UNDERGROUND WATERPROOF STRUCTURES

By Attila FARSANG

1. INTRODUCTION

The designers and entrepreneurs working with underground waterproof structures unfortunately
consider this technology only as a ‘cost reducing’ solution, which is a major misunderstanding.
A waterproof structure realised according to the plans and specifications, with all its
complementary elements including the price of the materials and the labour costs, is not cheaper
than the traditional solution that is the wall structure with waterproofing layers. Its advantage is
first of all the rapid execution when one can do it with a routine but still paying extraordinary
attention to the execution. Secondly, because of the low number of required materials with
waterproof concrete fewer defects occur. Altogether, they might accelerate the execution and
increase the quality. Still, because of irresponsible execution and because the execution is
considered a ‘normal’ concrete casting work, a great number of faults appear, therefore the
technology looses its greatest advantages.

2. THE LOCATION OF THE CONSIDERED STRUCTURES INSIDE THE BUILDING

Inside a building, waterproof concrete is used for protecting the structures against water
infiltrations, the pressure of the ground water and the loads coming from the strata waters.
Therefore it serves primarily the protection of underground structures such as vertical elements
(load-bearing walls), tilted elements (staircases) and horizontal elements (ground-supported
slabs).
Waterproof concretes are cast as building foundations or as structures connected to those,
therefore their faults can cause the damaging of the whole construction. For that reason the
execution has to be prepared and executed properly and with high responsibility.

3. CHARACTERISTIC FAULTS IN DESIGN, EXECUTION AND USE (OR WHAT ONE

CAN READ IN EXPERTISES)

Realising waterproof concrete implies first of all modern technology, consequently requires the
latest materials of our day’s, the most advanced tools and developed concrete technology. It asks
also for competent designers and last but not least a skilful team of craftsmen during the whole
process of execution.
Many faults rests in the simplification of the problem, according which some designers consider
sufficient just to mark on the documentation drawings ‘waterproof concrete’. Therefore none of
the cellar walls, or the ground-burned slabs, or the details of other structures are not really solved
(detail drawings are never made and relevant data don’t make part of the specification). It relates
to this problem that neither the designer feels any need for these drawings. In consequence faults
occur primarily because of the lack of design and secondly because of missing concrete
technology and structural knowledge.
One could state that the number of details to be prepared in the case of waterproof structures is
not less than for a structure built with a traditional technology.

For achieving the desired result, the joints of the walls and ground-supported slabs have to be
solved, the detailed design of elevator shafts and other subsiding elements, the perforating points
of the service system through the walls, the perforating points of the drainage system (drains and
scuppers) through the ground-supported slab, the control and expansion joints, the execution of
ramps and staircases and the joints of the walls and slabs.
When a water pipe brakes, the horizontal and vertical control joints that are not waterproof
permit a considerable water infiltration. Using concrete surfaces that are not of identical
waterproofing grade lead to the appearing of moisture in the interior spaces. A waterproof
structure that becomes thinner decreases the resistance to water infiltrations. A typical case is
when the ground-supported slab becomes thinner under the inbuilt service pipes and scuppers.
It is not enough to protect the waterproof structures against the infiltrating moisture and other
damaging factors only from the exterior sides and from below. There are also interior factors that
weaken the structure; this way the structure becomes less resistant to exterior actions, in our
specific case it diminishes its waterproof character. At this point one has to mention the lack of
regular concrete protection that permits the infiltration of water, oils, salts and acids (different
gases together with moisture) in the concrete damaging the quality of the material and its
chemical resistance, decreasing the alkali level and increasing the corrosion.
A specific case is when faults are caused by the improper behaviour of the users. The owners/
users don’t respect the ‘users instructions’ for the building (in some cases because they are not
aware of them), and they exploit the building in the improper way. It may happen when the
function of a construction is changed (e.g. a new owner arrives with brand new ideas for using
the building in a certain way), or the inhabitants ‘trust’ too much the structure of the building. It
is very typical for our days that cellar storages or garage spaces are converted into restaurants or
fitness rooms that claim for different dryness and so for new insulations and service systems.
The new function introduces new and higher loads that have to be overtaken by the structure, and
it doesn’t pay attention to exterior factors. As a result, the structures are decaying, the spaces
become unsuitable and sometimes unhealthy, or even dangerous.

BASIC PRINCIPLES, DEFINITIONS AND STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

The concept of waterproofing is not clear to everybody and this provokes misunderstandings.
For understanding its meaning one has to clarify the demands for dryness ininterior spaces.
Absolute dryness is required for spaces used by human beings continuously (residential spaces,
offices, working places, hospitals and schools), for spaces that serve for moisture-sensitive
technologies, or for storing moisture-sensitive materials (paper, food, chemicals, microelectronic
equipments). For protected spaces that claim absolute dryness the top value of relatively dryness
is determinating factor.
At relative dryness, some type of moisture can penetrate, but this may not influence the healthy
environment, or the characteristic airing factors which are needed for the function occupancy of
the inner space, or the state of the building structures.
The following definitions are given according to the “directives for design and execution
waterproofing against ground water and moisture” published by the Hungarian Union of
Building Insulaters, Roofers and Tinsmiths (ÉMSZ).
The codes and the required waterproofing performace of different concretes (classified by the
Hungarian Standard MSZ 4719 and analysed based on the MSZ 4715-3) are given below (the
Hungarian CSI Masterformat):
Class vz2, vz4, vz6 and vz8, where there are grade marked out of them the water pressure
measured in Bars that concrete resists to without infiltrations. Vz2 is a poor, vz4 is a medium,
vz6 is a waterproof and vz8 is an exceptionally waterproof concrete. A reinforced concrete is
classified waterproof that on a surface of 1 m2, during 1 day (24 hours) permits only 0.2 l of
water to penetrate (to infiltrate in the inner space). In intensively ventilated spaces (or outdoor
spaces) this amount of moisture evaporates, consequently no surface moisture ca be detected.
It has to be mentioned that the MSZ 4719:1982 standard was annulled by the MSZ EN 206-
1:2002 standard and its national applying documents, according to which in the future the
waterproofing value of the concretes has to be analysed is the MSZ EN 12390-8:2001 standard.
According to the draft of the national applying document a concrete is waterproof when the
depth of the water infiltration, measured under standard circumstances, doesn’t exceed 60 mm in
the XV1(H) environmental class, or 40 mm in the XV2(H) environmental class, or 20 mm in the
XV3(H) environmental class.
During execution, the choice between the ‘vz’ concrete categories could result millions of
Florins differences for a medium-size building; therefore the correct selection of categories
requires serious preparatory works. In certain cases, for example for great interior spaces with
high humidity it is recommended the use of an exceptionally waterproof concrete even when the
interior surfaces were treated with a waterproof coat (for diminishing the corrosion of the
reinforcement).

On the cellar level one can usually find the car parks, where the relative dryness may be
sufficient (if there is no special demand for the space). Still, on this level and also on the higher
ones, small dependencies are connected to the main space with different function in constant
human use a higher level of dryness. These can be spaces used by humans continuously,
staircases, the rooms for electrical service connection, transformer rooms and storage spaces for
moister-sensitive materials. For spaces requiring absolute dryness not even minuscule quantities
of moisture are permitted, therefore the use of exceptionally waterproof concrete is compulsory.
In conclusion, the waterproof structure has to be supplemented or combined with other insulating
systems, so sole use is not tolerated.
If the building, during its lifespan, suffers a change of function at the cellar level, this could
imply the necessity of further insulating systems, and competent designer should be involved.

During the design one has to be aware of the location of the characteristic ground water level
(mBf) given by the soil dynamics expertise, from which the height of the water column that
loads the structure can be calculated. The result determines the factors that structures have to be
protected against. Data about the aggressiveness of ground water with other informations also
have to be considered.
Waterproof concrete structures have to be designed based on statics and insulation (building
constructure) details.
The structure and the insulation against moisture of the cellar levels is composed of waterproof
ground-supported slab and wall structure, control and expansion joints filled with concreted
plastic sealants, expansive strips (filled joints), filled pipe penetrations, additional steel plate
insulation (shafts) and plastic strips for slabs and slab edges.
When designing the insulation of a building against ground water one has to consider also that
the prescribed structures providing the protection against moisture (insulations, sealants) have to
fulfil security rules on long-term, even when deformations (sinking, cracking, change of ground
water level, vibrations etc.) occur.
It is recommended to have the plans for the completion of waterproof concrete with its joints and
sealants made by a competent specialist conductor in a competent way.

SUGGESTED TRADITIONAL AND MODERN SOLUTIONS

The presented example is a building with cellar level, where a car park was placed with a ramp
access and the additional spaces: the room with the main electric switch board, the staircase and
smaller storage spaces.
Moisture protection is provided for a concrete slab set on a base course dimensioned according
to the specific water pressure (at least 40 cm thickness) permitting limited cracks, with a certain
waterproofing value and by waterproof walls dimensioned for the same circumstances (at least
30 cm thickness), with the same waterproofing value as the slab. The exact parameters and the
waterproofing values are given even in the structural engineering. Under the base course a 15-20
cm thick compacted fill was set composed of gravel and sand.
The garage function permits a relative dryness. On the cellar level, the waterproof slab usually
satisfies the prescribed structure conditions.
The other spaces of the cellar level, such as staircases, corridors and technical rooms need for
absolute dryness. To meet this requirement the horizontal concrete surfaces are coated with a top
insulation (set under the pavements or made in a passable quality) that protects the structure also
from vertical loads.

At the connection line of the slab with the walls requested control joints are formed that are a
consequence of the concrete shrinkage and are necessary for the execution. Through these joints,
under the pressure of ground water, moisture can penetrate. Plastic strips sealants (e.g. a SIKA
V-20 element) that are placed on the center line of the wall surface are used to stop the
penetration (the pressure of the penetrating water is reduced by the meandering form of the
plastic profile). This meandering profile of the sealant becomes effective by lengthening the
course of the penetrating moisture. Structural engineers don’t prefer this solution, because the
location of reinforcements becomes more difficult. They rather recommend the use of insulation
strips on the exterior surface, but these are less efective and are more exposed to injuries
provoked by mechanical or other actions.
The most important rules for placing interior profiled plastic sealants along the control joints
between ground-bourne slabs and walls and along the joints of the elevator shafts are the
following:
– They have to be placed on the central zone of the structure, but the exact
distance and placement is given by the structure project (as part of the
reinforcement drawings);
– The longitudinal connection has to be executed and butt-joints with melted
wedges, eventually secured with sealants;
– they have to be executed in the same time as the reinforcement;
– During execution they need propping and protection (with separate
formwork and reinforcement), a straight positioning on equal distances
assured by pegs placed at 25 cm distance from each other that clip the strip
to the steel (profiles should not deviate from the prescribed plane);
– The median line has to coincide with the line of the control joint;
– The radius of the corners it has to be about 20 cm.

The ground-supported horizontal slabs and the continuous vertical side slabs of the elevator
shafts, technical shafts and other subsiding elements are also connected with control joints.
Because of the increased water pressure, beside the plastic strips it is recommended the use of
expanding strips (e.g. SIKA Hydrotite). These getting in contact with the infiltrated moisture
expands and presses itself to the surrounding concrete forcing the moisture to follow a longer
path, decreasing its pressure, this way protecting the spaces behind.
Some expanding sealants can be ulterior by injected (if one choose such type). There is no need
for demolition or drilling; the sealant material can be introduced in the structure through
imbedded pipes in order to fill the control joints.
The rules for placing the expanding sealant and its functioning principles (referring to the
example):
– In our example the profiles are of 25 x 7 mm (with quadrangle section), have 3 cells that
expand on water contact, have a neoprene core and are treated with expansion-retarder
substances (to make possible the execution and avoid the placing under reduced moisture
quantity);
– They have to be set on the external/ central zone of the vertical slabs, but according to the
structural plan (as part of the reinforcement set out);
– The distance from the exterior surface of the slab has to be at least of 6 cm (10 cm are
recommended), otherwise the moisture can come round and also may crack the edge of
the concrete slab;
– For higher water pressure the given structures would not work properly with a single
profile; for lengthening the path of the moisture more profiles are recommended;
– At the longitudinal being connected they have to overlap at least on 15 cm (no butt-joints
are permitted!!!);
– To avoid their displacing during casting, expanding sealants should be nailed or stuck at
least at 20 cm distances;
– They have to be set simultaneously with the reinforcement;
– During the execution they have to be temporarily protected (with wooden boards), the
straight position (fixed distance) and the protection against moisture have to be assured
(to avoid activating the expanding material of the strip).
For the elevator shafts further complementary measures can be needed, because the fixtures of
the elevator rails penetrate the insulation. I this case the structure need additional coatings or
injection, or the project should specify that fixtures should avoid the ‘insulating zone’.

It is important to emphasize that in most of the cases spontaneous (not specified) control joints
might be necessary (because of the rapid change of the weather, the concrete did not arrive in
time etc.). It is indicated for the designers to have a plan for these kinds of situations, too. There
might be a need for expanding profiles posed on already executed concrete surfaces. As
additional measure it might be necessary the exterior sealing of the joints with a flexible strip
(min. 20 cm width, e.g. SIKA COMBIFLEX) that is stuck only on the sides.

For larger vents fissures holes or surface irregularity one has to use a flexible joint sealing
material (e.g. SIKAFLEX PRO-2HP).

The pipes penetrating the walls have to be of ‘tube-in-tube’ system (with an interior tube
funktional in use and a protecting one) that has to be sealed against moisture and protected from
ground water pressure. For high ground water pressure an expanding profile is needed on the
exterior side, at the bottom of the centrally placed steel flange (see the execution conditions
above).

Because of the aggressive factors (CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, gases, rainfall, UV-radiation, wind
forces) that affect the concrete structure surfaces have to be treated with a protecting coating
(e.g. ELASTOCOLOR W) that can be dyed and applied in multiple layers. Protecting coatings
for interior and exterior surfaces have to be different. The exterior ones are more exposed to
rainfall, UV-radiation, wind forces and other exterior damaging factors.
Referring to those above mentioned:

For spaces that don’t require additional insulation (general layers):

– A levelling topping that protects the concrete, assures the slope, supports paints or
thinsets and is slip-resistant;
– Waterproof ground-supported concrete slab;
– Concrete supporting layer;
– Gravel and sand base.

For spaces that require additional insulation (general layers):

– Ceramic tile floor;
– Adhesive layer (compatible with the isolution);
– Additional interior insulating membrane;
– Waterproof ground-supported slab;
– Concrete supporting layer;
– Gravel and sand base.

I some cases the concrete supporting layer is replaced with a plastic decking. The system permits
a quicker execution, an immediate set of the next layer, is cheaper, it doesn’t crack (it needs no
expansion joints), it doesn’t depend on weather conditions or the quality of the concrete set on
the top, it is less sensitive to the aggressive factors of the soil, the drying period is much shorter
(it is also a more economic procedure), its execution doesn’t request specific tools, it doesn’t
need ulterior surface protection (and time for that), and finally the system works as an insulating
layer (sufficient for protecting against ground moisture). Its disadvantages are the reduced
weight (wind forces can move it), the requested technology is not a traditional one, surfaces are
not perfectly smooth and it cannot overtake concentrated loads on small surfaces (machines can’t
be moved on it). Being aware of these, one can decide for one system or the other, and which
advantaged are worthy to be paid for.

Scuppers are set in the ground-supported slab in order the lead the rainfall or infiltrating water
from the garage surface. (If scuppers are sunken in the floor, the slab has to be thickened in that
area below). The water collected by the scuppers gets to the main drain through proportioned
pipes. The service pipes are placed in the ground-supported slab with a slope (0,5%), fixed to the
reinforcement. Galvanised steel pipes are connected with waterproof fittings, plastic pipes with
waterproof welding. Slabs are thickened under the pipes in order to assure proper and continuous
moisture insulation.

The expansion joint of the ramp slab and the ground-supported slab (and the ones between the
ramp and the cellar walls):
– Both the ground-supported slab and the ramp slab claim for a min. 40 cm thick
waterproof reinforced concrete structure;
– A subsiding of these elements is expected; its degree has to be estimated by the
structural engineer;
– The expansion joint has to be filled with glass fibre or rock wool insulation both for slabs
and walls;
– The expansion joint of the slabs has to be sealed from the top with a waterproof steel
fixture (e.g. MIGUA) that can overtake loads (e.g. D400) and is properly fixed to both
slabs;
– The expansion steel fixture can be driven up to the wall surface until a height of 20 cm;
 – The vertical sealing of the expansion joint is realised with durable elastic putty (e.g.
SIKAFLEX PRO-2 HP); it can be masked with a metal fixture, if necessary;
– On the water pressure side, ribbed and profiled plastic sealant is recommended (beneath
e.g. SIKA O-35) that has to be fixed to the structure at about 15-15 cm and it can be also
driven into the gaps of the side walls and the reinforced concrete cellar walls (bent with a
20 cm radius) until the ground level (or the top of the walls).
Units are separated by thermal insulation made of fibrous materials (!). The use of stiff, plastic
foams in the expansion joints are strictly prohibited.
The placement rules of ribbed, plastic expansion strips are similar to those placed in the median
plane of the wall.

For the superior part of the monolith, reinforced concrete cellar walls, on the exterior side, one
has to use ribbed plastic (surface) strips (e.g. SIKA AR-26) in order to assure the insulation of
the cellar ceiling against rainwater. As the joint of the waterproof concrete structure with the
insulating strip cannot be directly solved, the insulation strip ‘driven out’ from the ceiling slab
and through the control joint of the wall overlap and assure the insulation.
Surface strips are used also when sidewalls are insulated with membranes (‘mule-structures’). In
these cases strips ribbed on one side are set in the concrete at the bottom part of the ground-
supported slab edges, much lower from the control joint, and the insulating membranes of the
walls are driven to and overlapping it. They can be set simultaneously with the formwork and the
reinforcement. Their placement has to be exact, according to the project, and it has to be checked
before casting.

When the building is exposed to strata waters (in case of sloping terrains), one has to realise a
drainage system that can help to relieve any build-up of hydrostatic pressure against the cellar
wall (this also improves the protection of waterproof systems against moisture infiltration).

Few words have to me mentioned about the importance of the used concrete technology for
waterproof concrete structures. Waterproof structures can be realised only according to the
specific construction prescriptions for the very building. One of the determinative factors is the
water/cement ratio (w/c). For a 0.4 w/c, no capillary pores remain in the structure (that could
cause water infiltration); therefore moisture cannot ‘go through’ the structure. Therefore it is
indicated to keep the 0.4-0.45 w/c ratio, which with a long ulterior treatment offers a reliable
solution. The placement of the concrete in forms becomes easier with the use of plasticizers.

CONCLUSIONS

The above-mentioned facts can drive to the conclusion that the design of waterproof structures is
not an easy task; it demands concentration and skill. Unfortunately, more and more expertises
are required, and are followed by rehabilitation works. The characteristic causes of the faults
were presented and their occurrence places. Perhaps soon we will reach the stage when the
design of buildings with faulted or damaged structures that make difficult its use will be
punished. It is difficult to rehabilitate faulted structures, and they are not equivalent (they don’t
have the same lifespan anymore) to the well-designed and properly executed ones. Besides, a
renovation work raises the original price. Being aware of the number of the faulted structures, I
am afraid that a misunderstanding will be created, according to which technologies related to the
waterproof concrete production couldn’t be operated successfully. One might think that these
structures don’t work properly; water penetrates and damages them. It could happen that even
the most competent firms will refuse to produce these structures.
REFERENCES

Hungarian standard MSZ 4719: 1982;

Hungarian standard MSZ 4715-3;
ÉMSZ (Hungarian Union of Building Insulators, Roofers and Tinsmiths): Design and execution
directives for waterproofing against ground water and moisture (2001);
Hungarian standard MSZ EN 206-1:2002;
Hungarian standard MSZ EN 12390-8:2001;
SIKA Hungaria Ltd.: Concrete pocket-book.