Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106: Technical Details, Specifications, and Features

Product Overview

Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 is a self-expanding cork joint filler manufactured by Fosroc and distributed by Parchem Construction Supplies Pty Ltd. It is engineered as a joint filler and sealer made from cork granules bound together with insoluble synthetic resin and reinforced with fibres to increase constraint and prevent extrusion under pressure.

Key Composition and Material Properties

The product is formulated as a compressible sheet of resin-bonded cork that expands when exposed to moisture. The fibre reinforcement is a critical component that prevents material loss and maintains structural integrity under compression. This composition enables the product to provide the necessary semi-rigid, void-free backing for elastomeric sealants subject to hydrostatic pressures.

Mechanical Properties and Performance Data

Compression and Recovery Characteristics

Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 demonstrates robust performance under compression:

• Load required to compress to 50%: 1–2 MPa
• Recovery after 50% compression: Greater than 90%, with less than 6 mm remaining under test conditions
• Extrusion resistance: Less than 1 mm in use at 50% compression, preventing material loss even under significant pressure

Water Expansion Capabilities

The product exhibits significant expansion when exposed to moisture across different conditions:

• Expansion in boiling water (1 hour): Minimum of 40%
• Expansion in cold water (72 hours): Minimum of 24%

These expansion properties are essential for filling and sealing joints, particularly in water-retaining structures where moisture exposure is inevitable.

Standards Compliance

Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 meets ASTM D1752 Type 3 standards specification for joint filler performance, ensuring reliability and consistency in construction applications.

Design Applications and Use Cases

Primary Applications

The product is specifically designed for forming and filling expansion and static joints in diverse structural environments:

• Water retaining structures: Dams, reservoirs, culverts, canals, sea walls, and water treatment or storage structures
• Water excluding structures: Basements, subways, and site slabs
• Traffic infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and carparks
• Internal and external traffic areas: Provides support for joint sealants subject to pedestrian or wheeled traffic

Structural Functions

In water retaining structures, Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 provides semi-rigid backing essential to joint sealing systems when used in conjunction with suitable joint sealants. For traffic areas, the product provides necessary support for joint sealants, with recommendations to recess the joint sealant approximately 2 mm below the surface where traffic loads may be high to avoid direct abrasion.

Key Advantages

• Hydrostatic pressure support: Supports sealants subject to significant hydrostatic pressure
• Fibre reinforcement: Will not extrude under pressure due to reinforcing fibres
• Lightweight and handling: Light weight and easy to handle on-site
• Resilience and waterproofing: Resilient and waterproof properties ensure long-term durability
• Self-expanding: Expands to fill and seal joints, potentially eliminating the need for additional sealants in some applications

Supply and Sizing Options

Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 is made to order in customizable dimensions:

• Widths: 50 mm to 610 mm
• Thicknesses: 12 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm
• Standard length: 915 mm
• Measurement unit: Sold by square metre

Installation and Application Procedures

Pre-Installation Preparation

The waterproof wrapping must not be removed until immediately prior to fixing. The product must be fixed against one section of concrete after shutter removal using construction adhesive for bonding to concrete.

Installation Process

The next section of concrete is poured in place with minimal delays directly against the Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106. After initial cure of the concrete, the top section of the filler is removed by power grinder or saw to form a sealing slot of required dimensions.

Alternative Installation Method

To avoid the cutting or grinding step, Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 may be initially placed below the concrete surface at the depth of the required sealing slot. Another section of filler, timber, or polystyrene foam is placed above the fixed product, reaching to the concrete surface. This unattached top section is easily removed once concrete has cured.

Bond Breaker Application

Fosroc Bond Breaker Tape must be applied over Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 prior to application of the joint sealant. Individual sealant Technical Data Sheets provide specific details regarding this critical step.

Storage Requirements

Hydrocor Corkjoint Type 106 should be stored in original packaging and kept in cool, dry conditions to maintain product integrity and performance characteristics.

Known Limitations and Staining Concerns

A notable limitation of the product is its potential to cause staining of surrounding concrete in damp conditions, particularly on light-coloured concrete or where exposed aggregate finishes are produced by high-pressure hosing. Such staining typically disappears after 6–8 weeks of normal weathering.

For applications where concrete staining is a concern, Fosroc Hydrocell, a non-staining polyethylene foam filler, may be more suitable as an alternative backing material.

Documentation and Safety Information

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from the Fosroc website at www.fosroc.com.au. Both the SDS and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) should be carefully reviewed prior to use, as application and performance data may change over time. In emergencies, contact any Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26 within Australia) or a doctor for medical advice.

References

• [1] Fosroc_Hydrocor_Corkjoint_Type_106_TDS.pdf
• [3] Fosroc_Hydrocor_Corkjoint_Type_3_TDS.pdf