Expansion capsule for deformation control of underground engineering and use method
By integrating monitoring sensors and control systems into the expansion capsule, real-time dynamic adjustment and uniform distribution of support force are achieved, solving the problems of uneven support force and inability to adjust it over a long period in complex geological environments, thus improving the safety and stability of underground engineering.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511395693.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing expansion pockets have poor support structure flexibility in underground engineering, cannot be dynamically adjusted in real time according to stratum deformation, and the uniformity and stability of support force are difficult to guarantee in complex geological environments, thus failing to meet the needs of long-term monitoring and adjustment.
An expansion capsule is designed, comprising a capsule body, an injection device, monitoring sensors, and a control system. The capsule is made of high-strength composite material and is internally divided into multiple independent gas or liquid chambers. The monitoring sensors monitor changes in formation stress in real time, and the control system dynamically adjusts the operation of the injection device to achieve multiple adjustments and uniform distribution of support force.
It enables flexible adjustment and uniform distribution of support force, adapts to long-term deformation control in complex geological environments, shortens the construction cycle, reduces costs, and improves the safety and stability of the project.
Smart Images

Figure CN121205656A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of civil engineering technology, and in particular relates to an expansion bladder for deformation control in underground engineering and its usage method. Background Technology
[0002] The development and utilization of underground space has become an important part of modern urban infrastructure construction. With the increasing scale of underground engineering projects, safety hazards caused by ground deformation during construction are becoming increasingly prominent. Underground structures such as tunnels, subways, underground parking garages, and underground utility tunnels are often located in complex geological environments, making ground deformation a significant concern. Under the influence of various factors such as their own weight, building loads, and changes in groundwater, the ground can experience settlement, deformation, and even collapse, threatening project safety and the surrounding environment.
[0003] Common deformation control technologies for underground engineering include anchor bolt support, steel arch frames, shotcrete reinforcement, and grouting. While these traditional support technologies can control deformation to some extent, their limitations are also significant. First, traditional support methods are complex to construct, time-consuming, and costly. Furthermore, in areas with complex geological conditions and large variations in ground stress, the support effect is often insufficient, failing to respond flexibly to ground deformation in a timely manner. Second, traditional support methods are mostly static, unable to adjust according to deformation during project operation, lacking long-term dynamic monitoring and support capabilities, and thus unable to adapt to the needs of long-term ground deformation.
[0004] Expansion capsule technology, as a novel deformation control method, has been widely used in underground engineering in recent years. Expansion capsules expand by injecting gas or liquid into them, rapidly providing support and reducing ground deformation. This support method is convenient to construct and offers adjustable support effects, making it particularly suitable for situations requiring emergency support in the short term or where localized deformation is significant. However, existing expansion capsule products also have some shortcomings in use. For example, existing expansion capsules typically only allow for one-time expansion and cannot adjust the support force multiple times; secondly, in complex geological environments, the uniformity and stability of the capsule's support force are difficult to guarantee, failing to meet the needs of long-term monitoring and adjustment.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an expansion capsule that can adjust the support strength in real time according to the deformation of the strata and adapt to complex geological environments, so as to solve the problems in the existing technology and ensure the safety and stability of underground engineering. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address the problems of poor support structure flexibility, inability to dynamically adjust in real time according to stratum deformation, and difficulty in meeting the long-term deformation control requirements in complex geological environments, the present invention provides an expansion capsule for deformation control in underground engineering and its usage method.
[0007] This invention is implemented as follows: an expansion capsule for deformation control in underground engineering, characterized by comprising a capsule body, an injection device, monitoring sensors, and a control system: the capsule body is made of high-strength composite material, and the interior of the capsule body is divided into multiple independent gas chambers or liquid chambers; the injection device is used to inject gas or liquid into the gas chambers or liquid chambers, causing the capsule body to expand and apply a supporting force to the surrounding strata; the monitoring sensors are installed in the capsule body or the surrounding strata to monitor stress changes in the strata in real time; the control system is communicatively connected to the monitoring sensors and the injection device, and is used to dynamically adjust the injection operation of the injection device according to the data from the monitoring sensors to control the expansion force of the capsule body.
[0008] In the above technical solution, preferably, the gas chamber or liquid chamber can be subjected to multiple inflation and deflation operations or multiple liquid injection and drainage operations to meet the needs of long-term or repeated formation deformation control.
[0009] In the above technical solution, preferably, the capsule body is suitable for at least one non-uniform geological condition among soft soil, sandy soil layer, and fault zone.
[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the control system can automatically adjust the injection pressure or injection volume of the injection device according to the real-time deformation information of the strata, so as to realize the dynamic adjustment of the support force.
[0011] In the above technical solution, preferably, the outer surface of the capsule body has wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
[0012] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for using an expansion bladder for deformation control in underground engineering, characterized by comprising the following steps: S1. Selection and preparation of expansion capsules: Select the appropriate type of expansion capsule based on the geological conditions and support requirements of the underground project; S2. Installation of the expansion capsule: Excavate a hole in the stratum area requiring support, place the expansion capsule in the hole, and connect the injection device and monitoring sensor; S3. Injection and expansion of the bladder: Gas or liquid is injected into the gas chamber or liquid chamber through the injection device to expand the bladder and provide support. S4. Dynamic adjustment of the dilatation sac: The support force of the sac is dynamically adjusted by the control system based on the real-time data from the monitoring sensors. S5. Maintenance and monitoring of the dilatation capsule: Regularly check the working status of the capsule, injection device and sensors to ensure long-term support effect.
[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the selection of the expansion bladder includes determining the size, shape, and configuration of the air or liquid chambers of the bladder based on the geological conditions of the support area, the construction space, and the characteristics of stratum deformation.
[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, the diameter and depth of the hole are matched with the size of the expansion capsule to ensure that the capsule is in close contact with the surrounding strata.
[0015] In the above technical solutions, preferably, the injection speed and pressure of the injected gas or liquid are controlled to prevent the formation from being damaged due to excessive expansion.
[0016] In the above technical solution, preferably, the dynamic adjustment includes multiple gas filling / draining or liquid injection / draining operations.
[0017] The expansion capsule and its application method for deformation control in underground engineering provided by this invention have significant advantages and positive effects.
[0018] This expansion capsule is made of high-strength composite materials, possessing excellent pressure resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. It can effectively withstand high stress in complex underground environments, ensuring the long-term durability and reliability of the support structure. Its innovative design, employing multiple independent gas or liquid chambers, allows for controlled, localized or overall expansion based on actual support needs, achieving uniform distribution of support force and significantly improving adaptability and support effectiveness under non-uniform geological conditions. By integrating advanced sensor and intelligent control systems, the expansion capsule can monitor key parameters such as formation stress and deformation in real time and dynamically adjust the support force based on the monitoring data, achieving proactive and precise control of formation deformation and significantly improving response speed and control accuracy. Compared to traditional support technologies, this capsule has the ability to be repeatedly filled and deflated with gas or liquid, allowing for repeated adjustment of the support state, perfectly adapting to long-term or periodic deformation control needs, and overcoming the limitations of traditional expansion capsules that are single-use and cannot be dynamically adjusted. In terms of construction, this expansion capsule is easy to install and flexible in its placement, making it particularly suitable for emergency support or situations with limited construction space, effectively shortening the construction cycle and reducing overall costs. Furthermore, this technology is widely applicable to various underground engineering scenarios such as tunnels, foundation pits, subways, and underground parking garages. It performs particularly well under adverse geological conditions such as soft soil and fault zones, providing a safe, efficient, and reliable deformation control solution for complex underground engineering projects, and has broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion bladder for deformation control in underground engineering provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention when it expands without being injected with gas or liquid. Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the expansion bladder for deformation control in underground engineering, provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention, during gas or liquid expansion. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.
[0021] To overcome the shortcomings of existing deformation control technologies in underground engineering, such as complex construction, slow response, inability to dynamically adjust, and the fact that most existing expansion bladders are single-use and lack uniformity and stability of support force, this invention provides an efficient, adjustable expansion bladder that can adapt to long-term deformation control needs, as well as a method of its use. The specific embodiments of this invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Please see Figure 1-2 An expansion bladder control system for deformation control in underground engineering includes an inflatable expansion bladder 1, an injected liquid expansion bladder 2, a control tube 3, an active control thread 7, stress-strain measurement sensor components 9-10, and an active control computer system 8.
[0022] The expansion capsule is made of high-strength composite material, possessing excellent properties such as pressure resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, enabling it to withstand high stress in complex underground environments. The capsule's interior is designed with multiple independent gas or liquid chambers, each of which can be inflated or injected with liquid via an independent injection device. This multi-chamber structure allows the expansion capsule to expand locally or entirely according to actual support needs during use, ensuring uniform distribution of support force. Furthermore, the expansion capsule is managed by a control system that can automatically adjust the support force based on real-time monitoring of formation stress changes, ensuring flexibility and adaptability of the support effect.
[0023] Selection and preparation of expansion chambers: 1. Gas chamber chamber; 2. Liquid chamber chamber. Installation of expansion chambers: Based on the predicted formation deformation and engineering design, drill holes or excavate working space in the area requiring support. Place the expansion chambers inside the holes, ensuring close contact between the chambers and the soil or rock mass of the support area. Multiple expansion chambers can be placed at multiple support points to form a multi-point support system, enhancing overall stability. Connect the injection device and sensor system, ensuring the injection device can smoothly inject gas or liquid into the gas or liquid chamber, while ensuring normal communication between the sensors and the control system. Injection and expansion of expansion chambers: Start the injection device and gradually inject gas into chamber 1 and liquid into chamber 2 according to the design pressure. The expansion rate needs to be controlled according to the soil deformation to avoid damage caused by excessive expansion. Monitor sensor data to provide real-time feedback on changes in formation deformation and support force. Adjust the injection pressure through the control system to achieve precise support. After reaching the predetermined expansion pressure, stop injection and maintain the chambers at the design pressure for stable operation. Dynamic adjustment and repeated inflation / deflation of the expansion chamber: The monitoring system continuously tracks changes in formation stress and deformation. Once insufficient support or stress changes are detected, the system automatically adjusts the pressure of the expansion chamber. If formation deformation intensifies, the control system instructs the injection device to continue injecting gas or liquid into the gas or liquid chamber to enhance support. If high formation stress leads to excessive support, the system activates the pressure relief device to release an appropriate amount of gas or liquid from the chamber, reducing support pressure and preventing secondary damage to the formation. During long-term operation, the expansion chamber can repeatedly undergo inflation / deflation or liquid injection operations to ensure optimal support performance, meeting the long-term deformation control requirements of underground engineering projects.
[0024] To enable real-time monitoring of formation deformation, the expansion chamber is equipped with multiple sensors capable of accurately detecting parameters such as stress changes, deformation rate, and direction around the chamber. This monitoring data is transmitted to the central control system via a data transmission system, which automatically adjusts the support force of the expansion chamber based on this real-time data. If formation stress changes, the system can instruct the injection device to inject gas or liquid into the gas or liquid chamber to enhance the support effect; when the support force is too high, the system can activate the venting device to reduce internal pressure and prevent excessive compression of the formation.
[0025] Another significant feature of the expansion capsule is its ability to be repeatedly inflated and deflated. Unlike traditional single-use expansion capsules, the expansion capsule of this invention can be repeatedly inflated and deflated to meet the needs of long-term or repeated formation deformation control. This ability to be repeatedly inflated and deflated is particularly suitable for situations where geological conditions change frequently, allowing the support scheme to be adjusted at any time according to the actual deformation of the formation, ensuring the long-term safety of the project.
[0026] The aforementioned expansion capsule for deformation control in underground engineering and its application method include the following steps: S1. Selection and Preparation of Expansion Bursts: When using expansion bursts in underground engineering, the first step is to select a suitable burst model based on the specific needs of the project and geological conditions. The size, shape, and configuration of the gas or liquid chambers of the expansion burst must take into account the geological conditions of the support area, the construction space, and the deformation characteristics of the strata. For underground engineering projects under complex geological conditions, such as soft soil layers and fault zones, it is recommended to select expansion bursts made of multi-layer composite materials to ensure sufficient pressure resistance and durability. After selecting a suitable burst model, it is also necessary to check the burst's sealing performance, the connection of the injection pipe and the sensor to ensure smooth installation and use.
[0027] S2. Installation of the expansion capsule: At the project site, excavate appropriately sized holes in the strata requiring support according to the design plan. The diameter and depth of the holes should match the size of the expansion capsule to ensure that the capsule can be smoothly inserted and in close contact with the surrounding soil or rock. During installation, ensure that the injection pipes and monitoring sensors of the expansion capsule are correctly arranged and connected to the ground control system for easy subsequent operation and monitoring.
[0028] S3. Injection and Expansion of the Expansion Bag: After installation, gas or liquid is injected into the gas or liquid chamber of the expansion bag using the injection device. The injection speed and pressure should be controlled according to site conditions and design requirements. After the expansion bag expands, the internal pressure is transmitted to the surrounding strata through the outer wall of the bag, thereby providing support to the surrounding soil or rock mass. During the injection process, the control system adjusts the injection volume based on real-time monitored sensor data to ensure uniform distribution of support force during expansion and to avoid over- or under-expansion.
[0029] S4. Dynamic Adjustment and Multiple Inflation / Depression Operations of Expansion Burrs: During actual construction or operation, the deformation of the formation may change over time. Expansion burrs can undergo multiple inflation / depression operations based on sensor monitoring data to dynamically adjust the support force. This capability is particularly important in situations involving weak formations, significant changes in ground stress, or large long-term deformation.
[0030] S5. Maintenance and Monitoring of Expansion Burrs: For long-term use in underground engineering, routine maintenance and monitoring of expansion burrs are crucial to ensuring their support effectiveness. Through real-time data feedback from sensor systems and the control center, engineers can monitor the working status of the support points and promptly detect anomalies. While the expansion burr materials possess anti-aging and anti-corrosion properties, enabling stable operation over extended periods, regular inspections of the piping, seals, and sensors are still necessary.
[0031] During use, the expansion capsules can be flexibly arranged according to construction conditions. The capsules can be placed in the strata requiring support through pre-dug holes and then expanded using an injection device. The expansion capsules can tightly conform to the surrounding soil or rock mass, thus providing effective support. The installation process is simple and convenient, making it particularly suitable for emergency situations requiring rapid support.
[0032] Applications of expandable capsules in various underground engineering projects: Tunnel engineering: During tunnel excavation, expandable capsules can be used for support in areas with weak and highly deformable strata. Through rapid expansion, the expandable capsules can provide timely support, avoiding the risk of tunnel collapse. Underground parking garage and foundation pit engineering: In the excavation of underground parking garages and deep foundation pits, expandable capsules can be arranged according to different geological conditions and support requirements to prevent foundation pit deformation and settlement of surrounding buildings. Subway construction: Soft soil layers in subway tunnels and station areas often face settlement problems. Expandable capsules can effectively control settlement, ensuring the safe construction and operation of subway projects.
[0033] The expansion capsule of this invention is suitable for various complex underground engineering environments, and has significant advantages, especially in non-uniform geological conditions such as soft soil layers and fault zones. Furthermore, the material of the expansion capsule has strong anti-aging properties, enabling long-term stable operation and extending the service life of the support device. Its dynamic adjustment function can adjust in real time according to deformation during engineering operation, ensuring that stratum deformation remains within a controllable range.
[0034] The expansion capsule technology of this invention not only solves the problems of complex construction and untimely response in current underground engineering deformation control, but also provides a more flexible and reliable support solution for projects in complex geological environments. Its multiple inflation / deflation and dynamic adjustment functions significantly improve the applicability and support effect of the expansion capsule, making this invention widely applicable in the field of underground engineering support.
[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An expanding bladder for deformation control of underground works, characterised in that, The application relates to a kind of inflatable expansion shell and its installation method. The inflatable expansion shell comprises: a shell body made of high-strength composite material, which is internally partitioned to form multiple independent gas chambers or liquid chambers; an injection device for injecting gas or liquid into the gas chambers or liquid chambers to inflate the shell body and exert a supporting force on the surrounding stratum; a monitoring sensor arranged in the shell body or the surrounding stratum for real-time monitoring of stress changes in the stratum; 2. The dilation balloon of claim 1, wherein: a control system in communication with the monitoring sensor and the injection device for dynamically adjusting the injection operation of the injection device according to the data of the monitoring sensor to control the expansion force of the shell body.
3. The dilation balloon of claim 1, wherein: The gas chambers or liquid chambers can be inflated and deflated multiple times or injected and drained multiple times to adapt to long-term or repeated stratum deformation control requirements.
4. The dilation balloon of claim 1, wherein: The shell body is suitable for at least one of the following non-uniform geological conditions: soft soil, sandy soil layer, and fault zone.
5. The dilation balloon of claim 1, wherein: The control system can automatically adjust the injection pressure or injection volume of the injection device according to real-time stratum deformation information to achieve dynamic adjustment of the supporting force.
6. A method of using an expanding bladder for deformation control of underground works, characterised in that, The outer surface of the shell body has wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The method comprises the following steps: S1. Selection and preparation of the inflatable expansion shell: selecting a suitable model of the inflatable expansion shell according to the geological conditions and supporting requirements of the underground project; S2. Installation of the inflatable expansion shell: excavating a hole in the stratum area that needs to be supported, placing the inflatable expansion shell in the hole, and connecting the injection device and the monitoring sensor; S3. Injection and inflation of the inflatable expansion shell: injecting gas or liquid into the gas chambers or liquid chambers through the injection device to inflate the shell body and provide a supporting force; S4. Dynamic adjustment of the inflatable expansion shell: dynamically adjusting the supporting force of the shell body through the control system according to the real-time data of the monitoring sensor; 7. The method of use of claim 6, wherein: S5. Maintenance and monitoring of the inflatable expansion shell: regularly checking the working status of the shell body, injection device, and sensor to ensure long-term supporting effect.
8. The method of use of claim 6, wherein: In step S1, the selection of the inflatable expansion shell includes determining the size, shape, and configuration of the gas chambers or liquid chambers according to the geological conditions, construction space, and stratum deformation characteristics of the supporting area.
9. The method of use of claim 6, wherein: In step S2, the diameter and depth of the hole are matched with the size of the inflatable expansion shell to ensure that the shell body is in close contact with the surrounding stratum.
10. The method of use of claim 6, wherein: In step S3, the injection of gas or liquid controls the injection speed and pressure to avoid damage to the stratum due to rapid inflation. In step S4, the dynamic adjustment includes multiple inflation and deflation or injection and drainage operations.
Citation Information
Cited By
Intelligent control corrugated pipe pressure test device
CN121702906A