This was supposed to be simple. The site is flat and the building is all slab-on-grade. The geotechnical report stated the design ground water table is more than 3 m (10 ft) below grade. Why is there a need to spend in excess of $100,000, and add more than three weeks to the construction schedule for below-grade waterproofing? The short answer is: elevators.
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Waterproofing is the art and science of minimizing the potential for water ingress into a structure by treating surfaces to resist the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure. While it sounds similar, waterproofing is different from dampproofing, which is defined as treatment of a surface or structure to resist the passage of water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure.
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In the waterproofing sector of the commercial construction market, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “What is the best waterproofing product?” Unfortunately, the answer is not so straightforward.
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For roofs, concrete assemblies, and mechanical systems, there is an established tradition of testing and inspection to verify both the material installation and construction meet the specified design criteria. Owners usually accept this without hesitation, and are ready to pay for the expenses.
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Construction site dewatering is used to locally control and lower groundwater levels in the vicinity of the excavation. This is typically done to maintain soil conditions needed during, and occasionally after, construction—for example, to keep soil dry enough for construction loads, installing building materials, or safe working conditions.
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