19 Sep Waterproofing Retaining Walls Using Bituminous Membrane for a Proposed Shopping Mall in Westlands
Did you know that waterproofing represents approximately just 2-3% of building costs, but accounts for a whopping 83% of building defect complaints?
Basements with inadequate waterproofing are an expensive exercise to repair. Consider the costs involved: excavate behind wall(s); install new membrane and drainage; back filling, paying for damage to owners belongings, etc etc.
At Mau West Company Ltd, we believe it is critical to select the appropriate foundation waterproofing method as a case-by-case project and it is at the planning stage which is the appropriate time for these decisions.
From our waterproofing experience, below ground waterproofing is not a generic “one size fits all” scenario and design should be as required by the respective project. For below grade waterproofing design, the sole focus should not be on the initial cost of materials but rather consideration to the life cycle costs of various design options. This is especially important as costs to repair or replace systems that are buried can be exorbitant.
Remember that below Ground Waterproofing is as important as the very foundations supporting a building.
For this particular case, the consulting engineer decided to go with bituminous membrane as a method of waterproofing the retaining walls of the basement. Needless to say, we were chosen as the best applicators because of our knowledge and experience in waterproofing.
Torching APP on a retaining wall
Torching APP on a retaining wall
Torched APP membrane on a retaining wall
Torched APP on a retaining wall
Torching APP on a retaining wall
Protecting the Waterproof Membrane from Damage – Protection Board
Protection Boards are used to protect waterproofing membranes from damage. Most damage comes from back fill materials containing sharps and or rubbish.
At Mau West Company, we use a dimpled high density polyethylene (HDPE) protection membrane which offers high resistance to all chemical agents usually found in soil and groundwater and to mechanical compression.
The HDPE protection membrane is used to protect bituminous membranes in walls, basements and foundations. The product can also be used as separation layers where controlled water flow is required. Other uses are:Terraces, Flat roofs and Roof gardens.
What are some of the mistakes that contractors do when waterproofing retaining walls?
- Using inferior waterproofing membranes that are not guaranteed by the manufacturer or the local dealer.
- Not worrying about the standard of work done.
- Skimping on drainage behind the wall.
Project: Proposed Sarit Center Phase 3 Project