Waterproof Liner Panels with Zip Fasteners for Canal Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing waterproof liners in canals and basins require dry conditions, are costly, time-consuming, and lack control over permeability, making them unsuitable for continuous operation and maintenance, especially in the presence of water or waves.
Innovation Solution
A method using prefabricated waterproof panels with geosynthetic membranes and flexible anchor bands, sealed with watertight zip fasteners, allowing underwater installation and connection, with ballast for anchoring, enabling rapid, cost-effective, and controlled waterproofing with independent panel replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concrete slabs are used to line canal bottoms and sides, then waterproofing is achieved, but installation requires dry conditions interrupting water flow and services
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof liner is divided into multiple modular panels that can be installed independently. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated waterproofing, allowing installation to proceed in sections without requiring the entire canal to be drained, thus maintaining water flow and services during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane layer is introduced as an intermediary between the ground and the waterproofing system. This membrane can be installed underwater and provides a base that allows subsequent panels to be connected while maintaining waterproof integrity without requiring dry conditions.
2Reliability
If concrete slabs are used for waterproofing, then water leakage is prevented, but the slabs are subject to cracking and splitting with high permeability
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof panel combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) provides low permeability and flexibility, while a geotextile layer provides structural reinforcement and protection. This composite structure prevents cracking and splitting while maintaining waterproofing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from rigid concrete slabs to a flexible membrane system with controlled permeability parameters. The GCL layer's permeability is engineered to be extremely low (k ≤ 10⁻⁹ cm/s), and the flexible nature allows the material to accommodate ground movements without cracking, maintaining structural integrity under varying conditions.
3Reliability
If glass fibre panels covered with resin are used, then waterproofing is improved, but installation still requires dry conditions and maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as an intermediary that can be installed underwater, eliminating the requirement for dry conditions. This membrane layer allows water to be present during installation while still achieving effective waterproofing through the integrated panel system.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed as self-contained units with integrated waterproofing, anchoring, and protection layers. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate maintenance operations to restore waterproofing, as the panels maintain their integrity and function without requiring intervention during water flow.
4Reliability
If bentonite panels with textile layers are used, then waterproofing is achieved, but permeability control is difficult and polluting substances are released
Solution Approach 1:
The permeability parameter is precisely controlled through the selection and formulation of the geosynthetic clay liner material. The GCL's permeability is engineered to be ≤ 10⁻⁹ cm/s, providing consistent and predictable waterproofing performance without the variability associated with bentonite panels. This controlled parameter ensures reliable waterproofing while preventing the release of polluting substances.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a waterproof liner and waterproof panels for installations in basins and canals) both dry and with stationary and flowing water. The liner consists of a plurality of prefabricated panels, including at least one flexible waterproof membrane, made of geosynthetic material, provided with side anchor bands for anchoring to the ground and with side sealing flaps. The panels that are rolled up into rolls are sequentially unrolled and extended by fixing provisionally along at least one anchor band, by joining simultaneously the flaps of adjoining panels by means of an intermediate zip fastener. Subsequently, the individual panels are firmly anchored by friction to the bottom and/or to the banks of the basin or canal, by means of a permanent ballast. The individual panels can be removed and replaced by operating underwater, restoring the seal between panels of the entire waterproof liner.