11/13/21, 4:37 PM Contiguous Piling Waterproofing

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Contiguous piling & diaphragm walls

The use of contiguous / secant piling and diaphragm wall construction techniques to construct retaining walls is common in large
commercial basement projects and often an efficient and cost-effective solution. The nature of these construction techniques is
such that the only practical option is to apply waterproofing systems to the internal face of the retaining wall in order to reduce
the risk of groundwater ingress between the piles.

Safeguard offers a choice of systems for waterproofing these types of basement retaining wall. These are:

Oldroyd cavity drainage system

Vandex cementious slurries

A combination of these two systems

Choosing which system to use will depend on a number of factors including site conditions, drainage options, and personal
preference. Typical waterproofing methods using both systems are described on this page. To discuss specific projects, contact
our technical department on 01403 602144 or submit an enquiry.

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Oldroyd Cavity Drainage System

Figure 1: Type C basement waterproofing system using Oldroyd Xv 20 Cavity Drainage Membrane

This system allows water to permeate through the basement retaining wall, but redirects it away from the internal wall of the
basement towards a sump or other suitable discharge point. For this type of application, a cavity drainage membrane with a
large stud size such as Oldroyd Xv 20 is usually preferred in order to cope with the higher potential flow rates required for larger
basement projects.

This type of waterproofing system can be used on contiguous / secant piling as well as diaphragm walls. In accordance with
BS 8102:2009 the structure should offer primary resistance, regulating the volume of water entering the basement, in order not
to exceed the drainage capacity of the system. However, from a waterproofing perspective, contiguous piles are not, and should
not be considered as a tight structure. Therefore, relying solely on the application of a cavity drainage system on the piles is not
recommended.

Other suggestions on how to improve the water tightness of retaining walls can be found in the ICE publication, “Specification
f Pili d E b dd d R t i i W ll ” [1]
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for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls” [1]

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Vandex Cementitious Waterproofing Slurries

Figure 2: Type A basement waterproofing system using Vandex Super Crystalline-Active Waterproofing Slurry

When applied to concrete retaining walls, Vandex waterproofing slurries create an impervious barrier, blocking the passage of
groundwater into the basement. Because the types of basement retaining wall described on this page are constructed from
concrete, Vandex Super is usually selected as the waterproofing slurry. Vandex Super is specifically designed for the
waterproofing of concrete and offers a higher coverage rate than other Vandex waterproofing slurries, making it an economic
choice.

When waterproofing diaphragm walls, Vandex Super is simply sprayed onto the internal face of the wall. When waterproofing
contiguous or secant piling, the Vandex Super waterproofing layer is typically sandwiched between a layer of shotcrete and a
poured concrete internal wall (see Figure 2)

This method of waterproofing is dependent on the strength of the underlying piles and the tolerances between them than the
Oldroyd method (see Figure 1) It should only be used in conjunction with reinforced concrete as shown in the diagram above
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Oldroyd method (see Figure 1). It should only be used in conjunction with reinforced concrete as shown in the diagram above.

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Combined Waterproofing System

Figure 3: Combined Type A & Type C basement waterproofing system

Combined waterproofing systems are often desirable when waterproofing basements. BS 8102:2009 “Code of practice for
protection of below ground structures against water from the ground” suggests that “combined protection” should be
considered where the assessed risks are deemed to be high (e.g. permanently high water table) or the consequences of failure
are high. NHBC Chapter 5.4 states that where Grade 3 protection (BS 8102:2009) is required, and below ground wall retains
more than 600 mm, measured from the lowest finished floor level, the waterproofing design should include a combination of two
types of waterproofing systems. Therefore, Vandex Super and Oldroyd systems are usually combined (see Figure 3).

A wide variety of combination systems can be specified depending on the type and quality of the retaining wall. For example, in
certain situations it would be possible to omit the reinforced concrete wall from the example above. For further details, please
contact our technical department on 01403 602144 or submit an enquiry.

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[1] nd
 “Specification for Piling and Embedded Retaining Walls 2 edition” Institution of Civil Engineers – ISBN: 9780727733580

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Related Pages

Designing Basement Waterproofing Systems

Piled Retaining Walls

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Oldroyd Xv 20

Vandex Super / Super White

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Vandex BB75 E

RIBA-Approved CPD Seminars

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Safeguard Europe Ltd is a UK-based company specialising in providing damp-proofing and waterproofing solutions for the construction industry.
Safeguard was established in 1983 to produce products for the refurbishment of existing buildings.

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