Water-Proofing of
Basements
2nd Year
Prepared by – Ar. Madhuri
Waterproofing of Basement
• Three basic methods are –
1. Use of dense monolithic concrete walls & floor with addition of
admixtures
2. Tanking Techniques – External & Internal
3. Drained cavity system
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Waterproofing of Basement
Dense monolithic concrete walls & floor with addition of admixtures –
• To form a watertight basement, dense high quality reinforced or prestressed
concrete is used with good workmanship and materials.
• A quality watertight concrete depends on w/c ratio & degree of compaction.
• Concrete having 0.5-0.6 w/c ratio is fit for watertight properties.
• Sometimes, admixtures are added to achieve desired results e.g. – water-
reducing, retarding, accelerating, water-repelling and air-entraining
admixtures.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Waterproofing of Basement
Tanking Technique –
• This technique provides a continuous waterproof membrane which is
applied to the base slab and walls with complete continuity between two
applications.
• It can be applied internally or externally according to the circumstances
prevailing on the site.
• E.g. – Mastic asphalt, polythene sheeting, bituminous compounds epoxy
resin compounds and bitumen laminates.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Waterproofing of Basement
Tanking Technique –
• Externally – Preferred method as it not only prevents the ingress of water, it
also protects the structure of the basement from aggressive sulphates which
may be present in the surrounding soil or ground water.
• Internally – Adopted when external tanking is not possible as it will not
protect the structure from hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding soil
and if not done adequately, may be forced away from the walls or floor. To
make it effective, it should be in continuity or continuous.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
External Tanking Internal Tanking
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Waterproofing of Basement
Drained Cavity System –
• Can be used for both new and refurbishment basement work.
• With the concept that a small amount of water seepage is possible through
monolithic concrete wall, the method deals with it by collecting & draining it
away.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Waterproofing of Basement
Drained Cavity System –
• This is achieved by building an inner
non-load bearing wall to form a cavity
which is joined to a floor composed
of special triangular tiles laid to fall to
sump through which the collected
moisture drains away into the surface
water drainage system.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Drained Cavity System –
• The inner wall should be relatively vapor tight or alternatively the cavity
should be ventilated.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Basement Joints
• Provided to accommodate expansion or to create a convenient stopping
point (construction joints) in construction process.
• They are the lines of weakness which will leak unless carefully designed.
• They can be horizontal or vertical but should be kept minimum in the
construction process.
• Generally, water bars are used at these joints to prevent ingress of water.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Basement Joints
Typical Basement Slab Joint Detail
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Basement Joints
• Incase of basement walls, a metal steel strip also acts as a water bar which is
inserted in the kicker when concrete is in plastic state while joining old and
new concrete.
Source: Building Construction Handbook, R. Chudley, R. Greeno
Thank You
