Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe structural design and construction details to mitigate the effects of moisture migration through concrete floor slabs, basement walls, and flat slab ceilings. Moisture that travels through concrete floor slabs can damage floor coverings such as carpet, hardwood, or vinyl. To determine the severity of the problem, the moisture dome test can be used to obtain the vapor flow rate. For most floor coverings, the vapor flow rate should be less than 1.4 kg/day (3 lb/day). A moisture barrier and open-graded gravel are used to prevent both water vapor and capillary rise through concrete floor slabs. The main structural and construction details to prevent moisture migration through basement walls are a drainage system at the base of the wall to prevent the buildup of hydrostatic water pressure and a waterproofing system applied to the exterior wall surface. The key to minimizing moisture migration through flat slab ceilings is to provide drainage of the flat slab surface, seal the joints, and prevent the cutting of holes through the flat slab ceiling.
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