ABSTRACT

This paper deals with protection of subsurface parts of buildings from the effect of ground water. It defines the effect produced by ground water and the damage received by the material and their properties. An illustrative model is presented featuring the interaction between wet soil and pore and capillary material. The moisture protection methods have been classified according to whether they target the source of moisture or the substructure itself. A total of nine moisture protection methods have been defined—introducing into substructure of a watertight layer; introducing into substructure of layers with increased capillary radius; lowering of soil moisture and water table; evaporation of moisture from structural surfaces; moisture removal by heating; filling of pores and capillaries with waterproof material; hydrophobying of capillary walls; electro-osmosis; and decreasing of sorption. Among the outcomes of the study is the matrix for identifying the most optimal moisture protection methods for subsurface spaces.