Road Reinforcement Veil and Mat for Crack Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing road surface reinforcement methods for cold surface coatings are inadequate in flexibility and ease of installation, particularly on irregular surfaces and bends, and fail to effectively impregnate fibers with the bonding layer, leading to rapid wear and decohesion of aggregates.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement system comprising a permeable non-woven polyolefin veil-type support and a mat of high tenacity fibers without attachment, allowing the bonding binder to impregnate the fibers and aggregates, enhancing mechanical strength and flexibility, and facilitating easier unrolling and bonding of layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a veil-type support with attached mat is used, then the reinforcement structure is stable, but the flexibility and ease of installation on bends are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement is divided into two separate components: a veil-type support and a mat of high tenacity fibers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the veil provides flexibility and conformability to irregular surfaces, while the mat provides tensile strength. The separate components can be installed independently, improving ease of installation on bends and irregular surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A permeable bonding binder acts as an intermediary between the veil-type support and the mat. This bonding binder impregnates the veil and bonds the mat to it, creating a stable composite structure while allowing the components to remain distinct during installation. The bonding binder enables the mat to conform to the irregularities of the road surface while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If high tenacity fibers are used, then the resistance to crack propagation is improved, but the flexibility and ability to mix with bituminous materials is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to crack propagationVSAvoidflexibility and mixability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement system separates the structural function (provided by the high tenacity fibers in the mat) from the adaptability function (provided by the veil-type support). The mat contains discrete high tenacity fibers that provide crack resistance, while the veil provides flexibility and the ability to conform to surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The veil-type support is designed with high porosity and permeability, allowing bonding binder and bituminous materials to pass through and impregnate the structure. This porous structure enables the reinforcement to mix with and bond to bituminous materials while the high tenacity fibers in the mat maintain their structural integrity and crack resistance properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

3Strength

If an impermeable support is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the impregnation with bonding layer is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbonding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the impermeable structural support function (mat of high tenacity fibers) from the bonding function (veil-type support). The mat provides structural integrity and crack resistance, while the permeable veil allows bonding binder to pass through and create effective bonds with the underlying and overlying layers. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between impermeability and bondability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement system is a composite structure combining a permeable veil-type support made of synthetic fibers with a mat of high tenacity fibers. The composite structure leverages the complementary properties of each material: the veil provides permeability for bonding while the mat provides structural integrity. Together they create a reinforcement system that achieves both structural strength and effective bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If fibers are bonded together in a mat, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to unroll and deform in bends is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidunrolling and deformation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement is segmented into a flexible veil-type support and a structurally strong but separate mat. The veil can be easily unrolled and deformed to conform to irregular surfaces and bends, while the mat provides structural strength when positioned and bonded. This segmentation allows the components to be optimized for their respective functions without compromising either flexibility or strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The veil-type support acts as a flexible thin film that can be easily unrolled, deformed, and conform ed to irregular road surfaces and bends. This flexible veil provides the necessary adaptability during installation, while the separately positioned mat of high tenacity fibers provides the structural strength needed for crack resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides a flexible and durable road surface reinforcement that effectively bonds layers, improves resistance to cracking and wear, and simplifies the installation process, offering a more economical and efficient alternative to existing solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a veil-type support comprising synthetic fibers made of non-woven polyolefins, this veil-type support also being permeable to the bonding binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpregnation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

this veil-type support also being permeable to the bonding binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3987116B1Road surfacing reinforcement of the cold surface dressing type and method for producing road surfacing using such a reinforcement
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 6D SOLUTIONS
  • EP3987116B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3987116B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a road surfacing reinforcement (10) of the cold surface dressing type comprising at least one layer of bonding binder (4) and a layer of aggregates (3), said reinforcement being intended for being deposited on said layer of bonding binder (4), characterised in that said reinforcement (10) comprises: - a web-like substrate (11) comprising non-woven polyolefin synthetic fibres; said web-like substrate being permeable to said bonding binder; and - a mat (13) consisting of high-tenacity fibres (12); said fibres (12) being intended for receiving the layer of aggregates (3); and in that said reinforcement (10) is not provided with means for bonding the mat (13) to the substrate (11).