Div. 07100

VIBRAFLEX

Specification

NO. 730

VIBRAFLEX®

BRIDGE DECK PROTECTION COURSE
Railway proven protection course for bridge deck waterproofing membranes.

Technical Description
SEALTIGHT VIBRAFLEX Bridge Deck Protection Course is a multi-ply, semi-rigid asphaltic panel composed of a mineral-fortified asphaltic core between one liner of asphalt-saturated felt and one layer of fiberglass. One liner is weather-coated and has a polyethylene film facing. It may be used in conjunction with most types of built-up dampproofing and waterproofing membranes, including liquid membranes, sheet membranes of EPDM, butyl, neoprene rubber, polyvinylchloride, as well as built-up systems.

VIBRAFLEX is equally adaptable to concrete, wood, steel and prestressed or precast concrete structures that require waterproofing. It is ideal for both new and remedial waterproofing applications. The American Railway Engineering & Maintenance of Way Association (A.R.E.M.A.) has approved SEALTIGHT VIBRAFLEX as a component within the waterproofing system, having passed five million cycles of vibratory load testing.

Uses
Developed by W. R. Meadows in conjunction with some of the nation's leading railroads, VIBRAFLEX provides a top-quality protection course that can be dry installed, is fully compatible with butyl sheeting and most sophisticated waterproofing membranes. It will withstand forces that would otherwise injure or deteriorate the membrane waterproofing material and destroy the integrity of the waterproofing system.

Advantages and Benefits

• Large 4' x 8' (1.22 meters x 2.44 meters) panels can be installed dry, permitting faster, easier installation and savings of 40% to 60% in total installed costs
• Panel size results in fewer joints (90% less) which eliminates infiltration of fines and resulting damage to the waterproofing membrane
• Flexible dual-layer installation complies with current A.R.E.M.A. Specification in Chapter 29.
  Eliminates messy, hot-mopping and cold-bitumen adhesives
• The factory-applied, weather-coated surface permits controlled ballast penetration for a secure seating position which locks the panel to the ballast for effective base stabilization
• Proven with more than 3 decades of outstanding field performance and service

Packaging

THICKNESS INCHES(mm) 3/8"(9.53 mm) 1/2" (12.7 mm)

PANEL SIZE FEET (m) 4'x8'(1.22 x 2.44m) 4'x8' (1.22 x 2.44m)

WEIGHT-LBS(kg) PER 100 SQ. FT. 260 lbs. (117.94 kg) 350 lbs. (158.76 kg)

Color
Black

Application
To reduce the possible ingress and infiltration of fines to a minimum and provide maximum membrane protection, VIBRAFLEX Panels are installed in 2 layers. The first layer is laid dry directly on the waterproofing membrane, with each sheet butted tightly to the next. The second layer is then laid with the butt joints staggered on a half sheet module (as shown in the layout diagram) to avoid coincidence with the joints of the first layer. No adhesives are required when the sheets are applied in this dual-layer technique. The panels are shipped with anti-stick polyethylene sheets between each panel, making handling and installation fast and easy.

The longitudinal dimension of the panels should be parallel to the composite slabs and structural members. Sheets may be cut to size using a sharp roofer's knife.

Dual Layout Application Theory
This theory, shared by many railroad engineers, states that the longer the ballast is in place, the greater the degree of build up or concentration of fines at the lowest possible level; in this case the point at which the ballast is in direct contact with VIBRAFLEX.

Normal gravitational movement, vibration movement of the ballast and liquid flowing in the direction of the membrane concentrates these fines, and gradually, a crust-like surface develops on top of the VIBRAFLEX. Because of the staggered joint system, the fines do not work their way through the full material thickness since only one half the joint area is present at any one point, so the integrity of the waterproofing membrane is preserved.

Specifications
A.R.E.M.A. Specification; Chapter 29 for Membrane Waterproofing.

Precautions
Keep VIBRAFLEX stacked on pallets or on a smooth surface to prevent deformation before application. Do not apply VIBRAFLEX over liquid waterproofing membranes containing volatile solvents until all of the solvent has evaporated.

NOTE: WHERE VIBRAFLEX WILL BE LEFT EXPOSED TO SUNLIGHT IT MUST BE PROTECTED WITH THE APPLICATION OF ALUMINUM FIBERED ROOF COATING. SPECIFIER AND USER SHALL DETERMINE SUITABILITY OF PRODUCT FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS AND ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITIES IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Read and follow application information, precautions and Material Safety Data information.

This material last updated August, 2000.

Div. 07100

VIBRAFLEX

Specification

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W. R. MEADOWS, INC. warrants that, at the time and place we make shipment, our materials will be of good quality and will conform with our published specifications in force on the date of acceptance of the order. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY SHALL BE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OTHERWISE ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE. As the exclusive remedy for breach of this Warranty, we will replace defective materials, provided, however, that the buyer examine the materials when received and promptly notify us in writing of any defect before the materials are used or incorporated into a structure. Three (3) months after W. R. MEADOWS, INC. has shipped the materials, all our Warranty and other duties with respect to the quality of the materials delivered shall conclusively be presumed to have been satisfied, all liability therefore terminates, and no action for breach of any such duties may thereafter be commenced. W. R. MEADOWS, INC. shall in no event be liable for consequential damages. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, no warranty is made with respect to materials not manufactured by W. R. MEADOWS, INC. We cannot warranty or in any way guarantee any particular method of use or application of the performance of materials under any particular condition. Neither this Warranty nor our liability may be extended or amended by our salesmen, distributors or representatives, or by our distributor's representatives, or by any sales information or drawings.