FEBRUARY 2020

WATERPROOFING

eMag - Lounge

Constrofacilitator
Digitized knowledge for Construction
 Water-Proong system is evolving…...

Water inltration causes major problems to a structure. Water damages a building rst cosmetically then
structurally. Waterproong of a building therefore is very important and is seeking more attention in recent
times. It is now understood that if water ingress is not stopped in time, then it severely damages the
building. The life of a structure depends upon its stability and that is what is affected by the ingress of water.

Today the material chemistry has revolutionized the construction industry like all other industries. The
advancements in waterproong materials and technologies have revolutionized the modern construction
industry, not only with their ease of applications but also longer durability and less and easy maintenance
aspects. In this edition of the eMag-Lounge, we have focused on ever-prevailing waterproong issues. We
have highlighted topics such as types of waterproong, trends in waterproong, materials in waterproong
and innovations in waterproong.

February 2020 • Constrofacilitator 2

04 Waterproofing in Building Construction

10 Trends in the Waterproofing System

15 Innovation in Waterproofing Technologies

Different types of materials used in

22
waterproofing

4 10
15 22

3 Constrofacilitator • February 2020

WATERPROOFING IN BUILDINGS

Waterproofing in
Building Construction

Shamanth Kumar M
Project Engineer and
Manager of Design Services
Salarpuria Sattva Group

4 Constrofacilitator • February 2020


INTRODUCTION
Waterproofing is basically a process
designed to prevent water from pene-
trating into a structure. Typically water-
proofing is done in various layers and
stages to create multiple barriers so
that water cannot penetrate the struc-
ture. A structure is waterproofed by the
use of membranes and coatings to pro-
tect contents underneath or within as
well as protecting structural integrity. A
combination of such stages is referred
to as creating a “Building Envelope”.
Therefore, compatibility of materials,
their interactions, connections of build-
ing enclosures altogether also judges
the performance of a building. And this
performance is most hampered by the
outdoor weathering factors, of which
rain water and site drainage plays the
major role. Thus, protection from
weather, seepages from ground and
vertical travel of water in a structure can
be well protected by the correct appli-
cation of waterproofing system.
Modern waterproofing systems deal
Waterproofing
with sustainable architecture by a dual
course of action on its application to
the source. Various and specific coats
with certain proportions of chemicals
allows the process to multitask, with
ease. The parallel effect of energy con-
servation occurs because of the use of
materials involved in the process. This
largely includes the coats on the exter-
nal walls and floors, which cuts down
the heat flow into the building thereby
reducing the load on improving the
indoor air quality and air conditioning
of a space. Waterproofing systems can
also be stated as “structural protection
and rehabilitation' or “renewable engi-
neering”, because of its multi-action
ability and importance. Waterproofing
is not only a major part of procedure of
building construction but also hold the
dignity in grading a site. (Grading here
refers broadly to identification, control
and improving the land for proper con-
struction). Therefore, a waterproofing
system is technically applicable not only
to the building envelope as a whole,
but also on the specific parts of a struc-
ture.
WATERPROOFING IN BUILDINGS
1. Factors Affecting A Building
Every building can be referred to as a liv-
ing thing as it also addresses the prob-
lems of deterioration if proper care is
not taken and maintenance is not
involved. In this way, some natural fac-
tors like air, water, climate, wind and
humidity govern the life of building,
apart from the occupancy load. Water
(through humidity and rains) is the
prime source of degrading or harming
a structure, right from its foundation to
its plaster if the structure is not well pro-
tected from it. Water through its capil-
lary action enters and hampers the
strength of concrete, thereby making it
susceptible to corrosion. This is
observed in building through the devel-
opment of cracks on plaster, rot forma-
tion on walls and presence of moisture
on ceiling.
2. Problems in a Building
1. Natural factors
Ø Fire
Ø Water
Ø Wind
Ø Earthquakes
2. Unnatural factors
Ø Theft
Ø Demolishment
Ø Structural failure
Ø Other anti-social acts.
3. Classification of Weathering of a
Building According to Rural and
Urban Areas.
I. Rural Areas: Rural areas being uni-
form, monotonous and less exploited
in terms of use of varied materials, typi-
cal problems may occur confining to
the specific construction styles, natural
problems of the region. (e.g.: droughts,
floods). Use of natural and locally avail-
able materials makes it a very typical
and finite job to fix the weathering of a
structure. The workmanship is dealt at
a grass root level to cure any problems if
occur.
Constrofacilitator • February 2020 5
 WATERPROOFING IN BUILDINGS
II. Urban Areas: Urbanised areas occur
in pockets, cloisters and fragments.
Changing of macro climate, excess pol-
lution, over-exploitation of land, lack of
green spaces, excess use of greenhouse
gases, roads are the major causes of
weathering in urban areas. These
causes the material to withstand high
temperature differences as a result it
weathers, undergoes major changes in
its composition and develops cracks.
However, mostly the construction style,
material and methods are similar and
thus easy to check and cure.
4. Waterproofing – The Process
Of all the points mentioned above, the
commonly addresses problems are con-
fined to water. Water through various
sources and in any form harms the
structure. This happens in the form of
the following:-
Ÿ Seepages through walls, sills, lin-
tels, claddings, extensions, beam-
brickwork joint.
Ÿ Capillary rise through foundation,
external wall, common walls, exte-
rior wall-floor joints, columns,
Chejja.
Ÿ Up thrust action and buoyancy in
contours against retaining wall,
under reinforced basement floor-
ing and underground basement
spaces.
Avoiding these problems can never be a
Indication of Paints Peeling Off From the Roof Surface.
6 Constrofacilitator • February 2020
Indication of Cracks Developing On External Surface.
good idea for a designer as it would
destroy and deteriorate the design, be
it an interior or the exterior. Therefore,
waterproofing as a process, precaution
and cure is taken to overcome these
problems, subjected to specific areas
and required materials.
4.1 Solution- Waterproofing
It is the restriction of water (capillaries,
vapours, moisture) from entering into a
structure, through formation of various
layers around the structure. It is done in
a way, keeping the breathing property
of the building alive and screening the
excess gaps, holes and leakages.
4.2 Importance of Waterproofing
Building waterproofing is a process
which is designed to prevent water
from penetrating a building. Usually
extensive waterproofing measures are
added to a building at the time of con-
struction, to provide moisture control
from the start, and waterproofing may
also be done after a building is built, to
address problems as they emerge or as
part of a building retrofit.
Waterproofing is critical, for a number
of reasons, and many contractors
around the world specialize in building
waterproofing, providing mainte-
nance, restoration, and new construc-
tion services. From the point of view of
its occupants, building waterproofing
is important because
Ÿ It keeps a building dry.
Ÿ It also reduces internal humidity,
making a building more comfort-
able to work in and protecting
objects inside the building from
damage as a result of humidity and
water vapour.
Ÿ Building waterproofing is also
important to the integrity of the
building itself.
Typically, building waterproofing is
done in several different ways to create
multiple barriers for water so that it can-
not enter a structure. Together, water-
proofing measures are known as “the
envelope.” Some signs that there is a
problem with the building waterproof-
ing include:
Ÿ Wet basement walls

Ÿ The proliferation of Mold and
fungi
Ÿ Signs of rot
Ÿ Pooling water inside a structure
5. Difference between Water Resis-
tant and Water Proof Material
Water-resistant and waterproof refer to
THE AMOUNT OF WATER THAT IS
PREVENTED FROM ENTERING OR
EXITING AN ITEM. Despite having the
same purpose, these terms are different
and should not be used synonymously.
The main difference between water-
resistant and waterproof is that water
RESISTANT PRODUCTS CAN
WITHSTAND WET WEATHER BUT
CANNOT WITHSTAND BEING TOTALLY
SUBMERGED IN WATER; WATERPROOF
PRODUCTS CAN.
Levels of protection for which a product
resists the entry of water can vary. Each
water-resistant and waterproof prod-
uct is GIVEN A LEVEL RATING FROM
THE IP RATING SYSTEM, WHICH RATES
THE INGRESS PROTECTION OF THE
PRODUCT. This is an important factor
for consumers to pay attention to when
purchasing water-resistant and water-
proof products, particularly an elec-
tronic, such as a watch. The ratings
range from level 0, meaning that not
even a drop of water should touch the
item, to level 8, meaning that item
could go to the bottom of a large body
of water and still function correctly.
6. Process of Waterproofing
Waterproofing is done in layers, above
the structure, retaining the breathing
property of it, to avoid seepage and cap-
illary rise of water into it. Internally in
repels the water content present in
structure and externally it forms a pro-
tective film around itself. Typically,
building waterproofing system is done
by creating multiple barriers for stop-
ping the inflow of water, so that it can-
not enter the structure. This develop-
ment of multiple layers, by the materi-
als and techniques in it creates an “en-
velope” kind of structure around the
building. This envelope can be treated
as a sustainable feature or a green
building measure by avoiding the
inflow of excess heat from atmosphere.
This can be done by the application of
various paints, coatings and other mate-
rial finishes and cladding which help cre-
ating a transition between the outdoor
and indoor temperature. This transition
between the temperatures helps the
structure in following ways:
Ÿ The minimum difference between
the indoor and outdoor tempera-
ture of a building causes less signs
of weathering and safeguards the
structure. This happens in a way
that the effect of contraction or
expansion during various seasons
in the material composition of
building is reduced, by matching
or equalising the room tempera-
ture and outdoor temperature.
Ÿ Reduces the load on the HVAC sys-
tem, and other processes that a
building occupant tends to use for
making the room temperature hab-
itable. This reduction can be well
counted in savings of electricity
consumption, potable water con-
sumption and other resources con-
sumption. This tends to take the
building towards a greener envi-
ronment.
7. Types of Waterproofing Methods
Cementitious waterproofing method
WATERPROOFING IN BUILDINGS
There are some common types of
waterproofing methods used in con-
struction industry. Waterproofing in
buildings / structures is generally
required for:
Ÿ Basement of structure
Ÿ Walls
Ÿ Bathrooms and kitchen
Ÿ Balconies, decks
Ÿ Terrace or roofs
Ÿ Green roofs
Ÿ Water tanks
Ÿ Swimming pools
The following waterproofing methods
are commonly used in construction:
Ÿ Cementitious Waterproofing
Ÿ Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
Ÿ Bituminous Membrane
Ÿ Bituminous Coating
Ÿ Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
Cementitious Waterproofing
Method:
Cementitious waterproofing is the easi-
est method of waterproofing in con-
struction. The materials for
cementitious waterproofing are easily
available from suppliers of masonry
products, and they're easy to mix and
apply.
This method is often used in the inter-
Constrofacilitator • February 2020 7
 WATERPROOFING IN BUILDINGS
nal wet areas such as toilets. This
method is usually a rigid or semi-flexible
type waterproofing, but since it is used
in internal areas such as toilets, it is not
exposed to sunlight and weathering.
Thus cementitious waterproofing does
not go through contract and expansion
process.
Applications of Cementitious Water-
proofing:
Cementitious waterproofing is used in
the following type of structures:
Ÿ Water Treatment Plants
Ÿ Sewage Treatment Plants
Ÿ Bridges
Ÿ Dams
Ÿ Railway & Subway Systems
Ÿ Marine Cargo Ports & Docks
Ÿ River Locks/Channels & Concrete
Dykes
Ÿ Parking Structures & Lots
Ÿ Tunnels
Liquid Waterproofing Membrane
Method:
Liquid membrane is a thin coating
which consists of usually a primer coat
and two coats of top coats which are
applied by spray, roller, or trowel. It
offers more flexibility than the
cementitious types of waterproofing.
The liquid cures into a rubbery coating
on the wall. The elongation properties
Liquid waterproofing membrane method
8 Constrofacilitator • February 2020
of the coating can reach as high as
280%. The durability of the water-
proofing coating depends on what type
of polymer the manufacturer use for
the making of the liquid waterproofing.
Liquid waterproofing membrane can
be of spray-applied liquid membrane
composed of polymer-modified
asphalt. Polyurethane liquid mem-
branes in separate grades for trowel,
roller, or spray are also available from
various manufacturers.
Bituminous Coating Waterproofing
Method:
Bituminous coating is a type of coating
used for waterproofing and flexible pro-
tective coat in accordance with its for-
mulation and polymerization grade. Its
flexibility and protection against water
can be influenced by the polymer grade
as well as reinforcement of fibre.
Bituminous coating is also called as
asphalt coating. The most common
applications of bituminous coatings
include areas that are beneath screed
Bituminous coating waterproofing method
wet. It is an excellent protective coating
and waterproofing agent, especially on
surfaces such as concrete foundations.
Bituminous coating is made of bitumen
based materials and it is not suitable for
expose to sunlight. It becomes very brit-
tle and fragile when long exposure to
the sunlight unless it is modified with
more flexible material such as polyure-
thane or acrylic based polymers. The
flexibility of the finished products
always depends on the solid content of
the polymer added to the bitumen.
Bituminous Membrane Waterproof-
ing Method:
Bituminous membrane waterproofing
is a popular method used for low-
sloped roofs due to their proven perfor-
mance. Bituminous waterproofing
membrane have torch on membrane
and self-adhesive membrane.
Self-adhesive compounds comprise
asphalt, polymers and filler; addition-
ally, certain resins and oils may be
added to improve adhesion characteris-
tics. The self-adhesive type has low shelf
 WATERPROOFING IN BUILDINGS

life as bonding properties of the mem-

brane reduces with time.

Torch on membrane have exposed and

covered types. Exposed membrane
often has mineral granular aggregate
to withstand the wear and tear of the
weathering and the other types of mem-
brane, contractor need to apply one
protective screed to prevent the punc-
ture of the membrane.

Polyurethane Liquid Membrane

Waterproofing Method: Polyurethane
liquid membrane method of water-
proofing is used for the flat roof area
and exposed to weathering. This water-
proofing method is expensive.
Bituminous membrane waterproofing method
Polyurethane Liquid Membrane can
offer higher flexibility. Polyurethane is
very sensitive to moisture content pres-
ent, therefore before application, one
has to be very careful evaluating the
moisture content of the concrete slab,
otherwise peeling or de-bonding of
membranes may happen after some
time.

Conclusions

Water damage can be a serious issue in

a structure. With water come moulds
and a host of other problems which can
undermine foundations, make condi-
tions in the building unsafe, and dam-
age property inside the building. Polyurethane liquid membrane waterproofing method

Wooden buildings can suffer rapid

decay from water exposure, but water
penetration can also damage concrete
and other building materials, especially
in cold climates where water may
freeze and cause cracks. Insufficient
waterproofing can be a problem year
round, not just during the rainy season.
Some permeability in a building is
desired, not least because building
occupants generate humidity which
must be safely vented. The goal of
building waterproofing is to prevent as
much water as possible from entering
the building, and to provide outlets and
drainage so that if water does get
inside, it is not allowed to sit.

Constrofacilitator • February 2020 9

TRENDS IN THE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
Trends in the Waterproofing System
W
aterproofing helps
to seal a new con-
struction site early
which has been
found to promote
long term comfort.
The measures that are taken, help to
reduce the moisture in the interior of the
building. It makes it more comfortable to
live in, while also providing a foundation
for further work later on. Thinking about
this early can help prevent headaches
about the matter later. Waterproofing is
one of the most critical, yet neglected con-
cerns, because of the less exposure to con-
crete technology. Most of the time it is con-
sidered an inconvenience rather than a
serious matter. But avoiding it will
increase the issue and leave your wall
damped in a flood giving a hideous look.
The trends for the demand for waterproof-
ing technologies keep on changing as per
need and demand.
Discussed below are five of the trending
10
waterproofing systems in demand now.
PU based waterproofing
Polyurethane is made up of two compo-
nents, base and reactor. Polyol acts as the
base, while isocyanide is the reactor com-
ponent. The combination of both these in
a specific design ratio creates a liquid coat-
ing for waterproofing applications. Poly-
urethane is a rather popular choice due to
its ease of installation. Unlike other
waterproofing systems like sheet mem-
branes and liquid applied membranes, this
polyurethane application requires com-
paratively less skill and supervision.
Application is fast and this type of treat-
ment can be used for post construction
applications as well. Detailed methods for
surface preparation and application are
prescribed by the product supplier and
often supervised by them in large project
applications. Waterproofing is an expen-
sive business, still it is better to prevent
leakages and take all precautions during
the construction stage itself.
Advantages
Ÿ Simple application
Ÿ Resistant to water
Ÿ Resistant to frost
Ÿ Crack-bridging
Ÿ Provides water vapor permeability
Ÿ Provides excellent thermal resis-
tance, it never turns soft
Ÿ Provides excellent adhesion
Constrofacilitator • February 2020

Ÿ Resistant to detergents, oils, seawa-
ter and domestic chemicals.
Polyurethane Waterproofing Proce-
dure:
Ÿ The roof surface is thoroughly
cleaned with a wire brush and all for-
eign matter etc. is removed. Well
defined cracks on the surface are cut
to “V section, cleaned and filled up
with a paste of 2 component Polyure-
thane based crack filling compound
and white cement in a ratio of 1:2.
Ÿ Primer Coat Application is then
done. It consists of two packs of Poly-
urethane. Primer coat is mixed in the
ratio as per Manufacturers' specifica-
tion. A single coat of this primer is
applied by brush over the prepared
bed as an adhesion coat.
Ÿ The finishing coats consist of three
successive pigmented sealing coats
each of two pack Polyurethane mixed
in the ratio as per manufacturer's spec-
ification.
Ÿ Application of finishing coat is done
with brush to a smooth and even fin-
ish. The overall dry film thickness
should be 450 microns or minimum
covering capacity should be 160
gms/m2 per coat.
Ÿ Each coat is allowed to dry for a mini-
mum 12 hours before applying next
coat. Care is taken for quick applica-
tion after mixing the two pack primer
in view of short pot life of the mix
and should be fully consumed within
February 2020 • Constrofacilitator
TRENDS IN THE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
the stipulated period as per manufac-
turer's specification (maximum 60
minutes at 30 deg. C).
Ÿ The PUS coating should be contin-
ued up the parapets/walls for a mini-
mum of 150 mm over the finished
roof surface. It should be continued
into rain water pipes by at least 100
mm.
Ÿ The final coat of PU when tacky is
sprinkled with 300 micron layer of
clean sand.
Ÿ Plain cement concrete (1:2:4) of 25
mm minimum thickness with 24
SWG chicken wire mesh is laid to
slope in panels of maximum 1.2 M x
1.2 M size over this. The joints
between panels should be raked out
neatly (after stipulated curing
period) to a minimum 6 mm x 6 mm
V-groove and filled up with an
approved quality elastomeric com-
pound sealant.
Ÿ Drain outlet is provided for all
spouts/rain eater pipes by suitable
rounding, filling and sloping of PCC
as per drawing.
Ÿ At the junction of the roof and para-
pet or any other vertical surfaces, a fil-
let of 75 mm radius should be formed
in cement concrete (1:2:4).
Applications
Ÿ Roofs
Ÿ Balconies, terraces and verandas
Ÿ Wet areas (under-tile) in bathrooms,
kitchens
Ÿ Pedestrian traffic deck
Ÿ Old bitumen felts, asphalt felts,
EPDM and PVC membranes and old
acrylic coatings.
Ÿ Concrete constructions like bridge-
decks, tunnels, stadium stands, etc
Bridge deck waterproofing
The waterproofing of a Bridge Deck
paved with Asphalt (Tarmac) is one of the
most challenging waterproofing in civil
engineering. It must prevent water ingress
and offer mechanical resistance to long-
term vehicular traffic. Concrete bridge
deck deterioration is one of the most
extensive bridge maintenance problems
affecting the service life of bridges. One
cause of the deterioration is the penetra-
tion of moisture and chlorides into the con-
crete with subsequent corrosion of the
steel reinforcement. The use of water-
proofing membranes is one strategy to pre-
vent moisture and chlorides from reach-
ing the concrete by providing a barrier on
the top of the concrete deck. The water-
proofing membrane is then protected
from the traffic by an asphalt overlay. To
increase the durability of reinforced con-
crete bridges, all concrete movement and
construction joints, plus the bridge decks
have to be waterproofed to prevent seri-
ous damage to the concrete, or to the
embedded steel reinforcement. Due to
dynamic loading, the bridge decks must
be protected with elastic, crack-bridging
systems to accommodate any movement
and maintain the protection.
Two types of Bridge deck waterproofing
systems are available for use:
Ÿ Sheet Systems These are Polymer
Modified Bituminous sheets bonded
to the bridge deck, using torch appli-
cation, hot mopping asphalt, or
through self-adhesion. Manufactur-
ers have developed various systems
that would satisfy the enhanced
requirements of the bridge deck
waterproofing market.
Ÿ Liquid (Sprayed) Systems These sys-
tems largely fall into acrylics and
Polyurethanes and normally consist
of three elements. Primer, Membrane
applied in one or two coats and tack
coat specially developed to enhance
the bond of the membrane to the sur-
facing mix.
11
TRENDS IN THE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
Advantages of this system include- Elas-
tic, crack-bridging properties, especially
at low temperatures, Resistance to chlo-
rides and automotive chemicals such as
fuel, oils and hydraulic fluids, Easy to
install and accommodate variations in
level and substrate conditions and Fast
application to reduce traffic closure times.
Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing involves tech-
niques and materials used to prevent
water from penetrating the basement of a
house or a building. Waterproofing a base-
ment that is below ground level can
require the application of sealant materi-
als, the installation of drains and sump
pumps, and more. Waterproofing is usu-
ally required by building codes for struc-
tures that are built at or below ground
level. Waterproofing and drainage consid-
erations are especially important in cases
where groundwater is likely to build up in
the soil or where there is a high water
table. Water in the soil causes hydrostatic
pressure to be exerted underneath base-
ment floors and walls. This hydrostatic
pressure can force water in through
cracks, which can cause major structural
damage as well as mold, decay, and other
moisture-related problems.
To protect your basement from water, you
will need to dig all the outer perimeter of
the basement all the way down to the base
of the foundation. Having the right prod-
uct applied over the walls will be key to
having a successful waterproofed base-
ment.
Drainage tiles, gravel or crushed stone
12
drains, perforated pipe, or other approved
systems or materials shall be installed at
or below the area to be protected and shall
discharge by gravity or mechanical means
into an approved drainage system. With
the excavation completed, clean the wall
and check for any cracks or areas causing
the water to seep in. If you have detected
these issues, apply a coat of hydraulic
cement to the walls to stop the leakage.
Hydraulic cement will expand as it is cur-
ing and with its chemical properties, it
will fill in the cracks and voids reducing
the probability of leakage.
Apply a coat of cement based sealant to all
exterior walls. Cement based sealants are
easy to apply and can be used over con-
crete and masonry surfaces. This type of
sealant will harden and will close the con-
crete pores. In case a hairline crack was
not fixed in the previous step with hydrau-
lic cement, it will be covered in this proce-
dure. Install a waterproofing membrane.
A heavy coat of the membrane, an asphalt-
modified polyurethane material, can be
troweled or sprayed on to seal the founda-
tion wall against water from the outside.
Elastomeric membranes are made of modi-
fied asphalt and exhibit great waterproof-
ing characteristics. One of the most
important benefits of elastomeric mem-
branes is that they can flex and move to
accommodate when new cracks occur. Be
sure to use a waterproofing product
instead of a damp-proofer product that is
likely to fail.
Install a drainage mat with molded dim-
ples. The material used needs to create air
gaps between the wall and itself so that
moisture can travel to the drain structure.
The drainage mat should be cut to the
exact depth of the foundation. It can also
help ease lateral pressure against the foun-
dation.
Install the French drain or weeping tile. It
is good practice to install cleanouts, to pro-
vide easy access for maintenance pur-
poses. Backfill with gravel and complete
your French drain installation. Gravel
should be 18″ from grade for earth areas,
and 4″ from grade where cement will be
Constrofacilitator • February 2020

poured.
Several measures exist to prevent water
from penetrating a basement foundation
or to divert water that has penetrated a
foundation- Interior wall and floor seal-
ers, Interior water drainage, Exterior
drainage, Exterior waterproofing coat-
ings, Box type waterproofing and Foun-
dation crack injections.
Swimming pool waterproofing
Swimming pools have become very com-
mon in most luxurious residential build-
ings, hotels, resorts etc. The building and
hotel owners usually demand long lasting
waterproofing solutions for their swim-
ming pools. Architects, consultants and
specifiers usually seek aesthetic as well as
comprehensive waterproofing solutions
for their swimming pools. Dura can pro-
vide complete solutions with a wide range
of products.
Waterproofing plays a crucial role in seal-
ing the construction and assuring a swim-
ming pool's long life. This is because
water places serious loads on the swim-
ming pool structure and is an aggressive
factor both for its frame and for all materi-
als used in its construction. The walls and
the ground of a swimming pool are sub-
ject to constant water pressure. To enjoy
your swimming pool it is important to
February 2020 • Constrofacilitator
TRENDS IN THE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
have permanent waterproofing. Since
they are often in permanent contact with
the water contained in the bath or pool, as
well as with water in the ground, they
must be waterproofed and protected from
aggressive agents that could potentially
compromise their durability over the
years. Reinforced concrete structures are
often used in the construction of swim-
ming pools. Even if the concrete is well
made it will still need to be protected from
“aggressive agents” that would otherwise
accelerate deterioration of the element or
structure and so reduce its durability over
the years. Water from the ground, as with
the water in a bath or pool, is naturally
aggressive and, if it penetrates into the con-
crete, will weaken the structure. During
the design phase, therefore, another very
important aspect to be taken into consid-
eration is the height of the water table (con-
stant or temporary) in the area in which
the structure is built. Once this evaluation
has been carried out, it will be possible to
define both the most suitable type of foun-
dation and the most appropriate water-
proofing system.
When the waterproofing coating is not
completely watertight anymore, then
humidity appears in pools. Moistures can
have two different origins:
a) Filterings from the outside. They are
detected because the pool water gets dirty
because of the particles that are dragged
by the ground taken by the pool. When the
water from the outside seeps into the pool,
it causes the pool liner to detach.
b) Leaks from the inside, more difficult to
detect if they are small and go towards the
ground. They occur when the pool ceases
to be watertight, and they can happen
towards the inside, in the pump enclosure
or towards the outside, to the ground.
Some common steps for swimming pool
waterproofing are -
You need to bring any variations in the
pool's wall or floor (the mortar bed
bonded to the cementitious waterproof-
ing), within acceptable flatness levels.
To facilitate a strong bond for your water-
proofing membrane and the tile, ensure
that the substrate is properly prepared.
Proper preparation requires removing any
contaminants on the substrate's surface –
including grease, residues and dust; as
well as all loose materials, such as those
resulting from honeycombing or laitance.
Possible methods for cleaning include
pressure washing, scarifying, sandblast-
ing, shot blasting and grinding.
Apply the waterproofing membrane of
your choice as per the manufacturer's
instructions. Prior to coating the entire sur-
13
TRENDS IN THE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
face with the membrane, pre-fill all con-
crete cracks up to 1/8” wide. Flash all con-
trol joints, substrate joints, field seams
and corners; anywhere vertical surfaces
meet horizontal surfaces, such as curbs,
bench seats and columns; anywhere dis-
similar materials meet, such as drains and
expansion/control joints.
Once the membrane is properly cured, test
to make sure the pool is watertight before
beginning the tile installation. To do so,
fill the pool at a slow rate. Measure the
water levels of both the pool and test ves-
sel after filling, and again after several
days. If the pool and test vessel have lost
similar amounts of water, evaporation or
wind are probably the culprit. However, if
the pool has lost significantly more water
than the test vessel, you will need to drain
the pool and make repairs to the water-
proofing system.
Rooftop waterproofing
One of the most important parts of keep-
ing your roofing in great condition is mak-
ing sure that it's properly waterproofed.
Any amount of water damage can be det-
14
rimental to your roofing and, in turn, to
many other parts of your home, so it's
absolutely essential that you have high
quality roof waterproofing installed.
Depending on whether you have a flat
roof or a pitched roof, you will need to use
different waterproofing materials in order
to properly protect your roofing.
There are many different waterproofing
methods and materials available, includ-
ing:
Ÿ Waterproofing perforated film
Ÿ Polymer membranes
Ÿ Hydrophilic rubber
Ÿ Surface waterproofing (acrylic, bitu-
men, silicone rubber, polyurethane
mastic, etc.)
Ÿ Sprayed waterproofing materials
(poly-urea, acrylic formulations, liq-
uid rubber, etc.)
Ÿ Injected materials (polyurethane, sili-
cate resins, cement, emulsions, etc.)
Ÿ Penetrating materials
A tricky problem in building construction,
mainly because the surfaces are flat. This
means that the water cannot run off the
structure quickly, and will move slowly or
pool above the surface, creating opportu-
nities for leakage.
Rooftop waterproofing should be able to
resist leakage during heavy rainfall. and
provide insulation against heat loss dur-
ing summers/winters. Terrace Water-
proofing is the Best way to Stop Water
leakages and Humidity.
Conclusion
There is a prevalent demand for environ-
mentally friendly products. Whether con-
tractors are working in areas where VOCs
are heavily regulated or not, a desire for
environmentally friendly products is
ever-growing. Expect to see further
emphasis on the use of increasingly valu-
able low-VOC products as a result.
Source
winklerchimica.com, everdryindy.com,
swimmingpoolsingapore.com,
constructionreviewonline.com,
archiexpo.com, advancematrix.com.
Constrofacilitator • February 2020

Innovation in
Waterproofing Technologies
I
n building construction,
waterproofing is a fundamen-
tal aspect of creating a build-
ing envelope, which is a con-
trolled environment. The roof
covering materials, siding,
foundations, and all of the vari-
ous penetrations through
these surfaces must be water-
resistant and sometimes
waterproof. Waterproofing trend and
demand has changed overtime. As the
industry expands, building contractors
need to offer their customers longer-
lasting, high-performance solutions to
stay competitive. High-quality water-
proofing is essential to preventing
Constrofacilitator • February 2020 15
structural damage and maintaining a
healthy comfortable environment.
From the late 1990s to the 2010s, the
construction industry has had techno-
logical advances in waterproofing
materials, including integral water-
proofing systems and more advanced
membrane materials. Over the past
few years, there have been technologi-
cal advance- ments in waterproofing
products and systems; manufacturers
are introducing new, long-lasting and
eco-friendly products in the market
keeping environment, safety, and
health points of paramount consider-
ations in view.
WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
Given below are few of the waterproof-
ing innovations occurring across the
globe.
Nanotechnology in waterproofing
In recent years, there has been an
increase in nanotechnology research,
and nanotechnology has been incor-
porated into many applications in
everyday life.
Nanotechnology is no longer just a
promising field of research. Many
nanotech solutions have made their
way into everyday life – one of the most
prominent being the use of ceramic
 WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
coating for waterproofing. Nano coat-
ing is hydrophobic (water repellent),
oleo phobic (oil repellent) surface layer
that repels water, oil, dirt, and other dry
particles. Superhydrophobic coatings
are used in dry surface application.
These naturally occur in some plant
leaves, such as the lotus leaf, and
some insect wings. Nano coating is
hydrophobic (water repellent), oleo
phobic (oil repellent) surface layer that
repels water, oil, dirt, and other dry par-
ticles.
Superhydrophobic coatings are used
in dry surface application. These natu-
rally occur in some plant leaves, such
as the lotus leaf, and some insect
wings. More about superhydrophobic
coatings.
High hydrophobicity eco-friendly nano
coating can be applied onto objects to
make them waterproof for the long-
term. The product is anti-corrosive or
oxidation, anti-icing, UV resistance,
high temperature resistant and also
resistant to chemical compounds. It
has self-cleaning capabilities when it
rains and can be used on a variety of
surfaces. Nano coatings do not
change the colour of the surface to
which they are applied. They are invisi-
ble to the naked eye.
The Nanotechnologists at Nanex have
currently drawn inspiration from nature
to create a new coating for waterproof-
ing. The coating created by Nanex
draws its inspiration from the proper-
ties of the lotus plant. Lotus plants grow
in muddy, semi-aquatic environments,
but have an inherent ability to remain
dirt-free as their leaves are water-
repellent and have self-cleaning sur-
faces. When a water droplet falls on the
surface of a lotus leaf, it beads up into a
nearly perfect sphere and easily rolls
off the leaf. As the water rolls off the
leaf, it picks up and carries away any
dirt or dust, resulting in a self-cleaning
surface. Nanex coatings work in a simi-
lar manner to the lotus leaf. The coating
covers every fiber of the original fabric
and forms nanostructures on the sur-
face of the fabric. When water falls on
the surface, air is trapped by the
nanostructures, and as the attractive
forces between the water molecules
are more than the attractive forces
between the surface and the water, a
droplet forms that slides off the sur-
face, taking with it any dirt that is pres-
ent.
Crystalline waterproofing
Concrete, most commonly used mate-
rial in building & constructions,
absorbs water and often gets dam-
aged and deteriorates. During con-
crete formation tiny holes and capillar-
ies have been created that make con-
crete porous. Porosity in concrete
makes it water permeable.Crystalline
waterproofing chemicals prevents
water movements in concrete by creat-
ing its own waterproofing barrier. This
way chemical reduces the water per-
meability and porosity in conventional
concrete and increases its durability
and lifespan and also reduces its main-
tenance cost. When any liquid contacts
a surface, a contact angle is formed
between surface and edge of liquid
drop. This contact angle should be
higher to make any surface hydropho-
bic or very high to make it super-
hydrophobic. A surface that does not
have any property of hydrophobic nor-
mally has contact angle with water
below 80 degrees. On the contrary, a
super-hydrophobic surface creates
contact angle with water at least 150
degree with water. Any surface has its
surface energy while liquid has surface
tension. Liquids penetrate in any sur-
16 Constrofacilitator • February 2020

face when; surface energy > superfi-
cial tension. Low surface energy and
good micro roughness make a surface
hydrophobic. Leaf of lotus is consid-
ered to be a super-hydrophobic sur-
face and repels water very well.
When added or applied to concrete,
crystalline technology chemically
reacts with water and unhydrated
cement particles to form insoluble nee-
dle-shaped crystals that fill capillary
pores and micro-cracks in the concrete
and block the pathways for water and
waterborne contaminants. Any mois-
ture introduced over the lifespan of the
concrete will initiate crystallization,
ensuring permanent waterproofing pro-
tection.
Waterproofing membranes
Waterproofing membranes are avail-
able in sheet form or liquid form. Liquid
membranes are sprayed, rolled or trow-
elled onto the concrete surface and
cure to form a rubbery waterproof coat-
ing. Sheet membranes come in sheet
form and are stuck to the concrete sur-
face to provide a waterproof barrier pre-
venting water intrusion into the struc-
tural elements of a building or its fin-
ished spaces.
Metropolitan Transportation Service
(MTS) recently unveiled a new, high-
efficiency wheel truing pit to keep rail
Constrofacilitator • February 2020 17
cars rolling smoothly. On this project,
an underfloor truing pit-with a metal mill-
ing machine-can simultaneously re-
profile wheels of passenger or freight
cars, while the wheel set is attached to
the rolling stock.
During excavation, the specifications
outlined the depth of the pit to be
almost three feet under the water table.
When the general contractor began dig-
ging, water poured in quickly, filling the
bottom of the hole. In order to finish the
excavation, seven dewatering pumps
were needed to drain the area and
keep the water out. Original parame-
ters specified installation of a water-
WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
proofing membrane. However, the pro-
ject manager looked for a better solu-
tion to prevent water seepage through
the concrete. The solution includes a
range of crystalline products to treat all
the concrete for the footings, slab and
walls of the truing pit. It also seals all the
cold joints and helps to patch any
remaining cracks and imperfections in
the new structure.
This reduces permeability by perma-
nently sealing micro-cracks and this
also helps protect the concrete against
water penetration, even under high
hydrostatic pressure. This is only one
example. Construction materials con-
tinue to advance, enabling workers to
build structures that are waterproof
from the elements, ensuring a long-
lasting structure.
Self-healing, water-repellent, spray-
on coating
Self-healing, water-repellent, spray-on
coating developed at the University of
Michigan is hundreds of times more
durable than its counterparts. It could
enable waterproofing of vehicles,
clothing, rooftops and countless other
surfaces for which current waterproof-
ing treatments are too fragile. It could
also lower the resistance of ship hulls, a
step that would reduce the fuel con-
 WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
sumption of the massive vessels that
transport 90 percent of the world's
cargo.
The developers say the new concoc-
tion is a breakthrough in a field where
decades of research have failed to pro-
duce a durable coating. While water-
repellent finishes are available at pres-
ent, they're typically not strong enough
for applications like clothing or ship
hulls. This discovery changes that.
The coating is made of a mix of a mate-
rial called “fluorinated polyurethane
elastomer” and a specialized water-
repellent molecule known as “F-
POSS.” It can be easily sprayed onto vir-
tually any surface and has a slightly rub-
bery texture that makes it more resilient
than its predecessors.
If it is damaged, the coating can heal
itself hundreds of times. It can bounce
back “even after being abraded,
scratched, burned, plasma-cleaned,
flattened, sonicated and chemically
attacked,” the researchers wrote in a
paper recently published in ACS
Applied Materials & Interfaces.
In addition to recovering physically, the
coating can heal itself chemically. If
water-repellent F-POSS molecules are
scraped from the surface, new mole-
cules will naturally migrate there to
replace them. That's how the coating
can renew itself hundreds of times. Its
healing ability is limited only by its thick-
ness.
New coatings make natural fabrics
waterproof
Fabrics that resist water are essential
for everything from rainwear to military
tents, but conventional water-repellent
coatings have been shown to persist in
the environment and accumulate in our
bodies, and so are likely to be phased
out for safety reasons. That leaves a
big gap to be filled if researchers can
find safe substitutes.
Now, a team at MIT has come up with a
promising solution: a coating that not
only adds water-repellency to natural
fabrics such as cotton and silk, but is
also more effective than the existing
coatings. The new findings are
described in the journal Advanced
Functional Materials ("Short-
Fluorinated iCVD Coatings for
Nonwetting Fabrics"), in a paper by MIT
professors Kripa Varanasi and Karen
Gleason, former MIT postdoc Dan
Soto, and two others.
Using the iCVD coating process, which
does not involve any liquids and can be
done at low temperature, produces a
very thin, uniform coating that follows
the contours of the fibers and does not
lead to any clogging of the pores, thus
eliminating the need for the second pro-
cessing stage to reopen the pores.
Then, an additional step, a kind of sand-
blasting of the surface, can be added
as an optional process to increase the
water repellency even more. “The big-
gest challenge was finding the sweet
spot where performance, durability,
and iCVD compatibility could work
together and deliver the best perfor-
mance.
The coated fabrics have been sub-
jected to a barrage of tests in the lab,
including a standard rain test used by
industry. The materials have been bom-
barded not only with water but with vari-
ous other liquids including coffee,
ketchup, sodium hydroxide, and vari-
18 Constrofacilitator • February 2020

ous acids and bases - and have
repelled all of them well. The coated
materials have been subjected to
repeated washings with no degrada-
tion of the coatings, and also have
passed severe abrasion tests, with no
damage to the coatings after 10,000
repetitions.
Ultra-Water Resistant Surface
A group of researchers from the Mas-
sachusetts Institute of Technology
recently announced a stunning break-
through in the development of an
exceedingly water-resistant surface.
Their research focused upon repelling
water droplets. They announced they
had discovered a way to increase exte-
rior ridges in silicon in a way that
deflects water falling onto the surface.
Their research could lead to the even-
tual production of very “hydrophobic”
i.e. water resistant garments and
mechanical and electronic parts.
U l t r a h y d r o p h o b i c ( o r
superhydrophobic) surfaces are highly
hydrophobic, i.e., extremely difficult to
wet. The contact angles of a water drop-
let on an ultrahydrophobic material
exceed 150°.This is also referred to as
the lotus effect, after the
superhydrophobic leaves of the lotus
plant. Since the fine ridging pattern will
reduce the contact time between water
droplets and a surface, it could hold
Constrofacilitator • February 2020 19
great value in terms of enhancing ice-
resistance. Frozen water clinging to air-
craft parts poses a significant aviation
issue in many situations. By installing a
more water-resistant coating, manu-
facturers might enable products to dis-
play superior deicing properties. Simi-
larly, ultra-water resistant fabrics would
help protect people from exposure to
the elements more effectively in some
settings.
Spray-on waterproofing is a procedure
by which a liquid waterproofing agent
is applied to a surface. As presented in
the name, this method of waterproof-
ing is sprayed on, usually by a knowl-
edgeable and experienced expert, by
WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
using a spray gun. The waterproofing
agent exists the gun and is applied as a
liquid form, but dries into a pliable,
blocked membrane that water just can-
not enter through. This waterproofing
solution is not just economically
friendly, and non-toxic, but it also can
be applied to any surface and bond
with it very well. This includes concrete,
masonry, stone, fibre cement, fibre-
glass, steel, tiles, etc. What this
“bondability” means is that the spray-
on waterproofing won't be coming off.
As spray-on is so easy to apply, it can
be used to large spaces, without a has-
sle and in a brief period. This would
mean that projects can be completed
on time, without a lot of manpower. It
also means that labour is cheaper and
that clients have their homes and build-
ings waterproofed in no time. The best
products to use for spray-on applica-
tions are Silicone, Polyureas and
Polyurethanes and mixtures of these.
Out of these options, Silicone usually
tends to be the most cost-effective, but
also the least durable. When choosing
to use silicone, it would be best to use it
in areas that don't require a lot or any
traffic. Otherwise, if a stronger blend is
required, it is best to go for the more
durable, and a bit more expensive,
Polyurea and Polyurethane. It also
entails all finer details to be adequately
sealed. All that is needed is to spray the
 WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
required area with the coating, and the
spray-on applicator will ensure that no
space goes unturned.
Australian National University (“ANU”),
reported a significant breakthrough in
waterproofing tech this week. A
spokesman from the educational insti-
tution's Nanotechnology Research Lab-
oratory revealed a team of scientists
had succeeded in blending together
two different plastics to create a new
spray-on coating with a highly water-
resistant surface. Water droplets will
not remain on surfaces coated with the
product.
Antonio Tricoli and William Wong
worked on the development of sophis-
ticated nanotechnology formulation.
They hope their research will eventually
contribute to the creation of many
effective new spray-on waterproof sur-
faces in a variety of industries. For
instance, Antonio Tricoli explained that
the new formulation will prevent bath-
room windows from misting over. He
hoped the coating would also help
keep glass windows appearing cleaner
longer, too. The scientists from ANU
envision an array of useful applications
for their invention.
Torch on waterproofing
Modern techniques for waterproofing
buildings have resulted in less leaky
structures. One of the major advances
in waterproofing has been the inven-
tion of torch on membrane. Torch on
membrane, as the name describes, is
a membrane that's applied to a surface
with a torch, which waterproofs the
area. This is mainly used on water-
proofing flat roofs, works by using a
substance such as polyurethane or
bitumen, and heat-fusing (welding) dif-
ferent pieces of this substance
together to form one continuous mem-
brane. The seams, or where the mem-
brane pieces overlap, can also be
fused with solvents instead of heat,
and can be as strong as the rest of the
membrane.
There are some major advantages to
membrane roofing. In the past asphalt
and gravel were used, but these appli-
cations often had weaknesses. For
one, it can be very difficult to create a
proper seal at all seams and connec-
tion points. This can cause many roofs
to leak early in its lifespan, and require
much more maintenance. However,
membrane materials are either seam-
less or have seams as strong as the
body. This can prevent the leakage con-
cerns that are often associated with flat
roofing systems.
Repairing gravel and asphalt systems
can also be difficult, mainly because it
is difficult to locate the exact place
where a leak is. Membrane materials
can be patched easily though, and
breaks or leaks are much easier to find.
New waterproofing and antifouling
materials
New materials have been developed
by scientists in the Energy Safety
Research Institute (ESRI) at Swansea
University which is nontoxic, economi-
cal and shows promise to replace
more expensive and hazardous materi-
als used for waterproofing and
antifouling/fogging. A new class of
nanomaterials with tunable wettability
have important applications ranging
from antifouling to water proofing sur-
faces. Materials made by scientists at
Swansea University are inexpensive,
20 Constrofacilitator • February 2020

nontoxic and can be applied to a vari-
ety of surfaces via spray- or spin-
coating.
The researchers led by Dr. Shirin Alex-
ander and Professor Andrew Barron
reported their find in the American
Chemical Society open access journal
ACS Omega. The spray coated
nanomaterials provide both a texture to
the surfaces, regardless of the sub-
strate, and the chemical functionality
that can alter the surface from
superhydrophilic (water wetting) to
superhydrophobic (water repelling)
based on the choice of tailored func-
tionality.
Fabrication and testing of low surface
energy to high surface energy materi-
als were carried out by Wafaa Al-Shatty
a master student at the Energy Safety
Research Institute at the Swansea Uni-
versity Bay Campus. There, she syn-
thesized aluminum oxide
nanoparticles using hydrocarbon lin-
ear and branched carboxylic acids
(with different surface energies) to dem-
onstrate that hydrophobicity can be
readily tuned based on the nature of
the chemical functionality. The
research demonstrates that subtle
changes in the organic chain enable
the control of surface wettability, rough-
ness, surface energy and the
nanoparticles ability to behave as sur-
face active agents.
Both hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity
are reinforced by roughness.
Nanoparticles with the methoxy (-
OCH3) functionality exhibit high sur-
face energy and therefore
superhydrophilicity properties. On the
other hand branched hydrocarbons
reduce the surface energy. Spiky
(branched) chains are the first line of
defense against water alongside sur-
face roughness (caused by
nanoparticles in both cases). This mini-
mizes contact between the surface and
water droplets, which allows them to
slide off.
To be superhydrophobic, a material
Constrofacilitator • February 2020 21
has to have a water contact angle
larger than 150 degrees, while
superhydrophilic surfaces are material
whose surfaces exhibits water contact
angles lower than 10 degrees. Contact
angle is the angle at which the surface
of the water meets the surface of the
material.The hydrocarbon-based
superhydrophobic material may be a
"green" replacement for costly, hazard-
ous fluorocarbons commonly used for
superhydrophobic applications.
Acrylic Polymer Emulsion For Printing
And Packaging Barrier Coatings
Conservation Technology Acrylic Roof
System is designed to permanently
waterproof most new or existing roofs
with positive drainage, including roofs
with low slopes and complicated flash-
ings. The system consists of two princi-
pal components: a premium
elastomeric liquid acrylic coating and a
polyester reinforcing fabric. Mallard
Creek Polymers has commercialized
Tykote®6152 for use in a variety of food
packaging applications where out-
standing barrier and press runnability
are required. This innovative product
demonstrates MCP's ability to cross-
pollinate technology from other mar-
kets to serve packaging coating and
ink suppliers. The R&D organization of
the company is able to assist clients in
formulation design and product test-
ing, while offering a wide array of prod-
uct options. This new product,
Tykote®6152, and all the company's
barrier products are highlighted in a
new Latex Products for Barrier Paper
and Paperboard Coating selection
guide.
Hygienic Powder coating
In addition, the powder coating appli-
cation method provides a number of
environmental and economical bene-
fits. Because the process does not use
solvents, little or no volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) are emitted into
the atmosphere. And, because it is a
powder process, uncon-taminated
coating overspray can be collected
WATERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES
and reused. In addition to the need to
meet increasingly stringent environ-
mental regulations, growth in the pow-
der-coating segment is being driven by
the continual development of innova-
tions that help manufacturers over-
come the challenges of the past.
AkzoNobel's innovative powder coat-
ings help keep surfaces hygienically
clean all year round, while tackling the
invisible threat of cross-
contamination.Suitable for a wide
range of applications, it's typically used
in hygiene conscious environments
such as hospitals, clinics, changing
rooms, schools and public transport.
The BioCote® antimicrobial technol-
ogy active in Interpon AM shows no
mercy. It reduces up to 99.99% of bac-
teria and mold on a protected surface,
making it easier to keep hygienically
clean and reducing the risk of cross-
contamination.
Conclusion
An effective waterproofing system
needs to be durable both during and
after construction and need to be
robust and durable for the life of the
structure. Having a premature failure of
a waterproofing system can be cata-
strophic and costly. Ideal waterproof-
ing is a combination of quality product
backed by an excellent and trained
application team; which now-a-days is
not easily available in rural markets
hence a cause of concern. Therefore it
is important to be aware of the innova-
tions taking place across the globe.
Source
nanodrops.co, theverge.com,
news.umich.edu, phys.org/news,
raleighwaterproofinginc.com,
bellona.org, nanowerk.com,
newtonwaterproofing.co.uk,
whatech.com, newatlas.com,
wikipedia.org, teknos.com,
ircroof.com, ppmindustries.com,
materialdistrict.com,
vinylcopolymerresin.com,
gellnerindustrial.com
TYPES OF MATERIALS USED IN WATERPROOFING

Different types of materials used in

waterproofing

W
aterproofing is dampness. materials can be produced to meet the
the process of needs of specific applications.
making an There are various kinds of materials used
object or struc- for waterproofing, discussed below are the Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer
ture waterproof few most used ones.
o r w a t e r-
resistant so that Polyurethanes
it remains rela-
tively unaffected by water or resisting the Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a
ingress of water under specified conditions. polyol (an alcohol with more than two reac-
Such items may be used in wet environ- tive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a
ments or underwater to specified depths. diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in
Water resistant and waterproof often refer to the presence of suitable catalysts and addi-
penetration of water in its liquid state and tives. Because a variety of diisocyanates
possibly under pressure, whereas damp and a wide range of polyols can be used to
proof refers to resistance to humidity or produce polyurethane, a broad spectrum of

February 2020 • Constrofacilitator 22


composed of organic units joined by
carbamate (urethane) links. While most
polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers
that do not melt when heated, thermoplastic
polyurethanes are also available. Polyure-
thane polymers are traditionally and most
commonly formed by reacting a di- or
triisocyanate with a polyol. Since
polyurethanes contain two types of mono-
mers, which polymerise one after the other,
they are classed as alternating copolymers.
Both the isocyanates and polyols used to
make polyurethanes contain, on average,
two or more functional groups per mole-
cule. Polyurethanes are used in the manu-
facture of high-resilience foam seating, rigid
foam insulation panels, microcellular foam
seals and gaskets, durable elastomeric
wheels and tires (such as roller coaster,
escalator, shopping cart, elevator, and
skateboard wheels), automotive suspen-
sion bushings, electrical potting com-
pounds, high-performance adhesives, sur-
face coatings and sealants, synthetic fibers,
carpet underlay, hard-plastic parts etc. The
main ingredients to make a polyurethane
are di- and tri-isocyanates and polyols.
Other materials are added to aid process-
ing the polymer or to modify the properties
of the polymer.
Cementitious coating
Cementitious coating refers to a coating
that contains Portland cement as one of its
components and is held on the surface by a
binder. A cementitious coating provides cor-
rosion resistance to substrates; for exam-
ple, steel is protected from corrosion by
maintaining the pH level above 4.0 at the
metal/coating interface because steel cor-
rodes at a lower rate in this pH range.
Cementitious coating is a two component,
thixotropic, cementitious modified polymer
coating. This coating provides high adhe-
sion to both concrete and steel. This coat-
ing provides protection from the effects of
TYPES OF MATERIALS USED IN WATERPROOFING
aggressive acid gases, moisture and chlo-
rides and also resists chemical attack on
the concrete or other substrates. This coat-
ing forms a highly elastic hard and alkaline
coating on the substrate. Cementitious coat-
ing protects concrete in sulfate contami-
nated ground conditions.
Cementitious coating is useful for internal
and external structural waterproofing of con-
crete and other mineral substrates. It is also
useful for underground structures as well as
roofs and decks. Cementitious coating can
protect highways and coastal structures
from a chlorides environment and enhance
the durability of reinforced concrete.
EPDM rubber
EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene
monomer rubber) is a type of synthetic rub-
ber that is used in many applications. EPDM
is an M-Class rubber under ASTM standard
D-1418; the M class comprises elastomers
having a saturated chain of the polyethyl-
ene type (the M deriving from the more cor-
rect term polymethylene). EPDM is made
from ethylene, propylene, and a diene
comonomer that enables crosslinking via
sulphur vulcanisation. The earlier relative of
EPDM is EPR, ethylene-propylene rubber,
that contains no diene units and can only be
crosslinked using radical methods such as
peroxides. Dienes used in the manufacture
of EPDM rubbers are ethylidene
norbornene (ENB), dicyclopentadiene
(DCPD), and vinyl norbornene (VNB).
EPDM is derived from polyethylene into
which 45-85 wt% of propylene have been
copolymerised to reduce the formation of
the typical polyethylene crystallinity.
EPDM is a semi-crystalline material with eth-
ylene-type crystal structures at higher ethyl-
ene contents, becoming essentially amor-
phous at ethylene contents that approach
50 wt%. Rubbers with saturated polymer
backbones, such as EPDM, have much
better resistance to heat, light and ozone
than unsaturated rubbers such as natural
23
rubber, SBR or polychloroprene (Neo-
prene). As such, EPDM can be formulated
to be resistant to temperatures as high as
150°C, and, properly formulated, can be
used outside for many years or decades
without degradation. EPDM has good low
temperature properties, with elastic proper-
ties to temperatures as low as -40°C
depending on the grade and the formula-
tion. A roll of EPDM flashing with fleece on
the back, used for waterproofing roofs As
with most rubbers, EPDM is always used
compounded with fillers such as carbon
black and calcium carbonate, with plasticis-
ers such as paraffinic oils, and has useful
rubbery properties only when crosslinked.
Crosslinking mostly takes place via vulcani-
sation with sulphur, but is also accom-
plished with peroxides (for better heat resis-
tance) or with phenolic resins. High energy
radiation such as from electron beams is
sometimes used for producing foams and
wire and cable.
Bitumen
Bituminous waterproofing systems are
designed to protect residential and com-
mercial buildings. Bitumen (asphalt or coal-
tar pitch) is a mixed substance made up of
organic liquids that are highly sticky, vis-
cous, and waterproof. These systems are
sometimes used to construct roofs, in the
form of roofing felt or roll roofing products.
The primary use (70%) of bitumen is in road
construction, where it is used as the glue or
binder mixed with aggregate particles to cre-
ate asphalt concrete. Its other main uses
are for bituminous waterproofing products,
including production of roofing felt and for
sealing flat roofs. Bitumen properties
change with temperature, which means that
there is a specific range where viscosity per-
mits adequate compaction by providing
lubrication between particles during the
compaction process. Low temperature pre-
vents aggregate particles from moving, and
the required density is not possible to
achieve.
Constrofacilitator • February 2020
TYPES OF MATERIALS USED IN WATERPROOFING
Roofing felt
Roofing felt (similar to tar paper) is the base
material used to make roof shingles and roll
roofing. Used for decades as waterproof
coverings in residential and commercial
roofs, these bitumen compositional mem-
branes incorporate two layers. The first
underside polymer membrane is used as a
solid background, often reinforced with
glass fibers. Mineral granules make up the
self-protective top layer, with a final bitumi-
nous mixture encapsulating them both. Typi-
cal uses of felt paper are as an under-
lay(ment) (sarking) beneath other building
materials, particularly roofing and siding
materials, and is one type of membrane
used in asphalt built up roofing (BUR) sys-
tems. The purposes are to "...separate the
roof covering from the roof deck...shed
water...[and] provide secondary weather
protection..." Also, the rapid application of
roofing underlay protects the roof deck dur-
ing construction until the roofing material is
applied and is required for roofs required to
meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) fire rat-
ings. The separation of the roof covering
from the roof deck protects the roof cover-
ing from resins in some sheathing materials
and cushions unevenness and old nails and
splinters in re-roofing applications. The
underlayment also sheds water, which pene-
trates the roof covering from an ordinary
leak, a leak from wind-driven rain or snow,
wind damage to the roof covering, or ice
dams. However, the application of
underlays may increase the roof tempera-
ture, which is the leading cause of ageing of
asphalt shingles and felt paper wrinkles
when it gets wet, which (rarely) shows
through asphalt shingles. Not installing an
underlay may void the roof covering war-
ranty.
Mastic Asphalt
Mastic asphalt (MA) is a dense mixture con-
sisting of coarse aggregate, and/or sand,
and /or limestone fine aggregate, and/or
filler and bitumen, which may contain addi-
tives (for example polymers, waxes). The
February 2020 • Constrofacilitator
mixture is designed to be of low void con-
tent. The binder content is so adjusted that
the voids are completely filled and that even
a slight excess of binder may occur. Mastic
asphalt is pourable and able to be spread in
its working temperature condition. It
requires no compaction on site.
Its durability and seamless application
means that it is one of the few membranes
able to handle consistent heavy foot and
vehicular traffic, including from Heavy
Goods Vehicles, and still maintain its water-
proof integrity. With no application too
tricky, it is also easy to repair should alter-
ations or damage occur. Another major
advantage with mastic asphalt is that it can
be laid at speed, reducing the project costs
significantly. It also cools very rapidly, allow-
ing foot traffic within two to three hours,
depending upon ambient temperature.
Providing such excellent wear against the
extremes of weather – and with a life expec-
tancy of 50 years and more - the waterproof
membrane is fast becoming the material of
choice for a manner of different buildings
including, schools, offices, shopping cen-
tres, hotels and even churches.
Thermoplastic
A thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic,
is a plastic polymer material that becomes
pliable or moldable at a certain elevated
temperature and solidifies upon cooling.
Most thermoplastics have a high molecular
weight. The polymer chains are associated
by intermolecular forces, which weaken rap-
idly with increased temperature, yielding a
viscous liquid. In this state, thermoplastics
may be reshaped and are typically used to
produce parts by various polymer process-
ing techniques such as injection molding,
compression molding, calendering, and
extrusion. Thermoplastics differ from ther-
mosetting polymers (or "thermosets"),
which form irreversible chemical bonds dur-
ing the curing process. Thermosets do not
melt when heated, but typically decompose
and do not reform upon cooling.
24
Waterproof TPU fabrics bond a thermoplas-
tic polyurethane membrane to a base tex-
tile, such as nylon or polyester fabric, to cre-
ate a wide range of high-performing materi-
als that maintain their flexibility yet are dura-
ble and waterproof.
TPU has a long list of excellent material prop-
erties. It is abrasion resistant, tear resistant,
has excellent bending and tensile strength,
large elongation break, low temperature
resistance, low long-term deformation rate,
and is resistant to chemicals, ozone, oxy-
gen, oil, and fuel. TPU fabrics maintain the
base materials flexibility and softness, too.
These characteristics combine to produce
technical textiles that withstand extensive
wear and environmental stressors across
hundreds of applications. TPU coated tex-
tiles are UV resistant, can stand up to
extreme weather and environmental condi-
tions, and resist abrasions and punctures.
Combined with glued or welded seals,
these fabrics have excellent air- and liquid-
holding capability.
Sheet waterproofing membrane
As the name implies, these are membranes
that arrive at the site in the form of rolls.
These are then unfurled and laid on a firm
surface. The most common type of sheet
based membrane is a bituminous water-
proofing membrane. This type of mem-
brane is stuck to the substrate with a hot tar
based adhesive using blowtorches.
Joints between adjacent membranes are
also made with the same hot adhesive. The
sheets are overlapped by about 100mm (4")

to form a waterproof joint. Some mem-
branes are even joined by melting them with
a hot air gun and then overlapping them on
the previously laid sheet. With this type of
membrane, joints between sheets are criti-
cal, and must be done perfectly to avoid
leakage.
PVC waterproofing membrane
The polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) waterproofing
volume material is one performance out-
standing high quality, joins processing
assistants and so on plasticizer, anti-
ultraviolet ray medicinal preparation , anti-
aged medicinal preparation, stabilizer after
the PVC resin, through squeezes out the law
production formation the high polymer
waterproofing volume material. Because
this product has used the unique product
formula, the product life has far exceeded
the general waterproofing material, the
entire waterproofing system life is long, the
roofing surpasses for 30 years, under-
ground surpasses for 50 years, in the con-
struction, the civil engineering obtains the
widespread application.
TYPES OF MATERIALS USED IN WATERPROOFING
PVC waterproofing membrane is a modern
roofing material, which is made of high qual-
ity flexible (plasticized) polyvinyl chloride.
Depending on the application area there
are reinforced and unreinforced mem-
branes. Reinforced waterproofing mem-
brane has a reinforcing base in the form of
polyester mesh or glass fiber and it is used
for waterproofing of roofs. Reinforced mem-
b r a n e s h a v e i n c r e a s e d d u r a b i l i t y.
Unreinforced membranes are more flexible,
have high tear resistance and are used for
waterproofing of underground structures,
tunnels, swimming pools. Among the fea-
tures of PVC waterproofing membrane its
vapor permeability should be highlighted.
Due to this characteristic the material can let
moisture out of the roof space of the build-
trolled by applying more of the liquid chemi-
ing.
cal per unit area. Since the application pro-
cedure is very quick, a contractor will try and
Liquid applied membranes
finish the entire area to be waterproofed in a
single day to avoid cold joints. However, if a
Liquid applied membranes come to the site
very large area is to be done on successive
in liquid form, which are then either sprayed
days, cold joints can easily be done by over-
or brush-applied on the surface. The liquid
lapping the new membrane over the old -
cures in the air to form a seamless, joint-free
the chemical will stick to itself readily.
membrane. The thickness can be con-
These are generally considered to be supe-
rior to sheet based membranes as they are
joint-free. However care must be taken in
application to provide just the right thick-
ness. The membrane can tear or break if it is
too thin. The adhesion of the membrane to
concrete must be good. If a concrete
screed (layer) is to be applied over a water-
proofing membrane, the membrane is
made rough by sand broadcasting. This is
throwing a thin layer of sand by hand over
the wet membrane (before it has set fully) so
that the sand sticks to the membrane and
provides a rough surface the concrete can
adhere to.
Conclusion
Waterproofing in building construction is
the process of making a structure water-
resistant or impervious to the ingress of
water. Waterproofing is essential as it pre-
vents water from penetrating buildings and
helps to keep the interior areas dry. Choose
the material that fulfills your project need.
Image and info:
wtrproof.com, polyurethanes.org,
rpbuilders.co.in, zenithrubberstore.com,
theconstructor.org, roof-stores.co.uk,
riogroup.co.uk, plasticseurope.org,
teletype.in, kenresearch.com,
houseunderconstruction.com
25 Constrofacilitator • February 2020
 NEWS

India to open world’s largest cricket stadium in

Ahmedabad
India is set to open the world’s largest cricket stadium, named Motera Stadium, in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat.
Located in the Motera locality of Ahmedabad and owned by Gujarat Cricket Association, the $100m Motera Stadium was built on the site of
the Sardar Patel Stadium following its demolition.
The newly renovated Motera Stadium is designed to accommodate over 110,000 spectators and will be bigger than the Melbourne Cricket
Ground.
Spread over 63 acres, the stadium will be the home of the Gujarat Cricket Association. It will include 76 corporate boxes.
Additional features of the stadium include four team dressing rooms and facilities, advanced club facilities with three practice grounds, an in-
door cricket academy, and a 55-room clubhouse comprising an Olympic-size swimming pool.
The stadium will also offer parking lot to accommodate 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers.
Walter P Moore is the structural engineer for fabric roof system at the Motera Stadium, which also features a large single patron concourse
that offers 360° views of the cricket field.
Indian construction firm Larsen and Toubro is the principal contractor for the project while Walter P Moore served as the structural engineer
for Motera’s roof system.
Walter P Moore said in a statement: “Motera Stadium responds to the vision of Shri. Narendra Modi, the Honorable Prime Minister of India,
doubling the capacity of the previous venue. Despite its size, the stadium was constructed in three years.”
STUP Consultant is the project management consultant whereas Populus is the architect and designer of the new stadium.
BSA Engineering and Design Consultants was selected as responsible for the design and detailing of stadium formwork.

Managing Assets of the Future – Role of Technology

The journey of modern buildings in India began in the post-economic liberalization era of the 1990s when the country opened its doors to for-
eign investment. The metamorphosis was led by the IT sector with its sprawling parks and office hubs.
As the country’s economy boomed, it became increasingly coupled with the global economy resulting in rapid growth and urbanization.
New job creation took place and as such the socio-economic fabric of the country saw the emergence of the new Indian “Middle Class” look-
ing for a better quality of life with new infrastructure for housing, leisure, and entertainment.
Policy reforms, improved market fundamentals and better infrastructure increased the presence of institutional investors while consumers
from developed economies brought heightened expectations of living and workplace requirements leading to further growth of buildings.
While the nation was undergoing this shift, technology emerged globally as a real disruptor in terms of how assets were being built and man-
aged. Along with technology, came increased digitization in the workspace revolving around how smart the buildings were and what they of-
fered in terms of responding to real time needs for the occupants/ tenants. With this came the shift in perception from “location” as the tradi-
tional driving factor for asset development to “digitization”.
With diverse stakeholders invested in the development and management of assets, the concerns of all stakeholders emerged as follows:
Ÿ Sustainable returns for Owners/ Investors,
Ÿ Efficient, cost-effective operations for Asset Managers, and
Ÿ Personalized and comfortable spaces for Occupantsthat enhance productivity.
In order for these needs to be met, I believe that the assets of the future will be increasingly personalized to transform the customer’s experi-
ence and drive up the asset’s market value; automated and digitized to facilitate seamless asset management; built to be environmentally
sustainable to reduce their environmental impact and make operations more cost effective; and incorporate building features and pro-
cesses that augment WELLness and productivity of the occupants. These will in turn revolutionize the dynamics of operating and maintain-
ing the buildings.

February 2020 • Constrofacilitator 26

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