Biodegradable Geosynthetic Mat for Slope Sealing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geosynthetic mats face issues with environmental pollution due to non-biodegradable components, separation by erosion, and inadequate sealing and shear strength, especially when installed on slopes.
Innovation Solution
A geosynthetic mat with biodegradable top and bottom cover layers and a connecting structure, featuring a coordinated swelling and degradation ratio, ensuring mechanical stability and sealing effectiveness over time, even on slopes, by using biodegradable materials that maintain sufficient counter-pressure and shear strength during the swelling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-biodegradable materials are used in geosynthetic mats, then mechanical strength and sealing effectiveness are improved, but environmental pollution and long-term disposal problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the biodegradation rate of the top and bottom cover layers through material selection and composition. The cover layers are designed to maintain sufficient mechanical strength during the swelling phase of the middle filler layer, then progressively biodegrade after sealing is achieved, eliminating long-term environmental pollution while maintaining necessary strength during the critical sealing period
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining biodegradable polymers with natural fibers or fillers in the top and bottom cover layers. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength and sealing effectiveness during the swelling phase, then allows controlled biodegradation, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental harm
2Reliability
If the middle filler layer swells significantly, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but volume increase causes separation and erosion on slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using the top and bottom cover layers as mechanical counter-pressure elements to restrain the swelling of the middle filler layer. These cover layers provide the necessary confinement force to prevent excessive volume increase and structural separation, while still allowing sufficient swelling for sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the top and bottom cover layers with specific local properties - they are made of biodegradable materials with controlled degradation rates and are positioned to provide localized mechanical restraint during the critical swelling phase, then progressively lose strength as sealing is achieved
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for cover layers, then environmental compatibility is improved, but mechanical stability and shear strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the biodegradable cover layers to have time-dependent mechanical properties. The materials are selected and formulated to maintain sufficient strength during the swelling phase (first few months), then progressively biodegrade and lose strength as the sealing process completes, providing dynamic adaptation to changing operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring the biodegradable cover layers are initially strong enough to provide the necessary mechanical stability and shear strength during the critical swelling phase before biodegradation begins. The materials are selected to have sufficient initial strength to prevent slope failure and maintain sealing effectiveness during the formation period
4Adaptability or versatility
If the geosynthetic mat is installed on slopes, then application versatility is improved, but separation by erosion and inadequate shear strength occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the geosynthetic mat into distinct functional layers with specific properties - the middle filler layer for sealing, the top and bottom cover layers for mechanical restraint and erosion prevention. This segmented structure allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, providing both sealing effectiveness and erosion resistance on slopes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mat achieves long-term sealing and mechanical stability without environmental pollution, preventing slope slipping and ensuring effective compaction of the middle filler layer, while allowing for cost-effective disposal.
Implementation Method 1
the middle filler layer swells due to water absorption
Implementation Method 2
the centre filler layer, which is typically many times thicker than the top cover layer and the bottom cover layer, is not swollen or hardened in the state immediately after production
Implementation Method 3
the upper and lower cover layers and the connecting structure are made of a biodegradable material or comprise a biodegradable material
Data Source
AI summary
A geosynthetic mat comprises an upper and a lower cover layer and a middle filler layer arranged between the upper cover layer and the lower cover layer and consisting of a filler layer material comprising a swellable material. The top cover layer and/or the bottom cover layer consist of a biodegradable material or comprise a biodegradable material, the peel strength being characterised by a residual peel strength degree at a predetermined point in time after the start of the biodegradation process, which is formed by the square number of a quotient of a reduced peel strength, which the upper and lower cover layer and a connecting structure have at the predetermined point in time, to an initial peel strength, which the upper and lower cover layer and the connecting structure have before the start of a biodegradation process.