Waterproofing Design Specialist

BS 8102:2009 - Code of Practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground, recommends that a specialist in waterproofing is included in design team for any structure where usable space is fully or partly below the ground level.

This is set out in section 4.2 of BS 8102:2009 under the heading “Design Team”. The code states:-

“A waterproofing specialist should be included as part of the design team so that an integrated waterproofing solution is created. The waterproofing specialist should:-

a) be suitably experienced;
b) be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the various project constraints and needs;
c) provide the design team with information and guidance that assists with and influences the design, installation and future maintenance of the waterproofed structure.”

In the past, an architect has often taken responsibility for the waterproofing design in below ground projects. However, the vast majority of architects will readily acknowledge that they do not have the training or expertise to undertake this function.

With the creation of the ‘Waterproofing Design Specialist’ section of the Property Care Association, developers, architects and builders can quickly identify individual practitioners who can design and plan underground waterproofing and so conform with the recommendations clearly set out in BS8102.

What is a Waterproofing Design Specialist?

Waterproofing Design Specialists can provide expertise in structural waterproofing.

In accordance with BS8102:2009, a Waterproofing Design Specialist accredited by the Property Care Association will have knowledge of the following:

1. The waterproofing systems available.

2. An in-depth understanding of the requirements of BS 8102.
3. Sources of water, and how it flows through the soil and interacts with the structure.
4. Sufficient structural knowledge to be able to discourse meaningfully with the structural engineer.
5. Sufficient geotechnical knowledge to be able to understand the implications of a soil report, and to discourse meaningfully with the geotechnical engineer.

Who are Waterproofing Design Specialists?

Individuals who have demonstrated to the PCA that they have the requisite knowledge described above.
Members registered with the PCA as Waterproofing Design Specialists can be architects or engineers, surveyors, contractor or supplier representatives who operate within the structural waterproofing industry. PCA accreditation is awarded to an individual and is based on his or her skill and knowledge, but is not granted to a company.

How does a consumer or the leader of the design team find a Waterproofing Design Specialist?

Until now there has been no register or central point where people with the right skills can make themselves known. In the past the only way to identify an individual who has put himself through the rigours of study and qualification in this specialist field is to look for those who have attained the Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) qualification. Most surveyors who have obtained this valuable qualification are embedded within companies and so finding the qualified people, quickly and efficiently can be problematic.

The availability of this list will ensure that a properly vetted and approved Waterproofing Design Specialist is available and accessible to the leader of any design team that have to consider buildings that are wholly or partly below ground.

What are the requirements of becoming a PCA Waterproofing Design Specialist?

Registration is only open to individuals that are employees of PCA member companies or who are members of the Association in their own right.  In order to be accepted onto the list of PCA Waterproofing Design Specialists the member must have been able to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills in:

•    Diagnostic investigation and problem solving
•    Report writing
•    Understand all the aspects of BS8102- 2009 and other relevant industry standards
•    Building construction and waterproofing techniques
•    Knowledge of the products and techniques commonly used in waterproofing. 

Participation in the PCA’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme is compulsory for anyone registered as a Waterproofing Design Specialist, as is Professional Indemnity Insurance.

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