Self-Repairing Waterproof Membrane for Hydrostatic Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof membranes for built structures fail to effectively address water infiltration due to limited mechanical strength, inability to accommodate thermal and settlement movements, and difficulties in installation and self-sealing, particularly in prefabricated segments and regions of overlap, leading to water migration and inefficiencies in production and storage.
Innovation Solution
A self-repairing and self-sealing waterproof membrane composed of a continuous flat sheet with a first layer of hermetic polymeric material and a second layer of water-expanding polymeric material, featuring sublayers with controlled expanding actions to provide a physical barrier and maintain dimensional stability, allowing for simplified installation and prevention of water propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resins are used to stop water infiltrations between concrete segments, then water infiltration is prevented, but the resins break due to limited mechanical strength under thermal expansion and settlement movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid resin to elastomeric polymer, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties to provide both waterproofing and flexibility. The elastomeric nature allows the membrane to accommodate thermal expansion and settlement movements while maintaining water infiltration prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of multiple layers including elastomeric polymer layers and a central tubular region. This composite design combines the waterproofing capability of the polymer with the flexibility and elasticity of the tubular structure, allowing the membrane to withstand mechanical stress while preventing water infiltration.
2Reliability
If metallic sheets or PVC strips are used to blend segments, then water infiltration is limited, but the sheets crack and break due to elastic deformation limitations under thermal expansion and ground movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metallic or PVC strips to elastomeric polymer with high elasticity. This parameter change enables the membrane to undergo considerable elastic deformations to follow dimensional variations caused by thermal expansion and ground movements while maintaining water infiltration prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the elastomeric material that can continuously deform and recover. The central tubular region is specifically designed to undergo elastic deformations of considerable extent, allowing the membrane to dynamically adapt to changing dimensional conditions between concrete segments.
3Reliability
If strips with appropriate shapes are used to fix to segments during concrete casting, then water infiltration is prevented, but the application is awkward and requires long execution time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waterproofing system into modular components: a continuous elastomeric polymer membrane with a central tubular region that can be independently handled and installed. This segmentation allows for simpler application compared to complex shaped strips, reducing installation time while maintaining effectiveness.
4Reliability
If multiple strips are arranged longitudinally aligned to close the channel completely, then water infiltration is blocked, but the connection requires heat-sealing which is awkward, dangerous and requires long time and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple waterproofing functions into a single continuous elastomeric polymer membrane structure. The central tubular region provides both the waterproofing barrier and the flexible deformation capability in one integrated component, eliminating the need for separate heat-sealing operations to connect multiple strips.
5Reliability
If heat-sealing is performed to connect contiguous strips, then water infiltration is prevented at joints, but the process cannot be performed in the presence of water and requires specific conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric polymer material provides self-adhesive properties that allow the membrane to bond to itself and to the concrete segments without requiring external heat-sealing equipment or processes. This self-service capability enables installation in the presence of water and eliminates the need for controlled heating conditions.
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 membrane effectively waterproofs structures, self-repairs in case of damage, self-seals in overlap regions, and ensures continuity with the concrete, preventing water migration while reducing manufacturing and installation complexities and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer of water-expanding polymeric material placed in direct contact with the concrete surface
Data Source
AI summary
A self-repairing and self-sealing waterproof membrane, for insulating built structures subjected to hydrostatic pressure, includes a first layer of hermetic polymeric material, which covers a second layer of water-expanding polymeric material, in which additives of polymeric and/or mineral origin are added, arranged in contact with the concrete surface of the structure. The second layer includes a plurality of sublayers which are contiguous and have different expanding actions and mechanical characteristics. The membrane has substantially the shape of a continuous flat sheet, which gives the membrane the appearance of a uniform film, having a thickness between 0.2 and 5.0 mm and being composed of one or more of the following polymers: TPE, TPO, TPU, EVA, EPDM, EPM, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, PE, PVC and other elastomeric or polymeric polymers, containing optional additions of fillers and other ingredients to give the article the necessary requirements of workability, mechanical strength, and durability.