From Single-Family Homes to Larger Projects

So far, we’ve discussed single-family homes—now let’s move on to larger structures.

In cities, good, load-bearing soils have been used up, and now construction takes place wherever space is still available, rather than where we would ideally like to build.

Commercial developments are reaching their maximum permissible height, pushing the limits set by regulations. This, in turn, creates a major challenge in transferring loads to the ground, requiring careful planning and the right construction solutions.

More and more often, buildings are being constructed as shown in the illustration—on broadly defined columns or piles, which are structures designed to transfer loads deep into load-bearing soil layers.

But what does this have to do with waterproofing?

Waterproofing the Top of Piles – A Critical Challenge

Waterproofing plays a crucial role here because the top of the pile resembles a reinforcement crown or an I-beam protruding from the ground. This means that waterproofing must also be applied underneath the foundation slab.

How to Properly Waterproof This Area?

One possible approach is using coating-based materials, but the chances of successfully sealing the crown with coatings alone are nearly zero.

This issue was once highlighted by Professor Starosolski, who pointed out a critical problem:

• If two layers of bituminous felt are placed on top of the pile (using bitumen adhesive) and then covered with another concrete layer, a hinge-like effect is created at the joint.
• This means that instead of a continuous concrete column, we end up with a pile interrupted by a bituminous hinge.
• Even if the structure compresses the bitumen, a thin residual layer will always remain, preventing full load transfer into the pile.

How to Solve This Problem?

To prevent the bituminous hinge effect, it is best to use mineral-based materials—for example, a dry sprinkle application with products like our 203 mix.

This method ensures:

• Continuous structural integrity, eliminating weak points in the load-bearing system.
• Safe and effective waterproofing, without compromising the building’s stability.

HYDROSTOP Technology