Blockwork Structures

Blockwork Structures

These Newton Solution Sheets show the highest degree of waterproofing to a structure built of blockwork whilst also indicating the risks of a lower degree of waterproofing.

This type of wall construction has three inherent weaknesses as an earth retaining structure that is designed to be water-excluding:

1. The walls are not as water-resisting as reinforced concrete walls due to the many mortar joints providing a route for water to ingress.
2. The walls require a Type A membrane for them to be as water-resisting as a reinforced concrete wall.
3. It is good practice to incorporate waterbars at all viable construction joints. However, some forms of blockwork, such as hollow block walls, prevent the wall-floor junction from being protected with this method.

Download Newton Solution Sheets for Blockwork Structures

These downloadable Solution Sheets are a sample of the numerous waterproofing solutions for blockwork structures, and provide a comprehensive waterproofing specification tool including all key product information, from NBS Clauses to 2D details, CAD drawings and 3D drawings.

The Solution Sheets have also been scored on the Newton Waterproofing Index as an indication of our expert opinion on the likelihood that the design will achieve the required level of waterproofing.

Solution
A-03

Solution
AA-01

Solution
AC-03

Solution
C-01

Recommendations & Standards

Although a ‘Type A’ waterproofing membrane provides a form of waterproofing, it should be understood that the risk of water ingress due to installation defect is reasonably high and so, as advised with BS 8102:2022, consideration should be given to the use of combined protection where the risk of water ingress or dampness is unacceptable.

Contingency planning for dealing with any localised defects or system failure that arise should be included as part of the overall water-resisting design for the structure and the issue of repair-ability should be taken into account and the feasibility of remedial measures assessed. Consider re-usable injection waterbar systems and internal ‘Type C’ waterproofing.

The Newton Waterproofing Index

The Newton Waterproofing Index (NWI) is a unique scoring system that accurately assesses the level of risk and potential success of waterproofing specifications. NWI scores are awarded by a panel of experienced waterproofing design specialists and reflect the chances of success of each application.

To find out more about NWI scores and how they can help with your project design, read our page explaining the Newton Waterproofing Index and how it works.

For more information regarding these solution sheets, or to find a specification suitable for your project, please fill out the form below or email our Technical Team at tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.