Modular Construction Joint With Flexible Seamless Stitching System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular integrated construction (MiC) buildings face challenges with waterproofing and fire/smoke resistance in construction joints due to large movements, leading to delamination of seams and ineffective prevention of water and smoke penetration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible seamless stitching system incorporating injectable intumescent firestop foam with closed cell structure, a moisture-curable smokestop joint sealant, and a liquid-applied waterproof coating, providing high fire and smoke resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction, with a movement accommodation capability of 20-50% and ability to withstand high temperatures and water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible sheet waterproofing membranes are used for waterproofing joints, then waterproofing coverage is improved, but seam delamination occurs under cyclic movement leading to water leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple materials (waterproofing membrane, firestop foam, sealant) into a single integrated joint system that is installed as one unit. This eliminates the seams between separate sheet membranes because the waterproofing function is continuous through the integrated structure, preventing delamination while maintaining waterproofing reliability under cyclic movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining waterproofing membrane with firestop foam and sealant in a single integrated joint. This composite structure provides both waterproofing and fire resistance simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate installations that would create seams and potential leakage paths.
2Reliability
If fire-rated materials are used for joint cavity, then fire resistance is improved, but flexibility and movement accommodation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where firestop foam provides fire resistance and waterproofing membrane provides flexibility. The combination allows the joint system to accommodate cyclic movements while maintaining fire rating, as each material performs its specialized function within the composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the joint system have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the firestop foam provides fire resistance in the core area, while the waterproofing membrane provides flexibility and movement accommodation at the surface, allowing each local region to have the quality needed for its purpose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sheet membranes are cut and pasted to fit joint areas, then adaptability to different spaces is improved, but seam leakage occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the waterproofing membrane with firestop foam and sealant into a single joint system that is installed as one unit rather than separate pieces. This eliminates seams between components, providing both adaptability to different joint areas through the flexible membrane and continuous water resistance without leakage paths.
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 offers long-term firestop, smokestop, and waterproof protection, maintaining integrity and safety by resisting water pressure and withstanding high temperatures for extended periods, even after accelerated weather testing.
Implementation Method 1
The core material is expandable when exposed to fire, such that the core has an intumescent expansion factor sufficient to expand to a volume beyond the total assembly volume
Implementation Method 2
an injectable intumescent firestop foam with a closed cell structure, where the flexible intumescent firestop foam has a filling depth of at least 30 mm, and the intumescent firestop foam has a thermal conductivity in a range of 0.03-0.08 W/(m·K)
Implementation Method 3
a flexible moisture-curable smokestop joint sealant on top of the firestop foam with a fracture elongation of at least 700%
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular integrated construction joint which includes a first building module, a second building module or a structural wall and a joint between the first building module and the second building module or structural wall. The joint includes a flexible seamless stitching system, which provides a long-term firestop, smokestop and waterproof for the joint cavity in-between modules in modular integrated construction (MiC).