Above & Below-Grade Waterproofing

Dr. G S Kame, Professor, Civil Engineering One of the most critical challenges facing concrete structures today is moisture penetration. Interior or exterior, above or below grade, unprotected structures suffer from water-induced damage, including deterioration and corrosion caused by alkalis, salts, acids and mold. Liquidapplied high performance membranes and cementitious coatings offer long-lasting protection against the most damaging conditions.

Below-Grade Waterproofing
Water at rest exerts pressure. This is called hydrostatic pressure. The force is a function of the height of the water. When it rains, and the water table rises, pressure increases and groundwater is literally pushed into the foundation in all directions, spreading into naturally occurring cracks and fractures, deteriorating the foundation, and eventually reaching the interior as seepage or dampness. To withstand hydrostatic pressure, a waterproofing system must be a completely integrated system to start and remain seamless over decades. That demands membranes of exceptional durability, elasticity through freeze and thaw, and resistance to naturally occurring and deposited chemicals and soil acidity.

Above Grade Waterproofing Whether the project is in a coastal location exposed to driving sea spray, or in an area that only gets occasional rain, every building can benefit from above-grade waterproofing. In fact, every building must have above grade waterproofing if it is to last more than a few short years. Imagine a structure with no flashings, no sealants, no membranes on the roof and walls, no waterproofing around the windows. Above grade waterproofing is essential.

Various Waterproofing Solutions Available.

Sheet-applied membranes Waterproofing membranes are used to give the best possible moisture protection. These sheets provide continuous, consistent thickness These membranes are available with strong adhesive properties and can also bond with moist surfaces. Hot-Applied Rubberized Waterproofing Membrane (HRM) Description HRM is hot-applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane is a 100% solids blend of

asphalts, synthetic rubber polymers, and filler formulated to provide toughness with flexibility and low moisture vapor permeance. Uses HRM is hot-applied to form a continuous elastomeric membrane. It is ideal for waterproofing bridge, parking, plaza, or promenade decks; tunnels; pedestrian concourses; and similar types of construction where a monolithic waterproofing membrane is desirable. Features

Excellent combination of toughness and low temperature flexibility. Very low absorption and vapor permeance. Unique formulation effectively prevents degradation of the rubber content by overheating.

Flexible Cementitious Waterproofing Cementitious coatings are designed to protect reinforced concrete structures in two ways for protection against chemical attack and as a structural waterproofing. These are available in hand or spray-applied waterproofing (negative and positive) coatings for wastewater treatment facilities, water retaining structures, and concrete tanks and tunnels. Formulations for potable water applications It is a highly flexible, fiber-reinforced, breathable, cementitious slurry, consisting of dry Component A and liquid Component B. Uses It is designed for positive and negative waterproofing of concrete structures in new construction and restoration. It is suitable for water and wastewater tanks, secondary containment structures, tunnels, concrete slabs, balconies, and patios with light to medium traffic. In new construction, where superior flexibility is required (waste water treatment facilities). Features

Superior flexibility. Long term crack resistance. Fast cure waterproofing. Self-curing. Continuous water immersion possible. Breathable. Salt resistant. Easy mixing & application = sprayable.

Bituminous membranes Bitumen - Mixed with a filler component such as limestone or sand. Polymers are added to the bitumen such as APP (atactic polypropylene) a plastic additive that gives rigidity and tear resistance, or SBS (styrene butadiene styrene) a rubber additive that gives more elastic benefits.

Base Products - Polyester, fibre glass, rag fibre (hessian), and paper. These products are bought in roll format and are pulled through the bitumen mixes on huge rollers. The base product becomes saturated in huge tanks by the tar like bitumen substance, creating rolls of waterproof material. Mineral - (Optional) Small granules are added to the top of the felt, decreasing the products fire vulnerability. Thin, transparent film - This product is added to the base of the felt during manufacturing on all torch-on products. This stops the felt from sticking to itself when rolled up during the packaging process. Features Bituminous roofing products are used for waterproofing roofs on buildings. 1. Benefits include that they move with the structure and do not absorb water. Bitumen is a hydrocarbon and is created from crude oil. 2. The products have an extremely long life span. 3. There is low noise pollution during application. 4. Bituminous membranes protect insulation and can reflect harmful sun rays. New products also contain photovoltaic cells that can produce solar energy. 5. Bitumen is not water soluble, non-biodegradable