What is DPC?
The damp proof course (DPC) is generally applied at basement levels, which restricts
the movement of moisture through walls and floors. The selection of materials for the
damp proof course and its various methods of applications in buildings is discussed.
Materials for Damp Proof Course (DPC)
Properties of Materials for DPC
An effective damp proofing material should have the following properties;
1. It should be impervious.
2. It should be strong and durable and should be capable of withstanding both dead as
well as live loads without damage.
3. It should be dimensionally stable.
4. It should be free from deliquescent salts like sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates.
Types of Materials for Damp Proof Course
The materials commonly used to check dampness can be divided into the following
three categories:
1. Flexible Materials: Materials like bitumen felts (which may be hessian based or
fiber/glass fiber-based), plastic sheeting (polythene sheets), etc.
2. Semi-rigid Materials: Materials like mastic, asphalt, or a combination of materials or
layers.
3. Rigid Materials: Materials like first-class bricks, stones, slate, cement concrete, etc.
Selection of Materials for Damp Proof Course in
Buildings
The choice of material to function as an effective damp proof course requires a
judicious selection. It depends upon the climate and atmospheric conditions, nature of
the structure, and the situation where DPC is to be provided.
Fig 1: Cross section of Damp Proof Course.
The points to be kept in view while making selection of DPC materials are briefly
discussed below:
1. DPC above ground level
For DPC above ground level with wall thickness generally not exceeding 40 cm, any
one of the types of materials mentioned above may be used. Cement concrete is
however, commonly adopted material for DPC at plinth level, 38 to 50mm thick layer
of cement concrete M15 ([Link] mix) serves the purpose under normal conditions.
In the case of a damp and humid atmosphere, a richer mix of concrete should be used.
The concrete is further made dense by adding waterproofing materials like Pudlo,
Impermo, Waterlock, etc. in its ingredients during the process of mixing. It is used to
apply two coats of hot bitumen over the third surface of the concrete DPC.
2. DPC Material for floors, roofs etc.
For greater wall thickness or where DPC is to be laid over large areas such as floors,
roofs, etc., the choice is limited to flexible materials that provide a lesser number of
joints like mastic, asphalt, bitumen felts, plastic sheets, etc.
The felts, when used, should be adequately bonded to the surface with bitumen and
laid with joints properly lapped and sealed.
3. DPC Material for situations where differential thermal
movements occur
In parapet walls and other such situations, materials like mastic, asphalt, bitumen felts,
and metal (copper or lead) are recommended.
It is vital to ensure that the DPC material is flexible to avoid any damage or puncture
of the material due to differential thermal movement between the material of the roof
and the parapet.
4. DPC material for Cavity Walls
In cavity wall construction, like cavity over the door or window should be bridged by
flexible material like bitumen felt, strips or lead, etc.
Methods of Damp Proof Course Installation
in Construction
The general principles to be observed while laying a damp proof course are:
1. The DPC should cover the full thickness of the walls, excluding rendering.
2. The mortar bed upon which the DPC is to be laid should be made level, even and free
from projections. Uneven base is likely to cause damage to DPC.
3. When a horizontal DPC is to be continued up a vertical face, a cement concrete fillet
75mm in radius should be provided at the junction before the treatment.
4. Each DPC should be placed in correct relation to other DPC to ensure a complete and
continuous barrier to the passage of water from floors, walls, or roof.
Figures 1 to 7 explain the provision of damp proof course under
different conditions
Figure 2: Air Drain
Fig 3: Damp Proof Course Treatment for basement on undrained soils
Fig 4: Plan of
building showing DPC
Fig 5:
Damp Proof Course Treatment for Basement in Damp Soil
Fig 6: Asphalt tanking
for basement
Fig 7: Damp Proof Course for
Flooring
Fig 8: Damp Proof
Course for Internal Walls
1. What is Damp Proof Course?
The damp proof course (DPC) is generally applied at basement levels, which restricts
the movement of moisture through walls and floors.
2. What is the abbreviation of DPC in Construction?
The abbreviation of DPC is the Damp Proof Course.
3. What are the desirable properties of DPC Material?
The desirable properties of DPC material are-
A. It should be impervious.
B. It should be strong and durable and should be capable of withstanding both dead as
well as live loads without damage.
C. It should be dimensionally stable.
D. It should be free from deliquescent salts like sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates.
4. What are the types of DPC Materials?
A. Flexible Materials: Materials like bitumen felts (which may be hessian based or
fiber/glass fiber-based), plastic sheeting (polythene sheets), etc.
B. Semi-rigid Materials: Materials like mastic, asphalt, or a combination of materials
or layers.
C. Rigid Materials: Materials like first-class bricks, stones, slate, cement concrete,
etc.
Read More: Materials for Damp Proof Course in Construction Works
