Job Specific: Application Sub Structure Waterproofing

Method Statement & Risk Assessment

Table of Contents
1.Introduction
2.Scope of work
3.References
4.Roles & Responsibilities

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5.Material & Equipment
6.Site Preparations
7.Surface Preparation
8.Waterproofing application procedures
9.Quality control
10.Safety measures
11.Environmental management
12.Emergency procedures
13. Conclusion

Method of Statement for Sub Structure Waterproofing

1. Introduction

The RLSE Temporary School Extension is a 2,210 sq/m temporary educational facility commissioned by
Rashid & Latifa Schools Establishment, constructed by Modular General Contracting LLC under the
consultancy of Engr. Adnan Saffirini Office. This method statement outlines the procedures for applying
substructure waterproofing to below-ground elements, including foundations, retaining walls, and
basement structures, to prevent water ingress and ensure long-term durability. The process complies with
Dubai Municipality (DM) Building Regulations (Section 04000 – Waterproofing), UAE Fire and Life Safety
Code of Practice (2023 Edition), and project specifications. The objective is to create a seamless,
watertight barrier using DM-approved materials and techniques.

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2. Scope of Work

The scope includes the preparation, application, and inspection of waterproofing systems for
substructures, covering:

 Surface preparation of concrete/masonry substrates.

 Application of a two-coat liquid waterproofing membrane or sheet membrane system.

 Reinforcement at joints, cracks, and penetrations.

 Integration with drainage systems and protection layers.

 Quality assurance through adhesion, spark, and water ponding tests.

 Compliance with DM’s environmental and safety regulations.

3. References

 Dubai Municipality Building Regulations (DM-Section 04000 – Waterproofing).

 Approved structural and geotechnical drawings.

 ASTM D5898 (Standard Practice for Durability Testing of Waterproofing Membranes).

 UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (2023 Edition).

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4. Roles and Responsibilities

 Project Manager: Oversees scheduling, material procurement, and stakeholder coordination.

 Site Engineer: Supervises surface preparation, membrane application, and alignment with design
specifications.

 QA/QC Engineer: Conducts material tests, inspects application quality, and documents compliance.

 Safety Officer: Enforces PPE compliance, monitors chemical handling, and manages spill response.

 Skilled Technicians: Execute surface preparation, membrane application, and joint detailing.

5. Materials and Equipment

 Waterproofing Materials:

o Liquid Membrane: Polyurethane or acrylic-based (e.g., Sika®-1a, 1.5 mm thickness).

o Sheet Membrane: PVC or bituminous membranes (DM-approved).

o Primer: Epoxy-based primer for enhanced adhesion.

o Reinforcement: Fiberglass mesh for cracks and joints.

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  Tools: Airless spray units, rollers, trowels, crack injection systems, and seam welders.

 Testing Equipment: Adhesion testers, spark testers, and moisture meters.

 PPE: Nitrile gloves, respirators (N95), safety goggles, and non-slip footwear.

6. Site Preparation

1. Substrate Inspection:

o Inspect concrete/masonry surfaces for cracks, honeycombs, or contaminants (oil, grease,

o Verify structural integrity and repair defects using non-shrink grout.

2. Surface Cleaning:

o Clean substrates using high-pressure water jets or mechanical grinders.

o Remove laitance, loose particles, and efflorescence.

3. Moisture Control:

o Ensure substrate moisture content does not exceed 5% (tested via moisture meter).

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7. Surface Preparation

1. Crack Repair:

o V-cut cracks to a minimum depth of 25 mm and fill with polyurethane injection resin.

2. Primer Application:

o Apply epoxy primer uniformly using rollers or spray equipment. Allow curing for 4–6 hours.

8. Waterproofing Application Procedure

1. First Coat Application:

o Apply liquid membrane using airless spray or rollers, achieving a wet film thickness of 1.0–1.2
mm.

o Embed fiberglass mesh at internal corners, construction joints, and pipe penetrations.

2. Second Coat Application:

o Apply the second coat perpendicular to the first layer after 6–8 hours of curing.

o Ensure total dry film thickness of 1.5 mm (verified via wet film gauge).

3. Sheet Membrane Installation (if applicable):

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 o Lay pre-formed sheets with 100 mm overlaps. Seal seams using heat welding or solvent-based
adhesives.

4. Curing:

o Allow membranes to cure for 24–48 hours, protected from foot traffic and water exposure.

9. Quality Control

1. Adhesion Test:

o Perform pull-off adhesion tests (minimum 1.5 N/mm²) after 7 days of curing.

2. Spark Testing (Sheet Membranes):

o Use electronic spark testers to detect pinholes or gaps in seams.

3. Water Ponding Test:

o Retain water on horizontal surfaces for 24 hours to confirm watertightness.

4. DM Inspection:

o Submit test reports and request final approval before backfilling or proceeding.

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10. Safety Measures

 PPE Enforcement: Respirators, gloves, and goggles mandatory during chemical handling.

 Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in confined spaces to prevent fume accumulation.

 Spill Kits: Place absorbent materials and neutralizing agents near work areas.

 Fire Safety: Store chemicals in fire-rated cabinets; keep CO2 extinguishers accessible.

11. Environmental Management

 Waste Disposal: Collect empty containers and waste materials for disposal via DM-approved
contractors (e.g., Dulsco).

 Dust Control: Suppress airborne particles with water sprays during grinding.

 Low-VOC Materials: Use eco-friendly membranes to minimize environmental impact.

12. Emergency Procedures

 Chemical Spills: Evacuate the area, contain spills with absorbent materials, and notify Dubai
Municipality’s Environment Department.

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  Injuries: Provide on-site first aid; escalate severe cases to Rashid Hospital (04-337 4000).

13. Conclusion

This method statement ensures the substructure waterproofing for the RLSE Temporary School Extension
complies with Dubai Municipality’s stringent standards, safeguarding the temporary structure against
water ingress and corrosion. Through meticulous quality control, safety protocols, and environmental
stewardship, the project will achieve a durable and compliant waterproofing system.