Reliable and cost-effective solutions for joint waterproofing.

HydroBar Original

The original swellable solution

Sodium bentonite clay waterbars are a valuable element of any waterproofing system, providing a simple, tried and tested solution for sealing construction joints.

Concrete can be waterproofed on mass using highly effective additives such as Xypex Admix. However, at the static joint where concrete shrinkage may take place, a hydrophilic expandable waterbar is a simple solution to seal the gap. It works in synergy with the structure and becomes an integral element of the waterproofing solution.

Hundreds of thousands of metres of bentonite waterbars have been used in conjunction with Xypex waterproofing products around the world for the last two decades. HydroBar Original is the latest bentonite version of this solution. The product has a proven history of durability and stability in many projects containing Xypex.

Description

HydroBar Original swells up to 350 % when in contact with water, depending on the impurities in the water. This produces an internal pressure within the cured concrete mass, sealing against the ingress of water from any direction. This will not affect the Xypex crystalline structure in the same way the crystalline structure will not affect the bentonite. Even after repeated wet / dry cycles, HydroBar Original seals against water due to the butyl rubber content.

In addition, HydroBar Original has been developed to have an increased resistance to “wash out” (an effect of the wet / dry cycle process*) compared to other traditional bentonite waterbar products on the market.

HydroBar Original is for use in all normal circumstances; For salt environments please see HydroBar Evo. In polluted areas or where the product is exposed to manure and slurry, please contact your Manorteq representative.

Size: 20 mm × 25 mm × 5.000 mm (H, W & L)

Benefits of HydroBar Original and HydroBar Evo

 

HydroBar Original

HydroBar Evo

Protection against rain and ground water

Yes

Yes

Protection against salt water

No

Yes

Sealing force

1.25 tonnes per m

2.6 tonnes per m

Complete wet / dry* cycles

> 3

> 35

Does it return to its original shape?

No, it will reduce in size if the water is removed but never return to its original shape.

Yes, within reason it will always return almost to its original shape.

Fixing with Fixing Glue?

Yes

Yes

Fixing with Fixing Wire, nails and washers?

Yes

Yes, if gluing is not appropriate.

Fixing with nails and washers only?

Yes

No. It will tear and most likely become dislodged when concrete is poured on it. 

Fixing with SynMastic?

Yes, but it will not be as secure as the above methods.

 

However, any voids between are and substrate MUST be filled with SynMastic.  

Yes, but it will not be as secure as the above methods.

 

However, any voids between are and substrate MUST be filled with SynMastic. 

Fixing horizontally?

Yes

Yes

Fixing vertically?

Yes

Yes

Fixing overhead?

Yes

Yes

* Often, when wet / dry cycles are referenced, it refers to laboratory condition tests where material is thoroughly wetted and then completely dried. In the ‘real world’ this is highly unlikely to occur unless very long periods of hot, dry weather are experienced between rain.

Please note: This information is for general guidance only. It does not constitute as a detailed guide for a specific application. Due to the unique circumstances of every site, each installation must be assessed on a project-by-project basis as there may be many variables to consider. Independent professional advice should be sought on each installation. The information is to the best of Manorteq Ltd.’s knowledge and belief, accurate and reliable of the date indicated. However, no representation, warranty or guarantee is made to its accuracy, reliability, or completeness.

Installation of HydroBar Original

Installation of HydroBar Original 01
Installation of HydroBar Original 02
Installation of HydroBar Original 03
Installation of HydroBar Original 04

Place HydroBar Original on a smooth, latent and dust free surface – concrete or metal.

Do not install HydroBar Original during heavy rainfall, as it may result in swelling before the concrete has been poured.

Avoid all contact with water before concrete casting. 

HydroBar Original should be positioned so that it is a minimum of 80 mm from any exposed surface of the concrete.

HydroBar Original can be fixed by:

  1. Manorteq Fixing Wire with nails and washers – Fixings at 250 mm centres maximum.
  2. Manorteq Fixing Glue
  3. Manorteq SynMastic
  4. Nails with washers – Fixings at 200 mm centres maximum.

At joins of the HydroBar Original, ends must overlap by a minimum of 100mm, laid side by side, ensuring there is a continuous connection between them. They should not be placed one on top of the other. 

HydroBar Original can be adhered to PVC pipe penetrations using Manorteq Fixing Glue or tie wire.

Any HydroBar Original that is damaged, already swollen, or where the shape has changed should not be installed. 

For salt / saline environments please see HydroBar Evo. In polluted environments or where there is in contact with manure or slurry, please contact your Manorteq representative. 

More detailed information on the application of Manorteq Fixing Glue, Fixing Wire and SynMastic can be found on separate Technical Data Sheets. 

Watch our HydroBar Original installation video

Play Video about YouTube video - installation of HydroBar Original

Please note: This information is for general guidance only. It does not constitute as a detailed guide for a specific application. Due to the unique circumstances of every site, each installation must be assessed on a project-by-project basis as there may be many variables to consider. Independent professional advice should be sought on each installation. The information is to the best of Manorteq Ltd.’s knowledge and belief, accurate and reliable of the date indicated. However, no representation, warranty or guarantee is made to its accuracy, reliability, or completeness.

Download

Technical Data Sheet

HydroBar Original

339 kB

FAQ’s

1Why use a waterbar?

Waterproof concrete creates a waterproof barrier within the mass of the concrete; however, this is not likely to seal the day / construction joints, therefore, something needs to be done at this intersection.

2Why use a Static waterbar?
A Static waterbar's primary role is to place a tortuous path in the line of the water ingress. However, Manorteq Static Waterbars are more technical than just placing an obstacle in the way. Depending on the specification of the Manorteq Static Waterbar, it will either adhere to the concrete, swell against the concrete, or create permanent formwork for the concrete, saving time and cost of other trades.
3Why use a hydrophilic (Active) waterbar rather than a Static one?
A hydrophilic waterbar, either bentonite or synthetic rubber, does more than just place an obstacle in the way. When water touches it, it expands and creates an internal pressure against the concrete. This stops the water migrating through the void that has been created by concrete shrinkage at the construction/day joint.
4Why use HydroBar Original rather than HydroBar Evo?
  • Bentonite is a tried and tested method that has been used with the Xypex waterproofing system.
  • Bentonite becomes fibrous as it swells, it can "reach out" and fill fissures and bleed tracks in the concrete aiding the waterproofing
  • It is physically bigger and therefore it provides a natural physical barrier prior to the swelling being activated.
  • More options in the way it is installed.
5Why use HydroBar Evo rather than HydroBar Original?
  • It is significantly lighter making it easier to:
    • install overhead
    • hold its form - it will not sag under its own weight in heat.
    • ship - it's 83% lighter
  • It is more malleable, making it easier to thread between rebar etc.
  • The pressure it places on the concrete internally is more.
6Can I just place a HydroBar on the concrete or loosely tack it in place?
No. All HydroBar needs to be fixed securely to stop it moving or becoming dislodged when concrete is placed on it.
7Can I place a HydroBar anywhere?
Almost. However there needs to be enough concrete cover to retain the HydroBar at pressure. Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet for more information.
8Will the products interfere with the Xypex waterproofing system?
No. All Manorteq ancillary products are developed and selected to integrate seamlessly with the Xypex waterproofing system, as well as others.
9What is the preferred way to fit HydroBar Original?
Fixing Wire and nails - Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet.
10What is the prefered way to fit HydroBar Evo?

Fixing Glue - Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet.

11What is the preferred way to fit HydroBar Evo?
Fixing Glue - Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet.
12If the concrete surface is uneven, can I use HydroBar Evo?
Yes. The concrete should be clean and as flat as possible. However, if the surface is undulating, Manorteq Fixing Glue can be applied to the surface providing it is clean and free of loose material. It is imperative that the glue is in full contact with the concrete surface and the HydroBar Evo to ensure a successful application. NO gaps are acceptable. If Fixing Wire is used, SynMastic MUST be used to fill the voids under the HydroBar Evo for the full length of the application. Again, NO gaps are acceptable.
13If I use the Active waterbar system, do I have to only use this on the project?
No. It integrates seamlessly with the WaterBar Rigid System.