Reducing floodwater ingress rates through an exterior masonry wall of a domestic building

Beddoes, David W.; Booth, Colin A.

Abstract

Abstract
Purpose Experimental field test apparatus has been used to determine the inter-variability and intra-variability floodwater ingress rates of the masonry wall of a domestic building, before and after preparation with an improved surface treatment procedure.
Design/methodology/approach Replicated and repeated simulations of floodwater conditions (600 mm head) outside a building were created, before and after the masonry wall was treated with a combination of mortar admixture and surface impregnation.
Findings Untreated and treated floodwater ingress rates were 4.99 litres/hour (234.99 litres/hour/m2) and 1.74 litres/hour (81.90 litres/hour/m2), respectively, and display high intra-variability before treatment. These preliminary results indicate water penetration through masonry is linked to the initial rate of absorption of brick units and perceivably the workmanship of the bricklayer.
Originality/value Reductions in floodwater penetration from outside a building, by the impregnation and admixture treatments of masonry walls, can be achieved to manageable levels. However, the target for rates of water ingress through permeable masonry of

Citation

Beddoes, D. W., & Booth, C. A. (in press). Reducing floodwater ingress rates through an exterior masonry wall of a domestic building. Structural Survey, 33(3), 196-209. https://doi.org/10.1108/SS-01-2013-0003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 15, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jul 13, 2015
• Journal: Structural Survey
• Print ISSN: 0263-080X
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 196-209
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SS-01-2013-0003
• Keywords: climate change adaptation, property protection, Water penetration, waterproof coatings, initial rate of absorption
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/831274
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/SS-01-2013-0003