Railway arch linings and mezzanine floors

Abstract

A system for lining arched structures, particularly railway arches (1), provides a plurality of elongate, flexible frame elements (70), each protected by a flexible shield (149) and engaged frictionally against the curved soffit (5) by hoop stress applied at either end, preferably by a pair of installation tools (300) mounted on stanchions (40). Each tool includes a pivoting ratchet which allows the flexible frame element (70) to be formed into an arched shape on the ground and then raised into a vertical plane prior to installation. Each frame element (70) may comprise a unitary “top-hat” profile with deformable hinges, each hinge having an associated deformation structure which distributes bending forces evenly during installation. The frame elements (70) are fixed to the stanchions (40) to support them at either end in their installed position, providing a self-supporting, arched framework which relies upon the masonry soffit (5) for its shape and stability. Alternatively, each frame element may comprise joints which are remotely locked in the installed position, allowing the frame element to be decoupled from the soffit. The framework is installed from ground level, and the stanchions support a temporary mezzanine floor made from modular interlocking panels, which provides access to the soffit for installation of cooperating, flat lining panels, each panel comprising a foamed plastics body with downwardly directed channels and interlocking upper and lower edges which cooperate to form an angularly adjustable joint. A column mounting assembly comprises a base element (1050) adapted for attachment to an upwardly facing support surface (7′) of a concrete slab (7), and having a mounting structure for supporting the column (1000). The base element may form a cantilever which overhangs an edge of the support surface, with part of the vertical load being transferred from the column to a flat plate (1070) arranged on the ground surface (16′) beneath the mounting structure. The mounting structure may comprise a central support (1064″, 1068) on which the column is pivotably balanced, and which is vertically adjustable so as to adjust the overall height of the column, with a plurality of independently adjustable lateral supports (1065″, 1069, 1069′; 1066″, 1069, 1069′) arranged around it to support the column in a vertical orientation. Conveniently, the mounting structure comprises a set of threaded rods (1064, 1065, 1066) which are advanced downwardly through the overhanging portion (1057) so as to transfer the vertical load from the column to the plate. The assembly may be used in supporting columns above a soakaway (10″) in a railway arch. A roll-formed stanchion generally of “top-hat” form and defining a stiffening tubular section is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 977,534 filed on 4 Oct. 2007; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 989,871, filed on 23 Nov. 2007; and claims foreign priority from United Kingdom patent applications GB 0719407.9, filed 3 Oct. 2007; GB 0722955.2, filed 22 Nov. 2007; GB 0802370.7, filed 8 Feb. 2008; and GB 0812300.2, filed 4 Jul. 2008.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for lining arched structures and for installing mezzanine floors, particularly in railway arches.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Railway arches are the spaces defined between the adjacent piers of an arched viaduct supporting a railway line, and are commonly adapted to accommodate light industrial, storage, retail, office and other commercial activities. Other arched structures include tunnels, vaults and the like.[0006]A viaduct comprises a plurality of s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]Desirably, the range of pivotal movement at each hinge portion is limited to prevent the formation of a reflex angle between respective adjacent rigid portions on the inner side of the frame element.

[0061]Desirably, the attachment portion includes a compressible structure, the compressible structure being arranged in use between the flexible frame element and the soffit so as to cushion the frame element against small movements of the soffit.

[0084]Desirably, an additional step comprises C vi) separating the frame element from the soffit so as to relieve stress from the soffit in the installed position.

[0105]The invention recognises that it is possible to provide a framework which is entirely self supporting—which is to say, a framework which is capable of transferring its own weight, plus the load imposed upon it by lining panels, lighting fixtures and the like, to the ground—but which nevertheless relies upon contact with the pre-existing masonry structure to provide it with rigidity and stability. Alternatively, each flexible frame element may comprise locking joints which confer sufficient inherent rigidity to permit the frame element to be mechanically decoupled from the soffit in the installed position, which may be advantageous in ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

[0106]Since each flexible frame element does not need to provide the inherent rigidity and resistance to wind and other external loading required of an independent, freestanding structure, it may consequently be surprisingly long and small in profile compared with its load carrying capacity, making it relatively light in weight and cheap to manufacture. By engaging each flexible frame element pressingly against the soffit during installation, the whole lining may be accommodated within an envelope of no more than about, say, 50 mm-75 mm from the inner surface of the arch, maximising the available space in the lined arch.

[0107]The long, narrow, flexible frame elements are preferably supplied, bound together in pairs so as to form a rigid assembly which is easy to transport, and are easily installed without specialist access equipment by means of the novel installation tools which permit the majority of the installation work to be carried out at ground level. Once in place, the novel framework may be used to support a working platform or mezzanine floor which affords easy access for attachment of the lining sheets or panels beneath the soffit. After installation, the frame elements and panels may provide conduits and attachment points for wiring, small diameter pipework, lighting and power fixtures, and the like.

Problems solved by technology

Railway arches are usually damp and dirty and are often severely affected by rainwater which penetrates through the masonry and drips continuously from the soffit.

Over the years, numerous fasteners are inserted into the soffit and piers, and the repeated drilling damages the masonry while the fasteners corrode to leave voids which weaken the barrel and encourage water penetration.

The size and geometry of a railway arch often poses significant access problems when lining the soffit.

Since the soffit curves away on either hand, it is impossible to support an ordinary ladder to safely reach the crown.

A scaffolding tower is also inconvenient since it provides only a small working area and must be repeatedly moved as the work progresses.

It is time consuming and difficult to drill multiple fixing holes into the soffit overhead and to accurately align the fixings with holes in the battens.

Disadvantageously, the expanding bolts apply a point load in an inward direction away from the soffit, which may dislodge individual bricks from the barrel.

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