Undulated Construction Plates for Tunnel Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface covering materials fail to effectively prevent water filtration and manage drainage in construction environments, particularly in railway tunnels, where high-speed trains pose structural challenges.
Innovation Solution
Construction plates with undulations featuring alternating flat zones and asymmetric, variable amplitude undulations, designed for waterproof and fireproof applications, incorporating reinforced polymeric resin with inorganic fibers, and equipped with drainage channels to manage water filtration and evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flat covering materials are used, then installation is simple, but water filtration through surfaces cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by introducing undulations (convex and concave zones) to the plate surface. These undulations create asymmetric profiles that redirect water flow along the surface, preventing water infiltration while maintaining structural integrity. The curved surfaces guide water toward drainage channels without compromising the simplicity of installation.
2Reliability
If undulated plates with drainage channels are used, then water filtration is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into distinct functional zones: flat zones for structural support and anchoring, convex undulated zones for water redirection, and concave undulated zones for drainage channel formation. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through standardized production processes.
3Productivity
If asymmetric undulations are used, then water channelling is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric undulation profiles where convex zones have different geometries from concave zones. The asymmetric design creates effective water channelling by directing water flow from convex to concave zones. The asymmetry is designed within tolerances that maintain functionality while allowing for practical manufacturing capabilities.
4Strength
If reinforced polymeric resin with inorganic fibers is used, then structural integrity for high-speed trains is achieved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of polymeric resin reinforced with inorganic fibers. This composite structure provides the necessary strength and rigidity to withstand the dynamic loads from high-speed train passages while maintaining a reasonable weight. The composite material delivers enhanced mechanical properties compared to conventional materials, justifying the cost through improved performance and durability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A set of construction plates (11) installed on the surface (13) of the free internal section of a tunnel (12). The construction plate (11) displays the shape of an undulated plate. The construction plate (11) with undulations is transversally and longitudinally overlappable with other adjacent construction plates (11) in order to fully or partially cover in a transversal and longitudinal manner the internal surface (13) of the tunnel (12), waterproofing said internal surface (13) of the tunnel (12).