PVC WATERSTOP

INSTALLATION GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sika® Greenstreak PVC waterstops have been the industry

standard for over 40 years. These high performance products
are formulated, compounded, and manufactured by Sika using
only prime resins and all virgin raw materials. Sika® Greenstreak
PVC waterstops meet or exceed the standards of the most
stringent specifications, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CRD-C 572-74.
PVC waterstops are for use in concrete joints subjected to hydrostatic
pressure. Embedded in concrete, PVC waterstops span the joint to
form a continuous, watertight diaphragm that prevents the passage of liquid through the
joint. The waterstop must be properly selected and installed to accommodate joint
expansion, contraction, and other longitudinal and transverse movements. In addition to
these considerations, the waterstop must also be resistant to any liquids to which the
waterstop may be exposed.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:
Pvc waterstops are installed prior to concrete Split Formwork and
placement to ensure proper positioning and concrete Anchored Flange
consolidation around the waterstop. Split formwork is
generally required for slab-to-slab, slab-to-wall, and
wall-to-wall joints where ribbed or dumbbell style
waterstops are used. Base seal (also known as
“exterior” or “rear guard” waterstop), labyrinth, and
split flange waterstops are installed in a different
manner and are addressed in a separate installation
guide. Split forms allow half of the waterstop to be
positioned within the first pour with the other half
Projecting into the second pour. The centerline of the
Waterstop should be aligned with the center of the joint. Size and style of the waterstop determine permissible
variation from the centerline. Contact sika for specific guidelines.
The split form should firmly hold the waterstop in position to prevent misalignment of the waterstop during concrete
placement. A tight fit between the waterstop and the form is also necessary to prevent excessive leakage of concrete
paste, which could lead to honeycombing of the concrete.

PVC waterstops must be properly secured prior to concrete placement. This is accomplished with factory-applied
grommets or pre-punched holes, or field-applied hog rings placed on 300 mm (12 in) centers between the two
outermost ribs of the waterstop. Factory-punched grommets and pre-punched holes are not available for dumbbell style
waterstop profiles. Alternatively, field-applied hog rings can be punched into the dumbbells. Tie wire is looped through
the hog ring, grommet, or punched hole and tied off to adjacent reinforcement. This adequately secures the waterstop
to prevent any displacement or “folding over” of the waterstop during concrete placement.

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INSTALLATION GUIDE

Never place nails or screws through the body of the waterstop. Note that
thicker waterstop profiles are less likely to fold over and reduce the
potential for the hog rings or grommets to tear out of the waterstop due
to the stresses induced during concrete placement.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
Thoroughly consolidate the concrete around the waterstop to prevent
voids or honeycombing adjacent to the waterstop. Pay particular
attention to the underside of horizontally placed waterstops to ensure
proper concrete consolidation. Intimate contact between the concrete
and waterstop is necessary for full performance of a waterstop. Voids
next to the waterstop can significantly compromise its water stopping
ability. Furthermore, maintain adequate clearance between reinforcing
steel and the waterstop. Typical clearance should be twice the maximum
aggregate size. Inadequate clearance can promote formation of voids due to aggregate bridging. The waterstop should
never be cut or modified to allow reinforcement to pass through the waterstop.
Be sure that the PVC waterstop is clean prior to concrete placement. It is difficult to achieve a quality seal if the
waterstop is greasy, dirty, or covered with concrete residue. Store PVC waterstops under a tarp or indoors to avoid direct
exposure to sunlight. PVC can suffer UV degradation from the sun. Extended UV exposure will leach the plasticizer from
the PVC, reducing its physical properties and causing the PVC to become brittle. Protect installed waterstops from UV if
the PVC waterstop will be exposed for more than 30 days.

SPLICING REQUIREMENTS
Continuity of the waterstop is critical for optimum performance of the waterstop system. Poorly constructed transitions,
intersections and splices are prime locations for leaks. Lapping of the waterstop should never be permitted. Continuity of
the waterstop profile, including ribs, dumbbells and center bulbs is also critical and should be maintained through
changes of direction and transitions. Continuity is maintained at these locations by use of mitered welds. Mitered
fabrications offer the additional benefit of longer weld lines resulting in stronger transitions.
PVC waterstop is easily butt spliced with a thermostatically controlled waterstop welding iron equipped with a
replaceable peel-and-stick Teflon cover. The ends of the waterstop must be cut square to form matching edges.
Uniformly and simultaneously melt the waterstop ends at roughly 193 °C (380 °F) using the waterstop welding iron. It
is important to use an indirect source of heat for this procedure. Direct exposure to a flame will change the chemical
composition of the PVC and result in a weak weld. When a 3 mm (1/8 in) diameter melted bead of PVC material develops
at each waterstop end, quickly remove the ends of the waterstop from the welding iron and immediately press the two
waterstop ends together, keeping the waterstop properly aligned at the weld. Hold until the material has fused and
cooled. Allow the splice to cool completely before installing. Surface temperature of the splicing iron must be maintained
to avoid burning or charring the material. Welding irons have resistance type heating elements and experience
diminished performance if a reduced voltage is supplied. Avoid operating with long runs of small gauge extension cords.
Experience has shown that mitered intersections (such as “L’s”, “T’s”, and “X’s”) are difficult to accomplish on site. Factory
fabrications are strongly recommended, leaving only straight butt splices for the field. Using factory fabricated
intersections ensures the owner, engineer, and contractor that all intersections are of a high quality waterstop system.
Welding irons, fabrications, and accessories are available through Sika’s network of distributors. Sika® Greenstreak
welding irons are available in multiple sizes. When ordering, verify that the splicing iron size is large enough to
accommodate the size and geometry of the waterstop profile being used

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UNACCEPTABLE
SPLICING DEFECTS
INCLUDE

 Tensile strength less than 80 % of the parent section

 Misalignment of centerbulb greater than 1.5 mm (1/16 in)
 Bond failure at joint deeper than 1.5 mm (1/16 in) or 15 %
of material thickness, whichever is less
 Misalignment which reduces waterstop cross section more
than 15 %
 Visible porosity in the weld
 Bubbles or inadequate bonding
 Visible splice separation when a cooled splice is bent by
hand at a sharp angle
 Charred or burnt material
 For additional technical assistance, contact a Sika Technical
Services

Sika Canada Inc. Other locations

Head Office Boisbriand (QC)
601, Avenue Delmar Brantford; Cambridge;
Pointe-Claire, Quebec Sudbury; Toronto (ON) 1-800-933-SIKA
H9R 4A9 Edmonton (AB) Surrey (BC) www.sika.ca

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