To review, there are five reasons why waterproofing is required. They are: 1. To meet code requirements. 2. To keep water out of the building. 3. To protect the structure’s concrete and steel elements. 4. To cope with hydrostatic pressure. 5. To minimize economic concerns, such as the cost of future excavation.
To review, there are five reasons why waterproofing is required. They are:
1. To meet code requirements.
2. To keep water out of the building.
3. To protect the structure’s concrete and steel elements.
4. To cope with hydrostatic pressure.
5. To minimize economic concerns, such as the cost of future excavation.
Let’s look at reason No. 5, economic concerns. In the last decade, the term “value engineering” gained prominence, particularly with general contractors who look to add to their profit margins through substitution of materials and systems. The term implies that there may be some value in substituting design materials or application procedures with less expensive methods of construction. This approach can be disastrous when it comes to below-grade waterproofing. The primary reason for this concern is one of risk v. cost. If a building owner wants to cut costs, the waterproofing system is the last place to do so. This is because the cost of excavation far exceeds the initial cost. Due to this fact, the designer should always minimize risk despite any reasonable - or unreasonable - costs. With waterproofing you only have one chance to do it right.
The architect should stand firm on the waterproofing design and should not accept change orders for materials or systems that they are not familiar (or comfortable) with. If the building owner or general contractor forces changes to design of materials or application procedures without the designer’s acceptance, the designer should have those parties sign a release of liability. As a professional in the industry, the designer will assume liability for all design components - even those changed without their consent - unless a release of liability is provided.
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