Earth Shield TPV-TPER Chemical Resistant Waterstops: Technical Details, Specifications, and Features

Overview

Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops are specialized thermoplastic elastomeric rubber products engineered for critical chemical, industrial, and environmental applications. These waterstops are designed specifically for new-to-existing concrete joints, offering long-term resistance to a broad range of aggressive chemicals, solvents, and hot petroleum oils.

Material Composition and Properties

Material Base: Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops utilize fully cross-linked TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) as their standard elastomer compound, which provides superior mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The thermoplastic vulcanizate composition ensures retention of physical properties even under demanding conditions.

Purity and Safety: Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops contain no plasticizer stabilizers or fillers that could leach out when exposed to chemicals, fuels, and aggressive industrial fluids. Additionally, the product contains no harmful plasticizers (phthalates), making it environmentally safe.

Chemical Resistance Capabilities

The waterstops demonstrate outstanding chemical resistance to a comprehensive range of deleterious fluids:

• Acids: Outstanding resistance to acidic environments
• Oils and Hydrocarbons: Long-term resistance to petroleum oils and hydrocarbon-based contaminants
• Aqueous Solutions: Excellent resistance to alcohol, ketones, glycols, esters, and hydrocarbons
• Industrial Chemicals: Protection against aggressive chemical compounds and solvents

Chemical resistance is verified according to ASTM D471 testing standards, with products meeting or exceeding specific testing requirements for diverse industrial applications.

Temperature Performance

A key advantage of Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops is their temperature resistance ranging from -60°C to 135°C without detrimental effects. This exceptional temperature range enables operation in both extreme cold and high-temperature industrial environments.

Physical Properties and Performance Specifications

The following technical properties demonstrate the material's durability:

Property	Test Method	Result
Shore A Hardness (5 sec)	ASTM D2240	90± at 25°C
Tensile Strength	ASTM D412	15.9 MPa
Ultimate Elongation (at break)	ASTM D412	530%
100% Modulus	ASTM D746	16.9 MPa
Tear Strength	ASTM D624	278 pli @ 25°C
Compression Set	ASTM D395	29% at 100°C
Brittle Point	ASTM D746	-61°C
Ozone Resistance	ASTM D1171	No cracking at 600ppm

The ultimate elongation of 530% indicates exceptional flexibility and movement accommodation capabilities, while the brittle point of -61°C demonstrates performance in extremely cold conditions.

Available Profiles and Design Options

Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops are available in two distinct profiles, each designed for specific applications:

JP320L Retrofit Profile

Configuration: "L"-shaped profile with robust anchoring system

• Design Application: Suitable for large shear, transverse, or lateral movements
• Use Cases: Expansion joints, isolation joints, and non-moving construction joints
• Performance: Accommodates tank settlement, vehicular traffic, and seismic movements
• Anchoring Hardware: Pre-punched stainless steel batten bar (150mm on-center) with large stainless steel wedge anchor bolts
• Supply: Provided in 3.05m lengths with one 4.8mm x 38mm pre-punched stainless steel flat bar and 20 stainless steel wedge anchors (Material code: FC000333-UNIT)

JP325T Retrofit Profile

Configuration: "T"-shaped profile utilizing double batten bar system

• Design Application: Suitable for standard movement and construction joints
• Anchoring System: Two smaller stainless steel batten bars with Tapcon fasteners
• Features: Pre-fabricated design with dual-point anchoring
• Supply: Provided in 3.05m lengths with two 3mm x 12mm pre-punched stainless steel flat bars and 40 stainless steel tapcon anchors (Material code: FC000334-UNIT)

Both profiles feature serrated anchoring legs designed for effective epoxy bonding, ensuring strong mechanical attachment to existing concrete.

Installation System and Accessories

Adhesive System: Earth Shield VEN500 epoxy is the required bonding material

• Supply: Available in 3.78 litre containers (Material code: FC000323-UNIT)
• Application: 3mm thick epoxy bed for JP320L; 3mm thick and 90mm wide for JP325T

Welding System: Thermoplastic vulcanizate waterstops are joined by thermoplastic welding:

• Welding Temperature: 210°C to 220°C
• Method: Using specialized welding iron with non-stick surface
• Quality Assurance: Welded areas must show no separation, holes, or imperfections when bent by hand

Pre-fabricated Components: Factory-made intersections and directional changes are available on specific order, eliminating field welding requirements for complex configurations.

Ozone and Weathering Resistance

Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops exhibit superior ozone and weathering resistance, with testing confirming no cracking at 600ppm according to ASTM D1171 standards. This makes the product suitable for both protected and exposed environmental conditions.

Environmental Compliance and Certification

EPA Compliance: Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops comply with NSF standard 61, ensuring safe use in applications involving water contact. This certification is critical for environmental applications requiring regulatory approval.

Typical Applications

Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops are specified for use in:

• Primary and secondary containment structures for hazardous material management
• Refineries with demanding fluid exposure requirements
• Mining facilities requiring durability in harsh chemical environments
• Fueling depots with petroleum product exposure
• Chemical plants and acid storage facilities requiring superior chemical resistance

Installation Method

The installation process involves:

1. Surface Preparation: Grinding irregularities and cleaning existing concrete with wire brush, high-pressure waterblast, or grit blast
2. Heat Welding: Pre-fabricating waterstop profile to appropriate length and directional changes
3. Template Drilling: Using pre-punched batten bars as template to drill mounting holes
4. Epoxy Placement: Applying VEN500 epoxy at specified thickness and width
5. Anchor Installation: Installing stainless steel wedge anchors (JP320L) or Tapcons (JP325T)
6. Expansion Joint Option: Installing joint filler above and beneath embedment leg for expansion joints
7. Curing: Allowing 24 hours curing before placing second concrete pour

Fluid-Tight Diaphragm Function

Earth Shield Retrofit waterstops function as a fluid-tight diaphragm by:

• Fixing one side of the waterstop to existing concrete
• Embedding the other side with newly poured concrete
• Creating a continuous barrier preventing fluid passage through the joint interface

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References

• [1] Earth_Shield_Retrofit_TDS.pdf
• [2] Earth_Shield_Type_125CR_TDS.pdf
• [3] Fosroc_Conbextra_EP300_DP_TDS.pdf