Waterproofing Standards around the World 2017

I thought it was about time for an update to Waterproofing Standards around the World from September last year, because the new Waterproofing Standard DIN 18533 “Waterproofing of elements in contact with soil” was published in July 17 as a major update and part of a set of 5 comprehensive standards for Waterproofing application areas in new buildings.

I would like to provide details of this DIN Waterproofing standard and a little on some of the new additions to previous standards, because it would be great we could pick up of it for what is best for our own situation here, when we will develop our own standard or guideline.

In this posting I will focus on DIN 18533 Part 1: “Requirements and principles for design and execution”, because in this part, the fundamental requirements for the other parts of DIN 18533 Part 2 (sheet waterproofing systems) and Part 3 (liquid waterproofing systems) in which among other requirements, minimum dry film thickness for different exposure classes are regulated.

Some of the useful additions for the guidance of industry, design and application in DIN 18533.1 include the introduction of the following useful classifications.

1. Four water load classes specify the type and intensity of the water load, the building element is subjected to.

Table 1 from the standard translated.

2. Four crack classes were also introduced so that the crack bridging capabilities of the waterproofing system can be aligned with the crack characteristics of the substrate.

3. Dryness requirements for rooms depending on their use are introduced. (We know similar from BS 8102-2009, T2)

For many design principles and application requirements of both sheet and liquid waterproofing systems, (18533.1 and 2) set out in the standard, the classifications are used as an important reference.

The standard excludes the regulations and comprehensive guidelines for the design of watertight concrete published in detail by DAfStB. Also known as "integral waterproofing" from the code of practice BS8102, 2009

I went through many important sections of this new standard (a new publication which also took the DIN Standards committee for construction many years to develop) and I look forward to spending time on reviewing and actually using the first Australian standard or guideline for below grade waterproofing, to date we are still waiting.

Please let me know if I can assist further with more information on this standard or your current waterproofing issues or questions.

Regards

Peter

PS - My next update will follow mid 2018