Waterproofing admixtures — making ordinary concrete more water resistant Which option correctly identifies materials that are added to fresh concrete as integral waterproofing compounds to reduce permeability (as opposed to paints or surface coatings)?

Introduction / Context:
Reducing water ingress through concrete can be achieved by proper mix design, curing, detailing, and, when specified, by integral waterproofing admixtures. This question distinguishes integral admixtures from surface-applied products that do not change the permeability of the concrete matrix itself.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ordinary structural or masonry concrete exposed to moisture.
• Goal is to lower permeability by admixture within the mix.
• Trade names represent integral compounds (Pudlo, Impermo, Cico) vs. paints (Snowcem).

Concept / Approach:

Integral waterproofing compounds (pore-blocking or hydrophobic) are dosed into the concrete to reduce capillary absorption and permeability. Surface paints like Snowcem are protective coatings applied after curing; they do not transform the internal pore structure of hardened concrete. Bitumen primers are unrelated to concrete mix permeability and are used as surface coatings or bonding agents in waterproofing systems. Simply increasing cement content is not a reliable waterproofing strategy and may raise shrinkage risk.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Manufacturers’ data sheets show reductions in water absorption and permeability with integral admixtures when used alongside low w/c ratio and proper curing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Snowcem is a paint; it does not alter internal permeability.
• Bitumen primer is a coating/primer, not an admixture.
• Higher cement alone does not guarantee waterproof concrete.
• “All of these” conflates admixtures with coatings and is incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:

• Relying on admixtures while neglecting cracks, joints, and curing—major leakage pathways.

Final Answer:

Pudlo/Impermo/Cico-type integral waterproofing compound.