DAMP PROOF

COURSE
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
& MATERIAL

ELSA FATIMA
170823024
B.ARCH 3RD YEAR SEC A
DIT UNIVERSITY
CONTENT:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DAMP PROOF COURSE
3. DAMPNESS CAUSES
4. DAMPNESS EFFECTS
5. DAMP PROOF COURSE IN A BUILDING
STRUCTURE
6. WATERPROOFING
7. ROOF GARDEN DETAIL
8. SWIMMING POOL DETAIL
9. OVERHEAD WATER TANK
10. UNDERGROUND WATER TANK

11.
INTRODUCTION
Dampness is defined as the presence of hygroscopic and gravitational water in the structural elements.
It endangers the structural safety as well as gives rise to the unhygienic conditions along with that it
supports the pathogenic and fungal colonies. Basically moistures travelling through the walls, roofs
and floors are stuck there and gives rise to dampness.

DAMP PROOF COURSES

The function of a DPC is to act as a barrier to the passage of moisture or water between the parts
separated by the DPC. The movement of moisture or water may be upwards in the foundation of walls
and ground floors, downwards in parapet and chimneys or horizontal where a cavity wall is closed at
the jambs of opening.

CAUSES OF DAMPNESS
1. Moisture rising up the wall from the ground
2. Rain beating against external walls
3. Rain water travel from wall tops
4. Condensation
5. Miscellaneous other

1. If the soil is pervious then moisture constantly travels through it and in case of impervious
soil, due to rain water or frost, there may be accumulation of water at the base of the structure
due to poor drainage. Due to capillary action, this moisture tends to rise up into the walls and
floors.

2. In case of improper plastering, not treated with water proofing agents or balconies and chajja
protection do not have outward slope or when the protection falls sort in protecting the
complete wall, water will accumulate on these or the base of the wall which causes dampness.
3. In case of improperly protected/treated wall tops, rain water will enter the wall and travel
down or leaking roof also causes same.
4. Condensation is the process of accumulation of atmospheric water in the joints of walls,
floors etc. Due to this condensation of atmospheric moisture, dampness occurs, mostly in the
wall joints. This occurs due to variations of temperature in atmosphere.
5. Miscellaneous causes:
1. Poor drainage
2. Reduced air flow
3. Low temperature, where the humidity is at normal level, and temperature is low,
dampness occurs.
4. Imperfect orientation of buildings
5. Imperfect roof slopes
6. Imperfect joints in walls and roofs
7. Defective cavity wall construction
8. Defective rain water pipe
9. Less use or absence of dpc
10. Underground seepage
11. High humidity

EFFECTS OF DAMPNESS

1. Unsightly patches are found due to travel of water through walls and ceilings causing
defacing of the walls through destruction of the designs and plastering. Also it causes
softening and crumbling of plaster especially lime plaster in the old buildings.
2. The spalling of concrete as well as lost decoration is a costly affair to recover. Also
spalling off of the concrete from the roof ceiling endangers the safety of users.
3. Continuous presence of moisture may cause efflorescence resulting in disintegration of
bricks, stones, tiles etc., and consequent reduction in strength.
 4. Due to reduction in the adhesive force due to presence of water caused by dampness, the
flooring gets loosened up.
5. Electrical fitting due to deterioration, possesses a threat of leakage of electricity
consequently causing the danger of short circuit.
6. Floor coverings get damaged.

DAMP PROOF COURSE IN A BUILDING STRUCTURE

PLINTH LEVEL
FOUNDATION

CAVITY WALL
WINDOW OVERHANG/VISOR, ROOF SLAB

PARAPET WALL
WATERPROOFING
Waterproofing prevents moisture access by virtue of surface treatment. Like the use of
bituminous felt on flat reinforced concrete roofs.

ROOF GARDEN SECTIONAL DETAIL

SWIMMING POOL DETAIL

OVERHEAD WATER TANK

UNDERGROUND WATER TANK
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION VOLUME-1 BARRY

2. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION – B.C.PUNMIA
3. www.theconstructor.org

4. www.designbuilding.uk.in

5. www.academia.com