Waterproofing – What, Where and How? Application, Details, and Methodology

Samir Samir Surlaker, MC-Bauchemie India Private Limited, Mumbai Sunny Sunny Surlaker, MC-Bauchemie India Private Limited, Mumbai

Introduction

Waterproofing is important in protecting the structure and ensuring that the structure is usable over its entire service life. The forces exerted by water are enormous and its effects are unpredictable. Water enters the structure through the weakest route.Due to extreme requirements we put on speed, economy and construction practices, the durability of concrete is severely affected. Due to construction and/or material problems, concrete structures both above and below ground are susceptible to water ingress, due to porous structural elements. Dampness entering the living space (especially through walls and ceilings) is an indication that the concrete structure has failed its durability and that structural elements have already begun deteriorating.

Waterproofing is an art as much as it is a science and needs to be addressed as such. The main principle in waterproofing is "Keep the Outside water Out and/or Keep the Inside water In". This principle is applicable to walls, basements, roofs/terraces, R.C.C structural elements where we want to keep outside water out and to structures such as swimming pools, water tanks, bathrooms, etc. where we want to keep the water in.

The most successful waterproofing systems to date are the ones that put as many barriers as possible between the water and the structure we are attempting to protect. Again no single material can claim to be a complete waterproofing solution. The best solutions are the optimum combination of an excellent Material, Skilled Manpower to apply it, and use of the right Machinery and tools. This 3 M practice of waterproofing, is the approach we should follow because, doing a waterproofing treatment with "Predetermined" Material, Method or Manpower would more often than not lead to failures. Each waterproofing application is unique and should be treated on its merits and demerits before specifying any particular system. While designing the waterproofing system, actual service conditions should be considered for selection of the material.

That being said the following system or approach can be taken to maximize benefits of waterproofing:

This section of the article is only available for our subscribers. Please click here to subscribe to a subscription plan to view this part of the article.

Nippon Paint expands into Rs. 12,500 cr Construction Chemicals market
In line with its global vision, Nippon Paint India is expanding its portfolio beyond the paint and coatings product range; it will now offer products and solutions under the broad categories: Dry mix, Repair and Maintenance, Construction Chemicals, and

Read more ...

Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete Structures and Preventive Measures
When the alkali of cement reacts with the reactive constituents of aggregates, the reaction is deleterious though very slow, and the distress is exhibited when the volume inside the concrete is increased due to the formation of alkali-silica gel, causing the

Read more ...

Optimizing Existing Structures Through Retrofitting
Despite understanding the potential of retrofitting and its distinct and far-reaching advantages in making existing buildings green and sustainable, retrofitting continues to be undertaken on a very limited scale; hence, it needs to be promoted and made mandatory

Read more ...

Cause of Distress of an Old Building Through Analytical and Micro-Analytical Methods
The technical service life of a reinforced concrete building is the time in service when structural safety is unacceptable due to either material degradation or exceeding the load carrying capacity, or both. In which case, the repair strategy may be adopted

Read more ...

Value Engineering with MCI®-2019 for Concrete Maintenance and Repair
True value engineering saves money without reducing service life or affecting the quality of construction or materials. Ideally, it adds value to the project. MCI®-2019 is one such value engineering solution that can extend the service life of existing

Read more ...

Agrani Milestone Use Carbon Fiber Laminates to Strengthen Slab
Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director, Agrani Milestone, explains the remedial measures and challenges faced during slab strengthening of a deflected slab at IIT. NBCC India Limited undertook the strengthening of a deflected slab at a G+2 storey IIT building

Read more ...

Waterproofing Challenges & Remedial Measures in High Rise Buildings
High-rise buildings need special attention when it comes to waterproofing as the challenges inherent in them are peculiar in nature. Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge on the remedies and products available in the market as water- proofers continue to

Read more ...

Importance of Waterproofing Structures
The longevity of structures depends on how much resistance the building element will offer to water ingress. Water leakage not only reduces the durability but also hampers the serviceability or usability of the structure; hence, a good waterproofing system will

Read more ...

Terrace Waterproofing Solutions for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Terrace waterproofing is particularly important and is considered a priority as the roof is always exposed to harsh climatic conditions and weather changes. Rajeev Gupta, Business Head, ECMAS Construction Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. An effective waterproofing solution

Read more ...

Structural Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Cement concrete is one of the most important construction materials and is practically basic to present-day developments. It is strong enough mechanically, yet vulnerable to deterioration. It thus gets damaged and even fails. This deterioration may be due to the weathering

Read more ...

Thermax - HDPE-SBS Waterproofing System for Basement Waterproofing
Gradual shift in lifestyle has driven the idea of modern construction towards developing underground spaces and buried structures to bring efficiency in use of space. However, the improved efficiency comes with an increase in challenges like infiltration

Read more ...

Waterproofing in Hilly Areas with Sub-Zero Temperatures
Industry experts Kunjan Popat, General Secretary, Waterproofing Association of India; Ramendra Bahadur Sinha, Managing Director, Agrani Enterprises, and MS Sudish, Director, SIWIN Institute of Waterproofing and Insulation, share the challenges

Read more ...

Dow Sealants for Sustainable Infrastructure
Durability is a key requirement for modern infrastructure projects – highways and roads, bridges, airports and airfields, walkways and plazas, parking structures and stadiums. Miles of concrete must

Read more ...

FAIRMATE FAIRCURE WC - White Pigmented Concrete Curing Aid
Buildings have major environmental impacts over their entire life cycle. Resources such as ground cover, forests, water, and energy are depleted to give way to buildings. Today, India has demonstrated

Read more ...

Repair and Rehabilitation of A Minor Bridge in Shravasti District  (UP), India
Scour is a natural phenomenon caused by the erosive action of flowing stream on alluvial beds. Failure of bridge due to scour at their foundations, which in this case consisted of abutments and pier, one 1.2 dia

Read more ...

Faircoat Anti-Carbonation Coating Protects Concrete Structures Like Flyovers, Bridges & Buildings
To protect concrete structures like Flyovers, Bridges, Parking areas, Big Commercial and Residential Buildings, the normal decorative exterior paint will not serve the purpose as these paints are not vapour permeable

Read more ...

Repair Strategy of Stoplog Sill Beams During Operation Stage of 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim
Repair Strategy of Stoplog Sill Beams During Operation Stage of 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station in Sikkim Running Power Stations serve as a boom to the economy of the country and any generation loss due to construction

Read more ...

Concrete Protective Liner by Russian company Hydropolymer
Concrete protective liner is a multipurpose solution for waterproofing and protection of concrete surfaces against corrosion and destruction. The product warranties long-term and reliable protection of structures

Read more ...

Necessity of Health Monitoring of Structures Constructed Before 2000 across India
Sangeeta Pandey, Chief Manager (Civil), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Patna, PVS Sudhakar, Sr. General Manager (Civil), NOFN Works, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Vishakhapatnam & Dr. Achintya, Professor of Civil

Read more ...

WATERPROOFING Importance of Filling Cracks, Joints & Voids
Samir Surlaker, Director, Assess Build Chem Private Limited discusses some new joint treatments and injection systems in waterproofing. It is a myth that waterproofing treatments can be carried out by application of single material

Read more ...