{"id":278183,"date":"2022-09-02T09:19:24","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T09:19:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sanier.pl\/bw-hasla\/biala-wanna\/"},"modified":"2025-02-17T12:04:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T12:04:09","slug":"biala-wanna","status":"publish","type":"knowledgebase","link":"https:\/\/www.sanier.pl\/en\/bw-hasla\/biala-wanna\/","title":{"rendered":"\"White Tank\" using the crystallizing admixture"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"White Tank\" using the BETOCRETE-C crystallizing admixture<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"White Tank\" Technology \u2013 Why Does It Have a Bad Reputation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The \"White Tank\"<\/strong> method is one of the most commonly used waterproofing techniques in Poland, yet it often carries a negative reputation<\/strong>. Why is that?<\/p>\n

In Poland, there is no single, clear definition<\/strong> of this concept. The \"White Tank\" technology<\/strong> was introduced from Germany, and while significant advancements<\/strong> have been made in concrete technology over the years, outdated guidelines<\/strong> are still frequently used.<\/p>\n

On the Polish construction market, \"White Tank\"<\/strong> solutions are primarily developed individually<\/strong> by contracting companies<\/strong>, each following its own approach<\/strong>. The \"White Tank\"<\/strong> is not a standardized concept<\/strong>, but rather a technological vision<\/strong> offered by suppliers of coating-free waterproofing systems<\/strong>, along with the necessary accessories for sealing construction joints<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What Is the Polish \"White Tank\"?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The \"White Tank\"<\/strong> is a coating-free waterproofing system<\/strong>. It consists of a monolithic reinforced concrete structure<\/strong>, typically made in Poland using \"waterproof\" W8-class concrete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In this system, concrete serves both as a structural element and as a waterproofing layer<\/strong>. However, the \"W\" rating in W8 concrete does not mean complete waterproofing<\/strong>\u2014it only indicates a level of water resistance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For testing standard concrete<\/strong>, the PN-88_B-06250 standard<\/strong> requires six cubic samples (15 cm each)<\/strong>. According to the standard, two out of six cubes can fully absorb water<\/strong>, yet the W8 rating is still considered met<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This raises a critical question: is this approach appropriate for designing \"White Tank\" structures?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Additionally, \"White Tank\" concrete is poured in stages<\/strong> known as \"pours\" or \"tacts\"<\/strong>, designed to control planned cracking<\/strong> in designated areas. The maximum allowable crack width<\/strong> is typically 0.2 mm for hydrostatic water pressure<\/strong>, as specified in Eurocode 2<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Why Does the Polish \"White Tank\" Have a Bad Reputation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the main issues<\/strong> with the \"White Tank\"<\/strong> method in Poland is the lack of sufficient knowledge<\/strong> among professionals responsible for its design and execution. While this is not always the case<\/strong>, it often<\/strong> leads to the repetition of outdated solutions<\/strong>, ultimately causing problems later in the process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Most structural engineers<\/strong> focus primarily on the strength class of the concrete<\/strong>, treating \"White Tank\" structures<\/strong> as just another reinforced concrete element<\/strong>. In practice, they calculate the structural load capacity<\/strong> of the building and, if the foundation is exposed to water, they specify W8 \"waterproof\" concrete<\/strong>\u2014often without further consideration of waterproofing details<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, it is essential to understand that W8 concrete is not fully waterproof<\/strong>. Furthermore, the P-NB-06265 standard<\/strong> has removed the \"W\" rating<\/strong> for water resistance.<\/p>\n

This means that modern projects should not specify the \"W\" rating<\/strong>, as current standards<\/strong> only reference penetration depth under hydrostatic pressure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A major issue is that construction projects are increasingly being built on challenging terrains<\/strong>, requiring deeper underground levels<\/strong> (-1, -2, and even -3). As a result, buildings are exposed to more complex groundwater conditions<\/strong> and aggressive chemical environments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Failing to properly specify waterproofing requirements<\/strong> often leads to repeated structural failures<\/strong>\u2014especially in difficult water conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Risks Associated with the \"White Tank\" System<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The \"White Tank\"<\/strong> is only as waterproof as its weakest element<\/strong>. The first challenge<\/strong> arises during the design phase<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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  • A separate \"White Tank\" project<\/strong> is required alongside the main structural design<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • Few designers specialize in \"White Tank\" systems<\/strong>, limiting expertise.<\/li>\n
  • Construction companies often create their own versions<\/strong>, instead of following standardized solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    If a mistake occurs in the design or execution<\/strong>, even high-quality concrete won't ensure full waterproofing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, concrete placement and curing are critical<\/strong>. Key challenges include:<\/p>\n

    Weather conditions<\/strong> (beyond human control)
    Worker discipline<\/strong> (concrete curing is often neglected)
    Execution errors<\/strong> (improper reinforcement or misinterpretation of project specifications)<\/p>\n

    Strict technological discipline<\/strong> is necessary\u2014even small deviations can lead to leaks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    However, an advantage<\/strong> of the \"White Tank\" is that leaks are easier to locate<\/strong>. If water leaks from a specific joint<\/strong>, it pinpoints the exact problem area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    In contrast, coating-based waterproofing<\/strong> allows water to spread between the membrane and concrete<\/strong>, making leak detection difficult<\/strong>\u2014sometimes, the leak appears far from the actual failure point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    Single-family house in Switzerland using concrete with a crystallization admixture BETOCRETE CP 360 WP.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    \"White Tank\" Technology on a Standard Foundation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Schomburg offers its proven worldwide system<\/strong> of coating-free waterproofing<\/strong> known as the \"White Tank\"<\/strong>, utilizing BETOCRETE-C<\/strong>, a crystallizing admixture<\/strong> that enhances the self-healing<\/strong> of shrinkage cracks in concrete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The BETOCRETE-C system<\/strong> provides a fully developed set of standards<\/strong>, making design and implementation easier<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    In this system, the external part of the foundation<\/strong> is made of water-resistant concrete<\/strong> incorporating BETOCRETE-C<\/strong>, with sealed construction joints<\/strong> at slab-wall, wall-wall, and slab-slab connections<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    What Are the Advantages of the BETOCRETE-C System?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Polish regulations allow for the design of structures with cracks up to 0.3 mm wide<\/strong>. In contrast, Schomburg\u2019s BETOCRETE-C concrete mix meets Eurocode standards<\/strong>, which limit the maximum crack width to 0.2 mm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This difference is crucial for waterproofing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n