Forms of waterproofing Waterproofing membranes are in one of two physical forms when they are prepared for installation: (i) preformed sheets e.g. synthetic membranes such as TPO and PVC, bituminous torch-on and selfadhesive membranes, etc. (ii)…

Forms of waterproofing Waterproofing membranes are in one of two physical forms when they are prepared for installation: (i) preformed sheets e.g. synthetic membranes such as TPO and PVC, bituminous…

THE SUCCESS OF CONCRETE Thirteen billion cubic metres of concrete are produced every year all around the world, the equivalent of around thirty billion tonnes or almost four tonnes per year for each inhabitant of the planet. This material owes…

THE SUCCESS OF CONCRETE Thirteen billion cubic metres of concrete are produced every year all around the world, the equivalent of around thirty billion tonnes or almost four tonnes per year for each…

Why should you use an elastic sealant? Elastic sealants are products that help safeguard the integrity of structures which contain breaks and gaps .  These gaps may be there by design, e.g. structural and non-structural joints, or they may be…

Why should you use an elastic sealant? Elastic sealants are products that help safeguard the integrity of structures which contain breaks and gaps .  These gaps may be there by design, e.g.…

Tennis is a sport with multiple types of acceptable playing surfaces. Even at the highest level of international competition, professional tournaments are held on a variety of different surface types. What Surfaces is Tennis Played On? The U.S. and…

Tennis is a sport with multiple types of acceptable playing surfaces. Even at the highest level of international competition, professional tournaments are held on a variety of different surface…

1. WHAT IS SPALLING CONCRETE? WHAT CAUSES IT? “Spalling concrete” refers to the phenomenon of surface patches of concrete breaking up and delaminating in the absence of immediate external influences such as accidental impact loads or fires. …

1. WHAT IS SPALLING CONCRETE? WHAT CAUSES IT? “Spalling concrete” refers to the phenomenon of surface patches of concrete breaking up and delaminating in the absence of immediate external influences…

People living in apartment blocks in cities have to cope with the sounds and noises around them. However, by installing the right acoustic insulation system , it is possible to contain noise invasion within the limits set by law according to the…

People living in apartment blocks in cities have to cope with the sounds and noises around them. However, by installing the right acoustic insulation system , it is possible to contain noise invasion…

The use of resin-based flooring systems have become a consolidated practice in construction. Not only are they adopted in the industrial (e.g. factory, warehouse) sectors, they are also used in commercial and residential settings (e.g. offices,…

The use of resin-based flooring systems have become a consolidated practice in construction. Not only are they adopted in the industrial (e.g. factory, warehouse) sectors, they are also used in…

Formula One teams pay great attention to ‘tyre strategy’ and monitor it continually throughout races. Although the tyres cost only a tiny fraction of the tens of millions to build an F1 car, they recognise that in addition to the drivers’ skills,…

Formula One teams pay great attention to ‘tyre strategy’ and monitor it continually throughout races. Although the tyres cost only a tiny fraction of the tens of millions to build an F1 car, they…

The greening of rooftops is increasingly common; gardens provide perfect insulation for roof surfaces which, typically, are exposed to the highest solar radiation relative to other parts of the building. And with the rising density of urban…

The greening of rooftops is increasingly common; gardens provide perfect insulation for roof surfaces which, typically, are exposed to the highest solar radiation relative to other parts of the…

When choosing the most appropriate installation system, a good knowledge of the materials to be installed is essential.  Installing tiles with adhesives by the thin-bed method shall meet specific requirements defined by European Standards EN 12004…

When choosing the most appropriate installation system, a good knowledge of the materials to be installed is essential.  Installing tiles with adhesives by the thin-bed method shall meet specific…

Substrate preparation The presence of dirt and contamination on the substrate due to improper cleaning before tile installation can compromise good adhesion.  Likewise, for the back of tiles.  Other factors such as cracks in substrates or premature…

Substrate preparation The presence of dirt and contamination on the substrate due to improper cleaning before tile installation can compromise good adhesion.  Likewise, for the back of tiles.  Other…

What layers do you normally find underneath ceramic tiling on a terrace? We generally find various types of materials underneath ceramic tiles on a terrace or balcony: adhesive, a waterproofing layer, the screed, a slope and concrete, for example.…

What layers do you normally find underneath ceramic tiling on a terrace? We generally find various types of materials underneath ceramic tiles on a terrace or balcony: adhesive, a waterproofing…

Slim tiles and large format tiles, as defined by UNI 11493-1, are as follows: • Slim tiles: up to 5mm thick • Large format tiles: having one side more than 60cm long The particularly large format and extremely low absorption rate, typical…

Slim tiles and large format tiles, as defined by UNI 11493-1, are as follows: • Slim tiles: up to 5mm thick • Large format tiles: having one side more than 60cm long The particularly large format…

The phenomenon behind buckled tiles So what happens before tiles buckle?  The tiles are compressed one against the other which, in turn, creates tension at the interface between the tile and the tile bed.  The separation of the tile from the tile…

The phenomenon behind buckled tiles So what happens before tiles buckle?  The tiles are compressed one against the other which, in turn, creates tension at the interface between the tile and the…

The need to seal cracks in concrete structures to maintain water-tightness seems obvious. However, if a waterproofing membrane is installed, how important is it to keep the structure crack-free? Isn’t it the waterproofing membrane’s function to…

The need to seal cracks in concrete structures to maintain water-tightness seems obvious. However, if a waterproofing membrane is installed, how important is it to keep the structure crack-free?…

Manufacturers recommend pre-wetting of cementitious substrates (concrete, screeds, plasters) before applying cementitious mortar over-lays eg grouts, waterproofing slurries, etc. There is a good reason for this and it is explained here. …

Manufacturers recommend pre-wetting of cementitious substrates (concrete, screeds, plasters) before applying cementitious mortar over-lays eg grouts, waterproofing slurries, etc. There is a good…

The need to seal cracks in concrete structures to maintain water-tightness seems obvious. However, if a waterproofing membrane is installed, how important is it to keep the structure crack-free? Isn’t it the waterproofing membrane’s function to…

The need to seal cracks in concrete structures to maintain water-tightness seems obvious. However, if a waterproofing membrane is installed, how important is it to keep the structure crack-free?…

Tile grout used in most construction is typically cement-based.  Proprietary Cementitious grout are made from a blend of cement, polymer, additive, pigment, fine-graded aggregates and mixed with water or fortified with a liquid latex additive (in…

Tile grout used in most construction is typically cement-based.  Proprietary Cementitious grout are made from a blend of cement, polymer, additive, pigment, fine-graded aggregates and mixed with…

Have you ever tried patching a hole in the wall and, no matter what you or your hired tradesman did, you could never get the repair mortar to finish flush with the surface? Or to dry without unsightly crack lines? If you have, you can probably blame…

Have you ever tried patching a hole in the wall and, no matter what you or your hired tradesman did, you could never get the repair mortar to finish flush with the surface? Or to dry without…

Most concrete structures have joints as part of their design. Joints are necessary to accommodate movements in the concrete units caused by thermal contractions and expansions as well as exposure to loading conditions. Purpose and Properties of…

Most concrete structures have joints as part of their design. Joints are necessary to accommodate movements in the concrete units caused by thermal contractions and expansions as well as exposure to…

For waterproofing applications… why are angle fillets necessary for internal corners? why must external corners be rounded? Stresses arising from movements in the supporting substrate are evenly distributed over a waterproofing membrane which…

For waterproofing applications… why are angle fillets necessary for internal corners? why must external corners be rounded? Stresses arising from movements in the supporting substrate are evenly…

Injection can be defined as the introduction of a material with pressure into the ground or a structure for waterproofing and for consolidating voids, cracks and porosity. Generally, the injection can be categorised as Pre Injection and Post…

Injection can be defined as the introduction of a material with pressure into the ground or a structure for waterproofing and for consolidating voids, cracks and porosity. Generally, the injection…

Concrete toppings are formulated to function as abrasion-resistant wearing surfaces with high-compressive strengths to handle residential to commercial applications e.g. mall stores, restaurants, hotels, residential units...including industrial…

Concrete toppings are formulated to function as abrasion-resistant wearing surfaces with high-compressive strengths to handle residential to commercial applications e.g. mall stores, restaurants,…

1. General Coatings typically contain four main components: the binder or resin (examples are epoxies, acrylics and urethanes) additives which impart certain performance properties pigments for colouring. a liquid medium for dissolving or…

1. General Coatings typically contain four main components: the binder or resin (examples are epoxies, acrylics and urethanes) additives which impart certain performance properties pigments for…

In order to answer these questions, it is necessary to first look at these definitions: Elastic Deformation and Elastic Limit An elastic material deforms when a force is applied to it.  So long as the deformation stays within the elastic limit,…

In order to answer these questions, it is necessary to first look at these definitions: Elastic Deformation and Elastic Limit An elastic material deforms when a force is applied to it.  So long…