AU2014250707A1 - A System and Method for Lining a Structure - Google Patents

Abstract

- 18 A system and method for lining a structure 4 is disclosed. The system comprises a lining 2 locatable at a location spaced from the structure 4 to form a cavity 8 between 5 the lining 2 and the structure 4. At least one anchor 14 extends from the lining 2 into the cavity 8, and is capable of anchoring the lining 2 to an intermediate material to be provided between the lining 2 and the structure 4. The intermediate material may be settable material, such as concrete. On setting of this material the anchor(s) 14 fix the lining 2 to the settable material and the structure 4. The structure 4 may have been 10 subjected to degradation or wear as a result of chemical and/or mechanical impact of materials on the structure. When provided with the lining system, such structure 4 may be refurbished. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 x 28 ,,24 Fig. 5 1032) 34a 33 26 3 b 27a Fig. 3

Description

- 1 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LINING A STRUCTURE Technical Field 5 Disclosed are a system and method for lining a structure such as but not limited to a utilities pipe, pit or well. Background Art 10 Many types of structures are subjected to degradation or wear as a result of materials flowing through or carried in or by the structures. This may arise due to the mechanical impact or contact of the materials on the structure and/or chemical or biological attack by the material on the structure. One example is the deterioration of concrete walls of sewer wells as a result of direct and prolonged exposure to sewer 15 gases and chemicals. This can result in severe corrosion to the extent of forming a hole that penetrates through the entire thickness of the concrete well wall. Such degraded or worn structures can often be refurbished. In many instances, this is more economical and less disruptive than replacement. One way of refurbishing a 20 corroded concrete structure is to re-line the structure with a settable material such as concrete or grout. This may involve building formwork adjacent but spaced from the structure to form a cavity there between and subsequently pouring concrete into the cavity. Once the poured concrete sets, the formwork is removed, exposing a fresh layer of concrete and surface of the structure. But eventually the new layer of concrete 25 will also corrode as the structure continues to be subjected to wear and/or corrosive substances. Thus, the refurbishment will need to be repeated in due course. This is particularly problematic with structures that are large, difficult to access and/or are continually exposed to corrosive substances. 30 The above references to the background art are not intended to limit the application of the system and method as disclosed herein. Summary of the Disclosure 35 The present system and method relates to and enables the lining and/or refurbishment of a structure. In broad terms, the method and system facilitate the refurbishment or 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -2 construction of a structure utilising a settable material in which form work for the settable material remains in-situ to constitute a lining of the structure. In one aspect, there is provided a system for lining a structure, the system comprising: 5 a lining locatable at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity between the lining and the structure; and at least one anchor extending from the lining into the cavity capable of anchoring the lining to an intermediate material to be provided between the lining and the structure. 10 The system may further comprise a retaining system configured to retain the lining at the location spaced from the structure. The retaining system may comprise a support for the lining, the support being demountably attachable to the structure from a location outside the cavity. The 15 retaining system may further comprise one or more fasteners for engaging the support and the lining to the structure. The system may further comprise a spacer capable of spacing the lining from the structure. 20 The lining may be in the form of one or more sheets of lining material. The system may also comprise one or more connecting elements configured to join adjacent sheets of lining material. 25 The lining may comprise one or more of: gas impervious material; and plastics material. The plastics material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). 30 The intermediate material may be settable material, and the at least one anchor may be capable of anchoring the lining to the settable material when set. In another aspect, there is provided a method of lining a structure, the method comprising: 35 locating a lining at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity between the lining and the structure; filling the cavity with settable material; and 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -3 allowing the settable material to set and consequently fix the lining to the structure. The step of allowing the settable material to set and consequently fix the lining to the 5 structure may comprise using at least one anchor extending from the lining into the cavity. The step of locating the lining at a location spaced from the structure may comprise locating one or more spacers between the lining and the structure. 10 The step of locating the lining material at a location spaced from the structure may also comprise retaining the lining at the location using a retaining system. The step of using the retaining system may comprise demountably attaching a support 15 to the structure from a location outside the cavity. The step of using the retaining system may further comprise inserting a fastener through the lining into the structure. 20 Once the settable material is set, the method may further comprise removing the support. After removing the support, the method may further comprise shortening a portion of the fastener extending outside the cavity and beyond the lining. Then, the method may 25 further comprise placing a cap on a remaining portion of the fastener. The method may further comprise removing undesirable material from the structure before locating the lining at a location spaced from the structure, 30 The step of locating the lining may comprise installing a plurality of adjacent sheets of lining material. In another aspect there is provided a system for lining a structure, the system comprising: 35 a lining; and 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -4 a retaining mechanism configured to retain the lining material at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity between the lining material and a facing surface of the structure; the lining material having one or more projections capable of extending into the 5 cavity. In one embodiment the retaining mechanism of the system comprises one or more strengthening devices, the one or more strengthening devices being demountably attachable to the structure from a location adjacent a surface of the lining material 10 outside the cavity. The retaining mechanism may comprise one or more fastening mechanisms configured to engage the strengthening device and the lining material to the structure. In one embodiment the system may further comprise one or more spacers capable of 15 spacing the lining material facing the structure. In one embodiment the lining material of the system is in the form of one or more sheets of lining material. The system may further comprise one or more connecting elements configured to join adjacent sheets of lining material. 20 In one embodiment the lining material of the system may be provided as gas impervious material. Further, the lining material may comprise plastics material. The plastics material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). 25 In another aspect there is provided a method of lining a structure, the method comprising: locating a lining material at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity between the lining material and a facing surface of the structure; 30 filling the cavity with settable material; and allowing the settable material to set and consequently fix the lining material to the structure. In one embodiment the step of allowing the settable material to set and consequently 35 fix the lining material to the structure comprises use of one or more projections capable of extending into the cavity from a surface of the lining material facing the structure. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -5 In one embodiment the step of locating the lining material at a location spaced from the structure comprises locating one or more spacers between the lining material and the structure. 5 In one embodiment the step of locating the lining material at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity between the lining material and a facing surface of the structure comprises retaining the lining material at the location using a retaining device. This step may further comprise demountably attaching a strengthening device to the structure at a location adjacent a surface of the lining material outside the cavity. 10 Furthermore, this step may comprise extending a fastening mechanism through the lining material into the structure. Once the settable material is set, the method may comprise: removing the strengthening device; shortening the fastening mechanism; and placing a cap on the remaining portion of the fastening mechanism. 15 In one embodiment of the method, prior to locating the lining material, undesirable material may be removed from the structure. In one embodiment, the step of locating the lining material may comprise installing a plurality of sheets of lining material adjacent each other. This step may further 20 comprise use of one or more connecting elements to join adjacent sheets of the lining material. Brief Description of the Drawings 25 Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the system and method as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view from above a structure being a pit or well with the disclosed system in place; 30 Figure 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed system; Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the system in use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a projection incorporated in one embodiment of the system; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a strengthening device incorporated in the 35 system; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a joining strip incorporated in the system; Figure 7 a side sectional view of another embodiment of the system; 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -6 Figure 8 is a perspective view of an integrated spacing element and anchor incorporated in one embodiment of the system; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cap incorporated in embodiments of the lining system. 5 Figure 10 is a flow chart according to an embodiment of a method of lining a structure. Figure 11 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the system, showing projections, spacing elements and connecting elements in place. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system, depicting 10 spacing elements and projections attached to the lining. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments The present system and method relates to and enables the lining and/or refurbishment 15 of a structure. The structure may for example be a utilities pipe, pit or well of a waste treatment or pumping station. However the system and method is not limited to such application and may be used in relation to other structures. Figures 1 to 6 depict a first embodiment of a system 1 for lining a structure 4, such as 20 concrete walls of sewer wells. A lining 2 covers a pre-existing structure 4, which has deteriorated areas 6 in need of refurbishment. The lining 2 is locatable at a location spaced from the structure 4. Specifically, the lining 2 is spaced from the structure 4 at distance "D". This creates a cavity or space 8 between the lining 2 and a surface 10 of the structure 4. The cavity 8 will be filled with an intermediate material, for example 25 settable material such as concrete or grout (not shown) once the system 1 is in place. Once the settable concrete sets, the lining 2 remains attached to the fresh layer of concrete occupying the cavity 8. In this way, the lining 2 may be considered as the formwork for the fresh layer of concrete as well as a protective lining on and integrally part of the structure 4. 30 In this embodiment, the lining 2 comprises a sheet of material which is liquid and gas impermeable, for example, plastics material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or suitable metal or metal alloy. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the lining 2 may be made from any suitable material resistant to 35 the degradation and wear arising from the intended use of the structure 4. The lining 2 may come in various shapes, forms, configurations and sizes suitable for a particular purpose. For example, the lining 2 may be in the form of a planar or curved square or 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -7 rectangular sheet, or other shapes such as a triangular, circular or irregularly shaped sheet of material. The shape and configuration of the lining 2 can be made to match the original shape and configuration of the surface of the structure 4 to be lined. Further it should be understood that the lining 2 most commonly will be provided as or 5 constituted by a plurality of panels or sheets 2p (as shown in Figure 1) which together form the lining 2 and enable the creation of the cavity 8. However in some embodiments it is envisaged that the lining may be provided as a single piece unitary structure. 10 With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the lining 2 is constituted by a plurality of rectangular panels or sheets 2p. The sheets 2p are juxtaposed side by side to form a continuous formwork adjacent the surface of the structure 4. For instance, Figure 1 shows a first sheet 2pl, a second sheet 2p2, ... a sixth sheet 2p6. Depending on the relative height of the structure and dimension of the sheets, forming the continuous 15 formwork may entail vertical stacking of the sheets 2p to the overall height of the structure. This can more clearly be seen in Figure 2, which is a front view of frame "F" of the lining system in Figure 1. Such stacking may be carried out in stages, with each stage involving the forming a ring of sheets 2p (e.g. 2p, - 2p6 in Figure 1), then filling the cavity 8 between that ring of sheets 2p and structure 4 with concrete. In other 20 words, a first ring of sheets 2p, - 2p6 may be fixed to the structure 4 and the corresponding cavity 8 filled before another ring of sheets 2p 7 - 2p12 directly above the first ring is fixed to the structure 4. Figures 3 to 6 show certain features of the system 1 in more detail. With particular 25 reference to Figures 3 and 4, the system 1 comprises one or more anchors or projections 14, which extend from the lining 2 (in particular, each lining panel 2p) into the cavity 8. In this way, the anchor(s) or projection(s) 14 are capable of anchoring or holding the lining 2 to the intermediate material to be provided between the lining 2 and the structure 4. The projections 14 may be integrally formed with the lining 2 or may 30 be an additional attachment fixed to the lining 2 by adhesive, welding, anchoring, threading or other means of attachment. In this embodiment the projections 14 are shown attached to the surface 12 of the lining 2 facing the structure 4 and extending into the cavity 8. Alternatively, the projections 14 may extend into the cavity 8 from a location on an outer surface 16 of the lining 2 facing away from the cavity 8 and 35 structure 4. This may, for example, involve threading the projections 14 through holes or slots in the lining 2 or extending the projections 14 around the lining 2 into the cavity 8. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -8 In one particular embodiment, the projections 14 are strips welded in a vertical orientation onto the surface 12 of the lining 2. The projections 14 may be located at predetermined positions spaced apart from one another. The projections 14 comprise 5 a planar base 18 which is fixed to the surface 12 of the lining 2, a web 20 extending radially from a central location on the base 18 and a transverse flange 22 extending laterally either side of the web 20. When the cavity 8 is filled with the settable material the projections 14 are surrounded by the settable material. Thus, when the settable material sets, the projections 14 are anchored to the set material, and the lining 2 is 10 anchored to the structure 4. Accordingly, the lining 2 is installed on and lines the structure 4. In one embodiment, the system 1 also comprises a retaining system 24 configured to retain the lining at the location spaced from the structure 4. The retaining system 24 15 retains the lining 2 in position at distance "D" from the structure 4, thereby supporting the lining 2 while the cavity 8 is filled with settable material. Multiple retaining systems may be used, for example, one per sheet 2pn of lining 2. Some components of the retaining system 24 are typically removed once the settable material is set, leaving the lining 2 attached to the structure 4. Thus, some components of the retaining system 20 24 are only temporarily used to install the lining 2. In one embodiment, the retaining system 24 also comprises a support or strengthening device 28. The strengthening device 28 is demountably attachable to the structure 4 from a location outside the cavity 8. The retaining system 24 may further comprise one 25 or more fasteners or fastening assemblies 26 (hereinafter referred to as "fastener(s) 26"). The fasteners 26 are configured to engage the strengthening device 28 and the lining 2 to the structure 4. In this embodiment, each fastener 26 comprises a threaded rod 30, washer 32 and nut 34b. A nut 34a, which is also threaded onto rod 30, can also act as a spacer to space the lining 2 at distance D from the structure 4. 30 In a particular embodiment, one end 31 of each rod 30 may be inserted into holes formed in the structure 4. The rod 30 may then be fixed into the hole by chemical adhesive, glue, grout or other suitable adhesive. The hole may be drilled into a desired position in the structure 4 and cleaned out before receiving the rod 30. An opposite 35 end 33 of each rod 30 may be inserted through the lining 2. Further, the strengthening device 28 may have suitably located holes, allowing it to be placed against the other surface 16 of the lining 2, so that the opposite end 33 of the rods 30 also passes 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 -9 through the holes of strengthening device 28. The opposite ends 33 are then available for subsequent threading coupling to one or more nuts and washers 32 over the strengthening device 28, to retain the device 28 in its position. In one embodiment, a nut 34a positioned along the rod 30 to abut the surface 12 of the lining 2 facing the 5 structure may be used to space the lining 2 from the structure 4, thus forming a cavity 8 there between. The strengthening device 28 may take a variety of suitable forms, such as a beam, panel or block made of suitable material. As previously mentioned, the strengthening 10 device 28 generally provides support from the side of the lining 2 opposite to the side situating the cavity 8 and structure 4. The combination of the fasteners 26 and strengthening device 28 of the retaining system 24 holds the lining 2 in place against the pressure exerted by the settable material while being poured into the cavity 8. The lining 2 itself is also made of a thickness and strength so as to not appreciably deform 15 in regions between adjacent strengthening devices 28 under the pressure exerted by the settable material. In one example, the strengthening device 28 can be a wooden beam 36 (shown in Figure 5) which extends along the surface 16 of the lining 2 and is held in place by washers 32 and nuts 34b of the fasteners 26. The beam 36 can be used in any desirable orientation, but in this example is shown to be vertically 20 mounted. Typically, each retaining system 24 comprises one strengthening device 28 (or beam 36) and two rods 30a and 30b to extend through the sheet 2p and into holes in the structure 4 at two locations 27a and 27b. In one example the beams 36 may have 25 holes pre-drilled at a distance from each other corresponding to the distance between the two locations 27a and 27b, so that the ends 33 of each rod 30 can pass through the beam 36. The beam 36 can then be secured by washers 32 and nuts 34b. The sheets 2p may be joined both horizontally and vertically to adjacent sheets 2p 30 along their vertical edges 51 and horizontal edges 52 (see Figures 1 and 2) by connecting elements 48, shown in more detail in Figure 6. In this example, the connecting elements 48 are in the form of elongate joining strips 49 having substantially an "H"-shaped cross-section. The joining strips 49 have substantially parallel planar flanges 55 and 57, which are integrally joined together by a web 53. 35 The web 53 extends from about the middle of each flange 55 and 57, for their whole length, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flanges 55 and 57. Thus the joining strip 49 comprises elongate recesses 50a and 50b on either side of the web 53 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 10 having a width "W' corresponding to a thickness of the lining 2. Therefore, with reference to Figures 1 to 6, a vertical edge 51 of sheet 2p, sits in the recesses 50a, while a vertical edge 51 of an adjacent sheet 2p2 sits the recesses 50b. In the same manner, the joining strips 49 may also be used to join adjacent sheets 2p located 5 above and/or below each other along substantially horizontal edges 52. The joining strip 49 may then be welded to the sheets 2p, thus forming a single integrated lining 2. In one example, each sheet 2p comprises PVC material and is 1200mm long, 2400mm wide and 12mm thick. Projections 14 that are attached to the surface 12 of the lining 2 10 extend 12mm into the cavity 8. The retaining system 24 comprises a wooden timber beam 36 of dimensions 1200mm long (or substantially the same length as each sheet), 45mm wide and 90mm thick. The rod 30 is provided as a 12mm diameter threaded rod. Referring back to Figure 2, each strengthening device 28 (or beam 36) is installed parallel to each other and spaced apart laterally by distance "S" being 400mm. One 15 rod 30a is installed at location 27a approximately 200mm (distance "U") from a bottom end 35 of the beam 36, and a second rod 30b is installed approximately 400mm (distance "V") from a top end 37 of the beam 36. The rods 30a and 30b are held in holes at locations 27a and 27b by an appropriate adhesive or grout. The shorter distance "V" provides more support at the lower end of the system 1 for the weight of 20 the concrete. As a result, there is a distance "T" of approximately 600mm between the two rods 30a and 30b. Furthermore, the distance "T" of 600mm is also maintained between all rods 30 in the same vertical axis. In other words, the rod 30b is 600mm from the rod 30a of 25 an above adjacent sheet 2pn by virtue of distances "V" and "U" being 200mm and 400mm respectively. The dimensions and measurements in the example above are believed to be capable of withstanding the pressure exerted by up to 50mm thickness and 1200mm height of 30 settable material such as SikaGrout-212 @ cementitious grout in the cavity 8. However a person skilled in the art will appreciate that these dimensions are an example only and many other suitable dimensions and measurements may be utilised in the system 1. 35 Once the system 1 is in place, and the settable material such as concrete has been poured into the cavity 8 and set, the nut 34b, washer 32 and beam 36 can be removed. Further, the end 33 of rod 30 extending beyond the lining 2 (as a result of beam 36 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 11 being removed) can be cut and/or ground back to a length closer to the surface 16 of the lining 2. As previously mentioned, the lining 2 remains fixed to the structure 4 by virtue of the projections 14. Thus the pre-existing corroded concrete structure is not only refurbished with a fresh layer of concrete or other settable material, but also lined 5 with a protective layer of lining 2, which may be impervious to the elements that caused the degradation of the structure 4. The beams 36 may be (and are commonly) reused in another system 1 having the same dimensions. Figures 7 and 11 show another embodiment of the system 1. In this embodiment the 10 system comprises the same features as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 previously described, except that instead of nuts 34a acting as spacers, separate spacing elements 38 are provided as the spacers to space the lining 2 from the structure 4, thus forming cavity 8. The spacing elements 38 are fixed to and extend from the surface 12 of the lining 2 into the cavity 8. The spacing elements 38 may be 15 located at a predetermined positions spaced apart from one another. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 the spacing elements 38 have a bulbous form. In another embodiment shown in Figure 11 the spacing elements 38 are in the form of strips comprising a planar base 59 and a plurality of projections or lumps 61 extending 20 from and integrally formed with the base 59. The base 59 is fixed to the surface 12 of the lining 2 and the plurality of projections 61 extend into the cavity 8. The projections 61 may have an apex 63 which contacts the surface 10 of the structure 4, thereby spacing the lining 2 from the structure 4 and creating the cavity 8. The spacing elements 38 may take a variety of suitable forms and may comprise a variety of 25 suitable material, such as PVC. The spacing elements 38 may be in addition to the anchors or projections 14, both of which extend into the cavity 8 from the direction of the lining 2, but perform a different function. For instance, the projections 14 do not typically extend as far into the cavity 8 30 as the spacing elements 38 (which also contact the structure 4). In one example, Figure 11 shows a plurality of panels 2p, and 2p2 connected by connecting elements 48. Panel 2p2 has spacing elements 38 and projections 14 that are separate elements attached to surface 12 of the panel 2p2. In this particular configuration, the spacing elements 38 and projections 14 are arranged alternately on the surface 12 of the panel 35 2p2. In another example, Figure 12 shows the lining system 1 suitable for lining a cylindrical structure and a base of the cylindrical structure, with spacing elements 38 and projections 14 fixed to a circular panel of lining 2. The spacing elements 38 and 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 12 projections 14 are also arranged alternately to one another and radially around a common centre 65. In another embodiment, the spacing elements 38 and projections 14 may subsist in the 5 same device which performs the dual function of spacing the lining 2 from the structure 4 and anchoring the lining 2 to the settable material (once set) occupying the cavity 8. For example Figure 8 shows a projection 40 attached to the surface 12 of the lining 2. The projection 40 has ribs 42 and 44, of which rib 42 anchors the lining 2 to the settable material when set in the cavity 8, and the rib 44 is positioned against the 10 surface 10 of the structure 4, thus spacing the lining 2 from the structure 4. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the spacing elements 38 and projections 14 whether separate or in one device may take a variety of shapes and forms suitable for performing the functions discussed herein. 15 Referring now to Figure 9, embodiments the system 1 may also be provided with a cap 41. The cap 41 covers a remaining end of rod 30 (shown in phantom) once the rod 30 is cut or ground back to the surface of lining 2. The cap 41 may for example be in the form of a disc with a circular planar surface 43 and sides 45. The diameter of the cap 41 is such that the cap 41 wholly covers the end of the rod 30 and overlies the lining 2. 20 The cap 41 may comprise the same or similar material to the lining 2, and may be welded to the surface 16 of the lining 2, thus sealing the hole in the lining 2 created for the rod 30 to extend through. The sealing of the cap 41 to the lining 2 covers the holes formed in the lining 2 for the rods 30 to extend through, and therefore prevents external substances from accessing the set material and underlying structure 4. 25 Referring now to Figure 10, a method 54 for lining the structure 4 will be described. In general, the method comprises: (1) a first step 56 of locating the lining 2 at a location spaced from the structure 4 to form a cavity 8 between the lining 2 and the structure 4; (2) a second step 58 of filling the cavity 8 with settable material; and (3) a third step 60 30 of allowing the settable material to set and consequently fix the lining 2 to the structure 4. In an embodiment where the lining 2 is provided as or constituted by a plurality of panels or sheets 2p, the first step 56 may comprise progressively locating each sheet 35 at a location spaced from the structure 4, so that the sheets 2p form an array of sheets that constitute the lining 2 and cover the structure 4. After each sheet 2p of the lining 2 is located, the first step 56 may further comprise use of retaining systems 24 to retain 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 13 the lining 2 at the desired location when filling the cavity 8 with settable material. One or more rods 30 of the retaining system 24 may be drilled through the lining 2 at a suitable position into the structure 4, thus forming a hole in the structure 4. The rod 30 after drilling may temporarily be removed to clean out any debris in the hole before 5 filling the hole with a suitable adhesive for securing the rod 30 at one end 31 when placed back in the hole. Once the rod has the end 31 secured in the structure 4 and opposite end 33 through the lining 2, the strengthening device 28, washers 32 and nuts 34b of the retaining system 28 may be installed to provide support to the lining 2. Adjacent sheets may be joined together using the connecting elements 48. The 10 second step 58 of filling the cavity 8 with settable material may then be carried out. In the third step 60, as the settable material sets, the lining 2 is simultaneously fixed to the structure 4 through the securing of projections 14. In an embodiment, the method 54 may be carried out on a first row of sheets 2p of 15 lining 2, before repeating the method 54 for another row above the first row of sheets 2p. In one embodiment, the step 56 of locating the lining 2 at a location spaced from the structure 4 is achieved by locating spacing elements 38 between the lining 2 and the 20 structure 4. For example, the spacing elements 38 may be attached to a surface 12 of the lining 2, and the lining 2 is positioned such that the surface 12 faces the structure 4. In the same or another embodiment, the step 60 of allowing the lining 2 to consequently fix to the structure 4 is achieved by virtue of the lining 2 having projections 14 which extend into the cavity 8. 25 In another embodiment of the method 54, the lining 2 may be located at a location spaced from the structure 4 by virtue of locating the nut 34a between the lining 2 and the structure 4 instead of the spacing elements 38. In this embodiment, prior to the first step 56, the rod 30 is drilled and fixed at one end 31 in the structure 8 at a desired 30 position. The nut 34a is then threaded or otherwise adjusted to a position along the rod 30 corresponding to the distance "D" at which the lining 2 will be spaced from the structure 4. A hole is then made in the lining 2 for the rod 30 at its opposite end 33 to insert through when the first step 56 of locating the lining 2 at a location spaced from the structure 4 is carried out. The second step 58 and third step 60, as in the previous 35 embodiment, can then be carried out. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 14 The method 54 may also comprise the further steps of: (4) removing the nut 34b, washer 32 and strengthening device 28 of the retaining system 24; (5) cutting and/or grounding back the end 33 of rod 30; and (6) securing a cap onto the lining to cover the remaining length of the rod 30. The cap preferably comprises the same or similar 5 material to that of the lining 2, but may comprise any suitable material. The cap may be secured to the lining 2 for example by welding, bolting or use of an adhesive. Furthermore, in one embodiment the method 54 comprises an initial step, before the first step 56, of: (a) removing all loose material from the structure 4; (b) washing the 10 structure 4 (e.g. with water); (c) obtaining pH readings of the structure 4 (e.g. by Litmus testing); and (d) repeating this initial step until a pH reading of about 7.0 (neutral) is reached. Now that various embodiments of the system and method have been described in 15 detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations may be made without departing from the basic inventive concepts. For example, the projections 14 may comprise ribs or grooves or other configurations to enhance lodging of the projections 14 in the settable material when set. Similarly, the cap 41 may be provided in a variety of configurations suitable for covering the 20 remaining length "R" of the rod 30 and being sealed at its perimeter 47 to the lining 2. As another example, in one embodiment a plurality of beams 36 may be retained to support a sheet 2p at. All such modifications and variations and others that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the above description and the appended 25 claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is 30 used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the system and method for lining a structure. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14

Claims (22)

1. A system for lining a structure, the system comprising: a lining locatable at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity 5 between the lining and the structure; and at least one anchor extending from the lining into the cavity capable of anchoring the lining to an intermediate material to be provided between the lining and the structure. 10

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a retaining system configured to retain the lining at the location spaced from the structure.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the retaining system comprises a support for the lining, the support being demountably attachable to the structure from a location 15 outside the cavity.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3 wherein the retaining system comprises one or more fasteners for engaging the support and the lining to the structure. 20

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a spacer capable of spacing the lining from the structure.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lining is in the form of one or more sheets of lining material. 25

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising one or more connecting elements configured to join adjacent sheets of lining material.

8. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lining comprises 30 gas impervious material.

9. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lining comprises plastics material. 35

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the plastics material comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 16

11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate material is settable material and the at least one anchor is capable of anchoring the lining to the settable material when set. 5

12. A method of lining a structure, the method comprising: locating a lining at a location spaced from the structure to form a cavity between the lining and the structure; filling the cavity with settable material; and allowing the settable material to set and consequently fix the lining to the 10 structure.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein allowing the settable material to set and consequently fix the lining to the structure comprises using at least one anchor extending from the lining into the cavity. 15

14. The method of claim 12 or 13 wherein locating the lining at a location spaced from the structure comprises locating one or more spacers between the lining and the structure. 20

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein locating the lining material at a location spaced from the structure comprises retaining the lining at the location using a retaining system.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein using the retaining system comprises 25 demountably attaching a support to the structure from a location outside the cavity.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16 wherein using the retaining system further comprises inserting a fastener through the lining into the structure. 30

18. The method of claim 17 wherein once the settable material is set, the method further comprises: removing the support.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, after removing the support, shortening a portion of the fastener extending outside the cavity and beyond the lining. 35

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, after shortening the portion of the fastener, placing a cap on a remaining portion of the fastener. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14 - 17

21. The method of any one of claims 12 to 20, further comprising removing undesirable material from the structure before locating the lining at a location spaced from the structure. 5

22. The method of any one of claims 13 to 21 wherein locating the lining comprises installing a plurality of adjacent sheets of lining material. 56983901 (GHMatters) P95207.AU.1 MCAMP 17/10/14