Bituminous Retaining Wall System
A bituminous membrane pathway for suitable retaining-wall substrates where the waterproofed face can be correctly detailed, protected and drained before backfilling.
When is this system suitable?
Use these checks to decide whether this system is appropriate for the application.
Typical applications
Often considered where the accessible wall face can receive a nominated bituminous membrane, protection layer and drainage treatment before backfilling.
Key site conditions
Confirm substrate moisture, surface condition, water exposure, penetrations, curing time, protection and the proposed drainage discharge path.
Confirm before choosing
Obtain technical confirmation for internal or negative-side use, persistent hydrostatic pressure, incompatible coatings, movement joints or products from another membrane chemistry.
Build the system in sequence
Treat the primer, membrane, junction details, protection and drainage as one compatible assembly rather than isolated products.
-
Assess, prepare and repair the substrate
Confirm that the accessible wall face is sound, clean and suitable for the nominated bituminous system. Remove contamination and incompatible coatings.
Technical note: Confirm substrate moisture limits, surface profile, penetrations, cracking and exposure before product selection. -
Form cove fillets and reinforce junctions
Complete required repairs, form compatible cove fillets at internal wall-to-footing or wall-to-floor junctions, and reinforce cold joints or changes of plane with the nominated bituminous-system detail.
Technical note: Rigid fillets, flexible details and movement joints have different functions and must not be treated as interchangeable. -
Prime or precondition where required
Prime or precondition the substrate to suit the selected bituminous membrane. Some water-based systems may use a diluted first coat in place of a separate primer.
Technical note: Do not substitute general-purpose primers or combine membrane chemistries without written compatibility confirmation. -
Apply the selected bituminous membrane
Apply the nominated product at the documented coverage, thickness, coat sequence and detailing requirements.
Technical note: Select one membrane system and follow its nominated preparation, coverage, detailing and curing requirements. -
Protect, drain and prepare for backfilling
Allow the membrane to cure, then install the required protection and drainage layers, secure them as needed, and backfill carefully without damaging the waterproofing system.
Technical note: Protection, drainage and fixing methods must not puncture or compromise the membrane except at properly detailed termination points.
Need help confirming the bituminous pathway?
Tell H2O Supplies about the substrate, accessible wall face, water exposure, drainage and backfill. We can help narrow a compatible product pathway.
Formal waterproofing specifications, engineering certification and site-specific design remain separate services.