Geomembrane Affixing Member with Embedded Gripping Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geomembranes used as vapor barriers in building foundations face challenges in adhering effectively to concrete slabs, particularly when temporary support platforms deteriorate, leading to inadequate holding and potential displacement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising geomembrane sheets and an affixing member with a substrate and adhesive, featuring hooked gripping extensions that embed into the concrete, providing a strong mechanical bond and ensuring the geomembrane remains in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical seaming tape is used to join geomembrane sheets, then the sheets are adhered to each other, but the geomembrane fails to adhere to the concrete slab
Solution Approach 1:
The affixing member is segmented into distinct functional components: an affixing substrate for structural support, an adhesive layer for bonding to geomembrane, and multiple gripping extensions for mechanical anchoring to concrete. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The affixing member combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a flexible affixing substrate (such as polymer or metal), a specialized adhesive material capable of bonding to polyethylene geomembrane, and rigid gripping extensions (metal or rigid polymer) for concrete anchoring. This composite structure achieves adhesion to both geomembrane and concrete simultaneously.
2Reliability
If temporary support platforms are used to hold geomembrane during construction, then space is created between foundation and expansive soils, but the platforms deteriorate and the geomembrane is no longer held in place
Solution Approach 1:
The affixing member is installed on the geomembrane before the concrete slab is poured, creating preliminary mechanical anchors that will engage with the concrete once it hardens. The gripping extensions are positioned to penetrate into the fresh concrete, ensuring the geomembrane is secured before any deterioration of temporary supports can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the temporary mechanical support platforms with a permanent mechanical anchoring system. The gripping extensions provide direct mechanical engagement with the concrete slab, eliminating dependence on temporary supports that deteriorate over time.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to adhere affixing member to geomembrane, then bonding is achieved, but the bond may fail and geomembrane will not remain adhered to concrete slab
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two adhesion mechanisms: chemical adhesion through the adhesive layer bonding the affixing member to the geomembrane, and mechanical adhesion through the gripping extensions anchoring into the concrete. This combination ensures that if one mechanism fails, the other maintains the bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping extensions are designed to provide backup mechanical anchoring that cushions against potential adhesive bond failure. The extensions are positioned to engage with the concrete slab, providing a safety mechanism that prevents complete detachment even if the adhesive bond fails.
4Reliability
If geomembrane is placed on temporary support platforms prior to pouring concrete, then vapor barrier function is provided, but once platforms deteriorate the sheeting is not adequately held in place
Solution Approach 1:
The affixing member transitions the retention mechanism from a two-dimensional surface placement on temporary supports to a three-dimensional mechanical interlocking system. The gripping extensions penetrate into the concrete slab, creating anchorage in the vertical dimension that is independent of the horizontal support platform condition.
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 system achieves a robust adhesion to concrete slabs, with demonstrated peel and sheer adhesion strengths exceeding industry standards, ensuring the geomembrane remains securely attached even as underlying substrates deteriorate.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive on a first side of the affixing substrate. The adhesive may adhere to at least the perimeter of the one or more sheets of the geomembrane
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gripping extensions. The plurality of gripping extensions may be embedded into the concrete slab
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for affixing one or more geomembrane sheets to a concrete slab. The systems and methods can include an affixing member that adheres to the one or more geomembrane sheets. The affixing member can further include gripping extensions that adhere to the concrete slab. The gripping extensions can include distal ends embedded into the concrete slab. The gripping extensions can be integral with the affixing member. The geomembrane sheets may be used in the construction of a building to prevent vapor transmission through a concrete foundation from the supporting substrate.