What is the purpose of a DPC layer in building construction? 

Explanation:

Damp Proof Course or DPC:

• It is the protective layer applied to prevent the rising of moisture to the walls from the ground due to capillary action.
• It is usually 2.5 cm thick with a ratio of rich cement concrete 1:1.5:3 or 2 cm thick with cement mortar 1:2 mixed with standard waterproofing material.
• It is provided from the plinth level to the entire width of the plinth wall, and the quantities are calculated in square meters (length x breadth).

Additional Information

Some common materials used in the Damp Proof Course:

1. Hot bitumen - This is a highly flexible material with a minimum thickness of 3 mm. It is applied to the bedding of concrete or mortar while it is hot.
2. Mastic asphalt - It is a semi-rigid, highly durable, and entirely waterproof material. It's made by heating asphalt sand, and mineral fillers together
3. Bituminous or asphaltic felts - This is a flexible material that is available in rolls of various wall thicknesses. It is applied on a uniform flat layer of cement mortar.
4. Metal sheets-Lead, copper, and aluminum sheets can be utilized as DPC. These sheets are made of a fiexible material and are pretty flimsy. Their thickness should be such that their weight per square meter does not go below 20 kg/m²