High-performance joint sealants keep Kempton Park reservoir watertight

A high-performance joint sealing system supplied by Sika was used in the development of a new reservoir in Kempton Park, Gauteng, as a means of supplementing the region‘s current water supply infrastructure as there is a continuous increase in demand. The twenty-five megalitre reservoir is just one of dozens of reservoirs supplying potable water to the people on the East Rand. 

Full on-site support was undertaken by Sika technical sales consultant, Jaun Roe van Wyk, and the main contractor, WK Construction, was advised about product performance, correct application methods, and technical data. 

The development of the new reservoir was approved by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the project scope included considerable work to the walls and columns for both construction and expansion joints, as well as strengthening of the reservoir floor joints. The internal joints of the reservoir also underwent a waterproofing exercise to prevent the unit from leaking. 

Con-Solve Civils was the Sub-Contractor and applicator of our Combiflex System, and specified Sika’s acclaimed Sikadur-Combiflex® SG Bandage System to seal the wall and floor joints in the final stages of the project. This is a high-performance joint sealing system consisting of a flexible Polyolefin waterproofing tape and Sikadur® epoxy adhesive, which was Sikadur®-31 DW in this case.  

The Sikadur-Combiflex® SG bandage System is employed primarily in the construction of water-retaining structures and reservoirs. As a highly specialised waterproofing system, it is used for expansion and connection joints, as well as for cracks. When fixed to the joint, it allows for irregular and significant movement in more than one direction, while maintaining a high-quality seal. This system is prescribed where the use of conventional sealing techniques is not possible. Additionally, the bandage system was covered with steel plates, which were laser-cut to follow the circular shape of the structure. 

On-site challenges included time constraints as a result of the usual construction-related pressures in urban environments. Nonetheless, the installation went smoothly and the project was completed in September 2018. 

About Sika 

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 200 factories. Its more than 20,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 7.09 billion in 2018. 

More information on Sika products and systems at https://zaf.sika.com