Abstract: An intumescent fire protection barrier in the form of an adhesive sheet or continuous roll of tape. The barrier comprises laminated layers of an intumescent material, a reinforcing matrix, a pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner. The intumescent material is adhesively applied to a structural steel substrate and expands by at least 10 times its original thickness during a fire to provide fire protection to the substrate. Multiple layers of the fire protection barrier may be installed on top of one another. This application method dramatically reduces installation time as compared with sprayed on fire protection coatings.

Abstract: The painting method disclosed is carried out by providing a curable liquid paint composition and an edging product having a colored surface and an adhesive surface opposite to the colored surface. The colored surface of the edging product is preferably a previously manufactured surface closely matching the to-be-used paint composition once the paint composition has been permitted to cure. The edging strip is permanently affixed onto a wall to be painted with the curable paint composition, with an edge of the edging strip contacting a surface bordering the wall or surface which is not to be painted with the curable liquid paint composition. The wall is then painted with the curable liquid paint composition, and the curable liquid paint composition is partly overlapped onto the edging product. The method provides a crisp even line at the interface between the wall and the bordering surface.

Abstract: A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roofing shingle includes applying an asphalt coating to a substrate to define an asphalt coated sheet, the asphalt coated sheet including a headlap portion and a tab portion. Reinforcement material is applied from a spool to the asphalt coated sheet, wherein the reinforcement material is wound in a waywind pattern on the spool. The reinforcement material is then secured to the headlap portion of the asphalt coated sheet.

Abstract: Panels for use in building construction (partitions, walls, ceilings, floors or doors) which exhibit improved acoustical sound proofing in multiple specific frequency ranges and also present improved structural integrity, are provided. The improved performance is achieved through the use of one or more layers of glue such that at least one layer of glue includes a viscoelastic material in a first pattern and a structural adhesive in a second, non-overlapping pattern. The viscoelastic material may have a varied shear moduli and functions as a glue and energy dissipating layer. In some embodiments, one or more constraining layers separating one layer of glue may be included. The constraining layer may be formed of a material such as gypsum, cement, metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as vinyl, plastic, or rubber. In some embodiments, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated panel.

Abstract: A cold applied adhesive that includes a blend of polyurethane pre-polymer, petroleum liquid and additive. The weight percent of petroleum liquid in the blend is less than 50 weight percent. The weight percent of polyurethane pre-polymer in the blend is less than 50 weight percent.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding a synthetic strip to a roofing membrane that is attached to a roofing construct, the synthetic strip having a central raised portion that extends along the longitudinal length of the synthetic strip, the synthetic strip having flanges extending widthwise from the central raised portion, and the synthetic strip having a substantially planar underside portion, the apparatus having a self-propelled housing having a drive wheel for movably supporting the housing on the membrane; a first guide-wheel element mounted to the housing and positioned in or underneath the housing and the first guide-wheel element having a peripheral channel adapted to engage and receive the underside flat-planar portion of the synthetic strip and guide the synthetic strip, wherein the guide-wheel receiving channel has a channel width adapted to receive the total width of the synthetic strip.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a water vapor barrier. The water vapor barrier comprises a water vapor impermeable substrate, the substrate comprising a sheet of polymeric material and the substrate having a width. The water vapor barrier also comprises a first fabric on one side of the substrate, the first fabric having a width less than the width of the substrate such that a portion of the substrate is exposed on both sides of the first fabric. A method of installing the water vapor barrier is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for extending a pipe through a wall. The apparatus includes a ball joint through which at least one pipe extends, an inner pipe, which extends through the ball joint and through which a fluid material may transfer, a housing unit, which substantially surrounds the ball joint and comprises resin bonding surfaces that that seal the housing unit to the ball joint, and a flange unit, which affixes to the housing unit and comprises resin bonding surfaces that seal the flange unit to a wall. The angle between the longitudinal axis of the inner pipe and a line orthogonal to the wall through which the pipe extends is in the range of between about 0 and 20 degrees.

Abstract: A wall anchor insert, and an installation tool and method to allow for the installation of a wall anchor flush to wall surface. The materials are a polymeric insert, and a moisturing curing adhesive resin. The installation tool facilitates the installation of anchor, including the required resin coating, and insures that anchor is flush. At such time that redecorating is done, there will be no unsightly anchor to remove or wall damage to repair. The anchor is left in place with only one small screw hole to spackle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a one-component aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition (PD) as a primer for the adhesion of plastic films (KF) by means of an aqueous one-component polyurethane dispersion adhesive (DK). The aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition (PD) comprises a polyurethane (P1) and carbodiimide groups and/or carboxyl groups, and the polyurethane dispersion adhesive (DK) comprises a polyurethane (P2) and carbodiimide groups, and carboxyl groups such that the aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition (PD) and the aqueous polyurethane dispersion adhesive (DK) react with one another in a polyaddition reaction when heated to a temperature of 50° C. or more. The invention also relates to primer-coated plastic films, to composite bodies produced therefrom and to methods for the production thereof.

Abstract: A floor plank having a wear layer, a pattern film, and a magnetic base layer. The floor plank may have a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length and the width are substantially larger than the thickness. The magnetic base layer may have a magnetic field which is in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the length and the width of the floor plank, and wherein the direction of the magnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the floor plank. The floor plank and an identical floor plank may be placed on the subfloor so that the two floor planks are adjacent one another and so that a magnetic pole of a magnetic base layer of one floor plank is attracted to an opposite magnetic pole of a magnetic base layer of the other floor plank to thereby connect the two floor planks.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a one-component, silane-modified water-, solvent- and plasticizer-free parquet adhesive and also to the use thereof for gluing parquet, wooden floor coverings and wood-based material boards to all sub-floors which are used in interior fitment, even those which are problematic.

Abstract: A panel for in-house pipe installation comprises a panel layer having a material and a first surface for a pipe to be attached to. The panel layer comprises a first layer portion adapted to be attached with a second surface to a floor and a second layer portion adjacent to the first layer portion adapted to be attached with the second surface to a wall. The material is notched from the second surface panel layer as to form the first and second layer portion, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system and method of creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof, electrically generating surface that can be applied over a great variety of structural components. The method comprises coating the selected surface with a base elastomeric coating thus sealing holes, cracks and other surface imperfections. In one embodiment, the base elastomeric coating is allowed to dry and at least one photovoltaic module is placed on the base elastomeric coating by using another coat of elastomeric material applied to the underside surface of the photovoltaic module or on the surface of the base elastomeric coating where the photovoltaic module will be applied. Another layer of an elastomeric coating is applied covering the perimeter edges of the photovoltaic module creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof surface capable of generating electricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lining a container, especially a reservoir, a tank or a basin in a water-tight manner. In order to avoid possible leakages and/or contaminations, the walls of the large container are provided with hook-and-loop-type fastening elements. Sealing webs are attached to these fastening elements by means of fastening elements.

Abstract: The insulated panel comprises exterior sheathing, studs, rigid foam panels and a spray-pour foam. The rigid foam panels are placed up against the sheathing between the studs, and the spray-pour foam is used to fill in the voids.

Abstract: A method of assembling a secondary containment liner includes providing at least a pair of uncoated, impermeable sheet components. Respective substrate elements are secured to corresponding edges of the sheet components such that the substrate elements overlap the corresponding edges of the respective sheet components. The substrate elements are themselves overlapped and an impermeable coating is applied to the overlapping substrate elements to sealably bond the adjoining sheet components to one another and thereby define an assembled liner.

Abstract: A system for installing communications in a hallway of a building comprises a duct having a conduit portion with a bore formed throughout and containing one or more communications lines and a mounting portion to mount the duct to a generally flat surface, the mounting portion including an adhesive disposed thereon, and a duct applicator tool to continuously receive the duct from a storage structure. The applicator tool includes a generally planar frame that supports at least one duct channel that receives the duct and provides a support surface that places a pressing force onto the duct as the duct is applied to the generally flat surface. The applicator tool includes one or more duct guides disposable on at least an end of the frame, where the one or more duct guides guide the duct from its storage structure to the at least one duct channel.

Abstract: An automobile or vehicle having a high efficiency solar control system is provided. The automobile may have a painted surface and a film mounted to its exterior side. The film may reflect solar radiation in the near and mid infrared ranges yet allow high transmission of light in the visible range such that the painted panel may be seen. The film may have a layer of silver which reflects the solar radiation in the near and mid infrared ranges. Since the silver is susceptible to oxidation and turns the silver into a black body which absorbs the near and mid infrared radiation, the film may be designed to slow the rate of oxidation of the silver layer to an acceptable level. The silver layer may be sandwiched between the glass which does not allow oxygen to diffuse there through and reach the layer of silver and a stack of sacrificial layers having a certain thickness which slows down the rate of oxygen diffusion to an acceptable level.

Abstract: The present invention is a peel-off child photo poster of a child that includes a child photo with a front facing and a back facing that includes a life-sized, personalized action or still photo of a child playing a sport disposed on the front facing. The poster also includes a peel-off backing wherein the back facing is placed directly on the peel-off backing and is removable from the peel-off backing and a plurality of removable tabs that are utilized to secure the child photo to a vertical surface. The personalized action or still photo includes the child's name, age, team name and jersey number. The removable tabs are orientated in any suitable arrangement and number of removable tabs to secure the child photo to the vertical surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to double-sided, construction tape used to prevent unwanted air flow between conditioned and unconditioned spaces of a structure, which improves the structure's energy efficiency and comfort. The inner surface of the construction tape includes adhesive and non-adhesive areas. The outer surface of the tape includes an adhesive area and is overlaid with a release material. The release material may be perforated to assist in its removal. The tape is applied during construction to seal gaps between adjoining construction materials. The tape may be applied along the top, bottom, or sides of walls, or around other various openings, such as HVAC or lights.

Abstract: A coated sheet-like plastics material comprising a) as base, a thermoplastic substrate; and b) on the base, a photocatalytically active coating comprising a water-spreading layer which involves either a sol-adhesion-promoter layer, layer b1+2), comprising an adhesion promoter and a colloid sol, or a colloid-sol layer b2) arranged on an adhesion-promoter layer b1) applied on the substrate a), and a photocatalytically active layer b3) arranged on the water-spreading layer b1+2) or b2), where b3) is obtainable through application and drying of a mixture comprising, based on the solids content of the mixture in percent by weight b31) from 1 to 25% of titanium dioxide and b32) from 75 to 99% of silicon dioxide and/or of a metal oxide which is not soluble in water or of an anionically modified silicon dioxide or metal oxide; where the titanium dioxide is particulate with an average primary-particle size smaller than 10 nm.

Abstract: Defects in walls need to be repaired and need to be repaired so that the wall does not appear to have had a defect in the wall. This is particularly difficult when texture is on the wall. This method will permit texture that appears on the wall to be transferred to the area being repaired with no distinction between the originally damaged area and the original texture of the wall.

Abstract: Method for applying a reinforced composite material, such as a fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate or a steel reinforced polymer (SRP) laminate or a steel reinforced grout (SRG) composite, to a structural member. The method comprises the steps of: applying a curable adhesive to a surface of the structural member and/or a surface of the reinforced composite material, and bringing said surfaces into contact. A pre-stressing force, Pmax, is directly or indirectly applied to the reinforced composite material. The pre-stressing force, Pmax, to which a treatment length, LT, of the reinforced composite material is subjected is then decreased so that the reinforced composite material along the treatment length, LT, will be less pre-stressed than the reinforced composite material adjacent to the treatment length, LT, when the adhesive has cured.

Abstract: A wall anchor insert, and an installation tool and method to allow for the installation of a wall anchor flush to wall surface. The materials are a polymeric insert, and a moisturing curing adhesive resin. The installation tool facilitates the installation of anchor, including the required resin coating, and insures that anchor is flush. At such time that redecorating is done, there will be no unsightly anchor to remove or wall damage to repair. The anchor is left in place with only one small screw hole to spackle.

Abstract: The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of this invention comprises a first layer of polymeric material, particularly a polyvinyl chloride, having a Shore A Hardness of between 92 and 100 and a second layer of adhesive material attached to a surface of the layer of polymeric material.

Abstract: Swimming pool coping made of recycled rubber can replace traditional concrete copings. The rubber chips can be mixed with a binder placed in an extrusion machine that pressurizes and heats the mixture to activate the binder. Alternatively, the rubber chips and binder can be placed in a compression mold where the rubber chips are compressed and heated to activate the binder. The rubber coping can then be removed from the extrusion machine or compression mold. The coping is then cooled which hardens and strengthens the coping. The hardened rubber coping is then cut to a predetermined length and shape. The coping can be adhered to the bond beam of the swimming pool and the adjacent coping. A sealer can be applied to the exposed surfaces of the coping to provide color, texture and provide UV protection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique solution for promoting adhesion of substrates to adhesives containing a prepolymer having isocyanate, si lane or both functional groups. The solution comprises a composition comprising: a) from about 0.05 to about 10.0 parts by weight of a hydrosylate of one or more of alkoxysilyl amines; b) from about 0.05 to about 1.0 parts by weight of one of more alkoxylated alcohols, alkoxysilyl terminated alkoxylated alcohols, fatly acids or fatty acid esters; and, c) from about 80 to about 99.9 parts by weight of water: wherein the composition contains 100 parts by weight and the composition exhibits a pH of about 9 to about 12.

Abstract: Cement tile adhesives and methods for using them, the adhesives comprising a dry mix of a water-redispersible polymer powder made from a low carboxylation, large particle size water-soluble film-forming vinyl aromatic-diene copolymer latex and a reduced amount of cellulose ether exhibit superior water immersion shear strength and freeze/thaw shear strength.

Abstract: A system is provided for forming a fire resistant wall structure from a wall having an exposed combustible component. A sheet member comprising cellulose fibers is interacted with a fire-retarding substance, wherein the fire-retarding substance is substantially uniformly distributed about the sheet member so as to render the sheet member substantially ignition-resistant. The sheet member has a major surface adapted to receive an aesthetic surface treatment, and is configured to be applied to the wall to at least partially cover the exposed combustible component. An adhesive material is configured to be applied between the sheet member and the wall so as to secure the sheet member to the wall, such that the major surface of the sheet member is exposed and so as to substantially prevent atmospheric oxygen from interacting with the combustible component. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A drywall patch is coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state making it immediately available for application to a wall surface. The patch with compound is sealed in an airtight wrapper or between unsealed wrapper halves which are in turn sealed in a surrounding airtight package so that the joint compound stays moist and will not harden over time. The wrapper includes a peel-away adhesive dry patch. In use, the dry patch is first applied over a crack or hole to be repaired. The wrapper and compound are applied directly over the dry patch and, while the wrapper remains in place, pressure is applied to smooth the compound over the patch and removed after the compound has dried. The wrapper is preferably composed of microporous breathable plastic film.

Abstract: An under counter mount sink sealing surface and method of making that provides a watertight interface between an under counter mount sink and a laminate counter as well as a simplified and more dimensionally accurate method of field installing the sink below the counter. The water impervious seal is tightly chemically bonded to the cutout lip of the laminate as well as to the entire area on the bottom face of the laminate countertop that contacts the entire profile of the top face of the under counter mount sink. The seal also aligns the sink into the correct location and contacts the entire surface of the as it is deck aligned or completely parallel to the sink top flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adhering detectable warning devices, pavement markings and preformed traffic control devices (turn arrows, stop bars) that are hydrocarbon or alkyd thermoplastic in nature to an uncured or “green” concrete substrate providing permanent adhesion for detectable warning devices, pedestrian and traffic control markings.

Abstract: An adhesive tape masking article that can be used to mask both a door hinge or a corner includes a thin flexible sheet of material having opposed first and second major surfaces, first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and arcuate corners extending between at least one of the first and second side edges and the first and second end edges, and adhesive on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second major surfaces, thereby defining an adhesive surface for adhering the sheet to a surface to be masked. The sheet includes a frangible connection that allows the sheet to be separated into two masking articles, each of which can be used to mask corners.

Abstract: Touch fastener products (10) are made by distributing a multiplicity of discrete fastening bits (14, 14a, 14b) over a support surface (12) and fixing the distributed bits (14, 14a, 14b) to the support surface (12), such as by an adhesive (32). Each bit (14, 14a, 14b) has opposite side surfaces (24, 24b, 26, 26b) forming boundaries of surfaces defining projections (16) extending in different directions from the fastening bits (14, 14a, 14b), at least one of the opposite side surfaces (24, 24b, 26, 26b) being non-planar, and each projection (16) has an overhanging head (18). As fixed, each bit (14, 14a, 14b) is oriented with at least one of its projection heads (18) raised from the support surface (12) to releasably engage fibers (30). Bits (14, 14a, 14b) are made by pelletizing shaped rails (36). Applications include securing floor coverings (150).

Abstract: An animal deterrent device and methods for installing and producing an animal deterrent device for delivering an electric shock to an animal, pest, or bird to be deterred, having the typical components of a non-conductive base to which the electrically conductive elements are attached. The bottom layer unfolds outward to allow sewing of the conductive elements to the top layer of the elongated base, while preventing the stitching from penetrating the bottom layer of the elongated base. The bottom layer is then folded back into place after sewing is completed, thereby insulating any hole, fastener, or conductive element that pushed through the top layer of the elongated base from water or other material that may congregate at the bottom exterior, preventing unwanted arcing to the exterior surface below.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitating or remediating a structure comprises forming a sealed region (18) over or about a portion of the structure and drawing air from the region (18). A supply of a structural adhesive is placed in fluid communication with region (18) so that as air is drawn from the region (18) the adhesive flows into the region and fills discontinuities in the structure. Fiber reinforcement or other strengthening material is placed in the region (18) so that the adhesive also penetrates through the material to band the material to the structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to energy absorbing or dissipating composite materials used to reduce structural damage from explosive blast energy and ballistic projectiles, either separately or in combination, and to methods of employing such materials. More particularly, this invention is directed to a blast damage suppression and/or ballistic shielding material comprising at least three independent layers; a layer comprising fiber based panels; a spray foam coating material and a coating layer comprising an elasto-plastic material.

Abstract: A fire retardant thermally insulative, vandalism and damage resistant panel for the building exteriors includes a relatively low density foam layer having relatively high thermal resistivity, a relatively high density foam layer having relatively high impact strength and resistance to bending facingly contacting the low density foam layer, a porous fabric contacting the high density foam layer at a surface thereof facing oppositely from the low density foam, and a weather resistant, water impermeable exterior layer contacting the fabric at a surface facing in a direction opposite from where the high density foam contacts the fabric, where the high density foam substantially occupies at least parts of some of the pores of the fabric and the exterior layer material substantially occupies at least parts of at least some of the pores of the fabric such that sufficient pores of the fabric are filled with the high density foam, the exterior surface material and chemical reaction products thereof to create a bond be

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of jointing and finishing plasterboard sheets. The system comprises adjacently abutted first and second plasterboard sheets and a connective material. The connective material is applied to a region at or near the side edge portions of the first and second plasterboard sheets and which securely joins the side edge portion of the first plasterboard sheet to the side edge portion of the second plasterboard sheet. There is also provided a joint filling compound and a finishing compound, which are optionally also applied to the region of the first and second plasterboard sheets.

Abstract: An assembly kit is provided for supplying a fixing agent to fix two objects. The kit comprises two storage receptacles. An aerobic adhesive is stored in one of the two storage receptacles. A hydrophilic material containing moisture is separately stored in the other of the two storage receptacles. The two storage receptacles are adapted to permit removal of the aerobic adhesive and the hydrophilic material from the receptacles for mixing together the fixing agent.

Abstract: Methods of making a single ply protective covering and of installing such a covering are disclosed. The method of making includes (a) providing a single ply thermoplastic roofing membrane, and (b) coating the single ply thermoplastic roofing membrane on its bottom surface with a 1-50 mil layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive mixture consisting essentially of polyisobutylene and at least one polymer comprising conjugated diene monomers. The method of installing includes (a) providing a single ply thermoplastic roofing membrane, (b) cutting the single ply thermoplastic roofing membrane to a selected size, (c) positioning the single ply thermoplastic roofing membrane on a portion of a roof, and (d) bonding the membrane to the roof.

Abstract: A method of sealing a construction joint is provided which comprises applying a polymeric sizing to the edges forming the joint, applying a mesh to the joint and applying a further coating of the sizing to said deposited mesh. The sizing material can comprise a styrene-butadiene latex, a filler and at least one of a colorant, an acrylic thickener, dispersant, biocide, defoamer, antifoamer, surfactant and an acid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a composition comprising: a) one or more isocyanate functional polyether based prepolymers having a polydispersity of less than about 2.5 determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography at a Mp of >1000; b) one or more plasticizers in sufficient amount that the composition can be pumped and applied to a substrate at a temperature of ?10° C., preferably in an amount of about 15 percent by weight or less; c) one or more fillers in sufficient amount such that the composition exhibits a press flow viscosity of about 8 grams per minute or more; d) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate moieties with isocyanate reactive groups; wherein the composition demonstrates 30 minutes after application a high speed impact of about 1.6 MPa or greater according to DIN EN 1465 high speed impact test.

Abstract: The present invention provides exterior building products, such as roofing and siding, shake, shingles, siding, sheathing, panels, planks, vertical siding, soffit panels, fencing, decking, fascia, corner posts, column corners and trim boards in which a plurality of cementitious layers are provided with an improved interlaminar bond by employing a resinous bond promoter, a rheological agent, mechanical means to distribute fibers in a direction which is perpendicular to the machine direction so as to bridge between layers in the product, or a combination thereof. These techniques help to increase interlaminar bond strength to improve the mechanical properties of the product. When certain resinous bond promoters are used, the additional benefits of water absorption resistance and pigmentation throughout the product can be provided with minimal expense. Improvements in interlaminar bond strength of about 10 46% were observed with a percent elongation improvement of about 7%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the carrier sheet, and a protective coating layer on the adhesive layer. The protective coating layer comprises polyvinyl acetate (PVAc). The protective coating layer protects the membrane against weather exposure, tolerates foot traffic and strongly adheres to concrete cast against it.

Abstract: A method of applying a film to an endless moving handrail comprises the steps of adhering a first film layer, having sufficient resilience to accommodate strains occurring on the surfaces of the endless moving handrail and including a barrier coating on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the first layer, to a top surface of an endless moving handrail, and adhering a substantially transparent film layer over the first film layer.

Abstract: A window or door flashing or roofing material, containing no asphalt, either mechanically fastened or self-adhering comprising a mixture of: one or more ethylene based elastomers having a melting point below 160° F., in an amount of 10-40% based on the total weight of the product; one or more semi-crystalline, non-elastomer alpha olefin-based polymers having a melting point above 160° F. in an amount of about 10-40% based on the total weight of the product; and a rubber fraction of ground, vulcanized rubber having a size up to about 18 mesh, US Sieve Series, in an amount of about 10% to about 75%, based on the total weight of the product.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, A water-proofing laminate includes a drainboard having a first surface positioned against a hydraulic source and a second surface opposed to the first surface, a fastener plate positioned against the second surface of the drainboard securing the drainboard to the hydraulic surface, the fastener plate comprising a conductive element and a thermoplastic resin, and a self-healing hydraulic barrier comprising a thermoplastic surface adjoined to a geotextile and carrying a water-absorbent material, the thermoplastic surface inductively welded to the fastener plate.