The new water treatment plant in Fortville, Indiana, went online in April 2023. With expanded treatment capacity, the new plant now meets the growing community’s increasing demand for potable water. PENETRON ADMIX SB, a non-toxic crystalline concrete waterproofing admixture, was used to waterproof and protect the facility’s concrete tanks from constant exposure to water.
Close to the geographic center of Indiana, Fortville is approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Indianapolis and part of that city’s metropolitan area. With a population of over 4,800, the town features a vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and numerous popular summer events.
Recently, the town council mandated Reynolds Construction and GRW Engineers with the building of a new water treatment plant. “The previous water treatment plant, built in 1955, had been updated over the years, but the reinforced concrete structures were showing signs of advanced deterioration and were approaching the end of their service life,” explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. “In addition, the town continues to grow – and forecasts further growth for the coming years, which means demand for water will increase as well.”
The durability of concrete holding tanks in water treatment plants depends primarily on the protection of the imbedded steel reinforcement from corrosion. Without adequate waterproofing, cracking, joint-failure, and chemical attack quickly become sources of concrete deterioration.
“The project engineers, specialized in the design of water treatment plants, knew very well about the importance of a reliable and durable concrete waterproofing solution to maximize the service life of the new facility,” adds Christopher Chen. “PENETRON ADMIX SB was specified for the new US$11 million project.”
PENETRON ADMIX SB, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was added to the concrete mix for all treatment and holding tanks, including the base mat, walls, columns, structural slab, and soffits. imi provided the concrete mix for the foundation placements and Shelby Materials finished the remaining concrete work.
PENETRON ADMIX SB-treated concrete is impermeable, stopping water and chemicals from entering the concrete, even under the constant hydrostatic pressure encountered in a water treatment plant. Its ability to permanently self-heal any future microcracks prevents any damage from occurring over the service life of the concrete.
“As a concrete waterproofing admixture, PENETRON ADMIX SB is completely non-toxic and contains no VOCs,” adds Christopher Chen. “As an NSF 61-certified admixture, it is an ideal solution for potable water applications like Fortville.”
Permanent protection with Penetron: Protecting the imbedded steel reinforcement in concrete holding tanks from corrosion demands a reliable waterproofing solution to ensure durability.
Impermeable foundation in Fortville: PENETRON ADMIX SB, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was added to the concrete mix for all treatment and holding tanks, as well as the foundation elements.
