Any underground structures (basement) made up of a base slab, walls, and a top slab is partially or entirely exposed to the surrounding soil and groundwater around it, putting it at risk of specific exposure and stress from ongoing or sporadic environmental conditions.
What are the types of exposure and its impacts to the structures of the basement?
Structures of the basement may be exposed to a variety of environments, such as:
- Varying degrees of water pressure and exposure (such as open water, percolating water, water under hydrostatic pressure, damp soil)
Impact: Condensation, mold development, loss of thermal insulation, and corrosion of steel reinforcement are all examples of damage to the structure, finishes, contents, and interior environment. - Chemical contained groundwater (commonly sulphates and chlorides in solution)
Impact: Concrete degradation from sulphate attack and steel reinforcing corrosion (due to chloride attack) - Unequal static forces (due to load, settlement, or uplift, etc.)
Impact: Structural crack - Aggressive biological factors (fungal or bacterial attack, plant roots or growth)
Impact: Damage to the waterproofing system
- Cracked walls – Wall cracks can be diagonal, stair-stepped, horizontal, vertical, or any combination of these. Widening cracks are a sign of structural damage or intense pressure.
- Wall buckling – Typically brought on by hydrostatic pressure. Walls have a pronounced inward bend.
- Peeling paint – Paint along basement walls that has bubbled or peeled due to water leaking through the walls.
- Efflorescence – It is a white, powdery residue that is visible on the basement walls close to the floor.
- Mold – Fungi typically flourish in damp, dark environments and, with extended exposure, can lead to respiratory issues.
- Crystalline waterproofing technology – This technology can also be used as a surface-applied cementitious slurry after the original concrete placement. It reduces the concrete’s permeability to guard against the entry of water and chemicals carried by water. It can be applied to either the positive (wet) or negative (dry) side of the water pressure since it forms a permanent part of the concrete, providing reliable hydrostatic waterproofing protection and repair for even the most challenging situations.
- Acrylicate gel sealant by using curtain injection technology – A waterproof layer, or sealing membrane, is injected directly behind the building structure during a curtain injection. This waterproof layer creates a barrier between the ground and the walls and floors. Curtain injection solutions with cutting-edge materials can guarantee affordable, dependable, and long-lasting waterproofing. The injection procedure may be done in the soil beneath a structure’s foundation, behind walls, behind foundation slabs, or for trench lining purposes.
When there is water present, the unique chemicals will react with the concrete and cause millions of long, needle-shaped crystals to develop deep within the bulk of concrete. Water cannot enter through capillary pores, microcracks, or joints because of these crystals because they permanently block and prohibit it. For the system to work, the surface treatment is no longer necessary because the concrete itself serves as the waterproof layer. The system, as a result, is very strong and will endure as long as the concrete.
Key Takeaways
Even if there is only a small amount of water in the basement following a heavy rain, the problem shouldn’t be disregarded. A wet basement can cause major water and moisture damage, wood decay, mold and mildew, and other problems. Repair any leaks in the basement, prevent the entrance to water, and properly dry the space.
Depends on the severity of the water leakage in basement, it is important to determine the correct method that are suitable to treat and tackle the leakage issue in the basement. We, Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd have more than 30 years of experience in this industry.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information. Our team will be happy and glad to assist you.
Kindly visit to our website at https://structuralrepairs.com.my/ or contact us at Tel: +603-91731728/29 Whatsapp: +60 12-334 9113
