BASF Pozzolith launches new waterproofing system for safer bridge decks 

The new system, developed in Japan, is a modification of the long-established Conibridge System, which has been used successfully for more than 30 years in Europe and complies with the German Federal Institute of Road Affairs standard ZTV-BEL-B Teil3. Focusing on the improvement of adhesion property, the new system has achieved compliance with the national NEXCO (Nippon Expressway Company Ltd.) waterproofing system standard for bridge decks as of July 2011.

Mr. Takahiro Ikeda,　Managing Executive Officer, General Manager of Marketing and Communications, BASF Pozzolith said, "We aim to help make bridge deck systems even safer. Therefore we conducted comprehensive tests with a combination of repeatedly modified adhesives and high quality polyurethanes, and we finally succeeded in developing the most suitable waterproofing system for bridge decks. Because this system uses pavement adhesives and the same quality materials as in asphalt pavements, we are able to achieve extremely reliable adhesion performance." 

The new Conibridge System also reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC) and does not contain heavy metals. Additionally, To achieve durability and flexibility over the long term, the system is formulated using polyurethanes instead of plasticizers.. The new Conibridge System is three-layer hybrid structure consisting of spray type PU waterproofing materials, a PU binder for improved adhesion and a special modified asphalt base of pavement adhesive. This ensures waterproof performance and prevents corrosion in reinforcements, concrete peeling and cracks caused by rain and chloride penetration or car vibrations.

Through these enhancements, the new system enables a longer life span for the structure. Moreover, when renovating aged asphalt pavement, the pavement adhesive of Conibridge System is remelted through heating and waterproofing layer is maintained in good condition also contributing to a longer life cycle.

"The new Conibridge System makes bridges safer and helps contribute to reducing the total maintenance cost," continued Ikeda.

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