in mission-critical facilities (e.g. bank data centers, telecom hubs, hyperscale cloud campuses) around the world.
- Many hyperscale operators specify crystalline admixtures to protect their investments in high-value infrastructure.
- Projects in high water table or flood-prone areas have successfully relied on Xypex to prevent water ingress over decades of operations – with no unplanned downtime from foundation leaks.
Bank of Tanzania used Xypex Concentrate and Patch’n Plug
Bottom-Line
Admix C-500 NF exemplify Xypex’s innovative approach to concrete protection tackling moisture. These technologies ensure that critical facilities stay dry and structurally sound in the long term.
For engineers, architects, and contractors, Xypex simplifies construction and eliminates waterproofing headaches. For investors and operators, it means peace of mind that the digital infrastructure is built on rock-solid resilient foundation.
In an industry where downtime is unacceptable, Xypex provides a cost-effective solution to keep the digital world running-making it an ideal choice for building the data centers of the future.