INVESTIGATION OF METHODS OF

IMPROVING THE APPLICATION

WORKMANSHIP OF WATERPROOFING
 Research Need……….
Leakages can be observed even after completing waterproofing process.

These leakages can be caused due to various reasons such as poor

materials used and malpractices in the waterproofing process.

This research will be focused on workmanship malpractices of different

waterproofing methods commonly used in construction sites.

To identify the difference between waterproofing practical situation at site

and the ideal method of waterproofing system.
Aim

 To investigate methods to improve waterproofing application workmanship.

Objective
• To Determine the defects and malpractices of application workmanship.

• To find out most proper waterproofing application methods.

• To study the effects of poor workmanship on waterproofing application.

• To identify suitable remedies for identified malpractices.

Time Frame
Literature Review

• Waterproofing is the formation of an internal or external membrane which

is capable of preventing water from entering or escaping through a
permeable layer. (Monroe, 1990)

• Cementitious waterproofing , liquid waterproofing membrane, bituminous

membrane , bituminous coating and polyurethane liquid membrane are the
commonly used waterproofing methods. (Jiri Pazderka, 2016)

• A waterproofing membrane is a thin layer of water- tight material that is laid

over a surface . membrane should be strong, flexible , tear- resistant and
elastic. (I Tuns, 2017)
• Benchmark method statements

‘Method Statement for waterproofing of toilets, balcony, a/c ledges and

yard area at tower 01.proposed residential development project capitol
twin peaks .( 2018/11/29 , Rev, 01 , Rec No; SKCT /MS/23)

‘Method Statement for waterproofing of toilets, balcony, a/c ledges and

yard area at tower 02’. Proposed residential development project
capitol twin peaks .( 2018/11/29 , Rev, 01 , Rec No; SKCT /MS/23 )

Method statement of ‘green seal product’ certified by MS ISO 9001 :

2000 QMS.

‘Method Statement for waterproofing of roof terrace.’ Proposed

residential development project capitol twin peaks .( 2019/05/22 , Rev,
0 , Rec No; SKCT /MS/53)
Methodology

• Identifying two or more construction site where numerous waterproofing

methods are carried out.

• Identifying different waterproofing techniques and waterproofing materials

used at each construction site.
Ex: 1.cementitious method
2.Bituminous waterproofing method.

3.Crystalline waterproofing method.

( water tanks, basement water sump…)

• Reviewing product and site method statements of different waterproofing

techniques.
( Ideal method to do waterproofing ) – Bench mark
• Observing each waterproofing techniques under 3 stages.
stage 1: prior to waterproofing
stage 2: waterproofing application
stage 3: after application

• Identify differences between ‘bench mark’ method and actual practices at

site in each stage.

• Identifying problems due to malpractices and negligence at site.

• Providing solutions to the identified problems due to malpractices and

negligence.
 Waterproofing system for balconies, bathrooms…….
(cementitious method)
• Chip and Clean (free from dust, grout etc.)
• Lay 1:3 cement/sand screed to a slope toward gullies.
( rough wall area upto300mm and shower area 1500 mm from f.f.l)
• form 1:3 cement /sand 25x25 mm angle filets at all edges.
• Apply 2 coats of MASTER SEAL 540 strictly on total floor area.
wall – upto300mm shower area – upto1500mm
• Cure 2 days
• Pond test.
• Protect the waterproofed area with 1 : 3 cement / sand 20 mm thick screed layer.
(Proposed Products tower 01 site - FLEXI 201
tower 02 site- MASTER SEAL 540 )
 Results – Malpractices in workmanship
Identified Malpractice
Adding excess water to the application
surface for the ease of application
When mixing parts of GreenSeal 201
mixture no gauges were used to
measure the correct proportions of part
A and part B
Applying the 1st and 2nd coats of
waterproofing in the same direction.
Poor workmanship or complete
negligence of grouting near construction near construction joints.
joints (e.g.: near gully area)
Observed Results
Colour of the final waterproofing
application had changed to white/ash
from black/green
Colour changes, Longer time periods to
cure, too thin or too thick application,
water leaks even after application.
Visible spots of poor application, unable
to maintain uniform application
throughout the surface.
Ponding failures, visible water marks
Results – Malpractices in workmanship Contd.

Identified Malpractice Observed Results

Lack of cleaning and poor workmanship De-bonding of angle fillet, rough surface
in laying angle fillet. finish

Failure to protect final waterproofing Visible damages to waterproofing layer

applied surface prior to protection bed. leading to water leakages.

Poor mixing of waterproofing materials Sedimentation of waterproofing

(GreenSeal 201 Part A and part B) materials in the mixing bucket. Poor
application quality.
 Waterproofing system for Roof Terrace…… ( Bituminous
method )
(Tower 01 site and Tower 02 )
• Clean ( free from dust, grout etc.)
• Lay 1:3 cement /sand screed to a slope towards the rain water outlets.
• Seal around the pipes, gullies with MAPETFILL GP.
• Form 1:3 cement/sand 50x50 mm angle filets to edges.
• Prime the surface with bitumen primer.
• Lay top seal 4mm thick torch on membrane strictly.
• Seal the membrane termination at walls with an
aluminium strip (with MAXI ACRYLIC MASTIC at 300mm)
• 3 day water tightness.
• Lay polyethen sheet Separation layer.
• Lay 25,40,50mm thick E-form /BITUTHERM" Insulation boards.
• Polyene sheet separation layer.
• 75 mm thick chip concrete layer with r/c mesh.
• Seal panel joints with suitable sealant.
REFERANCES

• (M.Y.L.Chew, A. 2., 27 January 2015. A Case Study on Moisture Problems

and Building Defects☆. Volume 170, , pp. Pages 27-36.
• Anon., n.d. Remedial Waterproofing: Common Problems and How to Fix
Them. [Online]
• Available at: https://www.projex.com.au › blog › remedial-waterproofing-
common-probl...[Accessed 30 may 2018].
• Jenkins, K. R. B. F., n.d. Waterproofing membrane. s.l.:s.n.
• (M.Y.L.Chew, A. 2., 27 January 2015. A Case Study on Moisture Problems
and Building Defects☆. Volume Volume 170, , pp. Pages 27-36.
Thank you