Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

STRUCTURE WATERPROOFING 

 

Introduction to the Problem 

The protection of structures (even soil and rock 

structures) from the effects of seeping water is a 

common need.  As noted in Chapter 3, this need 

is typically addressed with a drainage layer, 

often accompanied by a waterproofing layer. 

Typical Solutions 

Conventional soil barrier layers silts and clays 

attempt to minimize

 

liquid migration.   Where 

readily available, clay can be compacted in 

multiple layers to achieve a durable, low 

permeability barrier, although placement against 

a vertical structure can be difficult, costly or 

impossible.  Additionally, the integrity of clay 

barriers is adversely effected by:  

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variations in texture (i.e. presence of clods),  

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fluctuating moisture content and compaction 

effort,  

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extreme temperature exposure, and  

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exposure to certain chemicals.  

 

Gravel and sand layers, if locally available, can 

be cost-effectively engineered into systems to 

collect and remove liquids and gasses.  Assuring 

proper gradations, facilitating vertical placement 

on slopes, and obtaining uniform layer thickness 

often requires large construction tolerances and 

numerous duplicate inspections.