Aging-Dependent Repair Performance and Interfacial Durability of New–Aged Waterproof Membrane Systems

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Authors: Chao Zhang, Xian Li, Xiaopeng Li, Longjiang Yang, Guojun Sun, Xingpeng Ma
Cited by: 3
References: 14

Abstract

Waterproofing systems frequently experience performance degradation during long-term service due to material aging and structural deformation, thereby necessitating localized repair interventions. The bonding interface between newly applied and existing membrane materials is a critical determinant of repair effectiveness. In this study, the aging-dependent repair performance of three representative waterproof membrane systems was systematically investigated using peel strength testing, low-temperature flexibility assessment, and interfacial morphology analysis under thermal-oxidative aging for 2, 5, 14, and 28 days. The results demonstrate that the homogeneous repair system based on ultra-thin reinforced self-adhesive polymer-modified bituminous membranes exhibits superior overall performance, maintaining the highest peel strength with only minor degradation even after 28 days of accelerated aging. In contrast, the polymeric butyl self-adhesive membrane subjected to homogeneous repair exhibited rapid adhesion degradation after 14 days, whereas the heterogeneous repair system showed improved stability during intermediate aging stages. Low-temperature flexibility testing further revealed that root-resistant bituminous membranes exhibited a slower aging rate, with a cracking temperature increase of 7 °C after 28 days, compared to a 10 °C increase observed for ultra-thin self-adhesive membranes. These quantitative findings provide clear guidance for the selection of appropriate repair membrane systems under varying aging conditions in waterproofing engineering, particularly for maintenance and rehabilitation applications.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Asphalt Pavement Performance Evaluation High voltage insulation and dielectric phenomena Polymer Nanocomposites and Properties

Publication details

Journal / source
Polymers
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
163–163
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN