The FBZ is a patent-pending formed element that automatically positions waterstop sheets dead-center in the construction joint between base slab and wall — and holds them securely in place throughout the entire pour.
The FBZ waterstop centering element is a patent-pending moulded foam part that automatically positions waterstop sheets dead-center in the construction joint between base slab and rising wall of a watertight concrete structure (WU-Beton, also known as "Weiße Wanne"). The waterstop slides into a precision center slit and self-centers — displacement, insufficient rebar clearance and wrong embedment depth are eliminated by design. Throughout the entire pour, the FBZ holds the waterstop securely in place. Installation is manual, requires no special tools, and takes under one minute per linear meter. The product was developed by Dr.-Ing. Jörn Budde — TÜV-certified expert for building waterproofing and structural protection. Patent pending: DE 10 2025 121 129.9.
Where do leaks in watertight concrete structures typically occur?
Expert practice shows that leaks in watertight concrete structures usually trace back to poorly designed or executed penetrations, openings, joints and connections — with the construction joint between base slab and wall being especially critical.
It arises by design in every watertight structure — exactly where water pressure, groundwater and moisture later meet the concrete. Errors when installing the waterstop translate directly into leakage.
at the waterstop combine at the base-to-wall joint: displacement, clearance, centering, embedment and coating damage.
Typical order of magnitude for retroactive remediation per case — plus loss of use, expert reports and potential legal disputes.
These errors do not arise from lack of knowledge. They arise from time pressure, improvisation, and the absence of a reliable centering aid.
Insufficient fixation — the waterstop shifts when concrete is placed.
Minimum clearance per system specification not met — concrete fails to fully encase the waterstop.
The sheet does not sit centered in the joint — one-sided embedment.
Too little or too much embedment into wall or slab — without any control tool.
The waterstop coating is damaged during the pour — water tightness compromised.
How is the waterstop installed with the FBZ?
The FBZ is placed on the construction joint. The waterstop sheet slides into a precision slit and self-centers automatically. Concrete then encases the system and locks everything permanently in place.
Position the FBZ on the construction joint. No prep work, no measurement.
Slide the waterstop into the slit — it self-centers automatically.
Place the concrete. The FBZ holds the waterstop securely in position.
under 1 minute per linear meter
Moulded foam element with a precision center slit. Receives the waterstop sheet, defines embedment depth, defines rebar clearance. No moving parts. Installed by hand, no tools.
Retroactive remediation at the construction joint regularly runs in the five- to six-figure range per case — plus loss of use, expert reports and potential legal disputes. The FBZ costs a fraction of that per linear meter.
Water ingress — damp patches, water film, free inflow under groundwater pressure
Remediation costs in the five- to six-figure range
Loss of use, mould, devaluation
Expert disputes and warranty claims
The FBZ was developed by Dr.-Ing. Jörn Budde — TÜV-certified expert for building waterproofing and structural protection. Emerging from many years of expert practice at the base-to-wall joint, the element standardises waterstop centering and reduces a common source of installation error. The FBZ is manufactured by BBA GmbH in Bad Saarow, Germany, and delivered across the DACH region.
Send us a short message with your project, the required linear meters, and your delivery target. We usually reply within one business day.
info@bba-badsaarow.de ↗Dr. Ing. Jörn Budde
Managing Director · Developer
