Lately expensive damages on bridges have been observed in Switzerland; partly due to problems with the waterproof sheeting, particularly with its application.
This situation may be due to the fact that sealing systems must often be applied under extreme conditions during road works (climate and condition of cement); when this happens, the sensitivity of the employed materials may be negatively affected by these harsh conditions. The influence of various factors on the development of damages is relatively complex and yet not well known. This is true despite intensive research efforts in Switzerland and abroad, due to the new developments, which are constantly being offered in this field. It is necessary to resolve this problem with a systematic approach: after an assessment of the current state of the technique, the basic requirements for the gathering of the relevant influencing factors in bridge sealing with waterproof sheeting systems need to be developed. These basic requirements shall serve as starting point for the development of an approval practice and evaluation of new or existing systems which could prevent the development of unexpected, expensive and weighty damages.