Ponding Test

Waterproofing structures may be required to test for watertightness after completion of work . The test is to apply static pressure by means of ponding water on the internal face and no head of water on the external face . Testing period may vary from 24 hours to 3 days as required by the Specification . Site supervisor should record any leaks or damp patches and submit to the Engineer for assessment .

Advantages of using the ponding test method for waterproofing

The ponding test method for waterproofing is a form of supervised testing that uses a large sample size of concrete to evaluate the material’s performance. The test requires concrete to be poured into a large, open container and allowed to fully dry. The goal is to determine how much water will be able to pass through the concrete after it has been exposed to the atmosphere. The amount of water that can pass through the concrete is measured as part of the test procedure, and this is used to determine the material’s ability to withstand water intrusion.

The advantages of using the ponding test method include its accuracy and versatility. It can provide valuable insight into the material’s ability to resist water intrusion, regardless of environmental conditions or previous usage. Additionally, it can help ensure that an appropriate waterproofing layer is installed in any given situation.
The ponding test method is a form of supervised testing, as it is necessary to closely monitor the test to ensure that desired results are achieved. This ensures that any weak points or deficiencies in the waterproofing materials are identified and addressed early on, before they become more pronounced and costly.

Disadvantages of using the ponding test method for waterproofing

The ponding test is a commonly used method for waterproofing concrete structures. However, it is not able to detect structural defects in concrete that can cause water intrusion and thus requires additional testing and repairs. It also can’t detect water vapour and below-ground water, which can still penetrate concrete structures even without waterproofing. The ponding test may give a false positive result if the dry film thickness (DFT) is too low, meaning that the waterproofing material may not last in the long-term. Ultimately, the ponding test is much more reliable and effective than using unproven methods to waterproof concrete structures.