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BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint
BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint

BC Series PVC Waterstop — Internal Expansion Joint

  • MaterialPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  • Joint TypeExpansion / Shearing Joint
  • PlacementInternal (center-set)
  • ColorBlue
  • Size Range150 mm – 500 mm width
  • Models8 sizes (BC150 – BC500x10)
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Overview

BC series waterstop strips belong to the internal (center-set) PVC waterstop family. Each profile is built around a hollow center bulb flanked by two ribbed wings that anchor into the surrounding concrete. As the joint opens, closes, or shifts laterally, the center bulb flexes and stretches to absorb the movement while the ribbed wings remain locked in place, maintaining a continuous watertight seal along the full length of the joint.

This design makes the BC series suitable for structural movement joints where some degree of ongoing expansion, contraction, or shear displacement is expected — as opposed to static construction joints, which use a flat-profile waterstop without a center bulb.

Because the BC profile is placed centrally within the concrete cross-section, it must be positioned and tied off before the first concrete pour and again before the matching pour on the opposite side of the joint. The ribbed wings and corrugated profile increase the bond length between the waterstop and the surrounding concrete, reducing the risk of water tracking along the strip's surface.

Typical applications include reservoirs, water treatment and sewage structures, dams and spillways, underground tunnels, basements, retaining walls, and other below- or above-grade concrete structures where expansion joints are designed into the structural layout.

How the Center-Bulb Design Works

Concrete Pour A Concrete Pour B Expansion Joint Center Bulb

Simplified cross-section: the center bulb spans the joint gap while ribbed wings anchor into each concrete pour.

Key Functional Elements

  • Center bulb — the hollow tube at the midpoint of the strip sits directly over the joint gap, allowing the profile to flex as the joint moves without tearing or losing seal continuity.
  • Ribbed wings — the corrugated sections on either side of the bulb increase surface contact area with the concrete, resisting water migration along the strip.
  • Symmetrical profile — the BC cross-section is symmetrical about the center bulb, so the strip performs identically regardless of pour sequence on either side.
  • Continuous run — waterstop strips are field-jointed by hot-wedge or solvent welding to maintain an unbroken barrier around corners, tees, and crosses.

BC Series Size Chart & Dimensions

The BC series is available in eight width and configuration options, sized to suit different joint widths and expected movement ranges. Wider profiles with reinforced flange ends (designated "x8" or "x10") are typically specified for larger structures or greater anticipated joint displacement.

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BC Series internal expansion joint waterstop — dimensions by model
Model Overall Width (mm) Overall Height / Thickness (mm) Product Image
BC150 150 20
BC200 200 20
BC250 250 24
BC300 300 24
BC330 330 24
BC300x8 300 17
BC300x10 300 20
BC500x10 500 55
Dimensions are nominal manufacturing values and may vary within standard tolerance. Roll length and packaging available on request — see inquiry form below.

Physical & Mechanical Properties

All BC series waterstops are extruded from PVC compound and tested against ASTM standard methods for the properties below.

Property Type I Type II
Shape Thermoplastic extrusion ribbon Thermoplastic extrusion ribbon
Color Blue Blue
Hardness 70–90 Shore A 70–90 Shore A
Tensile Strength ≥ 12 MPa ≥ 14 MPa
Elongation at Break ≥ 250% ≥ 320%
Density ≥ 1,300 kg/m³ ≥ 1,300 kg/m³
Water Absorption ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.5%
Toxicity Non-toxic Non-toxic

Applications

BC series internal expansion joint waterstops are specified wherever reinforced concrete structures include designed movement joints and require a watertight barrier across the joint. Common project types include:

  • Water and wastewater treatment plant structures
  • Reservoirs and water storage tanks
  • Dams, spillways, and sluice structures
  • Underground and immersed tunnels
  • Basements and below-grade parking structures
  • Retaining walls subject to thermal or seismic movement

When to Choose BC (Expansion) vs. a Construction Joint Waterstop

Expansion joints are designed into a structure specifically to allow for movement caused by thermal expansion, settlement, or seismic activity. The BC series' center-bulb profile is intended for exactly this scenario. If the joint in question is a non-moving construction joint (a planned interruption in a single continuous pour with no ongoing movement expected), a flat-profile waterstop without a center bulb is typically the more appropriate and economical choice.

Installation Guidance

  1. Position and secure. Unroll the waterstop strip flat to remove coiling memory, then position it centrally within the joint location before the first concrete pour. Secure the strip to reinforcing steel using tie wire or proprietary clips spaced at regular intervals to prevent displacement during concrete placement.
  2. Maintain center alignment. Confirm the center bulb sits directly over the intended joint gap so it remains unobstructed and free to flex once the joint is formed.
  3. Pour and consolidate concrete carefully. Avoid voids or honeycombing around the waterstop ribs; concrete must fully and tightly encase both wings of the profile. Use a vibrator with care near the strip to avoid displacing it.
  4. Joint the strip at direction changes. For corners, tees, and crosses, use factory-fabricated fittings or hot-wedge weld field joints to maintain a continuous, unbroken seal.
  5. Form the joint and complete the second pour. Once the first side has cured and the joint former is in place, position formwork for the adjoining pour, again ensuring the waterstop is fully and evenly embedded.

Installation Notes

  • Avoid gaps, holes, or punctures in the waterstop strip — any breach compromises the watertight barrier along its full length.
  • Do not allow the strip to fold, kink, or wrinkle; irregularities can create channels for water migration.
  • Keep the strip free of oil, form-release agents, or other contaminants that could reduce bond with the concrete.
  • Reference project-specific structural drawings for exact joint width and waterstop model selection, particularly where anticipated movement exceeds standard ranges.

Related Internal Waterstop Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the BC series and a flat construction-joint waterstop?

The BC series includes a center bulb designed to flex with ongoing joint movement, making it suitable for expansion and shearing joints. Flat-profile waterstops, by contrast, have no center bulb and are intended for static construction joints where no significant movement is expected after the concrete cures.

Which BC size should I specify for my project?

Size selection depends on the joint width specified in your structural drawings and the expected range of movement. Wider, reinforced profiles (such as BC300x10 or BC500x10) are generally specified for larger structures or greater anticipated displacement. Share your project drawings via the inquiry form below and our team can help confirm the appropriate model.

Is the BC series suitable for potable water contact?

The PVC compound used in BC series waterstops is tested as non-toxic per the physical properties listed above. Confirm specific regulatory or certification requirements for your jurisdiction and application with our team prior to specification.

Can BC series waterstops be custom fabricated for corners or intersections?

Yes. Factory-fabricated corner, tee, and cross fittings can be produced to match your joint layout, in addition to standard straight-run rolls. Provide your joint layout details in the inquiry below.

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