Exterior protection for walls in contact with the ground

Protection for walls in contact with soil

This system is the safest way to protect below-ground walls which are intended to last over time and will accompany the structure throughout its service life.

Retaining walls and other walls that are in contact with the ground are exposed to damp due to capillary action; added to this is the possibility of damp air resulting from inadequate thermal insulation. This situation can lead to the formation of mould, unpleasant odours and, more importantly, it can compromise the durability of the structure.

It is therefore imperative to select materials that maintain their impermeability to water and water vapour as well as their rot-resistance and mechanical strength over time, even when under loads from construction-site vehicular traffic.

Iglu’® Barrier is a recycled plastic panel built to protect the waterproof layer of retaining walls. By virtue of its technical characteristics, it guarantees an excellent resistance to compression.
The Iglu’® Barrier creates a ventilated space between the waterproof retaining wall and the backfill, therefore eliminating contact between the ground and the waterproofing.

ADVANTAGES

Since the thermal insulation used for the external surface of the wall is subject to extremely high stresses due to its continuous contact with the ground, the associated lithostatic load and the effects of moving loads, as well as contact with rainwater, Iglu’^® Barrier offers optimal performance with regard to:

protection of the waterproofing membrane;
ventilation in all directions thanks to the cavity created by laying Iglù^® Barrier directly in contact with the waterproofing membrane;
better environmental conditions in underground rooms;
lower incidence of problems with humidity and moisture;
reducing the “cold wall” effect;
effective “impact protection” for waterproofing during the backfilling phases of the excavations;

forming a root barrier to protect the waterproofing;
reducing installation costs compared to the traditional system using gravel and a dimpled membrane;
easy installation;
ease of storage and handling on site;
suitability for laying under all weather conditions;
benefitting the durability of the building, potentially extending its service life and increasing its value.

Exterior protection for walls in contact with the ground

APPLICATIONS

The presence and diffusion of moisture in construction works generates a multitude of problems. Discomfort and damage affect both the contemporary building sector and various areas within the restoration and conservation sectors.
Capillary rising damp and infiltration into below-ground structures or into structures used to contain soil are among the principle causes of deterioration in building works.

Due to its special configuration and the natural air chamber that forms between the wall and the panel, the Iglù^® Barrier panel protects walls in below-ground living spaces (such as cellars, garages, laundries, taverns, etc.) from both “penetrating damp” (a.k.a. lateral damp) and temperature changes.

The cost reduction compared to traditional systems, the guarantee of eliminating contact between soil moisture and the waterproofing membrane, the excellent resistance to compression combined with the ease of installation and handling on site, make Iglu’® Barrier an essential product for the protection of waterproofing in retaining walls.

TECHNICAL DATA

Height IGLU’^® BARRIER (cm)	Dimensions (cm)	Compression resistance Kg/m²	Support foot surface area cm²/m²	Air chamber l/m²
5	58×58	> 10.000	1.240	33,26
9	58×58	> 10.000	609	70

Installation

Dry assembly method

“A” SCHEME
Place the first panel in the lower left-hand wall, with an arrow pointing downwards and the other pointing left. Proceed with the assembly from left to right and from bottom to top.

“B” SCHEME
Place the first panel in the lower right-hand wall, with an arrow pointing downwards and the other pointing right. Proceed with the assembly from right to left and from bottom to top.

The Iglu’® Barrier formworks are coupled by means of special clips which give stability and an adaptive capacity, even on curved surfaces. The Iglu’® Barrier panel is easy to lay and handle on site. The staggered arrangement of the support feet, which are wide, smooth, circular and rounded, means that the Iglu’® Barrier panel can withstand a ground thrust of over 10,000 kg/m².
In addition, the feet are arranged in such a way that the panel can be shaped with a saw or grinding disc, in any direction and shape, without compromising its mechanical strength.

Laying

1 – After applying an adequate waterproofing membrane, start laying the Iglu’® Barrier panels.
It is possible to attach the support feet to the waterproofing, using polyurethane spray or suitable compatible adhesives. If using bituminous or similar membrane, lightly torch the membrane and attach the panels to it.

2 – The Iglu’® Barrier formworks are coupled through specific clips which give stability and the ability to adjust even on curved surfaces.

3 – Place the angle closing as to avoid infiltrations by attaching it to the Iglu’® Barrier panel with screws or chemical plugs no longer than 3cm (this prevents drilling the waterproofing).

4 – Place the top closing using the proper guard for perimeter sealing, to be inserted between the underground wall and the Iglu’® Barrier panels. Place the draining pipe along the building perimeter, close to the wall.