A continuous water proof layer is provided above the ground level to prevent moisture to

come up which is called damp proof course or DPC. Damp proof courses are provided
at various levels of entry of damp into a building. Provision of DPC prevents of entry of
moisture from walls floors and basement of a building.

Causes of dampness
 Rising of moisture from the ground.
 Rain travel from wall tops.
 Heavy rain shower on external walls.
 Poor drainage, imperfec t orientation, imperfect roof slope, defective construction
etc.
 Bricks have a porous structure. The pores of bricks are interconnected to form
capillaries. That is why bricks suck dampness from soil underneath and pump it to
upper parts of the building due to capillary force.

Harmful Effects of dampness

 With dampness cement sand mortar destroy and concrete also deteriorate
reducing the strength of the structure.
 After some time plaster falls down and surface treatments such as white washing,
painting or wallpapers are damaged. This caused the unpleasant appearance.
 Further this dampness causes insect and germ growth and is not good for health
of inhabitants.

If there is direct contact between the underneath brickwork and brickwork of the super
structure whole of the building will be affected.

Materials used for damp proofing

DPC thickness varies from 1.5 inch for residential buildings to 3 inch for official
construction. It is a layer of P.C.C.(1:2:4) over which two coats of hot bitumen are
applied. For load bearing walls, polythene sheet is also provided. The top of DPC
should be at the same level as that of floor top of the building.

D.P.C is provided on all the walls which are continuous above plinth level.

Characteristics of ideal damp proofing material

 It should be perfectly impervious.
 It should be durable.
 It should be strong and capable of resisting superimposed loads on it.
 It should be flexible so that it can accommodate structural movements without any
fracture.
 It should remain in its position when applied.
  It should not be costly.

General principles while providing D.P.C.

 It may be horizontal or vertical.
 Horizontal D.P.C. should cover full thickness of walls excluding finishing.
 At junctions and corners of walls, horizontal damp proof course should be laid
continuous.
 Mortar bed supporting damp proof course should be levelled and free of
projections so that DPC may not be get damaged.
 D.P.C. should not be exposed on walls surface, because it may get damaged
during finishing work.
 When a horizontal DPC is continued to a vertical face, a cement concrete fillet of
about 75 mm radius should be provided at the junction.

Definition:
The access and penetration of moisture content into building through its walls, floor, roof
etc. is called dampness in buildings.

Effects of dampness in buildings:

1. Causes rotting of wood.
2. Causes corrosion of metallic fixtures.
3. Deteriorate electric installations.
4. Deteriorate carpet & furniture’s.
5. Causes spots on the floors and walls.
6. Causes petting off and removal of plaster.
7. Causes bleaching and blistering of paints.
8. Causes efflorescence in bricks, tiles and stones
9. Dangerous for the health of occupants.
10. Reduces the life of structures
11. Promotes growth of termites

Causes of dampness in buildings

1. Rain penetration
2. Level of site
3. Drainability of soil
4. Climate condition
5. Defective orientation of building
6. Moisture entrapped during construction
 7. Defective construction e.g. joints
8. Use of poor quality bricks which ultimately absorb a lot of water.
9. Use of Poor quality of concrete (permeable concrete)

Methods of preventing dampness in buildings

1. By providing DPC ( Damp proof course )
2. By surface treatment i.e. by providing damp proof paint
3. By integral water proofing method
4. By special devices i.e. by providing chajjas & by providing cavity walls etc

Corbels
This is provided in internal side of roofs

 For decoration
 For preventing dampness

DPC - Damp proof course

It is continuous layer of impervious material applied to prevent moisture transmission. A
common example is polyethylene sheeting laid under a concrete slab to prevent the
concrete from gaining moisture through capillary action. A DPM may be used for the DPC.

Rising damp is caused by capillary action drawing moisture up through the porous
elements of a building's fabric. Rising damp, and some penetrating damp, can be caused
by faults to, or the absence of a damp-proof course (DPC) or damp-proof membrane
(DPM).
  For internal wall we only provide horizontal DPC ( 175 kg/cm 2 standard pressure
for bitumen )
 Three layers of bitumen is provided
 You should provide a mortar layer before DPC

Types of DPC
There are two types of DPC

1. Flexible DPC: It is DPC when load doesn’t crack e.g. Polythene and Bitumen
2. Rigid DPC: It is DPC when loaded; it cracks e.g. Rich cement concrete 1:2:4

Three layers

1. Bitumen mastic: Bitumen mix with fine sand

2. Bitumen felt: It is available in the form of rolled sheets
3. Hard laid bitumen
4. Metal sheets