Fireproof Membrane Edge Protection for Tunnel Linings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunnel lining membranes made of plastic materials often fail to meet fire resistance requirements when exposed to flames perpendicular to their edge cross-sectional surfaces, unlike those exposed to flames on plane surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A thin plastic membrane with a thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm, featuring a reduced thickness edge and sides with fire protection enhancements such as fire-resistant tape, extruded strings, or uneven surfaces like fins and grooves, which provide comprehensive fire protection by preventing direct exposure to flames and improving adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a thin plastic membrane is used for tunnel lining, then ease of installation and cost are improved, but fire resistance when exposed to flames perpendicular to edge surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the membrane: the main body remains thin plastic for ease of installation, while the edges receive fire protective treatments (fire-resistant coating, tape, or extruded material) to enhance fire resistance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall ease of manufacture and specific fire resistance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining thin plastic material with fire protective materials at the edges. The composite consists of the base plastic membrane plus fire-resistant layers (coating, tape, or extruded material), achieving both ease of installation and improved fire resistance through material combination.
2Ease of manufacture
If the membrane thickness is reduced to 0.5-3 mm, then ease of installation and cost are improved, but structural strength and fire resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains thin thickness (0.5-3 mm) for the main membrane body to ensure ease of installation, while locally reinforcing the edges with fire protective materials that also provide structural support. This localized reinforcement resolves the contradiction between overall thinness and edge strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire protective materials are applied to the edges during the manufacturing process before installation. This preliminary action ensures that the edges are pre-reinforced with structural strength, allowing the thin membrane to be both easy to install and sufficiently strong where needed.
3Reliability
If fire protective materials are added to the membrane edges, then fire resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protective materials are applied to the edges during the manufacturing process rather than requiring separate post-installation steps. This preliminary action integrates fire protection into the production line, reducing overall complexity despite adding manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fire protection function with the edge structure itself. Instead of adding separate complex fire suppression systems, the fire protective materials are integrated directly into the edge construction, simplifying the overall device while maintaining fire resistance.
Data Source
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AI summary
This publication relates to a method and a fire protective lining or membrane for improving fire resistance of a lining or membrane (10) of a plastic material to be used in association with supporting structures (22), such as for example buildings tunnel walls, wherein a surface of the supporting structure (22) is provided with a thin lining or membrane (10) fixed to the surface by means of bolts, and where the membrane or lining (10) is exposed to the possibilities of open flames or fire on the surface facing the tunnel cavity. A fire protection (15) is added to at least one end edge surface (12) of the lining or membrane (10), the added fire protection (15) being configured in such way that the edge (12) of the lining or membrane (10) is prevented from catching fire when exposed to open flames or a burning object.