This presentation reviews current best practices for specifying and implementing permeability-reducing admixtures for waterproofing applications. The session begins with an overview of American Concrete Institute (ACI) Chapter 15 guidance on permeability-reducing admixtures, which provides a framework for selecting admixtures based on performance requirements and exposure conditions.

The presentation also reviews independent testing conducted by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) evaluating permeability reduction, shrinkage crack mitigation, and self-sealing behavior in accordance with ACI recommendations.

The session concludes with practical guidance on incorporating crystalline admixtures into a complete integral waterproofing system, including detailing for construction joints, pipe penetrations, control joints, and repair of defective concrete. The goal is to help design teams understand how integral waterproofing systems can be detailed and coordinated across stakeholders to improve long-term watertightness and durability.