Wall structural member and method for constructing a wall structure

Abstract

A structural member and method of constructing a wall structure in the ground using the structural member is provided. The structural member includes a shield removably coupled to a structural beam so that a chamber is defined between the shield and the structural beam. The shield member is configured to be removable when the structural member is in the ground. Components disposed in the chamber are protected during construction of the wall structure and are exposed when needed in a specific stage of construction. The components can be pre-attached to the structural beam and may include reinforcing bars to provide reinforcement continuity to the wall structure. The components may also include water stops to inhibit water flow through the wall structure. Methods constructing a wall structure in the ground using the structural member and for constructing an extended wall structure in the ground using the structural member are provided.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 649,376 filed on Feb. 1, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to wall structures and a method of constructing the same. The invention provides a wall structure constructed in the ground using a structural member having pre-attached components that are protected during construction of the wall structure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Foundations for large structures, such as high-rise buildings, stadiums, bridges, tunnels, or other similar structures, are often constructed underground. Subways, tunnels, or subterranean structures, are by their nature usually constructed underground. Since these structures are frequently constructed in urban or developed areas, lateral support is generally provided for adjacent structures, streets or utilities, and the surrounding ground during c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In one embodiment, a structural member that can be inserted into the ground and having one or more attached components is provided. The structural member comprises a removable shield that is coupled to a structural beam, defining a chamber between the shield and the structural beam. The components are attached to the structural beam so that they are disposed in the chamber when the shield is coupled to the structural beam. The shield is configured to be removable from the structural beam when the structural beam is inserted into the ground. The components may include reinforcing bars to provide reinforcement continuity in a wall structure. The components may also include water stops to reduce or eliminate water leakage through the wall structure.

Problems solved by technology

However, installation of sheet piles may cause considerable vibration and noise, disrupting nearby businesses or residences.

Soldier piles and lagging may drain the surrounding soil, causing the ground and adjacent buildings to settle.

However, reinforcement continuity has posed a significant problem in the art, particularly since wall structures may comprise multiple wall sections constructed at different times. In addition, the interface between the concrete wall and structural beams may provide a path for water flow through the wall structure.

Changes in ambient temperature can cause unequal expansion and contraction of the structural beams and concrete wall.

As a result, water may leak through a gap between a structural beam and concrete wall.

The protruding rods are also exposed and susceptible to damage during construction of the second wall structure.

Care usually must be taken not to bend or damage the rods during excavation for the second wall section, adding to the complexity of the construction process.

In addition, these methods typically provide little or no moment capacity horizontally along the wall.

However, embedding water stops into abutting wall sections suffers from many of the same difficulties discussed above with respect to reinforcement continuity.

For example, the portion of the water stop that protrudes from the first wall section may be torn or damaged during construction of the second wall section.

Attaching components, such as reinforcing bars or water stops, to a structural beam during construction can be a complicated process.

The dimensions of the trench or hole may also make attachment difficult.

This may be because components that are pre-attached to the structural beam can be damaged by insertion of the structural beam into the ground, alignment of the beam, and by construction and excavation equipment.

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