Widespread Construction

203, V.N. Apartments, Vijay Nagar Colony Hyderabad-5000057, Andhra Pradesh 9440008805/ 9492038385 widespreadconstruction@gmail.com www.widespreadconstruction.co.in

It rained and people sought protection against rain water falling on the head. The concept, the art and the science of waterproofing developed from this desire for protection against r ain water. In the beginning, most people thought that the objective of waterproofing was to prevent rain water from falling on their head. As people started using delicate and costly materials, and housing equipment, systems, etc. inside buildings, the en surement of water tightness of building type structures became important. It will be seen that the prevention of the ingress of water into buildings is necessary for reasons more important than the prevention of an inconvenience or an architectural nuisance or for facilitating the p roper utilization of the space inside. In the conventional scheme of making buildings waterproof, doors have door leaves, windows have shutters and roofs are made water -tight through specific waterproofing treatments or arrangements. W ith time, it was rec ognized that it would be a good idea to make water retaining structures also water -tight. But it took a while to recognize that there was more to waterproofing than to prevent rain water from falling on the head or arresting water leakages through water re taining structures. It took time to recognize that the failure to waterproof structural elements, in addition to roofs of buildings, could lead to situations.

W ith delays to realize, and failures to act, buildings, bridges and other structures started bec oming unusable because these were not waterproofed in time. This happened, generally and more quickly in the case of concrete structures, which were built during recent decades, than in the case of structures, which were built before 1965 or so. The lack of durability of concrete structures has been a worldwide phenomenon. In a paper in 1991, Papadakis, Vayenas and Fardis1 stated : The last two decades have seen a disconcerting increase in examples of the unsatisfactory durability of concrete structures, specially reinforced concrete ones. The problem of unsatisfactory durability is more acute in India where it has reached an alarming state. The alarming situation in India, caused by the early distress in reinforced concrete structures, is reflected in Technical Circular 1/99 of the Central Public W orks Department, Government of India, wherein it has been stated that while works as old as 50 years provide adequate service, the recent constructions are showing signs of distress within a couple of years of their completion.

In most cases of concrete structures, the structural distress in the form of cracking in the concrete elements or collapse of the structure is an external manifestation of corrosion in the ferrous elements inside. There are reasons behind the early or accelerated rate of distress, in modern day concrete structures. The rate, at which modern day structures started reaching states of early distress, accelerated with the use of High Strength Deformed (HSD) reinforcing bars (rebars) in the construction of reinforced concrete structures. Among other factors, contributing to the decaying process, was the lowering of the period of wet curing of concrete from 28 days to 3 7 days or none. As there is a move towards a greater use of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) in lieu of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete, this change in the type of cement will have its effect on the durability of concrete structures, unless special provisions will have been made. Address the problem of early dist ress in concrete structures and solutions thereto. As surface protection of structures by waterproofing is proposed as a viable solution to the problem of early distress in concrete structures, it is explained why waterproof structures are durable structur es. Durable and effective waterproofing systems are described later in this paper.

Early Distress and Causes The alarming state of affairs with constructed facilities of recent decades has put civilization in peril. W hen humanity is in peril, God comes to show the way. In such circumstances ten years ago in 1996, Lord Ganesh, showed the way when the stone statues started drinking milk on offering by worshippers. Ganesh started drinking water. It was Lord Ganesh of rock or stone who drank milk and water. G anesh, cast in metal, would neither drink milk nor water. Lord Ganesh drank milk and water to teach architects and engineers a lesson. The lesson was : concrete, an artificial stone, would absorb water and other liquids. The rate and quantity of water wou ld depend upon the permeability and porosity of concrete. This absorption of water by concrete, though undesirable, is inevitable in the case of concrete structures without surface protection. This water, that enters inside the structure, creates a moist environment. W hen air from the environment, containing oxygen, enters into the structure and

reaches rebars or prestressing elements of steel, oxidation, the most common of the different processes of corrosion of steel, takes place, if the Fe 2 O 3 protective layer of passivation on the surface of rebars and prestressing elements will have been destroyed due to carbonation (by carbon dioxide from air) or chloride intrusion or due to pozzolanic reaction from the use of PPC or High -Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) ce ment3-5 in concrete. Though the process of corrosion requires oxygen and a moist environment, carbon dioxide, chlorides, acids and sulphates can further add to the destabilizing processes. It needs to be noted that, like oxygen, even acids and chlorides, t he well-known agents of corrosion, will be ineffective in causing or augmenting rebar corrosion unless there will be a moist environment. Similarly, other harmful reactions in concrete, viz., alkali-silica reaction, sulphate attack, etc. will fail to take place unless there will be moisture. On the other side of the picture, water alone will not cause any problem unless there will be oxygen. A case in point is a ship under water on the sea bed. In the absence of sufficient oxygen, the rate of corrosion is very slow even when there are chlorides in the water. Thus, though it is essential, for corrosion to take place, that the concrete environment, surrounding rebars and prestressing elements, be moist, submersion in water is likely to inhibit the process of c orrosion. The above suggests that all structures above ground and those portions of structures below ground, which are exposed to the atmosphere (e.g. basements, tunnels, underground water reservoirs, machine pits, lift pits, and so on), will be vulnerabl e, if left unprotected, whereas rebar corrosion may not be a problem in the case of foundations. In simpler terms, all structures, exposed to air, will be vulnerable. Of these, concrete

structures (primarily reinforced concrete structures), constructed dur ing recent decades, have been characterized by early decay and distress. There must be reasons for this development, that goes beyond any possible shortfall in the quality of construction. It has been written extensively on the basic causes of the proble m of early distress in concrete structures, constructed during recent decades, and solutions thereto. Of particular interest to the reader will be that the use of high strength rebars with surface deformations has been primarily responsible for the early decay in concrete structures of recent constructions. The problem has been more acute in India where the HSD bars were of the cold twisted deformed (CTD) type, commonly known as tor bar. CTD bars are particularly susceptible to early corrosion as high pos t-yield stresses are locked in such rebars from the time of manufacturing, inducing speedy corrosion in keeping with the phenomenon of stress corrosion at high stress levels, even before concrete is cast .

Early corrosion sets in CTD bars also becau se the protective surface layer of Fe 2 O 3 or Fe 3 O 4 is destroyed during cold twisting of the rebar as a part of the manufacturing process. Other factors, which can make concrete structures predisposed to early decay and distress, is the lowering of the duration of moist curing of concrete from 28 days of earlier years to 7 days or less and the shift towards the use of fly ash based PPC from OPC that used to be commonly used in construction in earlier days. The PPC concrete lacks the capacity of OPC (wit h about a months curing) to produce 15 to 25% (by mass of cement paste) calcium hydroxide Ca(OH) 2 and with it to maintain a pore water alkalinity of 12.4 and above for prolonged periods of time, thereby protecting rebars and prestressing elements through the formation and preservation of the Fe 2 O 3 layer of passivation. Furthermore, unlike OPC concrete, PPC concrete lacks the properties of self - healing of pores and cracks. In summary, in addition to the absorption of water or moisture, porous concrete permits the diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen, all of which are present in the atmosphere. Because of the changes in the properties of materials of construction and because of the shortening in the duration of curing, todays concrete structures, compar ed to structures of earlier decades, are affected more adversely by the atmospheric and other external agents of corrosion, viz., water or moisture, carbon dioxide, oxygen, etc.

The Solution An obvious solution to the problem of early decay and distress in concrete structures would be to use the appropriate rebar and cement and to cure the concrete over prolonged periods of time. That would mean the use of plain round bars of mild steel and OPC with curing for about a month. But since the construction may n ot be with plain round bars of mild steel and OPC, coupled with a months curing, the next best option would be to protect the structures, both new and existing. This protection of concrete structures will have to be, as a minimum against water, oxygen and carbon dioxide. It can be said, as an analogy, that concrete structures, similar to steel structures, can benefit from surface protection. Just as in the case of steel structures, the failure to provide surface protection to concrete structures will mean loss of durability and high life -cycle cost of the unprotected structure.

Effective and durable waterproofing treatments will make structures durable. Such treatments will also prevent any architectural nuisance of damp ceilings and walls. This concept of providing surface treatment to concrete structures for the purposes of making such structures waterproof as well as durable has been stressed . The concept was adopted by Central Public W orks Department of the Government of India in 1999 and subse quently in the code IS 456:200024. It is mentioned in clause 8.1.1. of the code that One of the main characteristics influencing the durability of concrete is its permeability to the ingress of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, chloride, sulphate and other p otentially deleterious substances. It has further stated in clause 8.2.1 that The life of the structure can be lengthened by providing extra cover to steel, by chamfering the corners or by using circular cross -sections or by using surface coatings which prevent or reduce the ingress of water, carbon dioxide or aggressive chemicals. It has been explained in details in Ref. 8 that, of the four alternatives, recommended in IS 456:200024, the provision of surface protection systems is the only logical and p ractical way of ensuring long life for concrete structures. Even six years after the publication of the code24, architects and engineers appear to have overlooked the mandatory provisions of the code as they have failed to implement the provisions in clau se 8 of the code. The failure to provide the surface protection will not only condemn the

unprotected structures to early decay and distress, the constructed structures will also fail to meet the requirements of the code IS 456:200024. The surface protect ion system is provided as a waterproofing system on the surface of structures, and not on reinforcing bars25. Though the code has recommended the provision of surface coatings, all concrete surfaces are not necessarily amenable to the application of coating systems. Thus, this writer believes that since the objective is to prevent the ingress of harmful elements, coatings or other waterproofing systems should serve the purpose of lengthening the life of concrete structures. Effective Waterproofing Treatment s It has already been explained that waterproofing systems or treatments, provided on the surface of structures, can do much more than preventing an inconvenience or architectural nuisance. Such treatments, if effective,

can make structures durable. That, however, requires that the treatments are not only effective in preventing the ingress of water into the structure, but that the treatments are also durable. Many different materials and systems have been tried for the water proofing of structures. Field experience shows that most of the treatments fail to achieve the desired results even in the short term. The reasons are many, and these include : A) W rong concept B) Lack of a will to do the work well C) Failure to adapt an appropriat e technology D) Failure to improvise Wrong Concept Failure of waterproofing treatments due to the application of wrong concepts are all around. A few examples will suffice. W aterproofing treatments are provided on compressible treatments for thermal insulation. The excessive compressibility of the material for thermal insulation leads to large movements in the waterproofing treatments and their consequent failures. W aterproofing treatments are provided on a course of Plain Cement Concrete (PCC), which fails for the lack of reinforcing elements and a lack of adequate bond at the i nterface between the substrate and the PCC. A small quantity (0.5% to 2.0%) of a plasticizer or a superplasticiser is admixed with concrete in the name of waterproofing, simply because it meets the requirement of the code IS 2645:2003, which, with its name Integral W aterproofing Compounds for Cement Mortar and Concrete

Specification27, has a misleading title, ignoring the fact that the text of the code reads : The permeability to water of the standard cylindrical specimen prepared with the recommended pr oportions of waterproofing compound shall be less than half of the permeability of similar specimen prepared without the addition of the compound when tested in accordance with the method given , thereby qualifying chemicals, without waterproofing properti es, as chemicals suitable for successful waterproofing treatments. Lack of Will to Do The Work Well It is believed that the manufacturer of chemicals will be particularly keen to see that the waterproofing system, based on his chemicals, will perform well. In the Indian environment, many manufacturers are keen to sell the chemicals to anyone for any purposes and the work of waterproofing is executed by contractors as authorized/ approved applicators.

In this system of work by applicators, the quality of work generally suffers as: A) The manufacturer of chemicals is not aware of the field conditions of individual sites and the developer of the chemicals and systems, generally chemists have limited knowledge about construction. B) The applicator is not aware of the limitations of the chemicals. C) The applicator does not use the right quality of chemicals as he does not have the reputation of chemicals/systems to uphold. Failure to Adopt Appropriate Technology W aterproofing is an activity in the domain of civil engineering, and it involves structures. It can thus be very helpful to have a good knowledge of civil engineering and structures. Thus, when chemists and material scientists develop chemicals and systems of waterproofing , they are likely to overlook fine points in civil -structural construction engineering, and the technology for waterproofing may not be appropriate. This is particularly so as most often technologies are first developed, and avenues are sought to apply the technology. The best results are possible when technologies are developed to solve problems, and not the other way round. Failure to Improvise Every work site has a character of its own, requiring improvisation. Though a particular water proofing chemical and a particular system will be employed as the basic treatment, local conditions frequently require for a successful waterproofing treatment that certain modifications are made

to the implementation procedure or that a different chemical and a different system be employed locally as a stand -alone or as an additional treatment. A failure to make necessary improvisation may lead to a failure of the waterproofing treatment. Widespread Construction W IDESPREAD CONSTRUCTION for waterproofing is free from the shortcomings, commonly found in other technologies. The waterproofing systems for waterproofing under W idespread Construction were developed to solve specific problems after others had failed to solve such problems by the application of different known systems of waterproofing.

Terrace-waterproofing is possible with varying permutations and combinations within a wide product range, to suit the 'tailor -made' requirements of the clients. 1. W hilst any water proofing system is decided, it is imperative to have a basic substrate, which is structurally sound. If the base on which a waterproofing application is done, happens to be weak, then the system chosen will also weaken. In order to have the base concrete strong eno ugh, the concrete should be admixed with an integral waterproofing compound which would give a homogeneous, workable mix at lower water/cement ratio and reduce the permeability. It should be ensured that the terrace is given a proper slope. Any standing wa ter shall not be permitted. Many waterproofing systems have been found to fail because of standing water remaining on the surface consistently for longer duration. 2. The concrete, after casting, should be cured by ponding or sprinkling water or with a sui table curing compound spread over the entire surface. Initial curing is critical and should start immediately after the initial setting of the concrete, say after 4 to 6 hours of placing concrete. Lack of initial curing is the main cause of drying shrinkage cracks.

3. For construction of the parapet wall, a suitable mortar plasticizer should be used with the bricklaying and plastering mortar to improve the quality of the mortar. 4. Before starting any treatment for waterproofing of the slab, all the visible cracks, undulations, joints etc. should be taken care of with a suitable waterproof repair mortar. 5. On the cured and repaired concrete surface, there are 3 alternatives, which can be considered for waterproofing.

Concrete leaks due to the following reasons: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Thermal Variation Long Term Drying Shrinkage Crack In Transition Zone Structural Stresses Creep Deformation Thermal Incompatibility between Paste & Aggregate Rusting Of Steel Sulphate Change Action, Moisture Movement Due To Volume

AN ATOMY OF W ATER PROOFING Significant factors contributing towards the dampness coming from the terraces into the soffit of the ceilings are: The entry of water through cracks in external plaster

Failure of pointing Hollow left due to insufficient grouting of stone masonry Capillary action Incorporation of incompatible components like RCC lintel bands in stone/brick masonry walls flashing of water on external surfaces i nadequate and deformations etc. imperfect expansion structural

NEED OF W ATER PROOFING PRODUCTS Ideally concrete, the most widely and regularly used construction material is supposed to be water tight with co efficient of hydraulic permeability between 10 -8 to 10-10 m/sec. a well made concrete with proper mix design and with proper pouring and curing practices is regarded as a very low porous material. However it is seen i n practice that concrete loses its permeability due to the following reasons: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Improper gradation of materials Excessive water cement ratio Less compaction Awkward architectural section Improper shuttering

6.

Cold joints shuttering either in mass concreting or in tall vertical structures Use of bad quality construction materials such as corrosive reinforcement or reactive aggregates Lack of curing : timely curing specially in high cement content concrete mix or where high grade cement is used in plastering Damage to structures due to earthquake effects

7.

8.

9.

10. Failure of plumbing

Some of the essential precautions to be taken at the time of construction are as follows: 1. Every building plan, whether for new building OR for addition/alteration to new building, must give details of terracing to be provided , water proofing system for roof with details of joint with parapet wall, sunken floor and down water pipes in scale not smaller than 1:20.

2. Specifications laid down by the manufacturers of the water proofing products should be followed scrupulously to ensure that no air bubbles are left between the under lying surface and the water proofing layer. Adequate overlaps should be provided for the water proofing layers, including cover up to the parapet wall. There are a large number of relevant Indian Standards and Code of practice available.

3.

Drainage slope of the roof is one of the most important factors. For the guidance of the field Staff, each building plan must also incorporate a roof plan, showing the position of drainage Pipes and direction and extent of slope on the roof. Drainage slope should not be flatter than 1 in 80 and should preferably be 1 in 40. There should be no undulations in the roof surface, which

may result in accumulation of rain water. At the time of construction, the roof levels should be personally recorded by the Inspector of W orks and 100% check exercised by the Assistant Engineer. Extra care is necessary for construction of golas, coping and joints.

4. At the extension joints in buildings, water proofing has to be strengthened by inserting a PVC Or a copper plate to prevent water from seeping. These joints should also be plugged by a good sealant. Polysulphide based fl exible sealants have good adhesion to concrete surfaces and can be compressed or stretched upto 50% of the width of the joints and are good material for sealing of expansion joints. Depth of the expansion

joints above the copper/PVC plate should norma lly be kept half of the joint width and should not exceed 20 mm.

5.

Special precautions should be taken for sealing of area around the water spouts to make them water proof.

6.

Any type of impermeable layer/coating should never be applied on both faces of the wall as the wall must be allowed to breathe. A non -permeable finish or waterproof finish should not be applied on a wet wall, as it takes a long time to lose water used during construction. The interior of a new building should preferably be provided with lime based color wash.

7.

Quality of casting of concrete slab and quality of terracing has to be good and strictly as per specifications. Dense and low permeability of concrete also ensures relief -from dampness and comes by adequate ceme nt content and low water cement ratio in concrete apart from required level of compaction and adequate curing.

8.

Area surrounding plinth of the building should be filled with good earth and rammed with slope away from the building, preferably with plinth protection apron.

9. Proper drip course should invariably be provided on parapet wall copings, sun-shades, chajjas etc. 10. Sunken floors are a constant source, of leakage and dampness. These floors are provided for accommodating the toilet seats. Sunken floors must invariably be coated with suitable epoxy or polyurethane compound or polymer cementitious waterproofing compound. These coatings should be given over the slabs as well as on the walls up to 40 cms above the floor level.

11. Proper distribution, design and installation of joints in the building e.g. expansion/contraction and construction joints and maintenance thereof can go a long way towards improving the water proofing of the building, since any crack may give rise to ingress of water. 12. Adequacy of drainage must be ensured. As a general guide line for every 40 M2 of roof area, one 100 mm diameter rain wa ter pipe must be provided. Drainage will also depend upon the intensity of rain fall in the area.

Definition of damp proofing One of the essential requirements of a building is that it should be dry. Dampness in building may occur due to bad design, faulty construction and use of poor quality of materials. Dampness not only affects the life of building adversely, but also creates unhygienic condition for the occupants. The treatment given to prevent leakage of water from roof is generally termed as waterp roofing, where as the treatment given to keep the walls, floors and basement dry is termed as damp proofing.

A damp proof course (DPC) is a physical barrier inserted into the fabric of a building to stop water passing from one place to another. This can be on a horizontal plane, stopping water rising up from the ground by being sucked up by the dry masonry above, or vertically to stop water passing from the outside of a building, though the masonry, to the inside. DPC's have taken many forms through the ages and one of the earliest forms

was to use a layer of slate in the construction. Slate is still used but the less expensive plastic version (below right) is now more widely used.

HORIZONTAL DPC Causes of Dampness: The dampness in building is a universal problem and the various causes, which are responsible for the entry of dampness in a structure, are as follow. 1) Rising of moisture from ground The ground on which the building is construction may be made of soil, which easily allows the water to pass. Usually the building material used for the foundations, absorb moisture by capillary action. Thus the dampness finds its way to the floor through the sub structure.

Rising of ground w ater level

2)

Action of rain If the faces of wall, exposed to heavy showers of rain, are not suitable is protected, the become sources of dampness in the structure. Similarly the leaking root also permits the rainwater to enter a structure. Exposed of top w all The parapet wall and compound wall also should be providing with a damp proof course on the exposed tops. Otherwise the dampness entering thought these exposed tops of such walls may lead to serious result. Condensation The process of condensation takes place when warm humid air is cooled. This is due to the fact that cool air can contain less invisible water

3)

4)

vapour than warm air. The moisture deposits on the walls, floors and ceiling. This is the main causes in badly designed kitchen. There are various causes of dampness as mention below 1. If the site located on a site, which cannot be easily drained off, the dampness will be interring in structure. 2. The orientation of a building is also an important factor, the wall obtaining less sunrise and heavy shower of rain are liable to become damp. 3. The new constructed walls remains damp for short duration. 4. Very flat slope of a roof may also lead the penetration of rain water which is temporary store on roof. 5. The dampness also caused due to bad workmanship in construction Such as defective joints in the roofs, improper connection of wall. Effect of dampness The building material such as bricks, timbers, concrete etc, has moisture content, which is not harmful under normal condition. The rise in moisture content of these materials beyond the certain level from where it come visible or when it deterioration lea ds to the real dampness. If absolute terms, the moisture content of different materials may be same, but the acceptable limit differs from material to material. For instance, the presence of 10 per cent by weight in timber is not harmful. But the same level could saturate a brick or cause deterioration of plaster.

The structure is badly affected by dampness. The prominent effect of dampness is as follow. 1. A damp building gives rise to breeding of mosquitoes and creates unhealthy condition for those who occupy it. The metals used in the construction of material are corroded. The decay of timber takes place rapidly due to dry -rot in a damp atmosphere. The unsightly patches are formed on the wall surface and ceiling. The materials used as floor covering are serious damaged.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

It results in softening and crumbing of the plaster. The materials used for wall decoration are damaged and it leads to difficult and costly repairs. The flooring get loosened because of reduction in the adhesion when moisture enters through the floor. Methods of damp proofing Following methods are used in structure

8.

for

prevent

the

defect

of

dampness

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.

Membrane damp-proofing Integral damp-proofing Surface treatment Guniting Cavity wall construction Membrane damp-proofing This consists in proving layer or membrane of water repellent material between the source of dampness and the part of the structure adjacent to it. This type of layer is commonly known as damp -proof course and it may comprise of material like bituminous felts, mastic asphalt, silicon, epoxy, polymers, plastic or polythene sheets, cement concrete etc depending upon the source of dampness, d.p.c may be provided horizontally or

vertically in floor, walls etc. provision of d.p.c in basement is normally term as tanking.

Membrane damp proofing

General Principles to be observed while laying d.p.c are as under 1. 2. The d.p.c should cover full thickness of wall excluding rendering. The mortar bed upon which the d.p.c is to be laid should be made leveled, even and free projections. Uneven base is likely to cause damage to d.p.c. 3. W hen a horizontal d.p.c is to be continued to a vertical face, a cement concrete fillet 75 mm in radius should be provided at the junction, prior to the treatment. 4. Each d.p.c should be placed in correct relation to other d.p.c, so as to ensure a complete and continuous barrier to the passage of water from floors, walls or roofs. 2. Integral damp proofing This consists in adding certain water -proofing compound with the concrete mix to increase its impermeability. Such compounds are available in market in powdered as well as liquid form. The compounds made from clay, sand or lime help to fill the voids in concrete and make it water proof. Another form of compound like alkaline silicate, aluminum sulphates, calcium chloride etc . react chemically when mixed in concrete to produce water proof concrete.

Pudlo, permo, impermo etc are some of the many commercially made preparations of water-proofing compound commonly used. The quantity of water proofing compound to be added to ceme nt depends upon the manufacture recommendations. In general, one kg of water proofing compound is added with one bag of cement to render the mortar or concrete water-proofing. 3. Surface treatment The moisture finds its way through the pores of material used in finishing. In order to check the entry of the moisture into the pores, they must be filled up. Surface treatment consists in filling up the pores of the surface subjected to dampness. The use of water repellent metallic soaps such as calcium and aluminium oleates and stearates is much effective in protecting the building against the ravage of heavy rain. Bituminous solution, cement coating, transparent coatings, paints and varnishes fall under this category. In addition to other surface treatment given to walls,

the one commonly used in lime cement plaster. The walls plastered with cement, lime and sand mixed in proportions of 1:1:6 is found to serve the purpose of preventing dampness in wall due to rain effectively.

Surface treatment 5. Guniting This consists in deposing an impervious layer of rich cement mortar over the surface to be water proofed. The operation is carried out by use of a machine known as cement gun. The assembly broadly consists of a machine having arrangement for forcing the mixture under pressure through a 50 mm dia flexible hosepipe. The hosepipe has nozzle at its free end to which water is supplied under pressure through a separate connection. The surface to be treated is first thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust, grease or loose particles and wetted properly. Cement and sand usually taken in proportion of 1:3 to 1:4 are then fed into the machine. This

mixture finally shot on the prepared surface under a pressure of 2 to 3 kg/cm2 by holding the nozzle of the cement gun at a distance of 75 to 90 cm from the working face. The quantity of water in the mix can be controlled by means of regulating value provided in the water supply hose attachment. Since the material is applied under pressure it ensures dense compaction and better adhesion of the rich cement mortar and hence the treated surface becomes waterproof.

Cavity w all construction This consists in shielding the main wall of the building by an outer skin wall leaving a cavity in between the two. The cavity prevents the moisture from traveling from outer to the inner wall. Understanding Water Mechanisms in Concrete and Deleterious Substance Transport

Abstract: Moisture migration into concrete is the leading cause of concrete degradation worldwide. There are two primary water transport mechanisms in concrete. Considering waters powerful forces and then designing concrete structures to adequately resist the known effects of these two common water transport mechanisms is paramount to achieving durable structures. Designers, contractors, and owners need to thoroughly understand the differences in the mechanisms to ensure the structures they are building provide adequate problem-free service life. P ART 1 GENERAL SUMMARY A. Section Includes: Furnishing of all labour, materials, services and equipment necessary for the supply and installation of waterproofing systems (as described in the BOQ) to concrete substrates, above-grade, on either dry or wet side of substrates, as indicated on drawing and as specified herein. Applicable Standards:

The following standards are referenced herein. 1. American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) 2. Army Corps of Engineers (CRD) 3. NSF International (NSF) 4. Bureau of Indian Standard (IS) 2720

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Catalytic In -depth Crystalline Waterproofing: Blend of portland cement, fine treated silica sand and active proprietary chemicals. W hen mixed with water (or a flexib ilizer) and applied as a coating layer, the active chemicals in the coating layer penetrate the concrete substrate and cause a catalytic reaction which generates a non -soluble crystalline formation of dendritic fibers deep within the pores and capillary tr acts of concrete. This process causes concrete to become permanently sealed

against the penetration of liquids from any direction. Two product versions of Catalytic In -depth Crystalline W aterproofing are available, i.e. cementitious and Flexible -Matrix. The Flexible -Matrix version is preferred over the cementitious version, due to its elongation characteristics and additional virtue of forming a membranous barrier around the concrete to which it is applied. Acrylic Polymer -Modified Flexible Cementitious Membrane / Coating : having UV resistance, underground ground -chemical resistance, high melting points, flexible and elastic with high adhesive strength. The membrane shall be reinforced with a layer of non -woven polyester fabric of minimum 30 g/sqm. The Acrylic Polymer -Modified Flexible Cementitious Membrane / Coating shall be protected with a subsequent protective cementitious layer of concrete screed / plaster in thickness as specified in the BOQ. The total coating thickness shall b e as specified by the manufacturers technical literature but not less that 1.5 mm and shall be applied in 2 - 3 coats. SUBMITTALS Submit listed submittals in accordance with conditions of the Contract and with Division Product Data : Submit product data, including manufacturers specifications, installation instructions, and general recommendations for waterproofing applications. Also include manufacturers certification or other data substantiating that products comply with requirements

Test Reports : Submit for acceptance, complete test reports from approved independent testing laboratories certifying that waterproofing system conforms to performance characteristics and testing requirements specified herein. Manufacturers Certification : Provide ce rtificates signe d by manufacturer or manufacturers representative certif ying that the materials to be installed comply in all respects with the requirements of this specification, and that the specialized executing waterproofing agency is qualified and ap proved to install the materials in accordance with manufacturers product data. Manufacturers Field Report : Provide copy of report manufacturers representative confirming that the surfaces to which from

waterproofing material is to be applied are in a condition suitable to receive same. Specialized Executing Waterproofing Agency: Specialized Executing W aterproofing Agency shall be experienced in the installation of the offered waterproofing materials as demonstrated by previous successful installation, and shall be approved by the manufacturer in writing. Pre - Installation Conference : Prior to installation of waterproofing, conduct meeting with waterproofing agency, Architect/Engineer, owners representative, and waterproofing manufacturers representative to verify and review the following: 1. Project requirements for waterproofing as set out in Contract Documents. 2. Manufacturers product data including application instruction. 3.Substrate conditions , and procedures for substrate preparation and waterproofing installation. Technical Consultation : representative shall provide application. The waterproofing manufacturers technical consultation on waterproofing

Guarantee of the Specialized Executing Waterproofing Agenc y : The specialized Executing W aterproofing Agency shall guarantee the waterproofing installation against defects caused by faulty workmanship or materials for a period of 15 years from Date of Substantial Completion.

The guarantee will cover the surfaces treated and will blind the agency to repair, at his expense, any and all leaks through the treated surfaces which are not due to structural weaknesses or other causes beyond applicators control such as fire, earthquake, torna do and hurricane. The guarantee shall read as follows. Civil Materials related w ith w aterproofin g : Cement, screened river sand, brick-bats, aggregates, integral waterproofing compounds, etc. required for screeds, protective toppings and plasters shall conform to the pertaining IS standards (IS 269, IS 8112, IS 13286, IS 383, IS 2645, IS 12118 and IS 3495). The Consultants / PM shall demand the conformance of these materials from the Specialized Executing W aterproofing Agencies / civil contractor from ti me to time and they shall have to produce test reports / documents to prove the conformance of these materials with their applicable standards, without any argument.

MIXES General : Mix waterproofing material as specified by the Manufacturer. Follow exact instructions as mentioned in the respective technical literature. Mix waterproofing material in quantities that can be applied within 20 to 30 minutes from time of mixing. Application : Liquid applied coatings / membranes : by brush, spray, squeegee or trowel Pre - Fabricated Membranes : by priming and torching

EXECUTION EX AMINATION Site Visit : Prior to waterproofing installation, arrange visit to project site with waterproofing manufacturers representative. Representative shall inspect and certify that concrete surfaces are in acceptable condition to receive waterproofing treatment. Verification of Substrates : Verif y that concrete surfaces are sound and clean, and that form release agents and materials used to cure the concrete are compatible with waterproofing treatment.

Examination for Defects : Examine surfaces to be waterproofed for form tie holes and structural defects such as honeycombing, rock pockets, faulty construction joints and cracks. Such defect s to be repaired in accordance to manufacturers product data . PREP ARATION Concrete Finish : Concrete surfaces to receive waterproofing treatment shall be free from scale, excess form oil, laitance, curing compounds and foreign matter. Horizontal surfaces shall have a rough wood float, smooth or broom finish, as required by the waterproofing material manufacturer. SSD stands for saturated surface -dry and it describes a condition that a concrete surface must be brought to when a cement product is t o be applied to it. The surface is SSD when the concrete is saturated with water to a depth of several millimeters, but the other surface is devoid of free water, as if it had been dried with a tower.

This surface condition is very important when applying cement products to existing concrete because the saturation prevents rapid drying and weakening of the product and its bond to the surface. Just as important, removal of free water from the surface pre vents dilution and weakening of the product in exactly the location where strength is most vital: at the bond interface, Make sure your concrete is SSD before applying

Surface Preparation : Smooth surfaces (e.g. where steel forms are used) or surfaces covered with excess form oil or other contaminants shall be washed, lightly sandblasted, water blasted, or acid etched with muriatic acid (as necessary) to provide a clean absorbent surface. Surfaces to be acid-etched shall be saturated with water prior to application of acid. Repair of Defects : Surface defects shall be repaired in accordance with manufacturers instructions as follows: 1. Form Tie Holes, Construction Joints, cracks: Chip our defective areas in a U shaped slot 25mm wide and a minimum o f 25 mm deep. Clean slot of debris and dust. Soak area with water and remove excess surface water. Apply a polymer modified cementitious bonding coat of approved material to the slot. Then fill cavity with a non -shrink, waterproof, cementitious grout / mortar, while the bonding coat is tacky. Compress tightly into cavity using pneumatic packer or block and hammer. W here

the concrete is defective, do injection grouting with high pressure (140 psi) grouting machine using cement admixed with non -shrink groutin g admixture. 2. Rock Pockets, Honeycombing or Other Defective Concrete: Rout out defective areas to sound concrete. Remove loose materials and saturate with water. Remove excess surface water and apply a polymer modified cementitious bonding coat of appro ved material to the area. W hile the bonding coat is still tacky, fill cavity to surface level with non -shrink grout. W here the concrete is defective, do injection grouting with high pressure (140 psi) grouting machine using cement admixed with non -shrink grouting admixture. APPLICATION Construction Joints : Apply cementitious bonding material in slurry form to joint surfaces between concrete pours, just prior to pouring fresh concrete. Moisten surfaces prior to the bonding coat application.

W here joint surfaces are not accessible prior to pouring new concrete, consult manufacturer for application procedure.

Coves ( vata ): Make a minimum 4 inch (diagonal) cove / vata at all 900 interfaces in concrete surfaces where waterproofing is carried out, without fail. Surface Application : After repairs, surface preparation, treatment of construction joints, cracks, honeycombs, tie -holes, etc., have been completed in accordance with manufacturers product data and as specified herein, apply / provide the w aterproofing material as specified in the manufacturers technical and application data sheet to concrete surfaces. Application rates, thicknesses and locations shall be as indicated in the drawing. W hen brushing, work slurry well into surface of the concrete, filling surface pores and hairline cracks. W hen spraying, hold nozzle close enough to ensure that slurry is forced into pores and hairline cracks. W hen torching, uniformly burn the surface when overlapping, to ensure that the membrane adheres uniforml y.

Sandw ich ( Topping ) Application : W hen treated structural slabs are to receive a concrete or other topping, place the topping only after the initial curing period of the material is being used, is completed. Lightly pre water when rapid drying conditions exist.

CURING Cementitious materials : Begin curing as soon as the applied waterproofing material has hardened sufficiently so as not to be damaged by a fine spray. Cure the treatment with water as per the manufacturers instructions. In warm climates, more-than-normal curing duration may be necessary to prevent excessive drying of coating. Liquid applied membranes / Pre - fabricated membranes : natural air curing for duration as described in the manufacturers technical data sheet. Air Circulation : Do not lay plastic sheeting directly on the waterproofing coating as air contact is required for proper curing. If poor circulation exists in treated areas, it may be necessary to provide fans or blown air to aid in curing of waterproofing tre atment.

Water - holding Structures : For concrete water-holding structures such as swimming pools, reservoirs, water treatment tanks and wet wells, cure the waterproofing system for a minimum of three days and then allow the waterproofing system to set for 7 days before filling structure with liquid.

For structures holding hot or corrosive liquids, cure waterproofing treatment for three days and allow setting for 15 days before filling. Protection : During the curing period, protect the treated su rfaces from damage by wind, sun, rain and temperatures below 20 C. If plastic sheeting is used for protection, it must be raised off the waterproofing coating to allow sufficient air circulation.

INTERFACE WITH OTHER MATERI ALS Backfilling : Do not backfill for 36 hours after application. If backfill takes place within seven days after application, then backfill material shall be moist so as not to draw moisture from waterproof coating. Paint , Epox y or Similar Coatings : Do not apply paint or other coatings until waterproofing treatment has cured and set for a minimum of 21 days. Before applying or coating, neutralize treated surface by dampening with water and then washing waterproofed surface with 15% (HCL) muriatic

acid, diluted in a ratio of one part acid to four parts water by volume. Flush acid off treated concrete surfaces. Grout , Cement Coat , Plaster or Stucco : Because the waterproof coating forms a relatively smooth surface and the resulting waterproof coating reduces the suction characteris tics of the concrete, it may be necessary to use a suitable bonding agent for proper bonding of cementitious systems (IPS, screeds, plaster, etc.), if they are applied Responsibility to Ensure Compatibility : The respective manufacturers must confirm in writing regarding compatibility of their waterproofing treatments with other coatings, plaster, stuccos, tiles or other surface applied materials. It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer / installer of the waterproofing material to take whatever measures are necessary, including testing, to ensure acceptance by or adhesion to their waterproofing system.

FIELD QUALITY CONTROL Observation : Do not conceal installed waterproofing system before it has been observed by Architect/Engineer, waterproofing manufacturers representative and other designated entities.

Flood Testing : 1. Perform flood test on completed waterproofing installation for a minimum of 72 hours before placement of other construction. 2. Plug or dam drains and fill are a with water to a depth of at least 100 mm. 3. If leaks are discovered, make repairs and repeat tests until no leaks are observed.

CLE ANING AND PROTECTION Cleaning : Clean spillage and soiling from adjacent approximate cleaning agents and procedures. surfaces using

Protection : Take measures to protect completed waterproofing system from damage immediately after application. Do not permit traffic on unprotected coating or membrane.