Pre-Applied Membrane With Synthetic Polymer Granules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of inorganic particles in pre-applied waterproofing membranes increases the difficulty of detailing at the jobsite, particularly in joining adjacent membranes and forming barriers around protrusions, due to incompatibility with tapes and increased labor and time required.
Innovation Solution
A pre-applied waterproofing membrane with a carrier sheet layer, a waterproofing adhesive layer, and an outer particle layer comprising synthetic (organic) polymer granules, which facilitates detailing operations and improves bonding with concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inorganic particles are used in the outer layer of pre-applied waterproofing membranes, then bonding ability with post-cast concrete is improved, but detailing operations become more difficult and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the outer layer from inorganic particles to synthetic polymer granules. This parameter change maintains protective and bonding functions while dramatically improving ease of operation during detailing, as the polymer granules are compatible with tapes and require less labor for installation around protrusions and overlaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure with synthetic polymer granules as the outer layer combined with the adhesive layer and carrier sheet. This composite approach provides both the bonding strength needed for concrete attachment and the operational ease required for detailing work, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If inorganic particles are used in the outer layer, then protective function is provided, but incompatibility with tapes increases difficulty of joining adjacent membranes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from inorganic particles to synthetic polymer granules in the outer layer. This change maintains the protective function against foot traffic and mechanical impact while providing excellent compatibility with tapes, enabling easy joining of adjacent membranes through standard taping methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic polymer granules act as an intermediary material that is compatible with both the adhesive layer beneath and the tapes applied during installation. This intermediary layer provides protection while allowing standard taping procedures to bond adjacent membranes effectively, resolving the incompatibility issue.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pre-applied waterproofing membrane having a waterproofing adhesive layer and an outer particle layer comprising synthetic polymer granules to protect the adhesive layer and to facilitate detailing at membrane-to-membrane overlaps. In preferred embodiments, the synthetic polymer granules are made from polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, and styrene butadiene copolymers or polymers. Most preferably, the synthetic polymer granules have round or spherical shapes that help to facilitate detailing at the building or installation site, such as sealing at membrane overlaps, and sealing around pipes or other details. Alternatively, the membranes may be made having side edges which are free of synthetic polymer granules, whereby a removable release liner strip can be used to prevent adhesive from sticking to the back of the membrane when the membrane is rolled up on itself for shipment.