Construction and repair by own hands

Waterproofing of underground parts of structures. Waterproofing of deep structures and underground parts of buildings

The task of builders to identify the sources of humidity, to establish the degree of interaction of individual building structures with the environment and determine its impact on the integrity of materials.

The essence of the problem

Water affects both external and internal elements of the structure. Outside, the materials are affected by atmospheric precipitation and groundwater, and from the inside, condensate and steam.

If the design solution allows water to flow freely, it does not exert pressure - moisture does not stagnate and does not destroy the building. In this way, you can take away thawed, rain and occasional waste water. The same rule applies to groundwater.

With regard to lowlands and wetlands, in such conditions, the correctness of the waterproofing is determined by the thickness and position of the waterproof layer, which is being erected even at the stage of laying the foundation.

Effect of groundwater

Underground waters have the following types of hydrophysical loading:

Pressure is the most dangerous. Occurs when the moisture enters the liquid state. Pressure spreads through the construction structure in all directions and can lead to a rapid destruction of the structure.

Gravity flows are freely flowing water. This produces a low hydrostatic pressure. Usually the liquid flows along the structures, not lingering on them. This situation can be observed during heavy rains. If the slope of the waterproofing layer is sufficient, the excess moisture simply removes by gravity, without causing harm.

Humidity  - the most common phenomenon. It is formed depending on the temperature of the air, the location of the structure, the type of building materials, the distance from the humidification sources. At the same time, water moves in the pores and capillaries of building materials (structures).

Basic protection measures

All the measures listed below do not abolish the need for waterproofing, but at the same time reduce the cost of such a kind construction works.

It is necessary to ensure:

  • correct planning and placement of buildings, taking into account the characteristics of the terrain;
  • erection of waterproofing system;
  • quality drainage of soil.

As protection (insulation), it is possible to use waterproof concrete and additional waterproofing layers. They reliably protect the construction of the building from the most dangerous pressure groundwater.

To determine the level of water, the core is drilled, and also the hydrogeological situation in a specific locality is recorded. In particular, the chemical composition of the water and the stability of the soil are determined. The best option  carry out a preliminary inspection in early spring, when the wetting of the site will be maximum due to melting snow.

Chemical composition

Aggressiveness of atmospheric precipitation, as well as groundwater is largely determined by the content of various chemical elements in them.

Preliminary analysis allows to determine the impurity of hydrogen chloride, chlorine, ammonia, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, carbon oxides. Sometimes rains are more like acid mortar, capable of damaging concrete, silicate brick and even marble.

In such a difficult situation, only competent waterproofing will help.

How the material is selected

Materials for the insulation layer are selected depending on the chemical composition  water and its level in the soil.

The main task of such materials is:

  • protection against surface effects, leading to cracks and wear;
  • prevention of corrosion processes.

External aggressive environment can be solid, liquid and gaseous. This impact is divided into classes, depending on the degree of influence on the materials.

For example, there are environments destroying concrete and reinforced concrete. They can be with a weak, medium and very aggressive action. Also distinguish between chemical and biological effects.

In addition, protection against mechanical damage (deformation) must be ensured. The design must have sufficient margin of safety. In particular, this applies to foundations. The strength standards for this type of building structure can be increased by 20-30%.

It should be noted that it is possible to get rid of capillary humidity even at the stage of carrying out repair work. To do this, horizontal holes are drilled in the design, into which "Aquafin" or its analog is placed, which allows eliminating dampness. A protection of metal elements is carried out by applying a concrete solution. It prevents the rusting of reinforcement and other elements from the metal.

For protection against the head of groundwater, the following types of insulating materials can be selected:

Above the groundwater level, protection from moisture (penetration of liquid into the capillaries of materials) is provided. Water moistens the structure depending on the type of soil. This is clearly seen from the following table:


The type of coating and insulation is also selected taking into account the effect of water:


Notes: 1) coloring composition for polymer base; 2) gunning takes place outside and inside; 3) gunning is provided only on the side of the head of the liquid.


Note: "*" - is allowed with the appropriate justification; "+" - is allowed; "-" - forbidden.

Use of waterproofing

In buildings that have cellars, walls are protected in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Vertical planes are covered with bitumen. Floors (horizontal surfaces) are insulated in the basement and at the top of the plinth.

On water-permeable soils, moisture can accumulate near the foundations. Therefore, all the vertical surfaces of this structure are covered with bitumen, which can protect the structure during periods of heavy rains and melting snow. The rule operates when deepening more than 1-1.2 meters.

In buildings that do not have a basement, the upper horizontal plane of the foundation is protected. You can use ruberoid, asphalt (not less than 15 mm), insulating mortar or cement mortar (thickness up to 30 mm). The internal insulation of the walls is located below the floor of the first floor, and the outer wall above the blind is 15-20 centimeters (not only the walls but also the internal plaster cover).

If the groundwater lies only 1 m below the basement, the insulation layer of concrete is placed under the pillars and walls (external and internal). Floors are made from asphalt or cement mortar with sealing additives.

If the groundwater is above the level of the basement floor, it is recommended reinforced concrete slab laying  in the base of the building (it will be under the walls).


Notes: 1 - vertical; 2 - horizontal; 3 - floor protection; a - external anti-pressure; b - internal anti-head; в - protection of water catchments; g - protection against surface and filtration moisture; e - groundwater isolation.

For underground structures (canals, pipelines, caissons) it is necessary to use bitumen, polymer mixtures, rubber, cold asphalt. The application of liquid insulation is cheaper and requires less labor than when the structures are pasted with waterproofing materials. Oaklaychnye materials can be used only on elements prone to the appearance of cracks. They will serve as an additional strengthening of the structure.

Under intensive loads and unstable soils, underground communications are protected from moisture by an epoxy-coal mixture or cement plaster based on the KPCR.

Pipelines must be protected with polyurethane lacquer, epoxy mixtures, polyamide resin, bitumen with additives. Such coatings can withstand temperatures of up to +70 degrees and aggressive chemical effects.

Violations of waterproofing - what can it lead to?

Underground waterproofing is a whole complex of various measures aimed at providing reliable protection of concrete and reinforced concrete structures against the negative impact of thawed and groundwater.

Unfortunately, this process is exacerbated by poor ventilation, lack of natural lighting and other factors. In the list of main problems, which lead to violations of waterproofing, we can distinguish:

  • corrosion of all reinforcement;
  • weakening the bearing capacity of the structure;
  • interruptions in the operation of underground communications;
  • breakage of power cables;
  • discontent of tenants (right up to the filing of the claim in court);
  • increase the cost of repairs, finishing works and restoration of waterproofing.

Types of waterproofing

Protection from water is provided during construction work. This is due to the availability of free access to the outer walls of all underground structures (up to the moment of their falling asleep). An equally important condition for creating effective waterproofing of basements, parking lots and underground garages is the presence of a drainage system.

In order to prevent the destruction of reinforced concrete structures under the influence of water, the following types of waterproofing are used:

Primary - means the use of concrete mixtures or special compounds characterized by a high level of moisture and frost resistance. The main task of waterproofing is to ensure the stability of the entire structure to external negative effects.

Secondary - includes the application on the surface of the construction of the protective layer, the use of "liquid rubber" and PVC membranes, as well as the conduct of penetrating waterproofing. This is done to prevent the penetration of moisture into the basement and protect the structure from the aggressive effects of groundwater (they contain a large number of salts and acids). However, to restore or repair underground waterproofing it is recommended to use more effective injection waterproofing.

Injection waterproofing of the underground part of the building has many advantages, among which there is no need for excavation, which, accordingly, saves money (including the use of excavation equipment).

"GidroStroy" services for waterproofing of underground structures

Provision and restoration of waterproofing by injection

Depending on the operational characteristics and hydrogeological conditions of the facility, specialists of the company "GidroStroy" develop the most optimal ways of carrying out and restoring waterproofing. In the list of services provided can be identified:

  • crack injection using packers;
  • injection of low pressure;
  • injection of joints in concrete;
  • reinforcing injection;
  • injection on large areas.

We emphasize that the company "GidroStroy" has in its arsenal all the necessary equipment. This ensures that the waterproofing of the underground part of the building will be performed in compliance with all technological features  object.

Waterproofing of underground structures

In most cases, underground waters are affected by high-pressure ground water. This includes the following objects:

  • subway station;
  • auto tunnels;
  • bunkers;
  • underground reservoirs;
  • mine.

Unfortunately, access from outside to such facilities is absent or extremely difficult. It is also necessary to carry out work on waterproofing in conditions of constant water supply. To cope with such problems can technology of injection waterproofing, used by specialists of "GidroStroy". The injecting method used can effectively combat groundwater  (even in the case of a continuous flowing flow). In particular, polyurethane foam is used, which, when in contact with water, increases in volume. After that, a polymerization component is injected, which for many years blocks the way of moisture. No less attention is paid to the sealing of joints, joints and seams.

Waterproofing of the underground part of the building

If in the process of restoration of waterproofing of underground structures there is an average or low pressure of groundwater, resins with a long setting time are used.

Old buildings are often located on brick foundations. However, over time, not only in the butovy or brick fold, cracks and voids are formed - a similar process occurs in concrete.

Highly qualified specialists of the company "GidroStroy" will quickly restore the waterproofing, conduct reinforcing filling of voids and increase the bearing capacity of the underground part of the object.

The employees of "GidroStroy" are real masters of their business. Their knowledge and experience are sufficient to choose the most effective waterproofing technology. This, as well as the use of modern materials, provides maximum protection of reinforced concrete structures, butane and brickwork, and therefore your property.

Preparatory work

Depending on the waterproofing technology used, preparatory work is carried out, in the course of which specialists determine the location of the packers. In the future it will be through them that the synthetic waterproofing material, which can be read in the section "Injection waterproofing".

If it was decided to use a different type of waterproofing (for example, penetrating or "liquid rubber"), the preparation of the surface to be treated can play a significant role in achieving the maximum level of protection against water. Composition preparatory work  includes the provision of:

  • strength;
  • high load-bearing capacity;
  • dryness;
  • roughness, without which it is impossible to bond the composition to concrete;
  • cleanliness (no old coating, grease and other contaminants), etc.

Contacting the company "GidroStroy", you get a reliable underground waterproofing, executed in the shortest time with observance of all established international norms and requirements.

Waterproofing works is a complex of measures that are aimed at protecting construction objects from penetration of their water, other aggressive liquids. Competently conducted waterproofing basements  provides all the necessary technical conditions for high-quality operation of the building. spend to preserve the reliability of the building object, its strength and durability, it is one of the most important stages in the construction of buildings of any type and purpose. Any mistakes in the conduct waterproofing works  during the construction of the facility can lead to the same negative consequences as the errors caused by incorrect design. Particular attention should be paid to the waterproofing of underground structures: parking lots, cellars, underground warehouses.

External manifestations of violation of waterproofing of underground structures, although unpleasant, disrupt the finish and appearance, are visually conspicuous, but, however, are not so dangerous. Quite different is the matter with the invisible human eye by the destruction of the metal reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures, from which an underground construction object has been erected. In places where the fittings are in contact with concrete, where water enters from outside, the corrosion of the metal fittings is activated, which is the basis of all reinforced concrete structure, which holds the whole object, the whole building. Therefore, the choice of waterproofing of underground structures is not only a matter that is related to flaking plaster and the wetting of the parking walls, not only to the deterioration of its sanitary condition associated with the appearance of mosquitoes and other insects, but the safety of the entire structure, all people and technical means in it, the most important factor of quality and durability of the entire structure. The appearance of leaks, wet spots on walls and ceilings is a kind of indicator of poor-quality waterproofing, a signal for taking further effective measures to eliminate violations that have waterproofing of parking lots.

Waterproofing of underground structures can be carried out different materials. The first group of such materials includes the familiar roofing material. This waterproofing material works separately from the protected structure, all the materials similar to it are also called membrane type materials, or by a waterproofing, that is, between the external environment and the protected structure, thanks to them, a peculiar membrane is created. However, using these materials, it is impossible to completely protect underground structures, restore the broken waterproofing of cellars, parking lots, underground warehouses. Membrane-type waterproofing materials can peel off from the protected surface, they have a short service life, which does not exceed 3-5 years. In addition, even in the case of a violation of this in one place, water, which always finds a way to penetrate, may appear in several tens of meters from the actual place of violation of the waterproofing.

Another common material for imparting waterproofing properties to underground structures is a coating of waterproofing, to which bitumen and other bitumen-containing materials can be classified. They are easy to use, inexpensive for the price. However, bitumen loses its elasticity, becomes brittle at a temperature of about 0 ° C, which can lead to the formation of cracks, shortening the life of this waterproofing material. Today, as a waterproofing of underground structures, coating materials are used on synthetic resins, bituminous-rubber mastics of cold application, cement-polymer mastics, consisting of cement and mineral fillers. Due to the cement component, such waterproofing materials have good adhesion to the substrate, and plasticizing additives in them allow these materials to work not only on hard and hard surfaces, but also in places that are subject to vibrations and deformations, for example, parking floors. Cement-polymer mastics must be applied to a previously dust-free, dirt-free and non-greasy surface, not necessarily on a dry (it can be wet) with a roller or brush, with a small layer, a thickness not exceeding three millimeters. In order to increase the strength of the waterproofing coating, it is recommended after two hours, how the first layer was applied, to apply another layer of the same thickness. However, producing such works as waterproofing of parking lots, it is more effective to use waterproofing materials that do not create a coating on their reinforced concrete structure. Such waterproofing protection can not be destroyed, due to the fact that it becomes part of the very structure of reinforced concrete. This waterproofing does not need to be repaired in the future, because the service life is the same as for reinforced concrete itself. Such waterproofing materials can be used both inside and outside the structure of an underground structure, before they are applied it is not necessary to dry the surface to be treated, moreover, it should be thoroughly moistened with water. For such materials, there is no problem of counteracting the resistance to water pressure, from outside or from the inside, it presses on the structure. Such waterproofing materials  are called "penetrating waterproofing".

Penetrating waterproofing is a dry mixture with specific properties. Such dry mixtures are diluted with ordinary water and a roller or brush is applied a thin layer on the wet surface of the protected structure, no matter where - inside or outside. The components that enter the mixture react with the structural components of concrete, begin to penetrate deep into the walls or floor of underground structures through capillaries or microcracks, reaching a depth of about one meter. During the motion of the components of such a waterproofing mixture, the concrete capillaries are blocked, in the mixture, by insoluble crystals. The resulting crystalline formations become a constituent part of the concrete itself. They block access to the penetration of water, but do not interfere with the movement of air or steam, that is, this design has the ability to "breathe". The higher the humidity of the concrete, from which the underground structure is built, the more efficient and faster the reaction of the mixture with the concrete, the faster the crystals are formed. The thin layer formed on the walls of the underground structure serves only to fix and temporarily retain these active chemical components on the surface, which play a major role in waterproofing. After a certain time, this layer, so it does not spoil the appearance, you can simply delete it. The components have already penetrated deep into the interior and caused a reaction, during which crystals were formed to prevent the penetration of water. This method of waterproofing is the most reliable and economical. Treated by such a waterproofing mixture of the surface of an underground structure can withstand water pressure up to 20 atmospheres. In addition, this waterproofing material is relatively inexpensive. Waterproofing of underground structures with such materials is sufficient only once, and it will serve throughout the life of the facility.

Department of SD website consults and conducts work on moisture protection, incl. underground facilities for cold seamless waterproofing with liquid rubber.

Most of the damage in underground structures occurs due to humidity. Where it is wet, concrete leaches, wood rots, steel corrodes, varnishes dissolve, paints peel off, the wallpaper falls off. If water contains harmful substances (and in modern realities this is exactly the case both in cities and in rural areas), the destructive effect of water increases. This is already aggressive water.

Waterproofing of underground structures is a complex of measures, as a result of which the contact of structures with moisture is excluded, which in a finely distributed form appears in building materials  or soil.

By the way, the quality of waterproofing of underground structures also affects thermal insulation. It should be remembered that water 25 times better conducts heat than air, so the thermal insulation of wet building structures will be significantly reduced. In other words, if water entered the basement in the fall, then it will be colder in winter in such a cellar than in the one that remained dry.

The need for underground waterproofing

Water and humidity can get into the structure, both outside and inside. But with respect to the underground waterproofing it is a question of moisture protection from the outside.

Outside water comes from above as well as from below. Water from above is precipitation and meltwater. It happens in the form of surface water "vypodokovka" and water from the spray. Water from below is a leak, water in the soil layers, water accumulating in the ground lenses, and groundwater. And all this has a negative impact if the waterproofing of underground structures has not been carried out.

We will consider what underground structures, from what water, in what cases can be damaged. The table below shows what problems the underground waterproofing prevents.

   Kind of building construction // Type of water    In what situations?    What kind of damage
   Walls in contact with the ground, and the slabs of the floors of the cellars are higher than the groundwater table. // Capillary water, bound water, percolating water. Strongly permeable primer    Ground moisture and non-accumulating seepage water
   Low-permeable primer    With drainage
   Without drainage    Collecting leachate water
   Walls in contact with the ground, slabs of floors and ceilings below groundwater level. // Groundwater.    Any kind of soil, buildings and construction methods    Pressurized water outside

For greater clarity, which water and what parts of the underground structures are affected, below is a figure that explains the need for a device underground waterproofing.

The impact of water on underground structures

The figure explains the need for an underground waterproofing, without which the building will not last long. And the figure shows that the water affects the underground structures and from the bottom and from the side. Especially about the "bottom" many people forget or do not think.

The building is affected not only by groundwater, but also by percolating water, and accumulating, and bound and water in the layers of soil. And the impact on the walls of the foundation, again, it is possible not only to the side, from the side of the walls, but also from below, from the base of the walls.

The highest level of groundwater must be below the basement. This condition must be met in order to minimize the impact of groundwater on the underground part of the building. The distance between the foot of the foundation and the upper level of groundwater should not be less than 0.3 m.

The primer around the building may be different in structure, and therefore in draining properties. So, under the upper layer of the soil is a layer through which the water quickly percolates. This, for example, sand, which has good draining properties and perfectly passes water. But then there is a change in soil layers and the soil already weakly passes water. For example, these are clay soils. Accordingly, the water already seeps more slowly, so water accumulates in the soil layers, moisture appears bound in the ground. And all these waters affect the foundation. Moreover, these are "flowers", real "berries" will be in winter if it turns out that the weakly permeable soil is within the depth of freezing.

This "trouble" comes as an additional "bonus" to the destruction of the underground walls due to the ingress of water into them and the forces of frost heaving. About why the soil freezes "moves" and how the water in the capillaries of concrete destroys the cement stone, you can read in the article on.

Underground accumulation of water and seepage occurs if the outer walls of the underground part of the building are buried more than 3 m below the ground level. In this case, the soil on the site and the soil of the backfill are a weakly permeating soil, i.e. clayey. Under such conditions, a drainage device, or a wall or trench system on the entire site, is necessarily required.

Types of waterproofing of underground structures

To protect yourself from water, it is necessary to perform waterproofing of underground structures. The following figure clearly shows what and how and from what water the security is to be protected in the underground part of the building.

In the figure, there is shown a different underground waterproofing, which is convenient and reliable to perform liquid rubber, if.

Outdoor and internal walls  The first floor should be protected from below from rising capillary moisture. For this, a horizontal waterproofing of the walls is carried out.

If the underground part of the building is built in a weakly permeable soil, then a drainage device is required to drain the percolating water.

For example, the picture shows a horizontal waterproofing of the basement, on top of which is an equalizing screed. Those. Waterproofing layer between the basement floor and the foundation slab. This is possible for relatively small buildings, without a layer of "lean concrete" under the slab. For example, now it becomes fashionable to use profiled membranes instead of lean concrete.

If the lifting structure is massive and deep, it is "calmer" to make the base of the slab of "lean concrete". And then put a waterproofing between the base foundation plate and the stove itself. In this case, the waterproofing of the basement floor is no longer required.

In any case, if the horizontal waterproofing of the basement floor or the foundation of the foundation slab is correctly performed and brought out outside the wall line, the task of horizontal waterproofing of the basement walls will be solved. Why?

Because in this case the subsequent vertical waterproofing of the foundation tightly joins with the horizontal waterproofing, forming a seamless rubber "bag", inside of which is an underground structure. This is the best and most reliable underground waterproofing. Read about why the liquid rubber ensures the tightness of the joint of vertical and horizontal waterproofing for an underground structure, can be found on the page.

This section of the site is dedicated to the website underground waterproofing. If you are interested, for example, how the liquid rubber is applied to the roof, then go to the section.

On all issues of waterproofing of underground structures, if consultation is required or to perform an underground waterproofing, please contact the SD Department website.

Melt, ground and rain water destroy the walls and supporting structures of underground structures. You can not negligently treat the problem of waterproofing of underground structures - all work should be done by professionals. If unskilled workers are involved in the execution of work, then a number of problems can be encountered. As a rule, it can be corrosion, lower quality concrete, deterioration of the performance of internal structures, damage to power cables. Also, do not forget about the harm that will eventually be caused to all stored there property.

Our company has all the necessary equipment to comply with all the requirements for different types of work in the waterproofing of underground structures necessary for its long-term operation.

Cost of work

Type of work Cost
Sealing joints in concrete 680 rubles. / Пог. m
Waterproofing of communication inputs pipes:

50 mm - 1000 rubles. / Piece.

100 mm - 2000 rubles / pcs.

150 mm - 2500 rubles. / Piece.

Sealing of technological holes 180 rubles. / Piece.
Waterproofing of cracks 680 rubles. / Пог. m
Waterproofing of brickwork 900 rubles / m 2
Waterproofing of concrete from 180 rubles / m 2
Waterproofing interblock seams from 680 rubles / m 2
Waterproofing of basement foundation from 680 rubles / m 2
The exact list of works can be determined only after the departure of our specialist to the site and all necessary measurements.

ASK A QUESTION

Features of waterproofing of underground structures

Any building structure that is underground, whether it is an underground parking lot or a warehouse, is threatened by the penetration of groundwater and sewage. The difficulty of working on such objects is limited access to the outside of the structure, since it is hidden beneath the earth's thickness.

Also, it should be noted that in the case of repairing waterproofing in underground structures under conditions of severe leakage, it becomes necessary to carry out a complex of works on shutting down water supply ways.

Operational work to protect the underground structure from leaks will not only protect the entire structure from flooding and further destruction, but also preserve the property there.

Types of waterproofing of underground structures

As a rule, works on waterproofing and sealing of the object are provided for the initial stages  erection of the building, since external walls  The buildings are not yet closed by the ground, and they are easier to reach. An important condition for quality waterproofing is the equipment of a reliable drainage system. To prevent the destructive effect of water, reinforced concrete structures are subjected to treatment, which is broken down into several stages.

Primary waterproofing  - the task is to ensure the stability of the structure to the aggressive environment that affects it on a daily basis. To do this, use concrete mixtures and special additives with high moisture resistance and frost resistance.

Secondary waterproofing Is the process of applying a special protective layer of coating waterproofing. PVC membranes are also used to protect the surface from the effects of an aggressive external environment. If there are works on restoration and repair of waterproofing, the best method is injection waterproofing.

Services of the company GidroStop

Our specialists will restore the damaged waterproofing system in the underground structure. The cost of services will depend on the features of the facility such as: the area, the degree of destruction of the structure and the required time. For consultation, you can contact our dispatch service and call a specialist on the site to draw up a detailed estimate of waterproofing works.