4 Types of Concrete Water Stops and What They Do

Waterstops are embedded into, and continuously run through, concrete structures or slabs for the purpose of preventing water and other fluids from passing through. There are two main categories for concrete waterstops. The first includes waterstops for concrete joints in which the adjoint concrete sections do not move, while the second category includes waterstops for concrete joints in which the adjoint concrete sections do experience movement.

From there, more types of waterstops exist. Continue reading to learn the top 4 most common concrete waterstops.

Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Contractors
Indianapolis Commercial Concrete Contractors 317-549-1833

Extruded Plastic Waterstops

Extruded plastics and thermosets, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV), are common materials used to manufacture concrete waterstops. Other rubbers used to make waterstops include neoprene, styrene-butadiene, and even natural rubber.

Metal Waterstops

Metal waterstops come in coils as large as 50 m, and usually between 1.0 to 1.5 mm in thickness and 250 to 300 mm in width. Some metal waterstops are coated with polymeric or hydrophilic materials, or both in some cases. Such coatings form a tighter bond with concrete, and therefore, a second barrier against fluids.

Hydrophobic Polymer Waterstops

Hydrophobic polymer waterstops are made from the same kinds of extruded plastics mentioned before, like PVC and TPV. These kinds of waterstops are meant to do two jobs at once: allow direct interlocking into concrete, and prevent movement at the joints. They are generally applied to joints in secondary containment structures to prevent toxic or hazardous fluids from passing through.

Hydrophilic Waterstops

Also known as “water-loving” waterstops, hydrophilic waterstops are rubber strips that are enhanced with hydrophilic agents like bentonite. This modification causes the waterstops to swell when exposed to moisture or fluids. As a result, concrete joints are better sealed against leakage. However, such waterstops are not used in joints that move, such as expansion and contraction joints.

Commercial Concrete Contractors in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial concrete services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Safety Tips for Concrete Mixers and Trucks

There have many several accounts of injuries and accidents reported from the concrete industry. Most of these accidents happen in the presence of a concrete mixer or concrete pumping truck. Fingers, hands, and even arms have been lost as a result of negligence in the workplace. When it comes to operating a concrete mixing truck, and pouring concrete, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and take all necessary precautions. Continue reading to learn some valuable safety rules and tips that can protect you and your workers from future accidents and injuries.

Indianapolis Asphalt Repair
Indianapolis Asphalt Repair

Pouring and Loading Concrete Mixers

One of the most common mistakes made in the concrete paving industry is contractors using their hands to manually empty the pump while the pump motor is still on. Just because the remote is turn off doesn’t mean you are safe and in the clear! The button can be leaned on or accidentally pressed and the motor can turn on while hands or arms are inside. Always remember this when operating a concrete mixing truck. This is what leads to accidental amputations on the job. In fact, that is rule number one.

Safety Rules 1, 2, & 3:

❶ Never Place Body Parts Inside the Outlet Valve, Lubrication Box, or Hopper.

Concrete mixing trucks require routine maintenance and service to achieve optimal performance capacity. This is a dangerous job that requires acute attention to detail and safety obedience. Always read the manufacturer’s manual before attempting to work with, clean, repair, or operate a concrete pump truck. It requires thorough knowledge and understanding of the machine before anyone can operate it on their own. You learn important safety guidelines, like:

❷ Always Turn Off the Pump Motor, Remove the Key, and Confirm All Pressure Levels are at Zero Before Placing Hands Near Moving Parts.

Sometimes, concrete hoses can clog or become damaged. This can cause accidents and serious injuries. This is because a clogged hose can burst and cause burns, disfigurement, property damage, and even death. Damaged reducers or elbows can cause equally devastating injuries and consequences. This is why you should always abide by safety rule number three:

❸ On a Daily Basis, Inspect Concrete Hoses, Clamps, Reducers, Elbows, Etc. and Throw Out Damaged Equipment.

Routine maintenance for concrete mixers is vital for protecting your equipment and investment. Hydraulic oil needs changed regularly, as well as, filters, motor oil, and all other fluids. Also, all other parts should be inspected for wear and tear, and replaced or repaired as need; such as filters, hoses, fittings, clamps, nuts bolts, and everything else. A truck in good condition is less likely to malfunction or cause injury.

Commercial Pavement Installation and Repair for Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town, including crack filling, overlays, resurfacing, and sealcoating. Request a free estimate, today!

ACI Asphalt & Concrete Provides Commercial Paving Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

ACI Asphalt & Concrete has officially launched its brand new website for commercial paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. This new website has all the resources you need when it comes to learning about commercial asphalt and concrete work. Their licensed, bonded, and insured teams of qualified technicians have more than 30 years of industry experience and training.

They are the experts to trust for accurate and reliable information or advice concerning road work. Continue reading to learn more about their paving services and how to contact a certified road contractor for paving services.

Commercial Industrial Pavement Repair

Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

There are several areas of asphalt and concrete construction. Industrial and commercial properties and land are common places that require regular or routine paving services. Hospitals, shopping malls, schools, apartment complexes, residential neighborhoods, and more are all places that benefit from professional paving service. From repairs to paint, our commercial paving contractors are the specialists that know how to facilitate these services while exceeding client expectations and construction codes. ACI offers a wide selection of road work.

Here is a short list of paving services ACI Asphalt & Concrete offers property owners in Indianapolis:

• Asphalt Paving
• Concrete Paving
• Road Milling
• Road Striping
• Seal Coating
• Excavation Work
• Demolition
• Concrete/Asphalt Repair
• Asphalt Removal
• Concrete Removal or Replacement
• Parking Lots/Curbs/Steps
• And More!

ACI Asphalt and Concrete in Indianapolis, IN

ACI Asphalt and Concrete truly offers the most reliable and reputable commercial paving services in Indianapolis, IN. We are licensed, bonded, and insured asphalt and concrete paving contractors with more than 30 years of experience in the road construction industry.

Our company is known best for its 100% honest workmanship and rates; as well as, our dedication to consistent and reliable paving services and road work. You may call 317-549-1833, any time, to speak with a live asphalt and concrete paving technician about concrete services, asphalt services, and more in Indianapolis, Indiana.