Waterproofing performance of deep basements

Several factors need to be considered to select the most suitable wall type to comply with the project requirements, specifications, and site-specific ground conditions. The selected retaining wall system offers a direct link to the expected grade and degree of waterproofing performance, which is the focus of this webinar.

Embedded retaining walls should not be assumed to be generally watertight as complete water tightness is not always practical and economical. Even cast in-place concrete diaphragm walls with very low permeability cannot be considered to be completely watertight despite having the least number of vertical construction joints of all embedded retaining walls.

British Standard BS 8102-2009 clearly highlights the requirement of additional water proofing elements or measures to meet the relevant water proofing levels and grades for basement retention systems, depending on their intended use. However, unless the retaining wall itself provides adequate/ realistic water retention, the performance of the additional tanking can be put at risk.

Learning outcomes

You will gain an understating of:

• How to assess waterproofing performance criteria for basements and how early in the project it needs to be addressed and agreed on,
• Typical construction methods for different embedded retaining wall types for basements, shafts and deep excavations and some basic guidance on leakage protection,
• How good workmanship, concrete technology and sufficient placement methods can assist to achieve the specified water proofing performance of embedded walls and their joints.

Intended audience

The intended audience includes geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, piling contractors, architects, builders, asset owners, Project, Commercial and Construction Managers of construction companies and developers.

Presenter information

Dr Martin Larisch is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with Golder Associates. He has been involved in piling and ground engineering for more than 20 years, holding technical and operational positions for some of the leading geotechnical contracting firms in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout his professional career he was involved in the design, construction and verification of a large number of different deep foundations for numerous infrastructure, building and marine projects of different scale and size across the Asia Pacific Region.

Martin is a CPEng with Engineering New Zealand and has published more than 30 technical papers for international journals and conferences. He has also been involved in the development of various good practice guidelines for piling works in New Zealand, Australia, Europe.