U.S. patent application number 15/173621 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for hygroscopic cementitious materials.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stewart Kriegstein. Invention is credited to Stewart Kriegstein.
Application Number | 20160280602 15/173621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53543424 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160280602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kriegstein; Stewart |
September 29, 2016 |
Hygroscopic Cementitious Materials
Abstract
A method is disclosed. The method includes providing a
cementitious material, the cementitious material including an
absorbing material. The method also includes absorbing a fluid into
the absorbing material during hydration of the cementitious
material. The method further includes retaining the fluid in the
absorbing material after hydration of the cementitious
material.
Inventors: |
Kriegstein; Stewart;
(Ventura, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kriegstein; Stewart |
Ventura |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53543424 |
Appl. No.: |
15/173621 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14158278 |
Jan 17, 2014 |
9382154 |
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15173621 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 3/128 20130101;
C04B 2103/465 20130101; C04B 26/02 20130101; Y02W 30/91 20150501;
C04B 2103/0051 20130101; C04B 28/02 20130101; Y02W 30/97 20150501;
B01J 20/28023 20130101; C04B 16/02 20130101; C04B 20/0056 20130101;
C04B 40/0675 20130101; C04B 16/06 20130101; C04B 28/02 20130101;
C04B 14/02 20130101; C04B 18/24 20130101; C04B 28/02 20130101; C04B
14/02 20130101; C04B 16/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C04B 26/02 20060101
C04B026/02; C04B 20/00 20060101 C04B020/00; B01J 20/28 20060101
B01J020/28 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A cementitious composition comprising: a concrete material; and
an absorbing material dispersed throughout the concrete material,
the absorbing material comprising a plurality of hollow,
tubular-shaped fibers that convey a fluid through an inside of the
hollow, tubular-shaped fibers, such that a plurality of passageways
extends through the concrete material.
22. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein the plurality
of passageways makes up a passageway system that retains the fluid
in the absorbing material after hydration of the concrete
material.
23. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein the hollow,
tubular-shaped fibers draw in the fluid from an outside surface of
the cementitious composition through a wicking action.
24. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein the hollow,
tubular-shaped fibers are natural fibers.
25. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein the fluid is
water or a water vapor.
26. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein the fluid is
a construction compound applied on the cementitious material.
27. The cementitious composition of claim 21, further comprising an
aggregate material including sand or rock.
28. The cementitious composition of claim 21, further comprising at
least one admixture selected of the group consisting of a
plasticizer, an accelerating concrete admixture, a water-reducing
admixture, a shrinkage-reducing admixture, a set-retarding
admixture, and an air entrainment admixture.
29. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein the
cementitious composition has a compressive strength of between
1,500 psi and 5,000 psi.
30. The cementitious composition of claim 21, wherein upon the
absorbing material absorbing the fluid through an inside of the
hollow, tubular-shaped fibers, the cementitious material has an
increased weight to thereby mitigate deleterious effects caused by
external forces created by running water, ocean tides, or rising
water.
31. A method comprising: providing a cementitious composition
comprising an absorbing material dispersed throughout the
cementitious composition, the absorbing material comprising a
plurality of hollow, tubular-shaped fibers that are adapted to
convey a fluid therethrough, such that a plurality of passageways
extends through the cementitious composition; causing the fluid to
contact the cementitious material; wherein the fluid is absorbed by
and retained in the absorbing material after the fluid has come in
contact with the cementitious material.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the cementitious composition is
placed in a formwork to structure the cementitious composition into
a desired shape.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the cementitious composition is
placed as a non-mixing cementitious composition.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the cementitious composition is
placed as a mix, wherein the mix is a wet or a dry mix.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the cementitious composition is
placed as a dry mix, the method further comprising hydrating the
dry mix by causing the fluid to travel through the hollow,
tubular-shaped fibers such that the cementitious composition is
hydrated in a sequential manner to thereby reduce an amount of heat
generated during hydration of the cementitious composition.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the cementitious composition is
provided at a levee, a dike, a channel, a gravity wall, a waterway,
a soil density modifier, or a protective device.
37. The method of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of the
cementitious composition is placed below a scour elevation.
38. The method of claim 31, wherein the cementitious composition
has a compressive strength of between 1,500 psi and 5,000 psi.
39. The method of claim 31, wherein upon the absorbing material
absorbing the fluid through an inside of the hollow, tubular-shaped
fibers, the cementitious composition has an increased weight to
thereby mitigate deleterious effects caused by external forces
created by running water, ocean tides, rainwater, or rising water.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a material composition
and, more particularly, to a hygroscopic cementitious material.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cementitious materials such as, for example, concrete are
used in a wide variety of building applications. Cementitious
materials may be used in applications involving contact with
running or rising water such as, for example, locations on or near
coastlines or areas subject to flooding. These locations may
experience erosion such as, for example, the erosion of soil and
erosion that affects the integrity of structural substructures.
[0003] One patent application that describes cementitious materials
that may be used in applications involving fluid such as flooding
water is U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0098271 (the '271 patent
application) to Eberwein et al., published on Apr. 25, 2013. The
'271 patent application discloses dry mortar mixtures including
copolymers that absorb water during hydration to optimize
water-cement values. The copolymers of the '271 patent application
contribute to a sufficiently high water absorption capacity in
aqueous systems being attained such as, for example, in the
hydraulic setting of a cementitious mixture. However, the
copolymers of the cementitious material of the '271 patent
application apparently absorb significant water only during
hydration. Therefore, the '271 patent application does not disclose
a material that may absorb and re-absorb liquid such as, for
example, water during conditions such as flooding. Therefore, the
copolymers included in the cementitious materials disclosed in the
'271 patent application do not provide additional protection for
mitigating erosion at a location subject to flooding.
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more
of the shortcomings set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
method. The method includes providing a cementitious material, the
cementitious material including an absorbing material. The method
also includes absorbing a fluid into the absorbing material during
hydration of the cementitious material. The method further includes
retaining the fluid in the absorbing material after hydration of
the cementitious material.
[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward
a material. The material includes a concrete material in a hydrated
state, the concrete material including a super-absorbent material
dispersed throughout the concrete material and an aggregate
material. The super-absorbent material includes a plurality of
passageways extending through the concrete material, and the
super-absorbent material is more absorbent than the aggregate
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary
hygroscopic material;
[0008] FIG. 2 is another schematic illustration of an exemplary
hygroscopic material;
[0009] FIG. 3 is another schematic illustration of an exemplary
hygroscopic material;
[0010] FIG. 4 is another schematic illustration of an exemplary
hygroscopic material;
[0011] FIG. 5 is another schematic illustration of an exemplary
hygroscopic material;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary erosion
mitigation system; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary disclosed method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary hygroscopic material 10.
Hygroscopic material 10 may be a cementitious composition. For
example, hygroscopic material 10 may be concrete. It is also
contemplated that hygroscopic material 10 may be any other suitable
composition for use in structural applications such as, for
example, a mortar composition. Hygroscopic material 10 may include
an absorbing material 15.
[0015] Hygroscopic material 10 may be mixed material. Hygroscopic
material 10 may also be a non-mixing material that may be laid out
dry during construction. Hygroscopic material 10 may be placed in
any suitable method such as, for example, in a single layer 20 or
in multiple layers 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Hygroscopic
material 10 may be a mixed cementitious material such as, for
example, mixed concrete. Hygroscopic material 10 may also be a
non-mixing cementitious material such as, for example, non-mixing
concrete. Hygroscopic material 10 may be a dry material.
Hygroscopic material 10 may also be a mixed cementitious material
including water. Hygroscopic material 10 may include binder such
as, for example, cement such as Portland cement. The binder may be
a rapid setting cement binder. Hygroscopic material 10 may also
include aggregates such as, for example, sand and/or rock (as
further described below). Hygroscopic material 10 may further
include admixtures that improve the characteristics of the mix and
of absorbing material 15 such as, for example, plasticizers,
accelerating concrete admixtures, water-reducing admixtures,
shrinkage reducing admixtures, set retarding admixtures, and/or
admixtures for air entrainment. Hygroscopic material 10 may also
include admixtures that increase a volume of absorbing material 15
and/or other elements disposed in hygroscopic material 10.
[0016] Hygroscopic material 10 may be mass concrete that does not
contain reinforcement. It is also contemplated that hygroscopic
material 10 may be other types of concrete such as, for example,
unreinforced concrete. For example, hygroscopic material 10 may be
unreinforced mass concrete. Hygroscopic material 10 may also be
reinforced concrete that is reinforced with any suitable
reinforcing material. For example, hygroscopic material 10 may be
concrete that is reinforced with any suitable non-corroding
reinforcement such as, for example, fiberglass reinforcement,
and/or carbon fiber reinforcement. Also, for example, hygroscopic
material 10 may be concrete that is reinforced with any suitable
metallic reinforcement such as, for example, reinforcing bars, mesh
reinforcement, and/or metal wire reinforcement.
[0017] Absorbing material 15 may be any suitable material for
absorbing a fluid in a cementitious composition. Absorbing material
15 may be fully incorporated throughout hygroscopic material 10. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, absorbing material 15 may be disposed within
hygroscopic material 10. Absorbing material 15 may include a
super-absorbent material that absorbs a greater amount of fluid
than coarse or fine aggregate material used in cementitious
materials. For example, absorbing material 15 may include a
super-absorbent material that may absorb a greater amount of fluid
than a coarse aggregate for concrete (e.g., gravel and/or crushed
stone having a diameter, for example, of between about 3/8'' and
about 11/2'') or a fine aggregate for concrete (e.g., sand and/or
crushed stone having a diameter, for example, small enough to pass
through a 3/8'' sieve). Thus, absorbing material 15 may include a
super-absorbent material that is more absorbent than coarse or fine
aggregate material used in cementitious materials of hygroscopic
material 10 such as, for example, a coarse aggregate for concrete
or a fine aggregate for concrete. For example, absorbing material
15 may include a super-absorbent material that is a plurality of
fibers. For example, absorbing material 15 may include a
super-absorbent material that is a plurality of micro fibers. The
plurality of micro fibers may be super-absorbing micro fibers.
Absorbing material 15 may include a super-absorbent material that
is a tubular material for absorbing a fluid. For example, absorbing
material 15 may include a super-absorbent material that is a
plurality of tubular-shaped fibers. Absorbing material 15 may
include a super-absorbent material that is natural and/or synthetic
absorbent material. For example, absorbing material 15 may include
a super-absorbent material that is a natural and/or synthetic
fiber. Absorbing material 15 may include a super-absorbent material
that is a fiber material such as, for example, cellulose fibers,
cotton, and/or paper. Absorbing material 15 may include a
super-absorbent material that is a nano structure for absorbing a
fluid such as, for example, nanotubes. Absorbing material 15 may
include a super-absorbent material that is any suitable micro-size
material for absorbing water in a cementitious composition.
[0018] Absorbing material 15 may both absorb and release a fluid,
thereby affecting a weight (e.g., weight=m*g, where w is weight, m
is mass, and g is the acceleration of gravity; sometimes referred
to by one of ordinary skill in the art as "relative weight to mass"
or as "mass") of hygroscopic material 10. A weight of hygroscopic
material 10 may increase as a fluid is absorbed into absorbing
material 15. A weight of hygroscopic material 10 may decrease as a
fluid is removed from absorbing material 15. Absorbing material 15
may absorb a fluid, hold the fluid for a time period, and then
release some or all of the fluid following the time period. The
time period may be any suitable time period such as, for example, a
few minutes, a few hours, a few days, or a few months. Absorbing
material 15 may thereby temporarily absorb a fluid. It is also
contemplated that absorbing material 15 may permanently absorb some
or all of a fluid.
[0019] Hygroscopic material 10 may be a mixed cementitious material
such as a concrete mix. Hygroscopic material 10 may also be a
non-mix cementitious material that is placed substantially dry.
Hygroscopic material 10 may be exposed to a fluid 25, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Fluid 25 may be any suitable liquid or gas
such as, for example, water or water vapor. Fluid 25 may be rain
water. Fluid 25 may also be a liquid mist applied to a surface 30
of hygroscopic material 10. For example, fluid 25 may be a light
mist of water applied to any portion of surface 30 of hygroscopic
material 10 following a placement of hygroscopic material 10.
Surface 30 may be an entire surface area of hygroscopic material
10. It is also contemplated that fluid 25 may be any other material
such as, for example, a compound for use in construction. Fluid 25
may come into contact with some or all portions of surface 30.
[0020] Hygroscopic material 10 may be placed using a formwork 28,
as illustrated in FIG. 1. Formwork 28 may be any suitable formwork
for forming cementitious material such as, for example, wooden
formwork utilizing mechanical fasteners, anchors, and/or form
restraints. For example, when hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed
cementitious material, formwork 28 may be a fully anchored and
fastened wooden formwork.
[0021] When hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious
material, formwork 28 may be subjected to relatively less
hydrostatic pressure as compared to mixed cementitious materials.
Therefore, in the case that hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mix
cementitious material, formwork 28 may require relatively less
anchoring and/or form restraints because relatively less
hydrostatic pressure may be exerted on formwork 28.
[0022] Hygroscopic material 10 may be placed, with or without
formwork 28, by any suitable method. For example, hygroscopic
material 10 may be placed dry as non-mixing cementitious material
with or without formwork 28, placed as a mix with formwork 28
(e.g., poured), placed as a wet mix without formwork 28 (e.g.,
placed as shotcrete), and/or placed as a dry mix without formwork
28 (e.g., placed as dry mix shotcrete).
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, fluid 25 may contact a portion 35
of surface 30. Portion 35 may cover some or all of surface 30 of
hygroscopic material 10, and may extend only to a small depth
within hygroscopic material 10. For example, portion 35 may extend
only a fraction of an inch (e.g., between about 1/8'' and about
3/4'') within hygroscopic material 10. When hygroscopic material 10
is a non-mixing cementitious material, portion 35 may undergo
hydration after being contacted by fluid 25.
[0024] Combining fluid 25 with cementitious material of hygroscopic
material 10 may form a cement paste by a process of hydration.
During hydration, the cement paste may both cement together and
fill voids between the aggregate, absorbing material 15, and other
elements of hygroscopic material 10 described above. The hydration
process may involve numerous different chemical reactions that may
occur simultaneously and/or in succession. Hydration may cause the
components of hygroscopic material 10 described above to bond
together to form a solid matrix. After undergoing hydration,
hygroscopic material 10 may become a solid, hydrated or
crystallized matrix. For example, hygroscopic material 10 may
become hardened concrete through hydration.
[0025] During hydration of hygroscopic material 10, absorbing
material 15 may convey free molecules of fluid 25, thereby
spreading the hydration process throughout hygroscopic material 10.
Absorbing material 15 may continue to retain fluid 25 following
hydration, as further described below.
[0026] For example, after undergoing hydration, portion 35 may
become hardened concrete having structural strength. The structural
strength of portion 35 may increase over time. Alternatively, when
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material, a
portion 40 of hygroscopic material 10 may not be contacted by fluid
25, and may therefore remain in a dry, unhydrated state. When
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material,
portion 35 may help to structurally retain portion 40 in place. For
example, when portion 35 substantially covers all of surface 30,
portion 35 may structurally retain portion 40 and substantially
prevent hygroscopic material 10 from being disturbed by external
forces such as, for example, from running water. Alternatively,
when hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed cementitious material, both
portions 35 and 40 may undergo hydration with or without contact
from fluid 25 because the mixed cementitious material may already
include fluid that causes hydration.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the portion of hygroscopic
material 10 that is contacted by fluid 25 may increase to a portion
45. Portion 45 may extend to a substantial depth within hygroscopic
material 10. For example, portion 45 may extend several inches or
several feet within hygroscopic material 10. When hygroscopic
material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material, similar to
portion 35 above, un-hydrated portions of portion 45 may undergo
hydration when contacted by fluid 25 and may gain structural
strength that increases over time. For example, portion 45 may
become hardened concrete having structural strength. When
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material, a
portion 50 of hygroscopic material 10 may not be contacted by fluid
25, and may therefore remain in a dry, un-hydrated state. When
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material,
portion 45 may help to structurally retain portion 50, similar to
portions 35 and 40 above. Alternatively, when hygroscopic material
10 is a mixed cementitious material, both portions 45 and 50 may
undergo hydration with or without contact from fluid 25 because the
mixed cementitious material may already include fluid that causes
hydration.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the portion of hygroscopic
material 10 that is contacted by fluid 25 may increase to a portion
55. Portion 55 may extend to a substantial depth within hygroscopic
material 10. For example, portion 55 may extend almost entirely
throughout hygroscopic material 10. When hygroscopic material 10 is
a non-mixing cementitious material, similar to portions 35 and 45
above, un-hydrated portions of portion 55 may undergo hydration
when contacted by fluid 25 and may gain structural strength that
increases over time. For example, portion 55 may become hardened
concrete having structural strength. When hygroscopic material 10
is a non-mixing cementitious material, a portion 60 of hygroscopic
material 10 may not be contacted by fluid 25, and may therefore
remain in a dry, un-hydrated state. When hygroscopic material 10 is
a non-mixing cementitious material, portion 55 may help to
structurally retain portion 60, similar to portions 35, 40, 45, and
50 above. Alternatively, when hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed
cementitious material, both portions 55 and 60 may undergo
hydration with or without contact from fluid 25 because the mixed
cementitious material may already include fluid that causes
hydration.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the portion of hygroscopic
material 10 that is contacted by fluid 25 may increase to a portion
65. Portion 65 may extend substantially throughout an entire volume
of hygroscopic material 10. When hygroscopic material 10 is a
non-mixing cementitious material, similar to portions 35, 45, and
55 above, un-hydrated portions of portion 65 may undergo hydration
when contacted by fluid 25 and may gain structural strength that
increases over time. For example, portion 65 may become hardened
concrete having structural strength. Alternatively, when
hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed cementitious material, portion
65 may undergo hydration with or without contact from fluid 25
because the mixed cementitious material may already include fluid
that causes hydration.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, a passageway system 70 may be
formed in absorbing material 15 disposed in portions 35, 45, 55,
and 65 as hygroscopic material 10 undergoes hydration to become a
hydrated matrix such as, for example, hardened concrete.
Accordingly, passageway system 70 formed in absorbing material 15
may increase in size as portions 35, 45, 55, and 65 of hygroscopic
material 10 become hydrated. During hydration, absorbing material
15 may become fixed in the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material
10. Passageway system 70 included within absorbing material 15 may
include a plurality of passageways 75. The plurality of passageways
75 of passageway system 70 may form an intricate network of
passageways that retains fluid 25 within hygroscopic material 10
for a relatively longer time period than conventional cementitious
material.
[0031] The plurality of passageways 75 may form a capillary system
in absorbing material 15 that transfers fluid throughout the
hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material 10. The capillary system
may form due to intermolecular forces between fluid 25 and surfaces
of the plurality of passageways 75 transporting fluid 25. The
plurality of passageways 75 may have diameters sufficiently small
enough so that a combination of surface tension caused by cohesion
within fluid 25 and adhesive forces between fluid 25 and surfaces
of the plurality of passageways 75 exert a force on fluid 25.
Accordingly, these forces due to cohesion and adhesion cause fluid
25 to move through the capillary system of passageway system
70.
[0032] Absorbing material 15 disposed in hygroscopic material 10
may draw in fluid 25 disposed on any outside surface (e.g., surface
30) of hygroscopic material 10 through a wicking action. If
absorbing material 15 is dry or relatively dry, absorbing material
15 may draw in fluid 25 through wicking action (e.g., capillary
action). Absorbing material 15 may thereby absorb fluid 25 on any
outside surface (e.g., surface 30) into hygroscopic material
10.
[0033] Hygroscopic material 10 may be used in any suitable
application such as, for example, civil engineering works such as
transportation and building structures, waterways, and
infrastructure. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, hygroscopic
material 10 may be used in an erosion mitigation system 85.
Hygroscopic material 10 may be placed around an abutment 90 and a
footing 95, thereby mitigating erosion of a bridge substructure in
the case of flooding by a rise in a water level 96 of a body of
water 98.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0034] Hygroscopic material 10 may be used in any suitable
construction or structural application involving absorbing a fluid.
For example, hygroscopic material 10 may be used in any structural
application such as, for example, transportation and building
structures, waterways, and infrastructure, in which cementitious
material is used and/or water is absorbed. Also, for example,
hygroscopic material 10 may be used in construction applications
for mitigating erosion such as, for example, levees, dikes,
channels, and gravity walls.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for using hygroscopic material
10. In step 100, when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material, hygroscopic material 10 is placed dry
without mixing, with or without formwork 28. Alternatively, when
hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed cementitious material,
hygroscopic material 10 is placed as a mix using formwork 28. It is
also contemplated that hygroscopic material 10 may be placed as a
mix without using formwork 28. As illustrated in FIG. 6,
hygroscopic material 10 is placed at a suitable location such as,
for example, a bridge abutment.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 7, in step 105, surface 30 of
hygroscopic material 10 is exposed to fluid 25. Fluid 25 contacts
portion 35 of surface 30. For example, fluid 25 may be rainwater or
a light mist of water or construction compound sprayed by
construction personnel. When hygroscopic material 10 is a
non-mixing cementitious material, the hygroscopic material of
portion 35 becomes hydrated after being contacted by fluid 25. When
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material,
portion 35 structurally retains portion 40 and substantially
prevents hygroscopic material 10 from being disturbed by external
forces. For example, if water level 96 of body of water 98
illustrated in FIG. 6 rises, portion 35 substantially prevents
hygroscopic material 10 from washing away. Alternatively, when
hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed cementitious material, both
portions 35 and 40 undergo hydration with or without contact from
fluid 25.
[0037] During hydration of hygroscopic material 10, absorbing
material 15 conveys free molecules of fluid 25, thereby spreading
the hydration process throughout hygroscopic material 10. Absorbing
material 15 continues to retain fluid 25 following hydration,
thereby increasing a weight of hygroscopic material 10 when fluid
25 is absorbed by absorbing material 15. Absorbing material 15
continues to retain fluid 25 following hydration, until a point in
time in which evaporation or some other removal of fluid 25 from
absorbing material 15 may occur. If evaporation occurs and
substantially all fluid 25 evaporates from absorbing material 15,
absorbing material 15 becomes dry. Subsequently, if fluid 25 again
moves into absorbing material 15, absorbing material 15 will
re-absorb fluid 25. For example, if absorbing material 15 is
substantially fully dry or partially dry, absorbing material 15 may
re-absorb fluid 25. Absorbing material 15 continues the cycle of
absorbing and releasing fluid 25 based on the presence, movement,
and/or evaporation of fluid 25 in hygroscopic material 10. Fluid 25
may also be removed from absorbing material 15 during hydration of
hygroscopic material 10. It is contemplated that fluid 25 may be
removed from absorbing material 15 by other methods other than
evaporation such as, for example, being exposed to a vacuum or
other activities suitable for removing fluid 25 from hygroscopic
material 10.
[0038] Referring back to FIG. 7, in step 110, the portion of
hygroscopic material 10 that is contacted by fluid 25 increases to
portion 45 as fluid 25 moves further into hygroscopic material 10.
Fluid 25 may be, for example, rainwater that seeps into hygroscopic
material 10. Also for example, fluid 25 may be portions of body of
water 98 if water level 96 illustrated in FIG. 6 rises. Absorbing
material 15 becomes fixed in the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic
material 10. The plurality of passageways 75 of passageway system
70 are formed within absorbing material 15 that is fixed in the
hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material 10. The number of
passageways 75 increases and passageway system 70 expands in size
to extend throughout portion 45. When hygroscopic material 10 is a
non-mixing cementitious material, some of fluid 25 causes portion
45 to hydrate. When hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material, portion 45 structurally retains portion 50
and substantially prevents hygroscopic material 10 from being
disturbed by external forces. Alternatively, when hygroscopic
material 10 is a mixed cementitious material, both portions 45 and
50 undergo hydration with or without contact from fluid 25. Also,
some of fluid 25 is absorbed by absorbing material 15, as discussed
in step 125 below. Further, some of fluid 25 moves under pressure
through the plurality of passageways 75 of passageway system 70, as
discussed below.
[0039] In step 115, the portion of hygroscopic material 10 that is
contacted by fluid 25 increases to portion 55 as fluid 25 moves
further into hygroscopic material 10. Absorbing material 15 becomes
fixed in the enlarging hydrated matrix of portion 55 of hygroscopic
material 10. The number of passageways 75 increases and passageway
system 70 expands in size to extend throughout portion 55. When
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material, some
of fluid 25 causes portion 55 to hydrate. When hygroscopic material
10 is a non-mixing cementitious material, portion 55 structurally
retains portion 60 and substantially prevents hygroscopic material
10 from being disturbed by external forces. Alternatively, when
hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed cementitious material, both
portions 55 and 60 undergo hydration with or without contact from
fluid 25. Also, some of fluid 25 is absorbed by absorbing material
15 fixed in the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material 10, as
discussed in step 140 below. Further, some of fluid 25 moves under
pressure through the plurality of passageways 75 of passageway
system 70, as discussed below.
[0040] In step 120, the portion of hygroscopic material 10 that is
contacted by fluid 25 increases to portion 65 as fluid 25 moves
through substantially all of hygroscopic material 10. Absorbing
material 15 becomes fixed in the enlarging hydrated matrix of
portion 65 of hygroscopic material 10. The number of passageways 75
increases and passageway system 70 expands in size to extend
throughout portion 65. When hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material, some of fluid 25 causes portion 65 to
hydrate. Alternatively, when hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed
cementitious material, portion 65 undergoes hydration with or
without contact from fluid 25. Also, some of fluid 25 is absorbed
by absorbing material 15 fixed in the hydrated matrix of
hygroscopic material 10, as discussed in step 155 below. Further,
some of fluid 25 moves under pressure through the plurality of
passageways 75 of passageway system 70, as discussed below.
[0041] When hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious
material, it is contemplated that some of the processes described
above in steps 105, 110, 115, and 120 may occur nearly
simultaneously, depending on the time period in which fluid 25
moves through hygroscopic material 10. For example, if fluid 25
moves rapidly through hygroscopic material 10, many of the
processes described above in steps 105, 110, 115, and 120 may occur
nearly simultaneously when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material. Alternatively, for example, if fluid 25
moves slowly through hygroscopic material 10, the processes
described above in steps 105, 110, 115, and 120 may occur at
separate times in succession when hygroscopic material 10 is a
non-mixing cementitious material (as explained further below).
[0042] The hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material 10 gains
strength over time. For example, the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic
material 10 may be hardened mass concrete that reaches a
compressive strength of several thousand psi (lbs/in.sup.2). For
example, the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material 10 may reach a
compressive strength of between about 1,500 psi and about 5,000
psi.
[0043] In step 125, and as referred to above in relation to step
115, some of fluid 25 is absorbed by absorbing material 15 fixed in
the hydrated matrix of portion 45 of hygroscopic material 10. As
absorbing material 15 absorbs fluid 25, a weight of absorbing
material 15 increases, thereby increasing a weight of hygroscopic
material 10. As fluid 25 is absorbed by or removed from absorbing
material 15, a volume or size of the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic
material 10 will remain substantially the same (except, e.g.,
initial minor expansion and/or shrinkage). Therefore, as fluid 25
is absorbed into absorbing material 15 of hygroscopic material 10,
the weight of hygroscopic material 10 increases (because a volume
or size of the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic material 10 remains
substantially constant as fluid 25 is absorbed). Similarly, as
fluid 25 is removed from absorbing material 15 of hygroscopic
material 10, the weight of hygroscopic material 10 decreases
(because a volume or size of the hydrated matrix of hygroscopic
material 10 remains substantially constant as fluid 25 is removed).
One of three events may occur in relation to step 125. In a first
case, absorbing material 15 of portion 45 retains a constant amount
of fluid 25, thereby maintaining a constant weight (e.g., absorbing
material 15 remains at the weight of step 125). In a second case,
absorbing material 15 of portion 45 releases fluid 25, thereby
decreasing in weight and decreasing the weight of hygroscopic
material 10. In this second case, fluid 25 is removed from
absorbing material 15, for example, by evaporation into the air
adjacent to hygroscopic material 10 via passageway system 70. In
this second case, absorbing material 15 of portion 45 may return to
a substantially dry state (e.g., moving from step 125 back toward
step 110, as illustrated in FIG. 7). In a third case, additional
fluid 25 is absorbed by absorbing material 15 fixed in the hydrated
matrix of portion 45 of hygroscopic material 10 (e.g., moving from
step 125 toward step 130, as illustrated in FIG. 7). It is also
contemplated that absorbing material 15 may absorb or release
varying amount of fluid 25 between steps 110, 125, 130, and 135
(e.g., release fluid 25 and move from step 125 toward 110, but
begin absorbing fluid 25 again before step 110 is reached and
instead move back toward step 125, as illustrated in FIG. 7).
[0044] In step 130, because absorbing material 15 has absorbed
additional fluid 25, a weight of absorbing material 15 is increased
further, thereby further increasing a weight of hygroscopic
material 10. One of three events similar to the events of the three
cases described above for step 125 may then occur: a substantially
constant amount of fluid 25 is retained and thereby a constant
weight is maintained; fluid 25 is released and a weight of
absorbing material 15 decreases and the weight of step 125 may be
reached (e.g., moving from step 130 back toward step 125, as
illustrated in FIG. 7); or additional fluid 25 is absorbed by
absorbing material 15 fixed in the hydrated matrix of portion 45 of
hygroscopic material 10 (e.g., moving from step 130 toward step
135, as illustrated in FIG. 7).
[0045] In step 135, absorbing material 15 fixed in the hydrated
matrix of portion 45 of hygroscopic material 10 has absorbed a
maximum amount of fluid 25. A weight of absorbing material 15 in
step 135 is therefore higher than the weight of absorbing material
15 in step 130. Absorbing material 15 either: holds the maximum
amount of fluid 25 and thereby remains at a constant weight, or
fluid 25 is released and a weight of absorbing material 15
decreases and the weight of step 130 may be reached (e.g., moving
from step 135 back toward step 130, as illustrated in FIG. 7).
[0046] During steps 125, 130, and 135, fluid 25 may also move
through passageway system 70 or into portion 55.
[0047] Steps 140, 145, and 150 for portion 55 are similar to steps
125, 130, and 135 above for portion 45. Therefore, in steps 140,
145, and 150, a variable amount of fluid 25 is absorbed by
absorbing material 15 fixed in the hydrated matrix of portion 55 of
hygroscopic material 10. During steps 140, 145, and 150, fluid 25
may also move through passageway system 70 or into portion 65.
[0048] Steps 155, 160, and 165 for portion 65 are similar to steps
125, 130, and 135 above for portion 45. Therefore, in steps 155,
160, and 165, a variable amount of fluid 25 is absorbed by
absorbing material 15 fixed in the hydrated matrix of portion 65 of
hygroscopic material 10. During steps 155, 160, and 165, fluid 25
may move via passageway system 70 throughout substantially all of
hygroscopic material 10.
[0049] Therefore, when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material, varying amounts of fluid 25 may move through
hygroscopic material 10 as a size of the hydrated matrix due to
contact with fluid 25 increases (e.g., portions 45, 55, and 65).
Also, when hygroscopic material 10 is either a non-mixing
cementitious material or a mixed cementitious material, a varying
amount of fluid 25 is absorbed by absorbing material 15.
[0050] For example, when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material, hygroscopic material 10 may be in a
substantially dry state (e.g., step 100). Also, for example,
hygroscopic material 10 may be in a partially hydrated state (e.g.,
some portions of hygroscopic material 10 are hydrated) or a
substantially fully hydrated state in which absorbing material 15
has absorbed substantially no fluid 25 (e.g., steps 105, 110, 115,
and 120) when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious
material. Additionally, for example, hygroscopic material 10 may be
in a partially hydrated state (e.g., some portions of hygroscopic
material 10 are hydrated) in which absorbing material 15 has only
partially absorbed fluid 25 (e.g., steps 125, 130, 140, and 145)
when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material.
Also, for example, hygroscopic material 10 may be in a partially
hydrated state (e.g., some portions of hygroscopic material 10 are
hydrated) in which absorbing material 15 has substantially fully
absorbed fluid 25 to a maximum amount (e.g., steps 135 and 150)
when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material.
Further, for example, hygroscopic material 10 may be in a
substantially fully hydrated state in which absorbing material 15
has only partially absorbed fluid 25 (e.g., steps 155 and 160) when
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material.
Additionally, for example, hygroscopic material 10 may be in a
substantially fully hydrated state in which absorbing material 15
has substantially fully absorbed fluid 25 to a maximum amount
(e.g., step 165) when hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing
cementitious material.
[0051] Alternatively, for example, when hygroscopic material 10 is
a mixed cementitious material, hygroscopic material 10 may be in a
hydrating or substantially fully hydrated state in which absorbing
material 15 contains substantially no fluid 25 (e.g., steps 100,
105, 110, 115, and 120). Also, for example, hygroscopic material 10
may be in a hydrating or substantially fully hydrated state in
which absorbing material 15 has only partially absorbed fluid 25
(e.g., steps 125, 130, 140, 145, 155, and 160) when hygroscopic
material 10 is a mixed cementitious material. Further, for example,
hygroscopic material 10 may be in a hydrating or substantially
fully hydrated state in which absorbing material 15 has
substantially fully absorbed fluid 25 to a maximum amount (e.g.,
steps 135, 150, and 165) when hygroscopic material 10 is a mixed
cementitious material.
[0052] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7, absorbing material 15
of hygroscopic material 10 absorbs and releases a varying amount of
fluid 25 not used in hydration to change the weight of hygroscopic
material 10. As absorbing material 15 absorbs an increasing amount
of fluid 25, a weight of hygroscopic material 10 increases. As
fluid 25 is removed from absorbing material 15, a weight of
hygroscopic material 10 decreases. Absorbing material 15 may
temporarily absorb fluid 25 because absorbing material 15 may both
absorb and release fluid 25 (e.g., fluid 25 is removed), and may
re-absorb fluid 25. In contrast, some or substantially all of fluid
25 used in the hydration process may not be temporarily absorbed
because it may not be released or removed after hydration.
[0053] Internal movement (e.g., during hydration) of fluid 25
through the plurality of passageways 75 of passageway system 70 is
caused due to drawing action from absorbing material 15 and/or
cement binder disposed in hygroscopic material 10. Following
hydration, fluid 25 is drawn through the plurality of passageways
75 of passageway system 70 formed in absorbing material 15.
Absorbing material 15 disposed in hygroscopic material 10 may draw
in fluid 25 disposed on any outside surface (e.g., surface 30) of
hygroscopic material 10 through wicking action. The drawing action
and/or wicking action of absorbing material 15 may cause various
locations of high pressure and low pressure (e.g., a high pressure
portion A and a low pressure portion B, as illustrated in FIG. 5).
Fluid 25 moves via one or more of the plurality of passageways 75
of passageway system 70 from high pressure portion A of absorbing
material 15 to low pressure portion B of absorbing material 15.
Movement between areas of absorbing material 15 having different
pressures via passageway system 70 helps in the absorption and
transportation of fluid 25 throughout hygroscopic material 10.
Also, it is contemplated that an external hydrostatic pressure
(e.g., that is a pressure that is greater than a pressure of fluid
25 disposed in hygroscopic material 10) produced at a source
located outside of hygroscopic material 10 and exerted on
hygroscopic material 10 may create a pressurized system within
passageway system 70 that moves fluid 25 (that is at a pressure
that is lower than the external hydrostatic pressure) through
hygroscopic material 10. For example, external hydrostatic pressure
P, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may create a pressurized system within
passageway system 70 that moves fluid 25.
[0054] The plurality of passageways 75 of passageway system 70
forms an intricate network of passageways that retains fluid 25
within hygroscopic material 10 for a relatively longer time period
than conventional cementitious material before, during, and after
hydration. Because passageway system 70 retains fluid 25 within
hygroscopic material 10 for a relatively longer time period than
conventional cementitious material, a weight of hygroscopic
material 10 is further increased as compared to conventional
cementitious material due to this increased retention of fluid
25.
[0055] Hygroscopic material 10, when used dry (e.g., non-mixing),
may produce less heat during hydration, and therefore produce
relatively less cracking and/or fracturing in hygroscopic material
10, as compared to the hydration of conventional cementitious
material. Fluid 25 moves via passageways 75, thereby contacting
un-hydrated binder disposed in hygroscopic material 10 and
initiating hydration of that un-hydrated binder. Because this
process is based on the travel of fluid 25 (e.g., the rate of
travel and/or the direction of travel), the hydration process may
occur sequentially (e.g., not all at the same time), thereby
reducing the amount of heat caused by the hydration process.
Accordingly, the heat produced during hydration may be reduced,
thereby reducing the amount of fracturing and/or cracks produced in
hygroscopic material 10 during hydration. Therefore, less
fracturing and/or cracks may be produced in hygroscopic material 10
during hydration, as compared to conventional cementitious
material.
[0056] If water level 96 of body of water 98 illustrated in FIG. 6
rises, for example, fluid 25 may come from body of water 98. When
hygroscopic material 10 is a non-mixing cementitious material,
portions of hygroscopic material 10 are already hydrated (e.g.,
portions 35, 45, and/or 65) so that hydrated surface portions
retain un-hydrated portions (e.g., portions 40, 50, 60) in place
against being washed away. Alternatively, when hygroscopic material
10 is a mixed cementitious material, substantially all portions of
hygroscopic material 10 undergo hydration with or without contact
from fluid 25. Body of water 98 provides fluid 25 that moves into
hygroscopic material 10 when hygroscopic material 10 is a
non-mixing cementitious material or a mixed cementitious material.
Hygroscopic material 10 gains strength and increases in weight as
described above, increasing capacity to resist external forces and
thereby mitigating erosion of abutment 90 and/or footing 95
illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 6, hygroscopic
material 10 may be placed below a potential scour elevation 94.
Potential scour elevation 94 may be a designed washout limit that
may be empirically determined for a given structure or location.
Installed hygroscopic material 10 that is placed below potential
scour elevation 94, as illustrated in FIG. 6, may protect abutment
90 and/or footing 95 from being scoured during erosion caused by
increased flow of body of water 98.
[0057] Because absorbing material 15 of hygroscopic material 10 may
increase in weight based on absorbing and re-absorbing fluid 25,
hygroscopic material 10 may increase in weight to resist external
forces. Accordingly, hygroscopic material 10 may mitigate erosion
caused by external forces such as, for example, running water,
ocean tides, and/or rising water. Also, hygroscopic material 10 may
be placed quickly and immediately gain strength and weight when
exposed to fluid 25, which may include liquid that may cause
external forces leading to erosion such as, for example, running
water, ocean tides, and/or rising water. Hygroscopic material 10
may therefore absorb and/or re-absorb fluid 25 to increase in
weight, thereby increasing capacity to resist external forces to
mitigate erosion at desired locations such as, for example, coastal
areas, structural footings and abutments, river banks, low-lying
soil, areas with high water tables, and areas located in flood
plains
[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed
cementitious materials and methods for using cementitious
materials. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosed method and material. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope being indicated by the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *