Section 07131

BENTONITE WATERPROOFING

The accompanying guide specification has been prepared by Tremco Incorporated according to
principles established in the Manual of Practice published by The Construction Specifications
Institute. It is provided to assist design professionals, building owners and others in the preparation
of a specification section covering installation of a dual-waterproofing, resealable, composite sheet
membrane system of high-density polyethylene with a sodium-bentonite face for buried concrete or
masonry construction in critical areas such as those subject to hydrostatic pressure or occupied by
personnel, vehicles or equipment. It may be used in conjunction with most commercially available
master specification sections with minor editing as the basis for developing a project specification or
an office master specification.

This guide specification is provided in two parts as follows:

* Cover Page (file 07131cvr): Conveys important requirements that should appear in other
pertinent Sections of the project Specifications.

* Section 07131 (file 07131spc): A guide specification that may be used as is or modified as
you wish.

Please contact your nearest Tremco Representative or Tremco Incorporated at 1-800-852-8173 for
additional copies, information on available electronic formats or design assistance.

THE PRODUCT: Tremco's basic "Paraseal Membrane" is a composite sheet membrane composed of
high-density polyethylene with a sodium-bentonite face. It comes in sheets 24 feet long by four feet
wide. Paraseal Membrane is recommended for use on buried vertical and/or horizontal surfaces such as
backfilled foundation walls, between-slab plaza and parking decks, earth-covered roofs, retaining walls
and ponds. Paraseal Membrane is available in modified forms as described in the accompanying Guide
Spec for use in many more demanding conditions including blindside on retained earth and beneath-slab.

1. Paraseal membranes are considered self-protecting to the degree of abuse that 1/8" thick asphaltic
hardboard protection course is used for other waterproofing products. Contact Tremco
Incorporated at 800-852-8173 with project conditions for protection course requirement.
2. For projects that have contaminated groundwater or saltwater conditions, contact Tremco
Incorporated for design and specification assistance. Saltwater grade versions of products are
polymer-treated for contaminated groundwater and saltwater conditions. Membranes available in
saltwater grade are Paraseal, Paraseal GM and Deckseal. Accessories must be edited to reflect
saltwater grade versions of Paragranular, Parastick'N'Dry and Superstop. When Saltwater Grade
Paraseal is specified, Edit Part 3 Execution of this Section to reflect that all overlapped seams are
sealed with Permanent seam tape.
3. For projects requiring protection from natural gas or moisture vapor, contact Tremco Incorporated
for design and specification assistance. When Paraseal GM is specified, edit Part 3 Execution of
this Section to reflect the special procedure of taping within seams that are overlapped 3-1/2"
minimum.

COORDINATION: Section 07131 defines requirements for the composite sheet membrane
waterproofing system itself. It is important to define certain substrate requirements and requirements of
adjacent trades in pertinent other sections of your specification as follows:

1. Section 02200 - Earthworks/Shoring:

a. For "Below Slab" conditions:

 * Membrane can be installed directly to subgrade consisting of native soil, sand or crushed
stone 3/4 inch diameter and smaller that is stable and compacted to minimum 85
percent modified proctor density according to ASTM D-1557, Method D.
* Subgrade surface must be cleared of debris and sharp protrusions. Smoothing out or
filling of voids may be required.
b. Backfill media placed against membrane must be free of debris and compacted to minimum
85 percent modified proctor density.
c. For "Blindside Wall" on retained earth condition:
* Ensure that the shoring media, such as wood lagging, is carried to the lowest extent of
the waterproofing.
* Require that interior surfaces of shoring be suitable to receive the specified
waterproofing system.
* Require that voids and cavities exterior of wood-lagged shoring be filled with sand or
cement slurry.
* Require that shoring contractor remove the nails holding wood lagging to steel piles, or
pound them flush to wood lagging.
2. Section 03300 - Concrete cast-in-place/shotcrete/gunite:
a. For "Below Slab" conditions:
* Place concrete slabs over the membrane without driving stakes or anything else through
it.
* Place concrete in direct contact with the membrane without an intervening layer of sand.
Control concrete shrinkage cracking and curling by established good-concreting
practices, such as by curing methods, joint spacing and mix design.
* Require use of appropriate support for rebar to protect membrane from damage.
* A low water/cement ratio permitted by water reducing admixtures or by maintaining a
slump below 4-1/2 inches is required to facilitate finishing in a timely manner.
* Require that concrete be pumped into place and not dropped from chutes or buckets.
* Require that concrete contractor exercise care to avoid damaging installed membrane
system in any way and that if damage occurs he, immediately, notify membrane installer
for repair.
* Concrete surfaces to receive the membrane system must have a wood formed finish, a
wood float finish or better.
* Where membrane will be subject to extreme construction abuses, heavy rebar network
or where covered with structural slabs over 12" thick, we recommend a non-structural
protection slab of concrete 2-1/2" or more in thickness be placed over the installed
membrane.
b. For "Blindside Wall" on retained earth condition:
* Coordinate waterproofing pre-installation conference to occur prior to placement of the
footings or foundation mat slab.
* For shotcrete/gunite concrete walls where tie-back bolts must be detensioned, require
that sufficient access to tie-back heads for final waterproofing detail procedures be
provided by a formed boxout. Prohibit access to tie-back heads by removal of wet
concrete.
 c. Waterstops: Provide for proper installation of bentonite-laminate waterstop strips in static
cold joints such as footing-to-wall, wall-to-slab and wall-to-wall.
* Surfaces must be reasonably smooth such as a float finish or a formed keyway surface.
* For concrete surfaces scheduled to be very rough to enhance interlocking with the
adjoining concrete placement, require that a 1-1/2 inch wide ribbon of flat surface be
tooled or formed into the concrete surface to facilitate proper installation of the
waterstop.
* Bentonite waterstop strips are designed for static cold joints only.
3. Section 04200 - Concrete unit masonry:
a. Mortar joints must be struck flush or tooled flush on surfaces to receive waterproofing system.

END OF COVER PAGE(s)

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 SECTION 07131

COMPOSITE SHEET WATERPROOFING

Before using this Guide Section, fully read the associated cover page(s) 07170cvr.* for information about its use and important
requirements that must appear in other Sections of the Project Manual. Carefully review this Guide and delete inapplicable text.

PART 1 GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

A. Section includes:
1. Provide a complete composite sheet membrane waterproofing system.
2. Work includes all applicable sealants, waterstops and waterproofing flashings needed to
ensure a complete waterproof system for buried concrete and masonry components at
locations indicated.
B. Related work:
1. Documents affecting work of this Section include, but are not necessarily limited to,
General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, and Sections in Division 1 of these
Specifications.

1.02 SUBMITTALS

A. Comply with pertinent provisions of Section 01330.

B. Product data:
1. Materials list of items to be provided under this Section;
2. Manufacturer's specifications and other data needed to prove compliance with the
specified requirements;
3. Shop Drawings or catalog illustrations in sufficient detail to show installation and
interface of the work of this Section with the work of adjacent trades;
4. Manufacturer's current recommended installation procedures which, when reviewed by
the Architect, will become the basis for accepting or rejecting actual installation
procedures used on the Work.
5. Written documentation of applicator's qualifications, including reference projects of
similar scope and complexity, with current phone contacts of architects and owners for
verification.
6. Where work of this Section may potentially contact groundwater, include manufacturer's
report confirming laboratory testing of membrane system with project groundwater
samples and confirming suitability for installation in Project conditions.
C. Mock-up: Prior to installation, prepare a sample panel of the work of this Section at a location
on the job site where approved by the Architect.
1. Make the sample panel in dimensions approved by the Architect and with one panel for
each of the various types of installation.
2. Show all aspects of the work of this Section to the quality specified.
3. Make necessary adjustments in the sample panel(s) and secure the Architect's approval.

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 4. The sample panel(s), when approved by the Architect, will be used as a datum point for
comparison with the remainder of the work of this Section for the purpose of acceptance
or rejection.
5. Upon approval of the Architect, the sample panel(s) may become actual part of the
installation required for this Work.

1.03 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Use adequate numbers of skilled workmen thoroughly trained and experienced in the
necessary crafts and completely familiar with the specified requirements and methods needed
for proper performance of the work of this Section.
B. Applicator qualifications:
1. Applicator shall have at least three years experience in installing materials of types
specified and shall have successfully completed at least three projects of similar scope
and complexity.
2. Applicator shall designate a single individual as project foreman who shall be on site at
all times during installation.
C. Convene a pre-installation job-site conference three weeks prior to commencing work of this
Section:
1. Secure attendance by Architect, Contractor, applicator, and authorized representatives of
the membrane system manufacturer and interfacing trades.
2. Examine Drawings and Specifications affecting work of this Section, verify all conditions,
review installation procedures, and coordinate scheduling with interfacing portions of the
Work.

1.04 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Deliver materials to job site in manufacturer's unopened containers with all labels intact and
legible at time of use.
B. Maintain the products in a dry condition during delivery, storage, handling, installation, and
concealment.
C. Comply with pertinent provisions of Section 01660.

1.05 SUBSTRATE CONDITIONS

A. Provide applicator with substrates that are free of standing water, dirt and debris, loose
material, voids and protrusions or deformations which may inhibit application or performance
of waterproofing.
1. Where work of this Section will be installed on earth, provide subgrades that are stable,
smoothed and compacted to minimum 85 percent modified proctor density.
2. Where work of this Section will be installed on earth retaining system, fill gaps and voids
in earth retaining system to conform with waterproofing manufacturer's requirements; fill
voids and cavities exterior of wood-lagged shoring with sand or cement slurry; remove
nails in wood lagging.
3. Where work of this Section will be installed on concrete or masonry, provide substrates
that are free of voids deeper than 3/8" and free of surface protrusions more than 1/4"
above the surface.

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 4. Where work of this Section will be installed on concrete footings, provide wood float or
better finish to surfaces scheduled to receive the membrane.
5. Where work of this Section will include bentonite waterstop strips, provide concrete
surfaces as required for that installation.
6. Rigidly install penetrations of membrane for detailing procedures.
B. Groundwater:
1. Where work of this Section will encounter groundwater, provide waterproofing
manufacturer with sufficient groundwater samples taken from Project at logged locations
for manufacturers laboratory analysis.
2. Manufacturer shall provide written report confirming laboratory testing with regard to
suitability of waterproofing system for installation in Project conditions.

1.06 WARRANTY

A. Deliver to Architect signed copies of the following written warranties against defective
materials and workmanship for a period of five years following date of completion. Warrant
that installed waterproofing system shall be free of defects including waterproofing failure
resulting from substrate cracking up to 1/8 inch.
1. Manufacturer's standard warranty covering materials.
2. Applicator's standard warranty covering workmanship.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.01 GENERAL

A. General:
1. Where indicated on the Drawings, provide a complete dual-waterproofing, resealable,
composite sheet membrane system composed of high-density polyethylene with a
sodium-bentonite face designed for buried concrete or masonry construction having the
following attributes.
a. Acceptable products
1. Paraseal Membranes
2. or prior approved equal
2. Obtain primary waterproofing materials of each type required from a single manufacturer
to greatest extent possible. Provide accessory materials that are approved by
membrane manufacturer.
B. Membrane properties: Equal to "Paraseal Membrane," for use on buried vertical and
horizontal conditions such as backfilled foundation walls, between-slab plaza and parking
decks, below slab with bentonite-side down, earth-covered roofs, retaining walls and ponds:
1. Puncture resistance 169 lbs. ASTM E154
2. Tensile strength 4,000 psi ASTM D412
3. Water vapor permeance 0.03 perms ASTM E96
4. Percent elongation 700 percent ASTM D638, Type 4 Dumbbell
5. Resistance to hydrostatic head 150 feet ASTM D751
6. Warranted crack-bridging capability 1/8 inch

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 C. For use in blindside conditions on retained earth, below slab with bentonite-side up, in
elevator pits or where shotcrete/gunite is scheduled to be blown directly onto the membrane
face, provide "Paraseal LG Membrane," which is the Paraseal Membrane with additional
protective laminate layer of spun polypropylene.
D. For use on elevated horizontal surfaces where flood-testing is required, provide " Deckseal
Membrane," which is Paraseal Membrane with transparent HDPE liner component and
waterproof seam tape.
E. For use in subgrade conditions designed to be impervious to both water and natural gas,
provide "Paraseal GM Membrane," which is Paraseal Membrane with modified overlap area
providing for nonreinforced seam tape in special taping procedure within laps.
F. For applications in areas where saline, alkaline, acid or otherwise contaminated groundwater
conditions exist, provide "Saltwater Paraseal," which is Paraseal Membrane specially
designed.

2.02 ACCESSORIES

A. For installation at horizontal-to-vertical junctures, provide "Paragranular" loose bentonite

granules in weatherproof 50 lb. bags and capable of swelling to occupy a minimum volume of
17 ml when 2 grams are dispersed into deionized water.
B. For detailing vertical junctures and penetrations, provide "Paramastic" non-hydrated
expandable mastic of trowelable consistency containing not less that 55 percent high swelling
Wyoming sodium bentonite.
C. Provide the following fasteners as needed:
1. Case-hardened steel nail with fluted shank having a minimum 1" length and a minimum
1" diameter cap for use on green concrete and masonry substrates.
2. Powder shot steel pin having a minimum 3/4" diameter washer for use on hardened
concrete and grouted masonry substrates.
3. Steel staples approved by membrane manufacturer for use according to Project
conditions.
D. Provide the following seam tapes as needed:
1. "Temporary Tape" reinforced temporary joint closure tape 3" wide composed of acrylic
adhesive bonded to polyvinyl chloride coated fabric used to protect seams against debris
intrusion during backfill and for temporary terminations during periods of exposure to
rain.
2. " Permanent Seam Tape" reinforced, rubberized-asphaltic waterproofing seam tape 4"
wide by 60 mils thick for sealing membrane overlaps wherever flood-testing is required
and elsewhere as required by Project conditions or designs.
3. "Para JT Tape" non-reinforced, adhesive tape of partially cross-linked polymeric
elastomers 2" wide by 1/8" thick for molding form-fit seals around difficult contours and
for taping seams within overlaps.
E. Provide "Paraterm Bar" extruded aluminum bar with upper flange to receive sealant for
terminations at grade line and on parapet walls.
F. Provide "Vulkem 116 Sealant" one-part or Vulkem 227 two-part, gun-grade polyurethane
sealant for completing termination seals and other sealing recommended by manufacturer.
G. Provide "Vulkem 201 or Vulkem 222 Elastomeric Flashing" polyurethane, liquid-applied,
elastomeric waterproofing flashing.

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 H. Provide "Parastick'N'Dry" pressure sensitive, double-sided tape laminate of bentonite
sandwiched between a netting and non-woven fabric for wrapping through-concrete imbeds
and other detailing.
I. Provide "Superstop" flexible, reinforced, bentonite-laminate waterstop strips 1/2" by 1" by 20'
-0" with pressure-sensitive adhesive backing for sealing static cold joints in concrete.
J. Provide "Paraprimer" versatile adhesive bonding agent primer formulated for use with tapes
and pressure-sensitive waterproofing accessories.
K. Provide an approved Tremco Inc. drainage mat from the TREMDrain series of products such
as Tremdrain, Tremdrain 1000 and TREMDrain 2000 composed of a filter fabric laminated to
free-draining high-strength dimpled polystyrene drainage core
L. Provide TREMDrain Total-Drain: replaces perforated pipe and aggregate, connect directly to
the approve Tremco Inc. TREMDrain product.
M. Provide base sheet of minimum 6 mil polyethylene sheet for use as hydration barrier below
slabs.
N. Provide protection course as recommended by the waterproof system manufacturer.

2.03 OTHER MATERIALS

A. Provide other materials, not specifically described but required for a complete and proper
installation, as selected by the Contractor and approved by the membrane system
manufacturer as compatible, subject to review of the Architect.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.01 SURFACE CONDITIONS

A. Coordinate as required with other trades to assure proper and adequate provision in the work
of those trades for interface with the work of this Section and to prevent damage to installed
waterproofing.
B. Applicator shall examine the areas and conditions under which work of this Section will be
performed.
1. Verify conformance with manufacturer's requirements;
2. Report unsatisfactory conditions in writing to the Architect;
3. Do not proceed until unsatisfactory conditions are corrected.

3.02 PREPARATION

A.
General: Surface preparation and detailing procedures shall be in accord with this
Specification and the Drawings. Comply with waterproofing system manufacturer's
instructions except where more stringent requirements are indicated or specified.
B. Lay out project to determine and anticipate conditions prior to start of work.
1. Note termination and penetration conditions to determine methods for creating a
waterproof envelope. Verify that where below-grade waterproofing extends to grade,
other waterproofing provides for substrate continuing above grade.
3.03 INSTALLATION

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 A. General: Install waterproofing system in accord with manufacturer's instructions,
recommendations and specific project instructions as applies to the Work.
1. Coves: Form 2" coves with granular bentonite at horizontal-to-vertical junctures such as
at footings and horizontal shelves; form 1" coves with sealant, elastomeric flashing or
expandable mastic at vertical inside corners and under ledges.
2. Place membrane in manner that assures minimum handling; fit closely to and seal
around inlets, outlets and other penetrations; press membrane tight to corner surfaces
and securely fasten.
3. Priming: Prime concrete, masonry and metal surfaces with substrate primer
immediately prior to application of tapes and pressure-sensitive waterproofing
accessories.
4. Terminations: Terminate membrane system with termination bar finished off with bead of
sealant or terminate to elastomeric flashing using reinforced waterproofing tape.
5. Construction joints: Protect static construction joints in concrete with flexible, reinforced,
bentonite-laminate waterstop strips; install to suitable hardened concrete surface prior to
subsequent concrete placement.
B. Below slab installation:
1. Bentonite-side up:
a. Install membrane sheets bentonite-side up with edges overlapped 3" minimum over
stable, smoothed and compacted subgrade or mud slab; position membrane to
stagger end laps 12"; securely fasten seams with staples every 8"on center.
b. Extend membrane upward 6" minimum within the formwork at bottom edges of mat
slabs and wrapped footings to provide for proper tie-in to vertical membrane; install
membrane in double layer continuous along bottom edges of slabs and wrapped
footings extending 6" from edge in both directions.
c. Install membrane to wrap footings where shown on Drawings; carry membrane
across top surfaces of unwrapped footings or mud slab to interior vertical faces of
walls and columns and terminate as manufacturer recommends.
d. Waterproof penetrations in accord with manufacturers recommendations.
e. Verify membrane is protected from damage caused by rebar and support chairs.
f. Protect exposed bentonite from moisture with temporary plastic sheets; remove
plastic sheets before final covering.
g. Inspect and repair damaged material immediately before concrete placement.
2. Bentonite-side down:
a. Install polyethylene base sheets with edges lapped 5" over stable, smoothed and
compacted subgrade or mud slab; trim base sheet away from penetrations and
terminations.
b. Install membrane bentonite-side down over polyethylene base sheets with edges
lapped 3" minimum; position membrane sheets to stagger end laps 12"; tape
seams with reinforced seam tape closely following membrane placement and
immediately secure by roll-pressing with hand-held metal seam roller.
c. Extend membrane upward 6" minimum within the formwork at bottom edges of mat
slabs and wrapped footings; install a second layer of membrane, with the
bentonite-side up, under the field membrane and extending upward within the
formwork at bottom edges of mat slabs and wrapped footings to provide for proper
tie-in to vertical membrane; membrane double layer continuous along bottom
edges of slabs and wrapped footings shall extend 6" from edge in both directions.

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 d. Install membrane to wrap footings where shown on Drawings; carry membrane
across top surfaces of unwrapped footings or mud slab to interior vertical faces of
walls and columns and terminate as manufacturer recommends.
e. Waterproof penetrations in accord with manufacturer's recommendations.
f. Verify membrane is protected from damage caused by rebar and support chairs.
g. Inspect and repair damaged material immediately before concrete placement.
C. Backfilled wall installation:
1. Install membrane sheets in vertical or horizontal lifts with HDPE-side facing applicator to
prepared surfaces conforming to manufacturer's requirements.
a. Vertical installation: Securely fasten membrane 12" on center along top edge with
sheet extending out onto footing surfaces 6" minimum, overlapping below-slab
membrane 6"; install subsequent membrane sheets to overlap previous sheets 1-
1/2" minimum; securely fasten membrane 24" on center through both sheets at
overlaps; securely fasten 18" on center to tops of footing surfaces and horizontal
shelves; apply seam tape to seam overlaps.
b. Horizontal installation: Start membrane at lowest portion of wall; securely fasten
membrane 24" on center along top edge with sheet extending out onto footing
surfaces 6" minimum, overlapping under slab membrane 6"; install subsequent
membrane sheets to overlap previous sheets minimum 1-1/2" in shingle fashion
with staggered end laps; securely fasten membrane 24" on center through both
sheets at overlaps; securely fasten 18" on center to tops of footing surfaces and
horizontal shelves; apply seam tape to seam overlaps.
2. Waterproof penetrations in accord with manufacturer's recommendations.
D. Blindside wall installation:
1. Ensure that vertical surfaces to receive waterproofing system conform to manufacturer's
requirements as applicable to the earth retaining system employed prior to commencing
installation; contact manufacturer for requirements of project conditions not provided for
in installation manuals.
2. Install waterproofing membrane starter-strip to vertical surfaces of earth retaining system
with bentonite-side facing applicator prior to placement of concrete footings or
foundation mat slab.
3. Prepare all vertical inside corners that occur along the earth retaining system by
fastening a minimum 12" wide strip of membrane pressed tight into corner with
bentonite-side facing applicator; securely fasten along vertical edges 24" on center.
4. Install membrane sheets oriented vertically with bentonite-side facing applicator;
overlap membrane sheets 3" minimum for poured-in-place walls and 4" minimum for
shotcrete/gunite walls; securely fasten membrane through both sheets at overlap areas
with nails every 24" on center and staples every 3" on center.
5. Verify which penetrations must be accessed after concrete placement for completion of
waterproofing detail treatment and ensure that sufficient access to membrane is
provided within a formed boxout; verify which penetrations will not be accessed after
concrete placement for completion of waterproofing detail treatment and ensure that
final detailing procedures are completed prior to erection of concrete formwork or
shotcreting/guniting; waterproof penetrations in accord with manufacturer's current
procedures; contact manufacturer for procedures at project conditions not provided for
in installation manuals.
6. Protect membrane system from excessive rain.

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 7. Inspect and repair damages to membrane system immediately prior to erection of
concrete formwork or shotcreting/guniting; ensure that concrete directly contacts
membrane.
8. Complete waterproofing details and terminations at gradeline coordinating with other
trades.
E. Deck installation:
1. Install membrane with bentonite-side down against deck surfaces with edges overlapped
minimum 1-1/2" in shingle fashion with staggered end laps; start installation at lowest
point; tape seams with reinforced waterproofing seam tape closely following membrane
placement and immediately secure by roll-pressing with hand-held metal seam roller.
2. Waterproof penetrations, horizontal-to-vertical junctures and vertical terminations with
liquid-applied elastomeric flashing carried out onto deck surfaces 12"; overlap cured
elastomeric flashing 6" with membrane sheet and seal leading edge with reinforced
waterproofing seam tape.
3. Conduct flood-test of membrane installed to elevated horizontal surfaces by damming
perimeter, stopping drains and covering with 2" of water for 24 hours; if leakage occurs,
make repairs and repeat flood-test; when area is proven watertight, drain water and
remove dams; obtain written authorization by manufacturer's representative prior to
conducting flood-test.
4. Ensure membrane is protected from damage caused by construction trades.
5. Inspect and repair damaged material immediately before final covering.
F. Drainage mat installation: Install drainage mat units where shown on Drawings according to
manufacturer's installation instructions as shown in installation manuals.

END OF SECTION

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