Geosynthetic sealing membrane
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure US20260234893A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO FOREIGN PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119(b), 119(e), 120, and / or 365(c) of International Application No. PCT / EP2024 / 059276 filed Apr. 5, 2024, which claims priority to German Application No. DE 10 2023 108 730.4 filed Apr. 5, 2023.FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a use of a geosynthetic sealing sheet. The group of geosynthetic sealing sheets includes, inter alia, geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) and polymeric sealing sheets. Furthermore, the invention relates to a geosynthetic sealing sheet, a sealing sheet arrangement, and a method for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Geosynthetic sealing sheets are typically used for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils. Frequently, a watertight and / or gastight connection of polymeric layers is necessary in order to achieve the desired sealing effect by means of the sealing sheets. The sealing sheets are therefore generally designed to be watertight and / or gastight, such that no water and / or gas transport can take place through the sealing sheets themselves.
[0004] When a larger area is to be sealed with sealing sheets, several sealing sheets must be used. For this purpose, the sealing sheets are laid parallel next to one another, wherein the sheets are typically arranged overlapping in a connection region. In this overlapping region, the sealing sheets are connected to one another in a watertight manner. In the case of polymeric sealing sheets, the connection is effected, for example, by welding, either with the addition of material or without the addition of material. For example, wedge welding can be used as a welding process without material addition, and extrusion welding can be used as a welding process with material addition.
[0005] Furthermore, the overlapping regions can also be bonded with a seam tape. This connection method is known, for example, for producing a connection between adjacent coated clay liners.
[0006] A significant disadvantage of such known uses of sealing sheets lies in the fact that the welding methods described require special tools and trained personnel on the construction site to operate these special tools. Furthermore, welding connections can only be reliably produced under certain weather conditions; in particular, it must be dry and the temperatures must be above the dew point.
[0007] For sealing sheets designed as fabric sheets, the required tightness is achieved only by grouting material between two fabric layers. The fabric sheets serve as formwork and reinforcement, but not themselves as a sealing element. The sealing element produced on site by compression / filling is uneven and has a varying thickness. Moreover, it is inflexible and very massive and heavy, whereby the costs for the connection are also high, so that the use of such fabric sheets is technically and economically unsuitable for many application conditions.
[0008] In known adhesive connections for connecting two sealing sheets, an adhesive tape is typically used. However, after bonding, there is no possibility of leak testing or compression of the connection. Furthermore, the adhesives typically used do not have sufficient durability and thus not sufficient water and gas impermeability, which is why the use of such adhesive connections cannot be employed in critical areas, such as landfill seals.
[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved solution which addresses at least one of the problems mentioned. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a solution by means of which an improved and more easily producible watertight and / or gastight connection between two sealing sheets is enabled.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a use of a geosynthetic sealing sheet, comprising a planar main body having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the length and wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the width, and a connection section which is arranged along an edge portion of the main body and is materially bonded to the edge portion of the main body, wherein the connection section comprises or consists of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene and / or polyvinyl chloride and / or polypropylene and / or a biodegradable plastic, wherein the connection section comprises a first connection element adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene, and / or a soluble plastic, and / or an adhesive and / or an adhesive receiving surface, or comprises a second connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further connection element, or comprises a first and a second connection element, wherein the first connection element is adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene, and / or a soluble plastic, and / or an adhesive and / or an adhesive receiving surface, and wherein the second connection element is adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further connection element, wherein preferably the first and second connection elements are integrally formed, for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils in such a way that a first sealing sheet and a further sealing sheet are laid next to one another at an installation site, in particular unrolled, and are sealingly connected to one another by means of a materially bonded connection of the first connection element of the first sealing sheet and / or a form-locking connection of the second connection element of the first sealing sheet with a further connection element of the further sealing sheet.
[0011] The geosynthetic sealing sheet may comprise or consist of one or more materials. The geosynthetic sealing sheet may, for example, be a polymeric sealing sheet or a clay sealing sheet coated with polyethylene, for example. The terms geosynthetic sealing sheet and sealing sheet are used synonymously herein.
[0012] The sealing sheets described herein are used in particular for areal sealing of soil layers and / or for creating areal liquid barriers.
[0013] The thickness of the main body is preferably constant. The connection section preferably extends parallel to the extension of the main body in the longitudinal direction.
[0014] The first connection element serves in particular for producing a materially bonded and preferably watertight connection. The second connection element comprises a functional element which can in particular be form-lockingly coupled with a matching functional receiving element. The functional element and the form-locking functional receiving element can preferably engage with one another in such a way that a form-locking, in particular watertight, connection is formed.
[0015] A first advantage of the invention lies in the fact that such sealing sheets can be laid out and directly connected to one another without special prerequisites having to be present for producing the connection between two adjacent sealing sheets. A connection between sealing sheets can be produced without special tools, for example for carrying out a welding process, having to be used. Moreover, no specially trained personnel are required for producing the connection.
[0016] A further advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the sealing sheets described herein can be laid and connected to one another in a manner relatively independent of the weather or climatic conditions. Even below the dew point, a connection between such sealing sheets can be produced. Thus, a connection between such sealing sheets can also be produced under weather or climatic conditions under which conventional sealing sheets cannot be connected to one another.
[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first connection element is adapted for tool-free production of a materially bonded, in particular watertight, connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet. Thus, a materially bonded and watertight connection can be produced in a particularly advantageous manner without certain tools being required therefor.
[0018] It is particularly preferred that the first connection element is adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet without use of a welding process, wherein the first connection element preferably comprises a means for producing a materially bonded connection which is activatable when laying the sealing sheet and which is preferably integrated in the first connection element. Preferably, the first connection element is adapted to form a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet without a welding device being used for this purpose.
[0019] Preferably, the means for producing the materially bonded connection is designed as an activatable adhesive and / or as an integrated heating element, in particular for melting a region of the first connection element. The activatable adhesive may in particular be designed such that the connection is effected by chemical activation, in particular cold welding, and / or by pressure and / or by adding an activator. The adhesive may be applied in one or two or more parallel tracks. The adhesive may be applied to the planar surface of the connection section or applied in a recess in the connection section. Until bonding, the adhesive may be protected against aging and premature bonding by means of a suitable adhesive protection, for example in the form of a protective film. The integrated heating element may in particular be a heating wire, which is preferably integrated in the sealing sheet, particularly preferably in the connection element. A heating wire is to be understood in particular as a resistance wire which can be heated by applying and / or inducing an electric voltage. Preferably, such a heating wire is embedded in a plastic, wherein plastic can be melted when heating the heating wire, in particular by electric heating, in order to then form a materially bonded connection upon cooling.
[0020] It is preferred if the second connection element is adapted for tool-free production of a form-locking connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet. Preferably, a form-locking connection between the second connection element and a further connection element can be produced without the use of tools.
[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred if the connection section comprises a third connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection, in particular with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the third connection element comprises at least one second functional element adapted to interlock with at least one corresponding functional element, wherein the third connection element is adapted for tool-free production of a form-locking connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet.
[0022] The second functional element may be designed like the first functional element. However, the second functional element may also be designed such that a first functional element can engage in the second functional element or vice versa. This makes it possible to connect two connection elements, each of which comprises a first and a second functional element, to one another by connecting the first and second functional elements.
[0023] Furthermore, it is preferred if the second connection element is adapted to produce a form-locking, in particular watertight, connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet by means of a zipper and / or a zip closure. Preferably, a connection between the first functional element and a second functional element of a further sealing sheet can be produced as a zipper connection and / or a zip closure connection.
[0024] It is preferred if the third connection element is adapted to produce a form-locking, in particular watertight, connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet by means of a zipper and / or a zip closure. Preferably, a connection between functional elements can thus be produced to create a zipper connection and / or a zip closure connection.
[0025] Particularly preferred is the use of a sealing sheet as a first and / or second sealing sheet of a sealing sheet arrangement as described herein.
[0026] It is further preferred if the sealing sheet is designed for sludge pond covering and / or for sealing a retention basin and / or for tunnel sealing and / or for temporary soil covering and / or for sealing in mining and / or for sealing soil layers in a landfill.
[0027] Due to the possibility of easily producing and using a reliable watertight sealing sheet arrangement, the use of a sealing sheet described herein is particularly advantageous for sludge pond coverings, sealing of a retention basin, and / or for tunnel coverings.
[0028] Particularly preferred is the use of a sealing sheet, wherein the sealing sheet is further developed as described below.
[0029] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a geosynthetic sealing sheet for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils, comprising a planar main body having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the length and wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the width, and a connection section which is arranged along an edge portion of the main body and is materially bonded to the edge portion of the main body, wherein the connection section comprises or consists of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene, wherein the connection section comprises a first connection element adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene, and / or a soluble plastic, and / or an adhesive and / or an adhesive receiving surface, or comprises a second connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further connection element, or comprises a first and a second connection element, wherein the first connection element is adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, in particular polyethylene, and / or a soluble plastic, and / or an adhesive and / or an adhesive receiving surface, and wherein the second connection element is adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further connection element, wherein preferably the first and second connection elements are integrally formed.
[0030] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the at least one first functional element is adapted to produce a form-locking connection by means of a slide fastener and / or a zipper and / or a press fastener and / or a snap connection. A snap connection is understood in particular as connections with interlocking functional elements for form-lockingly joining components, in which one joining part is elastically deformed and subsequently hooked in.
[0031] A slide fastener is understood in particular as a fastener which is formed from a fastener strip with two interlocking profiles. The at least one first functional element may also be adapted to produce a connection by means of a press fastener. A press fastener is understood in particular as a fastener formed from a fastener strip of two interlocking profiles which can be brought into engagement by pressure. The at least one first functional element may in particular be adapted to produce a watertight connection.
[0032] It is particularly preferred if the at least one first functional element has an outer contour with a circular segment-shaped cross section, wherein the outer contour of the at least one first functional element is preferably adapted to engage in a corresponding functional element with a circular segment-shaped recess. Such a recess is preferably designed such that a corresponding functional element can engage in the recess and thus a form-locking connection between the functional elements is produced.
[0033] Preferably, the connection section comprises a third connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection, in particular with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the third connection element comprises at least one second functional element adapted to interlock with at least one corresponding functional element.
[0034] It is preferred that the at least one second functional element has a circular segment-shaped recess, wherein the at least one second functional element is preferably adapted to receive a corresponding functional element with an outer contour having a circular segment-shaped cross section, wherein preferably the at least one first functional element and the at least one second functional element are adapted such that the at least one first functional element can engage in the at least one second functional element to produce a form-locking connection. Such a recess is preferably adapted such that a corresponding functional element can engage in the recess and thus a form-locking connection between the functional elements is produced.
[0035] Furthermore, it is preferred that the second connection element and the third connection element are designed as at least partially overlapping planar layers which are at least partially not connected to one another. The second and third connection elements may in particular be arranged at least partially overlapping.
[0036] It is further preferred that the main body comprises a polymeric layer, in particular comprising a thermoplastic material, preferably polyethylene. The main body may also consist essentially or entirely of plastic. The main body may also comprise several layers, of which at least one, preferably two, layers are a polymeric layer, wherein the polymeric layer is preferably watertight.
[0037] It is further preferred that the sealing sheet is watertight and / or gastight. This is preferably achieved by means of at least one watertight polymeric layer.
[0038] Furthermore, it is preferred that the connection section comprises at least one heating element, preferably in the form of at least one heating wire, which is arranged in the region of the first or the second connection element, wherein the heating element is preferably surrounded in the connection section by the thermoplastic material, wherein the heating element preferably comprises several heating wires arranged in the region of the first connection element.
[0039] Several heating elements, in particular two, may also be used. The heating element may also be used to increase the elasticity of a form-locking element during joining and / or as a heating element to cause shrinkage, in particular utilizing the heat-shrink principle for solidifying and sealing the form-locking connection.
[0040] The heating element may in particular be used to melt plastic and thereby produce a materially bonded connection. Furthermore, such a heating element may be used to heat and / or activate adhesive, for producing a materially bonded adhesive connection. In addition, the heating element may be used to make a form-locking connection to be produced more elastic, whereby the form-locking connection can be produced more easily, wherein after cooling of the produced form-locking connection, this may be designed to be particularly strong and rigid.
[0041] It is further preferred that the sealing sheet is designed as a polymeric sealing sheet, preferably comprising polyethylene, and / or as a geosynthetic clay liner comprising a swellable material, such as a clay mineral layer, arranged between two geotextile layers, and / or as a swellable sealing sheet. As polyethylene (PE), for example, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and / or high density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used. A clay mineral layer is understood in particular as a layer which comprises or consists of bentonite. Preferably, the sealing sheet comprises geotextile composites. The sealing sheet may in particular be a needle-punched geosynthetic clay liner consisting of encapsulating geosynthetics and sodium bentonite. The sealing sheet may also be designed as a mat known as a bentonite mat.
[0042] It is further preferred that the sealing sheet has a thickness of at least 0.15 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 1 mm. Preferably, the sealing sheet has a thickness of at most 20 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, in particular at most 5 mm.
[0043] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a sealing sheet arrangement for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils, comprising a first sealing sheet as described herein, a second sealing sheet as described herein, wherein the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet are materially bonded and / or form-lockingly connected to one another.
[0044] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first connection element of the first sealing sheet is materially bonded to the first connection element of the second sealing sheet.
[0045] Preferably, the second connection element of the first sealing sheet is form-lockingly connected to the third connection element of the second sealing sheet.
[0046] Preferably, the third connection element of the first sealing sheet is form-lockingly connected to the second connection element of the second sealing sheet.
[0047] It is preferred if an inspection channel is formed between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet, wherein the inspection channel preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first sealing sheet and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second sealing sheet.
[0048] Such an inspection channel can be used for leak testing of the connection produced. The inspection channel may, for example, be formed between two adhesive connections. To test a connection with an inspection channel, for example, a defined air overpressure can be generated in the inspection channel, e.g., in a double wedge weld seam with inspection channel, for example in a range of 2.8 bar to 5 bar. Thereafter, the inspection channel, provided with a manometer, is closed off and the pressure drop monitored over a certain period of time, for example 10 minutes. If the pressure drop is too great, for example more than 1 bar in 10 minutes, it is to be assumed that a leak is present. In the case of pressure drops below such a defined limit value, however, creeping in the material is assumed rather than a leak. A test is also possible according to a corresponding principle by generating a vacuum, if, for example, an adhesive connection could not withstand the peeling forces caused by an overpressure.
[0049] It is particularly preferred if a grouting channel is formed between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet, wherein the grouting channel preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first sealing sheet and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second sealing sheet, wherein preferably a grouting material is arranged in the grouting channel to provide a watertight connection between the connection sections of the first and second sealing sheets. Such a grouting channel may be filled, in particular completely, with a grouting material. The grouting material may, for example, comprise or consist of a bentonite suspension, and / or comprise or consist of bitumen, and / or comprise or consist of a chemical grouting material, in particular in the form of a chemically setting gel. The grouting material is preferably liquid or pasty during grouting, whereby any air present can be completely displaced during grouting. After a grouting process, the grouting material preferably bonds with the walls of the grouting channel, such that a watertight connection is created. The set grouting material preferably has a similar ductility as the connection section. Examples of grouting materials include synthetic resins, bitumen, bentonite suspension, or cement suspension. Preferably, a grouting material is used that does not or not significantly change its volume during the setting process.
[0050] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils, comprising: providing a first sealing sheet as described herein, providing a second sealing sheet as described herein, arranging the connection section of the first sealing sheet at the connection section of the second sealing sheet, producing a materially bonded connection and / or a form-locking connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet. The first and the second sealing sheet are preferably designed in the same way. In particular, the first and the second sealing sheet may have the same connection elements and / or the same or mutually connectable functional elements.
[0051] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that providing the first sealing sheet and / or providing the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps: producing the sealing sheet, comprising the main body and the connection section, by means of an extrusion process, and / or producing the main body by means of an extrusion process, and producing the connection section, and subsequently materially bonding, in particular by welding and / or gluing, the main body with the connection section. It is particularly preferred if the main body and the connection section are produced together in one step in the extrusion process. However, the main body and the connection section may also be produced separately and then connected to one another, in particular materially bonded.
[0052] It is particularly preferred that the method comprises generating a laying plan depending on three-dimensional position data, preferably generated by laser scanning, determining the required sealing sheets depending on the laying plan, cutting the required sealing sheets depending on the laying plan.
[0053] Furthermore, it is preferred if producing a materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps: heating a heating element, in particular by applying an electric voltage to the heating element designed as a heating wire and / or by inducing an electric voltage by moving a magnetic element along the connection section, for melting a plastic and subsequent cooling of the plastic, and / or chemically activating the adhesive and / or generating a pressure in the region of the adhesive and / or adding an activator to the adhesive. Heating of the heating wire may thus be effected by applying an electric voltage to the heating wire. The heating wire can also be heated by electromagnetic induction, wherein preferably the connection section is passed over with a magnetic element, in particular in the form of a magnetic coil, so that an electric voltage is generated in the heating wire.
[0054] Furthermore, it is preferred if the method comprises: arranging a pulling element on the second connection element and / or the third connection element of the first and / or the second sealing sheet, and producing a form-locking connection between the second connection element of the first sealing sheet with the third connection element of the second sealing sheet and / or between the third connection element of the first sealing sheet and the second connection element of the second sealing sheet by pulling the pulling element, in particular in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first and / or the second sealing sheet.
[0055] Preferably, a zipper connection and / or a zip closure connection is produced with such a pulling element, wherein in particular the pulling element is connected to an element serving to produce a zipper connection and / or a zip closure connection. Thus, with such a pulling element, in particular a watertight connection between two sealing sheets can be produced by pulling the pulling element along the connection elements.
[0056] Furthermore, it is preferred that producing a materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps: generating at least one channel between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet, wherein the channel preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first sealing sheet and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second sealing sheet. Preferably, the at least one channel is generated by producing a form-locking connection.
[0057] Furthermore, it is preferred that producing a materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps: generating a vacuum in the at least one channel in order to press the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet against each other at least in sections, producing at least one materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet, wherein preferably a further channel is formed by the materially bonded connection.
[0058] By generating a vacuum in the channel, the connection sections can be pressed against each other in order then to be able to produce a materially bonded connection.
[0059] It is further preferred that the method comprises: testing the gas tightness and / or water tightness of the materially bonded and / or form-locking connection by means of a pressure test in the at least one channel and / or in the further channel, and / or filling the at least one channel and / or the further channel with a grouting material and grouting the sections of the connection section of the first and the second sealing sheet arranged in the region of the at least one channel and / or the further channel.
[0060] For the advantages, embodiments, and details of the various solutions described herein and their respective possible further developments, reference is also made to the description of the corresponding features, details, and advantages of the respective other aspects and their developments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:
[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other;
[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other;
[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other;
[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other;
[0066] FIG. 5a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of two second connection elements;
[0067] FIG. 5b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of two second connection elements; and
[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic process sequence of a method for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0069] In the Figures, identical or substantially functionally identical or functionally similar elements are designated with the same reference signs.
[0070] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other. A first sealing sheet 20 comprises a connection section 10 made of high-density polyethylene, which has a first connection element 21. The first connection element 21 here is a factory-prepared adhesive layer with an adhesive arranged in a recess in the connection section 10. The connection section 10 of the first sealing sheet 20 can be connected to a connection section of a second sealing sheet 30. The second sealing sheet 30 likewise comprises a first connection element 31, which is designed in the same way as the first connection element 21 of the first sealing sheet 20. The two adhesive layers 21, 31 can form an adhesive connection and thus a materially bonded connection. The bonding may be designed in such a way that the connection is effected by chemical activation, so-called “cold welding,” or by pressure, or by adding an activator.
[0071] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other. A first sealing sheet 20 comprises a connection section 10 made of high-density polyethylene, which has a first connection element 21, 22. The first connection element 21, 22 comprises two parallel, factory-prepared adhesive layers, each with an adhesive arranged in a recess in the connection section 10. The connection section 10 of the first sealing sheet 20 can be connected to a connection section of a second sealing sheet 30. The second sealing sheet 30 likewise comprises a connection element 31, 32 which is designed like the connection element 21, 22 of the first sealing sheet 20. The adhesive layers 21, 22, 31, 32 can form an adhesive connection and thus a materially bonded connection with an inspection channel 40 running between the adhesive layers. The bonding may be designed in such a way that the connection is effected by chemical activation, so-called “cold welding,” or by pressure, or by adding an activator.
[0072] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other. The first sealing sheet 20 is connected to a connection section 10 via a connection 28. The connection section 10 comprises two portions. The first portion 42 comprises a first connection element 42d, in which several heating wires 45 are embedded, and a third connection element 42e. The first connection element 42d is adapted to produce a materially bonded connection. For this purpose, plastic in the region of the first connection element 42d is melted by heating the heating wires. When the melted plastic cools and solidifies, a materially bonded connection with a connection section 10 of the second sealing sheet 30 is produced. The third connection element 42e is adapted to produce a form-locking connection 60 with the second connection element 51 of the second sealing sheet 30. The second connection element 41 is adapted to produce a form-locking connection 60 with the third connection element 52e of the second sealing sheet 30. The form-locking connections 60 between the two sealing sheets 20, 30 are arranged on the line 90. All connections extend into the plane perpendicular to the drawing plane. The connection section 10 of the second sealing sheet 30 is constructed like the connection section 10 of the first sealing sheet 20.
[0073] To produce the connections between the two connection sections, the sealing sheets are arranged rotated by 180° relative to one another, such that in the first sealing sheet 20 the first connection element 42d and the third connection element 42e are arranged at the bottom, and in the second sealing sheet 30 the first connection element 52d and the third connection element 52e are arranged at the top. Accordingly, the second connection element 41 of the first sealing sheet is arranged at the top here and the second connection element 51 of the second sealing sheet is arranged at the bottom here. The second sealing sheet likewise comprises heating wires 55 for producing a materially bonded connection. The form-locking connections 60 can also be used to achieve only temporarily a mechanical connection and a sealing of the resulting channel against the atmosphere until a permanent materially bonded connection is produced. This permanent, materially bonded connection can be achieved by first generating a vacuum in the temporarily sealed channel, which presses the two overlapping sealing sheet parts together. As soon as the vacuum is fully applied and the two films lie smoothly on top of each other, the heating elements 45, 55 can be energized. During plasticizing of the molten areas after melting, a materially bonded connection is produced. By arranging such a welding region, a watertight connection and an intermediate channel are obtained, which can be used either as an inspection channel for testing the connection or as a grouting channel for grouting the channel.
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of two sealing sheets connected to each other. The first sealing sheet 20 comprises a connection section10, which is connected to the main body of the first sealing sheet 20 via a connection 28 (here a factory-produced, pressed wedge weld). The main body of the second sealing sheet 30 is likewise connected to the connection section 10 of the second sealing sheet 30 by means of an identically designed connection 38. The connection section 10 of the first sealing sheet 20 comprises a first connection element 41c, 42c, which here is designed in the form of a grouting material and / or an adhesive applied to the portions of the connection section. The connection section 10 of the second sealing sheet 30 comprises a corresponding first connection element 51c, 52c, which comprises a grouting material and / or an adhesive. The connection section 10 comprises two portions 41, 42e, which are designed as a second connection element 41 and as a third connection element 42e, and in each case adapted to produce a form-locking connection 60 with a connection section 10 of the second sealing sheet 30. The second connection element 41 of the first sealing sheet 20 is form-lockingly connected to the third connection element 52e of the second sealing sheet 30. The third connection element 42e of the first sealing sheet 20 is form-lockingly connected to the second connection element 51 of the second sealing sheet 30. The form-locking connections 60 are produced by arranging a first (upper) zipper 71 in one connection region and a second (lower) zipper 72 in the other connection region. The zippers 71, 72 are connected to each other via a web 80. A pull cord 70 is arranged on the upper zipper 71. By pulling the pull cord 70 along the connection sections, a form-locking zip connection 60 can be produced with the aid of the upper zipper 71. Since the first zipper 71 is connected to the second zipper 72 via the web 80, the second zipper 72 is moved along when the first zipper 71 is moved, whereby at the same time a form-locking zip connection 60 is produced in the lower region with the aid of the lower zipper 72.
[0075] After closing the zip connection 60, the portions 51 and 52e as well as 41 and 42e come into contact with each other, since the distance-holding web 80 is further pulled and runs out at the end of the portion in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The connection sections 10 are pressed against each other by a vacuum applied to the resulting channel such that the connecting means 51c and 52c as well as 41c and 42c, which are designed in particular as adhesive means, come into contact with one another and form a connection. Alternatively, the resulting channel can be grouted or flooded with a sealing material, for example.
[0076] FIG. 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of two connection elements. On a connection element 41 of a first sealing sheet 20 (as described for example in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), a functional element 41a is arranged, which is designed in a head shape here. On a connection element 52 of a second sealing sheet 30, a functional element 52a is arranged, which has a recess for receiving a head-shaped functional element. Thus, the two functional elements 41a, 52a can interlock and form a form-locking connection 60.
[0077] FIG. 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of two second connection elements. On a connection element 41 of a first sealing sheet 20 (as described for example in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), a first functional element 41a and a second functional element 41b are arranged. The first functional element 41a is designed in a head shape here, and the second functional element 41b has a recess for receiving a head-shaped functional element. On a connection element 52 of a second sealing sheet 30, a first functional element 52a and a second functional element 52b are arranged. The first functional element 52a has a recess for receiving a head-shaped functional element, and the second functional element 52b is designed in a head shape. Thus, the two functional elements 41a, 41b of the first connection element 41 can engage in the two functional elements 52a, 52b of the connection element 52 of a second sealing sheet and thus form a form-locking connection 60.
[0078] FIG. 6 shows a schematic process sequence of a method for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils. The method 100 for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils comprises the following steps: In a step 110, generating a laying plan depending on three-dimensional position data, preferably generated by laser scanning and taking into account geometric distortions due to, for example, inclinations, curvatures, or kinks. In a step 120, determining the required sealing sheets depending on the laying plan. In a step 130, cutting the required sealing sheets depending on the laying plan. In a step 140, providing a first sealing sheet. In a step 150, providing a second sealing sheet. In a step 160, arranging the connection section of the first sealing sheet at the connection section of the second sealing sheet. In a step 170, producing a materially bonded connection and / or a form-locking connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet. In a step 180, arranging a pulling element on the second connection element and / or the third connection element of the first and / or the second sealing sheet. In a step 190, producing a form-locking connection between the second connection element of the first sealing sheet with the third connection element of the second sealing sheet and / or between the third connection element of the first sealing sheet and the second connection element of the second sealing sheet by pulling the pulling element, in particular in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first and / or the second sealing sheet. In a step 200, pressing by vacuum or melting by heating wires or flooding the channels of the connection sections with sealing material and / or grouting material.
Claims
1. -32. (canceled)33. A use of a geosynthetic sealing sheet comprising:a planar main body having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the length and wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the width; anda connection section which is arranged along an edge portion of the main body and is materially bonded to the edge portion of the main body;wherein the connection section comprises a thermoplastic material, and the connection section further comprises:a first connection element of a first sealing sheet adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material;a second connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further second connection element of the further sealing sheet, wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further second connection element; orthe first and a second connection element, wherein the first connection element is adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with the further connection element of the further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, wherein the second connection element is adapted to produce the form-locking connection with the further second connection element of the further sealing sheet, and wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further second connection element; andwherein sealing soil layers, creating liquid barriers, and / or creating gas barriers in soils is obtained by laying the first sealing sheet and the further sealing sheet next to one another at an installation site, and sealingly connecting one to the other by a materially bonded connection of the first connection element of the first sealing sheet and / or a form-locking connection of the second connection element of the first sealing sheet with the further second connection element of the further sealing sheet.
34. The use of the sealing sheet according to claim 33, wherein the first connection element is adapted for tool-free production of a materially bonded and watertight connection with the further connection element of the further sealing sheet.
35. The use of the sealing sheet according to claim 33, wherein:the first connection element is adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with the further connection element of the further sealing sheet without use of a welding process; andwherein the first connection element comprises a materially bonded connection which is activatable when laying the sealing sheet and which is integrated in the first connection element.
36. The use of the sealing sheet according claim 33, wherein the materially bonded connection is an activatable adhesive and / or an integrated heating element adapted to melt a region of the first connection element.
37. The use of the sealing sheet according to claim 33, wherein the second connection element is adapted for tool-free production of the form-locking connection with the further second connection element of a further sealing sheet, and / or wherein:the connection section comprises a third connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection with the further connection element of the further sealing sheet;the third connection element comprises at least one second functional element adapted to interlock with at least one corresponding functional element; andthe third connection element is adapted for tool-free production of a form-locking connection with a further connection element of the further sealing sheet.
38. The use of the sealing sheet according to claim 33, wherein:the second connection element is adapted to produce a form-locking and watertight connection with the further second connection element of the further sealing sheet by means of a zipper and / or a zip closure; and / orthe third connection element is adapted to produce a form-locking and watertight connection with the further connection element of the further sealing sheet by means of a zipper and / or a zip closure.
39. The use of the sealing sheet according to claim 33, wherein the sealing sheet is designed for sludge pond covering, sealing a retention basin, tunnel sealing, temporary soil covering, sealing in mining, and / or for sealing soil layers in a landfill.
40. A geosynthetic sealing sheet for sealing soil layers, creating liquid barriers, and / or creating gas barriers in soils, the geosynthetic sealing sheet comprising:a planar main body having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the length and wherein the thickness is several times smaller than the width; anda connection section arranged along an edge portion of the main body of a first sealing sheet and materially bonded to the edge portion of the main body;wherein the connection section comprises a thermoplastic material; andwherein the connection section further comprises:a first connection element adapted to produce a materially bonded connection with a further connection element of a further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing a materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, including polyethylene, a soluble plastic, an adhesive, or an adhesive receiving surface;a second connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further second connection element of the further sealing sheet, wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further second connection element; orthe first and a second connection element, wherein the first connection element is adapted to produce the materially bonded connection with the further connection element of the further sealing sheet, wherein the first connection element for producing the materially bonded connection comprises a thermoplastic material, wherein the second connection element is adapted to produce the form-locking connection with the further second connection element of the further sealing sheet, and wherein the second connection element comprises at least one form-locking functional element adapted to be form-lockingly connected to a matching functional receiving element of the further second connection element.
41. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the at least one first functional element is adapted to produce a form-locking connection by a slide fastener, a zipper, a press fastener, and / or a snap connection.
42. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the at least one first functional element has an outer contour with a circular segment-shaped cross section, and the outer contour of the at least one first functional element is adapted to engage in a corresponding functional element with a circular segment-shaped recess.
43. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the connection section comprises a third connection element adapted to produce a form-locking connection with a further third connection element of the further sealing sheet; andwherein the third connection element comprises at least one second functional element adapted to interlock with at least one corresponding functional element.
44. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the at least one second functional element has a circular segment-shaped recess, and the second functional element is adapted to receive a corresponding functional element with an outer contour having a circular segment-shaped cross section; andwherein the at least one first functional element and the at least one second functional element are adapted such that the at least one first functional element can engage in the at least one second functional element to produce the form-locking connection.
45. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 43, wherein the second connection element and the third connection element are designed as at least partially overlapping planar layers which are at least partially not connected to one another.
46. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the planar main body comprises a polymeric layer.
47. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the sealing sheet is watertight and / or gastight.
48. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein:the connection section comprises at least one heating element arranged in the region of the first or the second connection element;the heating element is surrounded in the connection section by the thermoplastic material; andthe heating element comprises a plurality of heating wires arranged in the region of the first connection element.
49. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the sealing sheet is designed as a polymeric sealing sheet comprising:polyethylene;a geosynthetic clay liner comprising a swellable material, such as a clay mineral layer, arranged between two geotextile layers, and / or as a swellable sealing sheet; and / ora geotextile composite.
50. The geosynthetic sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the sealing sheet has a thickness of at least 0.15 mm and a thickness of at most 20 mm.
51. A sealing sheet arrangement for sealing soil layers, creating liquid barriers, and / or creating gas barriers in soils comprising a first and second sealing sheet according to claim 40, wherein the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet are materially bonded and / or form-lockingly connected to one another.
52. The sealing sheet arrangement according to the claim 51, wherein:the first connection element of the first sealing sheet is materially bonded to the first connection element of the second sealing sheet;the second connection element of the first sealing sheet is form-lockingly connected to the third connection element of the second sealing sheet; and / orthe third connection element of the first sealing sheet is form-lockingly connected to the second connection element of the second sealing sheet.
53. The sealing sheet arrangement according to claim 51, wherein:an inspection channel is formed between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet; andthe inspection channel extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first sealing sheet and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second sealing sheet.
54. The sealing sheet arrangement according to claim 51, wherein:a grouting channel is formed between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet;the grouting channel extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first sealing sheet and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second sealing sheet; anda grouting material is arranged in the grouting channel to provide a watertight connection between the connection sections of the first and the second sealing sheet.
55. A method for sealing soil layers and / or for creating liquid barriers and / or gas barriers in soils comprising the steps of:providing a first and second sealing sheet according to claim 40;arranging the connection section of the first sealing sheet at the connection section of the second sealing sheet; andproducing a materially bonded connection and / or a form-locking connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet.
56. The method according to claim 55, wherein providing the first sealing sheet and / or providing the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps:producing the sealing sheet, comprising the planar main body and the connection section, by means of an extrusion process; and / orproducing the planar main body by means of an extrusion process, and producing the connection section, and subsequently materially bonding, by welding and / or gluing, the main body with the connection section.
57. The method according to claim 55, comprising the further steps of:generating a laying plan depending on three-dimensional position data, preferably generated by laser scanning;determining the required sealing sheets depending on the laying plan; andcutting the required sealing sheets depending on the laying plan.
58. The method according to claim 55, wherein producing a materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps:heating a heating element, by applying an electric voltage to a heating element designed as a heating wire and / or by inducing an electric voltage by moving a magnetic element along the connection section, for melting the thermoplastic and subsequent cooling of the thermoplastic; and / orchemically activating the adhesive, generating a pressure in the region of the adhesive, and / or adding an activator to the adhesive.
59. The method according to claim 55, comprising the further steps of:arranging a pulling element on the second connection element and / or the third connection element of the first and / or the second sealing sheet; andproducing the form-locking connection between the second connection element of the first sealing sheet with a third connection element of the second sealing sheet and / or between the third connection element of the first sealing sheet and the second connection element of the second sealing sheet by pulling the pulling element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first and / or the second sealing sheet.
60. The method according to claim 55, wherein the step of producing a materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet comprises the following step:generating at least one channel between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet, wherein the channel extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first sealing sheet and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second sealing sheet.
61. The method according to claim 60, wherein the step of producing a materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet comprises the following steps:generating a vacuum in the at least one channel to press the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet against each other at least in sections; andproducing at least one materially bonded connection between the connection section of the first sealing sheet and the connection section of the second sealing sheet, wherein a further channel is formed by the materially bonded connection.
62. The method according to claim 60, comprising the additional steps of:testing the gas tightness and / or water tightness of the materially bonded and / or form-locking connection by means of a pressure test in the at least one channel and / or in the further channel; and / orfilling the at least one channel and / or the further channel with a grouting material and grouting the sections of the connection section of the first and the second sealing sheet arranged in the region of the at least one channel and / or the further channel.