Multi-layer Geopolymer Pool Liner Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing artificial basins and swimming pools that mimic natural environments face issues with waterproofing, leading to algae growth, aesthetic deterioration, and maintenance challenges, as well as potential bacterial proliferation and degradation of mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving excavation, application of a substrate, and multiple layers including a non-woven fabric or silica-based materials, geopolymeric binders, and fibers to create a stable, impermeable, and aesthetically pleasing surface that prevents water impregnation and maintains mechanical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lower impermeable liner is arranged to rest on the soil of the excavation for waterproofing, then water containment function is improved, but the structural and decorative layers become permanently impregnated with water leading to algae growth and aesthetic deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the waterproofing function into multiple independent impermeable layers distributed throughout the structure. Instead of one liner at the bottom, multiple layers are embedded within the structural and decorative layers, segmenting the water containment function to prevent water accumulation in any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the waterproofing function from the single lower liner and redistributes it throughout the entire structure. The harmful effect of concentrated water impregnation is eliminated by taking out the water containment function from one location and dispersing it across multiple layers.
2Strength
If multiple layers are deposited on the lower liner for structural and aesthetic functions, then structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are improved, but water stagnation occurs within the layers leading to maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making each individual layer within the multi-layer structure impermeable. Instead of relying on the entire assembly to be waterproof, each local layer is designed with waterproof properties, ensuring that no water can penetrate or stagnate within any specific layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials that combine structural, aesthetic, and waterproofing functions in each layer. Each layer is composed of materials that simultaneously provide mechanical strength, visual appearance, and water resistance, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing and structural layers.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the liner is compressed by water pressure through lining and structural layers, then the basin structure is stabilized, but the liner is not subjected to mechanical load and cannot provide structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes each layer multi-functional, serving simultaneously as structural support, aesthetic covering, and waterproof barrier. Each layer is designed to bear mechanical loads while maintaining water resistance and visual appearance, eliminating the need for a separate liner that only provides waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of each layer to provide both structural strength and waterproofing. By modifying the material composition and mechanical properties of each layer, the structure achieves both load-bearing capacity and water containment without relying on a dedicated flexible liner.
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 method results in low-maintenance, aesthetically valuable, and stable artificial basins with reduced bacterial proliferation and algae growth, maintaining mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal over time.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer constituted by a mixture of water, geopolymeric binder, mineral aggregates, and acrylic resin
Implementation Method 2
acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, adapted to make said first layer suitable for the optimum adhesion of additional layers
Implementation Method 3
shaping the surface thereof with abrasive tools and instruments, until it is rendered completely uniform
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for providing artificial basins, swimming pools (1) and the like, which consists in performing an excavation (2) that corresponds to the artificial basin according to the design specifications, providing a substrate (3), on surfaces (4, 5, 6) of the excavation (2), of a type chosen preferably from a substrate (3) made of nonwoven fabric, a substrate (3) made of a material comprising silica, a substrate (3) made of gravel, a substrate (3) made of at least partially polymeric mineral material of non-organic origin, a substrate (3) made of composite material, a substrate (3) made of polymeric material, a substrate (3) made of compacted soil/sand, and combinations thereof, arranging the equipment (7) and the piping (8) for supplying and discharging water on the substrate (3); distributing on the substrate (3) and on the overlying equipment (7) and piping (8) a first layer (9) constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with low particle size value, and acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, adapted to render said first layer (9) suitable for the optimum adhesion of additional layers for lining it, distributing a second layer (10), which is at least partially impermeable, constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with low particle size value, acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, fibers of silica, glass, hemp and the like, having a length comprised between 1.0 cm and 6 cm, and a material that allows shaping and has a low relative density, chosen preferably from cork in chips, hemp fibers, natural fibers, granules of expanded polymeric material, and the like. After the consolidation of the second layer (10), the surface thereof is shaped with abrasive tools and instruments, until it is rendered completely uniform and compliant with the design standards. At least one third layer (11, 12) is spread which is constituted by a mixture of water, mineral binder of non-organic origin, sand with low particle size value, acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, and at least one structural mesh made of fiber of silica, glass and the like, with at least unidirectional mechanical properties; a fifth layer (13) is spread which is impermeable and constituted by a mixture of water, light-colored mineral binder of non-organic origin, silica sands with low particle size value, acrylic resin, in a percentage variable between 0% and 10% with respect to the non-organic mineral binder, and fibers of silica, glass, hemp and the like, having a length comprised between 1.0 cm and 6 cm.