阅读说明：本技术 地下防水和甲烷阻挡片材隔膜及其制造和使用方法 (Underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet diaphragm and methods of making and using same ) 是由 埃米尔·夏伊·卢蒂安 保罗·托马斯·米勒 于 2020-01-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明是一种具有铝保护层的地下防水和甲烷阻挡片材隔膜及其制造和使用方法,并且更具体地是,本发明涉及一种双层系统,所述双层系统包括具有铝饰面或铝层的至少一个防湿或防水的沥青阻挡片材隔膜,所述至少一个防湿或防水的沥青阻挡片材隔膜在被组合时也是甲烷气体阻挡层,并且是UV稳定的,被用在建筑物的建造中,并且放置在建筑物或住房的地基下方或周围或在地基的地下挡土墙上。可选地是,衬里和/或排水保护介质也能够与所述本发明的双层系统一起使用。(The present invention is an underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer and methods of making and using the same, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a two-layer system comprising at least one waterproof or moisture-proof asphalt barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum facing or layer, which when combined is also a methane gas barrier layer, and is UV stable, used in the construction of a building, and placed under or around the foundation of a building or dwelling or on the underground retaining wall of the foundation. Optionally, a liner and/or a drainage protection medium can also be used with the inventive bilayer system.)

1. A method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system for a building comprising the steps of:

(a) taking at least one non-metallic layer and fixing it to at least one layer of aluminium sheet to form a dual water and methane barrier sheet having an exposed non-metallic face and an exposed aluminium face;

(b) placing the dual water and methane barrier sheet over an unfinished building foundation such that the exposed non-metallic face faces earth and the exposed aluminum face is exposed; and

(c) forming at least one of a shotcrete layer and a concrete layer over the exposed aluminum face to form a foundation for the structure such that the foundation has an outer surface in contact with and facing the exposed aluminum face and an inner surface forming a floor of the building.

2. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one non-metallic layer is an asphalt layer.

3. The method of providing a dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein at least one liner of at least one layer is placed between the soil and the dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet.

4. The method of providing a dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein at least one liner of at least one layer is placed between the soil and the dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet, and wherein the at least one liner is selected from the group consisting of: high Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liners, polyethylene high density (PEHD) liners, polyethylene thermoplastic liners made from petroleum, and combinations thereof.

5. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein at least one layer of at least one drainage protection media is placed between the soil and the dual water and methane barrier sheet.

6. The method of providing a dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein at least one layer of at least one drainage protection media is placed between the soil and the dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet, and wherein the at least one drainage protection media is selected from the group consisting of: drainage plates, foam layers, polystyrene insulation plates, and combinations thereof.

7. The method of providing a dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein said dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet has a seam, and wherein at least one seam joint is secured to said seam so as to provide a continuous sheet of said dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet.

8. The method of providing a dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein said dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet has a seam, and wherein at least one seam joint is secured to said seam so as to provide a continuous piece of said dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet, and wherein said at least one seam joint is selected from the group consisting of: aluminum tape, adhesives, sealants, and combinations thereof.

9. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein the building is selected from the group consisting of: walls, foundations, windowless walls, exterior walls, ground floor panels, and combinations thereof.

10. The method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein a first edge of the at least one dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet is attached to a second edge of at least one second dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet via an overlap portion.

11. The method of providing a dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein a first edge of said at least one dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet is attached to a second edge of at least one second dual water repellent and methane barrier sheet via an overlap portion, and wherein at least one securing device is placed over and along said overlap portion to completely cover said overlap portion.

12. The method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein a first edge of the at least one dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet is attached to a second edge of at least one second dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet via an overlap portion, and wherein at least one securing means is placed over and along the overlap portion to completely cover the overlap portion, and wherein the at least one securing means is selected from the group consisting of: aluminum tape, adhesives, sealants, and combinations thereof.

13. The method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein a first edge of the at least one dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet is attached to a second edge of at least one second dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet via an overlap portion, and wherein at least one securing device is placed over and along the overlap portion to completely cover the overlap portion, and wherein at least one heat gun is used to securely affix the at least one securing device to the first edge of the at least one dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet and the second edge of the at least one second dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet.

14. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the at least one non-metallic layer is between about 20 mils to about 250 mils, and preferably about 56 mils.

15. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one layer of aluminum sheet has a thickness of between about 1 mil to about 6 mils, and preferably about 4 mils.

16. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein at least one release sheet is secured over the exposed surface of the at least one non-metallic layer.

17. The method of providing a dual water and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 1, wherein at least one release sheet is secured over the exposed surface of the at least one non-metal layer, and wherein the at least one release sheet is selected from the group consisting of: plastic sheets, paper, and combinations thereof.

18. A method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system for a building comprising the steps of:

(a) taking at least one non-metallic layer and fixing it to at least one layer of aluminium sheet to form a dual water and methane barrier sheet having an exposed non-metallic face and an exposed aluminium face and wherein at least one release layer is fixed to at least a portion of the exposed non-metallic face;

(b) securing the at least one release layer to the unfinished porous foundation wall; and

(c) applying one of concrete and shotcrete to the exposed aluminum face to form a wall.

19. The method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system according to claim 18, wherein at least one drainage media is securely placed between the unfinished porous foundation wall and the at least one release layer.

20. A method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system for a building comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a wall using one of concrete and shotcrete, and wherein the wall has an inner surface and an outer surface;

(b) applying at least one primer to at least a portion of said exterior surface of said wall; and

(c) taking at least one non-metallic layer and fixing it to at least one layer of aluminium sheet to form a dual water and methane barrier sheet having an exposed non-metallic face and an exposed aluminium face and fixing at least part of the exposed non-metallic face to at least part of the exposed face of the at least one primer.

Technical Field

The present invention is an aluminum faced underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane and methods of making and using the same, and more particularly, the present invention is directed to a two-layer system comprising at least one moisture or waterproof asphalt barrier sheet membrane having an aluminum faced or layer, which when combined is also a methane barrier layer and is UV stable, used in the construction of a building, and placed under or around the foundation of the building or dwelling or on the underground retaining wall of the foundation. Optionally, liners and/or drainage protection media can also be used with the bilayer systems of the present invention.

Background

Methane gas is a naturally occurring gas, and the accumulation of methane gas can cause hazards, such as, for example, methane gas can cause explosions or suffocations. Methane gas can be inhaled as it enters a home or office building and can be fatal to animals or humans. If a house or office building is constructed on or near a landfill site or in an area with naturally occurring methane in the soil, methane gas may enter the house or office building through cracks in the foundations of the building or through sewer traps (lower tracks). The opportunity for inhalation increases when a person unknowingly passes through a closed septic tank, sewer or farm waste pit. Other areas, besides sewers, where methane gas may be produced are rotten food in the kitchen, compost outside windows, dredged soil in plastic bags, exposure via wastewater treatment plants, etc. Other sources known to produce methane are fracturing, and other locations where methane may be unknowingly produced and humans may unknowingly ingest methane. Potentially explosive levels of methane gas can accumulate in buildings from several sources, including explosive levels of sewer gas, biogas, or from a variety of possible sources, including pipe leaks, improper pipe ventilation, or even biogas accumulation under the building.

Knowing the danger of methane gas to humans, various measures have been taken, such as the most common requirement to use a methane barrier under the structure or on its underground retaining wall, due to the presence of methane in the soil (as reported by the soil). Based on the findings in the soil report, it was determined whether a methane barrier was necessary or unnecessary. It will be appreciated that the concrete used in the foundations of the housing structure is porous, so gases (such as methane gas) will seep through it directly, or through those pores. Therefore, in order to prevent the formation of methane gas in a home or office building, it is necessary, based on soil reports, to provide the house or office building with the barrier layer or sheet of the present invention so that methane gas that may permeate upwardly from the soil is directed to escape from the edges of the barrier layer of the present invention and into the atmosphere, rather than directly into the dwelling through the foundations of the dwelling.

The present invention improves upon the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer and methods of making and using the same.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is a novel underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer and methods of making and using the same.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer and methods of making and using the same.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bilayer system that is practical as a barrier and prevents and blocks the transfer of water and moisture from one side of the structure to the other.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an innovative dual barrier system that can be used along walls, floors, ceilings or along any structure that requires waterproofing or moisture proofing.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide at least one moisture or water resistant barrier layer and a methane barrier layer for structures made with concrete or shotcrete walls or floors.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention comprises a method of providing a dual waterproof and methane barrier sheet system for a building comprising the steps of:

(a) taking at least one non-metallic layer and fixing it to at least one layer of aluminium sheet to form a dual water and methane barrier sheet having an exposed non-metallic face and an exposed aluminium face;

(b) placing the dual water and methane barrier sheet over an unfinished building foundation such that the exposed non-metallic face faces earth and the exposed aluminum face is exposed; and

(c) forming at least one of a shotcrete layer and a concrete layer over the exposed aluminum face to form a foundation for the structure such that the foundation has an outer surface in contact with and facing the exposed aluminum face and an inner surface forming a floor of the building.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing a dual waterproofing and methane barrier sheet system for a building comprising the steps of:

(a) taking at least one non-metallic layer and fixing it to at least one layer of aluminium sheet to form a dual water and methane barrier sheet having an exposed non-metallic face and an exposed aluminium face and wherein at least one release layer (release layer) is fixed to at least a portion of the exposed non-metallic face;

(b) securing the at least one release layer to the unfinished porous foundation wall; and

(c) applying one of concrete and shotcrete to the exposed aluminum face to form a wall.

In yet another aspect, the invention includes a method of providing a dual waterproofing and methane barrier sheet system for a building, comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a wall using one of concrete and shotcrete, and wherein the wall has an inner surface and an outer surface;

(b) applying at least one primer to at least a portion of said exterior surface of said wall; and

(c) taking at least one non-metallic layer and fixing it to at least one layer of aluminium sheet to form a dual water and methane barrier sheet having an exposed non-metallic face and an exposed aluminium face and fixing at least part of the exposed non-metallic face to at least part of the exposed face of the at least one primer.

Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a dual underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane of the present invention having an aluminum protective layer.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer and methods of making and using the same will now be discussed with reference to fig. 1-9. Although the invention is broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiments follows along with the accompanying drawings. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like features and components.

In summary, the present invention is an underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer and a method of manufacturing and using the same in building or wall or floor construction, and a method of placing the underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane under and around the foundation of a building or housing or on the underground windowless side retaining wall of the foundation, etc.

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the inventive double underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25. The inventive dual membrane layer or sheet 25 comprises at least one layer of at least one water repellent material 21, such as a non-metallic water repellent material 21, such as for example an asphalt layer 21, which is fixed to at least a part of at least one layer of at least one metallic material 22, such as for example at least one layer of aluminum or aluminum film or aluminum foil 22. It will be appreciated that the waterproofing material or bitumen layer 21 should be thick enough to act as a waterproofing or moisture barrier or membrane and not a methane gas barrier. However, the aluminum or aluminum layer 22 is both a waterproof barrier and also a methane gas barrier, and thus the two-layer system 25 of the present invention provides both a waterproof barrier and it also provides a methane gas barrier or methane gas layer, and the combination of the present invention is also UV stable. The asphalt layer has a release film 11 on the entire asphalt surface 21A, and the release film 11 may be a plastic release film 11 or a paper release film 11. It will be appreciated that the entire asphalt surface 21A is very tacky or sticky and will adhere to virtually any surface with which it comes into contact, and thus the release film or layer 11 serves to protect the asphalt surface during shipment, and the release film or layer 11 is removed prior to use of the asphalt surface 21A only when it is desired to adhere the asphalt surface 21A to a surface (such as, for example, the wall 14 or the exterior surface 41). In addition, on each selvedge 59 is a small or miniature release film 13, which small or miniature release film 13 extends along the length of the web or sheet on the aluminum face 21B and covers the exposed portion or edge portion 21C, such as an approximately 1 inch wide strip of the asphalt layer 21. However, it is not reasonable to have a release film on the exposed face or surface of the aluminum surface 22 of the bilayer system 25 of the present invention, as a release film on the aluminum surface 22 is not required. One typically uses a primer 24 when installing the dual membrane 25 over an existing wall 14 (post applied), and the primer 24 may be solvent-based or water-based. Although primer 24 may not always be necessary, it is strongly recommended that the wall 14 have a clean surface 41. To install the dual membrane 25 of the present invention on a previously existing wall 14, one may first apply the primer 24. Once the primer 24 has cured, one removes the release film 11 from the asphalt face 21A and adheres the asphalt face 21A to the primed wall 14. If the membrane is used as an underfloor membrane/barrier 25, one can simply lay the membrane out onto the soil 16 with the asphalt face 21A facing the soil or earth 16 without removing the release liner 11, as this is not required. However, when the membrane is applied as a pre-applied membrane 25, one would hang the inventive dual membrane 25 on the insulation (bagging) 16 without removing the release liner 11. Factory laps (factory laps), as used herein, means the incorporation of asphalt edges 21C extending along the length of both sides of the coil or sheet of the two-ply system 25 of the present invention. The edge 21C extending along the length of the web or sheet of the bi-layer system 25 of the present invention has an edge band 59 to make the joining of the edge 21C easier and better. These selvedges 59 are typically about 1 inch wide strips of asphalt 21, but are not covered by the aluminum facing portion 22. All factory joints in the installation are completed by: small or micro release film 13 on selvedges 59 of first sheet 25 is removed and then bonded to second sheet 25 to bond the two sheets 25 together by bonding asphalt side 21A of second sheet 25 to an approximately 1 inch wide strip of exposed asphalt 21C on first sheet 25. For some applications, it is preferred that first sheet 25 have an overlap 26 of at least 2 inches at the seam with second sheet 25 to ensure a 2 inch wide overlap 36 or a sufficiently wide overlap 36 for the at least one fixture 27, 28, which will ensure a waterproof barrier and a methane barrier, and also prevent separation of the two sheets 25 of the two-ply system 25 of the present invention. Non-factory lap as used herein means joining the edges of the sheet 25 without the existing factory lap 21C. The non-factory lap joint is accomplished by mounting the second sheet 25 over the first sheet 25 with an overlap of, for example, a minimum of about 2 inches. One can complete the installation of the second sheet 25 over the first sheet 25 by simply removing the release film 11 from the asphaltic face 21A of the second sheet 25 and exposing the asphaltic face 21A, and then laying it about a minimum of about 2 inches above the aluminum face 22 of the first sheet 25, and one will then apply pressure with rollers (not shown) to ensure proper adhesion between the two layers 21, 22. In the wall 14 applied later, the entire release film 11 on the asphalt face 21A is removed because the entire sheet 21 will be bonded or fixed to the outer surface 41 of the existing wall 14 using the asphalt face 21A, utilizing the adhesive ability of the asphalt layer 21. In both under-floor and windowless side applications, release film 11 is removed from edge 59 only about 2 inches, just enough to provide a proper overlap between the two sheets 25 and leave the remaining release film 11 in place.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a first embodiment 23 of the present invention. The inventive double protective layer 25 comprises at least one layer of at least one water repellent sheet membrane 21 secured to at least one layer of an aluminum protective layer or facing or sheet 22, and thus this combination of the two layers 21, 22 provides the inventive double water repellent and methane barrier sheet membrane with the aluminum protective layer 25. The inventive at least one sheet or membrane 25 is preferably used in underground applications. For some applications, the at least one waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane 21 of the at least one layer includes at least one layer of waterproof asphalt barrier sheet membrane 21. The inventive dual protection layer 25 has at least one release film 11 to protect the exposed surface of the at least one waterproof barrier sheet membrane 21 of the at least one layer during transportation, and wherein the release film 11 is removed when the inventive dual protection layer 25 is used in the field. For the area where one inventive sheet 25 is joined to another inventive sheet 25, for example at a seam, it is preferred that at least a part 26 of the area to be overlapped has a wiped clean surface 25A, 25B, in particular a surface to be mated. For some applications, one can use a photo-solvent (not shown) to clean the overlapping surfaces 25A, 25B of the inventive dual protective layer 25 that need to be joined. Before joining the next layer of the inventive sheet 25 to the existing layer or the already placed inventive sheet 25, one should remove the release film 11 from the factory overlap (trim area) 59 of the existing sheet 25 and remove the release film 11 from the asphalt layer of the next sheet. For windowless side or underfloor applications, only a small portion of the approximately 2 inch wide strip of release film 11 may be removed from the asphalt face 21A of the next layer to be installed so that it can be properly bonded to the existing layer 21. Preferably, the next or second inventive sheet or barrier layer 25 is installed and mated with the previously or already installed inventive sheet 25 and has a minimum of about 2.0 inches of overlap 26, such as edge portions 25A, 25B. For some applications, it is preferred to use a steel or rubber roller rolling or passing over the overlap 26 or joint area 26 several times while applying pressure to ensure proper adhesion between the first inventive sheet 25 and the second inventive sheet 25, which are joined at their respective edge portions 25A, 25B. For some applications that are very rare, such as for example during cold weather, where one inventive layer 25 for some reason does not adhere to the second inventive layer 25, one can optionally and gently use a heat gun 30 with radiation 31, which will help improve the adhesion between the two overlapping inventive layers 25 at the edge portions 25A, 25B. To provide an open-free seam or joint 26, it is preferred that the edge 59 or trim 59 be covered by at least one fixture 27, 28, such as, for example, an approved aluminum tape 27 (when used in any type of post-applied methane application), or an approved sealant 28, such as, for example, an AVM Aussie Seal M28 (below the groundwater level 48 or moisture level 48 for all non-factory-overlap portions 26, only when used as a waterproofing membrane). For the overlap or tab 26 or edge 59 or border region 59 that does not have a well-defined edge or border region 59, one would then remove the release film 11 from only the asphaltic face 21A of the second inventive sheet 25 joined at the two edge portions 25A, 25B described above, in order to provide a larger sheet for greater continuous coverage, or in order to provide a "continuous" inventive sheet 25. Whether it is a seam or an overlapping portion 26, an edge 59, a trim 59, it is preferred that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is applied, as applicable, such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 completely covers the joint area or edge 59 and the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is along the overlapping area 36 so as to completely seal or cover or protect the edge 59 or trim 59. It should be appreciated that not all of the seam areas 26 need an aluminum tape 27 or sealant 28 over them, as the aluminum tape 27 or sealant 28 is only used when applicable.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a second embodiment 33 of the present invention. The inventive dual protective layer 25 comprises at least one layer of at least one water resistant barrier sheet membrane 21 secured to at least one layer of an aluminum protective layer or facing or sheet 22, and thus this combination of the two layers 21, 22 provides the inventive dual water and methane resistant barrier sheet membrane with the aluminum protective layer 25. The inventive at least one sheet or membrane 25 is preferably used in underground applications. For some applications, the at least one layer of at least one water resistant barrier sheet membrane 21 comprises at least one layer of a water resistant asphalt barrier sheet membrane 21. The inventive dual protection layer 25 has at least one release film 11 to protect the exposed surface of the at least one waterproof barrier sheet membrane 21 of the at least one layer during transportation, and wherein the release film 11 is removed when the inventive dual protection layer 25 is used in the field. For the area where one inventive sheet 25 is joined to another inventive sheet 25, for example at the seam area 26, it is preferred that at least a part 26 of the area to be overlapped has a wiped clean surface 25A, 25B, in particular a surface to be mated. For some applications, one can use a photo-solvent (not shown) to clean the overlapping surfaces 25A, 25B of the inventive dual protective layer 25 that need to be joined. Before joining the next layer of the inventive sheet 25 to the existing layer or the already placed inventive sheet 25, one should remove the release film 11 from the factory overlap (trim area) 59 of the existing sheet 25 and remove the release film 11 from the asphalt layer of the next sheet. For windowless side or underfloor applications, only a small portion of the approximately 2 inch wide strip of release film 11 may be removed from the asphalt face 21A of the next layer to be installed so that it can be properly bonded to the existing layer 21. Preferably, the next or second inventive sheet or barrier layer 25 is installed and mated with the previously or already installed inventive sheet 25 and has a minimum of about 2.0 inches of overlap 26, such as edge portions 25A, 25B. For some applications, it is preferred to use a steel or rubber roller rolling or passing over the overlap 26 or joint area 26 several times while applying pressure to ensure proper adhesion between the first inventive sheet 25 and the second inventive sheet 25, which are joined at their respective edge portions 25A, 25B. For some applications that are very rare, such as for example during cold weather, where one inventive layer 25 for some reason does not adhere to the second inventive layer 25, one can optionally and gently use a heat gun 30 with radiation 31, which will help improve the adhesion between the two overlapping inventive layers 25 at the edge portions 25A, 25B. To provide an open-free seam or joint 26, it is preferred that the edge 59 or trim 59 be covered with at least one fixture 27, 28, such as, for example, an approved aluminum tape 27 (when used in any type of post-applied methane application), or an approved sealant 28, such as, for example, an AVM Aussie Seal M28 (below the groundwater level 48 or moisture level 48 for all non-factory seam areas 26, only when used as a waterproofing membrane). For seams or joints 26 or edges 59 or border regions 59 that do not have a well-defined edge or border region 59, one would then remove the release film 11 from only the asphaltic face 21A of the second inventive sheet 25 joined at the two edge portions 25A, 25B described above, in order to provide a larger sheet, for greater continuous coverage, or in order to provide a "continuous" inventive sheet 25. Whether it be the seam region 26, the edge 59 or the selvedges 59, it is preferred that, when applicable, the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is applied such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 completely covers the joint region 59 and such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 follows the overlap region 36 so as to completely seal or cover or protect the edge 59 or selvedges 59. It should be appreciated that not all seam areas 26 will require an aluminum tape 27 or sealant 28 over them, as the aluminum tape 27 or sealant 28 is only used when applicable.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a third embodiment 43 of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates the application of the present invention for a foundation or subterranean formation. After the soil 16 has been excavated and the foundation of the building or structure 34 is ready to be laid, the soil 16 is first compacted so that the exposed surface of the soil 16 is substantially flat or one can provide a substantially flat mud floor 16. The next step is to place the inventive bi-layer system 25 on top of the soil 16 or mud mat 16. However, for some applications one could optionally have at least one layer of liner 17, such as for example a 10 mil High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner 17 or a polyethylene high density (PEHD) liner 17, which is a polyethylene thermoplastic liner 17 made of petroleum, which liner 17 is to be placed over the exposed surface of the mud 16 or mud bottom plate 16. For applications using the liner 17, the inventive bilayer 25 would then be placed over the exposed surface of the liner 17. For some applications, one can also optionally use at least one suitable drainage/protection device 17 over the exterior or exposed surface or face of the inventive double barrier layer 25, such as, for example, one can use an optional drainage panel 17 (such as, for example, AVM Drain Board 600017) or another approved protective medium 17, such as, for example, at least one foam layer 17, or at least one polystyrene insulation panel 17. The next step would be to pour or spray concrete 39 over the exposed surface of the inventive dual barrier layer 25 for the foundation of the building 34 to form the floor 12 with the exposed surface 40. As shown in fig. 4, at least one layer of the inventive sheet or barrier layer 25 is below a floor 39, such as a concrete floor 39, and above the soil 16 or compacted earth 16 or mud floor 16. The at least one layer of the inventive sheet or barrier layer 25 may be at least one layer of a waterproof asphaltic sheet membrane or layer 21 that has been secured to at least one layer of an aluminum layer or sheet 22. Thus, the inventive layer 25 provides both a methane gas barrier and a water-repellent barrier. The inventive sheet or membrane 25 is a "methane approved" heavy duty asphalt waterproofing and methane sheet membrane for underground waterproofing and methane barrier applications. The inventive sheet or layer 25 is UV stable and preferably it may be an approximately 60 mil thick membrane 21 having at least one protective layer 22 of aluminum. Preferably, the inventive sheet material 25 joined or mated at the seam region 26 or edge 59 has an overlap 26 along the joint or seam region 26 or edge 59 or border region 59, such as, for example, a minimum of about 2.0 inches. Also, it is similarly preferred that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is applied along the seam region 26 or edge 59 such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 completely covers the joint region 59 and such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is along the overlap region 36 to completely seal or cover or protect the edge 59 or trim 59.

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a fourth embodiment 53 of the present invention. After the structure 34 has been built using concrete 39 or shotcrete 39, the concrete floor 12 has an exposed surface 40, and the concrete wall 14 has an interior exposed surface 40 and an exterior exposed surface 41. The formed structure 34 may have one or more water stop tabs 38, such as, for example, Aussie Swell water stop tabs 38. The next step (if desired) would be to form a batten 42, such as a mortar or sealant batten 42, along the externally exposed surface 41, particularly along the corner where the floor foundation meets the wall 14. For some applications, one can also then apply at least one layer of tape 45 (such as, for example, AVM Austise Mate strip 45) over the mortar or sealant diagonal 42 and along the corner where the floor foundation of the externally exposed surface 41 meets the wall 14. For some applications, one can also apply at least one layer of Adhesive 24 or Primer 24 along the externally exposed surface 41, particularly the exposed outer surface 41, of foundation 32, and/or along the externally exposed surface 41 of wall 14, such as, for example, AVM Adhesive 501(AVM Adhesive 501), AVM Primer 500(AVM Primer 500), AVM Aussie Membrane 500(AVM Aussie Membrane 500), and the like. The next step would be to place the inventive bi-layer system 25 along an exposed outer surface 41 of foundation 32 (such as exposed surface 41) and/or along an exposed surface 41 of wall 14. For some applications, one can also optionally use at least one suitable drainage/protection device 17, such as, for example, one can use an optional drainage plate 17 (such as, for example, AVM Drain Board 600017) or another approved protection medium 17, such as, for example, at least one foam layer 17, or at least one polystyrene insulation plate 17, over the exterior or exposed surface or face of the inventive double barrier layer 25. The next step would be to fill the area with soil 16. However, before filling the area with soil 16, for some applications one can fill the area with a layer of backfill 46 (such as, for example, gravel backfill 46) along the exposed surface 41 after placement of the inventive dual sheet 25 or drainage plate 17. Please note that: for some applications, the backfill 46 may not be needed if the drain board 17 is used. Drainage pipes 44, such as perforated drainage pipes 44, are typically placed adjacent to the exposed surface 41 of foundation 32 to capture and direct any water 48 or moisture 48 that may be around foundation 32 or along the exterior of wall 14. Typically, a layer of gravel 46 is used to surround the drain pipe 44. Figure 5 also shows a retaining wall 14 having at least one layer of the inventive double barrier layer 25 above ground at the top of the footing 32, including at least one layer of the inventive waterproof asphalt sheet layer or membrane 21 and the above-mentioned at least one aluminum layer or veneer 22. The inventive double sheet or membrane 25 is a "methane approved" heavy duty asphalt waterproofing sheet membrane 21 having the above-described at least one aluminum layer 22 for use in underground waterproofing applications. The inventive sheet or layer 25 is a UV (ultraviolet) stable, preferably about 60 mil thick, membrane and has at least one protective layer 22 of aluminum. Preferably, one uses only an approved liquid Adhesive or Primer 24, such as, for example, AVM Adhesive 501(AVM Adhesive 501), AVM Primer 500(AVM Primer 500), AVM Ausse Membrane 500(AVM Ausse diaphragm 500), and the like. Preferably, all of the inventive sheets or membranes 25 are joined to have a minimum of about 2.0 inches of overlap 26 along the joint or seam area 26 or border area 59. It is also preferred that when used as a post-applied methane barrier one should cover all plant laps or non-plant laps with an approved aluminium strip 27. When the inventive sheet or layer 25 is used only as a waterproofing membrane in the ground water level (when methane protection is not required), all non-factory laps (laps without trim) should be sealed with an approved sealant 28, such as, for example, AVM Aussie Seal M28. Also, it is similarly preferred that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is applied along the seam region 26 or edge 59 such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 completely covers the joint region 59 and such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is along the overlap region 36 to completely seal or cover or protect the edge 59 or trim 59.

Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive underground waterproof and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a fifth embodiment 63 of the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a retaining wall 14 having an inventive bi-layer system 25, the inventive bi-layer system 25 comprising at least one layer of an asphalt sheet water resistant barrier sheet 21 and being integrated with at least one layer or sheet of aluminum 22. The inventive dual sheet or membrane 25 is a "methane approved" heavy duty asphalt waterproofing and methane barrier sheet membrane for underground waterproofing and methane barrier applications. The inventive sheet 25 is UV (ultraviolet) stable, preferably about a 60 mil separator 21, and has at least one protective layer or finish 22 of aluminum. For some applications, one can also optionally use at least one suitable drainage/protection device 17, such as, for example, one can use an optional drainage plate 17 (such as, for example, AVM Drain Board 600017) or another approved protection medium 17, such as, for example, at least one foam layer 17, or at least one polystyrene insulation plate 17, over the exterior or exposed surface or face of the inventive double barrier layer 25. It is preferable to use only an approved liquid Adhesive 24 or Primer 24, such as, for example, AVM Adhesive 501(AVM Adhesive 501), AVM Primer 500(AVM Primer 500), AVM Aussie Membrane 500(AVM Aussie Membrane 500), and the like. It is preferred that all of the inventive sheet or barrier layer 25 joined at the edge 59 or seam area 26 have a minimum of about 2.0 inches of overlap 26 along the joint or seam 26 or edge 59 or border area 59. It is also preferred that when used as a post-applied methane barrier 25, one should cover all plant laps or non-plant laps with an approved aluminum tape 27. When the inventive sheet or layer 25 is used only as a waterproofing membrane 25 in the ground water level 48 or moisture level 48, (when methane protection is not required), all non-factory laps (laps without trim 59) should be sealed using an approved sealant 28 (such as, for example, AVM Aussie Seal M28). Also, it is similarly preferred that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is applied along the seam 26 or edge 59 such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 completely covers the joint region 59 and such that the aluminum strip 27 or sealant 28 is along the overlap region 36 so as to completely seal or cover or protect the edge 59 or trim 59. For some applications one can have an optional termination strip 49.

There are several ways to use the present invention, the most common being, for example, (a) under the floor 32, (b) on the wall 14 in a windowless side application or pre-applied application, (c) on the wall 14 in a pre-existing post-applied application of the wall 14, combinations of the above, and the like.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a sixth embodiment 73 of the present invention. Fig. 7 is an example of an application of the present invention under a base plate 32. As can be seen, the inventive bi-layer system 25 with the release layer 11 is placed over the soil 16, mud floor 16, insulation layer 16, and then concrete 39 or shotcrete 39 is poured over the inventive bi-layer system 25 such that the aluminum surface or face 22 faces the outer surface 41 or face 41 of the poured concrete 39, and the release liner 11 can be left on the inventive bi-layer system 25 and faces the soil 16 or mud floor 16. As stated earlier, an optional drainage medium 17 may also be placed on top of the earth floor 16 or mud mat 16 or insulation 16 prior to placing the inventive bi-layer system 25. As can be appreciated, methane gas 50 permeating from the earth 16 will rise toward the foundation 32, but the aluminum layer 22 will prevent the methane gas 50 from passing or past, and thus the methane gas 50 will travel along the surface 21B and exit at the end of the structure 34 into the atmosphere.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to a seventh embodiment 83 of the present invention. Fig. 8 is an example of the use of the inventive two-layer system 25 on a wall 14 in a windowless side application or pre-application. As can be seen, the inventive bi-layer system 25 with the release layer 11 is placed or hung along the earth 16 or the earth wall 16 or the mud floor 16 or the insulation layer 16 and then concrete 39 or shotcrete 39 is poured into the inventive bi-layer system 25 such that the aluminum surface or face 22 faces the outer surface 41 or face 41 of the poured concrete 39 or shotcrete 39 and such that the release liner 11 can remain on the inventive bi-layer system 25 and face the earth 16 or the mud floor 16 or the insulation layer 16. As stated earlier, an optional drainage medium 17 may also be placed against the soil 16 or mud mat 16 or insulation 16 prior to placing the inventive bi-layer system 25. As can be appreciated, methane gas 50 permeating from the earth 16 will move toward the wall 14, but the aluminum layer 22 will prevent the methane gas 50 from passing or by, and thus the methane gas 50 will travel along the surface 21B and exit at the end of the structure 34 into the atmosphere. Similarly, water 48 or moisture 48 will move toward wall 14, but asphalt layer 21 or optional drainage medium 17 will prevent or inhibit the passage of water 48 or moisture 48 through or into structure 34.

Figure 9 illustrates a side view of an inventive underground water and methane barrier sheet membrane with an aluminum protective layer 25 according to an eighth embodiment 93 of the present invention. Fig. 9 is an example of using the inventive two-layer system 25 on a wall 14 in a post-application where the wall 14 is pre-existing and the inventive two-layer system 25 is adhered to an exterior surface 41 or face 41 of the existing wall 14. It is recommended that the exterior surface 41 of the existing wall 14 be cleaned and prepared first before the inventive two-tier system 25 is secured to the wall 14. For some applications, one can also apply at least one layer of Primer 24 or Adhesive 24 along the externally exposed surface 41 of the wall 14, such as, for example, AVM Adhesive 501(AVM Adhesive 501), AVM Primer 500(AVM Primer 500), AVM Aussie Membrane 500(AVM Aussie Membrane 500), and the like, for Primer 24 or Adhesive 24. The release liner or layer 11 is then removed and the exposed face 21A of the non-metallic layer 21, or the water or moisture barrier layer 21, or the asphalt layer 21 is bonded or adhered or hung onto the exterior surface 41 of the wall 14 with the metallic layer 22, or the aluminum layer 22, facing outwardly or away from the exterior surface 41 of the wall 14. As can be appreciated, the methane gas 50 permeating from the earth 16 will move toward the wall 14, but the aluminum layer 22 will prevent the methane gas 50 from passing through or past, and thus the methane gas 50 will travel along the outer surface of the aluminum layer 22 and away from the structure 34. Similarly, water 48 or moisture 48 that may move toward the wall 14 will be stopped by the aluminum layer 22 and will prevent or stop the ingress of water 48 or moisture 48 into the structure 34.

It is strongly recommended that one visually inspect all surfaces after installation of the inventive sheet or barrier 25 to ensure adequate and proper adhesion, especially at corners, seams, gutters, footings and other difficult to reach areas. Similarly, to protect the installation of the inventive sheet or barrier 25, one should preferably protect the inventive waterproof and methane barrier 25 from possible damage, such as by using at least one drainage panel 17 or at least one protective panel layer 17 over the already installed inventive sheet or barrier 25.

The inventive sheet or barrier layer 25 is UV (ultraviolet) stable, is at least one heavy duty asphalt waterproofing barrier sheet membrane 21 of about 55 mils to 60 mils, and has at least one protective layer or sheet 22 of aluminum. The inventive sheet 25 has demonstrated excellent adhesion, elongation and recovery properties. Unlike other sheet membranes, the inventive sheet 25 can be exposed to UV (ultraviolet) for up to, for example, about 180 days. The inventive material or layer 25 can be used in retaining walls 14 as a waterproof and/or methane barrier on an underground concrete block wall, basement, or the like, or under a floor, as a waterproof/vapor barrier and/or methane barrier, such as a concrete floor.

For concrete/block walls 14, it is preferred that all surfaces 41 to which the inventive sheet or barrier 25 is to be applied must be non-marring (sound) and stable, have a uniform finish, and be free of dust, loose debris, grease, curing agents, and the like. If necessary, one can apply a mortar or slurry coating, for example, using an AVM Crete 6200 mortar coating. A mortar coating is a thin coating of cementitious or polymeric mortar applied to concrete or masonry to refine surface 41. The render mortar (or stucco) is typically applied with a trowel and pressed into the existing surface 41. The intention is: creating a continuous surface 41 by: filling surface air voids and pinholes (eliminating pinhole-induced outgassing) to smooth surfaces 41 with extreme roughness, or preparing surfaces 41 for surface coating with high performance protective coatings.

It should be appreciated that the inventive two-layer system 25 may be applied to wet locations, but not to water-soaked surfaces, such as green concrete (american concrete institute (ACI) defines green concrete as concrete that has set but not hardened significantly), however, one can use an Adhesive (such as Adhesive 501), a Primer (such as bottom Primer 500), or a Membrane (such as Aussie Membrane 500) for wet locations to adhere the inventive layer 25 to the wet locations. For the sub-floor to be above the compacted earth or mud floor, it is preferred that all surfaces on which the inventive layer 25 may be installed or applied must be non-marring and stable, have a uniform finish, and be free of sharp edges, loose debris, oil, grease, etc. For the safety of the inventive layer 25, one should protect the adjacent surfaces that may be damaged during the application procedure and may adversely affect or affect the stability of the inventive layer during use. Due to the nature of the present invention, the inventive layer or barrier sheet 25 should not be used or applied to cover the expansion joints as they tend to move substantially during their life cycle.

The inventive bilayer system 25 has a water vapor permeability that meets or exceeds the ASTM E96 water method. The inventive sheet 25 is resistant to corrosion and meets or exceeds the ASTM 154/ASTM E96 Water method. The inventive sheet meets or exceeds stretch and elongation (MD)% elongation (such as ASTM D2523) and stretch and elongation (CMD)% elongation (such as ASTM D2523). The inventive sheet 25 has an adhesion (lbf/in. (pounds force/inch)) to concrete or masonry that meets or exceeds the ASTM D903 standard. The inventive sheet 25 is puncture resistant (lbf) and meets or exceeds ASTM E154 standards. The inventive sheet 25 meets or exceeds the hydrostatic resistance (feet of water) of the ASTM 751 standard. The inventive sheet 25 meets or exceeds low temperature flexibility (MD) ASTM D5147 and low temperature flexibility (CMD) ASTM D5147.

It should be appreciated that the selvage (selvage) or selvage 59, as associated with the inventive dual membrane layer or sheet 25 or AVM Aussie Mate 580-AL 25, is comprised of two narrower strips 21C (approximately 1 inch wide on each side) of exposed asphalt 21 on the aluminum face 22 of the sheet 25, the two narrower strips 21C extending along the length of the coil or sheet of the inventive bi-layer system 25. These strips 21C of exposed asphalt 21 are covered with a narrow strip of release film 13, which narrow strip of release film 13 is removed to expose the asphalt strip 21C just prior to applying the asphalt face 21A of the next sheet 25 over the asphalt strip 21C, so that when the overlap is bonded using trim 59, the bond is an "asphalt to asphalt" bond. Thus, exposed strip 21C of border asphalt 21C is bonded to asphalt side or surface 21A of the next sheet 25.

The at least one layer of waterproofing barrier sheet membrane layer 21 (such as, for example, at least one layer of asphaltic waterproofing barrier sheet membrane 21) preferably has a thickness of from, for example, between about 20 mils to about 250 mils, and preferably about 56 mils.

The at least one layer of aluminum sheet or facing or layer 22 preferably has a thickness of from, for example, between about 1 mil to about 6 mils, and preferably is about 4 mils thick.

It should be appreciated that for some applications where the inventive dual membrane system 25 is installed as a methane barrier below the floor 32, a methane engineer or city may need a layer of sand as an additional protective layer over the inventive dual membrane system 25.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and constituent elements of the invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Aspects of the present invention can also be extracted from any appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deleted among all constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. The constituent elements described in different embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions.

It should be further understood that several terms are used throughout the specification and claims, and that they have the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but it may. Additionally, the phrase "in another embodiment," as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, but it may. Thus, the various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

While the invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.