Water Proofing

• Waterproofing defined
• Importance
• Methods ( Conventional )
• Methods ( Modern)
• Waterproofing of Basements
• Terraces
• Bathrooms & W C
• Chemicals used for waterproofing treatment
• Role of Consultants
 Background
• The most widely and effectively used construction
material in world today is concrete, beside steel and
wood.
• Making good concrete in the laboratory is not at all
difficult.
• But at the site, it is possible to make concrete
waterproof.
• Ideally, the concrete is supposed to be watertight, if it
is done in a manner in which all the parameters are
followed strictly.
• But, in practice, concrete is quite porous
 Waterproofing Meaning
• “Any system or material(s), which helps in preventing
ingress of water into structures can be broadly termed as
waterproofing.

• Waterproofing is often misused and misunderstood term

• Waterproofing is defined as treatment of surface or

structure to prevent the passage of water under the
hydrostatic pressure
 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.
Problems caused by water
• Rotting of timber structures and finishes such as floor joints, beams,
floors, studs, skirting, 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.
• In many waterproofing projects, damp-proofing
systems are specified and waterproofing is expected
of them. There is a major difference between
waterproofing and damp-proofing. As per ACI
Committee 515 report, waterproofing and damp-
proofing is defined differently.
• Waterproofing is a treatment of a surface or structures
to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic
pressure.
• Damp proofing is a treatment of surface or structure
to resist the passage of water in the absence of
hydrostatic pressure.
 Source & Causes of leakages
Sources of leakages
• Subsoil water rising by capillary action.
• Cracks in external plaster
• Vegetation growth
• Separation gaps between partition wall and beams and the
columns.
• From expansion joints
Causes of leakages
• Defective structural design
• Use of poor quality construction material
• Porous structures
• Improper methodology of construction
• Improper slopes on top surfaces.
 Necessity of Water Proofing
• Humidity and moisture ingress often result in fungus and mold
growth leading to itching, asthma, sneezing and a variety of health
related problems.
• Humidity and moisture ruin mortar, paint and drywall and result in
costly repairs and unusable spaces.
• Humidity and moisture can lead to the forced closure of hotels,
restaurants, bars and impede revenue generation in many
businesses.
• Water ingress related problems can lower the value of houses,
apartments and businesses.
• Humidity and moisture ingress increase maintenance costs and
lower rentability of any structures in which warehousing, housing
people or housing animals is necessary.
• Humidity and Moisture can eventually lead to very expensive repairs
or even deterioration to the point in which a structure is rendered
useless. Sec 2 27-01-2022
 Time to take action
1. The floor shows uneven deflections.
2. Floor tile rises.
3. The door and window shutters get jammed. The frames in
which they are fitted , show deformity in the corners and do
not remain in right angle.
4. Ceiling slab shows big bubble like deflection in the centre.
5. Beam shows cracks at the two ends and the centre buckles.
6. Concrete from the ceiling slab, columns and beams fall off in
the form of powder.
 Conditions that lead to leakage
1. Presence of water in the form of liquid or
vapour.
2. Driving force like gravity, air pressure,
capillary phenomenon.
3. Opening on the surface of a structure , like
crack or hole.
 Positive Side Waterproofing
• If water pressure is from the upper or inner side of concrete (pressure in
swimming pool, water tanks etc.), it is positive side water pressure.
• Positive side waterproofing is done in bathroom, Terrace, swimming pool,
Terrace Garden, Water tanks and basements if outer surface of retaining walls
accessible.
• Positive side waterproofing is applied to the wet or exterior face of
foundations or slabs on grade and below grade, as well as suspended slabs. It
is the predominant type of waterproofing used in new construction. Positive
side waterproofing applications consist of all commercially available damp
proofing or waterproofing systems. Properly applied positive side
waterproofing protects the interior of the facility from moisture infiltration and
protects the structural components, including concrete and steel. Positive side
below-grade systems include fluid-applied membranes, sheet-membrane
systems, hydros clay and vapor barriers.
One of the primary advantages of positive side systems is that water is
prevented from entering the substrate surface. The substrate is also protected
from freeze-thaw cycles, as well as from corrosive chemicals in the
groundwater
 Negative Side Waterproofing
• If water pressure is from outer surface or from below the
concrete (pressure due to ground water in basement), it is
considered as negative side water pressure as depicted in
above image.
• If water leakages or dampness is due to ground water or due to
leakage from neighbor’s bathroom and we cannot have access
to other side we need to treat waterproofing from negative
side.
• Dampness on drawing room walls due to poorly constructed
neighbor’s bathroom or kitchen is another example where we
have to waterproof on negative side. Negative side
waterproofing is applied to the dry or inside face of the
subsurface. It is used primarily for water holding purposes.
Negative side waterproofing prevents water from entering
occupied space.
• However, it does not prevent water from entering the substrate.
Review of Conventional Waterproofing Systems
• Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
• Bituminous Treatment/Systems
• Metallic Sheet Wrapping
• Poly-urethane based Water- proofing
treatment
• Epoxy Based Waterproofing Treatment
• Box Type Waterproofing System
 Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing

• This system was developed during the initial stages of

flat roof construction with lime mortar & burnt clay brick
aggregate
• This system involved laying of lightweight mortar on the
roof and spreading it to give gentle slopes for draining
away the rainwater immediately. The mortar consisted of
lightweight brick pieces as aggregates and ground brick
with lime as binding matrix
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
 Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
• Procedure
• All existing treatment, coatings on roof slab top is to be removed
and surface cleaned by hard wire brush and washed with water.
• The surface should be free from any oil, grease, dust etc. Remedial
measured by provided to all structural cracks.
• Expansions joints should be treated as per standard practice
• All non-structural cracks more than 0.5 mm wide and construction
joints if any, should be cut in “V” shape, cleaned with wire brush and
washed, the cracks are then filled by polymer modified cement or
mortar using acrylic polymer, with addition cement slurry mix is
spread upon cleaned roof surface. Over this 15 mm thick cement,
sand mortar, 1:4 admixed, with water proofer is laid.
• On the above green mortar, a layer of brick bats, soaked over night
in water, is laid, having an average thickness of about 110 mm,
about 70 mm near rain water pipe and 150 mm at ridge.
 Brick Bat Coba system or Lime Terracing
• Limitations :
This system has following limitations
• There is a possibility of improper compaction
• Chances of crack development on the top
surface.
• Brickbat coba is a source of water retention
and absorption.
• If slab has cracks the retained water may leak.
• The absorbed water may allow penetration to
the slab level.
• Materials:
– Brick Bats: The cost of brick bats can vary based on the type and quality of bricks used. On average, you
can estimate around INR 2,500 to INR 4,000 per cubic meter of brick bats.
• Labor:
– Skilled Labor: The cost of skilled labor for Brick Bat Coba work can vary but may range from INR 250 to
INR 400 per square meter. This includes the cost of labor for surface preparation, laying the brick bats, and
applying the cement mortar.
• Cement and Sand:
– Cement: The cost of cement will depend on the brand and quality. You may need approximately 1.5 bags of
cement (50 kg each) per square meter for a standard BBC, which could cost around INR 350 to INR 500 per
bag.
– Sand: You will also require sand for the mortar mix. The cost of sand varies, but it's typically around INR 50
to INR 80 per cubic foot.
• Other Materials:
– Waterproofing Chemicals: Depending on the type and brand of waterproofing chemicals used, you might
need to allocate around INR 20 to INR 30 per square meter.
• Equipment and Tools:
– Equipment and tools like trowels, buckets, and mixing equipment will add a minor cost to the project. You
can estimate an additional INR 500 to INR 1,000 for these items.
• Miscellaneous Costs:
– Miscellaneous costs can include transportation, wastage, and other unforeseen expenses. Allocate around 5%
to 10% of the total material cost for these items.
• Now, let's calculate the estimated cost for a 100 square meter area of Brick Bat Coba:
• Total Cost = (Area in square meters × Cost per square meter of labor) + (Area in square meters × Cost per square
meter of materials) + Miscellaneous Costs
• Total Cost = (100 sq m × INR 250 to INR 400) + (100 sq m × estimated cost of materials per sq m) + (5% to 10%
of material cost)
 Bituminous Systems
• Bitumen is more commonly used in the form of felt or
flexible membrane formed by sandwiching jute fabric
or fibre glass/polypropylene mats with chemically
modified bitumen.
• These membranes are laid on the roofing system over a
bitumen primer.
• There are two types of membranes one is cold applied
and the other is hot applied which means one needs to
heat the edges of the felt ,so that they melt and stick to
the second layer in the overlap area.
• On the RCC flat roofs, the bitumen felts have not been
successful because of the unacceptable black
appearance and inaccessibility of the terrace for other
social uses
 Bituminous Systems
There are certain essential pre-requisites for any bitumen based water
proofing system to be successful.
• The surface to be treated should be smooth, having proper slope.
• There should be no depression or cracks
• The surface should be dry.
• Any structural defaults in the roof or the parapet wall should be
attended to before starting the treatment.
• Detailed steps in laying of the bitumen based surface barrier systems
will
i) Make surface smooth, even and dry, remove local depressions and
loose dirt.
ii) Paint the dried surface with bituminous primer and allow it to cure.
iii) Apply foundation coat of bitumen.
iv) Lay surface barrier membrane i.e. bitumen felt.
v) Apply on coat of bitumen and finish with grit or coarse sand.
 Bituminous Systems
• Technically, it is not preferred because bitumen layer or felt on the
terrace not only makes it watertight but also airtight. Concrete has the
breathing property.
• It takes water/moisture and breathes out water vapour.
• Hindrance of this breathing property of concrete develops pore
pressure which causes blisters in the felt.
• After a few seasons, the blisters multiply and eventually delaminate the
felt from the concrete surface.
• Hindrance of breathing property of concrete, makes the concrete weak.
• But on the asbestos cement sheets and zinc sheets in factory roofs, this
bitumen felt is the only dependable waterproofing system. Hence most
of the factory roofs in India adopt this waterproofing system Bitumen is
still the product of first choice where it is commonly recommended, in
areas such as industrial roof waterproofing, basement water- proofing,
and damp-proof course.
• Moreover, bitumen is the most economical product presently available
for waterproofing
 Polyurethane Based Waterproofing Treatment
• Polyurethane consists of two liquid components one is called the
Base component and the other is called reactor or curing agent
• Base is a polyol and the reactor is an isocyanide.
• The combination of these two ingredients results in a formation
liquid applied rigid membrane or a foam depending upon the
selection
• In waterproofing, this rigid liquid membrane was tried with fibre
glass reinforcing mats. The systems failed because coefficients of
thermal expansion of concrete and rigid PU membrane being
different lateral movement or creep occurred with the passage
on one working climatic cycle. When exposed to ultra violet rays
or direct sunlight, most polyurethane rigid membranes became
brittle and crumbled. Apart from this, the application of
polyurethane coating needed very rigorous surface preparation.
• Surface Preparation : needed, neutralization , alkalinity.
 Epoxy Based Water- proofing System
• Like polyurethane epoxy is also a two-component system having
a base resin and a reactor or curing agent.
• Base resin is obtained by dissolving Bis-phenol ‘A’ flakes in
epichlorohydrin. This base is available in various viscosity ranges
to suit different application conditions.
• The curing agent is an amine/polyamine aliphatic or aromatic or
an amine-adduct for general applications and polyamide or an
amino-amide for coating purposes.
• After mixing base and reactor components, the resultant
viscous liquid or paste if some fillers are added to it can be brush
applied like a paint or trowel applied like a mortar.
 Box Type Waterproofing
• This type of waterproofing system is used only for basement
waterproofing or structures below the ground level from outside
to prevent leakages of subsoil water into the basement.
In this method, limestone slabs (Shahabad Stones) are first laid in
the excavated pit over blinding concrete in a staggered joint
fashion to avoid the continuity of the mortar joints.
• The joints are effectively filled with rich cement, sand mortar
admixed with integral waterproofing compound and cured. Over
this, the raft is laid and shear/brick walls constructed.
• The limestone slabs are erected around the walls in a similar
fashion leaving a gap of one to two inches between the external
surface of the wall and the inner face of the stone surface.
• The joints again effectively sealed with rich admixed mortar and
the same mortar is filled in the gap between the wall and the
stones. This stonework is continued up to ground level.
 Box Type Waterproofing
• In this system, the raft and the sidewalls are protected from
direct exposure to sub soil water
This system works on two principles of common sense.
• First the area exposed to subsoil water is only the area of the
joint where as the whole stone is impervious to water, hence
only a fraction of area, that is, that of the joint is exposed to
subsoil water when the joint itself is filled with rich and
quality mortar.
• Secondly, the path of water to reach the raft or the sidewall is
elongated. This elongated path is through quality mortar. This
system seeks to delay the occurrence of leakages in the
basements. A lot of building structures are waterproofed
using this system. A few notable successes are to its credit
especially in five star hotels and of-course there are a few
failures as well.
 Box Type Waterproofing
• For basements, Swimming Pools and under-ground ducts such
as lift-pits, the waterproofing has to withstand the water
pressure in addition to it’s basic stress. Shahabad Box Type
treatment method of waterproofing is very commonly used in
India.
• A base-coat in cement mortar 1:4 mixed with waterproofing
compound is laid over the Raft PCC and above this rough
Shahabad tiles of size 2’-0” X 2’-0” or 2’-0” X 3’-0” are fixed
with minimum thickness of joints.
• Joints are staggered. Thickness of the Shahabad tile should be
between 32mm to 40mm (1.25”-1.5”). After fixing the tiles, the
joints are sealed with C.M. 1:3 and 15mm metal is pressed in
the joints for enhanced strength and less shrinkage.
• Over this, a joint less layer of C.M. 1:3 with waterproofing
compound approx. 25mm thick is applied and cured for 7 days.
This layer provides a smooth layer for the raft and also protects
the Shahabad tiles from getting damaged by steel bars laying
and labour movement.
 Box Type Waterproofing
• Over this plastered base, raft is cast and RCC retaining
walls are erected. Shahabad tiles are fixed to the vertical
retaining walls from outside. Cement paste is applied on
all four corners of a Shahabad tile and it is pressed
firmly on the RCC wall in line and level. At a time only a
height of 1m is fixed.
• Total height above the ground level is taken as 1’-6”.
Joints are then sealed in C.M. 1:2 (Pointing). The
Shahabad dado is then grouted using cement slurry with
waterproofing compound and cured for 7 days.
• After curing, a jointless waterproofing plaster coat is
applied and cured. Thickness of this treatment is around
65mm to 75mm.
• This entire process forms a box around the structure
and does not allow any water to seep through or leak
from the basement.
Box Type Waterproofing
Box Type Waterproofing
Box Type Waterproofing
Box Type Waterproofing
Box Type Waterproofing
 Methodologies
1. Box Type Water proofing
SPECIFICATIONS FOR BOX TYPE WATER PROOFING TREATMENT

FLOOR TREATMENT
Before starting the treatment ensure that the P.C.C concrete is done on a wall
completed / strong substrate.

1. Clean the floor area thoroughly with wire brushing, washing , chipping etc.
to expose the hard surface.
2. Prepare mortar of waterproof under lay as below •Cement : sand ( 1:4 )
3. Admixed the cement sand mortar with chemical i.e DICHTAMENT DM @
200 gms per bag of cement .
4. Now , lay the admixed C.M 1:4 on the cleaned in surface as an under lay (25
mm to 30 mm thick)
5. Lay the Shahabad ( 2' o" X 1.5/or 2.00”X 2.00" ) on the wet underlay with
staggered joints keeping the width of the joints between 25mm
 Methodologies
1. Next day or later on -Clean the joints between the shahabad & fill
the recesses with washing clean aggregates ( 10 mm size to 25 mm
i.e graded )
2. Prepare grout slurry as below . Cement : Water : non -shrink
admixture ( Einpresshil powder 1.5 kg + 0.5%per bag of cement.
3. Pour the grouting slurry into the joint of tile and flush the joint
filling full now the surface is ready to receive Top Overlay.
4. Make the top overlay mortar same as underlay i.e C.M . 1:4 +
admixture as.(a) DICHTAMENT DM@ 200 gms/per bag of cement .
5. Lay the top overlay mortar on top of Shahabad tile floor and smooth
finish or keep surfaced i.e fine broom or tile finish or as directed.
6. Cure the floor by ponding water for at least 7 day's . This completes
the treatment on floor.
7. After curing the floor can be used to lay RCC Raft.
 Methodologies
• Wall Treatment
This treatment is to be done after the RCC floor ( Raft ) & RCC walls
are cast .
1. Surface preparation is to be done after the RCC floor ( Raft) & RCC
wall are cast, loose slurries , timber embedment's protruding nail or
binding wire etc. and wire-brush the surface ready for the treatment. If
any through-holes are kept for formwork, they should be grouted with
non shrink grout.
2. Now lay Shahabad tile to the wall with cement paste tabs of
approximately 2" to 4: Φ and press and fix tile keeping ½" clear gap
between RCC wall & tile surface ( This gap is required for slurry
grouting)
3. Ensure that only one layer of tiles are fixed with staggered joints with
joint widths 15 mm to 20 mm.
4. Ensure that only one layer of tile is done every day.
5. The joints between lad is should be filled up with cement paste with non
-shrink admixture i.e. EH @ 0.5% by cement .
 Methodologies
1. Grouting of gap between tile & RCC wall ( Prepare the slurry grout as )
Cement + water +Einpresshilfe EH ( Non shrink chemical) 1: 4 : 0.5% by
cement wt. (1/4 kg per bag of cement ) Now pour this grout into the gap
between the tile & RCC wall. Continue pouring till it is full.Allow it to set
for 6 to 8 hrs. or more as the case may be.
2. After sizable area of tile fixing is done ( say up to a ht of 6' or so ; then it is
ready to receive a dash coat ( which is required for bonding of water proof
jacket as a finishing coat .
3. Dash coat ( chat ) lay a rough cost or dash coat of C :M 1:3 .
4. Next day - cure the are by sprinkling water for 2 or 3 days.
Water proofing jacket plaster :-
This is a finishing waterproof plaster on wall - tile- cladding & is done in
C: M 1:4 admixed with (a) DICHTAMENT DM @ 200 gms per bag of
cement .
CURE THE AREA for a minimum period of 7 days.
Box Type Waterproofing
 Box Type Waterproofing ( Basement waterprofing)
Limitations/Disadvantages
• Use of Shahabad tiles, joints should be grouted properly or else the
leakage would be from the joints.
• It is a labour intensive work for which it requires more time for
installation
• Waterproofing membrane such as Bituminous, polymer modified
bituminous of APP (Atactic Poly Propylene) SBS (Styrene Butadine
Styrene), PVC, HDPE can be used for basements.
• Since APP membrane is torch applied, it requires more skilled
labour and a protective screed to avoid any damages to the
membrane.
• SBS is cold applied by simply sticking with a paste. But it is not
suitable for high water table. It also requires a screed for protection
• HDPE is the best material for waterproofing in high water table.
 Modern Techniques in Waterproofing
• Modern technique aims to understand the functional
behavior of the structure, understand the properties of
the available materials to arrive at a system, which is
best suited for the structure and incorporate the design
stage itself.
• A single product or technique is not usually enough,
involvement of various bodies and techniques in
coordination is essential for making structures
waterproof.
• For success of any system, the building structure should
have sufficient and efficient control joints if the slabs
dimensions are more than twenty meter in any
direction.
• Crystalline Waterproofing System
• Flexible membrane waterproofing system
 Crystalline Waterproofing System
• The method of treatment involves saturating with water the
surface to be treated.
• Then mixing two and half volume of the powder with one
volume of water to form neat consistency hot slurry.
• This slurry is brush applied on the saturated surface. The
active ingredients in the slurry pass through the water
bearing capillaries and react with calcium oxide present in
the concrete to form insoluble crystals, which effectively
block the capillaries.
• Further the chemical ingredients of the product remain in
concrete to reactivate the process of crystallisation and
when a new capillary is developed.
• This system of waterproofing, the water retaining structures
is practiced in most of the developed countries
 Crystalline Waterproofing System
• The waterproofing effect is based on two simple reactions, one chemical
and one physical. Concrete is chemical in nature. When a cement particle
hydrates, the reaction between water and the cement causes the concrete
to become a hard, solid mass.
• The reaction also generates chemical by-products such as calcium
hydroxide, sulfates and carbonates of sodium potassium and calcium as well
as un-hydrated or partially hydrated cement particles all of which reside in
the capillary tracts of the concrete.
• Crystalline waterproofing introduces another set of chemicals to the
concrete. When these two chemical groups, the by-products of cement
hydration and the crystalline chemicals, are brought together in the
presence of moisture, a chemical reaction occurs. The end product of this
reaction is a non-soluble crystalline formation.
• This crystalline formation can only occur where moisture is present, thus it
will only form in the pores, capillary tracts, and shrinkage cracks of the
concrete. Wherever water goes, crystalline waterproofing will form filling
the pores, voids and cracks.
 Crystalline Waterproofing System
• Cracks if any should be cut into ‘V’ shaped grooves one inch wide and
proper size width & depth Cut honey combed areas back to sound concrete.
• Repair these areas first by priming with crystalline waterproofing slurry and
then by filling them with crystalline modified mortar produced by mixing
crystalline waterproofing powder OPC and zone II sand in the proportion of
1:1:4 and water enough to produce a stiff consistence paste. Allow the
repair mortar to dry.
• Thoroughly sprinkle water on the area to be treated till the surface
becomes saturated. Some recommend overnight ponding for effective
results
• Prepare crystalline waterproofing slurry by mixing the powder and water in
the proportion of two and half volume of powder to one volume of water to
form a hot slurry. Brush apply this slurry on the water saturated surface in
two coats.
• When the second coat is still wet plaster the surface with 1 : 4 cement sand
mortar admixed with an integral waterproofing compound and cure
properly.
 Flexible Membrane Waterproofing System
• The main product used in this system, comprises two
components one liquid and the other is a powder packed roughly
in the proportion of 1:4 by weight. The liquid component is an
acrylic emulsion and the powder component is a polymer-
modified cement with film forming chemicals and fillers
• When these two ingredients namely the pre-weighed powder
and the liquid are mixed together an uniform slurry results.
• This slurry is brush applied on the roof surface, which upon drying
forms a flexible film. Since there is cement in this product, its
compatibility with concrete is excellent.
• The film further allows the breathing of the concrete without any
hindrance hence there is no problem of its de-lamination from
the concrete surface.
• This film being flexible takes care of the deflections in the slab
and the movements caused because of primary or secondary
settlements, movements due to wind loads and temperature
stresses developed in the concrete
 Flexible Membrane Waterproofing System
• Cracks if any should be cut into ‘V’ shaped grooves of
a proper size in depth. Cut honey combed areas back
to sound concrete.
• Repair these areas with a stiff paste of fibre reinforced
polymer repair mortar generally sold in the name of
crack fill.
• Mix the powder and the liquid components of the
product to form an uniform slurry and brush apply
this slurry on the surface to be waterproofed.
• When the waterproofing coating is still tacky apply 1 :
4 cement sand screed and cure normally
 Coating not an easy way to waterproofing

• Chemical coating is applied on the exposed

surface to make it water repellent and to stop
the percolation of water into it.
These coatings are of two types.
1. Penetrating Coatings
2. Film forming Coatings.
Coating not an easy way to waterproofing
Membrane Coatings
Membrane Coatings
Membrane Coatings
Membrane Coatings
Membrane Coatings
Membrane Coatings
 Membrane Selection
When selecting a membrane it is essential to consider a number of relevant
factors including:
• Whether the membrane will be exposed to weather or protected by
subsequently applied floor finishes
• The type of floor finishes and adhesives that will be applied
• The exposure conditions of the membrane (e.g. coastal or other aggressive
environments)
• Anticipated substrate movement
• Ambient weather conditions (some membranes must be applied within
specific temperature and humidity ranges)
• The durability of the membrane
• Ongoing maintenance requirements
• Availability of specialist contractors to apply certain systems
• Ease of application
• Re -coating time and time before subsequent finishes can be applied
• The moisture content of the substrate.
 The Latest Trends in Waterproofing

The following methods can be used to achieve this:

1. Use of Water tight concrete
2. Liquid Applied Membranes
Use of Watertight Concrete
Blocking pores/capillaries in the concrete can be done using
the following methods:
1. Using high performance PCE polymers
2. Use of materials like Silica-fume or Aluminosilicate
slurries in concrete
3. Use of highly specialized latest generation Integral
waterproofing compounds that work on process of
Dynamic SynCrystallization® (DySC) technology
 The Latest Trends in Waterproofing

• Using high performance PCE( Polycarboxylate Ether ) polymers

 The Latest Trends in Waterproofing
• It is well known that using PCE polymers, give excellent water
reduction as compared to normal plasticizers.
• This helps to reduce the w/c ratios and cement contents, even in
normal concretes. Lower the w/c ratio, lower are the number of
capillaries in concrete.
• PCE based admixtures do not have the side effects of retardation
often seen with normal retarding super-plasticizers. This is beneficial
as workability time of concrete can be controlled but the hydration
and setting of concrete will proceed unhindered.
• This ensures that any subsequent vibration to concrete after initial set
will not open up capillaries, as is the case if concrete is retarded for a
very long period of time, thereby rendering concrete relatively
waterproof
 The Latest Trends in Waterproofing

• Use of materials like Silica-fume or Aluminosilicate

slurries in concrete
• Condensed Silica Fume or Aluminosilicates are extremely fine
materials that function both as microfillers as well as
pozzolanic materials that hydrate in the presence of the
Calcium Hydroxide in Concrete.
• The combined effect of these materials as microfillers and
hydrating materials help close capillaries in concrete, thereby
rendering it waterproof
 Role of Waterproofing
• 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 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 vapours from building interior and
substrates.
• The Challenges

• Podiums are structures that may contain a combination of trafficable surfaces (cars, fire
tenders, pedestrian / cycling pathways and other similar abrasive loads), garden / plantation
areas and other general public use areas.
• Waterproofing driven on podiums is the biggest challenge in a successful waterproofing
program for a building. Normally the waterproofing systems used are highly elastomeric in
nature, which makes them unsuitable in traffic conditions for abrasion resistance. Under traffic
loads, the applied membranes often fail, leading to costly repairs.
• The inherent problem here, is that the elastomeric waterproofing system is applied to the bare
slab and covered with a floating wearable screed that acts both as protection to the
waterproofing and a means to providing a slope. Casting this screed layer and the vacuum
dewatering process used to enhance the abrasion resistance, causes the screed layer to crack.
Further traffic movements cause the cracks to widen and eventually allow water ingress into
the system, which further causes waterproofing problems below the podium slab. This damage
mechanism is seen in driven-on podiums as well as in car park structures.
• Further effects of this damage mechanism are that water along with dripping car fluids / oils,
fuel and the abrasive loads, cause damage to the resin-based waterproofing system under the
screed, allowing penetration of water through the podium slab and the areas below.
• In roof gardens, the damage from the roots of growing plantations, damage the waterproofing
system, allowing penetration of water through the podium slab and the areas below.
 The Solution Trafficable Podiums

• New generation waterproofing systems for trafficable surfaces are

designed to meet the criteria of ASTM C957 / C957M: Standard
Specification for High-Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric
Waterproofing Membrane With Integral Wearing Surface. These
systems, based on tough polyurethanes, combine a highly elastomeric
waterproof base coat, topped with an elastomeric but very tough
wearing coat (with elongation of 120 – 140% and a tensile strength > 27
N/mm2).
• The interlaminar adhesion between the base coat and the wearing coat
forms the basis of success in using these new generation trafficable
waterproof coatings. In case of heavy vehicular traffic, the wearing coat
can be enhanced using fine silica sand or alumina as a filler in the
wearing course. Figures 1 and 2 show the application and finished
surfaces for a heavy duty trafficable waterproof coating applied over a
car park deck.
Podium Trafficable Podiums
 Role of Waterproofing
• 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.
Precautions to be taken by the Client and Consultant
• Selection of an effective waterproofing system for a
structure taking all the performance criteria of the
structure into account and also taking into the
consideration, the performance of the materials in
the system is of prime importance for any success of
the waterproofing job.
• Waterproofing jobs awarded to waterproofing
contractors purely on economical price
considerations often fail.
• It is always advisable to involve the architect or the
structural engineer in selection of a system and
requisite performance guarantees should be taken
from the contractors.
Precautions to be taken by the Client and Consultant

• It is better to avoid bargaining for the job value

out of contractor’s margins. This could result in
stretching the product beyond the coverage
specified by the manufacturer or substitution of
cheaper material in the system to cover the cost.
• Always supervise the job and the incoming
materials for the intact tamperproof seals and
quantities.
• Use the services of an engineer or architect in
selection of materials. That too only procured
from well know manufacturing firm.
 Failure of Waterproofing Systems
1. Improper Diagnosis of the leakage Problem
• The source is not always located near the visual
marks of it.
• After entering the body mass , water moves in all
direction.
• From the available signs and symptoms , the
movement of the water can be traced.
• Electronic probing instruments and gadgets prove
useful in the detection of the underneath water
source.
 Failure of Waterproofing Systems
2. The care of the envelope
• When the existing waterproofing system cover on the
structure, punctures after repairs or modifications on
building, the area is left carelessly, without cover treatment
on it.
• Waterproofing cannot be carried out in patches Dependence
on the local or partial treatment should be avoided.
 Failure of Waterproofing Systems
3. Wrong selection of the material
• A wrong selection of material ( Epoxy) ( Polyurethane).
• Towers and malls , Airport Terminals .
• Tiles.
• Composite Joint ( Compatible)
 Failure of Waterproofing Systems

4. Design Flaws
• When large size unprotected openings are provided
in the rain beating side, consider junctions
• Staircase landings should be well protected from
spilling over of rain water through the ventilation
openings
• The members of the R.C.C. grid designed with joints
and junctions are required to be properly covered.
LIST OF SOME RELEVANT INDIAN STANDARD