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1 – 10 of 296Kofi Agyekum, Karen Blay and Alex Opoku
Capillary rise of water in buildings has been an issue of concern among past and present researchers. Despite the research efforts devoted to the proper elimination of the problem…
Abstract
Purpose
Capillary rise of water in buildings has been an issue of concern among past and present researchers. Despite the research efforts devoted to the proper elimination of the problem in masonry construction, it still remains a challenge that needs to be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to explore treatment mechanisms that can be used to prevent rising damp in new building infrastructure.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 14 test walls are constructed, conditioned, subjected to various treatments and monitored for four years. The treatments applied to the walls include the use of polyethylene damp proof courses, damp proof coatings and dense concrete bases. The walls are then monitored with reference to the two climate seasons in Ghana.
Findings
The results highlight that rising damp is present, as suggested by the constant increase and decrease in the height of the water levels in the walls during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The findings further reveal that within the four-year period, the walls treated with the damp proof coatings, together with those with the dense concrete bases performed better than those treated with the polyethylene damp proof courses.
Research limitations/implications
The economic and commercial impact of these preventive mechanisms were not considered in this study. A future research can be directed at these issues.
Practical implications
The proposed treatment mechanisms highlight the effectiveness of some treatments applied to walls to prevent the capillary rise of water from the ground into the superstructure.
Social implications
Building regulations, especially in Ghana and other tropical settings should be amended to include ways to prevent rising damp phenomena by including effective methods against rising damp during the building design or construction.
Originality/value
Series of studies worldwide have been conducted in laboratories to simulate the capillary rise of water in walls of buildings. This is among the few studies that look at how water rises from actual ground conditions into the walls of buildings.
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A new epoxy emulsion coating, combining the proven properties of epoxies with the ease of application associated with emulsion paint, is now being marketed by Sealocrete Group…
Abstract
A new epoxy emulsion coating, combining the proven properties of epoxies with the ease of application associated with emulsion paint, is now being marketed by Sealocrete Group Sales Ltd, Atlantic Works, Oakley Road, Southampton S09 4FL. This is Sealocrete Epoxy Wetcote, which, it is claimed, form a tough, durable and completely protective coating with excellent chemical resistance and adhesion properties. Suitable for interior or exterior use, and even able to be applied successfully to damp surfaces, it has general purposes damp‐proofing, protective coating and decorative applications in the home, industry, the building trades, agriculture and wherever an easily used protective coating is needed.
Maintenance coatings have several functions but certainly one of their most important is to combat corrosion. Corrosion protection is important in both maintenance and industrial…
Abstract
Maintenance coatings have several functions but certainly one of their most important is to combat corrosion. Corrosion protection is important in both maintenance and industrial coatings and this is stressed in an article in Chemical Marketing Reporter (June 6 (1983) p. 5, 20). According to this article, which quotes results from a marketing research firm, Margolis Marketing and Research, corrosion resistance will provide the objectives for an important segment of the coatings industry in highway construction and in the automotive industry. The use of salt on highways to melt snow and ice is increasing and this causes billions of dollars of damage to iron and steel each year. U.S. roads are covered with over 10 million tons per year of salt. In the industrial area galvanised steel has become an important component of items subject to rust such as the automobile.
There are many advantages to be gained from the use of water, rather than toluene, or other typical solvents used in the application of epoxide resin paint systems, as the…
Abstract
There are many advantages to be gained from the use of water, rather than toluene, or other typical solvents used in the application of epoxide resin paint systems, as the comparison in table 1 shows:
Continues to examine the provision of damp proofing in ground floors. Shows that damp proof membranes only became mandatory in floors laid after the mid‐1960s. Examines the…
Abstract
Continues to examine the provision of damp proofing in ground floors. Shows that damp proof membranes only became mandatory in floors laid after the mid‐1960s. Examines the methods and location of damp proofing in ground floors. Considers the problems associated with dampness in, and damp proofing of, ground floors.
Continues to explore the development of ground floors in residential buildings and extends the study to other property types. Shows that the provision of damp proofing for ground…
Abstract
Continues to explore the development of ground floors in residential buildings and extends the study to other property types. Shows that the provision of damp proofing for ground floors is a relatively modern practice. Examines the introduction of the main materials used as damp proof membranes. Considers the newer types of damp proof membrane materials on the market. Confirms that polythene is now the most common type of damp proof membrane in domestic construction.
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In the last 25 years, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of new and unconventional methods for the remedial treatment of building defects. Some of the materials and…
Abstract
In the last 25 years, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of new and unconventional methods for the remedial treatment of building defects. Some of the materials and techniques used have been employed long enough for an assessment to be made of their efficacy based on field experience. Some have only been evaluated by accelerated laboratory methods and do not yet have the full support of service records. Other products are declining in importance as a result of a ‘lack of approval’ by the independent bodies that pronounce on these matters.
Dampness in buildings is unsightly, it can be damaging to the health of the occupants and, if left unattended, it can lead to structural deterioration.
New Waterproof Tape. The manufacturers of Permacel pressure‐sensitive tapes have succeeded in combining strong cotton cloth with a revolutionary water‐proof backing material. This…
Abstract
New Waterproof Tape. The manufacturers of Permacel pressure‐sensitive tapes have succeeded in combining strong cotton cloth with a revolutionary water‐proof backing material. This has enabled them to produce a complete new waterproof cloth tape.