Kevin Dodds, Director at Delta Membrane System Limited, explores the complexities and challenges on structural waterproofing projects which also require ground gas protection.
Waterproofing structures offers protection to structural components, buildings, and installations from the penetration of water; it reduces risk and will prolong the life time of the structure. However, some below ground construction projects require protection from both water ingress and gas contamination.
It’s now possible to produce a waterproofing design which incorporates both a waterproof and gas proof protection system, however these types of projects require a different strategy and methodology as to what would be classed as a typical waterproofing design. Both BS8102:2009 and BS8485:20015 are intertwined. Basements and below ground structures which need to be watertight and gas proof are not anymore complex to design but require further considerations at the design phase and throughout the project.
The object of structural waterproofing is to protect a structure for its lifetime from water ingress.
The object of ground gas protection is to prevent a build-up of gasses against a structure.
When it all goes wrong
Gorebridge, a town just south of Edinburgh has recently hit the headlines all for the wrong reasons. Midlothian council developed a former mining area for 64 new homes. The council had taken all appropriate measures to ensure there would be no ground gas contamination in these homes. The council engaged with architects, principal engineers, contaminated land specialists, structural engineers and ground investigation engineers. What could go wrong? Seemingly there was no gas proof membrane incorporated in the floor slab construction….the reason - it wasn’t specified.
22 residents of the 64 homes complained of dry coughs, dizziness, headaches and anxiety. Six ended up in hospital and a £12m legal battle commenced - who was to blame for this error.
The Gorebridge incident could be an exceptional event or ground gas contamination may be a more widespread issue yet to be detected.
Combining Waterproofing Design with Ground Gas Protection
Innovations within the waterproofing sector have seen the introduction of Ground Gas Protection Systems, which are capable of offering both gas protection and waterproof solution.
A Waterproofing Design Specialist will be able to interpret the requirements of BS8102:2009 and BS8485:2015 to produce a waterproofing design which incorporates both a waterproof and gas proof protection system.
Characteristic Situation Score and Hazard Assessment
If a site has been identified with a gas or hydrocarbon contamination it will have been given a Characteristic Situation Score. The Characteristic Situation Score is defined according to how severe the gas flow from the ground is.
All sites which have been characterised with a gas situation score will require a gas protection system and where identified a waterproof protection barrier.
Methods of Gas Protection
Gas protection is a technical solution to prevent or to control gas penetration into properties. The control of gas migration is normally achieved by blocking the pathway or removing the source of the gas generation. There are several methods available to achieve the protection to existing/new build properties.
Gas protection measures available to achieve the minimum points score requires a combination of two or more of the following protection measures be used:
- The Structural Barrier
- Ventilation Measures
- Gas Resistant Membrane
Methods of Structural Waterproofing
There are 3 Types of waterproofing methods. These are defined as:
- Type A Tanked or Barrier Protection. Cementitious or bitumen-based products applied internally, externally or sandwiched within the structure.
- Type B Structurally Integral Protection. Reinforced or prestressed concrete designed through composite and integrated details such as water bars to be water resistant.
- Type C Drained Protection. Cavity Drainage Systems which allow for water ingress but in a controlled fashion.
Evaluation of groundwater conditions, risk assessment and options for drainage outside the structure should always be considered.
The Dangers of Ground Gases
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons derive from the petrol chemistry industry and are highly toxic. Most Hydrocarbons have the potential to cause cancer.
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Methane
An odourless flammable gas that is explosive when released into the atmosphere at levels as low as 5% and exposed to a source of ignition. Methane is formed where there is below ground degradation of organic substances e.g. landfill sites, sewage treatment areas, mining operations and peat bogs. Methane can migrate through subsoil and through cracks and fissures into buildings and structures. A build-up of methane to hazardous levels will cause harm to health and compromise safety.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide is an odourless and colourless toxic gas. In high concentrations can result in asphyxiation. The gas is formed by the oxidation of carbon compounds such as that which occurs in landfill sites. When Carbon Dioxide levels reach a concentration of 3%, symptoms of headaches and shortness of breath will occur, becoming severe at 5% between 7-10% will cause suffocation.
Radon
Radon occurs naturally in the environment, this radioactive gas is, colourless, odourless and tasteless. Radon can migrate into any building that is built over a source. If it accumulates in a building, it increases the risk of lung cancer for occupants. Radon is the cause of 15% of lung cancers worldwide (World Health Organisation ‘WHO’ 2009).
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that easily volatise under normal atmospheric conditions/environments to become vapours or gases. Along with carbon, they contain elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulphur or nitrogen. Typical VOCs encountered on brownfield and industrial sites include: Petroleum, benzene, toluene, butylbenzenes, chlorinated ethenes, Nitrogen, sulphur and tetrahydrofuran. VOCs in the air react with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight to form ozone.
Structural Warranty Provider Requirements
Structural Warranty Providers such as NHBC stipulate that it is a mandatory requirement that a CSSW qualified Waterproofing Designer is involved in the waterproofing design process and other warranty providers such as Premier Guarantees and LABC are following suit.
How do you find a Waterproofing Design Specialist?
The Property Care Association has devised a Register which provides a central point for individuals with the relevant waterproofing design skills. The PCA register allows developers, architects, builders etc to quickly locate vetted and approved Waterproofing Design Specialists who can assist in the design and planning of underground waterproofing.
A Waterproofing Design Specialist will work with architects, surveyors, contractors and engineers alike to provide a design service which complies with BS8102:2009 and BS8485:2015 and offers detail to design. The ability to easily identify and engage a Waterproofing Design Specialist will allow a design team to conform to the recommendation set out in BS8102:2009 and BS8485:2015.
