Vapor Barrier Patch with Resealable Aperture for Slab-on-Grade
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Solution Overview
Problem
In slab on grade construction, the puncturing of vapor barriers by form board stakes and screed pins leads to moisture migration issues, causing adhesion loss, warping, and microbial growth, as prior solutions fail to maintain the integrity of the vapor barrier and support the weight and pressure of the concrete effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a planar vapor barrier patch with a resealable aperture and expandable materials to repair punctures, combined with a cylindrical waterstop and non-penetrating support members, to create a fluid-tight seal and prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If form board stakes and screed pins are driven into the subgrade to support form boards and concrete weight, then the form boards can be securely fixed in place, but the vapor barrier is punctured and moisture migration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into two distinct components: removable stakes for temporary support during construction, and permanent non-removable supports that maintain vapor barrier integrity. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other - stakes provide necessary support strength while non-removable supports preserve vapor barrier reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Interior forms act as an intermediary element between the stakes and the vapor barrier. The forms are secured to stakes above the vapor barrier level, eliminating the need for stakes to penetrate the vapor barrier directly. This intermediary approach allows the vapor barrier to maintain its integrity while still achieving secure form board fixation through the stake-form connection
2Ease of operation
If stakes are removed after concrete pouring, then the form boards can be released, but the vapor barrier punctures cannot be repaired
Solution Approach 1:
Non-removable supports are installed in advance during the form board setup phase, before concrete pouring. These supports maintain vapor barrier integrity from the beginning and continue to provide support after form removal. The preliminary installation of these permanent supports ensures that vapor barrier punctures are prevented before they occur, making repair unnecessary while still allowing easy form removal
3Reliability
If thick vapor barrier material is used, then puncture resistance is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Interior forms serve as an intermediary structure that eliminates the need for thick vapor barrier material. By providing a mechanical platform for securing form boards above the vapor barrier level, the forms allow the use of standard-thickness vapor barriers while achieving the same puncture resistance that would require thicker material. This intermediary approach reduces both material cost and installation complexity
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 effectively maintains the integrity of the vapor barrier, preventing moisture migration and ensuring the structural integrity of the concrete slab by forming a tight seal after the support is removed, thus reducing the risk of moisture-related issues and enhancing indoor air quality.
Implementation Method 1
expandable materials to repair punctures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.