Structural concrete TOPPROOF

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Overview
TopProof waterproof concrete provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional waterproofing methods. Using specialist admixtures and pore-blocking technology, TopProof significantly reduces concrete porosity and permeability to liquid water and water vapour. When combined with approved secondary or tertiary waterproofing systems, it can form a fully watertight solution and, depending on specification, may remove the need for additional membranes or finishes. TopProof also improves resistance to chloride diffusion, lowering the risk of reinforcement corrosion and enhancing long-term durability. The solution is suitable for applications referenced in BS 8102:2022.

Where TopProof can be used

• Basements and other underground structures
• Underground car parks and garages
• Lift pits and plant rooms (to protect electrical plant and lift pits from moisture)
• Below-ground structures requiring BS 8102-compliant waterproofing
• Swimming pools (indoor and outdoor)
• Ponds, aquariums, fountains and other water features
• Hard landscaping and external paved areas
• Dry storage and moisture‑sensitive environments (computer rooms, archives, storage facilities, warehouses)
• Utilities: dams, reservoirs, water treatment works, tidal power stations, sewers and drainage structures
• Tunnels, access shafts and gulley works
• Coastal defences, marinas, harbours, docks and sea walls
• River and flood defence structures

Key benefits / Why use TopProof?

• Low-porosity watertight concrete: formulated for very low porosity and reduced permeability to water and water vapour
• Weather protection: improves performance in harsh weather and high-humidity sites
• High-performance water-resisting concrete: contributes to a fully waterproof concrete system
• Reduced corrosion risk: greater resistance to chloride diffusion, mitigating reinforcement corrosion
• Ready-mixed handling: delivered and placed like conventional concrete without special on-site handling
• Construction simplification: can eliminate or reduce the need for membranes or finishes, saving time and labour
• Self‑compacting option: available for forming complex waterproof structures
• Quality controlled: specialist admixtures incorporated during production for consistent performance
• Responsibly sourced: supplied within Tarmac’s responsible sourcing framework
• Warranty available: admixture performance warranty (up to 20 years) may be available via the admixture supplier, subject to terms and approvals

Additional information
Concrete is naturally porous due to capillaries that provide migration paths for water. TopProof reduces porosity by introducing active components that block capillaries and form polymeric or crystalline barriers during hydration, producing structurally integral waterproofing throughout the concrete rather than only at the surface. This allows conventional placing and compaction compared with barrier-type products or membranes that operate only at surfaces.

Used with appropriate secondary waterproofing, TopProof can form a fully integral watertight system suitable for structures that must retain water in or out. Options are available to reduce embodied carbon.

Admixture / technology options

• Hydrophobic Powder: powder admixture using hydrophobic and pore-blocking technology to form polymer barriers inside pores during hydration
• Hydrophobic Liquid: liquid admixture using hydrophobic and pore-blocking technology to form barriers inside pores during hydration
• Crystalline Powder: powder admixture using self-healing crystalline technology to form non-soluble crystals that block capillaries

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Product type: ready-mixed waterproof concrete (integral watertight concrete)
• Principle: pore-blocking technology and specialist waterproofing admixtures
• Porosity: formulated to achieve very low porosity for reduced permeability to water and water vapour
• Durability: improved resistance to chloride diffusion; reduced risk of reinforcement corrosion
• Standards: suitable for applications as defined in BS 8102:2022 for below-ground waterproofing
• Delivery & handling: delivered ready-mixed; no special handling beyond standard concrete practice
• Mix variations: available in standard and self-compacting forms
• Admixture options: Hydrophobic Powder, Hydrophobic Liquid, Crystalline Powder
• System use: can be used alone as integral waterproofing or with secondary/tertiary systems as part of a fully watertight design
• Warranty: admixture performance warranty available from supplier (up to 20 years, subject to terms and approvals)