FOXFIRE MATRIX PRO™ INTEGRAL CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGY
©2019 Foxfire Enterprises, Inc.
Objectives • Understand the basics of concrete and crystalline waterproofing for concrete, masonry and natural stone • Consider how crystalline waterproofing can both enhance aesthetics and reduce maintenance costs • Learn where crystalline waterproofing can contribute to LEED points
Concrete Basics: Composition A mixture of coarse and fine aggregate particles held together with a cement paste. The paste is the “glue” made from cement and water that hardens due to a chemical reaction called hydration. Cement paste normally constitutes 25-40% of the concrete’s total volume. The paste is porous and is prone to water movement through pores and micro-cracks present in the paste.
Concrete Basics: Durability Defined as its resistance to the degradation processes (weathering, chemical attack, abrasion, impact and physical strains). Life expectancy is dependent on a number of factors, including: • The choice and proportion of ingredients • Quality of workmanship • Proper curing process If any one of these areas are insufficient, the durability of the concrete is compromised.
Concrete Basics Permeation Permeation Controls the ingress of moisture, ionic and gaseous species in concrete. Since water or water born chemicals affect the durability of concrete, the permeability of the concrete is a major factor in its longevity. Low-porosity/penetrability of concrete to moisture is the first line of defense against frost damage, acid attack, corrosion of steel embedment and reinforcement, carbonation, alkali-aggregate reaction, and other concrete ailments.
Electron micrograph of concrete capillary matrix
Concrete Degradation Mechanisms Concrete deterioration can be due to adverse mechanical, physical, or chemical causes. In most cases, one or more of these mechanisms is at work long before degradation is observed. The deterioration of concrete due to physical or chemical causes nearly always involves the mobility of fluids or gases through the concrete In every case, it is the presence of moisture within the concrete that is at the root of the destructive process.
Concrete Degradation Mechanisms: Corrosion of Steel When corrosive substances such as chloride ions and carbon dioxide reach the surface of the steel they break the passivation film and corrosion starts. As steel corrodes, it expands. The pressure of this expansion causes the concrete to fracture and eventually break away.
Concrete Degradation Mechanisms: Carbonation Carbon dioxide from the air reacts with calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonates. In the presence of moisture, carbonic acid is formed which reduces the alkalinity of concrete, causing the pH value of the concrete to fall into the acidic range, destroying the protective layer and eventually exposing reinforcing steel to corrosion. The rate of carbonation depends upon relative humidity, permeability of the concrete, depth of cover and time.
Concrete Degradation Mechanisms: Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) ASR refers to a swelling reaction that occurs over time in concrete between the highly alkaline cement paste and the reactive non-crystalline (amorphous) silica found in many common aggregates, given sufficient moisture. This reaction can cause expansion, and subsequent spalling or cracking of the concrete.
Concrete Degradation Mechanisms: Freeze Thaw Freeze-Thaw Caused by the freezing of water and subsequent expansion in the paste, aggregate or both while the concrete is wet. The effect of successive freezethaw cycles and disruption of paste and aggregate can eventually cause expansion and cracking, scaling, and crumbling of the concrete.
Dampproofing vs Waterproofing Dampproofing • Applied as a surface coating • Designed to prevent water from absorbing and wicking through wet concrete • Repellent sealers (Example: Foxfire 5000WB/Foxfire Ultra Stain Repellent) • Hydrophobic-reduce absorption, but not enough to resist significant water pressure • Will not resist water under pressure. Structures under hydrostatic pressure must be waterproofed
Cranberry Juice on sidewalk treated with Foxfire 5000WB
Dampproofing vs Waterproofing Waterproofing • Two Main Types: Membrane-forming vs Integral • Both resist moisture infiltration • Both resist hydrostatic pressure • Typically a longer service life compared to dampproofing
Waterproofing Materials: Membrane-Forming • Examples: sheet membrane, cementitious/epoxy overlay • Change the appearance of concrete • Do not allow concrete to breathe • Trap contaminants in concrete • Non-permanent
Failed sheet membrane on a parking deck
Waterproofing Materials: Integral • Example: integral crystalline waterproofing (Foxfire Matrix Pro™/Matrix Pro™ Plus) • Hydrophilic (chemicals absorb and utilize water to catalyze and react to cement particles to produce elongated crystalline structures) • No/little visual change in appearance • Permanent and integral (becomes an integral part of the capillary matrix) • Allows concrete to breathe • Highly-resistant to chemicals
Rooftop concrete pool deck treated with Matrix Pro™ prior to installation of slatted wood decking
Foxfire Matrix Pro™ Integral Crystalline Waterproofing Foxfire Matrix Pro™ and Matrix Pro™ Plus work on both new and in-service concrete by penetrating deeply into the concrete’s capillary system. Once inside, they react with the calcium hydroxide present in the concrete, forming a dense matrix of crystals within the pore structure. As the product cures, chlorides and other contaminants are purged from the capillaries. Once cured, Foxfire Matrix Pro™ is an integral and permanent part of the concrete.
Electron micrograph of crystals forming in the capillary matrix
Foxfire Matrix Pro™ Benefits • Crystals are non-soluble and become a permanent part of the concrete matrix • Water-based no/low VOC compliant • Resists hydrostatic pressure • Allows concrete to breathe • Will not crack, peel, tear or wear away • Densifies/hardens concrete • Penetrates concrete from ½”-4”+, depending on density • Can be applied from either the positive or negative side • Will not crack, peel, tear or wear away • Protects reinforcing steel • Can be used on in-service concrete or as a cure and seal in new construction • Stays 1/8”-1/4” below surface providing clean surface for topical treatments • Can seal cracks up to 0.4-0.5mm (width of a credit card) • Purges excess chlorides, improving quality of concrete
Other Benefits: Protection of Capital Investments and Reduction of Maintenance Costs • Prevent structural damage caused by moisture intrusion • Strengthen spalling concrete caused by corroded reinforcement steel • Protect from mortar shrinkage cracks • Protect structures and walkways from chloride damage • Maintain image of property/building • Minimize costs of rigging multi-storied buildings • Minimize upkeep • Reduce both short term and long term maintenance costs
Foxfire Matrix Pro™: Where to Use • Green Concrete • Aged Concrete • Bridge Decks • Building Facades • Pre-Cast Concrete • Parking Structures (Topping, Sandwich, or PT Slabs) • Masonry Walls • Limestone • Seawalls • Polished Concrete • Tilt-Up Concrete Panels • New or Aged Shotcrete or Gunite • Concrete pre-treatment for improved adhesion on cementitious coating applications
Foxfire Matrix Pro™ Testing Foxfire Matrix Pro™ has been lab tested to meet or exceed the following testing standards:
• ASTM E514 • ASTM C-672 SECTION 7 WATER ABSORPTION • ASTM C-672 SECTION 10 EFFLORESCENCE • ASTM C-666 FREEZE THAW RESISITANCE • ASTM C-666 SALT ATTACK RESISTANCE • ASTM C-192 STRENGHTENS CONCRETE • *DOT AASHTO-T 259 • *DOT CANADA NCHRP 244
Foxfire Matrix Pro™ and LEED The use of crystalline waterproofing can help contribute to LEED points in the following categories: • Sustainable Site (SS) • Materials and Resources (MR) • Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) • Innovation (IN)
Foxfire Matrix Pro™ and LEED SS Credit-Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat Refers to the conservation of existing natural areas and the restoration of damaged areas to promote habitat and biodiversity. Matrix Pro™ use-case: Matrix Pro™ is environmentally friendly, with application causing no adverse impact to the surrounding habitat.
MR Prerequisite-Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning Refers to the reduction in construction and demolition waste through recovery, reusing and recycling of materials. Matrix Pro™ use-case: Concrete treated with Matrix Pro™ can be recovered, reused and recycled. Coatings and sheet goods are difficult to separate from concrete and typically end up in the land fill.
Foxfire Matrix Pro™ and LEED EQ Credit: Low Emitting Materials Refers to the reduction in concentrations of chemical containments that can damage air quality, human health, productivity and environment. Matrix Pro™ use-case: Matrix Pro™ is lab-tested to contain no VOCs and has zero odor. When applied properly and with correct safety equipment, the impact to a worker’s health and the surrounding environment is nonexistent. IN Credit: Innovation Refers to exceptional or innovative performance. Matrix Pro™ use-case: Matrix Pro™ is a permanent waterproofing solution and never has to be reapplied. Foxfire Matrix Pro™ also stops steel corrosion in concrete, increases freeze-thaw durability, protects against chemical and biological attack, carbonation and other detrimental effects to concrete.