Ptolemy pipe apparatus and method for underwater placement of solidified material

Abstract

The present invention provides a tremie pipe apparatus and a method for casting solidified materials underwater that can suppress the separation of solidified materials underwater while enabling the casting of thinner layers over a wider area. [Solution] With a bottom plate 6a placed at a distance below the lower end opening 2a of the tremie pipe 2 and resting on the seabed F, the solidifying material S supplied to the tremie pipe 2 is allowed to flow out from the lower end opening 2a, and the solidifying material S is allowed to flow between a cover body 5 having an upper surface portion 5a that protrudes in a flange-like manner from the lower end of the tremie pipe 2 and a side portion 5b that covers the side of the lower end opening 2a, and a receiving body 6 having a bottom plate 6a and a cylindrical portion 6b, thereby being driven laterally from between the side portion 5b and the bottom plate 6a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tremie pipe apparatus and a method for placing solidified material underwater, and more particularly, to a tremie pipe apparatus and a method for placing solidified material underwater that can place the solidified material in a thinner layer over a wider range underwater while suppressing underwater separation of the solidified material.

Background Art

[0002] When performing embankment, reclamation, backfilling in water, or covering underwater ground, a tremie pipe is sometimes used to place solidified material such as solidified soil into water. Various methods for placing such solidified material into water have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Meanwhile, since such solidified material has appropriate viscosity, when it is placed into water using a simple tremie pipe, it rises up around the tremie pipe and deposits in a cone shape. Therefore, it is difficult to deposit the placed solidified material in a thin layer. If the placement speed of the solidified material is excessively high, the solidified material will separate and diffuse in water, causing changes in density, strength reduction and other problems of the placed solidified material, which affects quality. For this reason, it is necessary to appropriately suppress the placement speed, but this results in a disadvantage when placing the solidified material over a wide range.

[0004] In the underwater placement method proposed in Patent Document 1, the outer peripheral side of the lower end portion of the tremie pipe is surrounded by a cylindrical member with openings at the upper and lower ends. A flow rectifying member is installed at the lower end of the tremie pipe, so that the reclamation material flowing out to the lower end of the tremie pipe collides with the inner surface of the cylindrical member via the flow rectifying member to attenuate the momentum of the reclamation material (see paragraph 0017, FIG. 7, etc.). This reduces the outflow speed of the reclamation material, which is advantageous for suppressing underwater separation. However, since the reclamation material flows out from the upper end opening of the cylindrical member and spreads to the surroundings, it still rises up around the tremie pipe and deposits in a cone shape. Therefore, there is still room for improvement to place the solidified material in a thinner layer over a wider range while suppressing underwater separation of the solidified material.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-266336 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a tremie pipe apparatus and a method for casting solidified material underwater that can be cast in a thinner layer over a wider area while suppressing the separation of the solidified material underwater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the tremie tube apparatus of the present invention comprises a tremie tube, a receiving body having a bottom plate positioned opposite the lower end opening of the tremie tube at a distance below the lower end opening, and a cover body having an upper surface portion that flanges outward from the outer circumference of the tremie tube at the lower end of the tremie tube, characterized in that the solidification material supplied to the tremie tube flows out from the lower end opening and is cast laterally between the upper surface portion and the bottom plate.

[0008] The present invention relates to a method for casting a solidified material underwater, which involves casting the solidified material into water using the above-described tremie pipe device, characterized in that, with the bottom plate resting on the target area underwater, the solidified material is supplied to the tremie pipe and allowed to flow out from the lower end opening, and then cast laterally between the upper surface and the bottom plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when the solidifying material supplied to the tremie pipe flows downward from the lower end opening, it collides with the bottom plate and then changes direction to flow laterally, thereby suppressing the pouring speed of the solidifying material to some extent. Therefore, it is advantageous in suppressing the problem of the solidifying material separating in water due to an excessively fast pouring speed. Consequently, it becomes possible to ensure high quality for the poured solidifying material. Furthermore, the upward flow of the solidifying material flowing out from the lower end opening is restricted by the upper surface, and the solidifying material is poured laterally from between the upper surface and the bottom plate. Therefore, it is advantageous to pour the solidifying material into the water in a thinner layer over a wider area. Consequently, compared to the case where the solidifying material piles up high and accumulates in a cone shape around the tremie pipe, it becomes possible to form a thin layer of the solidifying material in fewer pours over the required construction area without unnecessarily increasing the thickness of the solidifying material. Furthermore, since the solidification material can be stably poured with the bottom plate resting on the target area underwater, it becomes increasingly advantageous for improving the efficiency of the pouring work and the quality of the poured solidification material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an embodiment of the tremie tube apparatus of the present invention in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a magnified view of the area around the lower end of the tremie tube. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating a plunger. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the bottom plate is resting on the seabed. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a vertical cross-sectional view of a tremie tube filled with air. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the inside of the tremie tube is filled with solidifying material. [Figure 9]It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of solidified material at the lower end of the tremie pipe in Fig. 8. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the solidified material in Fig. 9 is placed on underwater ground. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the solidified material of Fig. 10 in a plan view. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the tremie pipe of Fig. 10 is moved upward after placing the solidified material. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of a bottom plate in a plan view. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the periphery of the lower end of a tremie pipe according to another embodiment in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Fig. 14. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 14. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where solidified material is placed on underwater ground using the tremie pipe of Fig. 14. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating the periphery of the lower end of a tremie pipe according to still another embodiment in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 18. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the tremie pipe apparatus and the underwater placement method for solidified material of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0012] The embodiment of the tremie pipe apparatus 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 comprises a tremie pipe 2, a cover body 5 protruding outward in a flange shape at the lower end of the tremie pipe 2, and a receiving body 6 disposed below the tremie pipe 2. The tremie pipe apparatus 1 further comprises a plunger 8 disposed inside the tremie pipe 2. The plunger 8 can be optionally provided. This tremie pipe apparatus 1 is used for placing solidified material S into a target area in water. The placement of the solidified material S is not limited to the sea, and various underwater environments such as rivers, lakes and marshes, and reservoirs are targeted.

[0013] In this embodiment, a straight cylindrical steel pipe is used as the tremie pipe 2. The upper end opening of the tremie pipe 2 is sealed by a detachable upper cover 3. For example, the inner diameter of the tremie pipe 2 is approximately 80 mm to 150 mm, and the overall length is approximately 3 m to 10 m.

[0014] A supply pipe 4 is connected to the upper end of the tremie pipe 2. As the supply pipe 4, various known pipes and hoses that connect the supply source of the solidified material S and the tremie pipe 2 are used.

[0015] A suspension wire 10 is attached to the upper end of the tremie pipe 2, and via this suspension wire 10, the tremie pipe device 1 is suspended by a crane or the like so as to be able to move up and down at a desired position. Further, a locking portion for locking a plunger 8 is provided inside the upper end of the tremie pipe 2.

[0016] The cover body 5 has an annular upper surface portion 5a and a cylindrical side portion 5b extending downward from the upper surface portion 5a. The upper surface portion 5a protrudes in a flange shape from the outer peripheral surface of the tremie pipe 2 to the outer peripheral side in the horizontal direction. The cover body 5 (the upper surface portion 5a) and the tremie pipe 2 are joined, for example, by welding or the like. The side portion 5b is spaced apart from the lower end opening 2a, arranged on the outer peripheral side of the lower end opening 2a, and is in a state of being externally fitted onto the tremie pipe 2. The upper end opening of the side portion 5b is closed by the upper surface portion 5a. The area above the periphery of the lower end opening 2a of the tremie pipe 2 is covered by the upper surface portion 5a, and the side of the lower end opening 2a is covered by the side portion 5b.

[0017] The receiver body 6 has a disk-shaped bottom plate 6a extending in the horizontal direction and a cylindrical portion 6b extending upward from the bottom plate 6a. The bottom plate 6a is opposed to the lower side of the lower end opening 2a of the tremie pipe 2 with a gap h therebetween. The bottom plate 6a is not limited to a circular shape, and various shapes such as a quadrangle or polygons with more sides can be employed, for example. It is preferable that the bottom plate 6a extends to the outer peripheral side beyond the side portion 5b as in the present embodiment.

[0018] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 6b is a cylindrical body, and the lower end opening of the cylindrical portion 6b is closed by the bottom plate 6a. The upper part of the cylindrical portion 6b is covered by the upper surface portion 5a, which is positioned above the cylindrical portion 6b at a distance. The cylindrical portion 6b is positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening 2a and is externally fitted onto the tremie pipe 2, and is positioned on the inner circumference side of the side portion 5b and is internally fitted onto the side portion 5b. The solidification material S flows out through the gap g between the bottom plate 6a and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 6b, as illustrated in Figure 2, and is cast into the target area in the water.

[0019] As illustrated in Figure 2, the cover body 5 and the receiving body 6 are connected by a connecting body 7. More specifically, a rod-shaped connecting body 7 erected on the bottom plate 6a penetrates the upper surface portion 5a vertically. Nuts (double nuts) 7a that screw onto the connecting body 7 are placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the upper surface portion 5a, respectively. By manipulating (rotating) these nuts 7a, the receiving body 6 moves up and down, moving closer to and further away from the cover body 5 and the lower end opening 2a of the tremie tube 2.

[0020] Therefore, the connecting body 7 and the nut 7a are variable mechanisms that change the vertical distance between the bottom plate 6a and the cover body 5 (side portion 5b), and are also variable mechanisms that change the distance h between the bottom plate 6a and the lower end opening 2a of the tremie tube 2. In this embodiment, four connecting bodies 7 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with the tremie tube 2 as the center, but the number of connecting bodies 7 can be any number, such as two, three, or five or more. In this embodiment, each connecting body 7 is arranged in the range sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the side portion 5b and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 6b, but it is also possible to have a structure in which they are arranged in the range sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 6b and the outer circumferential surface of the tremie tube 2.

[0021] The variable mechanism is not limited to this, and various known mechanisms can be adopted as long as the vertical distance between the base plate 6a and the cover body 5 (side portion 5b) can be changed. The variable mechanisms 7 and 7a can be provided as desired, and the vertical distance between the base plate 6a and the cover body 5 (side portion 5b) can be fixed by not having the variable mechanisms 7 and 7a. Providing the variable mechanisms 7 and 7a has the advantage that the gap g between the base plate 6a and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 6b can be adjusted to any desired size, and the distance h between the base plate 6a and the lower end opening 2a of the tremie tube 2 can also be adjusted. Note that the connecting body 7 and nut 7a are not shown in Figures 1, 6 to 10, and 12.

[0022] The plunger 8 is inserted into the tremie tube 2 through the upper opening after removing the top cover 3. The outer diameter of the plunger 8 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tremie tube 2. The plunger 8 is secured to a locking mechanism inside the upper end of the tremie tube 2 by a locking device 9, such as a wire. For example, an eyebolt is provided protruding from the underside of the top cover 3, and the plunger 8 is secured by hooking the hook portion of the tip of the locking device 9 onto this eyebolt. In this embodiment, the plunger 8 is positioned near the connection point between the tremie tube 2 and the supply pipe 4. Furthermore, one end of a sufficiently long string (a string longer than the total length of the tremie tube 2) is connected to the plunger 8, and the other end is connected to a locking mechanism inside the upper end of the tremie tube 2. It is also possible to omit the connection of this long string to the plunger 8.

[0023] As illustrated in Figure 5, the plunger 8 has a disc-shaped plate portion 8a and an annular ring portion 8b facing each other, and the two are connected and integrated by a rod 8c. In Figure 5, four rods 8c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the plate portion 8a and the ring portion 8b. The number of connecting members 7 is not particularly limited and may be two, three, or five or more. The height of the plunger 8 is set to be greater than the vertical distance h between the bottom plate 6a and the lower end opening 2a. The plunger 8 is made of, for example, steel. The plunger 8 is placed inside the tremie pipe 2 with the plate portion 8a facing downwards. The plate portion 8a is set at a height equivalent to, or slightly lower than, the connection position between the tremie pipe 2 and the supply pipe 4. Note that the plunger 8 is not limited to the structure illustrated in Figure 5.

[0024] Next, we will explain an example of the procedure for placing solidified material S into water using the tremie pipe device 1.

[0025] The solidifying material S to be poured into water is manufactured, for example, at a plant constructed near the pouring site. The solidifying material S is manufactured by mixing and stirring, for example, soil, water (seawater), cement, etc. The solidifying material S is a material that solidifies over time, and various known materials that have appropriate viscosity and undergo underwater separation when poured into water can be cited as examples.

[0026] This plant, which is the source of the solidification material S, and the tremie pipe 2 are connected by a supply pipe 4. The solidification material S is pumped from the plant to the tremie pipe 2 through the supply pipe 4 by known pumps. In this embodiment, since air Ar is supplied to the tremie pipe 2, an air supply means is also provided. For example, air Ar is pumped to the tremie pipe 2 through the supply pipe 4 using a compressor or a pump that pumps the solidification material S as the air supply means.

[0027] As illustrated in Figure 6, a tremie pipe 2 with a plunger 8 inside is installed in the target area underwater. Then, a crane is operated to move the tremie pipe 2 downwards, and the bottom plate 6a is brought to rest on the seabed F of the target area. Since the bottom plate 6a is brought to rest on the seabed F, the tremie pipe 2 is in a stable upright position.

[0028] Water (seawater) W is present inside the tremie pipe 2, which is erected in water. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 7, air Ar is supplied to the tremie pipe 2 through the supply pipe 4 to fill the entire interior of the tremie pipe 2 with air. Since there is a small gap between the plate portion 8a of the plunger 8 and the inner surface of the tremie pipe 2, even if the plunger 8 is positioned inside the tremie pipe 2, air can be smoothly filled into the entire interior of the tremie pipe 2. In this embodiment, air Ar is also filled into the interior of the cover body 5 and the cylindrical portion 6b. By filling the interior of the tremie pipe 2 with air Ar before supplying the solidification material S to the tremie pipe 2, it is possible to prevent the solidification material S from coming into contact with water W. That is, the opportunity (time) for the solidification material S to come into contact with water W can be reduced, which is advantageous for improving the quality of the cast solidification material S.

[0029] Next, as illustrated in Figure 8, the solidifying material S is pumped through the supply pipe 4 into the tremie tube 2, which is filled with air Ar. The solidifying material S supplied to the supply pipe 4 fills the entire tremie tube 2, displacing the air Ar that was previously filled in. Since there is only a small gap between the plate portion 8a of the plunger 8 and the inner surface of the tremie tube 2, the plate portion 8a is pressed downward by the solidifying material S supplied to the tremie tube 2, and consequently, the locking device 9 disengages from the locking part inside the tremie tube 2. As a result, the plunger 8 moves downward to the lower end opening 2a of the tremie tube 2 while being pressed by the solidifying material S. The plunger 8 (plate portion 8a) comes into contact with the bottom plate 6a, restricting its downward movement and stopping.

[0030] By placing the plunger 8 inside the tremie pipe 2, the solidifying material S pressing against the plunger 8 functions so that even if water W remains inside the tremie pipe 2, the plunger 8 (plate portion 8a) acts to block the water W from the solidifying material S, thus preventing the solidifying material S from coming into contact with the water W. In other words, the opportunity (time) for the solidifying material S to come into contact with water W can be reduced, which is advantageous for improving the quality of the cast solidifying material S.

[0031] In this embodiment, the height of the plunger 8 is set to be greater than the vertical distance h between the bottom plate 6a and the lower end opening 2a. Therefore, the plunger 8 is held at the lower end of the tremie tube 2 in a state where it protrudes downward from the lower end opening 2a.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 8, the plunger 8 held at the lower end of the tremie tube 2 has a ring portion 8b at its upper end and a rod-shaped portion 8c on its side. This allows the solidifying material S continuously supplied to the tremie tube 2 to pass through the plunger 8, as illustrated in Figure 9. As a result, the solidifying material S that flows out from the lower end opening 2a of the tremie tube 2 flows to fill the inside of the cylindrical portion 6b and the cover body 5.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 10, the solidifying material S that has flowed between the cover body 5 and the receiving body 6 flows out laterally through the gap g between the side portion 5b and the bottom plate 6a and is deposited into the seabed ground F of the target area. That is, as illustrated in Figure 11, in a plan view, the solidifying material S is deposited along the seabed ground F in all directions with the tremie pipe 2 as the center.

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 12, once the required amount of solidifying material S has been poured and one pour is complete, the tremie pipe 2 is moved upward. When the tremie pipe 2 is moved upward, a recess is temporarily formed where the receiving body 6 was installed, but this recess disappears as the solidifying material S, which has just been poured, flows and fills it. The tremie pipe 2 is then sequentially moved to the next pouring position, and pouring is performed at each pouring position using the same procedure as above. In this way, the solidifying material S is poured over the required construction area, and a thin layer of solidifying material S is formed. The plunger 8, which is held at the lower end of the tremie pipe 2, can be removed from the tremie pipe 2 by removing the top cover 3 and pulling it up using the string attached to the plunger 8. If a long string is not attached to the plunger 8, the upper nut 7a is operated to separate the receiving body 6 from the cover body 5, and the plunger 8 is removed from the tremie pipe 2.

[0035] When this tremie pipe device 1 is used, the solidification material S supplied to the tremie pipe 2 flows downward from the lower end opening 2a, collides with the bottom plate 6a, and then changes direction to flow laterally, thereby suppressing the pouring speed of the solidification material S to some extent. This prevents underwater separation from occurring when the poured solidification material S entrains water W due to an excessively fast pouring speed. Consequently, problems such as the solidification material S poured into the water changing density more than expected or decreasing in strength are avoided, and high quality can be ensured. In particular, in this embodiment, the solidification material S flows through a labyrinthine space formed between the cover body 5 and the receiving body 6, which increases flow resistance and is even more advantageous in avoiding an excessive pouring speed of the solidification material S. In addition, in this embodiment, the opening area (flow path cross-sectional area) due to the gap between the cover body 5 and the receiving body 6 is large relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the tremie pipe 2, which is advantageous in suppressing the pouring speed when the solidification material S flows at a constant flow rate.

[0036] The upward flow of the solidifying material S that flows out from the lower end opening 2a is restricted by the upper surface portion 5a, and the solidifying material S is poured laterally through the gap g between the side portion 5b and the bottom plate 6a. In other words, the pouring direction of the solidifying material S is generally one direction parallel to the bottom ground F, which is advantageous for pouring the solidifying material S into the water in a thinner layer over a wider area. As a result, the solidifying material S does not pile up high around the tremie pipe 2 and accumulate in a cone shape, and it becomes possible to form a thin layer of solidifying material S in the required construction area with fewer pouring attempts without making the solidifying material S unnecessarily thick.

[0037] To cast the solidifying material S in a desired thin layer over a wide area, setting the gap g between the bottom plate 6a and the lower end of the cylindrical section 6b is crucial. Depending on the properties of the solidifying material S (viscosity, density, etc.) and various conditions such as the casting speed, the appropriate size of the gap g for casting the solidifying material S in a desired thin layer over a wide area will vary. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the appropriate gap g for the various conditions during construction through prior testing. Then, during construction, the nut 7a is operated to set the appropriate gap g for those conditions.

[0038] There is a suitable range for the distance h between the bottom plate 6a and the lower end opening 2a, so the appropriate range should be determined through prior testing, and the distance h should be set to that determined appropriate range. In order to ensure that the solidified material S flowing out from the lower end opening 2a flows into the inside of the cylindrical section 6b, it is preferable that the lower end opening 2a be located lower than the upper end of the cylindrical section 6b.

[0039] In a comparative test, when solidification material S was poured into water under the same conditions using a general tremie pipe without cover body 5 and support body 6 and the embodiment of the tremie pipe device 1 described above, the slope of the solidification material S poured using the general tremie pipe was approximately 1:3 to 1:4. On the other hand, the slope of the solidification material S poured using this embodiment was approximately 1:8 to 1:9, resulting in a gentler slope that makes it possible to suppress cone-shaped bulging.

[0040] In this embodiment, the tremie pipe 2 can be stably erected with the base plate 6a resting on the target area of ​​the seabed ground F. Even if the seabed ground F is uneven, the presence of the base plate 6a allows the tremie pipe 2 to be quickly installed in the desired position without having to frequently adjust its vertical position. This is advantageous for improving the efficiency of the pouring work. Furthermore, since the solidification material S can be poured into the seabed ground F at a constant pipe height, it is advantageous for suppressing variations in the quality of the poured solidification material S.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 12, solidified material S remains inside the tremie pipe 2 after it has been poured. In this embodiment, the solidified material S remaining inside the cylindrical section 6b acts as a plug that blocks water W from entering the tremie pipe 2 until the next pouring position is reached and the solidified material S is poured. Therefore, only the solidified material S acting as this plug comes into contact with water W, minimizing contact between the solidified material S remaining inside the tremie pipe 2 and water W. Consequently, a deterioration in the quality of the solidified material S poured at the next pouring position can be avoided.

[0042] As illustrated in Figure 13, the bottom plate 6a can also have holes 6c in the outer circumferential portion of the cylindrical portion 6b. In Figure 13, four holes 6c are arranged in the circumferential direction, but the number, shape, and size of the holes 6c are not particularly limited. By providing holes 6c in the bottom plate 6a in this way, when the tremie tube 2 is moved upward as illustrated in Figure 12, the solidified material S that has been cast passes through the holes 6c. Therefore, the recess that is temporarily formed at the position where the support body 6 was installed can be reduced, which is advantageous in avoiding unnecessary deformation of the solidified material S that has been cast.

[0043] Another embodiment of the tremie pipe apparatus 1 illustrated in Figures 14 to 16 differs from the previous embodiment in the configuration of the receiving body 6, while the other configurations are substantially the same. In this embodiment, the receiving body 6 has a bottom plate 6a but does not have a cylindrical portion 6b. The plunger 8 is not shown, but it can be provided or omitted. The procedure for placing the solidifying material S into the water using this embodiment is the same as in the previous embodiment.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 17, in this embodiment, the solidification material S that flows out of the lower end opening 2a of the tremie pipe 2 flows to fill the inside of the cover body 5, and flows out laterally through the gap g between the side portion 5b and the bottom plate 6a, and is cast into the seabed ground F of the target area. Since there is no cylindrical portion 6b as in the previous embodiment, the effect of suppressing the casting speed of the solidification material S is smaller compared to the previous embodiment. However, since the solidification material S is cast laterally through the gap g, it is possible to suppress the solidification material S from rising in a cone shape around the tremie pipe 2, and to cast it into the water in a thin layer over a wide area.

[0045] In order to suppress the pouring speed of the solidifying material S, in this embodiment the connecting body 7 is made larger in diameter compared to the previous embodiment. In this way, by increasing the diameter of the connecting body 7 and / or increasing the number of connecting bodies 7, the flow resistance of the solidifying material S can be increased, thereby suppressing the pouring speed of the solidifying material S.

[0046] Another embodiment of the tremie tube apparatus 1 illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16 in the configuration of the cover body 5, but the other configurations are substantially the same. Although the plunger 8 is not shown, it can be provided or omitted. In this embodiment, the cover body 5 is an inclined surface whose upper surface 5a slopes downward toward the outer circumference. In other words, this inclined surface functions as an upper surface 5a and a side surface 5b. Because the upper surface 5a is inclined, a horizontal base is formed in the portion of the upper surface 5a that the nut 7a abuts.

[0047] In this embodiment, the procedure for placing the solidifying material S in water is the same as in the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the solidifying material S that flows out of the lower end opening 2a of the tremie pipe 2 flows to fill the inside of the cover body 5, and flows out laterally from the gap g between the upper part 5a (side part 5b) and the bottom plate 6a, and is placed on the seabed ground F of the target area. Since the solidifying material S is placed laterally from the gap g, it is possible to suppress the solidifying material S from rising in a cone shape around the tremie pipe 2, and to place it in water in a thin layer over a wide area.

[0048] In this embodiment as well, as illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 16, the diameter of the connecting body 7 can be increased and / or the number of connecting bodies 7 can be increased to increase the flow resistance of the solidifying material S and suppress the pouring speed of the solidifying material S. Also in this embodiment as well, as illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, a cylindrical portion 6b can be provided in the receiving body 6.

[0049] In each of the embodiments described above, the step of filling the inside of the tremie tube 2 with air Ar before supplying the solidifying material S to the tremie tube 2 can be omitted. In this case, when the solidifying material S is supplied to the tremie tube 2, water W is present inside the tremie tube 2, so the lower end portion of the solidifying material S filled in the tremie tube 2 comes into contact with the water W. As a result, the solidifying material S comes into contact with the water W and separates slightly, but the solidifying material S flows out laterally from the gap g between the upper surface 5a (side surface 5b) and the bottom plate 6a and is cast, so that the solidifying material S does not rise in a cone shape around the tremie tube 2, and can be cast in water over a wide area in a thin layer.

[0050] If the step of filling the inside of the tremie tube 2 with air Ar before supplying the solidifying material S to the tremie tube 2 is omitted, it is preferable to place a plunger 8 inside the tremie tube 2. The plunger 8 (plate portion 8a) functions to block water W from coming into contact with the solidifying material S, thus preventing the solidifying material S from coming into contact with water W. This is advantageous for improving the quality of the cast solidifying material S even while omitting the step of filling the inside of the tremie tube 2 with air Ar. In other words, filling the inside of the tremie tube 2 with air Ar before supplying the solidifying material S to the tremie tube 2, and placing a plunger 8 inside the tremie tube 2, is extremely advantageous for improving the quality of the cast solidifying material S.

[0051] This disclosure encompasses the following inventions. Invention 1: The device comprises a tremie tube, a support body having a bottom plate positioned at a distance below the lower end opening of the tremie tube and opposite to the lower end opening, and a cover body having an upper surface portion that flanges outwards on the outer circumference of the tremie tube at the lower end of the tremie tube. A tremie tube apparatus configured such that the solidified material supplied to the tremie tube flows out from the lower end opening and is cast laterally between the upper surface and the bottom plate. Invention 2: The tremie tube apparatus according to Invention 1, wherein the cover body has a side portion that is spaced apart from the lower end opening and positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening, and the side of the lower end opening is covered by the side portion. Invention 3: The tremie tube apparatus according to Invention 1, wherein the receiving body has a cylindrical portion erected on the bottom plate and having an open upper end, the cylindrical portion is positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening, and the upper part of the cylindrical portion is covered by the upper surface portion which is positioned above the cylindrical portion at a distance. Invention 4: The tremie tube apparatus according to Invention 2, wherein the receiving body has a cylindrical portion erected on the bottom plate and having an open upper end, the cylindrical portion being positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening, the upper part of the cylindrical portion being covered by the upper surface portion positioned at a distance above the cylindrical portion, and the side of the cylindrical portion being covered by the side portion positioned at a distance on the outer circumference side of the cylindrical portion. Invention 5: A tremie tube apparatus according to any one of inventions 1 to 4, having a variable mechanism for changing the vertical distance between the bottom plate and the cover body. Invention 6: A tremie tube apparatus according to any one of inventions 1 to 5, comprising a plunger disposed inside the tremie tube, wherein the plunger, pressed by the solidifying material supplied to the tremie tube, protrudes from the lower end opening, thereby causing the solidifying material to flow out from the lower end opening. Invention 7: The tremie tube apparatus according to Invention 6, wherein the plunger protruding from the lower end opening is held at the lower end of the tremie tube by the bottom plate, with its downward movement restricted. Invention 8: A method for casting solidified material underwater, comprising casting the solidified material into water using a tremie pipe device described in any of Inventions 1 to 7, An underwater method for casting solidified material, wherein the bottom plate is placed on the bottom of a target area in the water, the solidified material is supplied to the tremie pipe and allowed to flow out from the lower end opening, thereby casting the material laterally between the upper surface and the bottom plate. Invention 9: The method for casting a solidified material underwater according to Invention 8, wherein air is supplied to the tremie pipe to fill the tremie pipe with air, and the solidified material is then supplied to the tremie pipe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Ptolemy tube apparatus 2 Ptolemy tubes 2a Bottom opening 3 Top lid 4 Supply pipe 5 Cover body 5a Top part 5b Side 6. Receiving body 6a Bottom plate 6b Cylinder part 6c hole 7. Connecting unit (variable mechanism) 7a Nut (adjustable mechanism) 8 plungers 8a Plate section 8b Ring section 8c rod 9. Locking device 10 Suspension wires Ar (Air) S Solidified material F Underwater ground W Water (seawater)

Claims

1. The device comprises a tremie tube, a support body having a bottom plate positioned at a distance below the lower end opening of the tremie tube and opposite to the lower end opening, and a cover body having an upper surface portion that flanges outwards on the outer circumference of the tremie tube at the lower end of the tremie tube. A tremie tube apparatus configured such that the solidified material supplied to the tremie tube flows out from the lower end opening and is cast laterally between the upper surface and the bottom plate.

2. The tremie tube apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover body has a side portion that is spaced apart from the lower end opening and positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening, and the side of the lower end opening is covered by the side portion.

3. The tremie tube apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving body has a cylindrical portion erected on the bottom plate and having an open upper end, the cylindrical portion being positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening, and the upper part of the cylindrical portion being covered by the upper surface portion positioned above the cylindrical portion at a distance.

4. The tremie tube apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving body has a cylindrical portion erected on the bottom plate and having an open upper end, the cylindrical portion being positioned on the outer circumference side of the lower end opening, the upper part of the cylindrical portion being covered by the upper surface portion positioned at a distance above the cylindrical portion, and the side of the cylindrical portion being covered by the side portion positioned at a distance on the outer circumference side of the cylindrical portion.

5. The tremie tube apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a variable mechanism for changing the vertical distance between the bottom plate and the cover body.

6. A tremie tube apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plunger disposed inside the tremie tube, wherein the plunger, pressed by the solidifying material supplied to the tremie tube, protrudes from the lower end opening, thereby causing the solidifying material to flow out from the lower end opening.

7. The tremie tube apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plunger protruding from the lower end opening is restricted from moving downward by the bottom plate and held at the lower end of the tremie tube.

8. A method for casting a solidified material underwater, comprising casting the solidified material into water using a tremie pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An underwater method for casting solidified material, wherein the bottom plate is placed on the bottom of a target area in the water, the solidified material is supplied to the tremie pipe and allowed to flow out from the lower end opening, thereby casting the material laterally between the upper surface and the bottom plate.

9. The method for casting a solidified material underwater according to claim 8, wherein air is supplied to the tremie pipe and the tremie pipe is filled with air, and the solidified material is then supplied to the tremie pipe.

Images