Waterproofing membranes for below grade structures

In this article, we explore how to protect building foundations with pre-applied waterproofing.

Environmental Challenges

Protecting below grade spaces such as tunnels as well as foundation walls and basements is a complex challenge, due to a number of environmental factors that can degrade the structure or cause tremendous damage to what is stored within it.

Below grade water infiltration

Keeping water and moisture out can be a vexing challenge. Water is under pressure below ground and forces its way through even the smallest cracks in the concrete. Water infiltration can cause problems by corroding the structure and damaging materials housed within the building.

Soil contamination

Another environmental concern is soil contamination, which is very common, particularly in urban areas. Contaminants in the soil and groundwater can pose threats to indoor air quality as vapors from the soil migrate into buildings constructed on these sites. Vapor-forming chemicals may include:

These vapors need to be mitigated to protect people working or living in the buildings on these sites.

Sea water corrosion

Concrete is also susceptible to damage in coastal areas. When concrete is directly or indirectly exposed to seawater, it can deteriorate due to sulphate attack and chloride-induced corrosion.

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as trichloroethylene and benzene
• Select semi-volatile organic compounds, such as naphthalene
• Elemental mercury
• Some polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides

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Types of Below Grade Barriers

To address these environmental challenges, there are three primary types of below grade waterproofing protection.

Waterproof concrete

Waterproofing admixtures are added to ready mix concrete to reduce the permeability and drying shrinkage of the concrete, reducing the risk of water infiltration. Waterproof concrete is usually best for lower risk applications, such as unfinished space where some level of moisture is acceptable to the building owner.

Waterproof concrete is attractive for these applications due to the low material cost and because there’s no need for an additional waterproofing step. Extra care is needed in the placement and finishing of concrete that uses waterproofing admixtures, however, so it’s important to factor in the need for well trained staff and quality control steps when using this method of waterproofing. 

Dewatering system

A dewatering system may be used temporarily while construction is under way or may be a permanent part of the waterproofing solution. With these systems, water and moisture is allowed to flow through the concrete and then the system collects the water and moves it away from the structure. Permanent dewatering systems can work for lower risk projects or can work in combination with either waterproof concrete or pre-applied waterproof membranes for higher risk projects. They are not recommended for environments where there is soil contamination since they don’t prevent gas vapors from entering the structure.

The costs of dewatering systems can be considerable if used on a permanent basis, since they require maintenance to prevent clogging and require backup generators to prevent failures.

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Waterproofing below grade structures

Certain types of below grade structures, such as deep foundations or those with luxury spaces, require the highest levels of protection.

Safeguarding deep foundations

In many cities, developers are contending with limited lot sizes by creating extended basements or other below grade spaces built deep in the ground. It’s common to see multi-level parking garages or mixed use spaces several basements deep. In these situations, it’s prudent to apply high performing waterproofing systems to combat the great external pressures on the foundation and aggressive soil conditions that can easily lead to water infiltration and corrosion. Dewatering is also needed during construction, since these structures are usually built well below the water table.

Waterproofing mass transit systems

Subway and railway stations also tend to have below grade spaces that necessitate a high degree of protection from water ingress as well as aggressive soils. Any moisture or water leaks can result in costly repairs and service disruptions. The intense hydrostatic forces on the underground tunnels mean there is a constant threat of water infiltration. These demanding conditions require waterproofing systems that are highly durable and prevent lateral water migration.

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Specifying below grade waterproofing

Evaluating pre-applied waterproofing membranes

When considering a pre-applied waterproofing membrane (also called blindside waterproofing), one of the critical factors to consider is the type of bonding it offers. Pre-applied waterproofing systems such as the PREPRUFE^® Plus waterproofing membrane form a bond with the concrete. Water will take any opportunity to get through even the tiniest spaces, so the system must prevent any gaps – no matter how small – between the concrete and the membrane.

Some pre-applied waterproofing membranes use fleece or other coverings that sit between the concrete and the membrane itself. This often causes complications when a leak occurs because water migrates between the concrete and the waterproofing membrane, so it’s difficult to assess exactly where the leak is occurring. Preventing this lateral water migration involves finding a waterproofing membrane that offers a tight, integral bond with the concrete.