EP3327201A1 - Container and use of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container, comprising: a) an envelope consisting essentially of at least one geotextile; and b) a filling which is completely enclosed by the casing; where the geotextile consists of natural fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers or mixtures thereof, as well as the use of the container in hydraulic engineering, coastal protection, civil engineering or as a filter.

Description

The present invention relates to a container and the use thereof.

Despite their great potential for use, geotextile containers have only been used to a limited extent in hydraulic engineering. This can be attributed in particular to the low surface roughness of the geosynthetic materials used in the prior art. The use of geotextile containers is accompanied by the stacking of several containers, something to make a support structure. This horizontal spreading forces occur, however, can not be sufficiently absorbed by the containers. The result is a system failure. As a result, the stackability of geotextile containers has hitherto been limited by the smooth surface of the containers. This leads to an insufficient position stability, since the containers are not sufficiently connected to each other.

In the prior art is proposed as a solution to this problem, subsequently attach conventional hook-and-loop fasteners to the containers. This is intended to increase the friction or adhesive bond. However, this solution is costly and associated with high costs.

Geotextile containers of the prior art comprise a casing that is essentially made of synthetic polymers. In particular, polyester fibers, polyacrylic fibers or polypropylene fibers are used for the production of these containers. Due to aging and damage-related detachment of small plastic parts, however, when using such materials in hydraulic engineering, large quantities of plastic can get into rivers and seas. This leads to significant environmental problems.

Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide geotextile containers which overcome disadvantages of the prior art, in particular have an improved stackability and contribute to the avoidance of environmental problems.

This object is achieved by a container comprising: a) an envelope consisting essentially of at least one geotextile; and b) a filling completely enclosed by the wrapper; wherein the geotextile consists of natural fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers or mixtures thereof.

Containers in the sense according to the invention are, in particular, multipurpose elements which consist of a geotextile envelope and a, preferably solid, filling. Their potential applications are virtually unlimited with each appropriate design (shape / size, material and properties of shell and filling, etc.). In particular, by suitable choice of the shape and size of the container according to the invention, the container can be adapted to the desired application. For example, the container may be in the form of a thin mat or web. Also can be provided according to the invention a mattress mold with a thickness of up to 80 cm. In this embodiment, the container according to the invention can be used for protection against mechanical effects or erosion and for impermeable linings. Likewise, it can be provided according to the invention that the container is in the form of a horizontal tube. In this embodiment, the container according to the invention can be used as a storage container, as a barrier, for depositing sludges or as dam or dyke core. A container having a vertical tube shape can be used for soil improvement or as vertical drainage. Likewise, it can be provided according to the invention that the container is generally in the form of a bag. Such bags can be used for flood protection, for Kolkschutz and repair or embankment construction. Likewise, use in the form of gabions or in artificial reefs is made possible.

The envelope of the container completely encloses the solid filling. This means that the wrapper has no opening in the container according to the invention. The wrapping can be achieved, for example, by sewing a single geotextile or sewing two different geotextiles together. In this case, it is preferably provided that the seams have at least 80% of the strength of the geotextile. Likewise, the envelope of the container can be made by Rundweben, so as to obtain a tubular structure. These open ends of the tube may then preferably be closed by suturing, gluing or in any other suitable manner.

In the context of the invention, a geotextile is a flat or three-dimensional textile which can serve as a building material in the field of hydraulic engineering. The geotextile may be in the form of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a composite, or other structures.

The term "substantially" is to be understood in the context of the invention such that the properties of the envelope, in particular the surface texture, the permeability, the mechanical strength etc. are characterized by the properties of the geotextile. The enclosure may nonetheless comprise other elements, in particular the materials necessary for the above-mentioned sewing, gluing, etc.

As a filling is in principle any material in question, which can be introduced into the enclosure and permanently enclosed in the enclosure. It is preferred that the filling is a solid filling. A solid filling in this sense is any filling that consists of a material that is in the solid state of aggregation, that is not liquid or gaseous. The filling may in this case be in the form of a solid, a granulate, in the form of finely divided particles, etc. It is further preferred that the filling is designed such that it remains in the solid state during use of the container in hydraulic engineering and can not leave the enclosure.

Natural fibers in the sense of the invention are all fibers derived from natural sources such as plants, animals or minerals. Natural fibers are to be distinguished in the sense of the invention from man-made fibers that are produced synthetically. Man-made fibers in this context are, in particular, synthetic polymers, such as polyester, polyacrylic, polypropylene, etc. According to the invention, it can therefore preferably be provided that the container contains no synthetic fibers, in particular no synthetic polymers.

In a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the envelope further comprises a coating which is arranged on at least one side of the geotextile.

In this embodiment, a geotextile of natural fibers, basalt fibers, the glass fibers or mixtures thereof is first provided for the production of the sheath. The geotextile provided is then carried on one, preferably on both sides thereof a coating provided. Coating of the geotextile can be accomplished by conventional techniques known in the art, such as immersing the geotextile in a liquid coating solution and then curing or drying, spreading the geotextile with a liquid coating, then curing (or drying) and so on. The coating on the geotextile ensures that premature wear of the casing, for example due to abrasion, during use of the container can be reduced or completely avoided. By providing the coating on the geotextile, moreover, a very simple and less time-consuming production of the coated geotextile for the production of the covering is made possible.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the geotextile is made of a coated yarn, wherein the yarn consists of the natural fibers, the basalt fibers, the glass fibers or mixtures thereof, and wherein the coated yarn is substantially completely enclosed by a coating.

In this embodiment, the coating is not applied until after the production of the geotextile. Rather, a yarn is first produced from the natural fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers or mixtures thereof. This yarn is then provided with a coating. This coating may be made by, for example, dipping the yarn in a liquid coating followed by curing or drying the coating. It is provided that the yarn is substantially completely enclosed by the coating. Essentially completely in this context means that the coating is, as far as technically possible, completely formed and open areas in the coating are present only to an extent that can not be prevented by conventional technical means. In the following, the geotextile is then produced from the coated yarn, which in this preferred embodiment thus consists of the yarn consisting of natural fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers or coatings thereof as well as the coating itself. By coating the yarn even before the production of the geotextile, a particularly efficient wear protection can be achieved.

It is also envisaged that the two embodiments described above, namely on the one hand the coating of the geotextile and on the other hand the coating a yarn from which subsequently a geotextile is made, can be combined.

It can be provided that the coating comprises a natural material, preferably wollastonite or natural rubber, particularly preferably natural rubber. In this context, it can also be provided that the coating consists of a natural material, preferably wollastonite or natural rubber, particularly preferably natural rubber. Natural materials in this sense are materials derived from natural sources such as plants, animals or minerals. To delineate these are synthetic materials.

By using a natural material to coat the geotextile (or the yarn to make it) it is possible to provide containers that also meet strict environmental requirements. This is particularly important if the containers for use in coastal protection, civil engineering or other areas where contact with water or groundwater is intended to be used.

In particular, the implementation of the requirements of Directives 2008/56 / EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and 2000/60 / EC (Water Framework Directive) can be achieved by the inventively provided solution, in particular the fact that in the container according to the invention, both for the production of geotextile and to make the wrapping of the same, only and exclusively natural materials are used, make a significant contribution.

Natural rubber, NR (natural rubber) is obtained from the latex of some tropical and non-tropical plants. The most important rubber-producing plant is the plantation-grown rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis ). The average composition of the latex obtained from the rubber tree is 50 to 75% water, 25 to 40% dry rubber, 1.5 to 2% protein, 1.5 to 2% resins, 1.5% carbohydrates and small amounts of fatty acids , The rubber components are distributed in the latex in the form of very fine droplets.

Structure and properties. The natural rubbers are chemically polyisoprene of almost 100% cis -1,4 configuration ( Fig. 1a ), whereas the natural products containing natural rubber contain gutta-percha and balata trans configuration ( Fig. 1b ). The molecular weight of the mechanically unprocessed natural rubber is not uniform and is between 500,000 and 1,000,000.

The isoprene molecules of natural rubber are connected together in chain-like coils. By stretching, the chain-shaped macromolecules are stretched and thereby aligned in parallel. The vulcanization, which is an incorporation of sulfur into the remaining double bonds to form sulfur bridges between the chains, the mobility of the chain is reduced by intermolecular bridging, so that a deformation now requires more power, limited and reversible after cessation of force ,

Natural rubber is sensitive to oxidizing agents. After prolonged cooling natural rubber loses its elastic properties by partial crystallization. Natural rubber has a density of 0.934 g cm ^-3 (at 20 ° C) and an elongation at break of 800 to 1000%. Unvulcanized natural rubber is soluble in gasoline, chlorinated hydrocarbons and oils. Vulcanized natural rubber does not attack these solvents, they merely cause swelling. Further, vulcanized natural rubber has high mechanical strength and high tensile strength, in addition to high elasticity.

In a further preferred embodiment it can be provided that the coating has a layer thickness in a range from 2 μm to 3,000 μm. In this layer thickness range An efficient wear protection could be achieved without compromising the flexibility of the geotextile or the yarn used to make the geotextile.

The diameter of the yarn (or of the filament) can according to the invention be in a range of 9 to 48 μm. Other diameters are not excluded according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment can also be provided that the natural fibers are seawater resistant.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "seawater resistant" is to be understood to the effect that a seawater resistant material (usually a seawater resistant natural fiber) is not attacked or only to a limited extent by seawater. This should apply even with permanent exposure to seawater. According to the present invention, the seawater resistance can be quantified according to the DIN standards DIN53739 or DIN53521. Within the scope of this quantification, the materials according to the invention are used instead of the materials mentioned in the DIN standards. The remaining test conditions specified in the DIN standards remain the same. Preferably, it is provided that a seawater resistance according to the invention is achieved when the objectives specified in the DIN standards are met.

Likewise, it may preferably be provided that the natural fibers are coconut fibers. By using coconut fibers for the production of the geotextile, an excellent interlocking of different containers according to the invention can be achieved with one another. This results in a high positional stability of the container.

In its construction, the coconut fiber resembles a tiny tube. This circumstance is due to its specific low weight, its constant elasticity, and especially its high sound and heat insulating effect. Another very important advantage of using coconut fiber in a geotextile is its insensitivity to moisture - even in prolonged wetness it does not rot -, its high abrasion resistance and high tear resistance. It is insensitive to moth feeding.

Likewise, it may preferably be provided that the container has a total weight of at least 100 kg. By this preferred weight, a drifting of the container according to the invention can be prevented. Particularly preferably provided in this context that the weight of the container is at least 1.5 tons.

In general, the size and weight of the container according to the invention are based on the intended use, such as the type of a building to be erected by means of the container.

Equally preferably, it can be provided that the sheath has a thickness of at least 4.5 mm and / or a weight per unit area of at least 500 g / m ² . By the described preferred thickness of the sheath and the preferred basis weight thereof, a particularly good robustness and filter stability of the container according to the invention can be achieved. In particular, such a robustness adapted to coastal hydrodynamic loads can be achieved.

Sanding and / or concrete, particularly preferably sand, may preferably be provided as the filling according to the invention. By using sand as a filling a flexible, adaptable container can be obtained.

In this case, a density of the sand of 1.4 to 2.0 g / cm ^{3 has} proven to be particularly preferred. Due to the preferred density of the sand, a particularly good stability of the container structure can be achieved.

Likewise, it is preferably provided that the sheath has a tensile strength of at least 30 kN / m. Due to the preferred tensile strength, the envelope forming geotextile has sufficient strength to be suitable for machine transport.

Likewise, it can be provided according to the invention that the geotextile according to the invention is a UV-resistant material.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the geotextile is a nonwoven, woven fabric, scrim, knitted fabric, net or knitted fabric. By using a nonwoven good stretchability and flexibility can be achieved. In particular, it can be provided that an elongation of 60 to 70% can be achieved. As a result, a rapid moisture penetration of the container can be achieved in hydraulic engineering.

According to the invention can also be provided that the container has a capacity of 0.5 to 1 m ³ . A corresponding capacity has proven to be particularly advantageous in terms of tear strength and robustness of the container. The installation of the container according to the invention can thus be done approximately by the use of round grippers.

In addition, it can be provided that the envelope is a network and the filling consists of stones, wherein the stones have a diameter which is greater than the openings of the network. In this embodiment, a container can be obtained whose surface properties are characterized less by the envelope than by the properties of the filling.

The object is further achieved by the use of the container according to the invention in hydraulic engineering and / or coastal defense, in civil engineering, especially in road construction, or as a filter.

Hydraulic engineering here means measures, technical interventions and structures in the area of groundwater, surface waters and sea coasts, with use on the sea coasts being preferred. Coastal protection includes flood protection in particular.

In particular, according to the invention, a use of the container according to the invention in flood protection, dyke construction, the protection of waterways, Kolkschutz, in the fixation of cables (cables, pipes, etc.), be provided in the fixation of gas or power lines and foundation protection.

When used in civil engineering in particular a use of the container according to the invention for separating, drainage, filtering, reinforcement or corrosion protection is provided.

The object is also achieved by using a container according to the invention as a filter. The use according to the invention as a filter is based on a filter effect of the container.

In this context, it is preferably provided that the container is brought into contact with a substrate, wherein the substrate contains particles, wherein the opening width O _{90, W} substantially equal to the average particle size d _{50 of} the substrate.

For the prevailing at the coasts hydrodynamic loads and the typically occurring fine and medium sands, the preferred opening width of the geotextile has proven to be particularly advantageous.

The opening width is determined by sieving, whereby the geotextile serves as sieve. The value O _{90, W} in this connection means that 90% of the pores are equal to or smaller than the average particle diameter d _{50 of} the particles contained in the substrate. The use in coastal protection includes in particular the use under tidal influence or sea conditions.

Surprisingly, it has been found by the inventors that the above object is achieved by the invention in that a well stackable container can be provided, which does not lead by decomposition or destruction to plastic deposits in seawater.

Further details that can help solve the problem are described below.

The filling of the container according to the invention should be adapted to the permeability of the geotextile which forms the casing according to the invention. In hydraulic engineering, the increase Stability of a container structure, the faster the water can drain from it. The permeability of the wrapper is preferably at least 10 times higher than the filling of the container.

It is also known that containers in the coastal area are subject to constant abrasion by sand and gravel particles. The abrasion is caused by waves, flow and wind load and similar phenomena. It is preferred that the abrasion resistance of the geotextile after 80,000 revolutions in a water-gravel mixture be such that the geotextile has a residual tensile strength of at least 75%.

Likewise, it can preferably be provided that the container has a high elongation at break and puncture resistance to driftwood and boat impacts. Likewise, protection against vandalism (e.g., knife cuts) should be ensured. Likewise, especially in the case of planned use of colder regions, resistance to drift ice should be ensured.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung der Herstellung eines Garns aus Naturfasern zur Herstellung eines Geotextils zeigt; und
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Beschichtung des Garns zeigt.

In the following, the invention will be described in detail based on concrete embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the production of a yarn of natural fibers for the production of a geotextile shows; and
• Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the coating of the yarn shows.

embodiment

To produce a yarn intended for the production of a geotextile, individual filaments were spun from a rock melt (basalt rock) by the thin-drawing process and passed over a layer roll. In this way, a sponge cake was prepared. This process will be in Fig. 1 shown. With reference to the Fig. 1 the stone melt was initially provided in a melting tank 1. About a nozzle trough 2 were then individual Basalt filaments 3 spun. These were spun by means of a sizing order 4 and a collector 5 into a yarn 6. From this, a sponge cake 7 was prepared.

The resulting spun-cake 7 yarns were either used directly for the production of a geotextile or, in another embodiment, previously provided with a coating of natural rubber. An appropriate manufacturing process is used in the Fig. 2 shown schematically. The spun cake 7 is here converted by the application of a coating of natural rubber and subsequent curing in a coated spin cake. The coated spun cake was placed on spool racks and optionally wetted in the coating line with an additional coating of natural rubber. Subsequently, drying was carried out continuously in an infrared dryer. From the dried individual coated filaments, a geotextile was then first prepared, which was then transferred, according to the desired container shape, in an enclosure.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description and the claims may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims (15)

Container comprising: a) an envelope consisting essentially of at least one geotextile; and b) a filling which is completely enclosed by the casing; wherein the geotextile consists of natural fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers or mixtures thereof. The container of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a coating disposed on at least one side of the geotextile. Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the geotextile is made of a coated yarn, wherein the yarn of the natural fibers, the basalt fibers, the glass fibers or mixtures thereof, and wherein the coated yarn is substantially completely enclosed by a coating. Container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the coating comprises a natural material, preferably selected from wollastonite or natural rubber, particularly preferably natural rubber. Container according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the coating has a layer thickness in a range of 2 microns to 3,000 microns. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fibers are seawater resistant. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fibers are coconut fibers. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container has a total weight of at least 100 kg. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the envelope has a thickness of at least 4.5 mm and / or a basis weight of at least 500 g / m ² . Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling comprises sand and / or concrete, preferably sand. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the envelope has a tensile strength of at least 30 kN / m. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the geotextile is a nonwoven, woven fabric, scrim, knitted or crocheted. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container has a capacity of 0.5 to 1 m ³ . Container according to one of claims 1 to 8 or 13, wherein the envelope is a net and the filling consists of stones, wherein the stones have a diameter which is larger than the openings of the network. Use of a container according to one of the preceding claims in hydraulic engineering and / or coastal protection, in civil engineering, in particular in road construction, or as a filter.

Images