Anti-termite,

UNIT 3 ANTI-TERMITE, DAMP PROOFING Damp Proofing and

Water Proofing
AND WATER PROOFING
Structure
3.1 Introduction
Objectives
3.2 Anti-termite
3.3 Types of Termite
3.4 Essentials of Termite Proofing
3.5 Types of Anti-termite Treatment
3.5.1 Pre-construction Treatment
3.5.2 Post-construction Treatment
3.6 Damp Proofing and Water Proofing
3.6.1 Causes of Dampness
3.6.2 Effects of Dampness
3.6.3 Precautions to Prevent Dampness
3.6.4 Materials Used for Damp Proofing Course
3.7 Methods of Damp Proofing
3.8 Damp Proofing Treatment in Buildings
3.9 Summary
3.10 Answers to SAQs

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Anti-termite treatment and damp proofing are the essential requirements to ensure
safety of buildings against termite and dampness. All possible measures and
techniques to achieve these two basic requirements will be discussed in this unit.
We shall deal with types of termite, anti-termite treatment, damp proofing,
sources or causes of dampness and its effects, methods of damp proofing and
damp proof treatments of buildings.
Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to
• conceptualise problem of termites and their effects,
• explain different types of anti-termite treatment commonly used to
prevent damages due to termites,
• discuss damp proofing and water proofing, their causes and effects in
buildings, and
• describe various materials and methods used for damp proofing
treatments in the buildings.

3.2 ANTI-TERMITE
Insects have been in existence for millions of years and they are capable of
survival under most adverse conditions and environments. Termites, also types of 67
Construction Technology-I insects, cause maximum damage to the buildings. Termites, popularly known as
white ants, cause considerable damage to wood work, furnishings etc. of
buildings. In some countries, the loss caused due to termites is estimated to be as
high as 10% of the capital outlay of the buildings. Anti-termite treatment is,
therefore, necessary so that damages due to termites are either reduced or stopped
all together.

3.3 TYPES OF TERMITE

Termites are divided mainly into following two types. These are
(a) dry wood termites, and
(b) subterranean termites.
Dry Wood Termite
Dry wood termites live in wood and do not maintain contact with the
ground. They normally build nests within the dry timber members like door
window frames, wooden furniture etc. and destroy them gradually. They
are, however, not as common as subterranean termites and they cause lesser
damage to the buildings.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites on the other hand live in soil and require moisture for
their existence. They are mainly responsible for causing damage to the
buildings and its contents. They build underground nests or colonies and
form mud-wall tunnels or runways (tubes), which serve as safe shelter for
their movements. Sometimes they build nests near ground in stumps of dead
trees or create colonies in the form of dome shaped mounds on the ground.
It is through these mud wall tubes that they maintain direct contact with the
soil for meeting their moisture requirements. These mud walls also create
conditions of darkness, which is essentially needed for their survival. The
termites enter the building through foundations or from ground adjacent to
buildings and advance upward through floors destroying everything that
comes within their reach. They may also enter the building through cracks
in masonry and joints or cracks in floors in contact with ground. Termites
eat celluloses materials like wood, grass, etc. and also attack materials like
leather, plastics, rubber, furniture, furnishings; clothing, stationery etc.

3.4 ESSENTIALS OF TERMITE-PROOFING

A careful examination of untreated building can show that damage by termites
and evidence of their activity is not difficult to find. Often such damage or termite
activity can be found on the upper floors as well. Even if termite damage on the
lower floors is not clearly visible, this should not lead to the conclusion that they
have not established a colony on the upper floors.
The termite-proofing treatment should invariably be given to all types of
buildings during the construction stage. It is because of the fact that during the
post-construction period, it is extremely difficult and costly to control the termite
growth. Care should be taken to ensure that no bridge is formed between any part
of building and untreated soil. In order to reclaim land by utilizing debris or
filling material, great care should be exercised to ensure that debris is termite-
68 free. As far as possible metal strain or suitable joint fillers may be used to make
the floor joints free from termite attack. To check termite movements from Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
ground, the foundations should be either made of concrete or any other solid Water Proofing
material. Also, care should be taken to ensure that building site is free from dead
wood, old tree stumps, etc. The superstructure should be treated with suitable
preservatives to make it termite-proof. All the wooden members like door frames,
stair-cases, etc. should be set on flooring. They should not be through flooring to
prevent ground soil contact.

3.5 TYPES OF ANTI-TERMITE TREATMENT

The anti-termite treatment in buildings may be divided into two categories :
Pre-construction treatment and Post-construction treatment
3.5.1 Pre-construction Treatment
Pre-construction treatment is the kind of anti-termite treatment carried out right
from the stage of initiating the construction activities for the building. The
various stages involved in this treatment are described below.
Site Preparation
This consists in removing stumps, roots, logs, waste-wood etc. from the site
where the building is to be constructed. In case the termites mound are
discovered within the plinth area of the building they should be destroyed
by use of insecticide solution. For this treatment, holes should be made into
the mound at several places by use of crow-bar and the insecticides taken in
the form of water suspension or emulsion should be poured into the holes.
The quantity of insecticides solution to be used depends on the size of
mound. For a mound having volume of about 1 cu.m., 4 litres of an
emulsion in water of one of the following chemicals may be used :
DDT 5%,
BHC 0.5%,
Aldrin 0.25%
Heptachlor 0.2%
Chlordane 0.5%
(Here, chemical concentration is expressed by weight.)
Soil Treatment
The most reliable method to protect building against termites is to apply a
chemical treatment to the soil at the time of construction of the building.
This treatment consists in poisoning the soil underneath the building and
around the foundations of the buildings with insecticide solution. This
should be done in such a way that a complete chemical barrier is created
between the ground from where the termites come and damage wood work
in the building. An insecticide solution consists of anyone of the following
chemicals in water emulsion :
(a) Aldrin 0.5%
(b) Heptachlor 0.5%
(c) Chlordane 1% (whereas chemical concentration is expressed by
weight).
69
Construction Technology-I In order that the soil treatment may be fully effective, the chemical water
emulsion should be applied in required quantity on entire area of ground
covered by the building. To ensure uniform distribution of the chemical
emulsion, a watering can or hand operated compressed air sprayer can be
used. The soil treatment should be applied in the following stages :
Wall Trenches, Column Pits and Basements
The bottom surface and the sides of the foundation trenches, column
pits and basements should be treated by applying chemical water
emulsion at the rate of 5 litres per square meter of the surface area.
After the foundation for the walls, columns, piers and retaining walls
of the basement come up, treat the back fill earth in immediate,
contact with each side of the foundation with the chemical emulsion
at the rate of 7.5 liters per square meter of the vertical surface of the
foundation masonry. This treatment is essentially to be given to
masonry foundation with a view to ensure that the termites do not
gain entry into the building through the voids in the joints in the
masonry.
In case of RCC columns or RCC basement walls, there is no
possibility of voids, which can permit entry of termites, and hence it
is not necessary to start anti-termite treatment right from the bottom
of excavation. In such cases, the treatment should start at depth of
500 mm below ground level. The back fill around RCC columns,
beams and entire basement walls from a depth of 500 mm up to
ground level should be treated with chemical emulsion at the rate of
7.5 liters per square meter of vertical surface.
Top Surface of Plinth Filling
Prior to laying the sand bed or sub grade for the ground floor of the
building, top surface of the consolidated earth filling within the plinth
walls should be levelled and treated with chemical emulsion to 5 liters
per square meter of the surface.
Junctions of the Wall and Floor
The junctions of walls and the floors require special attention to
ensure effective soil treatment. It is important to establish vertical
continuity of the poisoned soil barrier on inner wall surface up to top
of consolidated earth filling in plinth. This is achieved by making
30 mm wide and 30 mm deep channels at the junction of walls and
columns with the earth filling in plinth. Holes are thereafter made in
the channel at 150 mm apart up to ground level and then chemical
emulsion is poured in the channel at the rate of 7.5 liters per square
meter of the vertical wall or column surface. After the treatment the
earth should be immediately tamped back into the holes and channel.
Soil along External Periphery of Building
Despite the treatments given above, termites are liable to gain excess
in the building from ground surface around the external periphery of
the building. In order to check this, 300 mm deep holes at 150 mm
centre are dug all along the external perimeter of the building (parallel
to the external wall) and filled with chemical emulsion at the rate of

70
 2.25 liters per linear meter. After the treatment, the earth should be Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
tamped back in the holes. Water Proofing
Expansion Joints
The expansion joints are given additional treatment by applying
chemical emulsion at the rate of 2 liters per linear meter after the sub
grade for floor on either side of expansion joints has been laid. This
treatment is in addition to the treatment, which is necessarily provided
to the structure up to top of consolidated earth fill within plinth.
Structural Barriers
Impenetrable physical structural barriers may be provided continuously at
plinth level to prevent entry to termites through walls. These barriers may
be in the form of concrete layer or metal layer. Cement concrete layers
should be 5 to 7.5 cm thick and should preferably be kept at projecting
about 5 to 7.5 cm internally and externally. Metal barrier may consist of
non-corrodible sheets of copper or galvanized iron of 0.8 mm thick. These
sheets are likely to be damaged; in that case, they become ineffective
against termites movement.
3.5.2 Post-construction Treatment
Though it is always advisable to go for pre-construction treatment but in case
when pre-construction treatment has not been properly carried out and termites
affect building then post-construction treatment becomes essential. This treatment
is applied to existing buildings, which have already been attacked by termites. It
is observed that even after their entry in the building, the termites maintain
regular contact with their nest in the ground. This important symptom is well
utilized in eradicating termites from the buildings. Regular inspection and
suitable control measures are necessary to prevent damage to buildings from
termites.
At times when the termite’s attack is of minor nature it may only be necessary to
break off the shelter tubes to check the damage from termites. In situations where
the attack is of mild nature the effected materials may also be removed along with
shelter tubes. In case of severe attack it is necessary to poison the soil around and
beneath the building besides resorting to the above steps. The type of treatment to
be given to eradicate termites from the existing building largely depend upon the
extent of attack and the magnitude of cellulosic and other materials available in
the building. The various operations involved in eradicating termites from an
existing building can be summarized as follows :
Inspection
Inspection is essentially carried out to estimate the magnitude of spread of
the termite’s infestation in the building and also to detect the root of the
entry of termites and the zones in the building, which are attacked. The
portion of the building in contact with or adjacent to the earth should be
inspected first. This includes basements, ground floor, steps leading from
ground, walls, columns, areas having damp or humid conditions like
bathrooms, lavatories, leaking pipes or drains etc. and the places where
wood work is embedded in the floor or wall. The ceilings, wooden
paneling, battens for wiring conduits, switch boards are other locations
which serve as hide-out for the termites and need careful inspection.
In case of multi-storied buildings, lift wells, casings covering electrical
wiring, telephone cable, water supply and soil pipes which serve as 71
Construction Technology-I convenient and well protected zones for termite’s infestation should also be
inspected carefully.
Wherever the mud walled shelter tubes or the termites runways are
detected, they should be removed. Wherever possible, oil or kerosene based
chemical emulsion should be injected over the attacked areas of wood work
and masonry. At times, structural additions may become necessary to
ensure elimination of all direct contacts between the soil and the affected
portion of the structures.
Soil Treatment for Foundations
This treatment consists in treating the soil under the building and around the
chemical emulsion, which can kill or repel termites. In this treatment, about
500 mm deep trenches are made along the external periphery of the wall of
the building and 15 mm diameter holes at 150 mm centers are then made in
the trenches close to the wall face. The holes should preferably extend up to
the top of footing of foundations or to a depth of at least 500 mm whichever
is lesser. These holes are then filled with chemical emulsion in water and
the back fill earth is also sprayed with the chemical emulsion as it is
returned to the trench thereby creating a barrier of poisoned soil along the
external periphery of the building. The total quantity of the chemical to be
used in this treatment should be at the rate of 7.5 litres per square meter of
the vertical surface of the masonry in foundation.
In case of RCC frame structure, the chemical treatment shall be applied to
the soil in contact with column side and plinth beams along external
periphery of the building for a depth of 500 mm below ground level. In case
the building has masonry or concrete apron, about 12 m diameter holes at
300 mm centre to centre should be drilled close to the plinth wall along the
apron. The holes should be deep enough to reach the soil below. Chemical
emulsion should thereafter be pumped into these holes at the rate of
2.5 litres per linear metre of the length of the apron.
Soil Treatment under Floor
Cracks in floors are the weak spots, which permit entry of termites from soil
below the floor. The cracks usually occur at the junction of the floor and
walls, expansion joints in floor and at construction joints in a concrete floor.
Cracks in floors may also develop due to use of unsound materials or on
account of defective workmanship. In such cases, eradication of termites is
achieved by poisoning the soil underneath the floors wherever such cracks
are noticed. Drilling 12 mm diameter holes at 300 mm centre to centre all
along the cracks in the floors in different areas and then injecting chemical
emulsion into the holes till the soil below gets fully saturated generally
carry out this operation. The maximum quantity of chemical emulsion may,
however, not exceed one liter per hole. The holes in floors are sealed after
treatment.
Treatment of Voids in Masonry
It has been seen that termites enter into masonry foundations from soil
adjacent, beneath the building and work their way up through voids in the
masonry joints and gain entry into the interior of the buildings. To prevent
the entry of the termites through voids in masonry, 12 mm diameter holes at
300 mm centre to centre are drilled at downward angle of about 45o from
72 both sides of walls at plinth level and then chemical emulsion is pumped
 into the holes until masonry gets fully saturated with the chemical Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
emulsion. The holes are then sealed. This treatment is carried out for all Water Proofing
walls (both internal as well as external) having foundation in soil.
Treatment of drilling hole and pumping chemical emulsion should also be
carried out at critical locations like wall corners and at places where door
and window frames are embedded in masonry in ground floor.
Treatment of Wood Work
Wood work which is badly damaged by termites should be replaced by new
timber which is adequately brushed or dipped in oil or kerosene based
chemical emulsion. The infected wood work for door and window frames,
etc. should be given protective treatment by drilling 6 mm diameter holes at
150 mm centre to centre at a downward angle of 45o to cover the entire
framework and thereafter pumping oil based chemical emulsion into the
holes. The wood work which is not attacked by termites should be sprayed
over with chemical emulsion to prevent possible attack.

SAQ 1

(a) Define and briefly describe about termites and their types.
(b) Describe about pre-construction anti-termite treatment.
(c) Explain how post construction anti-termite treatment is carried out in
buildings?

3.6 DAMP PROOFING AND WATER PROOFING

A building should remain dry or free from moisture traveling through walls, roofs
or floors. If this condition is not satisfied, the building may become damp.
Dampness is the presence of hygroscopic or gravitational moisture. Dampness in
building gives rise to unhygienic conditions apart from reduction in strength of
structural components of the building. Prevention of dampness is, therefore, one
of the important items of building design. Every building should be damp proof.
The provisions made to prevent the entry of damp into a building are known as
the damp proof courses (DPC). These are provided at various levels of entry of
damp into a building. Thus provision of damp-proofing courses prevents the entry
of moisture from walls, floors and basement of a building. The treatment given to
the roofs of a building for the same purpose is known as the waterproofing.
3.6.1 Causes of Dampness
Dampness in buildings is generally due to faulty design and construction, poor
workmanship or due to use of poor quality material in construction. These causes
give rise to an easy access to moisture to the building from different points, such
as rising of moisture from ground, rain penetration through walls, roofs and
floors, etc. The moisture, entering the buildings from foundation and roofs,
travels in different directions further under the effects of capillary action and
gravity, respectively. The entry of water and its movements, in different parts of
the building, are due to one or more of the causes listed above. The various
sources that create dampness in buildings can be categorized as follows :
73
Construction Technology-I Moisture Rising from the Ground
The sub-soil or ground on which the building is constructed may be made
of soils, which easily give an access to water to create dampness in
buildings, through the foundations. Generally, the foundation dampness is
caused when the building structures are constructed on low-lying
waterlogged areas, where a sub-soil of clay or peat is commonly found,
through which dampness will easily rise under capillary action unless
properly treated. This dampness further finds its way to the floors, walls,
etc. through the plinth.
Rain Beating against External Wall
Heavy showers of rain may beat against the external faces of walls and if
the walls are not properly treated, moisture will enter the wall, causing
dampness in the interior. If balconies and chajja projections do not have
proper outward slope, water will accumulate on these and could ultimately
enter the walls through their junction. This moisture travel would
completely deface interior decoration of the wall.
Rain Penetration from Tops of Walls
All parapet walls and compound walls of the building which have not been
protected from rain penetration by using damp proof course or by such
measures on their exposed tops are subjected to dampness. This dampness
in buildings is of serious nature and may result in unhealthy living
conditions or even in structurally unsafe conditions.
Condensation
Whenever the warm air in the atmosphere is cooled, it gives rise to the
process of condensation. On account of the condensation, the moisture is
deposited on the whole area of walls, floors and ceilings. However, this
source of dampness is prevalent only in certain places in India where very
cold climates exist.
Miscellaneous Sources or Causes
The various other sources or causes which may be responsible for dampness
in buildings are mentioned below :
Poor Drainage of the Site
The structure, if located on low-lying site, causes waterlogged
conditions where impervious soil is present underneath the
foundations. So, such structures, which are not well drained, cause
dampness in buildings through the foundations.
Imperfect Orientation
Whenever the orientation of the buildings is not proper or
geographical conditions are such that the walls of building get less of
direct sunrays and more of heavy showers of rains, then such walls
become prone to dampness.
Constructional Dampness
If more water has been introduced during construction or due to poor
workmanship, the walls are observed to remain in damp condition for
74 sufficient time.
 Dampness Due to Defective Construction Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
The dampness in building is also caused due to poor workmanship or Water Proofing
methods of construction, viz. inadequate roof slopes, defective rain
water pipe connections, defective joints in the roofs, improper
connections of walls, etc.
3.6.2 Effects of Dampness
The various effects caused due to dampness in buildings are mentioned below.
All these effects mainly result in poor functional performance, ugly appearance
and structural weakness of the buildings.
(a) Dampness gives rise to breeding of mosquitoes and creates unhealthy
living conditions for occupants.
(b) Travel of moisture through walls and ceiling may cause bleaching and
flaking of the paint, which results in formation of colored patches on
the wall surfaces and ceilings.
(c) Presence of damp conditions causes efflorescence on building
surfaces, which ultimately may result in the disintegration of bricks,
stones, tiles etc. and hence in the reduction of strength.
(d) It may result in softening and crumbling of plaster. The wall
decoration (i.e. painting etc.) is damaged, which is very difficult and
costly to repair.
(e) The flooring gets loosened because of reduction in the adhesion when
moisture enters through the floor.
(f) Floor coverings are damaged; on damp floors one cannot use floor
coverings.
(g) Timber fittings, such as doors, windows, almirahs, wardrobes, when
come in contact with damp walls, damp floors, get deteriorated
because of warping, buckling, dry rotting of timber.
(h) Dampness promotes and accelerates growth of termites.
(i) Electrical fittings get deteriorated, giving rise to leakage of electricity
and consequent danger of short-circuiting.
(j) Moisture causes rusting and corrosion of metal fittings attached to
walls, floors and ceilings.
(k) Dampness, when accompanied by the warmth and darkness, breeds
the germs of tuberculosis, neuralgia, acute and chronic rheumatism
etc., which, sometimes, result in fatal diseases. Occupants may even
be asthmatics.
3.6.3 Precautions to Prevent Dampness
The following precautions should be taken to prevent the dampness in buildings,
before applying the various techniques and methods described later :
(a) The site should be located on a high ground and well drained soil to
safeguard against foundation dampness. It should be ensured that the
water level is at least 3 meters below the surface of ground or lowest
point even in the wet season. For better drainage, the ground surface
surrounding the building should also slope away from the house or
structure.
75
Construction Technology-I (b) All the exposed walls should be of sufficient thickness to safeguard
against rain penetration. If walls are of bricks, they should be made of
at least 30 cm thickness.
(c) Bricks of superior quality, which are free from defects such as cracks,
flaws, lump of lime stones, etc. should be used. They should not
absorb water more than 1/8 of their own weight when soaked in water
for 24 hours.
(d) Good quality cement mortar (1 cement : 3 sand) should be used to
produce a definite pattern and perfect bond in building units
throughout the construction work. This is essential to prevent the
formation of cavities and occurrence of differential settlement, due to
inadequate bonding of units.
(e) Cornices and string courses should be provided. Window sills, coping
of plinth and string courses should be sloped on top and throated on
the underside to throw the rain water away from the walls.
(f) All the exposed surfaces like tops of walls, compound walls, etc.
should be covered with waterproofing cement plaster
(i.e. 1 cement : 3 sand + water proofing compound).
(g) Hollow walls (i.e. cavity walls) are more reliable than solid walls in
preventing dampness and hence the cavity wall construction should
be adopted wherever possible.
3.6.4 Materials Used for Damp Proofing Course
An ideal damp proofing material should have the following characteristics :
(a) The material should be perfectly impervious and it should not permit
any moisture penetration to travel through it.
(b) The material should be durable and should have the same life as that
of the building.
(c) The material should be strong, capable of resisting superimposed
loads/pressure on it.
(d) Material should be flexible, so that it can accommodate the structural
movements without any fracture.
(e) The material should not be costly.
(f) The material should be such that leak-proof jointing is possible.
(g) The material should remain steady in its position when once applied.
It should not allow any movement in itself.
Following materials are commonly used for damp-proofing course :
Hot Bitumen
It is highly flexible material, which can be applied with a minimum
thickness of 3 mm. It is placed on the bedding of concrete or mortar in hot
condition.
Mastic Asphalt
Mastic asphalt is semi-rigid material, which is quite durable and completely
impervious. It is obtained by heating asphalt with sand and mineral fillers.
However, experienced persons should lay it very carefully.

76 Bituminous or Asphaltic Felts

 This is a flexible material, which is available in rolls of various thicknesses. Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
It is laid on a leveled flat layer of cement mortar. An overlap of 10 cm is Water Proofing
provided at joints and full width overlap is provided at angles, junctions and
crossings. The laps should be sealed with bitumen. Bituminous felts cannot
withstand heavy loads, though they can accommodate slight movements.
Plastic Sheets
Plastic sheets made of black polythene are also being used as a type of DPC
material. These sheets are 0.5 to 1 mm thick in the usual walling width and
roll lengths of 30 m.
Metal Sheets
Sheets of lead, copper, aluminium can be used as DPC. These sheets are of
flexible type. Lead sheets are quite flexible. They are laid similar to the
bituminous felt. Lead sheets have the advantages of being completely
impervious to moisture, resistant to ordinary atmospheric corrosion,
capability of taking complex shapes without fracture and resistant to sliding
action. It does not squeeze out under ordinary pressure. However, it may be
corroded when in contact with lime or cement. A coating of bitumen
should, therefore, protect it. Copper sheets of minimum 3 mm thicknesses,
are embedded in lime or cement mortar. It has high durability, high
resistance to dampness, high resistance to sliding and reasonable resistance
to ordinary pressure. Aluminium sheets, if used, should be protected with a
layer of bitumen. It is not as good as lead or copper sheets.
Combination of Sheets and Bituminous Felts
Lead foil sandwiched between asphaltic or bituminous felts can be
effectively used as DPC. The combination, known as lead core, possesses
characteristics of easy laying, durability, efficiency, economy and resistance
to cracking.
Bricks
Special bricks, having water absorption not less than 4.5 % of their weight
may be used as DPC in locations where damp is not excessive. These bricks
are laid in two to four courses in cement mortar. The joints of bricks are
kept open.
Stones
Dense and sound stones, such as granite, trap, slates, etc. are laid in cement
mortar (1 : 3) in two courses or layers to form effective DPC. The stones
should extend to the full width of the wall.
Mortar
Cement mortar (1 : 3) is used as bedding layer for housing other DPC
materials. A small quantity of lime may be added to increase workability of
the mortar. This mortar may also be used for plasterwork on external walls.
Cement Concrete
Cement concrete of 1 : 2 : 4 mix or 1 : 1.5 : 3 mix is generally provided at
plinth level to work as DPC. The thickness may vary from 4 cm to 15 cm.
Such a layer can effectively check the water rise due to capillary action.
Where dampness is more, two coats of hot bitumen paint may be applied
on it.

SAQ 2
77
Construction Technology-I (a) What is dampness in building? Discuss its possible causes and effects
on the performance of a building structure.
(b) What do you understand by the term “Damp-proofing”? Explain.
(c) Mention the precautions that should be taken for preventing dampness
in building.

3.7 METHODS OF DAMP PROOFING

Following methods are adopted to make a building damp proof :
(a) Use of damp proofing course (DPC) or membrane damp proofing,
(b) Integral damp proofing,
(c) Surface treatment,
(d) Cavity wall or hollow wall construction,
(e) Guniting or shot concrete, or shotcrete, and
(f) Pressure grouting or cementation.
Use of Damp-Proofing Courses (or DPC)
These are the layers or membranes of water repellent materials such as
bituminous felts, mastic asphalt, plastic sheets, cement concrete, mortar,
metal sheet, slates, stones, etc., which are interposed in the building
structures at all locations wherever water entry is anticipated or suspected.
These damp proof courses of suitable materials should be provided at
appropriate locations for their effective use. Basically, DPC is provided to
prevent the water rising from the sub-soil or ground and getting into the
different parts of the building. The best location or position for DPC in case
of buildings without basements, lies at the plinth level or in case of
structures without plinth it should be laid at least 15 cm above the ground
level (Figure 3.1). These damp-proof courses may be provided horizontally
or vertically in floors, walls etc.

Figure 3.1 : DPC Above Ground Level

Integral Damp Proofing

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 This consists of adding certain water proofing compounds of materials to Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
the concrete mix, so that it becomes impermeable. These water proofing Water Proofing
compounds may be in various forms like compounds made from chalk, talc
etc., which may fill the voids of concrete. Compounds like alkaline
silicates, aluminium sulphate, calcium chlorides etc., react chemically with
concrete to produce water proof concrete. Compounds, like soap,
petroleum, oils, fatty acid compounds such as stearates of calcium, sodium,
ammonia etc. work on water repulsion principle. When these are mixed
with concrete, the concrete becomes water repellent. Some commercially
available compounds used for this purpose are Publo, Permo and Silka.
Surface Treatment
The surface treatment consists of application of layer of water repellent
substances or compounds on these surfaces through which moisture enter.
The use of water repellent metallic soaps such as calcium and aluminium
oletes and stearates are much effective against rain water penetration.
Pointing and plastering of the exposed surfaces must be done carefully
using water proofing agents like sodium or potassium silicates, aluminium
or zinc sulphates, barium hydroxide and magnesium sulphates etc. It should
be noted that surface treatment is effective only when the moisture is
superficial and is not under pressure. Sometimes, exposed stone or brick
wall face may be sprayed with water repellent solutions.
Cavity Wall Construction
This is an effective method of damp prevention, in which an outer skin
wall, leaving a cavity between the two, shields the main wall of a building.
For details about cavity wall construction learner may refer other standard
text.
Guniting or Shot Concrete or Shotcrete
This consists of depositing under pressure, an impervious layer of rich
cement mortar over the exposed surfaces for water proofing or over pipes,
cisterns etc. for resisting the water pressure. Cement mortar consists of
1: 3 cement sand mix, which is shot on the cleaned surface with the help of
a cement gun, under a pressure of 2 to 3 kg/sq. cm. The nozzle of the
machine is kept at a distance about 75 to 90 cm from the surface to be
gunited. The mortar mix of desired consistency and thickness can be
deposited to get an impervious layer. The layer should be properly cured at
least for 10 days.
Pressure Grouting or Cementation
This consists of forcing cement grout, under pressure, into cracks, voids,
fissures etc. present in the structural components of the building, or in the
ground. Thus the structural components and the foundations, which are
liable to moisture penetration, are consolidated and are thus made water
penetration resistant. This method is quite effective in checking the seepage
of raised ground water through foundations and sub-structure of a building.

3.8 DAMP PROOFING TREATMENT IN BUILDINGS

Damp-proofing treatment in buildings is carried out for its different components
like treatment to foundations, floors, walls, roofs and parapet walls etc. Following
section presets damp proof treatment given to these components.
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Construction Technology-I Treatment to Foundation
Before dealing with the problem of damp proofing treatment to be given to
foundations, it is essential to have an idea about the ground water level.
When it rains, the rain water seeps through the ground until it is stopped by
an impervious layer in the sub-soil strata. The strata of ground above the
water table attract water by capillary action. The height of capillary rise
depends on the size of voids in the soil. It is noticed that in case of fine
grained soils like clay, silty clay etc., ground water can rise more than 6 m
by capillary action. In case of granular soils, gravel, coarse sand etc. the
capillary rise of water is almost negligible.
Depending upon the depth of the ground level, the treatment to be given to
foundations depends upon condition of soils. Building foundations on
ordinary soil where the sub-soil water table is not high are also liable to get
damp. Bricks being porous, brick masonry below ground level can absorb
moisture from adjacent ground. This moisture travels up from one course to
another by capillary action and can make the wall damp for a considerable
height. Providing DPC at appropriate place can check this.
In case of building constructed on damp soil in wet areas, both the walls as
well as the ground floor are liable to become damp due to capillary rise of
moisture from ground. In such cases, the DPC. is laid over the entire area of
ground floor including wall thickness. Bitumen felts can be used for
damp-proofing treatment. Immediately after laying the DPC is protected
with a course of bricks laid flat on a cushion of fine sand.
Foundation rain water may also receive water percolating from adjacent
ground and this moisture may rise in the wall. This can be checked by
providing air drain parallel to external wall. The width of air drain may be
about 20 to 30 cm. The outer wall of the drain is kept above the ground to
check the entry of surface water. A concrete slab is provided at the top of
the drain. Opening and gratings are provided at regular interval, for the
passage of the air. Usually, DPC is also provided horizontally and vertically
as shown in Figure 3.2.

Figure 3.2 : Air Drain

Where the foundations of basements are not properly drained (in dry or peat
soil) and hence subjected to great hydrostatic pressure, then in such cases
the structure should be disconnected from the face of the ground excavation
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 and a trench made all round for width of about 30 cm taken down to a point Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
as low as underside of the concrete footing (Figure 3.3). This becomes Water Proofing
essential, because the mere provision of continuous DPC may not give
satisfactory results. The bed of the trench should be provided with a good
slope at each end and the trench filled with coke, gravel or stone, graded
with fines to fill the voids. Moreover, in such cases the basement is relieved
of hydrostatic pressure by suitably draining the sub-soil water. Providing
open jointed land drain at the bottom of trench may drain sub-soil water and
also drainage pipes below the concrete base.

Figure 3.3 : DPC Treatment of Foundation on Bad Soils

Treatment of Basements
To ensure the dryness, the whole of the structure below ground level should
be provided with a continuous membrane of asphalt (i.e. DPC) either mastic
asphalt or bituminous felt supported on the inside. This is achieved by
spreading a layer of an impervious material (i.e. DPC) over the whole area
of the floor and continuing the same through the horizontal walls extending
vertically up, forming a sort of water proof tank as shown in Figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4 : Asphalt Tanking for Basement

Treatment to Floors
In places where the soil water table is low and rainfall is not much, a 75 to
100 mm thick layer of coarse sand is first spread over the entire area of
flooring on the prepared bed of rammed earth. Alternatively, this layer can
comprise stone soling with voids filled with smaller stones. This layer is
known as base course and its material is well rammed. A 75 to 100 mm 81
Construction Technology-I thick layer of lean cement concrete (1 : 3 : 6 or 1 : 4 : 8) mix or lime
concrete is thereafter laid over the base course. This follows the base for the
floor topping, which may comprise tiles, stone or cement concrete etc. In
places where the sub soil water table is high, or in damp or humid areas,
where there is possibility of moisture rising up in the floors, it is necessary
to provide membrane DPC of flexible material like bitumen felt etc. over
the entire area of flooring (Figure 3.5).

Figure 3.5 : DPC for Flooring

Treatment to Walls
Wall can get damp due to penetration of moisture from its external face to
internal one, due to porosity of bricks and mortar joints. Various treatments
given to exposed surface of walls to prevent dampness include pointing,
plastering, painting etc. It is observed that plaster made out of cement, lime
and sand mixed in proportion of 1 : 1 : 6 serves as protection of walls
against dampness in weather conditions. In areas of heavy rainfall, cement
plaster 1 : 4 (1 cement : 4 sand) mixed with water proofing compounds like
Pudlo, Permo etc. serves the purpose effectively. In exposed brick work,
dampness can be prevented by painting the surface with water proof cement
paint. The provision of DPC for internal wall is shown in Figure 3.6.

Figure 3.6 : DPC for Internal Wall

Treatment to Roofs
Flat roofs require relatively heavier and costlier water-proofing treatment as
compared with pitched or sloped roofs. The specification of material used
for the purpose should be such that it performs the function of
water-proofing as well as provides adequate thermal insulation. Stagnation
of water on the roof is considered to be the root cause of leakage and
dampness in flat roofs. This can be avoided by providing adequate roof
slope and rainwater pipes. In case of RCC or RBC slab roofing with proper
grading above, a slope of 1 in 40 to 1 in 60 is desirable. In addition to the
slope, the size and the spacing of the rain water pipes or the outlets require
82
 due consideration for the proper drainage of the roof. In general practice, Anti-termite,
Damp Proofing and
one 10 cm diameter pipe is considered suitable for every 30 square meter of Water Proofing
the roof area to be drained. The water proofing of flat roofs are shown in
Figure 3.7 and Figure 3.8.

Figure 3.7 : Water Proofing of Flat Roofs

Figure 3.8 : Water Proofing of Flat Roof Using Mastic Asphalt

The water proofing treatment for the roof may consist in laying bitumen felt
directly over the surface of roof slab after painting the rooftop with hot
bitumen. The bitumen felt may be hessian based or fibre based. Depending
upon the type of building, climate and atmospheric conditions of the site,
the treatment with felts may be with four courses, six courses or eight
courses. The four-course treatment is recommended for moderate
conditions, whereas the six and eight course treatments are recommended
for severe and very severe conditions respectively. Learner can refer
standard text for details about four or six course treatment and treatment of
sloping roof.

SAQ 3

(a) What are the requirement of an ideal damp proofing materials?

(b) Discuss the characteristics of material commonly used as a damp
proofing course (DPC) or in damp proof construction.
(c) Describe various methods of damp proofing.
(d) What problems are normally created by dampness in buildings and
why? Mention possible remedies that you would recommend.

3.9 SUMMARY
In this unit, we have studied about termites and their effects, types of anti-termite
treatment required for various components of buildings before as well as post
construction.
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Construction Technology-I Dampness is the presence of hygroscopic or gravitational moisture. Dampness in
building gives rise to unhygienic conditions apart from reduction in strength of
structural components of the building. We have understood about damp proofing
and water proofing, sources and effects of dampness and precautions to be taken
to prevent dampness in the buildings. Methods and materials used for damp
proofing along with the damp proofing treatment essential for different
components of a building have also been discussed.
Details pertaining to lintels, arches and scaffolding form the subject matter of
next unit.

3.10 ANSWERS TO SAQs

Refer the relevant preceding text in the unit or other useful books on the topic
listed in the section ‘Further Reading’ given at the end to get the answer of the
SAQs.

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