Shotcrete Foundations with Waterproofing & Drainage
What Is a Shotcrete Foundation?
A shotcrete foundation is a structural wall built by spraying high-strength concrete onto a reinforced surface, such as soil shoring, rock, or formwork. Instead of pouring concrete into traditional forms, shotcrete is applied under pressure in construction sites with limited access, deep commercial foundations, and underground parking structures.
Shotcrete walls are strong and versatile, but because the shotcrete is sprayed directly against soil, heavy duty waterproofing and drainage is required.
Where Are Shotcrete Foundations Commonly Used?
Shotcrete foundations are widely used in commercial construction projects where space is limited and deep excavation is required. Because shotcrete can be sprayed directly onto soil, rock, or shoring systems, it eliminates the need for traditional formwork. Common areas of use are::
- High-Rise Towers in Urban Cores
- Underground Parking Structures (Parkades)
- Retaining Walls on Confined Sites
- Temporary and Permanent Shoring Walls.
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Infrastructure Projects – Tunnels, transit stations, and below-grade utility vaults.
Commercial Waterproofing for Shotcrete Foundations
Shotcrete foundations are almost always built against soil or shoring systems, which means once backfill is placed, the outside face of the wall is no longer accessible. Because concrete (shotcrete) is porous and used in large commercial projects, heavy duty waterproofing systems are required. This creates two major challenges:
SUPERSEAL Waterproofing for Shotcrete Foundations
What makes SUPERSEAL Double Drain with Geo unique for commercial and shotcrete applications is its ability to provide drainage on both sides of the membrane in one application.
SUPERSEAL Double Drain with Geo
This dual-dimpled core has drainage channels on both sides:
- The dimpled side against the wall, the air space relieves hydrostatic head pressure, preventing water from forcing its way through the wall. The side with Geo-Textile layer against the soil filters out fine particles while allowing water to enter and flow freely down the drainage path.
SUPERSEAL Waterproof Tape
- Seals laps, terminations, and detail areas to ensure the waterproofing layer is fully continuous.
SUPERSEAL Waterproofing (40 or 60 mil)
- Sprayed directly onto the Geo-Textile layer to create a seamless waterproof barrier.
The result, a Dual sided drainage system protects against water from the wall and soil. This protects the foundation and provides a full drainage system even under heavy loads and wet conditions.
Because of these conditions, blindside waterproofing systems are required. These combine a continuous waterproof barrier with a drainage layer that relieves pressure and channels water away from the structure.
SUPERSEAL Double Drain with Geo
Dual-sided drainage path with heat-fused geotextile to filter soil and maintain flow.
SUPERSEAL Waterproof Coating
Creates a continuous waterproof barrier for blindside or positive-side assemblies.
SUPERSEAL Waterproof Tape
Seals seams, details, and terminations for a complete system.
Specifications & Instructions
Need information? Contact SUPERSEAL at 1-800-571-1877.
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