Flexible Waterproof Sheet for Bridge Pier Interface Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for waterproofing bridge piers during repair works, such as sealants and mortar spraying, are inefficient and require dry conditions, leading to prolonged maintenance and management costs, and are not effective in preventing water penetration, which can cause deterioration and reduce the lifespan of bridges.
Innovation Solution
A flexible waterproof sheet with a tacky surface, made from elastomers like silicone rubber, is applied directly to the interface between the bridge pier and reinforcement, allowing for immediate application even in wet conditions, providing a liquid-tight seal without the need for full drying of the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealants are applied to prevent water penetration, then waterproofing is achieved, but the surface must be completely dry which prolongs working time in wet conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy parameter of the waterproofing material by using fluorinated compounds to create a low surface energy coating. This allows the material to maintain waterproofing effectiveness while being applicable on damp surfaces, eliminating the need for complete drying and thus reducing working time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a thin film waterproofing material that can be applied quickly as a temporary or permanent solution. The material is designed to be simple to apply and remove if needed, reducing the time investment required for the waterproofing process while maintaining effective water penetration prevention
2Strength
If mortar spraying method is used to reinforce bridge piers, then reinforcement is achieved, but multiple cumbersome steps are required including controlling thickness via guides and time-consuming curing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential waterproofing and reinforcement function from the complex mortar spraying process. By using a pre-formed sheet material with inherent strength properties, it eliminates the need for thickness control guides, mixing equipment, and curing processes, achieving reinforcement with much simpler equipment and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing and reinforcement material is prepared in advance as a complete sheet product with predetermined strength characteristics. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site mixing, thickness control, and curing steps, significantly reducing process complexity while maintaining reinforcement effectiveness
3Strength
If steel plate lining or fiber lining is used for bridge pier reinforcement, then structural reinforcement is achieved, but cumbersome maintenance and management are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material property parameters by using fluorinated compounds to create a low surface energy coating that is highly resistant to water adhesion and contamination. This reduces maintenance requirements compared to steel or fiber linings by preventing water penetration and making the surface easier to clean, thereby improving ease of operation and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing sheet is designed as a simple, replaceable component that provides protection without requiring complex maintenance systems. If degradation occurs, the entire sheet can be removed and replaced as a single unit, significantly simplifying maintenance and management compared to steel plate or fiber lining systems that require ongoing inspection and repair
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 waterproof sheet significantly shortens the working time, allows for immediate repair initiation in wet conditions, and effectively prevents water penetration, thereby extending the lifespan of bridges and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a tacky layer (2) which lies on one surface of the substrate layer (1)
Data Source
AI summary
When a bridge pier is reinforced or repaired by wrapping a reinforcement around the pier, a waterproof sheet having a sufficient flexibility to attach to and cover the interface between the pier and the reinforcement in a liquid-tight manner is useful. The waterproof sheet is attached to the interface between the pier and the reinforcement to prevent water from penetrating into the interface for thereby preventing the reinforcement from deterioration.