Water load category W1-E: ground damp/ non-pressure water
Ground damp is a capillary-bound water present in the soil, e.g. water under suction, retained water, and capillary water. Water that can even drain away in opposition to gravity, due to the capillary forces.
A case that is comparable to the case of ground damp, is generated by non-banking seepage water due to precipitation. Non-banking seepage water is surface water and seepage water in liquid dripping form, and it does not exert hydrostatic pressure on the water-proofing system. This case can only be prevailing if the ground in a sufficient depth under the foundation base and if the backfilling material of the excavation pit consists of highly permeable soils, such as sand or gravel. The accumulating water must be able to seep down to the free ground water level. Non-banking seepage water must also be assumed for low-permeability soil components in combination with functional drainage (according to DIN 4095).