_{Our team undertook a complex waterproofing and remedial works project on the podium level of a luxury residential tower. The podium deck featured a combination of hardscape tiling, planters, and landscaped zones. Persistent water seepage was reported in the underlying basement level, affecting ceiling finishes, electrical conduits, and parking areas directly below the podium slab. A comprehensive inspection revealed failed waterproofing membranes, improper slope formations, and substrate cracking beneath the landscaped and tiled areas.}

Site Condition and Project Considerations

• The podium slab served as a structural roof for the basement car park

• Existing waterproofing had deteriorated, allowing water to seep through cracks and expansion joints

• Landscaping areas were holding water due to flat or reversed slopes

• Access was limited and involved lifting heavy tiles and excavation of planted zones

• A multi-layered approach was required for long-term performance beneath architectural finishes

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Solution Implementation

‍1. Demolition &Substrate Exposure

• Removal of paving tiles, bedding mortar, and planting soil to expose the structural slab.

• Identification of standing water points and poor slope formation which were contributing to water stagnation.

• Moisture mapping and flood testing to pinpoint all leakage zones.

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2. Slope Correction and Screed Application

• Applied a polymer-modified cementitious screed with correct slope formation (1:100) to ensure proper drainage towards scuppers and floor drains.

• Reinforced weak zones with mesh fabric and bonding primers for screed integrity.

3. Waterproofing System Installation

Over the prepared substrate, a multi-layered waterproofing system was installed:

• i. Primer Coat –Solvent-based primer applied for membrane bonding

• ii. Spray-Applied Polyurea Membrane – A seamless, elastomeric membrane applied at 2mm DFT, offering crack-bridging and chemical resistance

• iii. Geotextile Protection Layer – Installed to protect the membrane from mechanical damage during backfilling and tile installation

• iv. Drainage Mat – Placed over the waterproofing in landscaped areas to manage hydrostatic buildup and promote root zone drainage

4. Reinstatement of Architectural Finishes

• Landscaping soil was refilled with added slope as per revised levels.

• Planter boxes were lined with GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) before soil placement to avoid future leaks.

• Tiles were re-laid using a non-shrink adhesive mortar and grouted with polymer-based grout to prevent water infiltration.

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Summary and Outcome‍

Systems Applied: Hydraulic Resin & Crystalline Injection; Spray-Applied Polyurea Waterproofing; Geotextile Protection & Drainage Mat; GRP Lining for Planters; and Cementitious Screed with Corrected Slopes.

Post-completion, a 72-hour flood test confirmed complete watertightness. The podium slab remains dry and structurally sound, with no further water seepage observed in the basement ceiling. The client now benefits from a robust and durable waterproofing system that integrates drainage, crack management, and long-term protection without compromising landscape design aesthetics.