Hollow Structure Lining With Inflatable Curing for Watertight Renovation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for renovating underground hollow structures like sewerage pits are inefficient, unreliable, and prone to weak spots due to suboptimal adhesion and variability in properties, especially in corrosive and moist environments, leading to structural instability and water tightness issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of reinforcing fibers and a curable resin composition through an access opening, using an inflatable pressure means to secure and cure the material sheets against the structure's walls, providing a durable and load-bearing renovation without requiring adhesion to the walls, and utilizing a preform that conforms to the structure's shape for efficient application and curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hand laminating layers of fibrous reinforcement on mortared walls with resin composition is used, then structural stability is improved, but renovation time increases too much and properties vary too much across the pit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hand-laminating process with a spray application system that delivers fibrous reinforcement and resin composition through nozzles. This mechanical substitution automates the application process, significantly reducing renovation time while maintaining consistent material distribution and properties across the entire pit surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the application method from manual layer-by-layer lamination to spray deposition, altering parameters such as application speed, material distribution uniformity, and curing consistency. This enables rapid application while ensuring homogeneous properties throughout the renovated structure.
2Strength
If fiber-reinforced composite plates are fastened onto mortared walls, then structural integrity is improved, but adhesion becomes suboptimal in moist environments leading to structural loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of fibrous reinforcement (such as glass fibers or steel fibers) embedded in a resin composition that cures to form a cohesive layer. This composite structure provides both structural integrity and reliable adhesion to the existing walls, even in moist environments, as the resin binds the fibers together and to the substrate in a unified manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening of composite plates with a spray-applied composite layer that chemically bonds to the wall surface. This eliminates adhesion failures associated with mechanical attachments in moist conditions, as the sprayed resin creates a continuous bonded layer that is resistant to moisture-induced delamination.
3Shape
If mortar profiling and fiber-reinforced plates are used, then corners can be filled, but water tightness remains problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spray-applied composite material system that creates a seamless, continuous layer over the entire pit surface including corners. The fibrous reinforcement embedded in the resin composition forms a unified structure that eliminates joints and seams, providing reliable water tightness while effectively filling and reinforcing corner areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic element of joints and seams from the renovation system by applying material continuously across the entire surface. This eliminates the weak points where water infiltration typically occurs, while still achieving effective corner filling and reinforcement through the spray application process.
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 achieves a robust, watertight, and durable renovation with improved control over thickness and surface smoothness, reducing renovation time and enhancing the lifespan of the structure by providing a consistent and strong fiber-reinforced covering that can withstand environmental challenges.
Implementation Method 1
providing an inflatable pressure means within the hollow of the structure; inflating the pressure means against the wall
Implementation Method 2
providing a curing means within the hollow of the structure for curing the resin composition; curing the resin composition to harden the material sheets
Data Source
AI summary
A method for renovating the interior of a hollow structure such as a sewerage pit (1) is described. The method provides an access opening (16) to the hollow structure (1); provides a plurality of material sheets (3) comprising reinforcing fibers and a curable resin composition through the access opening (16) and against a wall (11a, 11b) of the hollow structure (1); and provides an inflatable pressure means (4a, 4b) within the hollow structure (1). The pressure means (4a, 4b) are inflated against the wall (11a, 11b). A curing means (6) is then provided within the hollow structure (1) for curing the resin composition; and the resin composition is cured to harden the material sheets and provide a renovated interior of the hollow structure (1).