Apparatus and method for placing a membrane in a waterbed

Abstract

An apparatus and method for laying a waterproofing membrane on a surface of a waterbed is described, wherein a roll-carrying vehicle is remotely controlled on the surface to transport at least one roll of the membrane in a laying direction so as to unroll the membrane at least along a slope of the waterbed, and wherein a winch-carrying vehicle carries a winch device with at least one flexible traction element connected to said roll- carrying vehicle during a movement of the latter along the slope of the waterbed, whereby the flexible element is tensioned by said roll-carrying vehicle to assist in guiding it.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Placing a Membrane in a WaterbedBackground of the Invention

[0001] The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for installing a waterproofing membrane on the surface of a waterbed, whether in still or flowing water, particularly for installing a waterproof coating underwater without emptying the waterbed and, in the case of flowing water, without interrupting the flow of water.

[0002] The invention may be used, in particular, for the underwater unrolling of rolls of waterproofing material in the form of a membrane (in particular, the geomembranes known as Sibelonzip® and Sibelonmat®) over the entire cross-section of the waterbed, which includes the bottom and two opposing slopes, or only over a portion of the crosssection, for example, on a single slope or on opposing slopes.

[0003] Specifically, but not exclusively, the method may be applied to the underwater installation of a waterproof lining in a canal for drinking water supply, irrigation, navigation, land reclamation, industrial purposes, or other purposes. The method may, however, also be applied to install a waterproof lining in other types of waterbeds, such as, for example, water retention and / or retention basins and dams.State of the art

[0004] Patent publication WO 2016 / 016367 Al shows a method for waterproofing a waterbed by laying and installing prefabricated geomembrane panels. These panels are supplied in rolls that must be unrolled using special unrolling devices.

[0005] The techniques currently used for laying and installing geomembranes by unrolling can be improved in several respects.

[0006] First, it is desirable to reduce the time and costs required to unroll geomembrane rolls. In particular, it has been found that known unrolling devices are sometimes relatively difficult to maneuver, resulting in a slow geomembrane installation speed and slow execution rates. Furthermore, when installing under running water, there is a need for an unrolling device with high resistance to lateral currents. It would also be desirable to be able to unfold longer and / or heavier rolls.

[0007] Other aspects of the prior art that could be improved include: increasing the speed with which the unrolling devices are transferred to the actual installation position; the ability to operate easily even in waterbeds with particularly soft or movement- restrictive surfaces (e.g., surfaces with sand, mud, debris, etc.); savings on the resourcesrequired for laying and installing the liner (for example, currently requiring a large number of technicians and divers); the efficiency of remote management of operations.Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the invention is to create an apparatus and method capable of satisfying one or more of the aforementioned requirements of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the invention is to propose a solution, alternative to the prior art, for laying a waterproof membrane over a waterbed.

[0010] An object of the invention is to reduce execution times and / or costs compared to other methods used for unrolling geomembrane rolls.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a waterproofing method that can be performed underwater without emptying the waterbed.

[0012] An object of the invention is to install a waterproof lining, by unrolling membranes, without interrupting the normal operating conditions of the waterbed, for example, without interrupting navigation in a navigable canal, or without interrupting irrigation programs for agricultural crops, etc.

[0013] An advantage of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for automatically performing the underwater installation of a waterproof lining, in particular by unrolling geomembranes, without interrupting the operation of systems operating in the waterbed.

[0014] These objects and advantages, and others, are achieved by an apparatus and / or a method according to one or more of the claims listed below.

[0015] In one example, a method for installing a waterproofing membrane in a waterbed comprises the step of providing a winch device on a bank of the waterbed that uppermost delimits a slope of the waterbed, and the step of moving a roll-carrying vehicle, carrying at least one roll of the membrane, in an installation direction so as to unroll the membrane at least along said slope, wherein, during said step of moving the roll-carrying vehicle, at least one flexible traction element of the winch device is connected to the rollcarrying vehicle to be tensioned by the roll-carrying vehicle itself and assist in guiding it.

[0016] The apparatus in question, suitable for installing a waterproofing membrane in a waterbed, comprises a plurality of devices different from each other that are interconnected and that are configured to work in collaboration with each other as a single operating unit.

[0017] The roll-carrying vehicle is the device used to unroll the membrane (in particular the geomembrane, for example a Sibelonzip® or Sibelonmat® membrane) onto the surface of the waterbed (for example, a canal). The roll-carrying vehicle may be equipped, in particular, with a system for moving it across the surface of the waterbed using caterpillar wheels or a screw drive (the latter especially in the case of severe movement conditions such as, for example, a muddy surface or the presence of sediment) or even using other movement systems. The roll-carrying vehicle may have a relatively high movement speed (for example, approximately 4 meters per minute for the movement system with caterpillar wheels). The roll-carrying vehicle may carry a roll of membrane (Sibelonzip® or Sibelonmat® panels) of relatively large width (for example, approximately 10 meters).

[0018] The movement of the roll-carrying vehicle on the surface of the waterbed is made safe, reliable and precise by virtue of a mechanical connection (via one or more flexible traction elements) with the (hydraulic) winch device which is arranged outside the waterbed near the river bank. The winch device may be installed on a winch carrier vehicle which can be moved along the river bank to position the winch device in the desired position before each unrolling of a membrane.

[0019] In particular, the movement of the roll-carrying vehicle may be performed along at least two main directions (a direction parallel to the bank for the initial positioning of the roll before unrolling it and a direction perpendicular to the bank, i.e. at least along the slope, for unrolling and placing the membrane on the surface of the waterbed) by means of a device for rotating the vehicle’s movement system (e.g., tracked or screw-driven) around a vertical axis or in any case normal to the surface of the bank on which the vehicle moves. This rotation, which may generally be equal to 90°, allows the movement system to be oriented in the desired direction of movement. This rotation may be achieved, in particular, by means of a rotatable coupling with an axial bearing (e.g., of the fifth wheel type) and an actuator (e.g., a fluid-actuated cylinder) configured to control the rotation of the movement system.

[0020] The roll-carrying vehicle is capable of carrying a roll of membrane with a relatively long maximum length (for example, approximately 100 meters). This maximum length will also depend on the overall weight of the roll, which is a function of the thickness of the membrane itself.

[0021] The winch device may be positioned outside the waterbed (canal) near a bank and is connected to the roll-carrying vehicle that unwinds the membrane via at least one flexible traction element (specifically, via at least one or two steel cables). The function of the winch device is to regulate the movement of the unrolling device (i.e., the rollcarrying vehicle), collaborating with the remote control and ensuring safe underwater movement of the roll-carrying vehicle, especially along a steep slope.

[0022] It is possible to provide for the winch device to be carried by a vehicle equipped with a movement system (for example, of the tracked type) suitable for carrying out movements in a direction parallel to the bank for the initial positioning of the winch device along the bank itself. It is possible, in particular, to provide for the winch vehicle to also be suitable for carrying out movements in a direction perpendicular to the bank, to approach or move away from the slope, by means of a device for rotating the movement system (for example, 90°) around a vertical axis or in any case normal to the surface on which the vehicle is moving.

[0023] The winch vehicle may carry, in particular, a hydraulic control unit for controlling the entire hydraulic system of the winch vehicle, including the winch device(s), as well as an electrical power source to power the various electrically operated actuators and sensors located on the vehicle.

[0024] If the waterproofing liner is installed on both slopes or sides of the waterbed (canal) and / or if the roll-carrying vehicle must ascend and descend both slopes, the use of two winch devices (and respective winch-carrying vehicles) is envisaged, one on each side of the waterbed.

[0025] Furthermore, the use of a control room or station is envisaged, from which the entire membrane laying and installation process may be remotely controlled and monitored. The control room may include, in particular, means for supervising the operation of the roll-carrying vehicle and the winch-carrying vehicle(s). The control room may be installed in a vehicle so that it can be moved along with the other system components along the waterbed (canal).

[0026] The roll-carrying vehicle advantageously offers considerable mobility. In particular, thanks to the movement system (rubber tracked wheels or screw propulsion), the vehicle will be equipped with high maneuverability and high grip on the surface, facilitating the ascent and descent of even very steep slopes.

[0027] During unrolling, it is possible to simultaneously and tightly join the unrolling geomembrane to the previously installed geomembrane using a zip, for example using the zip system of the Sibelonzip® geomembranes from the same applicant.

[0028] It is possible to provide that a portion of the roll-carrying vehicle that supports the roll may perform, upon command, a position adjustment movement, in particular left and right translations in a direction parallel to the roll axis, independently of the rollcarrying vehicle’s movement system, for example a maximum adjustment movement of approximately 100 cm, which allows for precise control of the positioning of the geomembrane being laid, resulting in greater protection of the zip and the geomembrane itself.

[0029] The apparatus in question may include, in particular, means for monitoring and controlling the orientation and underwater positioning of the roll. Such means for underwater monitoring and control of the roll may include, in particular, a positioning system (GPS) and / or an underwater sonar and / or one or more cameras mounted at points deemed crucial for the laying and installation operation. Such means for underwater monitoring and control of the roll may be mounted, in particular, on the roll-carrying vehicle. Such means for underwater monitoring and control of the roll may provide the operator with real-time information on the operating conditions of the device, the position of the various components of the device, and any operational anomalies.

[0030] On-site experimental tests have shown that the method in question offers high productivity, which may depend, in particular, on the maximum speed of the unwinding device (equal to 4 m / min for the roll-carrying vehicle with tracked wheels), the dimensions (width and length) of the geomembrane rolls, the condition of the waterbed to be lined, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the device in question offers high resistance to lateral currents. The roll carrier is protected against slipping or overturning due to water currents. This is primarily due to the mechanical traction connection with the winch device, and partly also due to its heavy weight (e.g., up to 20 tons), projected onto the movement system (tracked wheels), providing strong adhesion to the canal surface.

[0032] The invention in question allows for the installation of a liner even in severe canal surface conditions; therefore, not only in sites where the ground base is stable (e.g., built with concrete slabs), but also in the case of canals with soft surfaces and pooradhesion, in particular using the screw propulsion system that allows maneuvering in extreme conditions. This screw propulsion system can reduce the weight of the transport vehicle by filling one or more of its components with air, thus providing buoyancy, preventing it from sinking into the ground, and ensuring the necessary force for movement (with safe and precise guidance also thanks to the help of winches).

[0033] In one example, the invention also allows for a bi-directional laying and installation procedure, meaning it can be carried out in both directions across the width of the channel. Therefore, after laying a roll, it is not necessary to return the empty rollcarrying vehicle to the opposite side, re-traversing the entire channel section. Instead, a new roll can be loaded directly on the side of the channel where a previous roll of membrane has just been laid, thus eliminating empty runs. For this purpose, the rollcarrying vehicle may be equipped with two roller systems for sliding the membrane, located on opposite sides of the roller axis. The membrane may slide on each roller system selectively, depending on the direction of movement used to unroll it. Specifically, each roller system may include a respective tensioning piston to activate a respective tensioning roller. This solution may include two winches, one for each of the two opposite banks of the waterbed.

[0034] The entire device may be delivered directly to the installation site, for example by truck. At the installation site, the setup of the device will require only one crane assistance, after which it will be able to move completely autonomously along the various sections of the waterbed.

[0035] Each roll may be prefabricated, for example by preparing panels (e.g. PVC panels (Sibelonzip® or Sibelomat®) with a certain maximum width (e.g. approximately 2 meters). It is possible to join several panels together in the factory (e.g. five PVC panels), particularly by heat welding. The first and last panels may be equipped with a zip (Sibelozip®) along the free edges. The resulting membrane (10 meters wide) will be rolled up (on a suitable tube to be coupled with the roll carrier in a replaceable manner), transported to the site and prepared for installation.

[0036] Each roll of membrane will then be mounted on the unrolling device (roll carrier). If the various membranes are joined together with a zip, the free edge of the membrane to be unrolled is joined to the previously installed membrane and a zip slider will be attached to the roll carrier so that the closure is secured. The zipper closesautomatically as the membrane unrolls.

[0037] The apparatus and method in question enable underwater installation by unrolling, particularly of membranes similar to the Sibelozip® and Sibelomat® systems, efficiently deploying the membranes, achieving the goals and advantages already mentioned above, including improved installation efficiency, reduced labor costs, and more reliable safety measures compared to traditional installation methods, as well as considerable adaptability and versatility to various underwater conditions.Brief description of the drawingsThe invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate several exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 seen from a different perspective;Figure 3 is a front view, in vertical elevation, of the winch carrier vehicle forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1;Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 3;Figure 5 is a left view of Figure 4;Figure 6 is a perspective view of a roll-carrying vehicle in a second example of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;Figure 7 is a front view of the roll-carrying vehicle of Figure 6;Figure 8 is a top view of Figure 7;Figure 9 is a left-hand view of Figure 8;Figure 10 is a side view, in vertical elevation, showing in greater detail the tracked wheel system that can be used to move the roll-carrying vehicle or the winchcarrying vehicle of the previous figures;Figure 11 is a perspective view of a roll-carrying vehicle in a third example of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, in which the means for moving the vehicle include a screw propulsion system;Figure 12 is a more detailed perspective view of the screw propulsion system of the roll-carrying vehicle of Figure 11;Figure 13 is a side view, in vertical elevation, of the roll-carrying vehicle of Figurei i;Figures 14 to 18 show some steps of a first example of a method implemented in accordance with the present invention, suitable for laying and installing a waterproof liner on only one bank of a canal;Figures 19 through 23 show some steps of a second example of a method implemented in accordance with the present invention, suitable for laying and installing over the entire cross-section of a canal, in the case of relatively narrow canals;Figures 24 through 29 show some steps of a third example of a method implemented in accordance with the present invention, suitable for laying and installing over the entire cross-section of a canal, in the case of relatively wide canals.Detailed Description

[0038] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates an apparatus for installing a waterproofing membrane in a waterbed.

[0039] The apparatus 1 comprises a roll-carrying vehicle 2 equipped with remote- controlled means. The roll-carrying vehicle 2 is configured to transport at least one roll R of the membrane. The roll-carrying vehicle 2 may transport the roll R in an installation direction so as to unroll the membrane along a slope of the waterbed.

[0040] The apparatus 1 comprises at least one winch-carrying vehicle 3 equipped with remote-controlled means. The winch-carrying vehicle 3 is configured to transport a winch device 4. The winch-carrying vehicle 3 may transport the winch device 4 in at least one positioning direction so as to position the winch-carrying vehicle 3 along a bank of the waterbed that borders the upper slope of the waterbed. The winch-carrying vehicle 3 may include, in particular, an anchoring system.

[0041] The winch device 4 includes at least one flexible traction element 5 (in particular, at least one steel cable). The flexible traction element 5 may be connected to the roll-carrying vehicle 2 while the roll-carrying vehicle 2 moves in the direction of installation along the slope of the waterbed during unrolling of the membrane. The flexible traction element 5 is tensioned by the roll-carrying vehicle 2, which is moved in the direction of installation along the waterbed. The connection of the roll-carrying vehicle 2 to the flexible traction element 5 serves primarily to assist the guidance of the roll-carrying vehicle 2 during its remote-controlled movement across the surface of the waterbed tounroll the membrane.

[0042] The roll-carrying vehicle 2 includes a movement system 6 to perform the movement across the surface of the waterbed. The movement system 6 may include, in particular, a system of caterpillar wheels (as in the examples in Figures 1-10).

[0043] The movement system 6 may include, in particular, a screw propulsion system (as in the example in Figures 11-13).

[0044] The movement system 6 may comprise, in particular, at least one cavity that can be filled with a gas (e.g., air) to provide buoyancy to the roll-carrying vehicle 2 and promote its movement, especially on surfaces that are difficult to move (sandy, muddy, with debris, etc.). The fillable cavity may be a chamber formed, in particular, inside a cylindrical body from which a propeller-shaped member emerges that forms the screw of the aforementioned screw propulsion system.

[0045] The movement system 6 may, in particular, be rotatable to vary the direction of travel of the roll-carrying vehicle 2. In particular, the movement system 6 may be able to rotate upon command around a vertical axis, for example to vary the advancement orientation by at least 90°. In particular, the movement system 6 may be connected to the vehicle frame by means of a rotatable coupling with an axial bearing (e.g., a fifth wheel type) and actuator means (e.g., at least one fluid-actuated cylinder) configured to rotate the movement system 6, as shown in Figure 9 and even better in Figure 12.

[0046] The roll-carrying vehicle 2 may be configured, in particular, to move in a positioning direction along at least one bank of the waterbed. The positioning direction may be, in particular, parallel to the bank and / or orthogonal to the laying direction along which the membrane is unrolled. Rotation of the movement system 6 around the vertical axis allows the driving direction to be varied to allow the roll-carrying vehicle 2 to move selectively in the laying direction, to unroll the membrane on the surface of the waterbed, or in the positioning direction, to position itself along the bank of the waterbed.

[0047] The roll-carrying vehicle 2 comprises a support 7 configured to rotatably support the roll R around a roll axis. It is possible, in particular, to provide that the position of the support 7 relative to the movement system 6 is adjustable in at least one direction with a component parallel to the roll axis. The apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, adjustment actuator means 8 arranged on the roll-carrying vehicle 2 to control the position of the support 7. Such adjustment actuator means 8 may comprise, in particular, twohydraulically operated cylinders. The support 7 may, in particular, be slidably mounted on slide guides (with a slide axis parallel to the roll axis) carried by a frame of the rollcarrying vehicle 2. Movement along the slide guides allows the aforementioned adjustment movement in the direction with a component parallel to the roll axis.

[0048] The roll-carrying vehicle 2 may comprise, in particular, a roller system configured to slidably engage the membrane. The roller system may comprise, in particular, at least one tensioning roller 9 used to tension the membrane to facilitate its installation. The tensioning roller 9 may have, in particular, an axis parallel to the roll axis. The roll-carrying vehicle 2 may comprise, in particular, means for moving the tensioning roller 9 relative to the roll axis with the possibility of assuming at least one loosening position (Figure 9, in which the membrane tension is relatively low and the tensioning roller 9 is positioned above and relatively far from the surface of the waterbed) and at least one tensioning position (Figure 1, in which the membrane tension is relatively high and the tensioning roller 9 is positioned below and relatively close to the surface of the waterbed).

[0049] The tensioning roller 9 may be carried, in particular, by a frame 10 arranged on the roll-carrying vehicle 2. The frame 10 may, in particular, be rotatably carried by the rollcarrying vehicle 2 around a rotation axis (parallel to the roll axis). The means for moving the tensioning roller may comprise, in particular, first actuator means 11 configured to rotate the frame 10 around the aforementioned rotation axis. The first actuator means 11 may comprise, as in this specific example, a pair of hydraulically operated cylinders arranged parallel and spaced apart on two sides of the frame 10.

[0050] The frame 10 may comprise an extendable telescopic portion 12 that carries the tensioning roller 9. The means for moving the tensioning roller 9 may comprise second actuator means 13 configured to axially move the aforementioned telescopic portion 12. The second actuator means 13 may comprise a pair of hydraulically operated cylinders arranged parallel and spaced apart on two sides of the frame 10.

[0051] The roller system may comprise, in particular, at least one idler roller 14 on which the membrane can slide. The idler roller 14 may have an axis parallel to the axis of the tensioning roller 9. The axis of the idler roller 14 may be arranged above the axis of the tensioning roller 9.

[0052] The roll-carrying vehicle 2 may carry, in particular, a second roller system (see example in Figure 1) on which the membrane can slide. The roller system and the secondroller system are arranged on opposite sides of a vertical plane passing through the roll axis, in particular with a symmetrical arrangement with respect to the aforementioned vertical plane, to facilitate the selective unrolling of the membrane from both sides of the roll, so that, depending on the need, the membrane can be slidably engaged with one of the two aforementioned roller systems.

[0053] The winch device 4 may comprise, as in the specific examples described herein, at least one other flexible traction element 5 that can be connected to the rollcarrying vehicle 2 and that can cooperate with the flexible traction element 5 described above. The two aforementioned flexible traction elements 5 of the winch device 4 may, in particular, be connected to two opposite lateral ends of the roll-carrying vehicle 2 (see Figures 1 and 2) to facilitate steering of the vehicle itself.

[0054] The winch device 4, carried by the winch-carrying vehicle 3, may comprise at least two winches, positioned side by side, each of which is operationally associated with a respective flexible traction element 5.

[0055] The apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a second winch-carrying vehicle 15 that may operate on the opposite bank to the bank where the winch-carrying vehicle 3 described above operates. The second winch vehicle 15 may also be remotely controlled and may be configured to transport a second winch device in a positioning direction to position the second winch vehicle 15 along a second bank of the waterbed that delimits the upper edge of a second slope of the waterbed.

[0056] The second winch device 15 may be substantially similar to the winch-carrying vehicle 3 and may therefore comprise at least one second flexible traction element (at least one steel cable, or, as in the specific example, two steel cables on either side of the second winch device 15) that can be connected to the roll-carrying vehicle 2 during movement of the latter along the second slope to be tensioned by the roll-carrying vehicle and assist in its guidance.

[0057] The operation of the apparatus 1 implements a method for laying a waterproofing membrane in a waterbed. The method comprises the step of placing a roll R of the membrane on a remotely operated roll-carrying vehicle 2. The method comprises the step of securing one end of the roll R to the bottom of the waterbed. The method comprises the step of moving the remotely operated roll-carrying vehicle 2 to unroll the membrane, placing it along at least one slope of the waterbed. The method comprises the step ofconnecting at least one flexible traction element 5 of a winch device 4 to the roll-carrying vehicle 2. The winch device 4 is positioned on one bank of the waterbed. During the aforementioned unrolling step, the flexible traction element 5 is tensioned by the rollcarrying vehicle 2 to assist in guiding the roll-carrying vehicle 2.

[0058] In one example, the end of the roll R is secured to the bottom of the waterbed or to the base of the slope; then the roll-carrying vehicle 2 is moved from bottom to top along the slope to unroll the membrane and lay it along the slope.

[0059] In one example, it is possible to provide that, during the step of unrolling the membrane on the surface of the waterbed, a second flexible traction element 5 of a second winch-carrying vehicle 15 is connected to the roll-carrying vehicle 2. The second winchcarrying vehicle 15 is positioned on a second bank of the waterbed opposite the bank where the winch device 4 is located. The roll-carrying vehicle 2 can thus be moved from one bank to the other to unroll the membrane and lay it along an entire section of the waterbed.

[0060] Subsequently, the roll-carrying vehicle 2 may be moved laterally along the bank where it has just finished unrolling a roll of membrane and may be loaded with a new roll of membrane and then moved in the opposite direction, from the second bank to the first bank, to unroll the membrane of the new roll and unroll it over the entire section of the waterbed.

[0061] Therefore, as mentioned, after unrolling the membrane of a roll, the rollcarrying vehicle 2 may be moved laterally along the bank and loaded with a new roll. In this case, it is expected that each winch-carrying vehicle 3 and 15, carrying the respective winch device 4, will also be moved laterally along its respective bank so that each winch device 4 is aligned with the roll-carrying vehicle 2 and therefore the various flexible traction elements can be correctly tensioned by the roll-carrying vehicle 2.

[0062] Specific examples of laying and installing the waterproofing membrane are described below.Example 1 : Installation only on the canal banks (Figures 14-18)

[0063] Step 1 : Positioning the roll-carrying vehicle 2 (Figure 14). Once loaded with a roll R of geomembrane (in this example, a Sibelonzip® or Sibelonmat® geomembrane), the roll-carrying vehicle 2 will descend to the bottom of the canal and be positioned to begin installing the membrane.

[0064] Step 2: Anchoring the geomembrane (Figure 15). Once the tensioning pistons have been released to position the tensioning roller 9 in the upper loosening position, a diver can anchor the geomembrane to the surface of the waterbed (e.g., using anchors driven into the soil) and connect the Z-zip mechanism of the geomembrane to be installed to that of the previously installed geomembrane. The tensioning pistons will then tension the geomembrane, moving the tensioning roller 9 into the tensioning position, essentially starting the unrolling process.

[0065] Step 3: Climbing a slope (Figure 16). The roll-carrying vehicle 2 then ascends the slope, supported by the winch device 4 located on the winch-carrying vehicle 3 anchored to the surface of the bank.

[0066] Step 4: Completing the installation (Figure 17). After the geomembrane has been unrolled on the slope, the roll-carrying vehicle 2 continues until it reaches an anchoring point H on the bank. The tensioning pistons maintain tension on the geomembrane until the geomembrane is anchored to the bank (e.g., using anchor elements driven into the ground), after which the tensioning pistons are released, completing the installation process.

[0067] Step 5: Change of position (Figure 18). Once unrolling is complete, both vehicles (roll-carrying vehicle 2 and winch-carrying vehicle 3) move laterally to the next installation position (approximately the width of the membrane roll to be unrolled). A new roll is then loaded onto roll-carrying vehicle 2 and the process repeats.Example 2: Installation across the entire section in narrow channels (Figures 19-23)

[0068] In this case, two winch devices 4 (carried by winch-carrying vehicle 3 and the second winch carrier 15) are used, working in conjunction with roll-carrying vehicle 2 to facilitate descent and ascent on both slopes of the channel. The geomembrane is initially anchored to the bank at a perimeter seal above the water (near winch-carrying vehicle 3). In the initial phase, the geomembrane will be laid from top to bottom.

[0069] Step 1 : descent along the first slope (Figure 19). The roll-carrying vehicle 2 deposits the geomembrane on the surface of the waterbed while the vehicle itself descends along the first slope, supported by the first winch device 4 carried by the winch-carrying vehicle 3 (on the left bank in the figures).

[0070] Step 2: installation on the bottom (Figure 20). Once the roll-carrying vehicle 2 has completed its descent along the first slope, the geomembrane continues to unroll alongthe bottom of the channel (from left to right in the figures).

[0071] Step 3: ascent up the opposite slope (Figure 21). The second winch device 4 (carried by the second winch vehicle 15 located on the right bank in the figures) begins to pull the roll-carrying vehicle 2 up the second slope opposite the first slope, completing the installation process.

[0072] Step 4: Completion of installation and change of group position (Figure 22). Once unrolling is complete, the entire operating group, consisting of the roll-carrying vehicle 2 and the two winch-carrying vehicles 3 and 15, moves laterally to the next installation position.

[0073] Step 5: Return of the roll-carrying vehicle 2 (Figure 23). The empty rollcarrying vehicle 2 (without a roll) is then retrieved again by the first winch device 4 (carried by the winch-carrying vehicle 3 on the left in the figures) up the first bank, is then repositioned next to the first winch device 4, is then loaded with a new roll and the process is repeated.Example 3: Installation across the entire section in the case of wide channels (figures 24- 29)

[0074] In this case, the roll-carrying vehicle 2 may be equipped with a roller system with tensioning pistons located on opposite sides of the roller to allow the membrane to slide on both sides, with the following installation procedure.

[0075] Step 1 : Descent down the first slope (Figure 24). The roll-carrying vehicle 2 installs the geomembrane by descending down the first slope, supported by the first winch device 4 on the winch-carrying vehicle 3.

[0076] Step 2: Installation on the bottom (Figure 25). Once the descent is complete, the membrane continues to unroll along the bottom of the channel.

[0077] Step 3: Ascent up the opposite slope (Figure 26). The second winch device 4 on the second winch vehicle 15 begins pulling the roll-carrying vehicle 2 up the second slope, opposite the first, completing the installation process.

[0078] Step 4: Completion of the installation and change of position of the operating unit (Figure 27). Once unrolling is complete, the entire assembly (roll-carrying vehicle 2 and the two winch-carrying vehicle vehicles 3 and 15) moves laterally to the next installation position and is loaded with a new roll of geomembrane.

[0079] Step 5: Re-deployment (Figures 28 and 29). Re-deployment of thegeomembrane by unrolling begins in the same sequence as the aforementioned steps 1, 2, and 3, but in the opposite direction (from the second bank to the first bank). This prevents roll-carrying vehicle 2 from making empty runs, i.e., it deposits a geomembrane in both directions, saving time and increasing productivity.

[0080] The invention makes it possible to perform underwater unrolling of waterproofing lining panels in the form of geomembranes (in particular, Sibelonzip® or Sibelonmat® geomembranes), for example geomembrane panels up to 10 meters wide, over the entire canal section, or only part of the section, for example only on slopes or only on one of the slopes.

[0081] As seen, the apparatus in question, which may be used for underwater unrolling of waterproofing membranes, comprises a roll-carrying vehicle and one or two winchcarrying vehicles. The vehicles may be remotely controlled. The vehicles may be controlled from a control room located outside the waterbed. The apparatus in question offers high efficiency, convenience, and precision, with high safety standards, for underwater unrolling of membranes used to waterproof a waterbed. The apparatus and method in question, for the underwater unrolling of membranes, particularly geomembranes, enable the installation of a waterproofing system, for example in canals requiring rehabilitation. The apparatus in question creates a fully or nearly fully automated system for underwater installation by unrolling, allowing the installation of a geomembrane system in a waterbed without interrupting the operation of systems operating in the waterbed. The apparatus in question ensures the consistency and precision of the installation and unrolling process.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for laying a waterproofing membrane in a waterbed, said apparatus comprising: a remotely controlled roll-carrying vehicle (2) configured to transport at least one roll (R) of the membrane in a laying direction to unroll the membrane along a slope of the waterbed; and a remotely controlled winch-carrying vehicle (3) configured to transport a winch device (4) in a positioning direction to position said winch-carrying vehicle (3) along a bank of the waterbed which uppermost delimits the slope of the waterbed, said winch device (4) comprising at least one flexible traction element (5) connectable to said roll-carrying vehicle (2) moving in said positioning direction along the slope of the waterbed to be tensioned by said roll-carrying vehicle (2) and assist a guidance of said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said roll-carrying vehicle (2) comprises a movement system (6) on a surface of the waterbed.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said movement system (6) comprises a tracked wheels system.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said movement system (6) comprises a screw propulsion system.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said movement system (6) comprises at least one cavity fillable with a gas so as to provide buoyancy properties to said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

6. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said movement system (6) is rotatable around a vertical axis to vary a driving direction of said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said roll-carrying vehicle (2) comprises a support (7) configured to rotatably support said roll (R) about a roll axis, a position of said support (7) relative to said movement system (6) being adjustable in at least one direction with a component parallel to said roll axis; adjustment actuator means (8) being, in particular, arranged on said roll-carrying vehicle (2) to control said position of said support (7).

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said roll-carryingvehicle (2) is configured to move in a positioning direction along at least one bank of the waterbed.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said roll-carrying vehicle (2) comprises a support (7) configured to rotatably support said roll (R) about a roll axis, and a roller system (9; 14) configured to slidably engage the membrane.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said roller system comprises at least one membrane tensioning roller (9) with an axis parallel to said roll axis, there being provided means for moving said tensioning roller (9) relative to said roll axis with the possibility of assuming at least one loosening position and at least one tensioning position.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said tensioning roller (9) is carried by a frame (10) arranged on said roll-carrying vehicle (2); said frame (10) being, in particular, rotatably carried by said roll-carrying vehicle (2) around a rotation axis, said means for moving said tensioning roller (9) comprising first actuator means (11) configured to rotate said frame (10) around said rotation axis.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said frame (10) comprises a movable portion (12) carrying said tensioning roller (9), said means for moving said tensioning roller (9) comprising second actuator means (13) for moving said movable portion (12).

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said roller system comprises at least one guide roller (14) with an axis parallel to and arranged above said axis of said tensioning roller (9).

14. Apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein said roll-carrying vehicle (2) carries a second roller system on which the membrane can slide, said roller system and said second roller system being arranged on opposite sides with respect to a vertical plane passing through said roll axis, in particular with a symmetrical arrangement with respect to said vertical plane, to facilitate the unrolling of the membrane selectively from both sides of the roll.

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said winch device (4) comprises at least one other flexible traction element (5) connectable to said rollcarrying vehicle (2); said at least one flexible traction element (5) and said at least one other flexible traction element (5) being, in particular, connectable to twoopposite lateral ends of said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said winch device (4) comprises at least two winches operatively associated with said at least one flexible traction element (5) and said at least one other flexible traction element (5).

17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second remotely controlled winch-carrying vehicle (15) configured to transport a second winch device in a positioning direction to position said second winch device along a second bank of the waterbed which uppermost delimits a second slope of the waterbed, said second winch device comprising at least one second flexible traction element connectable to said roll-carrying vehicle during a movement of the latter along the second slope to be tensioned by said roll-carrying vehicle (2) and assist in guiding said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

18. Method for laying a waterproofing membrane in a waterbed, said method comprising the steps of: placing a roll (R) of the membrane on a remotely controlled rollcarrying vehicle (2); fixing one end of said membrane to a ground of the waterbed; moving said remotely controlled roll-carrying vehicle (2) to unroll said membrane by laying said membrane at least along a slope of said waterbed; and, during said unrolling, connecting a flexible traction element (5) of a winch device (4) to said roll-carrying vehicle (2), said winch device (4) being placed on a bank of the waterbed and said flexible traction element (5) being tensioned by said roll-carrying vehicle (2) to assist a guidance of said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein said end of said membrane is fixed to a bottom of said waterbed or to the base of said slope, said roll-carrying vehicle (2) being moved from the bottom upwards along said slope to unroll said membrane and lay said membrane along said slope.

20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, during said unrolling, a second flexible traction element of a second winch device is connected to said roll-carrying vehicle (2), said second winch device being arranged on a second bank of the waterbed.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said roll-carrying vehicle (2) is moved from said bank to said second bank to unroll said membrane by placing said membrane along an entire section of said waterbed, and then said roll-carrying vehicle (2) ismoved laterally along said second bank and loaded with a new roll and then moved from said second bank to said bank to unroll a membrane from said new roll.

22. Method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein, after having unrolled said membrane, said roll-carrying vehicle (2) is moved laterally along said bank and loaded with a new roll, it being provided that also a winch-carrying vehicle (3), carrying said winch device (4), is moved laterally along said bank so that said winch device (4) is aligned with said roll-carrying vehicle (2) and said flexible traction element (5) is tensioned by said roll-carrying vehicle (2).

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