Bridge deck waterproofing protects the bridge structure and/or any components or structures underneath it from water ingress. Bridge deck waterproofing usually consists of multiple layers, such as a primer, aggregate broadcast, waterproofing layer(s) and a wear layer made of asphalt or concrete. The waterproofing layer can be made of liquid applied materials or of bitumen or plastic waterproofing sheets.

Regulatory framework

Bridge structures are primarily erected as part of public road construction projects. The related requirements are set out by the competent road engineering authorities or on behalf of them by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), see for example the 'Additional technical terms of contract and guidelines for engineering structures' (ZTV-ING) in conjunction with various technical delivery conditions and/or testing conditions (Technische Liefer- und Prüfbedingungen).

In most cases, the flexible waterproofing sheets used for bridge deck waterproofing are covered by harmonised standards (e.g. EN 14695). As a Technical Assessment Body, DIBt can issue European Technical Assessments (ETAs) for bridge waterproofing products that are not or not fully covered by these harmonised standards, e.g. liquid applied bridge deck waterproofing.

For the application of bridge deck waterproofing falling under the Building Codes of the federal states (e.g. park decks), the Technical Building Rules – including DIN SPEC 20000-203 – must be adhered to, cf. MVV TB, Section B 2.2.5. Design and execution is carried out in accordance with DIN 18532.