For sealing non-moving construction joints in underground structures, basements, tunnels, and retaining walls, Pasco Aquastop provides a permanently active, swelling seal that prevents water migration under hydrostatic pressure. This hydrophilic polymer rubber waterstop is designed to replace conventional PVC waterbars in concrete joints, eliminating the need for seam welding and split forming.
Aquastop contains sodium bentonite, a clay structured with tightly packed, charged microscopic platelets. When water contacts the joint, molecules are attracted to these positive and negative charges, wedging between the platelets and causing them to swell. This controlled expansion forms an impermeable barrier. As hydrostatic pressure increases, the clay platelets compact to create a tighter, self-healing pressure seal that fills small voids and cracks in the concrete.
Aquastop is suitable for vertical and horizontal non-moving concrete construction joints, precast panels, and around penetrations, including:
All concrete surfaces must be clean, structurally sound, and free of standing water, form release agents, curing compounds, and dirt. Brush-apply Aquastop adhesive along the concrete surface to the width of the waterbar (1 litre covers approximately 30 metres). Press the waterstop firmly into the adhesive while it is still tacky, typically within 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the release paper. If the adhesive dries before application, reapply. Ensure vertical sections are secured at the highest coil end, and butt-join all roll ends tightly together to maintain a continuous seal.
Yes, Aquastop is safe for use in potable water tanks. It is certified non-toxic, making it suitable for contact with drinking water.
No, Aquastop is not designed for expansion joints. It is engineered to seal non-moving construction joints, where it expands to create a permanent pressure seal.
Aquastop can withstand hydrostatic head up to 70 metres. This performance is verified over 25 wet/dry cycles, ensuring long-term resistance.
Aquastop is compressible and malleable, allowing it to conform to irregular contours. It fills minor cavities and cracks, ensuring a continuous seal without leaving gaps.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing non-moving concrete construction joints | Prevents water ingress by forming an impermeable, self-healing seal with up to 300% expansion and 70m hydrostatic head resistance. | Concreters, Waterproofers, Civil Contractors |
| Sealing around pipe and utility penetrations | Conforms to irregular shapes and fills voids, providing a continuous, positive seal against water infiltration. | Plumbers, Civil Contractors, Waterproofers |
| Waterproofing precast concrete panel joints | Compressible and malleable for good contact, eliminating the need for traditional waterbar welding or split forming. | Precast Installers, Concreters |
| Sealing joints in potable water structures | Non-toxic formulation makes it safe for use in tanks and reservoirs designed for drinking water storage. | Civil Contractors, Tank Builders |
| Waterproofing underground structures (basements, tunnels) | Permanently active system provides a durable, long-term barrier against groundwater pressure, unaffected by wet/dry cycling. | Civil Contractors, Waterproofers |
This material is not classified as hazardous according to Safe Work Australia GHS 7. No known hazards are associated with normal use.
Wear safety shoes, overalls, nitrile rubber gloves for intermittent contact, and safety glasses.
Ensure ventilation is adequate to maintain air concentrations below Exposure Standards. Use in well-ventilated areas, especially when generating dust.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight and away from foodstuffs. Keep containers closed and upright. Shelf life is 12 months minimum when stored below 25°C. Dispose of material and containers according to local regulations.
Proper surface preparation is crucial for Aquastop to achieve its documented waterproofing performance and to prevent product failure.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are structurally sound and clean. Remove all dirt, dust, grease, paint, oil, form release agents, and curing compounds. Standing water must be removed before application.
Primer: Required. Apply Aquastop adhesive by brush along the concrete, covering the width of the waterstop strip. The waterstop should be applied while the adhesive is still tacky (within 10-15 minutes).
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hydrostatic Head Resistance | >70 m (25 cycles) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.57 |
| Wet/Dry Cycling | No effect (25 cycles @ 70m) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 40˚C to 80˚C |
| Elongation | >450% |
| Colour | Black |
| Adhesion to Clean Dry Concrete | Excellent |
| Penetration Cone (ASTM D-217) | 4±5 |
| Expansion | 100 - 300% |
| Form | Putty |
| Density | 1.6 - 1.7 g/mL |
| Flash Point | 185 °C |
Here are some common examples on where Pasco Aquastop used by our customers.
