Specifications for Waterproofing Floors of Steel and Concrete Bridges

Diamond Water-Proofing. This is a

min eral compound, insoluble in water but held in suspension in a liquid solution. It is alleged to contain no grease, oil, or paraffine, and to be unaffected by changes in temperature. It is applied with a brush after the building is constructed.

Elaterite (or "mineral rubber") paint

is a plastic compound the base of which is the natu ral asphaltic or bituminous product known as elaterite, found in Utah and Colorado and some times called "mineral rubber" from its extreme elasticity. The ore is insoluble in acids or alka lis, even nitric and sulphuric acid, it is said, having no effect upon it; it is also impervious to water and intensely adhesive and heat resistant.

In the manufacture of the waterproofing paint, this pigment is not ground, but, by a spe cial process, is converted into a liquid and chem ically combined with the carrying oils. Surfaces treated with it receive a continuous coating of a rubbery film which is claimed to be perma nently air-tight, acid-resistant, pliable, fireproof, and absolutely impervious to dampness. The compound is ordinarily applied between the plaster coat and the outer walls of houses, fur nishing a direct ground for the interior plaster ing without furring.

H.-W.

stone preservative is a transparent liquid applied on the outside of stone or concrete work to prevent absorption of moisture.

Idealite is a proprietary compound the na ture of which is not announced, but which is claimed to be odorless, elastic, fireproof, and waterproof, and to be adaptable for application to wood construction as well as to concrete, brick, and stone.

Insulite Water-Proofing. This is a liquid mineral compound which may be spread with a brush or applied with a spraying machine. It is adaptable to concrete, stone, brick, or plaster, and is claimed to be acid- and alkali-proof, and to be unaffected by either salt or fresh water, heat or cold. It is also claimed to be elastic, expanding and contracting with the wall, and neither cracking, chipping, nor peeling off.

Ironite, as its name indicates, is a compound the basis for the manufacture of which is pure iron. It contains neither oil, paraffine, nor asphalt. It is in the form of a fine powder, and is used by being first mixed with water to about the consistency of ordinary whitewash, and then spread upon the desired surface with a brush.

When first applied, the compound is black; but it soon turns to a reddish brick color, eventually becoming brown in shade. Carried by the water into the pores of the structure, the ironite par ticles are there oxidized. The effect is that they are enlarged, completely filling the voids into which they penetrate, and thus forming, it is alleged, both a mechanical and a chemical union with the concrete, and becoming an in tegral part of the same. The new substance re sulting from the chemical action is claimed to be practically indestructible, and impervious to water, air, heat, cold, oils, acids, alkalis, etc. It cannot be removed except by strong mechan ical force, as with hammer and chisel, and then only by removing part of the concrete with it. The action is compared to that of vitrification. It will bond with old or new surfaces; can be applied on the inside of basements, pits, etc., and, it is said, will hold against any water pressure.

Liquid Konkerit

is the name given to another proprietary compound for ordinary damp-proof ing. It is spread like paint, and is applied on the outside.

Petrifax

is the trade name for another com pound for which important claims are made as a damp-proof coating. It is white, and dries quickly, perfectly flat. It is ordinarily used for under-coats on cement, brick, plaster, stone, wood, etc., furnishing a ground for subsequent coats of enamel or paint.

Ruberoid Damp-Course.

Important claims are made for this process of waterproofing as an effective means of insulation against damp ness for walls, foundations, tunnels, bridges, roadbeds, etc. The body of the Damp-Course is a high-grade felt fabric, which is thoroughly saturated with "Ruberoid" compound. It is usually laid 3-ply over the sub-base for founda tion walls and cellar floors, in a covering made continuous by breaking joints, and extending several inches beyond the wall on all sides of the structure. It is then carried up—usually 2-ply—on the exterior surface, to or above ground-level. For the purpose of insuring per fect contact at all points, a special bonding ce ment known as "Ruberine" is applied.