Comparative Study of Different Types of Waterproofing Screeds with a Focus on Cohesion with Selected Building Materials after the Freeze-Thaw Exposure

Abstract

The aim of the research was focused on the functionality of three types of waterproofing screeds from the perspective of their use in building structures. Bitumen, polymer, silicate (mineral) were studied in terms of their cohesion with the substrate and their sealing ability, used in combination with different building materials—ceramics, concrete, lime-sand bricks and marl stone, the permeability properties of which were taken into consideration, too. The cohesion was also studied after the freeze-thaw exposure to take into account the aspects of durability. During the experimental program, the basic waterproofing ability of all types of tested screeds applied on building materials was confirmed. Comparing the overall tested screeds, despite the best adhesion of the polymer-based screed, this material exhibited the lowest durability after the freeze-thaw exposure. The bitumen and silicate (mineral) screed attained similar values of adhesion to the studied base materials. However, they differ in their ability to withstand freeze-thaw cycles over time. The modified water permeability test on model masonry specimens was performed. No leakage of water during the test was monitored for the specimens with all types of applied screeds over time, and, in addition, water had not penetrated through the bricks, nor through the joints. The waterproofing effect of the screed is not affected by the joints in masonry.

Keywords

• waterproofing screeds
• freeze-thaw cycles
• adhesion
• building structures