About the Ribbed Tear Web Profile
Ribbed tear web waterstops are specified for movement joints where larger movements are expected than a typical centerbulb is designed to absorb. The hollow U-bulb sits over the joint, supported by a thin tear web that is engineered to rupture as the joint opens. Once the web tears, the U-bulb is free to deform without placing the PVC in tension — allowing the profile to accommodate substantial lateral, transverse, and shear movement. The ribbed flanges on either side anchor the waterstop into the concrete on both sides of the pour, forming a continuous diaphragm intended to prevent the passage of liquid through the joint.
Larger tear web bulbs are generally associated with greater joint movement capacity. Ribbed tear web profiles are produced in widths of 6 inches and 9 inches across a range of weights and head pressure ratings, with the appropriate size depending on the project’s expected joint movement, hydrostatic head pressure, and concrete thickness. See the sizing reference below or reach out for help selecting a profile for your specification.
Typical Applications
✓Commonly Specified For
- Expansion, contraction, and isolation joints with large expected movement
- Joints subject to lateral, transverse, or shear movement
- Water and wastewater treatment plants
- Reservoirs, aqueducts, and lock-and-dam systems
- Tunnels, culverts, and bridge abutments
- Containment structures and tanks
- Potable water contact applications
- Joints with hydrostatic pressure considerations
→Other Profiles May Be Considered When
- Moderate joint movement is expected — see Ribbed Centerbulb
- The joint has continuous reinforcement and minimal movement — see Flat Ribbed
- The application is a slab-on-grade joint — see Base Seal
- The joint is at an existing concrete face — see Retrofit profiles
- The installation is in an extreme cold environment — see ARC grade PVC
Profile selection should always be verified against project specifications and engineering requirements. Contact us if you’d like assistance reviewing options for your application.
Available Sizes & Versions
Sika Greenstreak produces ribbed tear web waterstop in a range of profile sizes to suit different joint widths, movement requirements, and head pressure ratings.
Profile 698
Width: 6″
Thickness: 1/8″ rib / 3/8″ edge
Weight: 0.78 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 65 ft (194 kPa)
Tear Web: 5/8″ U-bulb
Profile 699
Width: 9″
Thickness: 1/8″ rib / 3/8″ edge
Weight: 1.00 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 100 ft (299 kPa)
Tear Web: 5/8″ U-bulb
Profile 700
Width: 9″
Thickness: 3/8″ edge
Weight: 3.78 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 150 ft (448 kPa)
Tear Web: 2 1/2″ U-bulb
Sizing considerations generally include expected joint movement, hydrostatic head, and concrete cover. Contact us if you’d like help cross-referencing a profile against your spec.
Installation Overview
Ribbed tear web waterstops are typically installed prior to concrete placement using split formwork. Heat welding is generally the recognized method for splicing PVC waterstop, and factory-fabricated transitions are widely recommended to reduce the risk of failure at intersections. Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide and project specifications for complete instructions.
Center the waterstop over the joint with the U-bulb aligned and roughly half the profile projecting into each pour.
Tie off the outer flange to adjacent reinforcing steel using hog rings, punched flanges, or similar methods.
Heat-weld butt splices in the field. Factory fabrications are generally recommended for changes of direction.
Place and consolidate concrete around both flanges to encapsulate the waterstop fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
+How is a ribbed tear web different from a ribbed centerbulb?
Both profiles are designed for movement joints, but they handle movement differently. A centerbulb flexes and stretches to accommodate movement, while a tear web is engineered to rupture when the joint opens past a certain point — once torn, the U-bulb is free to deform without placing the PVC in tension. This makes tear web profiles a common choice for joints where larger movements are expected than a centerbulb is sized for. The right choice for any given project depends on the specification and engineering requirements.
+What’s the difference between profile 698, 699, and 700?
The 698 is 6″ wide and the lightest of the three at 0.78 lb/ft, rated for 65 ft of head pressure. The 699 is 9″ wide with a similar U-bulb geometry, rated for 100 ft of head pressure. The 700 is the heaviest profile at 3.78 lb/ft, also 9″ wide but with a substantially larger 2 1/2″ U-bulb, rated for 150 ft of head pressure and intended for joints with the largest expected movement. Project-specific requirements should always drive the final selection.
+Is it a problem if the tear web ruptures?
No — the tear web is intentionally designed to rupture as the joint opens. The thin web is a sacrificial element. Once it tears, the U-bulb is free to deform and stretch without the PVC being placed under tension, which is what allows tear web profiles to accommodate larger movements than a centerbulb of similar size. The watertight diaphragm is maintained by the deformed U-bulb and the ribbed flanges embedded in the concrete on either side of the joint.
+Can ribbed tear web waterstop be installed in a horizontal slab joint?
Yes, ribbed tear web profiles can be installed in horizontal as well as vertical joints. For horizontal slab-to-slab joints, split formwork is generally used so that roughly half the profile is embedded in the first pour with the U-bulb aligned over the eventual joint, and the remaining flange projects up to be encapsulated in the second pour.
+Are factory-fabricated intersections necessary, or can they be done in the field?
Field-fabricated intersections are widely cited as a leading cause of waterstop performance issues. Sika recommends factory-made fabrications for L’s, T’s, crosses, and other changes of direction. Field welding is generally appropriate for straight butt splices between runs of waterstop. The project specification will typically indicate which approach is required.
+Is ribbed tear web waterstop suitable for potable water structures?
All Sika Greenstreak PVC waterstop profiles, including each ribbed tear web size, are NSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water contact. This makes them appropriate for many applications such as finished water reservoirs and treatment plant clearwells, subject to project-specific requirements.
+How is ribbed tear web waterstop welded in the field?
PVC waterstop is typically heat-welded using a thermostatically controlled splicing iron. The two ends are squared, butted against the heated blade until the PVC begins to melt, then pressed together and held until cool. Sika offers a Waterstop Welding Certification Program for contractors seeking formal training, as weld quality has a significant impact on long-term performance.
