EMSEAL BG Installation Sheet

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 1 OF 8

www.emseal.com

PRODUCT/INSTALL

BG SYSTEM

Expansion joint installation in below grade formed floors and walls

Product Description

• The BG System is a heavy-duty, double-celled, ex-

truded, double level, thermoplastic rubber gland flanked

by integral side flashing sheets.

• The system consists of:

1) Thermoplastic (heat-weldable) BG sealing insert

and side flashing sheets

2) Termination bar and anchors

• The above components are combined in the field with

a waterproofing membrane and accessories offered by

the waterproofing membrane manufacturer for use in

blind forming conditions.

• The waterproofing membrane is installed on the mud-

slab or lagging in accordance with the waterproofing

membrane manufacturer's instructions.

• The BG SYSTEM sealing gland is positioned over water-

proofing membrane at the centerline location of the

structural expansion joint.

• The underside of the BG SYSTEM side flashing sheets

are adhered to the installed waterproofing membrane

using an adhesive mastic provided by the waterproof-

ing membrane manufacturer as tested and approved

for this purpose.

• Another layer of the adhesive mastic is applied over the

top of the BG SYSTEM side flashing sheets to a width

which is wider by at least two inches than the BG

SYSTEM side flashing sheets.

• Another full width layer of waterproofing is firmly, and

without any voids, adhered into the adhesive mastic

thereby completing a sandwich of the BG SYSTEM side

flashing sheets and the waterproofing membrane and

adhesive mastic.

• The BG SYSTEM termination bar and anchors are in-

stalled to hold the system in place prior to pouring

concrete.

• The concrete is poured over the waterproofing mem-

brane and BG SYSTEM sandwich.

• The net result is the integration of the below-grade

waterproofing membrane and expansion joint system

on the exterior of the wall or floor while ensuring that

movement at the joint-gap is properly accommodated.

Uses, Applications

• For use at structural expansion joints in foundation and

tunnel floor and wall slabs where access to the exterior

is not possible after casting.

• Suitable for installation where access to the exterior

of walls is impossibleafter concrete placed:

1--lagging or single-side forming conditions

2--across the underside of foundation and tunnel slabs.

IMPORTANT:

The BG System is, in concept, a solution to the difficult

problem of sealing expansion joints on the exterior of

blind-side formed foundation conditions created through the

choice or need to cast concrete against lagging rather than

casting freestanding foundation walls.

The specification of the BG SYSTEM is made as a

consequence of the designer’s recognition of the merits of

the principle of the BG SYSTEM solution. Likewise

specification of the BG SYSTEM is made with the designer’s

and owner’s understanding of the need for proper installation

and control and protection of the system throughout the

construction process.

EMSEAL assumes no responsibility and supplies no warranty

for the workmanship of the contractors involved in any part

of site preparation and/or installation of the BG SYSTEM, or

for the finishing of any part of the related work on any

project.

The BG SYSTEM will not perform in conditions that are

unsuitable to the requirements for performance of the

waterproofing membrane materials into which the BG

SYSTEM is integrated (consult the waterproofing membrane

manufacturer).

Ultimately, because the BG SYSTEM is heavily

dependent on proper workmanship during

installation, and protection after it is installed and

before and during concrete placement,

EMSEAL offers a standard warranty only.

Note: BG System includes necessary termination

bar and fasteners required for installation.

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 2 OF 8

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

1) On the underside of the floor-slab (on top of a mud

slab) of a foundation or tunnel with freestanding

walls

2) Under the floor-slab AND on the walls of a blind-

side formed (lagging retaining system) foundation

or tunnel.

3) On the walls only of a blind-side formed (lagging

retaining system) foundation (no joint in floor slab).

IMPORTANT:

The BG SYSTEM with this installation is not for use on

freestanding walls where access to the wall is available.

For these conditions install BG with positive-side

installation instructions.

IMPORTANT:

The BG SYSTEM will not perform its intended function if

installed on rough and irregular surfaces. Substrates simi-

lar to rock, earth, chain-link retaining mesh, etc. that are

not lagging ARE NOT acceptable substrates for the BG

SYSTEM. In addition, the use of drainage board as a

means to smooth irregular surfaces is not acceptable. If

drainage board is specified, the substrate that will sup-

port the drainage board must be smooth, lagged walls.

SUMMARY:

There are several basic principles that apply throughout

the use of the BG SYSTEM.

1) The waterproofing membrane shall have been

determined by the manufacturer of the

membrane to be compatible with and have a

proven method by which to adhere positively

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Warranty:

EMSEAL Joint Systems, Ltd. warrants the BG SYSTEM

to be free of defects in workmanship-in-manufacture

and materials only at the time of shipment from our

factory. If any BG SYSTEM materials are proven to

contain manufacturing defects that substantially affect

their performance, EMSEAL will, at its option, replace

the materials or refund its purchase price.

This limited warranty is the only warranty extended

by EMSEAL with respect to the BG SYSTEM. There are

no other warranties, including the implied warranties

of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

EMSEAL specifically disclaims liability for any incidental,

consequential, or other damages, including but not

limited to, loss of profits or damages to a structure or

its contents arising under any theory of law

whatsoever.

Availability & Price

EMSEAL products are available throughout the United

States and Canada. Prices are available from local

representatives or direct from the manufacturer. The

EMSEAL product range is continually being updated.

Accordingly, we reserve the right to modify or withdraw

any product without prior notice.

INSTALLATION--GENERAL:

There are basically three blindside installation conditions

that will be described in this guide.

and permanently to the BG SYSTEM material of

manufacture.

2) The waterproofing membrane shall be installed

continuously across the mud-slab and/or

lagging walls.

3) A continuous strip of waterproofing membrane

will be centered over the position of the

expansion joint on the wall and/or floor slab;

4) The BG SYSTEM double-level side sheets shall

be installed without any folds, “fish-mouths”

or wrinkles, into a wet waterproofing

membrane mastic suitable to adhereing the BG

SYSTEM double-level side sheets to the

waterproofing membrane. The waterproofing

membrane mastic is to be applied to a width

wider than the longer of the BG SYSTEM double-

level flashing sheets by at least 2” (50 mm).

The waterproofing membrane mastic is to be

applied both below the longer of the BG

SYSTEM double-level flashing sheets as well as

above the longer of the BG SYSTEM double-

level flashing sheets so as to completely

encapsulate the BG SYSTEM double-level

flashing sheets.

5) All BG SYSTEM double-level flashing sheet

transitions from floor to wall must be fully

encapsulated (above and below) in

waterproofing membrane mastic.

6) The longer of the BG SYSTEM double-level

flashing sheets and wet waterproofing

membrane mastic shall be covered by another

full-width strip of waterproofing membrane on

each side of the belly under the shorter of the

BG System double-level flashing sheet.

7) The entire BG SYSTEM/waterproofing membrane

sandwich shall be clamped into place using

EMSEAL supplied termination bar and

protruding-head anchors through the shorter

of the double-level flashing sheet.

8) BG SYSTEM/waterproofing membrane sandwich

shall have concrete cast directly against it.

9) The BG SYSTEM shall transition into the MIGUTAN

plaza deck joint system on the roof slab or shall

be suitably transitioned into the above-grade

wall joint system in the building face.

10) The ultimate objective is to ensure continuity

of seal around the complete structure as

shown below:

In this typical tunnel applica-

tion, BG is used under the slab

and up the blind-side formed

walls. At the transition above

the blind-side walls, BG wraps

over the roof in softscapes or

joins to MIGUTAN on the

freestanding walls and across

the roof or plaza deck in

hardscape wear courses.

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 3 OF 8

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EQUIPMENT LISTEQUIPMENT LIST

EQUIPMENT LIST

(In addition to normal tools of the trade and safety

equipment, as well as tools and materials required by

the manufacturer of the waterproofing membrane, the

following materials and equipment must be on-site

before installation can begin):

For Preparing and Drilling Mud-Slab Concrete

 4-inch angle grinder(s) with diamond cup blade(s)

 minimum 2 ea - Hammer drills with depth guides

 minimum 6 ea - Hammer drill bits, 3/16-inch (5 mm)

diameter, suitable for masonry/concrete

 Generator, fuel, and accessories or access to reliable

high-amperage power source

For Cutting Termination Bar

 hacksaw

IMPORTANT: The BG SYSTEM installtion explained in

this sheet is not for use on freestanding walls where

access to the wall is available. Where access to the

positive side of the wall is available BG is installed in

accordance to positive-side installation instructions.

Unroll the sealing gland belly-side up in a clean open space

to allow the rubber to relax from its coiled shipping state.

Prepare concrete surfaces as required by the

waterproofing membrane manufacturer.

For Driving Screws

 Electric drill/driver. (minimum 14.4 volt cordless works

well)

 minimum 6 ea - #3 screw-gun bits

Other Miscellaneous Tools and Materials

 100-foot (30 meter) tape measure (or length to suit

project)

 chalk box with chalk

 Flat bar and small pry bar

 5-gal pail of Acetone* for cleaning joint-faces, trowels

and mixer tools

 box of clean, dry, lint-free, cloth (not paper) rags

 extension cords with 4-way box

Note: If drainage board is specified to be installed against

the lagging or shot-crete wall, install it first in accordance

with the instructions of the waterproofing manufacturer

and/or drainage board manufacturer as applicable.

IMPORTANT: Using drainage board as a means to

creating a smooth substrate is NOT ACCEPTABLE. The

surfaces that will support the drainage board must be

smooth, lagged walls.

INSTALLATION:

STEP 1: Unroll Sealing Gland and Prepare Floor and Wall Surfaces

One side of lagging-graphic

removed for clarity

Lagging

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 4 OF 8

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

www.emseal.com

Install waterproofing membrane over entire mud slab

with an appropriate upturn onto wall surfaces in

accordance with waterproofing membrane

manufacturer’s procedure.

Apply waterproofing membrane adhesive mastic onto

the waterproofing membrane on the floor and wall-

upturn on each side of joint-gap location.

Clean the underside of the BG SYSTEM side sheets using

solvent and

clean lint-free, 100% cotton rags

Note: Hang BG SYSTEM for walls freely for later

integration with the waterproofing membrane to be

installed on the walls.

Install the BG SYSTEM so that the belly of the gland is

centered over the joint-gap location.

Press or roll the BG SYSTEM flashing sheets firmly into

the wet waterproofing membrane adhesive mastic being

sure that outside corner of the upturn is also firmly

embedded in the waterproofing membrane adhesive

mastic.

Note: 90

transitions to the vertical are shipped as

factory-welded upturns manufactured to field-measured

dimensions by contractor. Ensure that these upturns

have been ordered and delivered and are on site before

starting installation.

STEP 2: Install Waterproofing Mem-

brane on Mud-Slab and Wall

Upturn

STEP 3: Apply Waterproofing

Membrane Adhesive Mastic

STEP 4: Clean Underside of BG and Install BG into Wet Waterproofing

Membrane Mastic

BG SYSTEM with 90-deg.

factory-welded upturn

manufactured to field-

measured dimensions from

contractor

BG SYSTEM hangs freely for

later integration with wall

waterproofing

On floor-slab waterproofing

and on wall-upturn

waterproofing BG SYSTEM is

embedded into wet

waterproofing gel mastic

Waterproofing mastic applied

minimum 16” wide on each

side of joint-gap location

Below-foundation-floor

waterproofing laid over

entire mud slab with upturn

onto wall surfaces

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 5 OF 8

www.emseal.com

Clean the exposed longer side of the BG SYSTEM

double-level side sheets with acetone and clean,

lint-free rags.

Apply waterproofing membrane mastic over the exposed

longer but under the shorter of the 2 sides of BG

double-level side sheets to fully encapsulate them.

Note: Mastic applied minimum 16” wide on each side of

belly of sealing gland to fully encapsulate side sheets

Roll out full-width sheet of waterproofing membrane into

wet waterproofing membrane mastic on top of BG

SYSTEM side sheets.

Install termination bars on both sides of the belly of the

BG-gland with BG-Anchors spaced 2.75-inches (70 mm)

from edge of belly of BG-gland.

Screw anchor bolts through pre-drilled holes in

termination bar.

Note: When anchoring to concrete, predrill concrete

using 3/16-inch (5 mm) diameter, concrete drill bit to

receive anchors.

Note: If transitioning from underslab to freestanding

walls (to be cast later), leave a free length of BG for

welding to the BG positive-side sheets or MIGUTAN

FP110/25 gland and side sheets on freestanding wall.

STEP 5: Apply Mastic Over Top of the

Longer BG Side Sheets

STEP 6: Apply Full-Width Sheet of Wa-

terproofing Membrane Over

Mastic and BG

STEP 7: Install Termination Bar and

Anchors

STEP 8: If Applicable: Field-weld BG to

Positive-side BG or MIGUTAN

FP110/25 on Freestanding

Walls

Full-width sheet of

waterproofing membrane

embedded into waterproofing

mastic over BG SYSTEM side

sheets

Waterproofing mastic applied

over BG SYSTEM side sheets

Mastic applied minimum 16”

wide on each side of belly of

sealing gland to fully

encapsulate side sheets

Waterproofing

membrane overlay

on top of BG

SYSTEM side sheet

BG SYSTEM anchors

with protruding

shaft

Termination bar

Belly of BG SYSTEM

gland

Termination bars and

BG-Anchors installed

2.75” from edge of

belly of BG-gland.

Anchors spaced 6”

on center.

Note: When

anchoring to concrete

mud-slab, pre-drill

concrete to receive

anchors.

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 6 OF 8

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

www.emseal.com

Install waterproofing

membrane on walls to cover

the entire wall surface. Install in

accordance with waterproofing membrane

manufacturer’s procedures and instructions.

Note: Ensure that a full-width sheet of waterproofing membrane is

installed centered over the centerline of the expansion joint

location. If a seam between previously installed waterproofing

membrane is within 2-feet of the expansion joint centerline, then

install another full sheet of waterproofing membrane centered over

the expansion joint centerline.

Apply waterproofing membrane adhesive mastic to the

waterproofing membrane beneath the longer of the BG

double-level side sheets on wall. Width of waterproofing

membrane adhesive mastic to be such that it extends a

minimum of 2-inches (50 mm) beyond the edge of the

longer flashing sheet (approximately 16-inches (410 mm)

total) each side of joint-gap location.

Firmly embed longer of the BG SYSTEM’s double-level side

sheets into wet waterproofing membrane mastic by

pressing or rolling.

Clean the exposed upper side of the BG SYSTEM side sheets

with solvent and clean, lint-free rags to remove all dirt,

debris and other contaminants.

Apply another coating of waterproofing membrane adhesive

mastic over the top of the longer of the BG SYSTEM’s

double-level side sheets to ensure full encapsulation.

Apply a full-

width sheet of

waterproofing

membrane into wet

waterproofing membrane

mastic on top of BG SYSTEM side sheets.

Install termination-bar and BG SYSTEM anchors to lagging.

Note: In lagging, screws can be driven without predrilling.

To cast the joint-gap, suspend forms over belly of BG

SYSTEM.

(Alternatively, set

casting-bulkheads on either

side of belly of BG SYSTEM.

Either way, ensure that the belly

is not crushed and the BG SYSTEM/waterproofing

membrane sandwich is not damaged).

STEP 9: Install Waterproofing Mem-

brane on Walls & Apply Mastic

Beneath BG Side Sheets

STEP 10: Apply Mastic Over Exposed

Surface of BG Side Sheets on

Walls

STEP 11: Apply Waterproofing Mem-

brane over Mastic and BG

and Install Termination Bar

and BG-Anchors

STEP 12: Set Forms or Bulkheads to

Cast Joint-Gaps

IMPORTANT: Steps 12 through 16 are usually the

responsibility of the General Contractor or Concrete Sub-

Contractor and may be job specific and may vary.

Coordination with the waterproofing subcontractor for

completion of the BG SYSTEM installation,as well as the

actions of GC in protecting the in-

place system components, during

these steps is critical.

Another coating of

waterproofing

mastic covers BG

SYSTEM side sheets

to ensure full

encapsulation.

To cast the joint-gap.

forms are placed over

belly of BG SYSTEM

(Alternatively,

casting-bulkheads are

set on either side of

belly of BG SYSTEM)

Full-width sheet of

waterproofing

membrane

embedded into

waterproofing

membrane mastic

over BG SYSTEM side

sheets.

Termination-bar and

BG SYSTEM anchors

secure system to

lagging.

Waterproofing

mastic applied to

waterproofing

membrane beneath

BG SYSTEM side

sheets. Width of

mastic is minimum

16” on each side of

joint-gap location.

BG SYSTEM side

sheets embedded

into wet

waterproofing

mastic.

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 7 OF 8

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STEP 13: Set Rebar Adjacent to

Forms as Required

STEP 14: Place Concrete for Floor

Slabs

STEP 15: Place Concrete for Wall

Slabs

STEP 16: Align Roof Joint-Gap Forms

and Place Concrete for

Roof Slabs

Rebar placed

adjacent to joint gap

location (shown one

side only).

Concrete floor cast on

top of waterproofing

membrane and BG

SYSTEM sandwich.

Concrete walls cast

against waterproofing

membrane and BG

SYSTEM sandwich on

walls.

Form for roof-slab

expansion joint is set

to ensure alignment

with wall joint-gaps.

Roof slabs are cast

against form.

Place rebar adjacent to joint gap location as required.

IMPORTANT: Rebar installation and concrete placing

schedules vary from project to project. The principles of

installation and protection of the BG SYSTEM and

waterproofing membrane system must be understood and

respected by all trades regardless of schedule.

Cast concrete walls against waterproofing membrane

and BG SYSTEM sandwich on walls.

Set form for roof-slab expansion joint to ensure

alignment with wall joint-gaps.

Cast concrete floor on top of waterproofing membrane

and BG SYSTEM sandwich.

BG SYSTEM--PRODUCT/INSTALL DATA

JULY 2023, 8 OF 8

EMSEAL JOINT SYSTEMS, LTD. 25 Bridle Lane, Westborough, MA 01581 USA PH: 508.836.0280 FX: 508.836.0281

EMSEAL LLC, 111 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada PH: 416.740.2090 FX: 416.740.0233

www.emseal.com

STEP 17: Remove Joint-Gap Forms STEP 18: Weld BG into MIGUTAN on

Roof

Foundation Slab

Walls

Footings

If there is no joint in the foundation slab,

wall and foundation waterproofing wraps

the entire structure.

BG SYSTEM installed into wall joints and

encapsulated into waterproofing sandwich

must extend beyond floor slab

elevation and well into drainage

course.

Note:

Forms removed to

allow free expansion

and contraction of

slabs at joints.

Remove forms from joint-gaps to allow free expansion

and contraction of slabs at joints.

Field-weld the factory-fabricated outside-corner transition

between BG SYSTEM and MIGUTAN plaza deck joint

system.

Install the MIGUTAN plaza deck joint system in

accordance with complete MIGUTAN installation

instructions available from EMSEAL.

IMPORTANT: If there is no joint in the foundation floor slab, AND wall and foundation waterproofing wraps the

entire structure, AND the BG SYSTEM is being installed against the blind side walls only

, then the BG SYSTEM

installed into wall joints and encapsulated into waterproofing sandwich must extend beyond the finished (interior)

floor slab elevation and well into drainage course. If this is not done, any water collected by the BG SYSTEM could

be funneled into the structure at the wall to floor-slab connection.