Below Grade Structural

• Examining the difference between below grade waterproofing and the rest of the building envelope and the unique risk factors.    
• Understanding the types of products and accessory options for below grade waterproofing - including joint waterproofing.    
• Discussing the advantages/disadvantages/limitations of various product options based on design parameters.
• Looking at how various construction practices affect various waterproofing options.

According to the Sealant, Waterproofing and Restoration Institue (SWRI) these are the main waterproofing categories:

• Hot Applied Liquid
• Cold Applied Liquid
• Thermoplastic Sheet
• Bentonite Sheet
• Bituminous Membrane
• Cementitious
• Intergral
• Asphalt

COMMON QUESTIONS IMPACTING SYSTEM SELECTION:

• Detailing
• Transition from below grade to above grade to roofing
• Tie Backs
• Brackish Groundwater/ Soil Contaminates
• Waterproofing system that work with Shotcrete
• Redundancy options
• Don't forget about the joints

WATERPROOFING THAT CAN SAVE TIME/MONEY

• Systems that have the lowest material cost, don't always have the lowest installed cost.
• Often low priced material systems have high labor costs.

CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING SYSTEM SELECTION

The design team can save time and often money by ensuring you have addressed:

• Wet weather considerations
• Special needs for shotcrete
• Groundwater contamination
• Transition details-sheet-to-liquid/hot rubber/ect.
• Construction joint waterstops
• Owner expectations

Negative Side Waterproofing

• Applied to inside of structure with water source outside.
• Used for remedial work and applications where positive side is inaccessible or cost prohibitive.
• Can be Asphaltic, Cementitious, and Chemical in nature.
• May not be 100% effective in the long term as post cracking/ cold joints can comprise performance.

Blind Side Waterproofing

• Still positive side (wet side) but pre applied with steel and concrete placed after installation.
• Requires uniform, supportive substrate
• Repairs not possible after concreting
• Vertical/ Horizontal applications...allows for "tanking of the structure"

Positive Side Waterproofing

• Applied to exterior or "wet" side of structure (where the water has also been applied)
• One of the most effective methods especially if adhered/ bonded
• Easily inspected for conformance to manufacturers guidelines and readily repaired.

• A waterproofing system much like any other component or system in construction can be damaged by subsequent trades and needs to be protected - Weather/ Trades/ UV
• System should be scrutinized for durability & ease of repair in the presence of "site operations" and weather.
• A quality pre-construction meeting can dispel a great deal of myth and bad practices. Encourage a requirement in the specifications for a pre-construction meeting with trades and manufacturers.

MATERIALS FOR SYSTEM PROTECTION

• Insulation Board
• Drainage Panel
• Concrete Slabs

Craig Haley obtained his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Missouri – Science & Technology in Civil Engineering.  Prior to joining Sika, Craig worked as Project Engineer for Jacobs Sverdrup Corporation on various Superfund site clean-up projects and water treatment projects across the country. 

After joining Sika in 1998, Craig provided Technical Sales for Division 3 Waterproofing Joints.  Upon relocation to Southern California in 2000, he was promoted to the role of Territory Manager for the West Coast.