March 2004

Leading structural waterproofing manufacturer RIW has developed Structureseal, a highly effective waterproofing composite of high strength green coloured geotextile and sodium bentonite.

This pre–applied tanking system is designed for use below ground on vertical and horizontal structural foundation surfaces. Typical applications include back-filled concrete walls, structural slabs and boundary line construction. Boundary line construction applications include secant and contiguous piling, skin wall, metal sheet piling, sprayed concrete finishes and stabilised earth retention walls.

The high swelling sodium bentonite is encapsulated between a non-woven and woven geotextile. A ‘needle punch’ process, interlocks the geotextiles together forming an extremely strong composite that maintains the equal coverage of bentonite as well as protecting it from inclement weather and construction related damage. Subject to normal conditions of use RIW Structureseal will provide an effective barrier to the transmission of liquid water and water vapour for the life of the structure.

The swelling action of Structureseal can self- seal small concrete cracks caused by ground settlement, concrete shrinkage etc and forms a strong mechanical bond to concrete, when the geotextile fibres are encapsulated into the surface of insitu concrete.

RIW Structureseal as a system, has been awarded a British Board of Agrement Certificate No. 02/3953 covering its use in waterproofing and damp-proofing underground structures.

To compliment this product, RIW produces a range of ancillary products for use with Structureseal including RIW’s Waterstop, Sealing Compound, Granules, Washers and the company’s Staple Gun.

The RIW technical department is available to advise on individual projects and to prepare or assist in the preparation of specifications and drawings. A list of experienced applicators of RIW materials are available from RIW Ltd’s offices.