Polymer-Inset Concrete Joint for Inspectable Waterproof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining concrete parts, particularly in underground or underwater constructions, are unreliable in ensuring a waterproof seal until the structure is subjected to water, making it difficult to verify the seal's integrity before use and potentially costly to remediate issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving polymer-based materials for creating a weldable or glueable joint between concrete parts, with edge insets that are recessed into the concrete and covered by a sealing material, allowing for controlled assembly and inspection of the seal's integrity before exposure to water, and optionally incorporating a force transferring member for load relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing strips or expanding seals are arranged between concrete parts, then waterproofing is attempted, but the seal integrity cannot be verified until water exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing access holes and inspection chambers during the construction phase, allowing the seal to be inspected and tested before water exposure. This enables verification of seal integrity in advance, rather than waiting for water to reveal defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection chambers and access holes provide feedback mechanisms that allow workers to verify seal quality during construction. This feedback loop enables immediate detection and correction of sealing issues before they become problematic when water is introduced.
2Reliability
If sealing compounds are injected between concrete parts, then waterproofing is achieved, but it is costly and difficult to remedy problems after water exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The access holes and inspection chambers are created during construction to enable future inspection and repair. This preliminary preparation makes it easy to access and repair seal defects without costly demolition or reconstruction, allowing simple injection of repair compounds through the pre-provided access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The access holes serve as intermediaries that provide direct access to the seal between concrete parts. This intermediary structure enables easy injection of sealing compounds and repair materials without requiring destruction of the concrete structure, significantly simplifying the repair process.
3Ease of manufacture
If concrete parts are joined with traditional sealing methods, then assembly is simple, but the seal may fail under water pressure and lateral loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite sealing systems that combine multiple materials and methods: sealing strips, expanding seals, and injection compounds work together to create a multi-layered defense against water pressure and lateral loads. This composite approach maintains assembly simplicity while significantly improving reliability under stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection chambers and access holes provide beforehand cushioning by enabling verification and repair of seals before water pressure causes failure. This preparatory measure ensures that sealing defects can be detected and corrected in advance, preventing catastrophic failures under load.
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
This method provides a reliable, inspectable, and durable liquid-proof joint that can withstand water pressure and lateral loads, ensuring the structural integrity and preventing water ingress in constructions below ground or underwater.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second edge insets are connected to one another, in particular by means of welding or by means of an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The first and second edge insets are connected to one another, in particular by means of welding or by means of an adhesive
Implementation Method 3
each having a fixing portion which is to be recessed into the associated one of the first and second parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of providing a liquid proof joint between first and second parts (1, 2). The method comprises providing a first part made of concrete, and having a first joint surface that is provided with a first edge inset (11) of a first polymer based material. The edge inset (11) extends along the joint. The method further comprises providing a second part having a second joint surface comprising a second polymer based material and extending along the joint. The method also comprises arranging the parts with the first and second joint surfaces adjacent each other, and welding or gluing the first joint surface to the second joint surface along the joint to provide the liquid proof joint. The disclosure also provides a concrete structure produced by the method.