Oil Leakage Evaluation for Selection of Emulsion-Based Non-Curable Synthetic Polymer Rubberized Gel (ENC-SPRG) as Waterproofing Material in Underground Structures

A revised oil leakage evaluation regime is proposed in response to the oil leakage problems of emulsion-based non-curable synthetic polymer rubberized gel (ENC-SPRG) used as a waterproofing material in concrete slabs of residential underground structures. Oil leakage from ENC-SPRG can cause significant economic and environmental damage. As ENC-SPRG waterproofing material is relatively new in the global waterproofing market, a systematic quality control for ENC-SPRG products being manufactured and exported globally is currently non-existent. For the selection of optimal ENC-SPRG, six assessment parameters comprised of averaged and daily average oil leakage mass, averaged and daily average filler content settlement, oil leakage area, and oil leakage duration are proposed. Five ENC-SPRG product specimens are tested to obtain the property values of each parameter. The property values derived from the test results are compared between the tested ENC-SPRG product specimens. With the demonstration of this evaluation regime, a quantified method for a comparative assessment of ENC-SPRG type waterproofing materials is established.