Root penetration test according to the FLL method
Green roofs are becoming more and more attractive as they provide a green oasis and a habitat for many species. However, the plant growth poses a particular challenge for the roof waterproofing. Only root-resistant waterproofing membranes and coatings can prevent moisture from penetrating into the structure.
Since 2017, SKZ has been conducting root penetration tests in accordance with the “Procedure for investigating the root resistance of membranes and coatings for green roofs” of the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau e. V. (FLL), Bonn.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Roth-Kleyer (Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences) will be discontinuing his long-standing root testing activities from 2020. There has been an exchange of experience between Roth-Kleyer and SKZ for some time. As a result, SKZ will take over some of the equipment at the beginning of 2019 and expand its testing capacity. “The SKZ greenhouse in Würzburg-Heidingsfeld has over 500 m² of testing area and numerous test containers for the two-year test with firethorn and couch grass as test plants. This enables us to start promptly,” says SKZ project manager Anja Martin.
In addition to firethorn and couch grass, other test plants can be used, such as reeds. As a test plant, reed places very high demands on the resistance of waterproofing for water. At the customer's request, individual plant-based tests can also be carried out on plastics.
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