How does GS^® work?

Does GS^® add Durability & Protection?

GS^® is a non-toxic, chemical treatment for the waterproofing and protection of concrete. GS^®'s primary and most distinguishing performance feature is its unique ability to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation deep within the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete - a crystalline structure that permanently seals the concrete against the penetration of water and other liquids from any direction.

To create its crystalline waterproofing effect, GS^® must become an integral part of the concrete mass. This is based on two simple reactions, one chemical and the other physical. Concrete is both porous (capillary tract system) and chemical in nature. By means of diffusion, the reactive chemicals in GS^® use water as a migrating medium to enter and travel through the capillary tracts in the concrete. This process precipitates a chemical reaction between GS^® , moisture and the natural chemical by-products of cement hydration (calcium hydroxide, mineral salts, mineral oxides and unhydrated and partially hydrated cement particles). The result is crystallization and, ultimately, a non-soluble crystalline structure that plugs the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. This will continue to migrate through the concrete and the crystalline growth will form behind this advancing front of chemicals. This process will reactivate whenever water is present, thus making the concrete totally sealed against the penetration of water (or other liquids) from any direction.

GS^® application UNLIKE MOST OTHER SYSTEMS is permanent. The fibrous crystalline growth, due to its unique composition, will not deteriorate under normal conditions. Our children's children will benefit from applications of GS^® today.

GS^® introduces a reactive, dynamic densification process, which continues throughout the life of the concrete. Being a permanent enhancement, GS^® will extend the service life of the concrete. Unlike barrier methods, GS^® penetrates and waterproofs the concrete itself -- not just the surface. While other products degrade over time, GS^® continues on.

Impermeability against liquids. 50mm thick GS^® treated concrete has withstood hydrostatic pressure equivalent to 405 feet of head pressure. This was the limit of the testing apparatus. GS^® treated concrete is impervious to: water, chlorinated water, diesel, fuels and other petroleum products.

As the crystals are silica, which is a mineral and not an organic product, GS^® significantly increases the chemical resistance of concrete. Numerous tests have shown that GS^® treated concrete is not affected by a wide variety of aggressive chemicals.

GS^® protects concrete against chloride attack. The growths of GS^® crystals into the concrete will help protect reinforcing steel by blocking micro cracks and capillary pathways used by migrating chloride ions. The concrete becomes impermeable and prevents further entry of chlorides or other chemicals. Normally during the course of spalling repairs to concrete structures, chlorides are still trapped and active within the concrete in areas, which have not been repaired. Independent tests have shown GS^® not only prevents further penetration of chlorides, but also reduces the level of chloride ion activity within existing structures to below the level required to promote electrolytic corrosion. As a side benefit, the presence of crystalline growth within the concrete also tends to directly interfere with corrosion reactions on imbedded steel.

GS^® crystalline growth reduces carbonation in concrete structures by a factor of up to 40%.

The filling of capillaries within the concrete significantly increases strength. In Admix treated concrete, the increases in strength are typically 5 - 20%. GS^® Admix (GS100) promotes an extended hydration process within concrete thereby achieving its design strength at around seven (7) days.