Silane-Modified Concrete Waterproofing via Pore Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproof and frost-resistant concretes face challenges in maintaining uniform quality and characteristics, particularly as surface coatings are not long-lasting and can be compromised by small cracks or holes, leading to loss of waterproofing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the mixing of cement, water, quartz-containing stone material, pore-forming agents, plasticizing agents, and silane additives to create a concrete slurry that forms a sealed, frost-resistant and waterproof structure, where silane blocks capillary and gel pores, ensuring internal waterproofness even after drilling or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproofing layer is coated on the concrete surface, then waterproofing is achieved, but the waterproofing is not long-lasting and can be compromised by small cracks or holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing durabilityVSAvoidwaterproofing duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the waterproofing function with the concrete structure itself by incorporating hydrophobic particles into the concrete mixture. This eliminates the separate waterproofing coating layer and integrates waterproofing directly into the concrete matrix, ensuring that the entire concrete structure becomes waterproof rather than just the surface layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the surface properties of concrete particles by coating them with hydrophobic substances (such as silane, silicone oil, or wax particles). This parameter change transforms the surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, causing water to bead up and roll off rather than being absorbed, thereby achieving durable waterproofing that persists even when the concrete is damaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If cement paste is used to bond stone grains, then concrete structure is formed, but capillary and gel pores allow water absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcrete bonding strengthVSAvoidwater absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality modification by treating only the surface of each stone grain and cement particle with hydrophobic coating, while maintaining the internal bonding strength of the concrete matrix. The hydrophobic property is localized to the particle surfaces, creating a water-repellent barrier without compromising the overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining hydrophobic particles (such as silane-modified particles, silicone oil particles, or wax particles) with traditional concrete components. This composite approach allows the concrete to maintain its bonding strength while gaining water-repellent properties through the integrated hydrophobic phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 method produces a concrete that remains thoroughly frost-resistant and waterproof, maintaining integrity even when holes are drilled, as the silane forms a chemical-physical bond with quartz, preventing water absorption through capillary and gel pores while allowing protective pores for freezing expansion.

Implementation Method 1

silane blocks capillary and gel pores, preventing water absorption through capillary and gel pores

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

silane forms a chemical-physical bond with quartz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

allowing protective pores for freezing expansion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreezing expansion: Freezing

Data Source

PatentEP3744703A1Method for manufacturing concrete
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 INVEST SAARELAINEN OY
  • EP3744703A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3744703A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3744703A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing concrete. In the method, cement, water, and pore-forming agent are mixed into quartz containing stone material to form a concrete slurry. This is followed by adding plasticizing agent to the mixed concrete slurry and mixing, and finally adding silane to the concrete slurry containing plasticizing agent and mixing.