Comparison Statement

No. Unbonded System Bonded System

1 A complete tanking system (PVC membrane) A combination of a T-lock PVC sheet (designed for
designed for waterproofing of tunnels for high the internal lining of the sewer pipes) applied under
water pressure, consistent system with one type of the base slab and a Methacrylate spray applied
membrane, compatible from one manufacturer. membrane (designed for bridge deck waterproofing)
on walls and roof slab.
The system is not designated to any specific
manufacturer, compatibility and transition between
the two systems cannot be confirmed.
Refer to the below extract from the BS
8102:2009
3.9 tanking
Application of an appropriate waterproofing barrier
to the walls, the base slab and, where relevant the
roof of a below ground structure, such that the
entire envelope of the structure below ground is
protected against water ingress.

2 The system is loose laid but partially bonded The system is partially bonded below base slab and
through waterbars at construction joints, expansion fully bonded on walls and roof with no provisions for
joints and compartments, with the provision of the remedial work to the waterproofing membrane in
control and injection flanges that can provide an case of any defect.
access to the membrane in order to carry out the The only method of repair in case of leakage is by
remedial work by injecting the compartment in case the injection of the cracks in the concrete by using
of defect in the waterproofing barrier (if required). bored packer method and that is sealing the cracks
internally only while the structure remains exposed to
aggressive ground water.
Refer to the below extracts from the BS
8102:2009
6.2.3 Water table classification and grades
of waterproofing protection.
When selecting a type of waterproofing protection,
Table1 and Table 2 should be taken into account in
conjunction with the following points:
a) During the life of the structure some degree of
groundwater pressure is likely to build up against
the chosen waterproofing system.
b) Cracking or defective construction joints can
provide a potential path for water ingress.
c) Water ingress can occur where there is
groundwater pressure, if this is not consistent with
the required performance level (see Table2):
1) consideration should be given to the form and
feasibility of remedial work;
2) If remedial work is not possible the design
should be altered.
d) There are a number of risks associated with not
carrying out planned maintenance or structures
with Type C protection e.g. pump failure (see 10.3).
 10.3.1 Design
In order to maximize the long-term integrity and
effectiveness of a waterproofing system
incorporating Type C protection, the
waterproofing system should be designed to be
maintainable. Access points that allow routine
maintenance of channels and outlets should be
incorporated into the design of the waterproofing
system.

3 The system is loose laid with higher capability of The post applied spray Methacrylate has a limited
bridging any crack in pre or post application to the crack bridging ability, special care should be
concrete substrate, in addition to the high capability considered for the repair of any existing cracks prior
for accommodating any expansion joint movement. application and any future crack development after
the application.
In addition the tanking system is not continuous over
the expansion joints and is interrupted every joint (no
continuity of the waterproofing barrier).

Refer to the below extract from the BS

8102:2009
8.1.2 Differential movement and cracking
Barrier-specific properties should also be evaluated
allowing for any predicted cracking from the
structure. The waterproofing barrier should be
capable of providing the appropriate protection
against water and water vapour without disruption
or decay. Although some barrier materials accept
local strains and can accommodate a crack
 opening in the supporting structure, it should be
noted that others might be damaged by differential
movement or cracking (see Figure4 ). Care should
be taken so that a load-bearing substrate is
capable of supporting the barrier material even
under sustained water pressure, particularly
around openings or service penetrations. A leveling
or smoothing layer should be applied to masonry
structures as required.

NOTE: There are two issues in regard to the

possible influence of cracks on barrier
performance, one relates to cracks pre-existing at
the time of application and the ability of the
selected system to initially bridge the crack.
Decisions based on the specific properties of the
barrier material would be needed before deciding
whether any such cracks require pre-treatment.
The second issue is the ability of the selected
system to accommodate cracks that might form
after application. Remedial measures to fill
significant voids or openings should be under taken
as the effect of sustained water pressure forcing
the barrier material into them might create a risk of
failure.

6.2.4 Continuity of waterproofing protection

The need for continuity in the waterproofing
protection should also be considered when
selecting a type of protection in most
circumstances, the protection should be
continuous.

4 The membrane shall be protected by a protection The membrane is not protected on the horizontal,
 screed on the horizontal and a protection board on
the vertical.
5 Application and limitation:
Vertical application for the raft can be pre-installed
on the formwork or post installed after casting of
the raft.
No limitations on the application with regard to
surface preparation, moisture content, cracks
repair, time restraint after completion of concrete
curing, etc.
6 Overlaps and jointing:
All overlaps shall be welded by an automatic
double seam welding machine and tested at 2 bar
pressure (thermoplastic material).
Quality control can be performed on every joint and
even to the membrane sheet using the holiday
tester.
directly exposed to the rebar installation and that
may cause damage to the membrane, not detectable
and not accessible for repair.
The membrane on the vertical shall be protected with
a protection board.
Application and limitation:
The membrane for the raft has to be pre-installed on
the formwork (additional formwork are required to
cope with the project schedule).
For the spray membrane the concrete has to be
completely cured, surface preparation is a must prior
application, moisture content should not exceed 4%,
cracks should be repaired, etc.
Overlaps and jointing:
For the horizontal membrane, the overlaps shall be
welded manually due to presence of the T-lock.
No consistent jointing as every T has to be cut and
connected to each other manually.
The transition joint between the T-lock membrane
and the Spray membrane has no long term
compatibility test.
 Refer to the below extract from the BS
8102:2009
6.2.4 Continuity of waterproofing protection
The need for continuity in the waterproofing
protection should also be considered when
selecting a type of protection in most
circumstances, the protection should be
continuous.

7 Sika has more than 50 years of experience with Newly introduced system with no long term durability
the proposed system and globally wide references. / compatibility experience.

8 Life expectancy: Life expectancy:

Life expectancy of the system > 50 years. No long term experience with the system.
Guaranteed for 20 years.

9 The complete system is manufactured by a single
manufacturer, long term compatibility between the
products from a single source can be guaranteed.
Multiple manufacturers are involved with the
proposed system, long term compatibility cannot be
guaranteed.
The waterproofing system is not a designated
system to a single manufacturer, it is a combination
of products from different manufacturers.