As infrastructure networks age and transportation demands increase, the long-term protection of bridges, overpasses, culverts, and other critical concrete structures has become a top priority for engineers and contractors.
Andries Janse van Rensburg, Specialty Building Materials Business Development Manager, Chryso Southern Africa. All images provided by Chryso Southern Africa
Within the Saint-Gobain Group, GCP’s internationally proven waterproofing technology is now available in South Africa through Chryso Southern Africa, providing advanced solutions for both new build and refurbishment projects. These products, including BITUTHENE® 5000 and ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing, are designed to extend service life, improve safety and reduce costly maintenance of critical transportation infrastructure.
BITUTHENE® 5000 is a highly durable composite membrane developed for use under hot-applied asphalt concrete abrasion courses. Incorporating a moisture- and water-resistant rubberized asphalt layer and reinforced with puncture- and heat-resistant polypropylene mesh, providing dimensional stability, flexibility, and excellent adhesion.
Supplied in rolls with protective release paper for easy handling, the membrane is cold applied, requiring no heating or hot asphalt bedding. Suitable for both new construction and refurbishment applications, it provides effective waterproofing for bridges, overpasses, other vehicle traffic structures and parking decks.
In rehabilitation projects, BITUTHENE® S5000 strips are recommended for repairing concrete pavements with asphalt overlays and preventing premature deterioration due to reflective cracking and subgrade erosion. The membrane’s high water resistance, combined with its ability to remain flexible even under extreme operating temperatures, ensures performance even in harsh winter cycling over small cracks.
For structures where details matter, BITUTHENE® liquid membrane and BITUTHENE® 5000 mastic can be used to seal terminations, edges and overlaps to ensure complete waterproofing.
“BITUTHENE 5000 has been designed with the realities of modern infrastructure projects in mind,” said Andries Janse van Rensburg, Specialty Building Materials Business Development Manager at Chryso Southern Africa. “Its robust construction, flexibility and proven ability to withstand harsh conditions make it a reliable choice for protecting concrete structures from water ingress and deterioration. The fact that it is cold-built means a faster, safer and more stable installation on site.”
ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing Membranes provide equally excellent performance for steel and concrete bridges that are constantly exposed to water, chloride, and frost, conditions that can lead to deterioration and even structural failure.
ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing Membranes protect bridges from extreme weather, extend service life and reduce maintenance.
GCP waterproofing systems protect bridge decks from water and traffic damage.
This cold spray application system is based on ESSELAC®’s advanced resin technology and creates a fully bonded composite layer between the bridge deck, waterproofing membrane, and asphalt surface. The result is a membrane that withstands harsh climate conditions and heavy traffic loads while maintaining cohesion and integrity.
ELIMINATOR® can be applied in almost any climate and cures in just one hour, even at high humidity or low temperatures, eliminating costly weather delays and increasing schedule flexibility. The two-color application process enables on-site quality assurance, while the membrane’s durability to asphalt surface temperatures of 250°C eliminates topcoat time constraints and speeds project completion.
“Eliminator has a global track record of protecting thousands of bridges over decades of service,” added Janse van Rensburg. “Fast curing times, adaptability to almost any climate, and long-term durability are major advantages for contractors and road operators who cannot afford long-term road closures or regular maintenance. It is a cost-effective way to protect the significant investments made in these critical structures.”
Proven on thousands of bridges and concrete structures around the world, BITUTHENE® 5000 and ELIMINATOR® provide engineers and contractors with reliable, long-lasting waterproofing systems. These GCP technologies, offered in South Africa by Chryso Southern Africa, protect critical infrastructure from water ingress, chloride attack and freeze-thaw damage, extending service life, increasing safety and reducing long-term costs associated with maintenance and repair.
Source: Provided by Chryso Southern Africa
