Moisture and vapour: design task for foundations and below-grade structures
Below grade, moisture and vapour must be coordinated with waterproofing, soil pressure and the backfilling sequence.
In foundations and below-grade structures, moisture and vapour requires backfilling and waterproofing protection; also check moisture conditions.
Moisture and vapour: inputs for foundations and below-grade structures
Before assessing moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures, obtain moisture direction, barrier positions, sealant specification and every penetration detail.
For foundations and below-grade structures, the verifiable moisture and vapour requirement is to verify joints, interfaces, penetrations and the compatibility of sealing materials separately.
Moisture and vapour: application boundary in foundations and below-grade structures
In foundations and below-grade structures, moisture and vapour has an important boundary. Low vapour permeability cannot correct an unfilled joint or a break in external waterproofing.
For moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures, address this specific risk: mechanical damage during backfilling or incompatibility with the waterproofing system.
Moisture and vapour: evidence for foundations and below-grade structures
For foundations and below-grade structures, the moisture and vapour source states: The D130 technical data sheet states a water-vapour permeability of no more than 0.003 mg/(m·h·Pa).
For moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures, apply this principle. Moisture protection depends on system continuity: product properties cannot compensate for open joints or a defect in an adjoining layer.
Moisture and vapour: detailing for foundations and below-grade structures
The foundations and below-grade structures drawing develops moisture and vapour through two decisions: backfilling sequence and the transition to the plinth; then waterproofing type.
For moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures, dimensions and interface materials belong in the design, not in an improvised site decision.
Moisture and vapour: accepting work in foundations and below-grade structures
Acceptance of moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures starts by matching delivery labels, drawings and the installed layout.
For moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures, close the identified risk with a photograph, measurement or record, not a verbal explanation.
The final foundations and below-grade structures criterion for moisture and vapour is that moisture protection forms one continuous line through corners, supports and transitions.
Moisture and vapour: installation in foundations and below-grade structures
The installation rule for moisture and vapour in foundations and below-grade structures is to accept the substrate before covering it.
During foundations and below-grade structures work concerning moisture and vapour, inspect filled joints under raking light and record interfaces before covering.
Moisture and vapour: conclusion for foundations and below-grade structures
In foundations and below-grade structures, foam glass delivers its moisture and vapour benefit through a coordinated detail, not one schedule entry.
The foundations and below-grade structures workflow for moisture and vapour is to evidence the property, issue the detail, accept installation and retain concealed-work records.