About Sika Greenstreak Ribbed Centerbulb PVC Waterstop
Sika Greenstreak ribbed centerbulb PVC waterstop is the most widely specified profile in the PVC waterstop family for movement joints in concrete construction. The hollow centerbulb sits over the joint and deforms 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 create mechanical interlock with the surrounding concrete, generally providing better sealing characteristics than smooth-flanged alternatives. Together they form 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: 9 Sika Greenstreak Profiles
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: 65 ft (194 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: 2.45 lb/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.
Ribbed Centerbulb Waterstop 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 Sika Greenstreak Profile 701, 702, and 703?
All three are 3/16″ thick ribbed centerbulb profiles. Profile 701 and 702 are both 4″ wide, with differences in centerbulb geometry. Profile 703 steps up to 6″ wide, providing greater concrete coverage on each flange. Head pressure ratings differ as well: the 702 is rated for 65 ft (194 kPa), the 703 for 100 ft (299 kPa), and the 701 for 175 ft (523 kPa) once the spec data is reconciled. 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 do you heat-weld ribbed centerbulb PVC waterstop 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.
+Is ribbed centerbulb waterstop appropriate for expansion joints?
Yes — ribbed centerbulb is one of the most common PVC waterstop profiles specified for expansion joints, along with contraction and isolation joints. The centerbulb accommodates the lateral, transverse, and shear movement that expansion joints are designed to allow, while the ribbed flanges anchor the waterstop into the concrete on both sides. For larger anticipated movements, a tear web profile may be appropriate instead.
+What’s the largest centerbulb available in the ribbed centerbulb family?
Profile 696 has the largest centerbulb in the Sika Greenstreak ribbed centerbulb family, at 7/8″ ID × 1-1/2″ OD. This is the profile to consider when joint movement is on the higher end of what a centerbulb profile can accommodate. For movements that exceed even this range, a tear web profile such as Ribbed Tear Web is the next step up.
