Basements- ABCM

● Excavation and Methods of Excavation

● Methods of Basement Construction
● Waterproofing Methods for Basement
 ● In general, excavation means to loosen and to
Excavation take out materials leaving space above or below
ground. Sometimes in civil engineering terms,
earthwork is used which include backfilling the
voids with new original materials, spreading and
levelling over an area.

● Survey of existing site conditions employing

various physical and mechanical means is done
before the soil is excavated for construction of
basement.

1. Accurate level survey

2. Geotechnical survey
3. Ground and surface water information
4. Report of the surrounding facilities and structures
5. Other information or specification that deem
necessary.
 EXCAVATION METHODS

● Excavation in most situations nowadays is

done by mechanical means.

● However,the exact method to be adopted

still depends upon a number of factors

1. Nature of sub-soil –affects the type of

machine used and the necessity of soil
protection.
2. Size of excavation –affects the type of
machine used and method of excavation.
3. Scale of work –a large volume of
excavation may involve complicated
phasing arrangements and work planning
5. Surrounding conditions –impose certain restrictions and
4. Groundwater conditions –affect the
precautions (eg. Diversion of a government drain, or underpinning
degree of protection(watertight sheet piling
work to the nearby building foundation).
or de-watering may be required.
Very-large-scale excavation required tremendous resource input
and careful work planning both for building and civil engineering
work.
EXCAVATION METHODS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUlQyiH
DUMPLING METHOD

● This is used where there are buildings or streets in

proximity of the site. The method is to construct a series of
retaining walls in the trench, section by section, around
the site perimeter, leaving a center called a “dumpling”

● When the perimeter walls are in place, excavation may

start at the center of the dumpling, until exposing a
section of the wall. Then the wall may be side-supported
by struts, shoring, or soil anchor, etc., again section by
section in short length, until the excavation is all
completed.

● This method does not require much heavy mechanical

equipment and thus cost of work is relatively lower. It can
excavate up to a maximum depth of about 3m.

● Sometimes in very poor soil or waterlogged ground,

interlocking steel sheet pile may be driven to confine the
excavation area.
 EXCAVATION METHODS Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay which, when added to water, forms an
impervious cake-like slurry with very large viscosity.

DIAPHRAGM WALLING

● This method requires construction of a R.C. retaining

wall along the area of work. Because the wall is
designed to reach very great depth, mechanical
excavating method is employed.

● Typical sequence of work includes:

1. Construct a guide wall

2. Excavation for the diaphragm wall
3. Excavation support using bentonite slurry
4. Inert reinforcement and concreting
● Excavation for the diaphragm wall produces a vertical
strip in soil which can collapse easily. Bentonite
slurry is used to protect the sides of soi1. The slurry
will produce a great lateral pressure sufficient enough
to retain the vertical soil.

● Reinforcement is inserted in form of a steel cage, but

may require to lap and extend to the required length.
Concreting is done using tremie method.
 EXCAVATION METHODS

USING COFFERDAMS

● A cofferdam may be defined as a temporary box

structure constructed in earth or water to exclude soil
or water from a construction area, such as for
foundation or basement works.

● Use of cofferdam suitable for excavation of larger

scale can be of :

● a) Sheet pile cofferdam Also known as single skin

cofferdam. Interlocking type steel sheet pile is used
and can use for excavation up to 15m. Sheet pile in ● b) Double skin cofferdam – This works similarly like
this case acts as a cantilever member to support the the sheet pile to form a diaphragm. However, the
soil therefore adequate depth of pile or suitable toe diaphragm is double-skinned using two parallel
treatment may be required. In addition, cofferdams rows of sheet pile with a filling material placed in the
are need to be braced and strutted or anchored using void between. This creates somewhat a gravity
tie rods or ground anchors. retaining structure and increases the ability to
counteract the soil behind. However, more working
space is required.
 EXCAVATION METHODS

SHEET STEEL PILING

● Steel sheet pile can be of numerous shapes, thickness

and sizes. Most of them can be water-tightened and for
some heavy sections they can be driven down to 15m
depth .

● To erect and install a series of sheet piles and keep them

vertical in all directions a guide frame may be required.
The piles are lifted by a crane, using the lifting holes
near the top of each pile, and positioning them between
the guide walings of the guide. Powered hammer (fitted
with a grip to the pile) which are hanged by the crane is
usually use to drive the pile. Sometimes hydraulic
hammer can be used to reduce noise.

● There is a tendency of the piles to lean to a direction

during driving. Special control is therefore required to
monitor the pile is vertical all the way through.
 ● Construction of basement is difficult for it must
Methods of Basement be carried out below deep ground in adverse
Construction condition such as existence of ground water,
muddiness or limited working space.

● One of the most effective methods to construct ● Besides, works are needed to be done amidst
ordinary basement is by the use of diaphragm wall or layers of props, struts, walings and shores, which
sheet pile wall (cut-off) which serves as a retaining cannot be removed until the permanent works
structure during excavation and as the sides of the are completed and capable of carrying the final
basement walls. When the central soil is removed loads.
during excavation, the cut-off wall should be properly
supported for works. ● For each case of basement construction, the
method of soil support, sub-soil condition,
structure of the basement as well as the layout
requirement of the entire building must be taken
into consideration before designing the method
of works.
 METHODS OF BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION

USING LATTICE TRUSS

● A series of lattice beams or steel trusses are installed

so that they span between the top of opposite
diaphragm walls enabling them to act as propped
cantilevers. The trusses can be removed after the
internal floors have been constructed and receiving
all the lateral forces from soil.
 METHODS OF BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION

USING GROUND ANCHORS

● Diaphragm walls are exposed by carrying out the

excavation in stages and ground anchors are provided
to stabilize the walls as the works proceeds. This
method is most effective for basement of very large
span or without intermediate floors as lateral support
 METHODS OF BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION

TOP- DOWN METHOD (Floor Slab as support)

● After the perimeter diaphragm walls have been

constructed, the ground floor slab and beams are cast
providing tip edge lateral support to the walls. An
opening is left in the slab for labours, material or plant
as access to continue excavation to the lower stages.
This is repeated until the required depth is reached.
 METHODS OF BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION

CASTING OF CENTRE BASEMENT SLAB

(To support the struts)

● Centre area between the diaphragm walls can be

excavated leaving an earth berm around the perimeter to
support the walls whilst the lowest basement floor in
centre can be constructed.

● Slots to accommodate raking struts acting between the

wall face and the floor slab are cut into the berm. Final
excavation and construction of the remaining of the
basement can take place in stages around the raking
struts.
 METHODS OF BASEMENT CONSTRUCTION

USING IN-SITU RC AND TIMBER FORMWORK

● The basement structure can be constructed upon

the completion of the excavation with the
basement pit properly formed and supported.
Usually this is done in a bottom-up arrangement
using in-situ reinforced concrete formed by
traditional timber formwork.

● However, all the works are to be done in the

congested underground environment inside the
basement pit with a lot of lateral supporting frame
and work in confined space.

● Special attention including accurate construction

planning and spatial design to allow room for the
erection of the formwork as well as for the placing
in of the required materials and equipments, safe
access etc. should be provided.
Basement Waterproofing
Basement Waterproofing

Introduction

● Waterproofing is the formation of

an impervious barrier which is
designed to prevent water entering
or escaping from various sections
of building structures.
● Waterproofing is the combination
of materials or systems that
prevent water intrusion into
structural elements of the
buildings or its finished spaces.
● Internal membranes are created
with waterproofing admixtures.
● External membranes are applied to
the surface of the concrete nearly
always on the positive side.
● Waterproofing is required in
every structure but
especially needed in case of
basements where ground
water causes hydrostatic
pressure to be exerted
underneath basement floors
and against basement walls
& may result in mold, decay
and other moisture related
problems.
● Effective below ground
waterproofing will include
both drainage and sealers.
Types of Basement Waterproofing

● SEALANT
a) EXTERIOR SEALANT
b) INTERIOR SEALANT

● WATER DRAINAGE
sealant
● Sealant is a substance
used to block the passage
of gases or liquids through
the surface or joints or
openings in materials.
● Sealant is sometimes
synonymous with caulking
and also serve the
purposes of blocking dust,
sound and heat
transmission
● They can provide thermal
and acoustical insulation,
and may serve as fire
barriers.
Exterior Sealant
● These types of sealants are applied
as a coating on the exterior surface
of basement wall(positive side)
● They can be in a form of film (eg.
bitumen sheet, PVC) or
paints(polymer).
● The principal exterior substrates that
are sealed are:
- exterior wall joints (masonry, concrete,

plaster/stucco,)
- door and window frames
- concrete paving joints
- metal flashings
- roof joints
- seismic movement joints
External Waterproofing for Basement Where Adequate Space Is Available For
Excavation
● The excavation of ground for basement is
carried out in such a manner that working space
of at least 60 cm is available around external
walls.
● If water level is high, the excavated area should
be kept dry by continuous pumping.
1) On dry and levelled ground 75 to 100 mm thick
lean concrete is laid to serve as a levelling course
for water proofing.
2) The bitumen based primer is applied with brush
on entire area after cleaning the surface.
3) This layer should be protected by construction of
flat brick flooring.
4) After construction of structural slab and walls,
water proofing treatment on external face which is
in contact with earth is done.
5) After the surface is cleaned, bitumen primer is applied.
6) Self adhesive S B S rubber bitumen membrane with high density
polyethylene film is applied on vertical walls.
7) Before back filling the soil an outer protective wall leaving a space about
100 mm around should be made and the space should be grouted
subsequently.
External Waterproofing for Basement Where Adequate Space Is Not Available For
Excavation

1) The base slab of lean concrete is laid

followed by construction of external
protective wall. Its internal face is rough
plastered. Horizontal damp proofing
treatment is carried out.
2) vertical damp proofing treatment is
applied on inside plastered surface of the
protective wall.
3) The treatment should be continuous on
the wall and the floor.
4) For vertical damp proofing continuous
with horizontal a fillet cement mortars
should be provided at the junction of the
slab and outer protective wall.
5) The horizontal and vertical damp proofing is protected against damage
during subsequent operations.
6) Flat brick flooring and an inner protective wall are constructed.
7) The space of 100 mm left between vertical damp roofing treatment and
internal protective wall is grouted after laying damp proofing membranes.
8) Thickness and reinforcement of RCC structural slab and walls are designed
according to depth
 Interior Sealant
● Sealants are applied on the negative
side of the wall
● Sealants are in a form of solution
(organic silicon compounds) that are
injected in the wall to make it
impermeable.
● These types of sealants have a time
period of few years
● liquid silicification contains chemical,
that penetrate into the concrete
surface making the concrete itself
part of the waterproofing.
● The principal interior substrates that
are sealed are:
- gypsum board;
- plaster;
- floor control and expansion joints;
- kitchen and bathroom wet joints
Materials Used As Sealants

BITUMINOUS TYPE –
● A kind of waterproof sealant that is less suitable for floors.
● A few versions of this product are particularly fuel-resistant or able to withstand hot and
cold temperatures.
● Can be used as concrete sealant on airport decks and roadways.
● Roof sealant also is often made with this substance to protect the tops of houses and
buildings from water damage.
● Bituminous sealant is usually one of the best to use around a lot of water, such as in tanks
that hold several tons.
POLYURETHANE SEALANT
● Can be easily painted over.
● This is helpful when it comes to blending waterproof sealant with the surrounding décor.
● It also does not usually shrink, and is not easily damaged by abrasion, which means it is used
often with both flooring and cars.
● Shorter lifespan than silicone sealant, and has lesser ability able to withstand extreme
temperatures and UV rays.
● Not known for being friendly to the environment.
Materials Used As Sealants

SILICONE-BASED
● Protect surfaces from
ultraviolet (UV) rays and
extreme temperatures.
● Protect against mold or be
applied to natural materials
like marble or stone without
staining
● Silicone sealant cannot be
painted over, though there
are a few specialized silicone
sealants mixed with other
substances just for that
purpose
WATER DRAINAGE
● Function by draining underground water from
alongside the foundation footers and
underneath the basement floor. They then
channel it with a French drain, PVC pipe, or
through a patented product to a Sump Pump
System, which will then pump the water from
the basement.
● Often need to be run on an isolated electric
system, in case of power shortage, or during
periods of storms.
● Sump pumps should be placed in a pit, and
sealed in with a lid in order to keep the water
away from the electricity, and to prevent
humidity in the pump from entering the
atmosphere of the basement.
● Keeping the lid airtight ensures that there is no
likelihood of poisonous gases seeping out into
the house.
How It Works?
● Water enters the home via the basement
wall/floor joint, through cracks in the
foundation walls and/or holes created by
faulty or decaying masonry/brick.
● A perimeter trench drain such as a French
drain collects the water before it enters into
the basement.
● Wall vapour barriers/retarders and drip
mouldings are used and incorporated into
the sub-slab perimeter drain to collect water
coming from wall cracks and other
foundation wall defects, such as pipe
protrusions.
● The drain directs the water to a sump pump.
● The sump pump directs the water out of the
house.
Water Is Captured Using

● Exterior French Drain System

- Drain Pipe
● Interior French Drain System
● Trench Drain System
Exterior French Drain System - Drain Tile
● Instead of fighting hydrostatic pressure (and
risking major leakage), an exterior footing
drain was probably installed when the
building was built. Its job is to help relieve
this pressure and to move water away from
your house.
● An exterior French drain is typically installed
along the outside edge of the footing, after
the home's foundation is built but before it is
backfilled.
● First a bed of gravel is laid down around the
foundation's perimeter.
● Then perforated French drain pipe is placed
on top.
● Gravel is then laid on top of the pipe.
● Sometimes, filter fabric is then laid on top of
the French drain pipe to keep fine particles
from passing into the pipe.
● The excavation is then backfilled.
Limitations
● This old-fashioned waterproofing
system tends to collect sediment and
clog as it ages.
● Often, the filter fabric itself will
eventually be overwhelmed with
material and will clog.
● A drain system may work fine for years,
depending upon site conditions and
how carefully it was installed.
● When there’s a problem, however,
servicing it is difficult or impossible.
● These drains eventually clog with silt or
plant roots, and aren’t so much
effective at preventing water from
entering your basement.
Interior French Drain System
French Drains
Trench Drain System

● Effectively captures surface

water at building transitions
● Grated cap can be removed
to clear drainage channel.
● Use Trench Drain to prevent
water intrusion in these
locations:
● Across the basement floor in
front of an exterior concrete
stairway (bulkhead door).
● Across the entrance to a
garage.
● Where a patio meets a
walkout basement door.
Installation
● A sump pump hole is drilled into
the basement floor.
● The sump pump is then placed
into the opening and attached to
the water drainage system of the
house.
● Sump pumps run on electrical
currents and automatically turn
on and of depending on the level
of water building up in the
basement. It is most useful
during periods of heavy rain.
● If a sump pump fails to work, the
basement will eventually flood
again.
Some Other Measures
References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUlQyiHfex0
http://personal.cityu.edu.hk/bswmwong/contents/ebook/construction_technology/2e.pdf
https://edensstructural.com/everything-need-know-basement-construction/
https://designingyourperfecthouse.com/home-design-style/home-space-design/basement-
construction-structural-design/