💡 Understanding Soil Types and Their Impact on Below-Grade Waterproofing ♒!
✅ According to AS 2870:2011 Cl.2.1.2 Table 2.1, soil types are classified based on their reactivity, ranging from “A” (Sand and Rock with no ground movement from moisture changes) to “E” (extremely reactive).
✅ The type of soil directly influences foundation design and construction, which is crucial for Structural Engineers and designers. Incorrect soil assessment can lead to severe foundation movements, deformations, and Slab-on-Ground issues due to soil shrinking and swelling, causing various types of cracking such as heaving, settlement, shear, flexural, and torsion.
✅ In addition to soil reactivity, Structural Engineers must consider the chemical content of the soil, particularly its salinity (Chloride) and Sulphate levels, as outlined in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 in AS 2870:2011. This information is essential for specifying the correct concrete grade, cover, and curing requirements, as per Tables 5.3 and 5.4, based on the exposure classification in AS 3600:2018 Table 4.3 and Figure 4.3.
✅ NCC 2022 mentioned AS 3600 and AS 2870 for the performance-based solutions; therefore, they are the minimum expectations.
✅ BS 8102.2022 highlights the importance of analysing the environment and the site location for tree roots, potential burst water mains, creeks, landfills nearby, chemical production facilities, etc.
✅ AS 2870:2011 and AS 3600:2018 encompass much more than what is covered in this post. For waterproofing designers and consultants to create effective systems for On-Ground and Below-Ground structures, they must understand these standards in addition to AS 4654.1 & 2, AS 4858, and AS 3740 dedicated to waterproofing of external and internal areas, respectively.
✅ Choosing the wrong waterproofing system that leads to unavoidable failures will not only start a blaming game but will affect your brand and reputation regardless of whether you are at fault or not.
✔️ Moreover, Waterproofing System Designers in new structures must collaborate closely with Design Engineers to coordinate critical details in waterproofing and concrete durability. Remember, the best waterproofing system lies in the details, not just the products.
✔️ At Baleh Consulting, we understand the language of Design Engineers and Architects and work closely with them during our first stage to review and optimise their respective designs before proposing our solutions for the waterproofing and concrete durability systems. That’s in the best interest of the clients and asset owners.
You may also want to read Why is the soil a decisive factor in foundation construction
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Posted on 07/01/2025 Written by Hacene Baleh
Pictures credit: MFS Engineering
