~~ ~.

LJ/~,L/-
/~_..l...7- .D>t'''J
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
CENTRAL OFFICE
Manila

2 7 DEC 2019
MEMORANDUM

TO PROJECT DIRECTORS
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
DISTRICT ENGINEERS
This Department

SUBJECT DPWH Standard Specification for ITEM 454 - Tunnel

Waterproofing

In order to ensure uniformity in the application/ adoption of the Pay Items of Work to be
used/ adopted by those who are involved in the preparation of the Design Plans and
Quantities, Program of Works (POW) and Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for
Infrastructure Projects Nationwide, the attached DPWH Standard Specification for
Item 454 - Tunnel Waterproofing is hereby prescribed for this purpose.

This Standard Specification was deliberated and subsequently confirmed by the DPWH
Technical Committee created specifically for this purpose and shall henceforth form part of
the on-going revision of the DPWH Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges and Airports,
Volume II, 2012 Edition and is now included in the Project and Contract Management
Application (PCMA).

For your information, oper guidance and compliance.

14.1.2 FETjRGT
 DPWH Standard Specification for
ITEM 454 TUNNEL - WATERPROOFING

454.1 Description

This work shall consist of furnishing and installation of waterproofing membrane in accordance
with this Specification and as shown on the Plans. The tunnel waterproofing is required to
prevent groundwater from flowing/seeping into the tunnel.

454.2 Material Requirements

The waterproofing may consist of an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
inner layer and non-woven geotextile outer layer.

454.2.1 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material of the waterproofing membrane shall conform to
the requirements noted in Table 454.1, Requirements and Test Standards for EVA
Waterproofing Membrane.

The membrane length in each roll of material shall be supplied to coincide with placement
along the peripheral length of the tunnel without longitudinal joints. Longitudinal joint shall
only be permitted as indicated on the Plans.

.
Ta ble 454 1 Reaulremen t s an d Test Sta ndar ds tior EVA W a t erproo fimg Mem brane
EVA
Properties Specified
Test Method
Value
Specific gravity 0.95±0.05 ASTM 0792/ ASTM 01505
Hardness (scale: Shore A), Max. 98 ASTM 02240 / ASTM 0638·
Variance of Averaqe Thickness ± 10% ASTM 03767 method A
Thickness mm, Min. 0.8 ASTM 03767 method A
Tensile Strenqth at 20°C, N/mm2, Min. 16 ASTM 0412 / ASTM 0638 at 23 't
Elonqation at 20°C, % 600 ASTM 0412/ ASTM 0638 at 23 't
Tear Strenqth, N/cm, Min. 500 ISO 34-1/34-2
Seam Strength, %, Min. 20 ASTM 06392
Notes:
1. Seam Strength is defined as the strength at welded seam to the tensile strength.
2. ASTM D792, Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by
Displacement
3. ASTM D150S, Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
4. ASTM D2240, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness
5. ASTM 0638, Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
6. ASTM D3767, Standard Practice for Rubber-Measurement of Dimensions
7. ASTM 0412, Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension

8. ISO 34-1/34-2, Tear Strength of Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic - Trouser

9. ASTM 06392, Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Non reinforced Geomembrane
Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
 DPWH Standard Specification for Item 454 - Tunnel Waterproofing
Page 2 of 5

454.2.2 Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)

The Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) material of the waterproofing membrane shall conform to the
requirements noted in Table 454.2, Requirements and Test Standards for PVCWaterproofing
Membrane.

Table 454.2 Re uirements and Test Standards for PVC Water

PVC
Properties
S ified Value Test M
1.30 ±0.05 ASTM 0792/01
98 ASTM 02240
± 10% ASTM 03767 method A
1.0 ASTM 03767 method A
ASTM 0412/ ASTM
16 0638 at 23°C
ASTM 0412/ ASTM
280
0638 at 23°C
400 ISO 34-1/34-2
Viable ASTM 01043
Within ± 1% ASTM 01043
35 ASTM 06392
Note:
ASTM 01043, Standard Test Method for Stiffness Properties of Plastics as a Function of Temperature by Means of
a Torsion Test

454.2.2.1 Requirements for Non-Woven Geotextile

The non-woven geotextile shall be made of polyester and conform to the requirements of
Table 454.3, Requirement and Test Standards for Non-Woven Geotextile Protective Fleece for
PVC/EVA Waterproofing Membrane.

Table 454.3 Requirement and Test Standards for Non-Woven Geotextile

. FIeece fior PVC/EVA W aterproo f"Ing Mem brane
Protective
Properties Unit Value Test
(1) Unit Weight, Min. g/m 2 102 -271 ASTM 05261
(2) Thickness at 19.6 x 10-4 N/mm2, load
mm 0.76 - 2.54 ASTM 05199
(20q/cm2), Min.
(3) Tensile Strength, Vertical
N 400 ASTM 04632
Min. Horizontal
(4) Elongation, Min. Any Oirection % 40-79 ASTM 04632
(5) Tear Propagation ASTM 04533 /
Any Oirection kgf 66 Max.
Strength, Min. ASTM 01922
Note:
1. ASTM 05261 Standard Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Geotextiles
2. ASTM 05199 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
3. ASTM 04632, Standard Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles
4. ASTM 04533, Standard Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing Strength of Geotextiles
5. ASTM 01922, Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin
Sheeting by Pendulum Method
 DPWH Standard Specification for Item 454 - Tunnel Waterproofing
Page 3 of 5

454.3 Construction Requirements

454.3.1 General Requirements

1. The surface to receive the waterproofing membrane shall be clean and free of loose and
foreign material. All protruding objects such as nails, rock bolts, pipes, fittings and
reinforcing steel shall be ground smooth, so as not to penetrate any layer of the
membrane system. Shotcrete surfaces shall be checked and approved prior to membrane
placement.

2. All membrane layers shall be installed and constructed in conformity to approved shop
drawings and manufacturer's requirements and recommendations.

3. The waterproofing shall be installed as specified and shown on the plans. Additionally,
the waterproofing membrane together with geotextile shall be applied uniformly and
continuously to cover the entire shotcrete wall and Side Wall Drainage.

454.3.2 Installation of Non-Woven Geotextile

1. Non-woven geotextile shall be fastened onto the shotcrete face using plastic or steel plate
as per manufacturer's recommendation. The spacing between plates shall not be more
than 60 em, and not be less than 4 plates per square meter.

2. The joint length of non-woven geotextile shall be not less than 10 em. Longitudinal joints
shall be installed with no more than two loops.

3. To avoid damage to the material, the non-woven geotextile shall be installed as close to
shotcrete surface as possible, without an excessive pulling force.

454.3.3 Installation of Waterproofing Membrane

1. The waterproofing membrane shall be fixed on plastic or steel plate fastener installed with
the geotextile by means of heat welding.

2. Joints shall be installed by means of heat welding in accordance with the manufacturer's
requirements and recommendations. Joint lengths of the waterproofing membrane shall
be at least 8 em. They shall be joined with double seams using an approved heat welding
method.

3. The waterproofing membrane shall be installed with no longitudinal joints along its
peripheral length.

4. In locations where heat welded double seams cannot be made, such as at intersection
points, where pipes or other objects are required to pass through the membrane, the
Contractor shall submit applicable details and requirements with shop drawings for
approval of the Engineer. Jointing using melted connection procedures other than double
seam procedures shall also be in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and
requirements and be approved by the Engineer.

5. All double seam waterproofing membrane joints shall be subjected to air pressure test to
assure proper bonding. Air pressure test and requirements shall be in accordance with the
 DPWH Standard Specification for Item 454 - Tunnel Waterproofing
Page 4 of 5

manufacturer's requirements. All non-double seam waterproofing membrane joints shall

be subjected to vacuum bell testing in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.

6. During the installation of the membrane lining, sample joint test specimens shall be made
for every 1000 linear meters of double seam joint installed and for every 500 linear meters
of non-double seam joints installed.

7. Damages to the membrane, including penetrations, rips andjor tires, shall be properly
repaired. Repairs shall include proper placement (in accordance with recommended
manufacture procedures) of a membrane section overlapping at least 15 cm around the
circumference of the section to be repaired. All repairs that fail to meet the requirements
of repair test shall be reinstalled and retested.

8. During construction, except for its own weight, the membrane shall not be subject to
external forces.

9. Waterproofing installation shall include all reinforcing strips at all lining joints as shown on
the Plans.

454.3.4 Method of Joint and Repair Field Tests

1. Air pressure test

Using this procedure, acceptable pressure shall be in accordance with the predetermined
compressed air pressure of 1.0 to 2.0 kgjcm2 for a period of 5 minutes.

2. Vacuum Bell Test

Using this procedure, a vacuum test cup is used to draw air out of the test section with a
predetermined acceptable vacuum pressure of 0.2 to 0.5 kgjcm2•

454.4 Method of Measurement

Waterproofing system shall be measured by square meter (m2) along the neat lines of
completed membrane based on the plans. No measurement shall be made for joint length.

454.5 Basis of Payment

Tunnel waterproofing measured in Section 454.4, Method of Measurement shall be paid based
on Contract unit price indicated in the Bill of Quantities. Payment shall include all costs of
labor, materials and other incidentals related for completion of the work.
 DPWH Standard Specification for Item 454 - Tunnel Waterproofing
Page 5 of 5

Payment shall be made under:

Pay Item Unit of

Description
Number Measurement
454 (l)a Tunnel Waterproofing Membrane, Ethylene Square meter
Vinyl Acetate (EVA) with Non-Woven Geotextile
454 (l)b Tunnel Waterproofing Membrane, Polyvinyl Square meter
Chloride (PVC) with Non-Woven Geotextile

References:
1. ASTM D792, Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by
Displacement
2. ASTM D1505, Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
3. ASTM D2240, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness
4. ASTM D3767, Standard Practice for Rubber-Measurement of Dimensions
5. ASTM 0412, Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension

6. ISO 34-1/34-2, Tear Strength of Rubber, Vulcanized or Thermoplastic - Trouser

7. ASTM 06392, Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Non reinforced Geomembrane
Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
8. ASTM DI043, Standard Test Method for Stiffness Properties of Plastics as a Function of Temperature by
Means of a Torsion Test
9. ASTM D5261 Standard Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Geotextiles
10. ASTM D5199 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
11. ASTM 04632, Standard Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles
12. ASTM 04533, Standard Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing Strength of Geotextiles
13. ASTM D1922, Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting
by Pendulum Method