RE: underground house

I agree, I would not work on this without a waterproofing consultant. Waterproofing has come a long ways with products from Hydrotech, Preproof, Stego, De Neef, Laticrete, WR Grace. BTW yesterday  i saw another news story about WR Grace and their vermiculite asbestos products.

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From: Rhkratzse@aol.com [mailto:Rhkratzse@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:00 AM
To: cbanbury@arkengineering.net; seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Re: underground house

Check out some of Malcolm Wells' books; he's been doing this since the 1970s.  (I don't know if he's still active.)   I'm curious:  As an engineer why are you involved in the nonstructural aspects of the design, such as egress, waterproofing, ventilation--not to mention potential claustrophobia?  Shouldn't the architect be handling them?  I stay as far away from waterproofing design, and its potential liability issues, as I possibly can.

Ralph Hueston Kratz, S.E.
Structural Engineer
Richmond CA USA

In a message dated 11/29/07 6:54:50 AM, cbanbury@arkengineering.net writes:

Hi all.
I’ve been asked to engineer a single story residence that will be built into the side of a hill and covered with earth. The walk-out front elevation will be exposed.
Can someone direct me to some resources that address issues of water proofing, ventilation, egress, etc? The exterior walls will probably be reinforced masonry but I’m not certain of the type and configuration of the roof system.
Thanks in advance.
 
Christopher Banbury, PE
President
 
Ark Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 10129, Brooksville, FL 34603
22 North Broad ST, Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-2424
Fax: (352) 754-2412
www.arkengineering.net
 

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