Geomembrane Seam Modeling with GPS 3D As-Built Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quality assurance and contract compliance in geosynthetic liner installations rely on antiquated techniques, including hand-drawn as-built drawings and manual data collection, which are prone to errors and environmental risks, and existing satellite-based solutions only provide simple data collection and reporting without generating precise 3D models or seam control and repair reporting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for capturing GPS points along geomembrane liner seams, creating a 3D as-built software model, and generating installation metrics for quality assurance and contract adherence, using a communication subsystem for geolocation data, a quantification subsystem for model creation, and a reporting subsystem for industry-standard reports, with minimal user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hand-drawn as-built drawings and manual data collection are used, then simplicity and low cost are achieved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (hand-drawn drawings, physical measurement tools) with GPS-based electronic positioning and automated data collection systems. This substitution eliminates human error in manual measurement while maintaining ease of use through mobile device interfaces, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the physical geomembrane installation through GPS coordinate mapping and 3D modeling. Instead of relying on manual transcription of measurements, the system automatically generates accurate digital as-built drawings that can be stored, shared, and analyzed without degradation, thereby improving accuracy while keeping the process simple.
2Device complexity
If manual inspection and data collection methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service data collection where the GPS device automatically records position, time, and installation metrics without requiring manual intervention for each measurement point. The automated data logging and report generation functions allow inspectors to focus on quality assessment rather than data collection, significantly improving productivity while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional system that combines GPS positioning, data logging, 3D modeling, and report generation into a single integrated platform. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and processes, improving productivity without adding significant complexity to the inspection workflow.
3Ease of operation
If simple data collection methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces unreliable manual data recording with automated GPS-based electronic data collection. The electronic system consistently captures precise location and measurement data without human error, maintaining ease of operation through mobile device interfaces while dramatically improving reliability through automated, consistent data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where GPS coordinates, installation metrics, and quality parameters are immediately captured and validated. This automated feedback loop ensures data reliability by detecting and flagging anomalies at the point of collection, while maintaining ease of use through automatic error detection and correction.
4Device complexity
If traditional as-built drawing methods are used, then device complexity is low, but information completeness and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional hand-drawn drawings to three-dimensional GPS-coordinated models that capture the complete spatial information of the geomembrane installation. This dimensional enhancement preserves all installation details including seam locations, panel boundaries, and topography without significantly increasing system complexity, thereby eliminating information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system universally captures multiple types of information simultaneously - GPS coordinates, installation metrics, seam data, panel identifiers, and quality parameters - all within a single digital platform. This multi-functional approach ensures complete information retention without requiring complex separate systems for each data type.
Data Source
AI summary
A Geosynthetic Liner Seam Modeling and Reporting System configured to capture Global Positioning System (GPS) points shot on geomembrane liner seams and to automatically create a three-dimensional (3D) as-built software model based on those GPS points. Each GPS point(s) need only be captured along the liner seam where a change(s) in direction from a straight line is detected on the seam. The system provides for tagging of each GPS point with identifiers for adjacent panels to each specific point. The system also supports sizing of the seamed panels of the as-built geomembrane structure based on the captured GPS points, results of which are formatted as installation metrics for inclusion in industry standard reports and/or custom reports (e.g., for quality assurance and/or contract adherence purposes).