Synthetic Grass Cover for MSE Wall UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls face integrity issues due to UV damage of synthetic geo-textiles used for secondary reinforcement, leading to erosion and degradation when exposed to rain, as they lack effective protection from solar UV rays.
Innovation Solution
A UV-resistant synthetic grass cover with specific tufting size and density of synthetic grass blades tufted into a geo-textile backing, providing long-term protection by shading the secondary reinforcement from solar UV rays, using polyethylene monofilament fibers and a geo-textile backing for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If synthetic geo-textiles are used for secondary reinforcement wrapping, then the wall structure is stabilized and reinforced, but the geo-textiles deteriorate over time due to UV damage causing wall erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer (UV-resistant coating or protective geo-textile layer) between the synthetic geo-textile reinforcement and the UV radiation. This intermediary layer absorbs or blocks UV rays, preventing direct damage to the geo-textile while allowing the reinforcement function to continue, thus resolving the contradiction between structural strength and material durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining UV-resistant materials with the synthetic geo-textile reinforcement system. This composite approach integrates the reinforcement functionality of the geo-textile with the UV protection properties of resistant materials, creating a unified structure that maintains both structural integrity and long-term durability against UV degradation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vegetation is used to shade the geo-textile, then UV protection is provided, but the vegetation must be completely established to provide full shade which takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing UV protection through synthetic grass blades or UV-resistant coatings before vegetation can fully establish itself. This temporary or long-term protective measure is implemented in advance to shield the geo-textile during the vegetation establishment period, eliminating the waiting time associated with natural vegetation growth while maintaining continuous UV protection.
3Productivity
If artificial grass is used for drainage purposes, then field drainage is improved, but the application is limited to flat playing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the synthetic grass system with specific local characteristics suited to vertical or inclined surfaces. The synthetic grass blades and underlying geo-textile structure are configured to provide both drainage functionality and UV protection in vertical or inclined configurations, adapting the drainage solution to non-flat terrains while maintaining efficiency.
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 synthetic grass cover effectively shields the geo-textile from UV damage, maintaining the integrity of MSE walls and preventing erosion, with the potential to last for over 50 years, ensuring prolonged structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the synthetic grass blades comprising synthetic yarns tufted into the geo-textile backing and having a length and density sufficient to substantially shade the geo-textile backing from solar UV rays
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall and/or synthetic grass cover including alternating layers of granular fills and soil reinforcement geo-grids; a wire wall facing; and a synthetic grass cover for covering the wire wall facing, the synthetic grass comprising a geo-textile backing and a plurality of synthetic grass blades comprising synthetic yarns tufted into the geo-textile backing and having a length and density sufficient to substantially shade the geo-textile backing from solar UV rays.