German construction contract procedures (VOB) - Part C: General technical specifications in construction contracts (ATV) - Waterproofing
1Key Takeaways
ATV DIN 18336 "Waterproofing works" applies to waterproofing with bituminous membranes, materials containing bituminous materials, metal strips and plastic and elastomer membranes against ground moisture, non-ponding and stagnant water and non-pressurized and pressurized water, including the production of necessary ins…
2Expert Interpretation
This in-depth analysis of the German DIN 18336:2016-09 waterproofing standard covers key technical requirements, including scope of application, material requirements, construction techniques, and measurement rules. It also covers the contract specifications and technical standards for implementing building waterproofing sub-projects.
DIN 18336 Standard Overview and Technical Evolution
DIN 18336:2016-09 is the professional technical specification for waterproofing works in the German Building Contract Procedure (VOB), a key component of the ATV (General Technical Contract Conditions). This standard replaces the 2012 edition, primarily undergoing editorial revisions and updating standard references. Developed by the German Board for Tenders and Contracts (DVA), the standard reflects Germany's accumulated technical expertise and engineering experience in building waterproofing.
Scope of Application and Exclusions
This standard applies to waterproofing works using asphalt membranes, bituminous materials, metal strips, and plastic and elastomeric membranes. These membranes protect against groundwater, non-stagnant and stagnant seepage water, and both non-pressurized and pressurized water. It also includes the necessary insulation, sealing, isolation, and protective layers. This standard specifically addresses waterproofing works within intensive greenery.
| Scope of application | Exclusions | Reference standards |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt membrane waterproofing | High impermeability concrete | DIN 18331 |
| Plastic elastomer membrane | Roofing waterproofing engineering | DIN 18338 |
| Intensive greening waterproofing | Pouring asphalt engineering | DIN 18354 |
| Metal strip waterproofing system | Bridge carriageway slab waterproofing | - |
Technical Requirements for Materials and Components
The standard requires the use of standardized materials and components that comply with DIN 18195-2:2009-04. For waterproofing membranes, the standard references European product standards for bituminous membranes and plastic and elastomeric membranes, and refers to the German application standard DIN SPEC 20000-202:2016-03.
Materials and components used for green roofs must meet the root resistance test requirements of the FLL (Research Association for Landscape Development and Landscape Architecture) to ensure that the waterproofing materials can resist penetration by plant roots.
Construction Execution Standards and Quality Control
The execution of waterproofing projects must comply with the requirements of all parts of DIN 18195, and performance testing must be conducted in accordance with Sections 5.4.4 and 7.4.6 of DIN 18195-3:2011-12. During construction, special attention must be paid to factors such as substrate conditions and climatic conditions.
| Waterproofing type | Material requirements | Number of construction layers | Special requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground tide and non-ponding seepage water | Asphalt roofing membrane G 200 DD | Single layer | Loose laying |
| No pressure water (medium load) | Plastic waterproofing membrane PVC-P ≥1.2mm | Single layer | Synthetic fiber felt protective layer |
| No pressure water (high load) | Asphalt waterproofing membrane G 200 DD + PYE PV 200 | ||
| Ponding water and seepage water | Asphalt waterproofing membrane G 200 DD + PYE PV 200 DD | Double layer | Topcoat required |
| External pressurized water | Bare asphalt membrane R 500 N + copper corrugated tape | Three layers | Topcoat required |
Technical requirements for treatment of special parts
The standard puts forward detailed technical requirements for waterproofing treatment of special parts such as expansion joints, penetration parts, transition parts and end parts, and formulates corresponding treatment plans according to different waterproofing types and load conditions.
For expansion joint waterproofing, based on the situation where the joint displacement does not exceed 10mm, different types of waterproofing reinforcement measures are specified, including the use of polymer asphalt welded membranes, copper corrugated tape or system-compatible coated steel plates for enhanced protection.
Measurement and Pricing Rules
Chapter 5 of the standard specifies the measurement rules for waterproofing projects in detail, including three methods: area measurement, length measurement and quantity measurement. Area measurement is applicable to flat waterproofing projects such as wall waterproofing, baseboard waterproofing, and roof waterproofing; length measurement is applicable to linear projects such as expansion joint waterproofing, horizontal moisture-proof layers, and transition joints; quantity measurement is applicable to projects that are measured by piece, such as reserved hole sealing and penetration treatment.
The measurement rules clarify the scope of non-measurement, such as reserved holes and joints with a single area of ≤2.5m² when measuring area, and interrupted parts with a single section length of ≤1m when measuring length.
Implementation Recommendations and Engineering Applications
When applying the DIN 18336 standard in actual projects, it is recommended to focus on the following aspects:
Design Phase: Strictly prepare a bill of quantities in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 0 of the standard, detailing key technical parameters such as project conditions, material requirements, and construction methods.
Material Selection: Ensure that all waterproofing materials meet the requirements of DIN 18195-2 and relevant European standards. In particular, materials used for green roofs must provide a root resistance test report.
Construction Quality Control: Establish a comprehensive construction quality inspection system, focusing on controlling the quality of key processes such as base preparation, material laying, joint treatment, and special area treatment.
Acceptance Measurement: Measure and calculate project quantities in accordance with the measurement rules in Chapter 5 of the standard to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the measurement results.
By strictly implementing the technical requirements of the DIN 18336 standard, the quality and durability of waterproofing projects can be ensured, avoiding damage to buildings and functional impacts caused by waterproofing failure.