Technologies: Vapor Intrusion Solutions
Vapor Intrusion occurs when contaminated vapors found below a building migrate into a structure. Contaminated vapors can be generated from activities that took place on or in close proximity to a specific building. The key to successfully preventing vapor intrusion into structures is to successfully block contaminated vapors from finding a pathway into a structure.
A vapor intrusion barrier can be installed to seal off any exposure pathways and a vapor collection system can be used to alleviate the buildup of contaminated vapors underneath the building.
Land Science Technologies proudly offers two technologies:
GEO-SEAL®: VAPOR INTRUSION BARRIER
Vapor Intrusion Barriers need to balance two key characteristics, chemical resistance (how well the barrier protects against the chemical of concern) and constructability (the ability to effectively seal all entry pathways in a building).
Geo-Seal is a composite system that creates the ideal blend between constructability and chemical resistance by using both high density polyethylene (HDPE) and spray applied asphalt latex.
VAPOR-VENT™: VAPOR COLLECTION SYSTEM
Vapor-Vent is a low profile vent system that can be used in lieu of slotted PVC pipe. The speed of installation and the proximity of the vent to the barrier provide cost savings and performance benefits compared to other technologies.
Vapor-Vent can be installed to passively or actively vent vapors from under the building. The movement for energy efficient buildings and the cost to maintain active venting systems make passive systems an attractive alternative. In addition, a passive system can be designed to become active if needed.
THESE TECHNOLOGIES CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE DIFFERENT SCENARIOS:
NEW CONSTRUCTION / RETROFITS / VI + WATERPROOFING
New Construction
Construction over contaminated land presents a wide variety of challenges. Lenders, insurance companies, property owners, lawyers and public officials are some of the key players who have a stake in making sure newly constructed structures are not adversely affected by vapor intrusion. Each entity will evaluate vapor intrusion differently as there are no concrete standards that govern how to effectively manage vapor intrusion.
The advantage to combating vapor intrusion in a newly constructed structure is the opportunity to properly incorporate building protection measures into the building.
Vapor-Vent is first installed in a permeable layer directly below the membrane.
Next, the Geo-Seal membrane is installed just before the placement of concrete. Placing the membrane directly underneath the concrete slab allows the proper sealing of penetrations into the building as well as other entry points that are present in the foundation or might develop in the future.
Effectively eliminating vapor intrusion pathways in the building foundation and reducing the buildup of contaminated vapors under the building will result in optimal protection for building inhabitants.
Retrofits
The sustainable development movement focuses on the conservation of natural resources. One way natural resources are conserved is through the reuse of buildings. Buildings once used for industrial or commercial use are now being “reused” for new purposes. Contamination resulting from past activities on site, or by other companies off site, can present a vapor intrusion risk.
Because the building is not being demolished, the vapor intrusion mitigation methods can vary depending on project goals and the building conditions.
One example of successfully retrofitting a building is installing Geo-Seal over the existing concrete slab and then placing 2 inches of concrete over the membrane for protection. Other retrofit options are available and LST can help evaluate which scenario best fits your project.
VI + Waterproofing
Protecting a building can be further complicated when structures extend below grade and are constantly submerged in contaminated groundwater, or need to protect the structure from surface water. Water intrusion into a below grade structure represents a completion of the vapor intrusion pathway and depending on site conditions, the threat of actual contamination entering the building.
The Geo-Seal membrane can be customized to meet the complex needs of protecting the building against the constituents that might be found in groundwater thereby providing waterproofing and chemical vapor protection.
