What’s happened and why?

The British Standard on how to waterproof substructures has been updated to reflect newer materials and practices; and extended to cover a wider range of increasingly popular structures.

What does BS 8102:2022 cover?

This is the leading standard globally giving recommendations and guidance on ways to deal with and prevent the entry of water from surrounding ground into a structure below ground level. It covers waterproofing barrier materials applied to the structure; structurally integral watertight construction; and drained cavity construction; as well as the evaluation of groundwater conditions, risk assessment and options for drainage outside the structure.

It applies to structures which extend below ground level and those on sloping sites and reflects the latest knowledge and developments in technology, design and materials for below ground structures, enabling users to get the most from their materials and develop their expertise.

What’s new about BS 8102:2022?

The standard’s been updated to reflect modern materials and practice. The most significant changes include:

• Expanded scope to include buried roofs and podium decks
• Better coverage of other below ground infrastructure (tunnels, etc) which were not well covered before
• Better harmonization with BS 8485 Gas Membrane Testing
• New guidance that includes the need for experienced competent contractors for waterproofing installation
• Inclusion of guidance on how to comply with fire regulations for multistorey underground structures
• Clarification of grades of waterproofing protection