ABSTRACT
Blindside waterproofing is a system in which a below-grade waterproofing membrane is temporarily attached to the soil retention system facing the excavation prior to casting the concrete foundation against it. A common situation dictating blindside waterproofing is the proximity of adjacent property lines or other abutting structures, which preclude excavation outside the foundation walls. Strictly defined, blindside waterproofing is positive-side waterproofing, but a blindside waterproofing problem is sometimes solved by negative-side or integral waterproofing. Waterproofing under pressure slabs on grade is also a form of blindside waterproofing. The use of blindside waterproofing increased as more buildings were constructed in heavily populated areas. The thermoplastic sheets alone are unsatisfactory blindside waterproofing membranes because they lack the ability to prevent leaking water from migrating laterally between the concrete and the membrane. A basic premise of blindside waterproofing is that the membrane must be installed securely, albeit temporarily to the soil retention system.
