- Author
-
Clifton, J. R.
|
Davis, F.
- Title
- Protecting Adobe Walls from Ground Water. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- National Park Service, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 79-1730
March 1979
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
-
walls; clays; fluid infiltration; permeability; ground water; grout; membranes; drainage
- Identifiers
- adobe bricks
- Abstract
- Two methods for creating impervious membranes in existing adobe walls were investigated. They were the injection of chemical grouts and installation of a metallic membrane. Chemical grouting was unsuccessful because of the low permeability of the tested adobe materials. The metallic membrane did prevent the migration of moisture in the adobe underneath the membrane, weakening the adobe. Further, soluble salts migrated to the surface of the wet adobe. Alternative methods for protecting adobe structures from ground water and runoff water are discussed, including the installation of effective drainage systems and upgrading the foundations.