Research has proven that the potential service life of LOGICBASE V-SL is at least 150 years

TECHNONICOL experts, together with specialists from JSC TsNIIPromzdaniy (Central Research and Design and Experimental Institute of Industrial Buildings and Structures), conducted research to determine the chemical resistance of LOGICBASE V-SL and LOGICBASE V-ST PVC membranes. The research confirmed the high resistance of polymer membranes to chemically aggressive media.

Without the installation of underground waterproofing systems, various types of chemical and biological corrosion threaten concrete and reinforced concrete structures. The structures are affected by chemicals found in groundwater and soil, such as chlorides, which are found in almost all types of groundwater. Therefore, PVC membranes used as a waterproofing layer to protect concrete and reinforced concrete structures must have high chemical resistance.

One of the main indicators of the physical and mechanical properties of PVC-based polymer membranes are their longitudinal/transverse uniaxial tensile strength and multiaxial tensile strength. However, due to exposure to chemicals found in groundwater and soil, the stress-strain properties of materials may change over time.

TECHNONICOL experts, together with specialists from JSC TsNIIPromzdaniy, conducted a study to determine the chemical resistance of LOGICBASE V-SL and LOGICBASE V-ST PVC membranes with the purpose of predicting changes in their potential service life when they are installed on real structures.

To test the waterproofing material for stress-strain properties in accordance with GOST 31899-2 (tensile strength and elongation at break) and GOST 2678 (change in weight, flexibility and water resistance), control dumb-bell type samples were prepared. The test samples made out of polymer membranes were immersed in solutions of aggressive chemicals for a period of 30 - 120 days.

The samples were soaked in chemical media in accordance with the GOST R 56910 procedure with minor modifications. Unlike the “classical” requirements of the procedure, according to which waterproofing materials must be completely immersed in a chemical medium, only one side of the coating was exposed to the test liquid during the research. It is this kind of exposure that occurs in actual operating conditions of waterproofing materials when they protect underground parts of buildings and structures.

The following chemical media were used in the tests: sodium bicarbonate NaHCO₃ (3% solution), sodium hydroxide NaOH (1% solution), saturated solutions of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)₂ and sodium chloride NaCl, sulfurous acid H₂SO₃ (6% solution), and sulfuric acid H₂SO₄ (0.5% solution). Separately, it is worth noting the novelty of the approach: the study took into account almost all the most common chemicals found in groundwater. In addition, compounds that affect a PVC membrane when it comes into contact with concrete were also included - for example, the alkaline component Ca(OH)₂.

After exposure to test liquids, changes in the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material (tensile strength, elongation at break, weight loss, etc.) were monitored.

The research results clearly show that LOGICBASE polymer membranes have high chemical resistance while maintaining their high tensile strength.

The potential service life of the LOGICBASE V-SL waterproofing roll material was determined (estimated) by calculations to be at least 150 years, and the potential service life of the LOGICBASE V-ST material - at least 100 years, which is significantly more than that of traditional waterproofing materials. Such indicators make it possible to use these materials for waterproofing of underground parts of buildings and structures, including buildings and structures of a high level of responsibility: high-rise buildings, nuclear power facilities or tunnels.