Below-grade waterproofing and temporary earth retention systems should be coordinated and designed in tandem to maximize continuity of the waterproofing system. We discovered that some designers and contractors do not consistently consider the impact that the selected sheet pile system can have on the continuity of the selected waterproofing system. Designers and contractors must understand the limitations of waterproofing systems in order to minimize damaging these systems, avoid leakage where possible, and plan for potential leakage mitigation with minimal disruption to interior occupation. This article will focus specifically on sheet pile retention systems and their impact on the waterproofing.
There are many ways to retain earth in congested urban construction, typically known as property line construction. Below-grade waterproofing implications abound and depend on the type of retention system that may be proposed by the geotechnical/structural engineer. A consultant versed in all aspects of below-grade waterproofing systems must participate in the discussion when the design team selects and develops the temporary earth retention system. Each system has positive and negative implications for detailing the continuity of the blind side, property line waterproofing.