Water Proofing

Prof Prakash A. Joshi

Asst Prof Dharati Sote - Wankhade
Content
• What is Waterproofing
• Causes of leakage
• Importance .
• Waterproofing of Basements
• Methods ( Conventional )
• Methods (Membrane)
• Methods ( Modern)
• Repair of waterproofing
• Failure of Waterproofing
• Precautions to be taken
Water Proofing -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, the
difficulties are large to create good concrete.
• 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 density has deficiency being porous to some extent

• “Any system or material (s), which helps in preventing ingress of water into
structures can be broadly termed as waterproofing material.”

• Waterproofing is often misused and misunderstood term

• Waterproofing is defined as treatment of surface or structure to prevent the
passage of water under any adverse conditions.
Major Causes of below Grade Moisture entry
Concrete cracks - Cracks in a foundation walls of concrete or masonry
compromises the structures ability to provide a barrier to water/moisture entry.
Causes of cracks are settlement, expansive soils, frost, shrinkage due to natural
process of concrete curing.
Hydrostatic Pressure – Ground water pressure build up that exerts lateral and
vertical pressures on the foundation structure
Capillary Action – The movement of liquid moisture through a structure or
substrate (concrete) using voids and fissures in the material acting as a path for
water travel
Vapor Transmission – The movement of air borne moisture through a structure or
substrate due to vapor pressure equalization (high concentration to low
concentration)
Condensation – The formation of liquid moisture on or within a structure or
substrate due to the airborne moisture concentration and temperature conditions
being ideal for water to form
 Hydrostatic Pressure

Foundation
Wall
Hydrostatic Hydrostatic
Wall
Foundation Pressure Pressure
Crack
Wall

Basement Floor

Hydrostatic
Wall Deflection Pressure Stress Cracks and
Lateral Stresses Floor Slab Uplift
 Hydrostatic Pressure

Minimal Wall Protection Foundation Wall

Hydrostatic Pressure
Basement Pressure
Water
Pocket
Interior

Concrete Capillaries

The best way to deal with Hydrostatic Pressure is to “Redirect the Ground Water” to an outlet
Hydrostatic Pressure - Effects

Insulation/Vapor Barrier Minimal Wall Protection

Saturated Wall Assembly

Surface Finish Damaged

Water
Pressure

Basement Flood Pocket

Hydrostatic Pressure can cause – Basement Flooding + Structural Damage + Property

Damage
 Capillary Action- Effects

Concrete Capillaries
Minimal Wall Capillary Development
Protection

Water
Pocket

Water Intrusion

Capillaries

Foundation Wall
Capillary Action- Effects

Capillary Action

Insulation/Vapor Barrier Minimal Wall Protection

Saturated Wall Assembly

Water
Pocket
Mold & Mildew

Dampness on Floor

Moisture infiltration results in – Unhealthy Air + Dampness + Wall Assembly Damage

Vapor transmission - Effects

Minimal Wall Protection

45% RH Water
65% RH
Vapor

RH = Relative Humidity
55% RH
Water Vapor
WHERE IT IS USED?
Positive Side Waterproofing: Positive side is
same side of the structure as the source of
the water. Designed to stop water before it
has a chance to enter the structure and cause
structural damage.

Negative Side Waterproofing: Interior side

opposite the water pressure side of the
structure Most commonly used in • Remedial
work • Elevator pits • Tank liners

Blind Side Waterproofing: Positive side

applied prior to installing the structural walls
or slabs. Typically inaccessible once the
structure is complete.
Defects in basement wall
Foundation/Soil Settlement Concrete Shrinkage

Improper Grading

Construction Joints Below Grade Services

Defects in basement wall

Cove - Water seeps

through joint
between wall and
floor
Sources and Causes of Leakage
Sources of leakages
• 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.
Why water proof structures?
Construction waterproofing
• In building construction, a structure needs waterproofing since concrete itself will not be watertight on its own
(but note concrete is easily waterproofed with additives).
• 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, EPDM etc.) that act as a barrier
between the water and the building structure, preventing the passage of water.
Effects of water on basement structure
• Exposure to weather conditions like heavy rain and sunlight could cause structural problems.
• Basement Walls, if not properly waterproofed, will go under hydrostatic pressure creating cracks and leaks on
walls and floors.
Healthier environment
• Humidity and moisture is what moulds and mildew want. Mould and mildew could
cause respiratory problems like asthma and also trigger allergic reactions. There is no way
to remove these fungi’s spores inside the house, the only thing that could remove such
growth would be to control moisture.
• Moulds do not only grow on walls or areas where there are moisture issues. It could
grow on anything like wood, carpet and even food. By reducing humidity, preventing
condensation and water seepage, mould and mildew growth could be decreased.
Eliminate insect growth
• There are various kinds of insects, water bugs, cockroaches, beetles, and critters that
find heaven in damp areas.
Wet basements are ideal for wood boring insects like termites to reproduce.
• These insects could cause damage not only to the foundation but also to important
things stored in the room.
Importance of Water-proofing
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, 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.
 Materials for Water-proofing

• Cement : Ordinary Portland cement is used for all water-proofing works

• Sand : Clean river sand should be used for water- proofing work. If muddy,
the sand should be washed before use.
• Metal/ Course Aggregate : Hard angular metal of sizes varying from 12mm to
20mm is used for water-proofing works.
• Brick bat: Brick bats should be well burnt pieces of bricks having proper
thickness. Under-burnt or over-burnt brick bats should not be used for water-
proofing work.
• Water-proofing chemical/powder :
A number chemicals and water-proofing compounds in powder form are
available in the market. Some chemicals include
-tar/bitumen based compounds
-inorganic compounds with little percentage of chlorides and sulphates.
-acrylic based compounds.
-epoxy resins.
-silicones.
-polysulphides and polyurethanes.
 Water proofing Membranes
• Waterproofing membrane systems include both negative and positive side
waterproofing.
• Positive side waterproofing systems are applied to the face of the element that is
directly exposed to moisture, the exterior face.
• Negative side waterproofing systems are applied to the surface of the element opposite
the surface exposed to moisture.
• Positive systems are available in numerous materials and forms. Negative systems are
limited to
cementitious systems.
Water Proofing membranes can be classified into four types

Cementitious Systems—These systems contain Portland

cement with and sand combined with an active waterproofing agent.
These systems include metallic, crystalline, chemical additive and
acrylic modified systems. These systems can be applied as negative or
positive side waterproofing.

Sheet-Membrane Systems—Sheet
membranes used in below grade applications are similar
to the materials used in roofing applications and include
thermoplastics, vulcanized rubbers and rubberized
asphalts. The thickness of these systems varies from 20
to 120 mils.

Fluid Applied Systems—These systems include

urethanes, rubbers, plastics and modified asphalts. Fluid
membranes are applied as a liquid and cure to form one
monolithic seamless sheet. Fluid systems can be applied to
vertical and horizontal applications. For foundation wall
applications typical fluid applied systems are 60 mils in
thickness.
Bentonite Clays—Natural clay systems, known as
bentonite act as waterproofing by swelling when exposed
to moisture thus becoming impervious to water. This
swelling can be 10 to 15 percent of the thickness of the
base material. Clay panels and sheets are popular for use
in blind-side waterproofing applications such as on
retaining earth systems and elevator and sump pits
Flexible membrane 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, and some manufacturers
add reinforcing fibres to make the product extra effective.

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. This system can be used on surfaces which had
bituminous treatment earlier. In European countries, this type of product is used as
coating on pre-stressed concrete bridge girders to protect them from aggressive
chemical atmosphere.
Flexible membrane system
A typical waterproofing specification using flexible membrane system will be as follows:
 Clean the surface to remove all loose particles, grease shuttering oil and such deleterious
materials to get a sound concrete surface.
 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.
Bituminous waterproofing system
Bitumen is more commonly used in the form of felt or flexible membrane formed
by sandwiching jute fabric or fibreglass/polypropylene mats with chemically
modified bitumen.

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 with a torch so that they melt
and stick to the second layer in the overlap area.

Bitumen is very effective in waterproofing of basements from outside. Bitumen

primers have very successfully been used as damp-proof course in earlier days.

Most bitumen-based emulsions have one common criticism, which is that they
eventually dry and allow moisture to enter the space

Bitumen is the product of first choice where it is commonly recommended, in

areas such as industrial roof waterproofing, basement water- proofing, and damp-
proof course.
Bituminous waterproofing – Materials to apply
1. Bitumen rubber mastic - The mastic comprises bitumen and organic solvents; it
does not require heating and is ready for use. It is applied to the surface in
multiple layers. You can use it to protect pipelines and other technical designs
against

2. The primer - It is a fine mixture of bitumen and rubber; it is made on water

base, which makes it easier to work with indoors. As the light capillary
waterproofing it can be applied independently.

It is used in waterproofing mainly as the

gluing agent coating the surface before
laying one sheet to another. It is suitable
for bonding bituminous building roofs with
each other, and for their attachment to any
other surface. Bitumen primer penetrates
deeply, dries quickly and provides a secure
fixation of waterproofing materials.
Bituminous waterproofing system
3. Bitumen latex waterproofing emulsion is a fine compound of two mutually
insoluble liquids (bitumen and water), whereas bitumen is dispersed in water in the
form of particles with a diameter of 540 microns. The latex in the emulsion acts as a
filler which increases the strength and elastic properties of the material.
The emulsion is applied by the mechanized way with the help of airless spraying
machine. Waterproofing made of bitumen latex emulsion is durable (over 45 years)
due to the homogeneous structure and stability of the emulsion properties, good
compliance of latex and bitumen and resistance to influence of aggressive liquids
(solutions of sulfuric and nitric acid, sodium sulfate, chlorinated lime etc.)

4. Bitumen sheet waterproofing is used for the roof covering and for the protection
of the foundation. The material is characterized by non decaying base of polyester,
glass fabric and glass fiber. The material on both sides is impregnated with bitumen,
which is mixed with a plasticizer. Due to this combination of materials, it is elastic
and resistant to cracking.
Metallic sheet wrapping
Because of the non-existence of suitable expansion joint filling compounds before
the discovery of poly-sulphides, a complex procedure used to be adopted to treat
expansion joints in concrete dams and such huge structures utilising thick copper
sheets. An extension of this practice was to try thin foils of copper and aluminium
for wrapping the concrete surfaces with nagging leakage problems.
Unavailability of common joining material for these metal foils and the concrete
and mortar created weakness in the system at the joints. This discouraged the
system in its infancy only.
But thereafter, the metal manufacturers have been trying to market this type of
waterproofing system with improved adhesives and when the metal market
slumped.
Polyurethane based treatment
These are high performance, versatile membranes which are acrylic based
providing excellent flexibility, high durability and very good finish. Initially a dry and
clean surface is prepared for its application and then the membrane is spread over
the area.
.
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 such as TDI or MDI. There
are various grades of polyols and
numerous isocyanides. The
combination of these two
ingredients results in a formation
liquid applied rigid membrane or a
foam depending upon the selection
Epoxy based treatment
Like polyurethane expoxy 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.

Here again the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete and epoxy being
different the compatibility of epoxy in waterproofing exposed concrete surfaces
such as roofs became limited.

Later the use of epoxy in waterproofing was discarded. But epoxies have come to
stay in civil engineering industry as bonding agents, floor & wall coatings,
coatings for food processing units, operation theatres and computer and
pharmaceutical industries.
Polymer modified cementitious membrane
Line of cementitious coatings are designed to
protect reinforced concrete structures in two
ways – for protection against chemical attack
and as a structural waterproofing. A membrane
which is highly flexible, polymer-modified
cement membrane, which can be easily applied
by brushing or with spray equipment for larger
applications is used. The product is used for
waterproofing of potable water or wastewater
treatment facilities in new construction or
restoration projects. This method is generally
very effective in Water Treatment Plants
Sewage Treatment Plants, Bridges, Dams,
Railway & Subway Systems, Marine Cargo Ports
& Docks, River Locks/Channels & Concrete
Dykes, Parking Structures & Lots, Tunnels etc.
Atactic Poly-Propylene (APP) modified treatment
This technique is used to cover the joints by
fixing APP membranes. APP membranes
provide superior tensile strength while
maintaining critical flexibility – even in the
coldest environments. Additionally, with APP
membranes. 2 layers of 2 different APP
membranes are fixed with the insertion of a
backer rod and then the whole work is
veneered by covering it by brick work and
plaster. The App membranes are fixed using
gas burners.
Ethylene-Propylene-Diene (EPD) membranes
EPD membrane is a 100% cured single-
ply roofing membrane made of a
Ethylene-Propylene-Diene
Terpolymer offering. This is a rubber
membrane sheet which can be easily
spread over the area. It provides very
high flexibility and durability
Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) membranes
This membrane is fiberglass reinforced, offering exceptional dimensional stability
and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. By fully encapsulating the fiberglass
reinforcement, there is no risk of delamination or water wicking. This is a stable,
flexible membrane providing high mechanical strength.
Quality of membranes
• 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.
Modern Techniques
Modern technique aims to understand the functional behaviour 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 system at the design stage itself.

Modern technique relies basically on two main waterproofing systems, which are
fool proof and simple.

They are as follows:

Crystalline waterproofing system

Flexible membrane waterproofing system
Crystalline waterproofing system
This system involves blocking the water bearing capillaries with insoluble crystals.
This method is used for waterproofing of water-retaining structures like
overhead/underground water tanks, sunk slabs of bathrooms and toilets,
swimming pools, basements, terrace gardens etc. The main product in this system
is a grey or brown looking powder.

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
Typical specification for this type of system is as follows:
 Clean the surface to remove all loose particles, grease shuttering oil and such
deleterious materials to get a sound concrete surface.
 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
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

• 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 Using high performance PCE
rendering concrete relatively waterproof (Polycarboxylate Ether) polymers
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
Repair in Waterproofing

Ferrocement Waterproofing system

Ferrocement is a cement based high strength Semi Flexible Composite used for
construction of water retaining and resisting structures, boats, roofs, pipes etc. In
SERC Roorkee the ferrocement group headed by Er. P.C. Sharma developed
ferrocement lining technology for waterproofing and jacketing of RCC (for
strengthening) & masonary structures.

Ferrocement has great bond with cement concrete and brick surface and is
reinforced with at least two woven mesh layers. Thickness of this treatment is
generally between 12 to 20 mm. Large number of basements, overhead tanks,
underground reservoirs and important roofs have been treated using this
technique. When life cycle cost is considered it is the cheapest waterproofing
system today which add strength to the original structure in addition to
waterproofing.
Injection grouting
Cracks as narrow as 1 mm can be bonded by the
injection of epoxy using this technique. The
technique generally consists of establishing entry
and venting ports at close intervals along the
cracks, sealing the cracks on exposed surfaces
and injecting the epoxy under pressure. This
technique is successfully used in repair of cracks
in buildings, bridges, dams and other types of
concrete structures.
Cracks as narrow as 1 mm can be bonded by the
injection of epoxy using this technique. The
technique generally consists of establishing entry
and venting ports at close intervals along the
cracks, sealing the cracks on exposed surfaces
and injecting the epoxy under pressure. This
technique is successfully used in repair of cracks
in buildings, bridges, dams and other types of
concrete structures.
Failure of Waterproofing
Especially in large buildings, waterproofing systems fail if the control joints are
not in position or not properly executed and maintained. This failure occurs even
after one complete year when the structure has passed through one complete
summer and the winter cycle. One can’t repair this type of failures. It needs a
different type of approach involving provision of crack inducer joints and then
tackling the waterproofing in movement restricted bays.

Application of a waterproofing product in non-specified areas, such as using a

crystalline waterproofing system in waterproofing the terrace or using a flexible
membrane system in the water tank results in failures even though the products
themselves may be genuine.

Stretching the coverage of the products beyond the specified limits by the
manufacturer results in inefficiency of the product and hence a failure.
Precautions for Waterproofing
 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.
 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.