Blind Side Waterproofing Membrane with Low Reflectivity Granular Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproofing technologies for below-grade and blind-side applications often fail to provide adequate bonding to concrete/shotcrete while maintaining low reflectivity, which is crucial for visibility during installation and resistance to moisture penetration.
Innovation Solution
A waterproofing sheet membrane with an adhesive layer embedding low reflectivity granular particles, specifically designed to bond securely to concrete/shotcrete, featuring dual release liners for ease of application and a low reflectivity granular particle layer with an average reflectivity below 50%, enhancing visibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high reflectivity particles are used in the waterproofing membrane, then visibility during installation is improved, but moisture penetration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reflectivity characteristics to different functional layers: the granular particle layer uses low reflectivity (below 50%) for moisture resistance, while the adhesive layer uses high reflectivity (50% or above) for installation visibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning opposite optical properties to different zones based on their specific functional requirements.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the granular particle layer is made highly reflective, then installation detection is improved, but bonding strength to concrete/shotcrete deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates the optical properties of adjacent layers: the granular particle layer has low reflectivity to maintain bonding strength and moisture resistance, while the adhesive layer beneath it has high reflectivity to provide visual detection capability during installation. This resolves the contradiction by separating the detection function to a different layer that does not compromise bonding strength.
3Reliability
If low reflectivity particles are used, then moisture resistance is improved, but visibility during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-layer structure where the granular particle layer provides moisture resistance through low reflectivity (below 50%), while the adhesive layer provides installation visibility through high reflectivity (50% or above). This local functional differentiation allows each layer to optimize for its primary purpose without compromising the other.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the granular particle layer is made low reflective, then durability against moisture is improved, but installation visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns low reflectivity to the granular particle layer for long-term moisture durability and high reflectivity to the adhesive layer for installation-phase visibility. This spatial and functional separation allows the system to achieve both long-term durability and installation detectability without compromise.
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 solution provides a robust, visually distinguishable waterproofing layer that effectively bonds to concrete/shotcrete, offering improved resistance to moisture and water pressure, while allowing for easier detection of installation irregularities and enhancing the installation process with reduced eye strain.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive layer having a first adhesive surface, and a second adhesive surface, and wherein said second adhesive surface is in secure contact with at least a portion of said first membrane surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a below grade, blind side, waterproofing sheet membrane with adhesive and low reflectivity granular particle layer to fully bond to concrete/shotcrete, and a method of making, and using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses a below grade, blind side, waterproofing sheet membrane with adhesive, and having at least one layer of low reflectivity granular particle layer that are fully or partly embedded into the adhesive layer, and where the average reflectivity of the exposed granular particles is below about 50 percent reflectivity on a standard reflectivity scale. The inventive waterproofing layer having the waterproofing sheet membrane, and an adhesive layer having embedded therein low reflectivity granular particles can be used in any building or wall construction, and can be placed under or around a foundation of a building or dwelling or on its below grade blind side retaining walls, etc.