Debunking the Myths: The Bentonite Edition

With over 1,800,000m² of membrane installed in New Zealand in the last 17 years, Volclay can rightly be seen as one of New Zealand’s most successful tanking products. Volclay has been used across a wide range of projects ranging from small residential homes, right through to some of the largest and most complex construction projects. Even with such a long track record of successful projects, there are some enduring myths about Bentonite that Allco would like to clear up once and for all. Allco would like to break down of some of the biggest misconceptions about Volclay Bentonite.

First up, to clarify one point; not all bentonite products are equal.

The properties of sodium bentonite can be appreciably enhanced through a specialised treatment process patented by Volclay's parent company (AMCOL International) since 1964. The treatment process involves the application of chemical additives to specially selected and processed sodium bentonite. These additives work both individually and synergistically to render the bentonite more resistant to attack by chemical and salt water contaminants. Various formulations of the additives in this treatment process have been incorporated into Volclay's sodium bentonite waterproofing membranes (including Voltex DS/SWR).

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Volclay Swelltite

Allco Waterproofing Solutions

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Volclay Swelltite is a bentonite waterproofing membrane designed for below grade masonry block, split-slab deck and plaza construction.

Swelltite is designed for waterproofing below-grade vertical and horizontal structural surfaces, as well as, above grade split-slab construction used with plaza areas, parking garages and sports stadiums.

Swelltite is excellent for:

Below-grade masonry block walls
Split-slab Plaza Deck Construction
Cut & Cover Tunnels
Masonry Block Foundation Walls
Concrete Foundation Walls
Earth-covered Structures

Installation:

Ready for use and requires no set-up
Does not require torching or priming
It can be applied in all weather conditions to green concrete
Can be installed in temperatures below freezing

In the opinion of BRANZ, the Volclay Waterproofing System if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of this Appraisal, will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 [a] not less than 50 years. the Volclay Waterproofing System meet this requirement. See Paragraph 14.1.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.33. the Volclay Waterproofing System meet this requirement. See Paragraphs 16.1 - 16.3.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. the Volclay Waterproofing System meet this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

BRANZ Appraisal is of an Alternative Solution in terms of New Zealand Building Code compliance.

BRANZ Appraised

Volclay Voltex DS & DS/SWR

Allco Waterproofing Solutions

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Bentonite-Geotextile waterproofing system with Integrated Polyethylene Liner, used as a damp-proofing or waterproofing membrane below ground to protect basements and other underground structures against water penetration and water vapour transmission from the ground.

The Volclay Waterproofing System has been appraised for use as:

an external waterproof tanking membrane to in-situ concrete, precast concrete and concrete masonry basement constructions subject to hydrostatic pressures of up to 2 bar (20 metres); and,
a damp-proof membrane (DPM) to slab-on-ground and basement constructions; and,
a waterproof membrane to plaza deck roof structures

Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (a) not less than 50 years. The Volclay Waterproofing System meets this requirement. See Paragraph 14.1.
Clause E2 EXTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E2.3.3. The Volclay Waterproofing System meets this requirement. See Paragraphs 16.1 – 16.3.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. The Volclay Waterproofing System meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

This is an Appraisal of the Volclay Waterproofing System as an Alternative Solution in terms of New Zealand Building Code compliance.

BRANZ Appraised

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