Volume 7, no. 13 - Colbond Geosynthetics
Volume 7, no. 13 - Colbond Geosynthetics
Volume 7, no. 13 - Colbond Geosynthetics
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The exceptional conditions of the<br />
project also affected the initial testing<br />
schedule, because the required<br />
materials simply did <strong>no</strong>t exist.<br />
Despite their ack<strong>no</strong>wledged excellent<br />
properties and performance in many<br />
tunnel applications, and positive test<br />
results, <strong>Colbond</strong> <strong>Geosynthetics</strong>’<br />
Enkamat and Enkadrain materials did<br />
<strong>no</strong>t meet all the extreme<br />
requirements. However, always<br />
focusing on better ways to do the job<br />
and to achieve improvement,<br />
<strong>Colbond</strong> <strong>Geosynthetics</strong> took up the<br />
challenge of dealing with uncommon<br />
requirements.<br />
Creativity put to productive use<br />
<strong>Colbond</strong> <strong>Geosynthetics</strong> put creativity<br />
to productive use in order to<br />
overcome the problems presented by<br />
the high pressure and the<br />
combination of heat and caustic<br />
composition of the rock. A major<br />
development program was initiated<br />
based on the comprehensive<br />
expertise and k<strong>no</strong>w-how available<br />
within <strong>Colbond</strong> <strong>Geosynthetics</strong>.<br />
Chemical analyses, extensive testing<br />
and trials were part of the intensive<br />
search to find the proper polymer and<br />
modification parameters.<br />
Polymers have their own chemical<br />
structure and feature different<br />
properties that make it impossible to<br />
simply replace one material by<br />
a<strong>no</strong>ther without affecting the<br />
performance of the ultimate system.<br />
Upgrading one property could affect<br />
a<strong>no</strong>ther characteristic.<br />
<strong>Colbond</strong> <strong>Geosynthetics</strong> has worked<br />
out several alternatives, which have<br />
been tested under a great pressure of<br />
time. Hardly had the tech<strong>no</strong>logy left<br />
the lab, when it was already<br />
converted into the material for the<br />
waterproofing system.<br />
All the efforts have resulted in a<br />
drainage product based on a core<br />
and filter made of polypropylene. In<br />
combination with a waterproof liner<br />
produced by the Swiss company<br />
Sika, a reliable waterproofing system<br />
that exceeds the standards and<br />
meets the exceptional requirements<br />
has been provided.<br />
Having passed the test, the system<br />
has been approved for use in the<br />
prestigious AlpTransit tunnel project.<br />
Some 80,000 m 2 have already been<br />
installed in lateral tunnels and portals.<br />
<strong>Colbond</strong> <strong>Geosynthetics</strong> News <strong>13</strong> - 2002<br />
17
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