1. Introduction
Raft slabs form the lowest structural element in basements and are continuously exposed to groundwater pressure, soil contaminants, and damp construction conditions. Proper waterproofing of the raft is critical to ensure long-term durability, prevent seepage, and protect reinforcement.
Waterproofing solutions must be pre-applied or fully bonded to resist lateral migration of water. Technology choice depends on basement depth, soil type, water table levels, and execution space.
2. Area of Application
- Below-grade raft slab in basements
- Areas with high ground water table
- Structures in aggressive soils or corrosive ground water environments
- Rafts adjoining retaining walls, lift pits, sump pits, STPs, and UGTs
3. Technologies for Raft Waterproofing
Technology | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended Use Case | Read More |
HDPE Membrane (Pre-applied, Sanded/Bonded) | Fully bonded to RCC Raft, prevents lateral water migration, unaffected by wet substrate, high chemical resistance, long service life | Requires skilled installation; overlap joints need care | Deep basements, high water table | HDPE Membrane Waterproofing |
PVC Membrane (Loose laid) | High flexibility, mechanical resistance, root-resistant, double-weld joints testable, independent of structural movement | Loose laid – requires fail-safe mechanism; potential lateral water migration | Deep basements with high excavation depth | PVC Sheet Membrane Waterproofing |
EPDM Membrane | High elasticity, UV and weather resistant | Limited bonding under damp substrate; poor adhesion to PCC | Shallow basements with low water table | Polyurethane Membranes |
Liquid Applied Systems (PU/Hybrid) | Becomes integral with concrete, seals cracks up to 0.3mm, reactivates with moisture | Rigid, slow process, not effective under very high pressure | Shallow basements, secondary protection | Crystalline Waterproofing (Integral Powder & Surface-Applied Slurry) |
Cementitious Systems | Easy application, compatible with PCC, economical | Rigid, prone to cracking, limited to low pressure | Ancillary structures, lift pits | - |
Swelling Clay / Bentonite | Self-healing, automatic expansion against leaks | Requires confinement, swelling pressure may damage | Rafts with continuous soil pressure | - |
Shahabad Stone Tiling (Old method) | Historical method, simple | Prone to joint leakages, not durable | Only for heritage reference, not modern spec | - |
4. System Details
- Surface Preparation: PCC cleaned, free from laitance, sharp edges, voids, and standing water.
- Membrane Laying
- HDPE Membrane (Pre-applied, Sanded/Bonded)
- PVC Membrane (Loose laid)
- EPDM Membrane
- Modified Bitumen Membrane
- Crystalline System
- Cementitious Systems
- Swelling Clay / Bentonite
- Box Type Waterproofing (Shahabad Tiles / Old Style)
- Liquid Applied Systems
- Termination Details:
- Unconfined wall: Terminate 40 mm below raft top.
- Confined wall: Extend 300–500 mm above raft level, protected by flashing.
- Raft & Wall Junctions: Provide waterstops (hydrophilic/EPDM) or Re-injectable hose pipes or hydroswelling waterbars at all construction joints.
- Repairs: Scratches with double-sided adhesive tape; punctures patched with ≥150 mm overlap.
Applied directly over PCC, adhesive side up; fresh concrete poured on top ensures full bond and eliminates lateral migration.
Laid loosely over PCC with overlaps heat-welded; requires an additional fail-safe system (like injection hose) for long-term security.
Sheet membrane applied over PCC; provides high elasticity but requires a dry, prepared substrate for proper adhesion.
Torch-applied / cold-applied over PCC substrate with a primer; adhesion is only to PCC, hence surface must be smooth and dry.
Applied as a slurry coat on positive side of raft; penetrates concrete pores, grows crystals, and seals hairline cracks up to 0.3 mm by reacting with free lime in concrete.
Brush/roller applied as slurry coating on PCC; economical for small rafts or as a secondary barrier.
Sheets placed against PCC before pouring raft; swelling action self-heals joints when exposed to water.
Flat stone tiles (e.g., Shahabad) laid over PCC with cement mortar; joints grouted. Provides rigid physical barrier, but prone to leakage over time.
Spray/roller applied directly over PCC surface; forms seamless monolithic layer, best for small raft areas or detailing around penetrations.
Decision Guide
- Deep basements or high groundwater table → Prefer fully bonded HDPE pre-applied; PVC with compartmentalization when justified.
- Shallow basements or ancillary pits → Cementitious or coal tar epoxy for light-duty, not as primary line of defense under high head.
- Large areas with complex details → 2K PU spray or fully bonded sheet depending on constructability and QA capability.
- Always provide waterstops at all construction joints; avoid systems that allow lateral water migration.
5. Video Masterclass
SpecX Masterclass: Raft Waterproofing – Choosing the Right Technology → Coming Soon
Disclaimer
SpecX is an industry initiative & a neutral resource, compiled from industry references and best practices. It is not brand-specific. Always cross-check with project requirements and local codes before finalizing specifications.