Design of Deep Basement for Waterproofing

1.0 Introduction Basements can provide valuable additional space without increasing the height of the building. The meaning of deep basement, waterproof and waterproofing are sometimes confusing. In the report, the definition of the above-mentioned terms are as the followings;Deep Basement More than one storey building structure wholly below ground level, which will generally be subject to hydrostatic pressure. Waterproof Waterproof is a different concept from water resisting, which means the range of ability to resist water but not necessarily to the degree of being impervious or absolute in the prevention of water penetration. Waterproof means impervious to water; not permitting water to penetrate. According to BS 8102:2009, the target internal environment for no water penetration should be Grade 3.

Table 1 Grades of Waterproofing protection extracted from BS8102:2009 Waterproofing Application of water proofing/water-resisting material

2.0 Waterproofing Protection 2.1 General Waterproofing protection methods are generally classified into three types:1) Type A Tanking Protection 2) Type B Structurally Integral Protection 3) Type C Drained Cavity Protection The decision on whether to rely entirely upon Type B waterproofing protection is essential to deep basement design. The following has to be considered:1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) The degree of acceptable leakage into the basement Durability risks from chemical deterioration of structural elements The risk of gas migration into the basement Feasible methods of protection related to construction methods The risk of leakage associated with protection method The anticipated hydrostatic pressure

It is recommended that the structural design, overall weatherproofing design, waterproofing design and construction processes are considered together, as they generally interact. 2.2 Type A Tanking Protection Type A protection is a supplement for Type B protection for achieving a higher grade internal environment. It provides a continuous barrier system which excludes water and/or water vapour and may exclude gases. Based on its installation methods, it can be classified into four types 1) 2) 3) 4) External Tanking Reversed Tanking Sandwiched tanking Internal Tanking

2.2.1

External Tanking Sheet membrane is applied to outer face of the concrete wall. If site conditions allows, it is preferable to use external tanking as the hydraulic pressure forces the membrane against the concrete structure. Special considerations should be given for ground movement during/after the construction period as ground movement may rupture the membrane at vertical/horizontal interface. It is also reminded that it is almost impossible to repair the external tanking

Figure 2 Concrete Structure with External Tanking (CIRIA report 139)

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Reverse Tanking Sheet membrane is applied to a surface before the construction of the structural element against it. The method is commonly used with floor slabs.

Figure 3 Reverse Tanking (Sheet Membrane applied to the Inner Face of Sheet Piling) (CIRIA Report 139)

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Sandwiched Tanking When external tanking is impractical, sandwiched tanking may be an alternative. Sheet membrane should be supported by a loading coat of sufficient resistance to prevent it being pushed away due to groundwater pressure. It is essential that the loading cost should be constructed as soon as possible after the membrane had been installed.

Figure 4 Sandwiched Tanking (CIRIA Report 139)

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Internal Tanking Similar to sandwiched tanking, internal tanking is also applied to the inside of a structural walls. Unlike sandwiched tanking, which prevents the separation of membrane by another structure, this is achieved by providing a mechanical anchorage, adhesive sheet membrane may be retained by sandwiching them between the structural wall and non-structural inner skin

Figure 5 Internal Tanking (CIRIA Report 139)

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Waterproofing Barrier Material

Cat. 1

Type Bonded sheet membranes

Details Bitumen-based, sheet membranes can be: - cold-applied (self-adhesive);or - hot applied ("torched-on" or bonded using a hot bitumen adhesive) - increasingly reducing in popularity due to the potential fire / flame hazards and additional site insurance cost. Can be applied externally or sandwiched. Composite sheet membranes.(traditionally bitumen based but also newer technology HDPE High Density Poly Ethylene, and increasingly FPO Polyolefin based materials). Can be applied externally or sandwiched.

Advantages Simple familiar construction Relatively cheap

Disadvantages Need to form joints between sheets Detailing can be complex

Bentonite clay active membranes

These are traditional and comprise 'bentonite' a type of clay with a carrier material, typically of geotextile or high-density polyethylene. There are two principal forms: dry bentonite and pre-hydrated bentonite. Can be problematic when used in variable water tables due to problems with wash-out and between wetting and drying out which is not reversible Can be applied externally or sandwiched

Detailing and installation simple in detailing

Detailing and installation can be laborious. Really intended for large scale projects

Liquid applied membranes

There are different types of liquid applied membranes, which include one component materials (usually bitumen or polyurethane based) and higher performance two component systems. e.g. Remmers Profi Tight Can be applied externally or sandwiched

Cheap and simple to apply. Deal easily with penetrations through basement walls

Questions about uniformity of application. Require clean, dry sub-base for effective application

Mastic asphalt membranes

Applied in three coats as a hot liquid. These systems are also now becoming less popular due to fire risks and insurance costs etc. Can be applied externally or sandwiched

Simple to apply with correct skills. Deal easily with penetrations through basement walls

Increasing scarcity of skills. Hot process has health and safety issues.

Cement Based multi-coat tanking, renders and coatings

Generally used internally and applied as multi-layer coatings incorporating waterproof add-mixtures. These cope well with variable surfaces and are sometimes used as remedial treatments for existing basements. Can be applied internally or externally.

Simple to apply with correct skills. Deal easily with penetrations through basement walls. Some can be applied to damp walls effectively

Increasing scarcity of skills. Questions about uniformity of application.

Category 1

Bonded sheet membranes

Figure 6 Bitumen-based, Hot applied bonded sheet membranes

Figure 7 Application of composite sheet membranes in deep basement

Figure 8 Application of composite sheet membranes in deep basement adjacent to starer bar

Category 2

Bentonite clay active membranes

Figure 9 Bentonite clay active membrane in dry condition (left) and in wet condition (right)

Figure 10 Bentonite clay active membrane with mechanical anchor

Figure 11 Bentonite clay active membrane adjacent to starter bar

Category 3

Liquid applied membranes

Figure 11 Liquid applied membrane (brushing)

Figure 12 Liquid applied membrane (spraying)

Category 4

Mastic Asphalt Membranes

Figure 13 Application of mastic asphalt membrane at pile cap

Figure 13a&13b

Application of mastic asphalt membrane

Category 5

Cement Based multi-coat tanking, renders and coatings

Figure 14 Application of cement cased multi-coat tanking, renders and coatings at diaphragm wall

Figure 15 Applying cement based multi-coat tanking, renders and coatings

Figure 16 Cement based multi-coat tanking, renders and coatings