From the

Editors Desk
In continuation of our efforts to create awareness on
waterproofing for the durability of concrete structures,
this issue of ReBuild is devoted to waterproofing of
water retaining structures. Achieving a high durability
of reinforced concrete in water retaining structures is
not often planned and designed properly. This issue
covers various aspects of durability in construction
of water retaining structures pertaining to water and
sewage treatment.
Water retaining structures can be below or above grade
structures. In case of below grade water retaining
structures, the raft and vertical members are subjected
to different kinds of stresses with hydrostatic pressure
from inside and earth / ground water pressure from
outside when the tank is in full, half-full or in empty
condition. Comparatively, in case of above grade water
retaining structures, the members are subjected to
internal pressure only. Based on functional requirements,
the members are made as watertight structures and
waterproofing is done for additional protection for
durability of the structures.
When it comes to the waterproofing of water retaining
structures, constant hydrostatic pressure combined with
the rigid and porous structure of concrete pose serious
challenges for an effective and durable waterproofing
system. The Indian code, which is referred to for this
purpose is IS : 6494-1988, R-2010, Code of Practice for
Waterproofing of Underground Water Reservoirs and
Swimming Pools, but it has not yet been updated with
present materials and systems.
The first step for achieving a watertight structure
is good design along with the selection of suitable
constituents of concrete mix with a superplasticizer. In
addition, it is important to take care of all expansion,
contraction, construction joints with suitable materials
and treatment at fixtures like pipes and conduits
with waterbars etc. Thereafter, waterproofing of the
structure should be done with an integral waterproofing
compound and protection with a film-forming
membrane or a preformed membrane. The modern
system of crystalline is most suitable in any kind of
water retaining structure for various purposes such
as integral water proofing compound, injection grouts
and surface applied coating materials. While choosing
a preformed membrane on PCC below a raft slab or
on the external surface of a retaining wall in case of

below grade structures, preformed membranes such

as APP (Atactic Poly Propylene) / SBS (Styrene
Butadine Styrene) or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene
Diene Monomer) membrane will be more suitable, but
requires skilled application. Cementitious coatings are
more suitable for waterproofing of internal surfaces
of water retaining structures of below or above grade.
Surface preparation is one of the most important
factors for any durable coating system along with a
good quality of primer and application. Wherever tiling
works need to be carried out, the tiles should be laid
with tile adhesives and tile joints need to be filled with
tile grouts. For protection of internal areas of sewage
tanks; water-based thixotropic epoxy-based coating is
more suitable and care should be taken to ensure that
no infiltration takes place from the sewage tank to the
adjoining soil and ground water.
All the waterproofing materials to be used inside
water tanks, reservoirs and swimming pools need to
be tested and certified by Central Food Technological
Research Institute (CFTRI) for safety purposes.
Sometimes remedial treatment of water retaining
structures may be difficult and needs to be carefully
planned and executed at the site so that it can be
in operational condition at the earliest. The usual
remedial treatment of corrosion, cracks and spalling
can be made with polymer repair materials. Wherever
injection is needed on the positive side, micro-fine
cementitious material, with or without the addition of
admixtures, can be used to produce injection grouts
for crack filling. If the injection is needed on the
negative side with water inside to stop the dampness
and leakages, then PU Plain or PU Foam materials
may be injected depending on the severity of water
leakages. Where spalling of concrete has taken place
in larger areas, a ferrocement concrete lining or
micro concreting can be adopted after completing all
corrosion treatments.
Apart from the broad aspects of waterproofing,
this issue of ReBuild also covers some case studies
on remedial treatment. We hope it will be beneficial
for our readers for designing, waterproofing and
remedial treatment of different kinds of water
retaining structures. We shall focus on water proofing
of internal wet areas of buildings in the next issue of
ReBuild.

Waterproofing of Water Retaining

Structures

Damage due to uneven settlement of foundations

[Excerpts from Dr. Fixit Healthy Construction Booklet Construct

Your Ideas, 2012, pp. 14-15, 35]

To avoid temperature changes as far as possible, the

water tank should be built partly into the ground so
that the soil is available to cover the roof, if necessary,
and to form embankments on the outside so as to
enclose the water tank completely in a covering of
earth. Special precautions should be taken to guard
against evaporation and the movements arising from
extremes of temperature before the covering is made.

1.0 Introduction
During the construction of any water retaining structures
such as underground water reservoirs or concrete
swimming pools, etc., it is essential to ensure the watertightness of the resulting structures so that the flow
of water from inside the structure to outside, and the
infiltration of water from the surrounding soil into the
structure are effectively prevented. Watertight concrete
is achieved by a combination of selective materials,
good workmanship and full attention to details both in
design office and on site to ensure all water containing
and water retaining structures should meet the strictest
specifications from the conception to the design and
finally the materialization of the project.
There are so many materials available for waterproofing
treatment, which are more efficient for water-tightness.
When it comes to the waterproofing of swimming pools,
constant hydrostatic pressure combined with rigid and
porous structure of concrete pose serious challenges for
an effective and lasting job. Indian standards are not up to
date with latest technology and material for waterproofing
of swimming pools & reservoirs.
A water retaining structure may be defined as a hydraulic
structure designed to hold back, restrain, or obstruct the
flow of water. The treatment of a surface or structure
to prevent passage of water under hydrostatic pressure
is known as waterproofing of such water retaining
structures. The different water retaining structures may
be of following types:
Swimming Pools
Reservoirs / Water Treatment Structures
Underground Water Tanks
Overhead Water Tanks
Ponds, Water Features and Fountains
Sewage Treatment Structures

2.0 Design Consideration & Precautions

Suitable precautions should be taken to avoid cracks
and leakages in water retaining structures resulting
from the following:
Movements due to shrinkage and creep
Movements due to variation of temperature and humidity
Movements due to dissipation of heat generated by the
concrete in the process of hydration
Damage to the concrete by the percolation of chemically
aggressive liquids from outside

Cracking of concrete caused by rusting of bars

Hydrostatic uplift force

The design consideration should be made for

serviceability, loads, design, durability and joints.
In case of durability, the following points such as
materials requirement, cementitious component,
strength and W/C ratio, additives, embedements
and curing components should be considered.
Comparatively, in case of joints, the points need to
be considered are types of joints, joint spacing, joint
materials (water bars, fillers, sealants, bond breaker,
reinforcement and dowels), joint design and joint
construction considerations.

3.0 Construction Details

3.1 Concreting
The first successful step in construction of water
retaining structures is to make a structurally integral
protection system comprises of only the reinforced
concrete structure that is designed to minimize water
penetration by the structure itself. The permeability of
the concrete is reduced by introducing water-reducing
agents, high performance PCE (Polycarboxylate ether)
superplasticizers, and pozzolanic products such as
Silica-fume or Aluminosilicate, organic binders or pore
blocking additives. A good quality superplasticizer in
the concrete mix is a solution of super plasticizing
agent & additive in water. It helps in achieving
increased workability in all grades of concrete. The
water/cement ratio should between 0.40-0.45 with a
PCE based superplasticizer. This would reduce size,
number and continuity of pores. Pore blockers such as
silica fume acts as hydrophobic materials to line the
concrete pores and thus reduce capillary absorption
by altering the intermolecular forces in the system;
concrete air water. The minimum and maximum
cementitious contents in the mix should be 360 kg/m3
and 400 kg/m3 respectively. In case of water retaining
structures in aggressive environment Fly ash should
be added by replacing 15-30% of OPC cement and in
such cases 28-days compressive strength should be
minimum 40 MPa and in normal environment minimum
M30 grade of concrete is desirable. Maximum drying
shrinkage at 28 days of in-situ concrete should be
420 microstrain. Apparent volume of permeable voids
of hardened concrete should be less than 14%.
3

Internal vibrators should invariably be used, wherever

possible. Vibrators should not be used for displacing
concrete. Overloading the vibrators by placing too
much concrete per vibrator is not good. Over vibrating
by using too many vibrators relative to quantity of
concrete also is not good. Segregation by excessive
vibration or excessive water content should be strictly
avoided. Vibrator shall be withdrawn gradually and
smoothly, and in a manner which shall not cause
suction, voids or air entrapment.
Concrete cover is very important factor in all water
retaining structures. In such structures, the nominal
cover to meet the durability requirement as per IS 4562000 should not be less than 75 mm.
Concrete should be properly cured. Curing has an
important influence on the permeability of concrete and it
is necessary to keep the concrete moist, particularly during
the first few days. Concrete synthesis, placement as well as
curing practices should conform to the local regulations of
concrete technology for water resisting concrete.
Cracks number and width is controlled from sufficient
and properly placed steel reinforcement. In long walls,
it is recommended that the walls should be divided into
sections not more than 15 m long with a gap of about
30 cm left between sections so that the shrinkage in
the long sections may occur as far as possible before
the gaps are concreted, and the longer this can be
deferred, the better. The use of carefully rebated joints
is imperative at these construction joints.
Lapping of reinforcement in circular tanks should be so
arranged that not more than 25%of the bars are jointed
at any one vertical section. To reduce shrinkage stresses
as far as possible, there should not be less than 0.3% of
steel in any direction.
Depending on the smoothness of concrete substrate,
a levelling mortar layer should be used. Usually these
levelling mortars are quite thin (less than 6 mm thick).
To reinforce them and increase their adhesion, an SBR
latex should be used in the mix. For this purpose, a
commonly used mix can be adopted such as Portland
cement: Moist sharp sand: SBR latex in the proportion
of 1 part: 3 parts: 0.2 0.25 parts with clean water as
required for achieving a desirable consistency.

3.2 Expansion and Contraction Joints

In water retaining structures, free contraction joints deal
with early age thermal movements and irreversible drying
shrinkage where no load transfer or equalising of deflection
in the plane of joint is required.
In concrete swimming pools and reservoirs of small and
medium capacities, it is not economical to provide expansion
joints and it is not a practice also. In large reservoirs,

expansion joints shall be provided at predetermined

positions limiting their spacing to not more than 35 m
in the case of underground structures or those with fully
covered sides, and not more than 28 m in the case of
partly exposed structures.

3.3 Polysulphides (PS) Sealant at Expansion and

Contraction Joints
Polysulphide sealants, based on mercaptan terminated
polymers, are high-performance elastomeric joint
sealants and are very well-suited for such expansion
and construction joints. They have excellent chemical
resistance and weathering properties. Polysulphide
sealants provide a durable, flexible, watertight seal for
all traditional sealant applications in addition to more
aggressive immersion application. They have excellent
chemical resistance for which they are very well-suited
in case of large water reservoir and sewage treatment
structures. They should not be exposed to high
temperature and they will not adhere to substrates with
contamination and traces of bitumen. Use of shalitex
board as a backup material should be avoided. Pouring
grade version must only be applied in horizontal joints.
Application should be started only after 30 minutes of
priming the substrate for Gun & Pouring Grade sealant.

3.4 Construction Joints

Construction joints should be set at right angles to the
general direction of the member. As far as possible,
vertical joints should be avoided. This can be done by
completing a layer of concrete not more than 60 cm
high in a continuous operation working around the
circumference in both directions from the starting point
and repeating the process for the days operation. Before
closing days operation, a rebate should be formed in the
concrete on the top surface of the wall forming key to
get construction joints as shown in Fig. 1 for the next
days operation. Before the next operation is started, all
timber spoils, laitance, scum or loose concrete should
be removed by hacking the surface and then scrubbing
off with a wire brush to remove all loose mortar or
aggregates. Thereafter, before resuming the concreting
operation, the surface should be thoroughly washed
and wetted with water, and then a thin coat of cement
sand grout of cement mix, as that in concrete, should
be applied. As an additional precaution, water bars may
be used at such joints. But sufficient care should be
taken when PVC water strips are being used. Otherwise,
while pouring concrete from a height, these strips may
get bent and thereby restrict the passage of concrete,
causing large size pores and honeycomb concrete.
All non movable joints e.g. new-to-aged concrete, floorto-wall joints and casting interruption joints should be
preventively sealed with water bars. The same is valid for
all through-wall penetrations.

3.6 Waterbar
2

2
5

C2

C1

200 mm

Fig. 1: Construction joints

1. Plain cement concrete
2. Flexible waterproofing coating/membrane
3. Protective screed
4. RCC raft
5. Protective method on vertical surface
C1. First construction joint minimum at 300 mm above raft top

The construction joints as well as movement joints

if provided should be laid watertight, preferably with
the provision of PVC water bars. A water bar looks like
a rope, which should be compressible or swellable to
one of the different sizes in case of water retaining
structures. They are made of different materials like
hydrocarbon-based polymers, hydrophilic rubber,
bentonite-based butyl rubber and other materials such
as pigments and fillers, adhesion promoters and many
additives. The preformed construction joint sealant is
available in non-swellable (SW20X20)) or swellable of
5 x 10 mm or 5 x 20 mm sizes. It is used to seal cold
construction joints in swimming pools and reservoirs,
which are in constant touch with water. Such joints
are susceptible to water leakages in horizontal,
vertical, inclined and curved profiles and can be taken
care by water bars since they are highly adhesive,
flexible and swellable having controlled expansion
and withstanding ability to hydrostatic and hydraulic
water pressure. The typical step-by-step method of
water bar installation is shown in Fig.3 and the details
of application in horizontal and vertical sections are
shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 respectively.

C2. Subsequent construction joint (As minimum as possible)

3.5 Treatment at Fixtures like Pipes & Conduits

The pipes and special fixtures should be fixed in position
before concreting operation so that these are built in at
the time of construction. These special fixtures should be
provided with puddle collars for proper grip with concrete
and also to act as a water bar around the periphery of
such fixtures.

a. Clean the surface

b. Apply primer 20 mm wide

Preferably, pipe inlets will be formed in-situ during the

casting of the concrete and sealed using expanding
waterbar (Fig. 2).
Where it is necessary to install pipes after the casting of the
concrete, these can be sealed using a PU sealant.
Holes or cut outs in concrete done for fittings of underwater
lights, pipe openings for the filtration plant etc. must be
grouted with non-shrink cementitious grouts before the
waterproofing coating is taken up for application.

c. Uncoil Waterbar

e. Pour concrete

Fig. 2: Waterbar around pipe joints

d. Place in position

f. Finished waterproof joint

Fig. 3: Installation of Waterbar

Horizontal Construction joints

Second pour
Raft slab
Raft slab

Waterbar
Waterbar
Second pour

First pour

for the waterproofing of water-retaining structures.

The choice of waterproofing system will depend
on a number of factors, such as the type of water
(e.g. potable water or effluent) to be retained and
the construction type/ material used to build the
structure.
The different types of waterproofing of water
retaining structures are generally classified under
following four categories:
Capillary Waterproofing
Flexible Cementitious Waterproofing

Waterbar

Liquid Applied Polymer Coatings

Fig. 4: Placement of waterbar at horizontal construction joints

Waterbar

Rebar

Vertical Joints in raft slab

Fig. 5: Placement of waterbar at vertical construction joints

4.0 Waterproofing System

4.1 General Features
The swimming pools and underground water reservoirs
have to be made waterproof against leakage or seepage
of water as follows:
From inside the structure to the surrounding ground
From the surrounding ground towards the inside of the
structure

Preventive measures for reduction of surface water

entering into adjacent ground - Where possible, the
grounds should slope away from the structure for a
distance of about 3 m to divert the surface run-off and
to prevent water from standing near or against the side
walls. The surfaces near the side walls should preferably
be paved. On sloping sites, it would be desirable to
construct a cut-off land drain on the high side to lead
water around the structure to a lower level.
The ground water should be prevented from remaining in
contact with the side walls or the flooring for long periods
by installing a system of drainage around the foundation
of the structure or beneath the floor or both together.

4.2 Selection of Waterproofing Material

Waterproofing products provide a number of options

Sheet Membranes

In case of capillary, waterproofing takes place by

crystallization. Soluble salts react with water and
forms crystals which blocks the voids to prevent any
moisture migration. It fills voids in concrete to resist
water penetration and it is also vapour permeable.
But the major drawback of this type is that it cannot
survive any cracks. Mainly used in mass concrete
structures where chances of a through and through
crack formation are low.
Flexible Cementitious Waterproofing system is a
two-component system, which is a brush-applied
and film-forming system. Compared to the capillary
waterproofing system, it can survive minor cracks. It
is mostly used when protection systems, especially
tiles, are applied directly with thin bed application.
Liquid Applied Waterproofing started with liquid
polysulphide polymers blended with coal tar, but
nowadays, acrylic is very commonly available.
However, moisture - curing polyurethanes are the
best. Effect of cracking and pin-holing and minimum
thickness are very important criteria during
application of this system. But it requires experienced
applicators to have a controlled application.
In case of modern waterproofing systems crystalline
which is a highly alkaline cementitious material is most
suitable for water retaining structures. These needleshaped crystal micro-fibres disperse or suspend well
in a wet stage and then start inter-locking with each
other forming a complex 3-D network reinforcement
during the curing / drying process. When it comes into
contact with water, they form crystals and penetrate
inside the pores of the concrete and block all capillary
pores and cracks inside the concrete. Whenever there
is no water, they remain inactive and again become
active when it comes in contact with water. They form
a permanent self-sealing nature to arrest the cracks
and the voids inside the concrete.

The thickness of polymer-modified bitumen membrane

or self-adhesive SBS - modified bitumen membrane and
EPDM (Ethylene propylene Diene Monomer) membrane
varies from 1.2 to 2 mm whereas torch-applied
membrane thickness varies from 3 4 mm. Whenever,
the membrane is used in large reservoir, it should resist
a minimum hydrostatic water pressure head of 8-10 Bar.
However, while selecting any waterproofing material
for underground reservoirs or swimming pools, one
has to check the major functional properties required
such as hydrostatic pressure head to resist, presence
of aggressive chemicals if any, and service life of the
waterproofing system. The thickness of the coating/
membrane and other properties need to be selected
based upon their required performances of the
waterproofing systems.
In general, the various properties of the membrane
such as water absorption should be 0.10 g/m 2 /24 h,
water vapour transmission rate should be less than
0.05 g/m 2 /24h. The membrane should have better
chemical resistance properties, crack bridging ability
of 0.5 mm, elongation between 100-200%, puncture
resistance of more than 900 N and adhesion strength
from 1.5 to 2 N/mm when used in reservoirs or swimming
pools. In case of water tanks the coating should have
anti-microbial/anti-fungal/anti-algae properties and
effectively prevent the growth of harmful elements
that are hazardous to human beings. Such coatings
should be non-toxic and eco-friendly that is 100% safe
for potable water contact and tested and certified by
competent authority.

4.3 Application on Raft Slab and External Walls

4.3.1 Surface Preparation
The surface should be cleaned thoroughly of all
contaminants like dust, traces of curing compound,
oil and grease. All surface imperfections, protrusions,
structurally unsound and loose concrete must be
removed and repaired with polymer-modified mortar
using SBR latex commonly used waterproofing and
repair material.

4.3.2 Priming
All over the blinding concrete or PCC that is properly
levelled, polymer-modified elastomeric bituminous
coating diluted with water in 1:1 proportion or a solvent
based bitumen primer should be applied with a roller or
brush over a dried surface. Allow the primer to dry for 8
to 10 hours prior to the application of coating.
4.3.3 Application on PCC Below Raft Slab
APP (Atactic Poly Propylene) / SBS (Styrene Butadine
Styrene) modified bitumen-based preformed membrane
should be laid by providing an overlap of at least 100

mm. APP / SBS modified bitumen-based membrane

should be extended to maximum extend of the full
area of the blinding concrete. A geotextile membrane
of 120 gsm should be laid as a protection layer over
APP / SBS modified bitumen membrane. A screed
of 50 mm must be overlaid in M 20 concrete grade,
which will facilitate the reinforcement cage to be
assembled for the RCC raft to be cast over it.

4.3.4 Application on Retaining Wall

Concrete joints in retaining walls and at raft level
should be provided with flexible adhesive strips
popularly known as water bars either of a swellable
strip of 5 mm X 20 mm size or of a compressible strip
of 20 mm X 20 mm size, which shall be placed in joints
while concreting of raft slab and retaining walls.
40 mm X 40 mm sized angle fillets must be provided
at the corners all around the floor and walls from the
external side.
The retaining wall should be prepared by cleaning
the surface and priming it with primer to receive the
waterproofing system.
APP / SBS modified bitumen should be applied
starting from the bottom of external wall right up
to ground level. It has to be ensured that APP / SBS
modified bitumen is applied up to at least 300 mm
above ground level.
After completion of application, a 4 mm thick
bituminous protection board should be placed or a
12 mm thick dimpled HDPE drainage board should be
applied for protection. The application details on raft
slab and external wall is given in Fig. 6.

Protective Board
Flexible adhesive
waterstop strip
APP/ SBS
modified bitumen
based membrane

Screed
Geotextile fabric
Primer
PCC

Fig. 6: Raft slab and external wall waterproofing details

4.4 Application on Internal area

4.4.1 Surface Preparation
The internal surface areas (horizontal and vertical)
should be cleaned thoroughly of all contaminants

like dust, traces of curing compound, oil and grease.

All surface imperfections, protrusions, structurally
unsound and loose concrete must be removed and
repaired with polymer-modified mortar using SBR latex
for waterproofing and repairs. At internal side walls
and raft junction, cast 40 mm X 40 mm sized angle
fillets all around floor (Fig 7).

11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4

Waterproofing Coating

3
2
1

Angular Fillet

1 Binding Concrete (PCC)

2 Primer
3 APP/SBS modified
bitumen based membrane
4 Geotextile

Fig. 7: View of fillet at raft and retaining wall

4.4.2 Application
After complete curing of the raft slab and retaining
walls a 1st coat of high performance polymer modified
cementitious coating should be applied by maintaining
the saturated surface dry condition. While the coat
is still wet, a glass fibre mesh of 2.5mm x 2.5 mm of
50 GSM should be embedded over the angle fillets
as a reinforcing strip and should be allowed to soak
completely. Thereafter one additional coat should
be applied for sandwiching the glass fibre mesh
immediately. Then a 2 nd coat of high performance
polymer modified cementitious coating should be
applied. After the 2 nd coat is completely dried, a 3 rd coat
of high performance polymer modified cementitious
coating should be applied and coarse sand should
be sprinkled while the same is still in wet condition.
This will provide the key for subsequent tile adhesive
materials in case of swimming pools. The schematic
diagram of typical waterproofing detailing of a water
retaining structure is given in Fig. 8.
4.4.3 Pipe Inserts
Pipe inserts should be wrapped around with leak-proof
sealing tape for pipe wrapping to ensure a watertight fitting. Light fitting casings, pipes, inserts, etc.,
provided in the concrete raft floor and walls should
be grouted with a non-shrink grout. Non-shrink grout
for pipe fitting of high-performance polymer-modified
cementitious coating should be liberally applied
around the insert pipes and the around the light
fittings sandwiched with an open woven mesh for extra
precautions.

7 High Performance polymer modified

cementitious coating (2 coats)
8 High Performance polymer modified
cementitious coating (3rd coat with sand)
9 Epoxy based tile joint filler

5 Concrete Screed

10 Light fixture with Non-shrink grout

6 Concrete raft slab

11 Pipe opening with Non-shrink grout

Fig. 8: Typical waterproofing detailing of water

retaining structure

5.0 Waterproofing in Internal Areas of Swimming

Pools
Swimming pools (Fig. 9) offer an excellent way
to relax, exercise and provide enjoyment to an
individual. They come in different shapes and sizes.
To effectively and safely manage a swimming pool,
one should have a pump, basin, water filter, chemical
feeder, drains, return and the proper plumbing to
transport the water.

Fig. 9: View of a Swimming Pool

The primary function of swimming pools needs to

be considered while designing any kind of swimming
pool. Whether kids will be playing water sports all
summer long or anybody wants to swim laps. It can be
built to any size or shape or style as per the budget.
There are two major types of swimming pools such
as elevated swimming pools generally on rooftop or
ground level swimming pools which may be flat or
slopped. A flat swimming pool typically is not deeper
than five feet. Play pools generally are built for
cooling off and relaxing in, playing volleyball, other

The railings, handle and all steel rods or pipes need to be

fixed with polyester resin anchor fix grouts.
Tile adhesives
and tile grouts
Protection screed
Polysulphide
sealant High performance
cementitious
waterproofing
coating
.....

.....

.....
.....

.....

.....

.....

..... .....

.....

.....

.....

5.1.1 Cementitious Waterproofing Coating

Two-component cementitious coating, composed of
high quality cement, properly selected and graded
fillers, additives and liquid polymer should be used
as a cementitious coating. It is suitable for achieving
waterproofing in swimming pools because it provides
strong bonding, good waterproofing and provides excellent
resistance to hydrostatic water pressure by forming a
highly elastic seamless coating over the applied concrete or
masonry surfaces. The water proofing detailing in internal
surfaces of an elevated swimming pool is given in Fig. 10.

5.3 Grouting Steel Rods by Anchorfix Grouts

.....

For internal surface waterproofing, EPDM Membrane

below the raft slab and high performance cementitious
liquid applied coating on internal surfaces should be used
in case of swimming pool before the tiling.

.....

There are many stressing factors that need to be

considered while doing waterproofing in case of swimming
pools such as alkaline substrates, water pressure, various
chemicals, mechanical abuse, solar radiation, UVs etc. The
paint, if any, should be waterproofed, resistant to mildew
and discoloration and, if possible, water vapour permeable.
It should be both functional and aesthetically appealing.

5.2.2 Waterproof of Tile Joint Fillers

The tile joint filler material should be a fine powder
consisting of Portland cement, specially selected
polymer, properly selected and graded fine fillers,
additives and inorganic chemicals. It is used for
grouting of tiles because it has water repellant
properties, excellent adhesion (high bonding
strength), soft consistency, workability and seals
joints permanently. It is non-shrinking, non-toxic and
odourless grout used for sealing of swimming pool
and water tank joints as well.

.....

5.1 Waterproofing in Swimming Pools

barrier between two surfaces and has excellent grab

properties of tiles to the substrate.

.....

water sports, as well as for swimming laps. Slopping

swimming pools are generally gradually deeper with
a diving board or platform. They have a slope at the
bottom as they start from 1 m to about 15 m.

Water bar

Fig. 10: Waterproofing detailing of an elevated swimming

pool

5.1.2 EPDM Membrane

EPDM rubber-based prefabricated membrane is more
suitable in deep swimming pools and under raft of
ground level swimming pool. It is used for waterproofing
and lining of underground concrete structures of
swimming pools because it exhibits a high degree of
resistance to water, ozone, UV, weathering, abrasion,
extreme temperatures, acids, alkalis and oxygenated
solvents. The water proofing detailing in internal surfaces
of an ground level swimming pool is given in Fig. 11.

Ground level

5.2 Tiling in Case of Swimming Pool

Fig. 11: Detailing of waterproofing of ground level

swimming pool

Waterbar

.....

.....

.....

.....

.....

.....

.....
.....

.....

.....

..... .....

.....

.....

Ground level

.....

5.2.1 Tile Adhesives

It should comprise ordinary Portland cement properly
selected and graded aggregates, polymer, rheology
modifier and additives. It is generally used for fixing
of tiles internally and externally over walls and floors
in swimming pools with an added application of tile on
tile because it gives excellent bonds on cementitious
surfaces like concrete, plaster, etc. It forms a waterproof

Protection
screed
.....

Tiles should be applied using tile adhesives of 23 mm

thick depending upon whether they are glass mosaics or
ceramics. After the tile fixing, fill the grooves / tile joints
with epoxy-based tile joint filler grouts.

Polysulphide sealant
High performance cementitious
waterproofing coating
Tile adhesives
and tile grouts

EPDM membrane with protection board

Blinding concrete

6.0 Waterproofing in Internal Areas of Reservoirs

and Water Treatment Structures
In addition to imparting waterproofing properties,
products designed for protecting water-retaining
structures such as reservoirs (Fig. 12) or water
treatment for drinking water applications need to
meet additional requirements. These include:
Safe for use in contact with drinking water
High resistance to leaching
Protection from infection

 Resistant to attack from condensate

Smooth, easily cleaned surface

First a fillet is formed around the inside-perimeter of the

pond using polymer mortar. Once the mortar has cured,
two coats of cementitious water proofing coating are to be
applied to the sides and floor of the pond. If a tiled finish
is required, a render of 3: 1 sand: cement should be applied
over the second coat of cementitious coating whilst it is
still green. This will provide a suitable base for tiles to be
fixed using a suitable waterproof tile grout. In common with
all cementitious coatings, will cause the water in the pond
to have a high pH (typically between 12 and 13) when first
filled. To bring the pH down to a more neutral level, the
pond will have to be emptied and filled several times until
the correct pH is reached.

mortar mixed with waterproofing compound with

neat finish. The curing should be done after 24h
of application of 2nd coat for atleast 5 days. The
application detail inside a water tank is given in Fig. 13.
8
7

6
5
4
3
2
1

1 Angle Fillet
2 Waterbar
3 Screed
4 Polymer modified cementitious coating (2 coats)
5 Coating with sprinkled sand
6 Plaster
7 Leak-proof sealing tape & non-shrink grout
8 Intake Pipe

Fig. 13: Typical internal area waterproofing details

Fig. 12: Inside view of water reservoirs

7.0 Waterproofing in Internal Areas of Underground

and Overhead Water Tanks
Overhead water tank should be designed in such a way
that the structure itself should be made watertight. In
case of underground water tanks the structure should
be made watertight additionally at bottom raft and at
external surface of the wall. While considering internal
surface waterproofing of smaller water tanks like in
housing societies, a two component cementitious coating
can be used where as for larger water tanks crystalline
water proofing would be more suitable. A two-component
epoxy resin based coating specially formulated for
internal applications for the waterproofing of water
tanks can also be used.
Crystalline or equivalent (injection grouting admixture)
should be mixed with dry cement @ 5 kg per 50 kg
of cement. Sufficient water should be added to this
mix to obtain slurry and grouted under pressure
using a pressure grouting pump of 2-10 bar capacity.
The concrete surface should be saturated well with
water and a crystallization waterproofing compound
should be applied on the clean and saturated surface
of the walls and raft slab in 2 coats at 1 kg per m2. The
coating should be protected with a layer of cement
10

8.0 Waterproofing in Internal areas of Ponds, Water

Features and Fountains
The decorative artificial ponds, water features, fountains,
fish breading ponds or fish tanks are constantly exposed
to pressing water. They need to withstand a constant
battering from the elements and leaking is common after
a few years. Liquid-applied Polyurethane waterproofing
systems is more suitable for waterproofing or lining in
such structures. Polyurethane resin coating has excellent
mechanical, chemical, thermal, UV and natural element
resistance properties and safe for uses on surfaces in
direct contact with potable (drinking) water. It cures by
reaction (cross linking) of the two components. However
for longer service life EPDM rubber based preformed
membrane is more suitable.

9.0 Protective Coating in Internal Areas of Sewage

Tanks
Sewage treatment structures are subjected to severe
chemical attack and physical stress. While designing and
taking protection measures of RCC structures one has
to ensure that no seepage into the earth and ground
takes place from sewage tanks. Concrete waterproofing
and chemical resistance products for use in sewers and
sewage treatment plants need to be specifically designed
to cope with the following stresses caused by:
Continuously changing degree of contamination

 Environmental effects
Fluctuating liquid level
Formation of aggressive microclimates in sealed holding
tanks
To provide additional protection to the hydrogen sulphide
corrosive atmospheres encountered in enclosed sewage tanks.
To provide protection against aqueous sulphate solutions and
liquid manure

Waterproofing
Re-profiling and
Protection of concrete against
Increasing surface resistance
Protection for extreme loads

Epoxy is the best material against chemical resistance.

In case of sewage treatment tanks, a two parts, water
based, thixotropic, high performance, epoxy based,
waterproofing coating is most suitable. Coal tar epoxy
coating is also suitable. PU (Polyurethane) coatings are
more suitable for sewage water tanks due to their excellent
chemical resistance properties.

10.0 Testing after Construction

It is detrimental to keep the water retaining structures
dry for a longer period than 4 weeks, as it may lead to
formation of cracks. So it is imperative that before the last
casting is completed, water arrangement for testing the
tank is ready at site. Immediately after the removal of form
work, the tank should be tested. All preliminaries should be
completed in advance.
Water should be supplied to the reservoir slowly at the
rate of 300 to 450 mm depth of reservoir per day and the
result closely observed, both from the angle of structural
stability whether any crack is being noticed anywhere in
the structure at any time and from the point of view of
water tightness At the end of the operation, that is, when
full supply level is reached, all valves shall be closed tightly.
The water level in the reservoir should be properly marked
on the wall. Leakage through the valves should have been
checked and there should not be any drop due to the same.
After 24, 48 and 72 h, the levels should be checked and the
drops in level will be a measure of water-tightness.
The permissible standard usually adopted is 6 mm drop
in 24 h in case of covered reservoir and 12 mm in case
of open reservoirs. Necessary adjustment should be
made depending on the relative humidity and other
local conditions.
If there is no drop, but dampness is observed in the outer
surface such dampness may vanish in course of time as the
free lime ejected out of cement will be plugging the minor
pores causing such dampness. If the intensity of leakage is
slightly more, then lime may be added to the testing water.
In case of leakages, the points should be marked and

separately treated after dewatering.

It is sometimes difficult to locate the source of leakages
in case of underground reservoirs. If it is from the
floor, it is hardly possible to locate unless clear cracks
are noticed and hence complete floor will have to be
treated. So in such case of underground reservoir, the
drop in level should be recorded for every 300 mm after
keeping the water for 24 h. If at some stage, there is no
drop, then it is presumed that floor is in order and the
wall above that height is only responsible for leakage.
If drops are noticed all through, it may be only the floor
which is responsible for the leakage or both floor and the
wall. With the presumption that the floor is not in order
and the wall is in order, the floor may be set right leaving
the treatment of the wall for the future, if necessary.
For all these uncertainties, it is recommended that some
additional aids or precautions be taken for underground
reservoirs, especially to prevent outside sub soil water to
find its way inside when the reservoir is empty.
All the water proofing products should be approved for
use in contact with drinking water. Nevertheless, where
fish are to be kept in the pond, it is important to take
precautions to ensure that the water quality is suitable
for the species of fish to be kept.
After the new construction of fish pond and sufficient
curing it should be filled with water without any fish. The
pond needs to be set for five days and then water to be
drained out and washed down all the surfaces with fresh
water. Again the pond should be refilled and water to be
allowed to stabilize over night before adding a test fish
(feeder fish) to assure that the water is now safe for the
fishes before adding more expensive decorative fish. If
the test fish is still alive after 3 days next step should
be followed; but if the fish does not survive then drain
the pond and wash down all surfaces with fresh water.
Refill the pond and allow the water to stabilize over night
again before adding another test fish. Once the pond has
proven safe for the feeder fish then decorative fishes are
put inside the fish pond.

11.0 Conclusion
Water proofing of any water retaining structures is one
of the toughest job. A better understanding of material
and proper selection of water proofing material for
different water retaining structures will ensure durable
waterproof system. Nevertheless the joints and pipe
openings are most vulnerable which need to be detailed
and waterproofed properly.

References
Design and Construction of Joints in Concrete Structures,
CIRIA Report 146,1995
Joints & Sealants, Healthy Construction Manual-1, Dr. Fixit
Institute of Structural Protection & Rehabilitation,2010
IS : 6494-1988,R-2000, Code of Practice for
Waterproofing of Underground Water Reservoirs and
Swimming Pools
11

Remedial Treatment of Water

Retaining Structures
[Excerpts from Rehabilitation and Repair of Structures, Vol.2,
CE& CR, pp.7-8 and Dr. Fixit Healthy Construction Booklet
Construct Your Ideas, 2012, pp. 40-41]

1.0 Introduction
Generally repairs are carried out to meet one or more
of the objectives, like restoration of structure integrity,
restoration of original profile and appearance, to arrest
deterioration, to seal cracks and arrest the leakages.
The remedial treatment of the structure is dependent
upon amount of leakage experienced by the structure.
The gravity loads are the major loads, which act on the
structure constantly. The structure is in contact with
water continuously and is prone to ingress of moisture
and other related problems. Adequate care needs to
be exercised during construction phase, especially
with regard to quality of materials and construction
procedures. The shortfall in any of these, leads to
distress in these structures.

2.0 Causes and Symptoms of Distress

The water retaining structures undergo distress due to
one or more of the following reasons such as deficiency
in structural designs, deficiency in construction,
deficiency in material of construction, atmospheric
pollution / hazards, natural hazards and inadequate
maintenance. The symptoms of distress can be resultant
of a single or a combined symptoms such as dampness
and leakage (Fig. 1), active / passive cracks, sagging of
members, swelling of concrete, discolouration, white/
brown patches, spalling of concrete, exposure of bars
and erosion of surface.

infrared thermal imaging can be carried out to identify

the exact source of leakage.
The water retaining structures in distress have to
be investigated in details. The detailed physical
observation, assimilation of data, non destructive
tests will help in arriving at the reasons for distress
and their extent. Based on these, appropriate
restoration measures have to be worked out.

3.0 Surface Preparations

Before doing any repair the existing surface of the old
concrete walls and the floor of the reservoir should
thoroughly be cleaned using a wire brush and any
laitance on the surface is removed by chipping. Fine
dust is removed using a fine bristled brush. In case
of swimming pools all the tiles need to be removed
and repair work should be carried out on original
concrete surface. Wherever the growth of algae
and fungi has taken place, those places need to be
removed physically followed by treatment with an
antimicrobial solution to eradicate any spores and to
inhibit further growth. After treatment leave for 2-3
hrs and then wash down thoroughly with clean water
and allow the surface to dry completely before doing
any waterproofing work.

4.0 Repair Techniques

The selection of repair scheme depends on many
factors such as type and extent of damage,
environmental conditions, load intensity, accessibility,
time constraints, availability of experienced agency,
etc. The repairs techniques generally adopted for the
restoration of water tanks are:
Patching techniques
Substitution of members
Strengthening of existing members by

Shotcreting
Wrapping / bonding techniques
Encasement with concrete / free flow micro concrete

Chloride extraction / passivating technique

Electro chemical remedies
Pressure grouting
Providing waterproof barriers
Surface protection
Fig. 1: Leakage in a roof terrace water tank

It is important to observe the leakage by loading partially

an observing the decrease in level of water and identifying
the spots form outside wherever it is possible, but in case
of underground structure identifying the leakage spots
from external side will not be possible. In such cases the
fully filled water retaining structures need to be drained
out and after some times the wet spots on the surfaces
need to be marked. The non-destructive test method of
12

5.0 Repair Materials

Cement based materials such as polymers concrete /
mortar composites (polymer concrete (PC), polymer
modified concrete (PMC), polymer impregnated
concrete (PIC), etc. can be used as repair material.
Due to the very high strength and durability
characteristics, the polymer mortar / concrete
composites are being increasingly employed in

repairs and rehabilitation jobs. The PMC and PMM are

increasingly used for rehabilitation because they are
cement based and therefore, give homogeneity to the
system and the repair materials, and due to the alkaline
nature of the repair material restore the alkalinity of
deteriorated concrete and arrest further corrosion.
A variety of micro-fine cementitious material with or
without addition of admixtures can be used to produce
injection grouts for cracks filling. In case of severe
water leakages polyurethane plain or polyurethane
foam injection can be carried out to arrest the cracks
and leakages.

6.0 Patching Techniques

The cleaned surface should be inspected for cracks. Any
cracks on the surface are chased into a v-groove and are
thoroughly cleaned with air blower and water jet. The
cracks are then filled with SBR based polymer modified
mortar in the ratio Cement: Sand (1:4) and 5% by weight
of cement of polymer. In case of leakage occurring
through the horizontal construction joints, the same
joint should be cut-off by a saw cutter into a V shaped
groove and filled with polymer modified mortar. The
openings around the rain water pipes should be packed
with cementitious grouts.
The junction of the walls and the slabs should be
rounded using cement mortar of 1:4 mix admixed with
an integral waterproofing compound confirming to IS
2645 or equivalent integral waterproofing compound
@ 200 ml per 50 kg of cement by laying the fillet with
same polymer modified mortar.
The repair of a deteriorated concrete structure may
involve injection grouting of the cracks, patching up
of the deteriorated spalled concrete surfaces and
locations, coating of reinforcing bars and concrete
surfaces and replacement of deteriorated concrete and
reinforcing bars in combination with repair materials.
The major problem is corrosion on account of leakage.
To prevent the leakage, polymer modified mortar may
be used inside the tank. For concrete member with
ongoing reinforcement corrosion, impregnation with
silane produces a significant reduction in the rate of
corrosion of reinforcement. Commonly used repair
techniques are guniting using non-shrink cement
mortar, jacketing with micro concrete, resin mortar
patching and cement mortar patching. Jacketing the
members of the staging is the best method for achieving
good results. In the case of patching required for large
areas, guniting has to -be resorted to for covering
the entire surface with sufficient thickness of mortar
strengthened with mesh reinforcement.

7.0 Pressure Grouting

7.1 Preliminary Preparation
Assess the problem area & suitably mark the spots for

drilling grouting holes. If the intensity of running

water is high & cannot be controlled, then divert the
flow of water using a PVC pipe at the spot of leak.
For heavy dripping, mark the spots in a grid pattern
150 mm centre-centre or in case of spot dripping drill
at the point of leakage at an angle of 45o to the plane
of grouting.
Drill diameter for a hole should be corresponding to
the packers in use (generally 16 mm - 20 mm) & depth
of the hole drilled to be 100 mm deep or generally
half the thickness of the substrate. Fix alloy packers
(non-return type) of dimension 14 mm x 80 mm with a
suitable putty. Allow the putty to cure for 24 hrs prior
to commencing the injection grouting process.
7.2 Application
Mix the base and hardener in the specified proportions
of PU Foam Injection in 10 parts of base: 1 part of
hardener. The mixing should be carried out in a
completely dry container using a mechanical stirrer.
After rinsing the pump using a PU Cleaner, fill the
PU mixture into the pumping container and initiate
the pumping (Fig. 2) on a low pressure and gradually
build up the pumping pressure suitably. Stop pumping
if back pressure is sensed or if the grout has oozed
out of the adjoining hole. PU foam injection oozes out
(Fig. 3) of the grouting hole and hardens primarily in
10-15 minutes.

Fig. 2: PU injection in a water retaining structure

Fig. 3: PU forming foam after the injection

Complete curing of the PU foam will happen over a

period of 24 hours. A secondary injection should
be carried out with PU plain injection. Mix base and
hardener in the specified proportions of PU plain

13

injection in 2 parts of base: 1 part of hardener. PU plain

injection, resin injection to be pumped once the PU foam
has to set in a similar manner as that of foam. This will
act as a secondary injection thus completely sealing
the leaking cavity. Cut off the extended portion of the
packer and seal the surface with suitable putty. Choice
of PU injection grout, such as foam/plain, depends on
the condition of the substrate and severity of leakage.
Incase of severe dampness injection grouting can be
made using micro-fine cementitious materials. In this
case drill grouting holes at an angle of 45 on the wall
adjacent to the area of dampness at a spacing of 500
mm centre to centre or less in a grid pattern.
Fix PVC or MS nozzles (packers) in the grouting holes using
epoxy putty and allow the nozzle to set for 24 h. Add water
at a ratio of 0.35-0.45 to prepacked cementitious grout
mix to a uniform consistency using a mixing paddle. Using
a grouting pump, inject cementitious grout through the
nozzle at required pressure. Grouting should commence
from the lowest possible level & proceed upwards along
the grid with the pumping pressure increased gradually.
Continue pumping until the grout flows out from adjacent
nozzle. Detach the pump & nozzle and seal the grouting
hole with epoxy putty.

14

8.0 Surface Protection

After reinstating of spalling plaster in floor/wall and
sealing construction joint, a brush application of two
coats of cementitious crystalline coating over the
plastered surface should be made. The time duration
between two coats should be 4 hours and air cure for
24 hours prior to loading of water. Depending on the
functional requirement of water retaining structures,
suitable protective coating should be applied.
The final waterproof membrane from inside must be
done using a nontoxic coating. For this purpose, an
epoxystearate system (water seal), which is non-toxic
and watertight, may be utilized as waterproof coating
for the internal surface.

9.0 Conclusion
Water retaining structures need to be functional round
the clock. Unless there is any stand by services for
a continuous water supply in case of water tanks or
reservoirs, repair work needs to be carried out within
the shortest possible time and the same structures
should be in operation. Keeping this in mind, the repair
and waterproofing materials should be fast setting.
Since all these water retaining structures contain
either drinking water or potable water, the repair and
coating materials should be water-based and need
to be certified by the Central Food Technological
Research Institute (CFTRI) for safety in usage.

Case Studies of Remedial

Treatment of Water Retaining
Structures

2.0 Treatment of Overhead RCC Water Tank with

Ferrocement Lining

1.0 Ferrocement Lining for Leak Proofing of a

Swimming Pool

The supporting structure in eight cases was intact and

leakage was from the wall and the dome wall joint.

Anchored ferrocement lining provides an excellent

effective leak-proof surface inside leaking masonry
and concrete tanks as a cost effective rehabilitation.
The present case study discusses the treatment for an
old swimming pool with leakage through walls, base,
joint between wall and floor which was carried out in
the following steps.
Removing the inner finishes from affected areas tiles /
mortar rendering with paint application etc.
Cleaning, roughing and washing of surface and applying
bond coat slurry over the wet surface.
Application of sealing base coat using polymer-modified
mortar and fixing of anchors at a suitable grid.
Fixing of hot dip galvanized mesh of specified quality,
diameter and spacing with specified gaps at joint.
Application of a coat of polymer cement bond slurry and
application of polymer-modified mortar into the mesh
layer using angular push technique and finish rough
wait for 24 hours.
Fixing of one more layer of mesh reinforcement and
applying one more layer of polymer mortar in the
same manner as given in Fig. 1. Then repeat to provide
specified no. of layers of mesh and mortar layers to build
up the designed thickness for lining.
Application of finishing surface such as tiling or epoxy /
PU paint etc.
Fig. 1 provides a view of FC lining over swimming pools
for new swimming pools, the continuous lining is provided
in between the retaining structure and finishing surface.

A study was taken up on 12 randomly selected leaking

over head tanks in the districts of Saharanpur and
Muzaffarnagar in the past which showed that:

In six out of eight cases, there was porosity due to honey

combing at locations of leakage or the shuttering lift ring
position where a horizontal crack developed separating the
bottom concrete ring from the ring above.
In four cases, the outlet pipe and inlet pipe junction with
concrete was not properly packed and there was seepage
through these positions.

A 50,000-galllon overhead water tank was rehabilitated

using the following steps:
Removal of internal finishes 25 mm thick cement mortar
plaster.
Opening of the shuttering lift ring from inside and outside,
fixing of grout nozzles and packing the same with nonshrink polymer micro concrete after applying a coat of
cement slurry added with bond improvers.
Pressure grouting of dome wall joint and shuttering of lift
joint.
Fixing of anchors in concrete over inner surface of wall and
base.
Fixing of meshes over the wall and base dome on inside
surface and application of high-strength polymer-modified
cement mortar in layers. Each layer is properly reinforced.
A special type of bond coat is used between layers of
ferrocement and old concrete.
Application of thin, high-strength, non-shrink mortar as
inner finishing layer.

(Source: NBM & CW, April 2003, Vo.8, Issue 10, pp.-42)

3.0 Rehabilitation of a Large Leaking Below Ground

RCC Water Tank
The water tank under this case study is of basic size 17 x
4.9 m having a top dome roof. The crown of the dome is
about 2 m. About 1.5 m of the tank is below the ground
level and the rest is projected above.
3.1 Condition Assessment

3.1.1 Horizontal Construction Joints

Fig. 1: Ferrocement treatment of the swimming pool

(Source: NBM & CW, April 2003, Vo.8, Issue 10, pp.-42)

14

The foundation of the water tank is of PCC (1:4:8), 75 mm

thick over which RCC was laid, with M-20 concrete with
minimum 330 kg/m3 over for which an inclined PCC filling
(1:5:10) was provided and finally the surface was finished
with a PCC (1:2:4) to a smooth surface. The diameter of
the 450 mm base slab was about 170 m whereas the
internal diameter of the tank was 15.2 m with a 0.25 m

vertical wall. The total height of the vertical wall was

4.9 m having a ring beam of 0.3 m depth over it. The
vertical lift of the circular vertical wall was 1 m. Thus,
there were four horizontal construction joints in the
body of the circular vertical wall. Water stoppers were
provided in each lift with a PVC water bar of about 150
to 200 mm. The water bars have been provided inside
a groove of 90 mm x 90 mm in the circular vertical
wall. Thus, a possible zone of weakness was around
the PVC water bar, which is prone to leakage.

3.1.2 Vertical Construction Joints

The outside perimeter of the circular wall was about
49.5 m. It was unlikely that a formwork of this length
had been used for the construction. It was most likely
that there were about 3 to 4 vertical construction
joints in every vertical lift. The length of formwork for
three such construction joints was about 16 to 17 m
whereas if there were five construction joints, then
the length of formwork would have been about 10 m.

3.1.3 Quality of Concrete

The concrete was not properly compacted. The water
was leaking over an area of 10 x 10 cm where water
was coming out profusely. In different parts of the
tank, reddish stains could be seen. Horizontal bands
of wetness of varying degrees on the external surface
of the tank indicated the rusting of reinforcement.
3.2 Remedial Measures
Based on the observation, the following remedial
measures were recommended:
Removal of the protective plaster and the surrounding
soil up to a distance of 3 m from the face of the tank.
Injection grouting at 0.5 m vertical spacing and 1 m
horizontal spacing.
The total height of the tank from the base slab level up
to the bottom of the ring beam was 4.9 m; thus about
11 holes were required for covering the vertical height
in one line. Thus, along the circumference for 50 such
vertical lines a total of 550 holes were drilled.
The grouting was done using polygrout / cement grout.
Weak plaster was removed and redone after application
of bond coat of acrylic-based polymer-modified
cementitious composite coating system.
Application of one coat of acrylic-based polymermodified cementitious slurry followed by one coat of
brush topping from inside.
Acrylic-based polymer-modified cementitious slurry
treatment could extend to the internal surface of the
dome.

(Source: CE& CR, May 2008, pp.-76-77)

15