RIYADH-based Advanced Construction Supplies Factory (Lawazem), a manufacturer of specialised building materials, has launched a new product that provides a watertight solution in a range of construction applications.

Lawazem elastic foam board (EFB) is a compressible joint filler derived from a special component that comes in a sheet form and can be used to fill expansion joints. It provides excellent resistance against moisture and is immune to wet or dry rot, fungus attack or similar forms of deterioration, said a spokesman for the company.

EFB can by employed in many areas of construction, including in water and sewage tanks; culverts and canals; concrete pavements and floors; retaining walls; roadways, ramps, runways and aprons; basement structures, subways, drains and manholes; and all other structures in both internal and external concrete works. It can also be used waterproof shielding against penetration by backfill materials and a protective board.

The advantages of using EFB are many, said  the spokesman. It is easy to handle and cut using regular tools as well as make joints. It is an economical product that can be used in dry and wet areas and is offered in a wide range of thicknesses of up to 100 mm. It is waterproof, non-tainting, rot-proof, bitumen free and provides low load transfer to joint edges. It also affords high resistance to the weathering cycle in concrete.

The board’s compression and recovery characteristics conform to international standards. When compressed to 50 per cent of its thickness with three edges restrained, EFB shows an extrusion of not more than 0.5 to 1.5 mm on its free edge. Also, when compressed to 50 per cent of its thickness, it has been observed that it recovers to 98 per cent of its original thickness within two minutes after the load is removed.

EFB is available in a standard size of 1,000 mm by 2,000 mm with thicknesses of 10 mm, 13 mm, 18 mm and 25 mm. “We can offer up to 100 mm thickness upon demand,” he adds.

Lawazem adopts the latest methodologies and technologies to provide high-quality building material that conform to Saudi Arabian Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (Saso) and international standards, says the spokesman.

Some of the various products that the company offers include horizontal and vertical spacers, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) waterstops, electric conduits and fittings; joint packing; anchor fix (nail type); plaster accessories; formwork requirements such as PVC chamfers, sleeves, cones and plugs and levelling shims; and masonry reinforcements such as block ladders.