Exciting New Report on Permeability Reducing Admixtures (PRAs)
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a non-profit organization devoted to all matters related to concrete. Their extensive documentation and educational programs have made them the go-to resource for the industry. Recently, ACI published a new report on chemical admixtures for concrete called ACI 212.3R-10. This document contains a new chapter (15) focused entirely on Permeability Reducing Admixtures (PRAs). For those of us in the concrete waterproofing business, Chapter 15 has us very excited!
Prior to the new Chapter 15, permeability-reducing admixtures were mentioned only in passing as waterproofers or damp proofers – tucked away within a no-man’s-land chapter entitled Miscellaneous. Today, this specific category of admixtures has its own chapter, which is an assimilation of an enormous body of work. The chapter finally dispenses with troublesome terms like waterproof and damp proof. It explains (finally) that not all PRAs are created equal and discusses the three primary categories and how they function. The chapter discusses suitable applications for each type and provides a wealth of information on how to properly test and evaluate a PRA to ensure it's suitable for the intended use.
Perhaps the greatest value of the new chapter comes from its clear categorization of permeability-reducing admixtures into two divisions: Permeability Reducing Admixtures for Hydrostatic (PRAH) conditions and Permeability Reducing Admixtures for Non-Hydrostatic (PRAN) conditions. The difference between the two is simple and straightforward. At last we have clear and descriptive language to use when speaking about these special types of chemical admixtures.
Chapter 15 embodies research dating back nearly five years. Volunteers from across the industry spent countless hours and untold effort in its development. The result is an excellent and valuable document.
The Original Integral Crystalline Waterproofing Admixture
Krystol Internal Membrane™ (KIM®) is the world's leading and original integral crystalline concrete waterproofing admixture. KIM eliminates the need for conventional external waterproofing membranes. It saves time, money and hassle at the construction site and over the lifetime of the concrete.
How it Works
KIM provides maximum waterproof protection by forming crystals throughout the concrete. The chemicals lie dormant until water activates crystal growth, blocking the flow of water through the concrete. Using KIM eliminates the need to use conventional waterproofing membranes by protecting the concrete from the inside out.
Application Instructions
KIM was the first crystalline admixture to be available in pulpable bags for easy addition to the concrete mixer. It won the 'Most Innovative Product' award from the World of Concrete tradeshow. In addition, KIM is the first concrete admixture to be certified by the International Code Council - Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) as a Chemical Admixture used in Concrete (AC198).
Download Application Instructions