About the Ribbed Centerbulb Profile
Ribbed centerbulb waterstops are commonly specified for movement joints in concrete construction. The hollow centerbulb sits over the joint and can deform to accommodate lateral, transverse, and shear movement — the three directions a joint may flex due to drying shrinkage, thermal expansion, settlement, and live load deflection. The ribbed flanges on either side help anchor the profile in the concrete on both sides of the pour, forming a continuous diaphragm intended to prevent the passage of liquid through the joint.
Larger centerbulbs are generally associated with greater joint movement capacity. Ribbed centerbulb profiles are produced in widths from 4 inches up to 9 inches and thicknesses from 3/16 inch to 3/8 inch, 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
- 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
- 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
- Larger joint movements are expected — see Tear Web
- 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 centerbulb waterstop in a range of profile sizes to suit different joint widths, movement requirements, and head pressure ratings.
Profile 701
Width: 4″
Thickness: 3/16″
Weight: 2.65 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 175 ft (523 kPa)
Centerbulb: 13/16″ ID x 3/8″ OD
Profile 702
Width: 4″
Thickness: 3/16″
Weight: 0.74 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 65 ft (194 kPa)
Centerbulb: 1/4″ ID x 3/4″ OD
Profile 703
Width: 6″
Thickness: 3/16″
Weight: 0.73 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 100 ft (299 kPa)
Centerbulb: 1/4″ ID x 5/8″ OD
Profile 705
Width: 6″
Thickness: 3/8″
Weight: 1.19 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 125 ft (373 kPa)
Centerbulb: 1/4″ ID x 11/16″ OD
Profile 709
Width: 9″
Thickness: 3/8″
Weight: 1.63 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 175 ft (523 kPa)
Centerbulb: 1/4″ ID x 3/4″ OD
Profile 717
Width: 6″
Thickness: 1/8″
Weight: 1.52 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 125 ft (373 kPa)
Centerbulb: 1/2″ ID x 1″ OD
Profile 732
Width: 6″
Thickness: 3/8″
Weight: 1.60 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 125 ft (373 kPa)
Centerbulb: 5/16″ ID x 7/8″ OD
Profile 735
Width: 9″
Thickness: 3/8″
Weight: 2.45lb/ft
Head Pressure: 175 ft (523 kPa)
Centerbulb: 1/2″ ID x 1″ OD
Profile 696
Width: 9″
Thickness: 3/8″
Weight: 2.65 lb/ft
Head Pressure: 175 ft (523 kPa)
Centerbulb: 7/8″ ID x 1 1/2″ OD
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 centerbulb 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 centerbulb 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 centerbulb different from a dumbbell with centerbulb?
Both profiles are designed to accommodate the same three directions of joint movement (lateral, transverse, and shear). Ribbed shapes are often noted for providing better sealing characteristics because the ribs create more mechanical interlock with the surrounding concrete. The right choice for any given project depends on the specification and engineering requirements.
+What’s the difference between profile 701, 702, and 703?
All three are 3/16″ thick ribbed centerbulb profiles. The 701 and 702 are both 4″ wide, with differences primarily in centerbulb geometry and roll length. The 703 is 6″ wide, providing greater concrete coverage on each flange. The 702 specifically carries a published hydrostatic head rating of 65 ft (194 kPa). Project-specific requirements should always drive the final selection.
+Can ribbed centerbulb waterstop be installed in a horizontal slab joint?
Yes, ribbed centerbulb 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 centerbulb 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 centerbulb waterstop suitable for potable water structures?
All Sika Greenstreak PVC waterstop profiles, including each ribbed centerbulb 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 centerbulb 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.
