Fondag® for Dams and Waterways: the fast, durable and sustainable choice for hydraulic repairs

Across the world, owners and operators of dams and waterways face growing challenges: aging infrastructure, more frequent extreme weather events and increasing pressure to ensure safety and reliability. 

When it comes to repairing spillways, tunnels and turbine housings, conventional concrete often fails to meet the demands of high-velocity water and mechanical stress. That’s where Fondag® for Dams and Waterways makes the difference.

Developed by Imerys, this high-performance material is developed and designed by Imerys specifically for environments where erosion, abrasion and impact resistance are critical. 

Leveraging Imerys’ advanced calcium aluminate technology, Fondag® for Dams and Waterways provides exceptional mechanical strength and chemical stability in even the most demanding conditions.

Fast strength for long lasting infrastructure performance

Fondag®’s rapid-hardening formulation allows structures to return to service in as little as six to eight hours after placement, drastically reducing downtime. 

For dam owners, that means faster project turnaround and minimized disruption to power generation or water management operations.

“The real value lies in performance over time,” explains François Saucier, Infrastructure Project Specification Director at Imerys’ Refractories and Construction business area. 

“With Fondag® for Dams and Waterways, dam owners can reduce the frequency of repairs and significantly extend the service life of their structures.”

Long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs

The lifecycle benefits of Fondag® are substantial. Over a 50-year period, structures repaired with Fondag® may only require a single rehabilitation, where conventional materials would likely need multiple interventions.

This translates to lower maintenance costs, reduced manpower and equipment needs, and more predictable operational planning.

Fondag® is therefore a more robust option for owners aiming to minimize downtime and extend the value of their asset.

Extending infrastructure life, reducing environmental impact

By extending the service life of existing structures and reducing the frequency of major repairs, Fondag® for Dams and Waterways supports more sustainable infrastructure management. Fewer interventions mean fewer materials consumed, less energy used and lower carbon emissions over the life of a project.

With many mid-20th-century dams now showing signs of erosion and age-related stress, proactive maintenance decisions are critical. If deterioration spreads, the risk to safety and performance grows. Fondag® offers dam owners and operators a premium, proven repair solution that delivers safety, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.