Safety coefficient concept in waterproofing works

Abstract

To assure the efficiency of waterproofing, a suitable safety coefficient should be counted on, but we find this concept is not clearly defined precisely in the waterproofing works. Since it is not yet feasible to express the safety coefficient in numerical terms, using a calculation method, in spite of the most notable progress recently made in this respect to achieve this, we have to conform with a comparative safety coefficient, for waterproofing works. The various factors that condition the efficiency of a waterproofing are described, and which must be considered when fixing a suitable safety coefficient. It should moreover be remembered that certain circumstances such as the location of the works, the social conditions of the waterproofed work users, etc., may make it advisable to choose a safer solution than the minimum accepted by the Standard. Finally a procedure is given, through calculation, to compare the ageing and shedding re sistance coefficient of the asphalt sealer.