Waterproofing SPECIAL FEATUREMAR-APR 2018 SEAB 81
product can be engineered to give optimum waterproofing
performance at optimum price.
Integral waterproofing products such as those generically
described as “waterproofing by crystallization” can be applied
both as an additive to new concrete or a coating over post set
concrete and both applications still perform there function
internally within the concrete matrix. Applied as an admixture
the function is included in the initial hydration process of the
concrete or used as a coating the same catalytic chemical
components are able to diffuse deep into the concrete matrix
(up to 300mm+ in one instance) and both perform the same
function.
A variation in application practice allows a specifier to
determine which areas of a structure need to be waterproofed
throughout the entire matrix of the concrete and which areas
are well protected by a reaction within the external 300mm+ of
the application are on the structure. This can provide significant
cost savings while maintaining similar waterproofing and
durability performance.
Q: For a weather like Singapore which, experiences heavy
rainfall and high temperatures, what measures are taken to
ensure to prevent leakage of water and fading away of the
waterproofing components?
A: Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia are monsoonal
therefore a prerequisite to waterproofing of any structure, where
Fahrenheit 88 is a shopping centre in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.possible, is to ensure the water flow around, onto and off the
structure, for example, allowing roof decks to allow run off to
drains and/or sub structures to additionally drain away waterflow
externally or internally is a primary design consideration.
Where the before mentioned cannot be achieved, then
the use of self-healing pre-hydrated bentonite membranes or
self-healing crystalline waterproofing products that have a high
tolerance to water pressure on the positive and negative sides
of a concrete structure can be used successfully irrespective of
the structures capacity to control waterflow over or around it.Q: Can you highlight to us the importance
of waterproofing in a building project?
A: 95 percent of all rectification/repair
related works in Singapore is due to water
and moisture related problem. Proper
waterproofing system specification during
the project design-conceptual stage will
prevent a lot of unnecessary seepage
related problem. This would, in the long
run, enable huge cost saving.
Q: How should architects select the
waterproofing system that they should
specify for the project that they are
working on?
A: General rules:
- Polymer modified cementitious for
internal areas - Higher quality preformed membrane
for roof as exposed to greater thermal
movement or planter area.
An Interview with Vodapruf
Mr Wang Wee Hwa, Director, Vodapruf, shares his views.Photos supplied by Vodapruf- Bitumen based waterproofing
membrane for basement area to
prevent moisture related problem - To determine the type of system
roof waterproofing, it will really
depend on the final built up, finishing
requirement, u value requirement
and functional of the roof. Do contact
waterproofing specialist like Vodapruf
Pte Ltd for best advice.
Q: For a weather like Singapore which,
experiences heavy rainfall and high
temperatures, what measures are taken
to ensure to prevent leakage of water
and fading away of the waterproofing
components?
A: For roof that experiences the greatest
thermal expansion and contraction, the
below measures will be necessary:- Waterproofing product has to be tested
for not undergoing hydrolysis “dissolve
over time” shall there is ponding water - Proper screed to fall
- Proper specification during the
design stage (correct built up) to
prevent potential ponding water over
waterproofing membrane - Proper selection of reinforcement
mesh for waterproofing system - Proper selection of type of
waterproofing product
Wangz Hotel in
Singapore.