Blindside Waterproofing – Pre-Applied/Underslab Membrane – PRECON

PRECON®
Pre-Applied/Underslab Waterproofing Membrane

DESCRIPTION
PRECON is a composite sheet membrane comprised of a non-woven fabric, elastomeric membrane, and W. R. MEADOWS’ exclusive, patented plasmatic core (U.S. Patent No. 7,179,761). The plasmatic core is a seven-layer matrix designed for toughness and provides the lowest water vapor transmission (WVT) rating on the market. Once concrete is poured against PRECON and the concrete cures, a mechanical bond forms that secures the concrete to the membrane.

USES
PRECON is used as a blindside membrane in vertical applications where access to the positive side is limited. The membrane can also be used for horizontal applications for underslab waterproofing and vaporproofing.

FEATURES/BENEFITS

Provides a waterproof seal between the membrane and poured concrete wall.
Helps prevent moisture migration into the structure.
Acts as a barrier against termites.
Reduces methane and radon gas intrusion.

PACKAGING
4′ (1.2 m) wide x 50′ (15.2 m) long rolls, one roll per carton.

STORAGE AND HANDLING
Store membrane cartons on pallets and cover if left outside. Keep materials away from sparks and flames.

SPECIFICATIONS
ASTM E 1993-98*
*Standard Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs.

APPLICATION
Surface Preparation … Inspect all surfaces for any conditions detrimental to the proper completion of the work. Surfaces should be structurally sound. Remove debris or any other foreign material that could damage the membrane.

PRECON can be used with a caisson wall shoring system without the use of a drainage board. W. R. MEADOWS recommends proper site drainage, but due to certain site conditions this sometimes cannot be done effectively. The decision to remove the drainage board should be at the discretion of the engineer. In situations where a drainage board is not applied, surface preparation is important. The substrate needs to be sound, solid, and smooth. Any gaps or voids >1″ (25 mm) need to be grouted.

Application Method … PRECON may be applied at temperatures down to 40° F (5° C); however, in less than ideal environments or marginal conditions, consider the use of PRECON LOW TEMP below 60° F (16° C). PRECON LOW TEMP can be used in temperatures down to 25° F (-4° C).MEL-PRIME™ from W. R. MEADOWS should be used to enhance the bond at the selvedge edge when conditions warrant with both PRECON and PRECON LOW TEMP.

Prior to application of the blindside membrane, attach MEL-DRAIN™ rolled matrix drainage system from W. R. MEADOWS to lagging or soil retention system.

Description

TECHNICAL DATA

Property	Test Method	PRECON Results
Color		Black
Thickness	ASTM D 1000	73 mil (1.85 mm)
Low Temp Flexibility	ASTM D 1970, 180° @ -25° F (-32° C)	Pass
Resistance to Hydrostatic Head	ASTM D 5385-93	230′ (70 m)
Elongation, Polymeric Membrane	ASTM D 412-06	> 400%
Tensile Strength, Film	ASTM D 882	9200 psi (63.4 MPa)
Crack Cycling	ASTM C 836 @ -15° F (-26° C)	Pass
Puncture Resistance	ASTM E 154	> 210 lb. (> 934 N)
Peel Adhesion to Concrete	ASTM D 903	10 lb./in (1754 N/m)
Moisture Vapor Transmission	ASTM E 96B	0.0011 perms (0.0004 grains/ft.²/hr) (0.007 gram/m²/24 hr)
Resistance to Penetration by Termites	Texas A&M Method Percentage of Penetration	0.0%
Resistance to Penetration by Pesticides	ASTM F 2130 Percentage of Penetration	0.0%
Resistance to Fungi in Soil	GSA-PBS 07115 – 16 Weeks	No Effect

In vertical applications of PRECON, mechanically attach with fasteners every 12″ (31 cm) across the top, within ½” (13 mm) of the top edge of the membrane. Install the membrane with the fabric side facing toward the concrete pour.

Remove release paper on 6″ (152.4 mm) overlap. Apply membrane and roll press into place with a tile type roller.

End Laps … Overlap membrane 6″ (152.4 mm). Prior to overlap, apply BEM, HYDRALASTIC 836 or *MEL-ROL® LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) from W. R. MEADOWS in area to be lapped. Roll press membrane into BEM, HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE. At terminations of membrane, apply BEM, HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE 12″ (31 cm) wide centered over the termination and while still wet, embed 12″ (31 cm) wide DETAIL FABRIC into the HYDRALASTIC 836 or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE and roll press into place. Ensure that DETAIL FABRIC is centered over the termination with 6″ (15.2 cm) on each side of lap edge. Apply additional HYDRALASTIC 836 on all terminations of DETAIL FABRIC.

Penetrations and Protrusions … Detail around all horizontal and vertical penetrations using BEM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE (two-component) from W. R. MEADOWS. Apply BEM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE by forming a fillet around the pipe or protrusion, overlapping the fabric side of PRECON and the protrusion a minimum of 2.5″ (64 mm). If the gap between the protrusion and the membrane is greater than ½” (13 mm), apply PRECON FABRIC TAPE over uncured BEM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE. All penetration and protrusion surfaces must be clean, rust-free, and sound prior to application of BEM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE.

*MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE is a two-component material, not to be confused with MEL-ROL LM.

Patching … Prior to pouring, inspect membrane for punctures or damage and repair as necessary with HYDRALASTIC 836 and/or DETAIL FABRIC. (BEM or MEL-ROL LIQUID MEMBRANE may be used in place of HYDRALASTIC 836.) In addition, ensure the membrane is free of standing water and has been cleaned of any deleterious materials that will affect the bond of the concrete to the membrane.

Underslab Application … Refer to ACI 302.1R-04: Chapter 4 – Site Preparation and Placing Environment for sub-grade preparation prior to PRECON placement.

PRECAUTIONS
Concrete should be poured within 60 days of membrane installation. For installations below 40° F (4° C), contact W. R. MEADOWS technical services. When using bar supports, use those with a flat bottom.

LEED INFORMATION
May help contribute to LEED credits:

EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance
IEQ Credit 3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan: During Construction
IEQ Credit 7.1: Thermal Comfort – Design
MR Credit 2: Construction Waste Management
MR Credit 5: Regional Materials