Construction Anomalies and need for Waterproofing in UAE

This article aims to increase knowledge about construction anomalies in engineering structures and contribute to making recommendations for waterproofing restorations of substructures, building roofs and special structures. This article focuses on investigating the methods used to make these structural elements impermeable and which materials are most suitable for each situation. The use of geomembranes in building foundations increases the durability of these critical structural elements, but they are used in only a small percentage of buildings around the world. It is associated with increased initial costs and lack of information on the subject. The use of impregnation protection becomes even more important when the water table is close to the foundation of the building and water is absorbed by capillary action. The fact that these structural elements are underground makes them difficult to access if repairs are needed. Waterproofing of these structures should therefore always be considered in projects, as these elements are almost impossible to repair. However, not all types of foundations or all parts of foundations can be covered with a waterproof membrane. Only foundation foundations (separate, straight, connected with lintels), mat slab foundations, and pile heads or pile head blocks can be sealed.