Foundations

Due to the thixotropic ‘gel’ structure of the hydrated bentonite, Voltex should be taken  around all foundations (where possible), as opposed to being installed through the loading plane. The flexibility of Voltex allows it to be easily formed on reverse blinded slopes, even where these meet at corners, and typically without the need for cutting or additional detailing. Where foundations are cast within formwork, Voltex is simply applied to the inside of the formwork by stapling or light nailing (allowing for a leading ‘flap’ of Voltex for later underslab continuity), and due to the ‘peel-adhesion’ bond between the Voltex and the wet concrete, will remain after the formwork has been struck. Where pile penetrations are encountered, the Voltex is simply cut using a ‘Stanley’ type craft knife, to closely contour the penetration (often very irregular in profile), and a final seal added in the form of a fillet of Paste (Voltex Granules & water).

Where complete enveloping of foundations is undesirable or impractical, waterproofing continuity through the bearing plane above the foundation can be achieved, using proprietary cement based sealing products (such as our own Volseal 200. Volseal 200 works by crystallization within the concrete surface, transferring load, and does not act as a bond-breaker), which connects with Voltex at the outer edges of the foundations.