The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems

Book excerpt: As the arsenal of weapons against leakage has grown, so has confusion among architects and engineers attempting to select the best below-grade waterproofing systems and materials. Manufacturers literature offers little assistance during the selection process, as well as being biased in favor of a particular product. The first guide devoted exclusively to the subject, The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems picks up where manufacturers manuals leave off. Written by an architect with more than twenty years of experience designing habitable underground spaces, it provides frank, unbiased appraisals of various waterproofing materials and systems. This manual presents architects and engineers with expert guidance on selecting, designing with, and specifying waterproofing materials and systems. Justin Henshell walks you step by step through the entire waterproofing process from determining waterproofing needs to selecting and specifying waterproofing systems to preparing detailed drawings for construction documents. And throughout, he offers architectural details which illustrate general design principles, as well as high-quality photographs of waterproofing failures that help you to more clearly comprehend common design errors and problems associated with various waterproofing materials. The Manual of Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems is an indispensable working resource for architects, civil engineers, contractors, specifiers, materials manufacturers, landscape architects, and all other professionals involved with the design and construction of habitable underground spaces.