Research on a new adaptive roof waterproofing membrane to improve water resistance of traditional Chinese timber buildings

Abstract

The roof configurations of traditional Chinese timber buildings are unique and noticeably different from those of modern buildings, and their roof waterproofing performance is typically very poor. To improve their waterproofing performance, a new adaptive waterproofing membrane was developed and examined. First, typical roof configurations of traditional Chinese timber buildings were investigated and categorized. Then, finite element models of four typical roofs were established in ANSYS, and the stress distributions at the interfaces between the waterproofing membrane layer and adjacent roof layers were studied. Finally, a new adaptive roof waterproofing membrane for traditional Chinese timber buildings was developed, and relevant experiments on its material properties and mechanical performance were carried out. The properties of the new membrane were compared with those of ethylene propylene diene monomer, styrene-butadiene-styrene and atactic polypropylene waterproofing membranes. The results showed that the new waterproofing membrane has very good material properties and can meet the structural safety requirements for the roofs of traditional Chinese timber buildings. This membrane may also provide an adaptive conservation solution for such buildings and can substantially improve the waterproofing performance and durability.

Keywords

• traditional chinese timber building
• slope roof
• waterproofing membrane
• peel strength
• shear strength