UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
AND PLANNING, GGSIPU
NAME- HIMANSHI Dugar
SEMESTER- III SEC -B
ROLL NO.-- 9
SUBJECT – BUILDING CONSTRUCTION(RESEARCH)
Research Study: Waterproofing Materials for RCC Roofs & Basements
1. Introduction
• Why Waterproofing?
RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) is porous → absorbs water → causes cracks,
leakage, corrosion of reinforcement, structural damage.
• Objectives of Study:
o Identify suitable materials for RCC roofs & basements.
o Compare traditional vs modern methods.
o Understand causes of failures & preventive measures.
• Methodology:
o Review of IS codes (IS 9918, IS 1346, IS 3067).
o Study of RDSO/IRICEN guidelines.
o Technical papers, industry manuals (Sika, Fosroc).
o Research on failures and new technologies.
2. Waterproofing for RCC Roofs
A) Traditional Systems (per IS Codes)
• Bituminous Felt / Mastic (IS 1346, IS 9918):
o Multi-ply layers of bitumen felts or glass-fibre reinforced bitumen.
o Pros: Cheap, codified method, easy to apply.
o Cons: Prone to aging, cracking, requires protection screed.
B) Modern Systems
• Liquid-applied Polyurethane (PU) Membranes
o Seamless, elastic, crack-bridging film.
o Available in UV-resistant (aliphatic) grade.
o Ideal for terraces, podiums, complex details.
• Cold-applied Bituminous Emulsions
o Used below screeds/tiles; cost-effective but not UV stable.
Roof Detailing Musts (IS 3067 & RDSO)
• Proper slope to drains.
• Correct detailing at parapets, scuppers, pipe junctions.
• Complete parapet/ancillary works before membrane.
3. Waterproofing for Basements
A) Pre-Applied Fully Bonded Sheet Membranes (Modern Best Practice)
• Installed before concrete pour, bonds permanently with concrete.
• Prevents lateral water migration even if punctured.
• Suitable for high groundwater & blindside construction.
B) Post-Applied Bituminous Membranes
• Torch-applied or self-adhesive sheets.
• Used in open-cut excavations with protection boards + drainage.
C) Crystalline/Integral Waterproofing
• Cementitious coating or admixture → grows crystals in pores.
• Self-seals micro-cracks; effective for remedial/negative side.
D) Liquid-Applied PU (Buried Applications)
• External basement walls (with protection + drainage boards).
Basement Detailing Essentials (BSI-125)
• Capillary break + footing drains.
• PVC/swellable water stops at joints.
• Protection boards & drainage composites against backfill.
4. Common Causes of Waterproofing Failure
(ResearchGate case studies)
• Cracks in concrete.
• Poor detailing at joints, honeycombing.
• Aging membranes.
• Lack of slope or drainage.
→ Prevention: QA checks, trained applicators, protection layers, flood tests.
5. Selection Matrix
Condition Roof (Preferred) Basement (Preferred) Why
Complex PU liquid Seamless + no lateral
Pre-applied bonded sheet
details/penetrations membrane leak path
High UV exposure Aliphatic PU — UV stable
Bituminous felt + Post-applied bituminous
Budget/economy Codified IS methods
screed sheet
Pre-applied bonded sheet Best hydrostatic
High groundwater —
+ water stops protection
Remedial works (no Crystalline coating Seals cracks from
—
access) (negative side) inside
6. QA / QC & Testing
• Substrate prep: Sound concrete, correct moisture.
• Thickness checks: Wet film (liquid membranes), lap peel (sheets).
• Flood test: 24–72 hours on roofs/rafts.
• Inspection of details: Parapets, scuppers, joints.
7. Recommendations
For Roofs
• Preferred: PU liquid-applied membrane (aliphatic for exposed, aromatic under
screed).
• Alternate (economy): Bituminous felt/mastic (per IS 1346 & IS 9918).
• Always ensure slope, drainage, parapet detailing.
For Basements
• Preferred: Pre-applied fully bonded sheet membranes (best for groundwater).
• Alternate: Post-applied bitumen membranes (open-cut).
• Use crystalline admixtures as redundancy/self-healing layer.
• Provide drainage, capillary breaks, sump pumps.
8. Key References
• IS 9918:1981 – In-situ waterproofing (bitumen + fibre).
• IS 1346:1991 – Application of bitumen felts.
• IS 3067:1988 – Code of practice for roof waterproofing details.
• RDSO/IRICEN Guidelines – Waterproofing in new/old construction.
• BSI-125 (Building Science Insight) – Basement moisture design.
• Sika & Fosroc – Technical manuals (modern systems).
• Research papers – Comparative analysis of materials, failure case studies, pre-
applied membrane reviews.
9. Conclusion
• Waterproofing is not just a material → it is a system combining correct product +
detailing + QA.
• For RCC Roofs → PU membranes (modern) or Bituminous felts (traditional).
• For Basements → Pre-applied fully bonded membranes (best practice) + waterstops
+ drainage.
• Failures occur mainly due to poor detailing, cracks, and workmanship → strict
QA/QC is critical.
