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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MAY
2017
The problem at the reservoir was an
excessively wide wall-to-floor joint
measuring over 75 mm in width. In
consultation with Sika’s Jacobus Pretorius,
engineers from Ekurhuleni Water specified
the effective Sikadur-Combiflex SG
System for the project. Designed for use
in construction, expansion and connection
joints, the Sikadur-Combiflex SG System
consists of a modified, flexible Polyolefin
(FPO) waterproofing tape bonded to
Sikadur-31 DW, a moisture-tolerant,
structural two-part adhesive and repair
mortar based on a combination of epoxy
resins and special fillers.
Both products have international
approval for contact with drinking water
and can be applied to both dry and damp
concrete surfaces. Sikadur-31 DW is a high
strength, thixotropic adhesive that hardens
without shrinkage and is impermeable
to liquids and water vapour. Requiring
no primer, it is easy to mix and apply,
and provides excellent adhesion to most
construction materials.
Extremely flexible and performing well in
a wide range of temperatures, the Sikadur-
Combiflex SG System is suitable for use
in many difficult situations. When fixed to
a joint, the system allows for irregular and
high movement in more than one direction,
while still maintaining a high quality seal.
It is ideal for use in tunnels, culverts, hydro-
electric power plants, all water retaining
structures including seawater and even
sewage treatment plants.
Aquatan Lining Systems, experts in the
geosynthetic installations, was awarded
the contract and used a total of 350 m of
Sikadur-Combiflex tape (450 mm x 2 mm) to
seal the gaping joint. The waterproofing tape
is supplied in 25 m rolls of various widths,
either 1 mm or 2 mm thick.
Although 30 years old, this was
the first refurbishment project on the
Ekurhuleni Reservoir and forms part of
the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s
water infrastructure upgrade plan, which
also includes the construction of 20 new
reservoirs. Thanks to Sika’s exceptional
joint sealing system, the Ekurhuleni
Reservoir was saved the ignominy of being
decommissioned, as has been the fate of
many other ageing reservoirs.
Closing the gap
A high performance joint sealing system
supplied by Sika has solved a problem
at an ageing reservoir in Primrose,
Gauteng. Constructed in 1985, the
40 M
ℓ
Ekurhuleni Reservoir is just one of
dozens of reservoirs supplying potable
water to the people on the East Rand.