Segmented Cavity Wall Water Barrier with Elastomeric Joints
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing water barriers in cavity walls to prevent water from reaching the inner leaf are time-consuming and expensive, with a significant proportion of water still managing to flow past the barriers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongate barrier system with rigid barrier portions connected by elastomeric joints, which can be easily installed by sliding into the cavity and sealed to the outer leaf using a slot or water-resistant composition, featuring a cruciform or V-shaped configuration to intercept and divert water through drains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods of removing and replacing bricks to install water barriers are used, then water interception is achieved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The water barrier is divided into multiple sections that can be installed independently at different heights along the cavity wall. Each section can be installed separately using the simplified method of inserting through the outer leaf, allowing progressive installation without requiring complete removal and replacement of bricks along the entire wall.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible barrier material is used as an intermediary element that can be inserted through holes in the outer leaf and secured to pins in the cavity. This flexible barrier acts as a mediator between the outer and inner leaves, providing effective water interception without requiring the complex brick removal and replacement process.
2Reliability
If conventional brick removal and replacement methods are used, then water barriers can be installed, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water barrier system is segmented into discrete sections that can be installed independently. This allows selective installation at problem areas rather than requiring complete wall dismantling, significantly reducing material and labor costs while maintaining effective water interception at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier material and associated components (pins, fixing elements) are designed as relatively simple, inexpensive items that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness over permanent durability, allowing for economical installation while providing sufficient water protection.
3Loss of time
If simple barrier insertion is used, then installation time is reduced, but water sealing effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier material is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to conform to the cavity geometry and seal effectively against water flow. The dynamic nature of the flexible barrier enables it to accommodate variations in wall construction and maintain reliable sealing without requiring time-consuming precision fitting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible barrier material serves as an intermediary sealing element that can be rapidly inserted and secured to pins, providing effective water sealing through its inherent flexibility and ability to conform to the cavity surfaces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sealing systems.
4Reliability
If barriers are installed every few metres, then water travel is intercepted, but the complexity of multiple barrier installations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water protection system is divided into discrete barrier sections that can be installed independently at regular intervals along the cavity wall. Each section functions as an independent water interception point, allowing systematic installation at multiple locations without requiring complex integration between barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple barrier sections installed at regular intervals create a continuous system of water interception throughout the cavity wall. The repetitive nature of the installation allows for standardized procedures to be applied at each location, maintaining consistent water protection effectiveness while simplifying the overall installation process through pattern repetition.
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 barrier system effectively intercepts a higher proportion of water, reducing dampness in habitable rooms by providing a more reliable and efficient sealing mechanism, while also simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
the barrier portions being less elastic than the joint, the joint extending along the length dimension of the barrier
Implementation Method 2
sealed to the outer leaf using a slot or water-resistant composition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5C
AI summary
A flexible, elongate barrier comprising relatively rigid barrier portions connected by elastomeric joints is introduced slidingly into the cavity of a cavity wall and sealed to the outer leaf of the wall by introducing a portion of the barrier into a slot cut in the inner surface of the wall and/or by providing a water resistant composition which may be injected into the slot. The barrier may form an X or V shaped configuration defining a channel from which water is discharged via drains from the cavity. The barrier portions may be arranged in a flat configuration when the barrier is stored on a reel and moved through a deployed configuration to an installation configuration against the resilient bias of the joint so that they spring out to the deployed configuration to conform to the width of the cavity after installation.