Substructure Waterproofing Applications

This section covers the most common waterproofing membrane application types
available in the market such as

1. SBS Modified Bitumen Waterproof Membrane

2. PVC Waterproofing Membranes

for the following items,

 Piles
 Below ground horizontal elements such as Rafts, Tie Beams, Pile Caps,
Foundation Slabs, Pits
 Below ground vertical elements exposed to earth
 Retaining Walls
 Diaphragm Walls

Waterproofing

 What is Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is a system or product which is the formation of an impervious

barrier designed to prevent water entering or escaping from various sections of
building structures.
The presence of liquid water against a waterproofing layer is called a
“hydrostatic head”. A hydrostatic head of water puts “hydrostatic pressure”
against the membrane. Any waterproofing system must therefore be able to
withstand a certain hydrostatic pressure or head in order to be effective.
Waterproofing keeps water out.
  What is the ROLE of Waterproofing?
The role of waterproofing is to protect a building's visual and structural integrity. It
achieves this by forming an impervious membrane that prevents water entering or
escaping from wet areas to dry areas.

In order to effectively fulfill this role a membrane must possess the following qualities:
 The membrane must be impermeable to prevent the passage of water.
 Flexibility - membranes need to accommodate any normal movement that may
occur in building structures.
 The membrane must be durable, it must be able to retain it's integrity over a long
period of time.

 THE IMPORTANCE OF WATERPROOFING

If we refer back to the definition of waterproofing as an impervious barrier designed to
prevent water entering or escaping from building structures, then the importance of
waterproofing is reflected in the consequences of not waterproofing.

Water which enters or escapes from buildings can have immediate and long term
undesired effects. Apart from damage to the buildings contents, structural damage is
unavoidable if the problem persists.

Water damage is second only to fire as a cause of building decay and deterioration.

The majority of building materials have a considerable shorter life span when subjected
to moisture or emersion over a prolonged period of time.

The casualties of water damage include:

· Rotting of timber structures and finishes such as floor joints, beams, floors, studs,
skirting, architraves and frames.
· Corrosion of metals such as steel reinforcement in concrete, steel beams, lintels, metal
door frames etc.
· Swelling of plasterboards and the subsequent debonding of ceramic tiles.
· Electrical hazards causing the possible short circuit of lighting and power points.
· The blistering of paint.
· Unsightly deterioration of the building facade.
· Health problems due to dampness, which may lead to respiratory problems.
· Rotting carpet.
The importance of waterproofing can not be overstated. The damage caused to the
building's structure, coupled with the high cost of rectification warrants the careful design
and application of waterproofing.

 The membrane must lend itself to design details in a building. It must be suitable
for each specific application. The membrane is useless if it cannot be applied
where needed because of structural details.
 The membrane must be able to breathe permitting the escape of moisture vapors
from building interior and substrates.
 The membrane must be compatible with adhesives to ensure long term adhesion
where tiles are directly fixed over the membrane.
 User friendly, the membrane must be easy to apply, relatively lightweight, non
hazardous, and environmentally safe.
 In exposed areas such as rooftops, the membrane should require little
maintenance, and in the event of damage must be easily repairable.
 It should provide a continuous film, without areas of weakness such as overlaps,
which could prove to be a potential source of water entry.
 The membrane must be suitable to withstand environmental and climatic
conditions.

 Keys to successful waterproofing are:

1. Proper consideration at the design stage.
 Identifying the areas to be waterproofed
2. Choosing the right product for the job.
 Life expectancy, environmental factors, cost
3. Adequate preparation.
 Extra precaution for the surface preparation.
 Protecting waterproofed areas prior to concealment
4. The correct application.
 Competent personnel.

 What is Dampproofing?
Dampproofing is a system or product that resists the diffusion of water vapor.
Dampproofing is often an asphaltic product such as solvent based “cutback” or
water based “emulsion”. They are applied usually in a single coat by spray or
brush to foundation walls that are not going to be subjected to hydrostatic
pressure. Dampproofing is often confused with waterproofing but it does not keep
liquid water out.
A building or structure needs waterproofing as concrete itself will not be watertight on its
own.

The conventional system of waterproofing involves 'membranes'. This relies on the

application of one or more layers of membrane (available in various materials: e.g.,
bitumen, silicate, PVC, HDPE, etc.) that act as a barrier between the water and the
building structure, preventing the passage of water. However, the membrane system
relies on exacting application, presenting difficulties. Problems with application or
adherence to the substrate can lead to leakage.

Integral systems work within the matrix of a concrete structure, giving the concrete itself
a waterproof quality. There are two main types of integral waterproofing systems: the
hydrophilic and the hydrophobic systems. A hydrophilic system typically uses a
crystallization technology that replaces the water in the concrete with insoluble crystals.
Various brands available in the market claim similar properties, but not all can react with
a wide range of cement hydration by-products, and thus require caution. Hydrophobic
systems use fatty acids to block pores within the concrete, preventing water passage.

New membrane materials seek to overcome shortcomings in older methods like PVC and
HDPE. Generally, new technology in waterproof membranes relies on polymer based
materials that are extremely adhesive to create a seamless barrier around the outside of a
structure.

EVOLUTION
The first real need for waterproofing dates back to the days of Noahs Ark. The 40 days of
incessant rain inspired people to take some course of action to prevent water from
entering their habitat. In the early days people relied upon thatch, such as straw, reed,
leaves and other dried vegetable matter as a barrier against water entering their home.
Over time more sophisticated waterproofing materials were adopted. These included:
animal skins, timber shingles, and natural stones like slate. The architectural designs of
the day such as high pitched roofs helped overcome some of the shortfalls and limitations
of the materials that were used. Over the centuries other waterproofing materials were
used such as metals eg. copper, lead, zinc, and tin.
Waterproofing has come a long way since Noah's day. The discovery of oil, coupled with
the advances of chemistry saw the arrival of numerous petroleum derived waterproofing
products such as bituminous, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, hypalon etc.
Technological improvements and breakthroughs are occurring on a daily basis. Over time
today's waterproofing membranes such as polyurethanes, acrylics and polyesters will
become as antiquated as leaves and animal skins are today.
TYPES OF WATERPROOFING
There are generally two types of waterproofing membranes - sheet membranes and liquid
membranes. The nature of the problem to be addressed determines which type of
membrane to be used.
1. Sheet Membranes
The purpose of sheeting membrane is to completely cover any imperfections in the
substrate or background. They are numerous and include:
 Metal sheets in the form of lead, copper or stainless steel flashing or trays.
 Multilayer bituminous paper system with gravel topping for protection.
 Butyl rubber sheeting
 Semi-rigid asbestos asphalt sheeting
 Bitumen/polyethylene sheets
 E.P.D.M. Ethylene propylene Diene Monomer
 Chlorosulphanated rubber (Hypalon)
 PVC Polyvinylchloride
 Neoprene rubber
 Torch-on sheeting consist of layers of polypropylene bitumen modified.

The sheeting membranes can be applied as fully bonded to the substrate or unbonded laid
on slip sheets. In both cases sheets must be overlapped about 100mm wide and bonded to
each other by adhesive or by heat welding. The seams are the weakest point in the
system.
Sheeting membranes in general suffer from poor exposure resistance, temperature
stability and little recovery from deformation.
All sheet membranes require venting if the substrate is water logged, or severe bubbling
will occur developing stresses onto the adhesive leading to eventual adhesion fracture.
The advantages of sheeting membranes provide highly trafficable surfaces and have
insulating properties.

2. Liquid membranes
The liquid applied membrane provides a fully bonded, continuous seam-free,
homogenous layer with no laps or joins which is a major advantage over sheeting
membranes.
Some of the liquid membranes available are:
 Mastic asphalt
 Two components polyurethane tar modified
 Two components tar epoxies modified
 Single pack moisture curing polyurethane
 Water based epoxy two part for hydrostatic pressure situations
 Polyester resin two parts reinforced wit fibreglass matt
 Flexible epoxy resin two parts
 Bitumen latex modified single pack
 Acrylic co-polymer water based single part
 Acrylic co-polymer cement modified two components
In general liquid applied membranes are easy to apply, seamless, semi-flexible or
elastrometric, ease of detailing, ease of maintenance and repair, UV resistant and
economical.
One of the important characteristics of liquid membranes is it's ability to breathe.
Regardless of which class of membrane is used, waterproofing membranes are only as
good as the applicator. Manufacturers and distributors expect their product to be applied
as specified. Failure to adhere to their recommendations can retard the performance of the
membranes.

The ramifications of failing to waterproof, or waterproofing inadequately can be

horrendous.
 Comparison Statement

No. PVC Membrane Sikaplan 14.6 SBS Membrane

1 Thickness 2.0mm Thickness 5mm x 2 layers

2 Single layer, twin color non reinforced Double layer reinforced, black color
(Top signal layer yellow, bottom layer black) ( minimum requirement is double layer)
3 Tensile strength > 15 N/mm2 Tensile strength~ 5N/mm2

4 Elongation at break >300% Elongation at break~50%

5 Cold temperature flexibility Cold temperature flexibility

( No cracks up to -350C) ( No cracks up to -200C)
6 Puncture resistance high Puncture resistance average
(Tight at falling height 1000mm) ( 20 J)
7 Overlap by double seam welding tested to 2 bar Overlap can not be tested
pressure
8 Visual inspection ( Top signal layer) Black color no visual inspection is possible

9 Expected life >25 years Expected life ~ 10 years for double layer

10 Softening point>2800C Softening point ~ 1000C

11 Loose laid with compartment by waterbar to Torch on the blinding and the shoring, no
localize any leak, non migration of water is compartment is possible.
possible. (membrane Migration of water is possible between
anchored to the structure) membrane and structure.
12 Geotextile required as a protection and a slip Geotextile and protective board are required
membrane below & above. above.
 Comparison between PVC / EPDM
PVC EPDM
Thermoplastic Thermoset ( Elastomers)

Mechanical properties Mechanical properties

 Tensile strength >15N/mm²  Tensile strength ~ 10N/mm²
 Elongation >300%.  Elongation >500%.
 Optimal within the temperature range -20º C&  Mechanical properties change intensively with
+80ºC (i.e tensile strength, elongation constant temperature range- 20ºC to + 80ºC.
characteristics)
 High perforation resistance, specially at elevated  Perforation resistance decreases considerably at
temperature. elevated temperatures.

 High tear resistance.  Low tear resistance.

Application Application
 Light colour surface, low surface temperature on  Black colour, higher surface temperature on site.
site.
 Mechanical perforation easy to detect on site (signal  Elastic behavior of material makes mechanical
layer) perforation on black undetectable

 Overlap is by welding.  Overlap is by adhesive.

 Overlap can be double seam welded & tested.
 High stability in thermal ageing, welding
characteristics does not change.
 Easy detailing because of thermoplastic
transformation into shape and hot air welding.
 No pretreatment for welding.
 Compartmentalization is possible due to the welding
of PVC waterbar with the membrane.
 Mechanical fastening is possible on vertical area.
 Overlap can not be tested.
 Low stability in thermal ageing, welding
characteristics may change depending on basic
material.
 Can only use prefabricated details because
thermoplastic deformation is not possible on site.
 Pretreatment of overlap seam necessary before
joining.
 Compartmentalization is not possible as the
rubber waterbar can not be welded to the
membrane.
 Mechanical fastening on vertical is not possible
(low tear resistance).

Preprufe 300 R Sikaplan 14.6

HDPE+ Adhesive film PVC-P (Twin Colour)
Thermoplastic Crystalline Amorph- Plastified
Thickness 1.2mm 2.0mm
Tensile Strength
Elongation at Break
Plastic deformation
Puncture Resistance
Behavior after long term
aging
Behavior after immersion in
water
Peel adhesion to concrete
after immersion in water
E module
Stiffness
Flexibility
Chemical resistant
Oxidation
Overlap of membrane
Roll width
Detailing
Limitation
Dimensional Stability
Site Inspection and Testing
27.6 MPa 15-18 MPa
> 300 % >300%
At approx.12-15% of the failure. Elastic till failure
Failure due to stress cracking.
990 N (no protection) 1552 N (with protection)
No test Test is available
No test ? Test is available
No test ? Not Required (Loose laid system)
Higher Lower
Higher Lower
Lower Higher
Higher Lower
Applicable Not applicable
By adhesive By welding
1.2m (more overlaps) 2.2m (less overlaps)
Difficult at piles,pipe Easy due to the elastic properties of
penetrations & expansion joints. the material.
 42 days after completion  Not applicable
of waterproofing due to
weathering effect on the
product.
 Not recommended with
double side shutter.  Applicable with single or
 Require specific rebar double side shutter.
spacers.  Not applicable.
 Require intensive care
during pouring &  Not applicable.
vibrating of concrete.
Dimensionally not stable due to Dimensionally stable at different
the variation of ambient temperatures
temperature
Not applicable  Visual inspection (Signal
Layer)
 Air pressure test for the
overlap (double seam)
 Vacuum test
 Holiday test for the
membrane