Underground Waterproofing via Sequential Polyurethane and Silicate Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for waterproofing underground structures, such as basement walls or flooring, face challenges in effectively addressing substantial water seepage and cracking issues, particularly in existing structures where traditional insulation and waterproofing methods are impractical or ineffective, and current injection methods are costly or lack durability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sequential injection of an expanding compound, like polyurethane resin, and a diffusing compound, such as a silicate mixture, to create a matrix-like barrier behind the wall, allowing for targeted intervention without extensive excavation, with the expanding compound forming confinement portions and the diffusing compound ensuring uniform coverage and low permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyurethane resins are used for injection waterproofing, then water seepage blocking is effective, but cost and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waterproofing process into two distinct injection stages: first injecting polyurethane resin to block major water seepage paths, then injecting silicate mixture to fill smaller voids and provide uniform coverage. This segmentation allows each material to perform its specialized function optimally while using simpler, more affordable equipment for the second stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses silicate mixture as an intermediary material that fills the gaps between polyurethane resin applications. The silicate acts as a mediator that ensures complete coverage and seals smaller voids that the expanding resin cannot reach, thereby achieving comprehensive waterproofing without requiring expensive specialized equipment throughout the entire process.
2Reliability
If polyurethane resins are used for injection waterproofing, then water seepage blocking is effective, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waterproofing function between two materials: polyurethane resin handles the critical water seepage blocking, while silicate mixture handles the cost-effective filling of smaller voids and surface coverage. This division allows using less expensive silicate material for the majority of the treatment area, reducing overall material costs while maintaining effective waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the injected material over time by using two different materials with different properties. The polyurethane resin has high initial viscosity for effective seepage blocking, while the silicate mixture has lower viscosity for uniform penetration and coverage. This parameter change optimizes both performance and cost-effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If silicate mixtures are used for injection waterproofing, then cost decreases and equipment simplifies, but waterproofing effectiveness is reduced for cracked walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waterproofing function by using polyurethane resin first to address cracked walls and major seepage paths, then using silicate mixture to complete the waterproofing by filling smaller voids and providing uniform coverage. This segmentation ensures that the expensive polyurethane resin is used only where critical for blocking seepage, while the simpler silicate mixture completes the job cost-effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by injecting polyurethane resin first to block major water seepage paths and stabilize the wall structure before injecting the silicate mixture. This preliminary blocking action prevents water from washing out the silicate mixture and ensures that the subsequent silicate injection achieves effective, uniform waterproofing.
4Quantity of substance
If silicate mixtures are injected into cracked walls, then cost decreases, but the mixture is washed out quickly due to water seepage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by injecting polyurethane resin first to block major water seepage paths and create a stable barrier before injecting the silicate mixture. This preliminary blocking action prevents water from immediately washing out the silicate mixture, allowing the silicate to set and provide durable, long-lasting waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining polyurethane resin and silicate mixture in a sequential injection process. The polyurethane resin provides structural blocking and water resistance, while the silicate mixture provides uniform coverage and fills smaller voids. Together, they create a composite waterproofing system that is both cost-effective and durable, preventing material washout and ensuring long-term effectiveness.
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 continuous, low-permeability barrier that effectively blocks water seepage, is cost-effective, and allows for non-invasive, targeted treatment of underground structures, even in areas with substantial water infiltration, without requiring extensive perforation or demolition.
Implementation Method 1
injecting an expanding compound adjacent to the surface (10b) directed toward the outside of an underground structure (10) to be waterproofed in order to form at least two confinement portions (2)
Implementation Method 2
injecting a diffusing or permeating compound intended to harden adjacent to the surface (10b) directed toward the outside of said underground structure (10) and at a completion region (3) that is delimited by said at least two confinement portions (2)
Implementation Method 3
The injected products, initially in the liquid state, harden in more or less short times and become waterproof
Data Source
AI summary
A method for water-proofing underground structures (10) comprising: a step of injecting an expanding compound adjacent to the surface (10b) directed toward the outside of an underground structure (10) to be waterproofed in order to form at least two confinement portions (2); a step of injecting a diffusing compound (4) intended to harden adjacent to the surface (10a) directed toward the outside of the underground structure (10) and at a completion region (3) that is delimited by said at least two confinement portions (2).