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Preventing failures in hot fluid-applied rubberized-asphalt membranes

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Abstract
Hot fluid-applied rubberized-asphalt waterproofing membranes have a long track record of performance in plaza waterproofing such as podium decks and vegetative roofs. These membranes have become a popular choice for aterproofing systems as esigners strive to incorporate occupant-accessible rooftop plazas and vegetative/green roofs into their projects. Recently, however, the roofing industry has observed a number of issues with the application of the hot fluid-applied rubberized-asphalt membrane, including widespread delamination, pinholing, and blistering. In the past, these issues were primarily attributed to moisture in the concrete slab. Using quantitative tools to measure moisture content in concrete slabs, we have determined that some failures can also be attributed to factors including primer application, material application, membrane temperature, and others. We have found that successful application is highly dependent on a combination of issues such as the age and moisture content of the concrete substrate, proper primer application and drying time, well-timed application of the membrane, and a project-by-project series of adhesion tests. Utilizing the authors’ experiences during recent projects, this paper will discuss modes of failure in fluid-applied rubberized-asphalt membranes and present successful solutions, including modifications during the design phase, in-field mock-up testing, and other quality control measures.
Date
10/2011
Author(s)
Anthony Nicastro; Christina Parker
Page(s)
25-
Keyword(s)
hot fluid applie; rubber membrane; EPDM; failure


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