ABSTRACT
The process of selecting the appropriate waterproofing philosophy and system to utilize in the design of underground constructions within the tunneling sector is extremely important to control the groundwater table and to ensure that the structure and the underground space is properly protected from water infiltration for the duration of its service life. With an increased demand on the performance of many waterproofing systems, such as 100+ year service life requirements, it is more important than ever to understand the features and limitations of the systems available on the market. Furthermore, with an increase in the system options available for use there is more focus on properly comparing each of the available technologies for new constructions and refurbishment projects.
Due to the continuous development of more classic waterproofing systems such as loose-laid compartmentalized sheet membranes, along with recent developments in fully bonded membranes and spray applied membranes, the waterproofing systems available for consideration on a project are more abundant than ever. But waterproofing is not limited to the installation of a protective watertight layer, the reduction of ground permeability by corresponding injections must also be included in the design. Proper education to the industry on where and when each of these systems can be implemented successfully is essential.
This paper focuses on the waterproofing systems available in the market including waterproofing injections. The typical performance of these systems and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
