The Use of Asphalt as a Damp-Proof Membrane Material in Building Construction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64321/jcr.v3i5.06Keywords:
Asphalt, damp-proof membrane, moisture ingress, waterproofing, building construction, material science.Abstract
Moisture ingress represents one of the most insidious and structurally damaging phenomena in building construction. Without adequate protection, moisture compromises structural integrity, fosters indoor microbial growth, and diminishes thermal performance. Among the various mitigation strategies developed over the past century, asphalt has emerged as a premier material for damp-proof membranes (DPMs) and waterproofing systems. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of asphalt’s physical and chemical properties, its appearance, color, and texture, and its various application methodologies in construction. Furthermore, the distinct advantages of asphalt over alternative waterproofing systems are critically evaluated through an academic lens, highlighting its enduring relevance in modern architectural engineering.
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White, R. F. (2015). Building Physics: Heat, Air and Moisture: Fundamentals and Engineering Methods with Examples and Exercises. Wilhelm Ernst & Sohn.
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