1.1 This guide covers general installation guidelines of waterproofing membranes produced as a composite of sodium bentonite contained within two interlocked needle-punched geotextiles for designers to consider when developing project-specific drawings and specifications. This guide covers construction applications where the waterproofing is applied to the positive side of below-grade cast-in-place concrete foundation walls, both backfilled and support of excavation (SOE) construction, and under concrete pressure slabs. This guide does not cover plaza deck construction applications, either split-slab construction or pavers on pedestals, or vegetated green roof waterproofing applications.

1.2 This guide does not cover sodium bentonite waterproofing membranes produced with a corrugation paper carrier, bentonite bonded to a geomembrane, and spray-applied bentonite systems.

1.3 For the purpose of this guide, concrete is assumed to be cast-in-place with a surface profile as recommended in Guide D5295/D5295M, consolidated in accordance with applicable guidelines in ACI 309, structurally sound, able to accept the weight of anticipated loads, and meets the local building code requirements. All components of the waterproofing system are assumed to comply with any federal, state, and local environmental regulations that may be in effect at the time of installation. Expansion joints, insulation, and drainage layers are beyond the scope of this guide.

1.4 This guide does not cover sodium bentonite geotextile membranes installed on below-grade foundation walls and slabs constructed with masonry materials, precast concrete, or pneumatically applied concrete (that is, shotcrete).

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The unit values given in parentheses are for reference information only.

1.6 Different sodium bentonite geotextile membranes have different materials of composition and construction which can affect physical properties. The procedures contained in this guide, therefore, may not be universally applicable to all sodium bentonite geotextile membranes under all field conditions.

1.7 This guide does not purport to assign responsibilities of quality assurance or quality control. Specific quality assurance and quality control items should be addressed in project specifications and contract documents.

1.8 This guide does not purport to include requirements for warranties associated with the waterproofing materials or installation.

1.9 This guide does not purport to include all detailing techniques to address various conditions that can be encountered on construction projects.

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.