New basements are popping up, or popping down, everywhere. From adventurous Crossrail projects to minor extensions under Victorian terraced housing, one of the problems remains the same: waterproofing.
It is well documented that basements and other substructures can leak both during and after construction. Once construction is below the water table, groundwater will try and seep through cracks and joints into open spaces. Potential consequences of leaking substructure are numerous but generally result in costs associated with remedial works and delays to programme in construction, and expenditure and disruption to the building operation after construction.
Many different documents have been produced concerning criteria for the performance of waterproof basements. However there was no specific correlation between dampness, water resistance, and the likely measures required to achieve this.
The Clients’ Guide to Reducing the Risk of Leaking Substructure was written in 2009 to help explain the terms used. It explains the risks associated with waterproofing by providing information about the methods and processes involved and gives information on how to manage the risks.
The guide was produced by ICE’s Research & Development Enabling Fund, with Ramboll UK as the research contractor. Production of the document was guided by a steering group of professionals from across the construction industry.
A report on a meeting held by the British Geotechnical Association on a clients’ guide for reducing the risk of leaking substructure is also available.