Connecting piece for connecting precasting construction sections and precasting construction section having the same

Abstract

A coupling for coupling precast construction sections together and a precast construction section having such a coupling. The construction coupling for connecting precast sections comprises a pair of fixtures. Each fixture comprises a central portion and a pair of legs. The central portion defines an elongated hole. The pair of legs extend from opposite sides of the central portion. Each leg extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongated hole and has a proximal end attached to the central portion and a free distal portion disposed away from the central portion. The construction coupling also comprises a pin adapted to be received in the elongated holes of the pair of fixtures to couple the pair of fixtures together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to construction couplers, and in particular to construction couplers for coupling together pre-cast construction segments, such as ring segments, and construction segments having such couplers. Background Art

[0002] Precast building materials can be used to manufacture and assemble various structures, such as tunnels, walls, floors, roads, and the like. Specifically, a tunnel can be constructed by assembling and securing a plurality of precast rings adjacent to one another along the axis of the tunnel to be formed. Depending on the size of the tunnel being constructed, such precast rings may each comprise a plurality of precast arcuate ring segments coupled together. Each ring segment includes opposing radial end surfaces that engage corresponding radial end surfaces of adjacent ring segments to define a radial joint. Typically, the ring segments must be coupled together at the radial joints using bolts or other means to prevent relative movement between the ring segments. Bolting the ring segments together is laborious, and the bolts may be susceptible to corrosion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first embodiment, a construction coupler for connecting precast segments includes a pair of anchors. Each anchor includes a central portion and a pair of legs. The central portion defines an elongated hole. The pair of legs extend from opposite sides of the central portion. Each leg extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongated hole and has a proximal end attached to the central portion and a free distal portion disposed distally from the central portion. The construction coupler also includes a pin adapted to be received in the elongated holes of the pair of anchors to connect the pair of anchors together.

[0004] According to a second example, a tunnel ring includes a plurality of ring segments, each of which includes radial end surfaces. Each radial end surface carries a pair of retainers and defines a corresponding groove. Each retainer defines an elongated hole. The ring includes a plurality of pins. Each pin is adapted to be received in the elongated hole of a corresponding one of the retainers to connect the pair of retainers together.

[0005] According to a third example, a method for forming a precast concrete segment bearing an omega-shaped fixture having legs and a central portion defining an elongated hole includes securing the fixture to a tool. The tool includes a semi-cylindrical portion facing the elongated hole of the fixture. The method includes coupling the tool to or adjacent to a casting form. The method includes pouring concrete into the casting form to form the concrete segment. The concrete segment includes a recess formed by the semi-cylindrical portion of the tool. The method includes separating the tool from the fixture. The elongated hole of the fixture opens into the recess.

[0006] Further according to the first, second and / or third examples, an apparatus and / or method may further include any one or more of the following:

[0007] According to one example, each leg of each anchor comprises a generally planar structure extending generally transverse to the elongated aperture.

[0008] According to another example, the pair of legs of each holder extend at an angle relative to each other, the angle being in the range of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0009] According to another example, the free distal portion of each leg includes a tongue extending laterally away from the remainder of the leg.

[0010] According to another example, each leg of the fastener includes a plurality of ribs forming a frame and a panel.

[0011] According to another example, one or more of the fixtures includes a flange extending around at least a portion of a central portion of the fixture.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the leg has a first side and a second side, and the central portion includes a protrusion. The protrusion of the central portion extends beyond the second side of the leg.

[0013] According to another example, the elongated hole of each fixture comprises a blind hole with an opening having a first diameter and a closed end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

[0014] According to another example, the pin includes a third diameter portion, a tapered portion, and a fourth diameter portion. The tapered portion is positioned between the third diameter portion and the fourth diameter portion. The third diameter portion of the pin is sized to be received within the opening of the blind hole, and the fourth diameter portion of the pin is sized to be received within the closed end of the blind hole.

[0015] According to another example, each fixture comprises a generally Ω-shaped fixture.

[0016] According to another example, each of the holders comprises a central portion and when the radial end surfaces of the two ring segments abut one another, the central portion of the holder carried by the first of the ring segments is located in the groove of the second of the ring segments.

[0017] According to another example, each of the grooves has a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0018] According to another embodiment, each anchor includes a central portion and a pair of legs. The central portion defines an elongated aperture, and the pair of legs extend from opposite sides of the central portion. Each leg extends in a direction generally transverse to the elongated aperture and has a proximal end attached to the central portion and a free distal end disposed distally from the central portion.

[0019] According to another example, the retainer of one of the ring segments is positioned in the groove of the other one of the ring segments when the radial end surfaces of the ring segments are adjacent to each other and the ring segments are coupled together.

[0020] According to another example, securing the retainer to the tool includes positioning a central portion of the retainer within a slot in the tool and clamping the central portion within the slot.

[0021] According to another example, securing the retainer to the tool includes positioning a breakaway segment extending from a flange of the retainer within a space defined by the tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ring of a tunnel comprising a plurality of ring segments and key segments according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The segments are joined to each other at radial joints to form the circumference of the ring and are coupled together via radial couplings.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed partial cross-sectional view of one of the radial joints of the ring and the associated radial coupling.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of one of the radial couplings of FIG. 1 , comprising a plurality of retainers and pins, wherein a plurality of breakaway segments have been removed from the retainers after a precast concrete pouring process.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of one of the ring segments defining the groove and carrying one of the retainers of the radial coupling.

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of the radial couplings showing the pins received within the holes of the retainers to couple the ring segments together, and also showing the legs of the retainers embedded within the respective ring segments.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one of the retainers including a breakaway segment extending from a flange of the retainer.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6Detailed view of the retainer showing the multiple notches for the disconnected segments.

[0029] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first side of a fixture tool having a base defining a slot and including a lever assembly in an open position, also illustrating a center portion of one of the fixtures positioned within the slot of the base of the fixture tool.

[0030] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second side of a securing tool, depicting a base having a semi-cylindrical portion and a retainer having a tab spaced from a surface of the base. The semi-cylindrical portion is adapted to form a groove in a ring segment. A slot formed between the tab and a surface of the base is adapted to receive a broken segment of the retainer to secure the retainer relative to the securing tool.

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Detailed perspective view of the fixing tool and the fixing, showing the retainer, the tabs forming the slot and the broken-away section of the fixing.

[0032] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first side of the fixture tool illustrating the lever assembly in a closed position and one of the retainers clamped within a slot defined by the base of the fixture tool.

[0033] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second side of the fastening tool with the lever assembly in a closed position and the breakaway segment of the fastener positioned within the slot defined between the tab and the base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Although the following discloses specific embodiments of example methods, apparatus, and / or articles, it should be understood that the legal scope of the property rights is defined by the text of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. Therefore, the following detailed description should be construed as merely examples and not as describing every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. It is anticipated that such alternative embodiments will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0035] Examples disclosed herein relate to connectors for connecting segments together. The segments can be ring segments, tunnel segments, building segments, etc. The connectors provide a hinge-like structure and are relatively easy to align when connecting the segments together. As a result, the segments can be assembled in a shorter time with less manpower than with traditional methods. In addition, the connectors provide relatively high pull-out resistance and relatively high shear resistance. Having higher pull-out resistance and / or higher shear resistance may be advantageous when the connectors are used in an environment where the internal pressure of the structure formed by the segments (e.g., a tunnel) is higher than the external pressure of the structure and / or when the environment poses a risk of seismic events.

[0036] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a precast, preassembled ring 100 for a tunnel, for example, according to a first disclosed embodiment. The ring 100 includes a plurality of common ring segments 102 and a key ring segment (keystone) 104. The segments 102, 104 are precast concrete forms that include opposing axial end faces 106, 108 and radial end faces 110, 112. The segments 102, 104 are configured so that when Figure 1 When assembled in the manner shown, the radial end surfaces 110, 112 abut one another to form a complete circle defining the ring 100. To form a tunnel using the rings 100, a plurality of rings 100 are positioned in a manner that forms a longitudinal joint between the opposing axial end surfaces 106, 108 of the respective rings 100. Typically, fasteners (not shown) are used to couple the rings together.

[0037] Referring now to the common ring segment 102 and the key ring segment 104, in the illustrated example, the common ring segments 102 are similar or identical to one another, and the key ring segment 104 has a shorter radial dimension than the common ring segment 102. Where the radial end surfaces 110 of the common ring segment 102 and the key ring segment 104 abut, a radial joint 113 is formed. In the illustrated example, the radial joint 113 is defined along or otherwise associated with a radial vector 114 of the ring 100. Alternatively, the radial joint 113 between the common ring segment 102 and the key ring segment 104 may be defined at a different angle than the angle defined at the radial joint 113 between the radial end surfaces 110 of two adjacent common ring segments 102.

[0038] In the example shown, the segments 102, 104 are coupled together at the radial end surfaces 110, 112 by a plurality of radial couplings 116. Two radial couplings 116 couple the ring segments 102, 104 together at radial joints 113. However, in other versions, a different number of radial couplings 116 may alternatively be included. For example, each of the radial joints 113 may include one, three, four, five, etc. radial couplings 116.

[0039] Figure 2 Draws Figure 1A detailed partial cross-sectional view of one of the radial joints 113 and an associated radial coupling 116 is shown. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the radial coupling 116 is shown. Figure 3 As can be seen, each radial coupling 116 includes two retainers 120 and a pin 122. The retainer 120 has a central portion 124 defining a blind hole 126 and further includes a pair of legs 128 extending from the central portion 124. The pin 122 is sized to be received within the hole 126 to couple the retainers 120 together.

[0040] Refer again Figure 2 , shows the adjoining radial end surfaces 110 of two of the common ring segments 102, forming one of the radial couplings 116, wherein the pin 122 is received within the bore 126 of the retainer 120. In some examples, the radial coupling 116 provides a pull-out resistance between about 100 kilonewtons and about 400 kilonewtons and a shear resistance between about 100 kilonewtons and about 400 kilonewtons. The pull-out resistance is represented by a force applied to the retainer 120 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 129, and the shear resistance is associated with a force applied to the retainer 120 in a direction generally opposite and at 90 degrees relative to arrow 129.

[0041] Referring again to the radial end surface 110, Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated example, each radial end surface 110 includes a pair of grooves 130. The grooves 130 have a semi-cylindrical shape and are sized to accommodate the pin 122 and the center portion 124 of the radial coupling 116, as will be described further below. The grooves 130 are also sized to allow relative movement between the ring segments 102, 104 during and / or after the ring segments 102, 104 are coupled together, as will also be described below. Alternatively, the grooves 130 may have a cross-section and / or shape other than a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0042] In the example shown, specific reference is made to Figure 3 The radial coupling 116 includes a retainer 120 and a pin 122 (the pin 122 is Figure 3 (most clearly shown in FIG ). The retainers 120 are substantially similar to one another and are substantially symmetrical along a vertical plane perpendicular to the radial end surface 110. In this example, the retainers 120 are generally Ω-shaped. However, the retainers 120 can have different shapes. For example, the retainers 120 can be U-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, etc.

[0043] The holder 120 includes a central portion 124 and a pair of legs 128 (the legs 128 are Figure 2 and Figure 3(As best shown in the figure, the legs 128 extend from opposite sides of the central portion 124 at an angle α relative to the centerline CL of the holder 120. The angle α may be approximately 45°. In an example, the angle defined between the legs 128 is between approximately 45° and 90°. However, any angle between approximately 0° and approximately 90° is contemplated. For example, the angle defined between the legs 128 may be approximately 30°, approximately 40°, approximately 47°, approximately 62°, approximately 70°, approximately 93°, etc.

[0044] Refer again Figure 2 The legs 128 of the fastener 120 include a plurality of reinforcing ribs 132 and a panel 134 from which the ribs 132 extend. In the illustrated template, the ribs 132 include a plurality of longitudinal ribs 136 and a plurality of transverse ribs 138 intersecting the longitudinal ribs 136. Figure 3 As shown, the longitudinal ribs 136 are wrapped around the holder 120 to form a generally Ω shape. Two of the longitudinal ribs 136 are disposed along the perimeter of the holder 120, and one of the longitudinal ribs 136 is positioned between the outer longitudinal ribs 127.

[0045] The transverse ribs 138 extend between the sides 140, 142 of the legs 128. The transverse ribs 138 also extend between the longitudinal ribs 136. Although the illustrated holder 120 includes three longitudinal ribs 136 and five transverse ribs 138 (for clarity, see FIG. Figure 3 ), but may include any other number of ribs 132. For example, the holder 120 may include four longitudinal ribs 136 and seven transverse ribs 138. In other versions, the holder may not include ribs at all, but the legs may only include flat plates.

[0046] The first portion 143 of the center portion 124 includes a flange 144 (the flange is Figure 3 ). The flange 144 is formed by one of the transverse ribs 138. Figure 2 As shown in the example of FIG, the flange 144 is positioned within the dimensional envelope of the associated ring segment 102. Figure 6-12 As described, the flange 144 can be fixed by a fixing tool 146 (see Figure 8 ) is used to hold the retainer 120 in place during the pre-cast concrete pouring process in which the retainer 120 is embedded within the ring segment 102. The retaining tool 146 also allows the retainer 120 to be consistently positioned within the ring segment 102 as the ring segment 102 is formed and as the retainer 120 is coupled within the ring segment 102.

[0047] Referring again to the retainer 120, the second portion 148 of the central portion 124 of the retainer 120 extends from the ring segment 102. The first portion 143 and the second portion 148 of the retainer 120 are bisected by the radial end surfaces 110 and / or a plane defined between the radial end surfaces 110. Thus, in the example shown, approximately half of the central portion 124 is within the dimensional envelope of the ring segment 102, and approximately half of the central portion 124 extends outside the dimensional envelope of the ring segment 102. Positioning the second portion 148 to extend from the ring segment 102 allows the second portion 148 of the retainer 120 to be received within the groove 130 of the adjacent ring segment 102 during the coupling process. As a result, when the radial end surfaces 110 are adjacent to each other and the ring segments 102 are as shown, the retainer 120 is secured to the outer ring segment 102. Figure 2 When coupled as shown, the central portion 124 of the retainer 120 and the associated aperture 126 are coaxially aligned.

[0048] Refer again Figure 3 , depicts an enlarged perspective view of a radial coupling 116 including a retainer 120 and a pin 122. In the illustrated example, the retainer 120 does not include a plurality of disconnected segments 150 (disconnected segments are Figure 6 ), as the breakaway segment 150 has been broken away from the flange 144. Figure 6-12 The disconnect segment 150 is further described.

[0049] In the example shown, the pin 122 has a central portion 152, a plurality of tapered portions 153, and a plurality of distal portions 154. The tapered portions 153 are positioned between the central portion 124 and the associated distal portions 154. The central portion 124 has a larger diameter than the distal portions 154, and the distal portions 154 have rounded ends and / or edges. The pin 122 is sized to be received within the plurality of diameter portions 156, 158 of the hole 126 of the fixture 120 (the diameter portions 156, 158 of the hole 126 are between 15 and 16). Figure 5 is most clearly shown in ).

[0050] Reference Figure 3In the illustrated retainer 120, the second portion 148 of the retainer 120 includes a protrusion 162, and the legs 128 include an inner side 164 and an outer side 166. The inner side 164 is relatively smooth between the sides 140, 142 of the legs 128. The ribs 132 protrude from the outer side 166. Each leg 128 also includes a tongue 168 extending laterally outward from the leg 128. When the retainer 120 is embedded in the ring segments 102, 104, the tongue 168 interacts with the material forming the ring segments 102, 104 to reduce the likelihood of the retainer 120 being inadvertently removed from the ring segments 102, 104. As also shown, the flange 144 extends around three sides of the retainer 120. Specifically, the flange 144 extends between the first side 140 and the second side 142 of the legs 128 and around the protrusion 162 of the center portion 124. As shown in conjunction with Figure 6-12 As described, the flange 144 can be fixed by a fixing tool 146 (see Figure 8 ) is used to hold the retainer 120 in place during the pre-cast concrete pouring process in which the retainer 120 is embedded within the ring segment 102.

[0051] Figure 4 A detailed perspective view of one radial end surface 110 of a ring segment 102, 104 is depicted, the radial end surface 110 defining a groove 130 and including one of the embedded retainers 120. In the example shown, the aperture 126 of the retainer 120 opens into the groove 130, a first portion 143 of the central portion 124 of the retainer 120 is received by the ring segment 102, and a second portion 148 of the central portion 124 of the retainer 120 extends from the radial end surface 110. In this configuration, the pin 122 carried by the other ring segment 102, 104 and the retainer 120 can be positioned within and moved along the groove 30 during the coupling process.

[0052] Figure 5 1 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled radial coupling 116 showing the pin 122 received by the holes 126 of two of the retainers 120. The central portion 152 of the pin 122 is shown positioned within a first diameter portion 156 of the hole 126 of the retainer 120, while the distal portion 154 of the pin 122 is shown received within a second diameter portion 158 of the hole 126 of the retainer 120. The first diameter portion 156 of the hole 126 is defined by the central portion 124 of the retainer 120 and is positioned substantially between the sides 140, 142 of the leg 128, and the second diameter portion 158 of the hole 126 is defined by a protrusion 162 that extends beyond the central portion 124 of the side 142 of the leg 128.

[0053] In the example shown, an inner surface 170 defining the bore 126 of the retainer 120 is tapered. The inner surface 170 can engage the pin 122 to guide the distal end portion 154 of the pin 122 within the second diameter portion 158. The seal formed between the pin 122 and the inner surface 170 prevents fluid (e.g., water) from entering the coupling and / or retainer 120, which could cause damage (e.g., corrosion, etc.).

[0054] Figure 6 A perspective view of one of the holders 120 is shown. Figure 3 The illustrated holder 120 is opposite, Figure 6 The retainer 120 includes a disconnected segment 150. Figure 8-12 Further describing, breakaway segments 150 are used to hold the fixture 120 in place during the precast concrete pour. In the illustrated example, the breakaway segments 150 are tabs that extend laterally from the flange 144 on the first side 172 and the second side 174 of the fixture 120, but are not positioned on the third side 176 of the fixture 120. While three breakaway segments 150 are included on each of the first side 172 and the second side 174 of the fixture 120, a different number of breakaway segments 150 may be included. If a different number of breakaway segments 150 is included, the width 178 of the portion 180 of the flange 144 may be changed. For example, if two breakaway segments 150 are included instead of three, the width 178 may be reduced, and the position of the tapered portion 182 of the flange 144 may also be changed accordingly.

[0055] Figure 7 Draws Figure 6 Detailed view of the retainer 120 of FIG. In the example shown, the breakaway segment 150 includes a plurality of notches 184. The notches 184 are V-shaped and are located proximate to the flange 144. As a result, when the breakaway segment 150 is removed from the flange 144 (the flange 144 is broken away), a minimal amount of the breakaway segment 150, if any, remains attached to the flange 144.

[0056] Figure 81 is a perspective view of a first side 186 of a securing tool 146 and one of the securing members 120. In the example shown, the securing tool 146 includes a base 188 and a lever assembly 190 coupled to the base 188. The base 188 defines a hole 192. The central portion 124 of the securing member 120 is positioned within and extends through the hole 192. The lever assembly 190 includes a handle 194, a link 196, a guide 198, a rod 200, and an engagement surface 202. The handle 194 is pivotally coupled to a distal end 204 of the rod 200 and is also pivotally coupled to the link 196. The link 196 is pivotally coupled to a portion 206 of the guide 198. The rod 200 is partially positioned within the guide 198 and coupled to the engagement surface 202.

[0057] To actuate lever assembly 1910, handle 194 is moved in the direction generally indicated by arrow 208, causing handle 194 to pivot relative to rod 200 and link 196 and causing rod 200 and engagement surface 202 to move in the direction generally indicated by arrow 210. As shown, lever assembly 190 is in the open position, with retainer 120 spaced apart from a front edge / surface 212 of base 188 defining aperture 192. In the open position of lever assembly 190, engagement surface 202 of lever assembly 190 is spaced apart from retainer 120.

[0058] Figure 9 1 is a perspective view of the second side 214 of the fixing tool 146. The base 188 includes a semi-cylindrical portion 216 and a retainer 218 having a tab 220. The semi-cylindrical portion 216 faces the hole 126 of the fixing tool 120 and is adapted to form the groove 130 during the pre-cast concrete pouring process. The tab 220 is spaced apart from the surface 222 of the base 188 (at Figure 10 220) to allow the breakaway segment 150 to slide under the tab 220 when the lever assembly 190 is in the closed position. Once the retainer 120 is secured within the retaining tool 146, the breakaway segment 150 is positioned between the tab 220 and the base 188, preventing the retainer 120 from moving out of the aperture 192 of the retaining tool 146 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 224. The flange 144 is shown engaging a surface 222 of the base 188 adjacent the aperture 192. The interaction between the flange 144 and the base 188 prevents the retainer 120 from moving further into the aperture 192 of the base 188 in a direction generally opposite to the direction indicated by arrow 224.

[0059] Figure 10is a detailed perspective view of the retainer 218, the tabs 220, and the breakaway segment 150. A plurality of slots 226 are formed between the tabs 220 and the base 188. The slots 226 allow the breakaway segment 150 to be received between the tabs 220 and a surface 222 of the base 188 when the retainer 120 is secured within the securing tool 146 and the lever assembly 190 is in the closed position.

[0060] Figure 11 1 is a perspective view of the first side 186 of the securing tool 146 and one of the retainers 120. In the example shown, the lever assembly 190 is in a closed position, and the rod 200 and the engagement surface 202 are in an extended position. The central portion 124 of the retainer 120 is clamped between the engagement surface 202 of the lever assembly 190 and the front surface 212 of the base 188 to prevent the retainer 120 from moving in the directions generally indicated by arrows 228, 230.

[0061] Figure 12 14 is a perspective view of the second side 214 of the securing tool 146 with the lever assembly 190 in the closed (actuated) position. In the closed position, the retainer 120 is driven against the semi-cylindrical portion 216 of the securing tool 146, and the breakaway segment 150 is positioned below the tab 220 of the retainer 218. With the retainer 120 secured to the securing tool 146, the retainer 146 can be coupled to a casting form, and concrete can be poured into the casting form to form the ring segment 102. After the concrete pouring process, the securing tool 146 is removed from the ring segment 102, and the breakaway segment 150 breaks off (breaks off), separating the retainer 120 from the securing tool 146 and allowing the aperture 126 of the retainer 120 to open to the recess 130.

[0062] While the couplings disclosed herein have been described so far as "radial" couplings for use in conjunction with the radial end faces of couplings for ring segments in tunnel construction applications, in other versions, the same couplings can be used to couple other prefabricated or precast building materials. For example, the couplings can be used to couple adjacently positioned sides of vertically arranged precast concrete wall sections for retaining walls or building foundations, or the sides of horizontally arranged precast concrete slabs, such as those used in floor or road construction. Other applications are also possible.

[0063] In addition, although several examples have been disclosed herein, any features from any example may be combined with or replaced by other features from other examples. In addition, although several examples have been disclosed herein, changes may be made to the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A construction connector for connecting prefabricated sections, the construction connector comprising: a pair of anchors, each anchor comprising a central portion having an inner surface defining an elongated blind hole, and a pair of legs extending from opposite sides of the central portion, each leg extending in a direction substantially transverse to the blind hole and having a proximal end attached to the central portion and a free distal portion disposed distally from the central portion; and a pin adapted to be received in the blind holes of the pair of retainers to connect the pair of retainers together; Its characteristics are: When the pin is received in the blind hole, a seal is formed between the pin and the inner surface of the center portion to prevent fluid from entering the construction coupler.

2. The construction connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each leg of each anchor comprises a substantially planar structure extending substantially transverse to the blind hole.

3. A construction coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The pair of legs of each holder extend at an angle relative to each other, the angle being in the range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

4. The construction connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The free distal portion of each leg includes a tongue extending laterally away from the remainder of the leg.

5. The construction connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each leg of the fastener includes a plurality of ribs forming a frame and a panel.

6. The construction connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: One or more of the fixtures includes a flange extending around at least a portion of the central portion of the fixture.

7. The construction connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The leg includes a first side and a second side, and wherein the central portion includes a protrusion, the protrusion of the central portion extending beyond the second side of the leg.

8. The construction connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The blind hole of each fixture includes an opening having a first diameter and a closed end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

9. The construction connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pin includes a third diameter portion, a tapered portion, and a fourth diameter portion, the tapered portion being positioned between the third and fourth diameter portions, the third diameter portion of the pin being sized to be received within the opening of the blind hole, and the fourth diameter portion of the pin being sized to be received within the closed end of the blind hole.

10. The construction connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each fixture comprises an Ω-shaped fixture.

11. A tunnel ring comprising: a plurality of ring segments including radial end surfaces, each radial end surface carrying a pair of retainers and defining a respective recess, each retainer including a central portion having an inner surface defining an elongated blind bore and a pair of legs extending from opposite sides of the central portion, each leg extending in a direction substantially transverse to the blind bore and having a proximal end attached to the central portion and a free distal portion disposed distally from the central portion; and a plurality of pins, each pin adapted to be received in the blind hole of a corresponding one of the retainers to connect the pair of retainers together; Its characteristics are: When the pin is received in the blind bore, a seal is formed between the pin and the inner surface of the central portion to prevent fluid from entering the retainer.

12. The tunnel ring according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each of the retainers includes a central portion, and when the radial end surfaces of two of the ring segments are abutted, the central portion of the retainer carried by a first of the ring segments is positioned within the groove of a second of the ring segments.

13. The tunnel ring according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that: Each of the grooves is in a semi-cylindrical shape.

14. The tunnel ring according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: One or more of the fixtures includes a flange extending around at least a portion of the central portion of the fixture.

15. The tunnel ring according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that: Each fixture comprises an Ω-shaped fixture.

16. The tunnel ring according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that: The retainer of one of the ring segments is positioned in the groove of another of the ring segments when the radial end surfaces of the ring segments are adjacent to each other and the ring segments are coupled together.

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