Ground Gas Protection Systems

BS 8102:2022 – Structural Waterproofing and Ground Gas Protection

Building Products Index Ltd April 26, 2022 Gas Membranes, Membranes Leave a Comment

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Technical Drawings – Ground Gas Protection Systems – Delta Membranes

Ground Gas Protection Systems – Delta Membranes

Gas Protection Systems – Delta Membranes

Kevin Dodds, Delta’s Manging Director, shares some thoughts on structural waterproofing and ground gas protection approaches.

With much anticipation, BSI launch BS8102:2022 Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water Ingress. Code of practice. Within the update is recognition of combining both structural waterproofing and ground gas protection.

Prior to the launch of BS8102:2022, both BS8102:2009 and BS8485:2015+A1:2019 were intertwined, however BS8102:2022 provides further and greater clarification on design approaches.

Awareness and a better understanding of the potential impact of ground gas is being recognised more and more by both industry professions and homeowners alike. Ground gases aren’t particularly something new, however newer technologies for dealing with ground gases are. With innovative new products, and approaches to design it’s possible to provide both a robust, continuous waterproof and gas proof design.

Ground gases either occur naturally or through human activity which impacts on environmental factors. From Radon to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), the impact of ground gases on occupiers of a structure built on a contaminated site are substantial. From health issues to toxicity, ground gases should be approached with caution.

A desktop study is the first part of the site investigation process, depending on the risks present, these findings will contribute to determining the overall protection systems chosen.

If a site has been identified with ground gas or hydrocarbon contamination it will be given a Characteristic Situation Score. The Characteristic Situation Score is defined according to how severe the gas flow and gas concentration from the ground/soil is.

All sites which have been characterised with a gas situation score will require a gas protection system and where identified a waterproof protection barrier.

Ground gas protection is a barrier that prevents hazardous gases and contaminants from the underlying soils entering a structure. A well-designed system can also perform the function of a damp-proof membrane, assisting in preventing the ingress of moisture into the structure.

Waterproof protection is the prevention of water ingress into a structure. A well-designed system may also perform the function of a ground gas protection system (product selection pending).

Evaluation of groundwater conditions, risk assessment and options for drainage outside the structure should always be considered and included in the overall design.

A Waterproofing Design Specialist will be able to interpret the requirements of BS8102:2022 and BS8485:2015+A1:2019 along with other legislative documents to produce a waterproofing design which incorporates both a waterproof and gas proof protection system.

A key element of this design approach is a continuous solution. When we use the term “continuous”, we are referring to the design approach, which should include the whole structure (from detailing to any opening), ensuring the entire structure is protected.

We are always Happy to Help

Do you have questions about a project, product, or application? In an ever-changing industry where reduced risk and higher quality is required, you need a waterproofing design partner that is proactive and dedicated to help you keep up with new technologies and solutions to ensure your projects thrive. Whatever the needs of your business, you can rely on the #DeltaTeam to ensure you get the right advice, support, and practical help at exactly the right time to keep you ahead of the competition.

Contact: 01992 523 523

Email: info@deltamembranes.com

Website: www.deltamembranes.com

What is Radon and how can we protect our homes?

Building Products Index Ltd November 25, 2019 Waterproof Membranes Leave a Comment

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Radon occurs naturally in the environment. Radon gas is created when natural radioactive uranium slowly decays and can be found in all rocks and soils.

Radon can be found everywhere in the United Kingdom, although certain parts of the UK will have higher concentration levels than others. To check whether you are in a high Radon concentrated area visit https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps.

This radioactive gas is, colourless, odourless and tasteless.

Radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m^-3) and specialist equipment is required to detect it.

The average level of Radon in UK homes is 20 Bq m^-3. For levels below 100 Bq m^-3, individual risk remains relatively low and not a cause for concern. However, the risk to health increases as radon levels increase.

Radon can migrate into any building that is built over a source.

If Radon accumulates in a building, it increases the risk of lung cancer for occupants. Radon is the cause of 15% of lung cancers worldwide (World Health Organisation ‘WHO’ 2009) and the main cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 1100 deaths in the UK every year.

Research published earlier this year has found that radon levels are increasing in buildings and homes due to the changes we are making to building efficiencies (such as energy efficiency). This in turn will lead to an increase in the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon exposure.

Technical solutions such as Ground Gas Protection Membranes incorporated into the design of buildings and structures can offer protection to occupants of homes built on contaminated lands and the harmful effects of radon.

Ground Gas Protection Systems can be used on new, retrofit and refurbishment construction although design considerations are more complex on retrofitted projects.

Forward thinking manufacturers, such as Delta Membrane Systems Limited, have sought to test all our products on their safety, reliability, high-quality and gas permeability.

Manufacturing flexibility has never been as important for the construction industry as it is today. The permeability of gas through a membrane is a critical factor when it concerns the ability of the lifetime of a building or structure.

Through extensive research we can state all our Cavity Drain Membrane Systems (CDMs) offer radon protection with a low permeability rate.

Whilst, our MemTech range of Ground Gas Protection Membranes offer complete protection from Radon, Hydrocarbons, Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Thank you for reading our latest news! If you would like to find out about structural waterproofing, damp proofing, ground gas protection systems, flood resilience or installing a Delta System we’re happy to help. Give us a call on 01992 523 523 or email us at info@deltamembranes.com.