A method for longitudinal splicing of offshore steel pipe piles

By utilizing offshore construction platforms and guide plate technology, the high cost and high requirements of onshore steel pipe pile extension methods have been solved, enabling direct offshore installation and efficient longitudinal extension of steel pipe piles, thereby reducing construction costs and time.

CN116289934BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28POLY CHANGDA ENGINEERING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310184842.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-02-28
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2043-02-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the onshore lateral extension method of steel pipe piles requires back-and-forth transportation, which results in high requirements for the lifting height of transport ships and crane vessels, increasing construction costs and time.

Method used

The method of longitudinal extension at sea is adopted, which involves connecting steel pipe piles and extension pipes on an offshore construction platform, using guide plates and crane vessels for alignment and welding, and combining full penetration double-sided welding technology to improve the connection strength.

Benefits of technology

It reduced ship and machinery costs, improved construction efficiency, reduced process time, and enabled direct installation of steel pipe piles at sea, thus reducing transportation and construction costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles, comprising the following steps: an offshore platform is placed in the sea and equipped with steel pipe piles; a construction platform is built on the platform surface at the location of the steel pipe piles; the cross-section of the extended pipe is cleaned, and guide plates are welded onto the steel pipe piles; the extended pipe is then transported to the construction location; a crane vessel is anchored in the construction area, and the crane vessel lifts the extended pipe; after the extended pipe is lifted, the crane vessel moves the vessel by winch anchor to align it; during alignment, the bottom of the extended pipe is buffered by the guide plates and guided, and then the hook quickly falls to contact the steel pipe pile; while the extended pipe is in place, the misalignment error and verticality between the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile are measured; if the measurements meet the preset standards, the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile are welded; if they do not meet the standards, pads are inserted around the pile head using the guide plates, and the extended pipe is lifted again to adjust the position of the pipe to be connected, thereby reducing construction costs and improving construction efficiency.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steel pipe extension technology, and in particular to a method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles. [Background Technology]

[0002] In the field of construction engineering, precast pipe piles are a commonly used type of pile in foundation treatment, such as prestressed pipe piles, bamboo-joint piles, and hollow square piles.

[0003] The relevant technology of pile extension is usually completed on land. However, the on-land transverse pile extension method requires the steel pipe pile to be pulled out from its original position, sent to the factory for extension, and then transported back for installation. The transport ship needs to make two round trips. Moreover, the extended steel pipe pile is too long, which requires higher requirements for the transport ship. Furthermore, the installation of the extended steel pipe pile requires a higher lifting height from the crane ship. [Summary of the invention]

[0004] This invention provides a method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles. By conducting offshore construction operations, it solves the technical problems of the original method, which required steel pipe piles to be pulled out from the sea, sent to the factory for extension, and then transported back for installation. This method required two round trips by the transport vessel, and the installation of the extended steel pipe piles required a higher lifting height from the crane vessel.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles includes the following steps:

[0007] S1, an ocean platform is pre-installed in the ocean, steel pipe piles are installed on the ocean platform, and a construction platform is built on the steel pipe piles. The construction platform is used to connect the steel pipe piles and the extension pipeline.

[0008] S2, clean the cross-sections of both ends of the extended pipe, weld guide plates onto the steel pipe piles, and transport the extended pipe to the construction location;

[0009] S3, anchor the crane vessel in the construction area and lift the extension pipe. After the extension pipe is lifted, the crane vessel moves the vessel by winch anchor to align it. During alignment, the bottom of the extension pipe is buffered and guided by the guide plate and then falls quickly to contact the steel pipe pile.

[0010] S4. When the extended pipe is in place and stationary, measure the misalignment error and verticality between the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile.

[0011] S5. When the measurement meets the preset standard, the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile are welded; if they do not meet the standard, the extended pipe is lifted and its position is readjusted by installing pads on the guide plate and then lifting the extended pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the construction platform includes: an external construction platform and an internal construction platform;

[0013] The construction platform is equipped with brackets, and both the outer construction platform and the inner construction platform are set on the brackets. The outer construction platform is set around the outside of the steel pipe pile, and the inner construction platform is set inside the steel pipe pile.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer construction platform is constructed using channel steel, scaffolding, and fireproof cloth; the steel pipe piles are equipped with manholes, and the inner construction platform is constructed using channel steel and scaffolding through the manholes.

[0015] Furthermore, the guide code plate is arranged in a circumferential matrix around the steel pipe pile, and a pad is provided between the guide code plate and the side wall of the steel pipe pile.

[0016] Furthermore, the guide plate has a length greater than 600mm and a width greater than 300mm.

[0017] Furthermore, the guide code plate has at least 8 pieces.

[0018] Furthermore, the height of the construction platform is at least 2 meters above the sea surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the welding method is a full penetration double-sided weld.

[0020] Furthermore, one end of the extended pipe is provided with an arc-shaped chamfer for cooperating with the guide plate.

[0021] Furthermore, both the interior of the extended pipe and the interior of the steel pipe pile are provided with reinforcing ribs, which are used to improve the connection strength between the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are:

[0023] The marine longitudinal pile extension method significantly reduces ship and machinery costs, improves ship and machinery utilization, and saves process time. The steel pipe piles are no longer pulled out, sent to the factory for extension, and then transported back for installation. Instead, they are installed directly at sea. Only the transport ship needs to transport the extension pipe section from the factory to the site. By setting up a construction platform on the steel pipe pile and using a crane ship to lift the extension pipe and connect it to the steel pipe pile, construction costs are reduced and construction time is saved. [Attached Image Description]

[0024] Figure 1 This is a top view of the steel pipe piles in this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the extended pipe in this application;

[0026] Figure 3This is a reference diagram showing the installation status of the steel pipe piles in this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a reference diagram showing the connection status between the steel pipe piles and the extended pipeline in this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the steel pipe pile extension pipeline of this application.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 1. Extended pipeline; 2. Chamfered corner; 3. Steel pipe pile; 4. Manhole; 5. Guide plate; 6. Bracket; 7. External construction platform; 8. Internal construction platform; 9. Spacer block. [Specific implementation method]

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The terms "comprising" and similar terms used herein mean that the element or object preceding the word covers the element or object listed after the word and its equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0032] In the field of building construction, precast pipe piles are a commonly used type of pile in foundation treatment, such as prestressed pipe piles, bamboo-joint piles, hollow square piles, and steel pipe piles.

[0033] Pile extension is usually done on land. Since it is not affected by sea conditions, there are rollers available, and the extension is done laterally, butt welding is easier on land. However, the onshore lateral pile extension method requires the steel pipe pile to be pulled out from its original position, sent to the factory for extension, and then transported back for installation. The transport ship needs to make two round trips. Moreover, the extended steel pipe pile is too long, which requires higher requirements for the transport ship. Furthermore, the installation of the extended steel pipe pile requires a higher lifting height from the crane ship.

[0034] Compared to onshore splicing, longitudinal splicing of large-diameter steel pipe piles at sea presents challenges. Onshore splicing requires ships to overcome the effects of swells, and sea conditions vary with the seasons, especially in winter when sea conditions are poor, swells are large, the process is lengthy, and splicing is difficult, with issues such as large misalignment of the joints and large inclination. However, offshore splicing is relatively cheaper and more efficient than onshore splicing.

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 5 A method for longitudinally extending three offshore steel pipe piles includes the following steps:

[0037] S1, an ocean platform is pre-installed in the ocean, and steel pipe piles 3 are installed on the ocean platform. A construction platform is built on the steel pipe piles 3, and the construction platform is used to connect the steel pipe piles 3 and the extension pipeline 1.

[0038] S2, clean the cross-sections of both ends of the extended pipe 1, weld the guide plate 5 on the steel pipe pile 3, and transport the extended section of the steel pipe pile 3 to the construction position;

[0039] S3, anchor the crane ship in the construction area and lift the extension pipe 1. After the extension pipe 1 is lifted, the crane ship moves the ship by auger anchor to align it. During alignment, the bottom of the extension pipe 1 is buffered and guided by the guide plate 5 and then falls quickly to contact the steel pipe pile 3.

[0040] S4, when the extended pipe 1 is in place, measure the misalignment error and verticality between the extended pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile 3;

[0041] S5, when the measurement meets the preset standard, the extended pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile 3 are welded; if they do not meet the standard, the extended pipe 1 is lifted and its position is readjusted by installing a pad 9 on the guide plate 5.

[0042] Understandably, the marine longitudinal pile extension method greatly reduces ship and machinery costs, improves machinery utilization, and saves process time. The steel pipe piles are no longer pulled out, sent to the factory for extension, and then transported back for installation. Instead, they are installed directly at sea. Only the transport ship needs to transport the extension pipe 1 from the factory to the site. By setting up a construction platform on the steel pipe pile and using a crane ship to lift the extension pipe 1 and connect it to the steel pipe pile, the construction cost is reduced and the construction time is saved.

[0043] In some embodiments, the construction platform includes an outer construction platform 7 and an inner construction platform 8; the construction platform is provided with a bracket 6, and both the outer construction platform 7 and the inner construction platform 8 are disposed on the bracket 6. The outer construction platform 7 is disposed around the outside of the steel pipe pile 3, and the inner construction platform 8 is disposed inside the steel pipe pile 3.

[0044] Understandably, a construction platform is built on the steel pipe piles. The steel pipe piles 3 are used to install the construction platform. Specifically, the steel pipe piles 3 are set higher than the offshore platform. Brackets 6 are set on the outside of the steel pipe piles 3. The brackets 6 are supporting components used to support the construction platform. The part surrounding the outside of the steel pipe piles 3 is the outer construction platform 7, and the inside of the steel pipe piles 3 is the inner construction platform 8. Setting up two construction platforms facilitates the construction process and ensures the safety of construction personnel.

[0045] In some embodiments, the outer construction platform 7 is constructed using channel steel, scaffolding, and fireproof cloth; the steel pipe pile 3 is provided with a manhole 4, and the inner construction platform 8 is constructed using channel steel and scaffolding through the manhole 4.

[0046] Understandably, the outer construction platform 7 is composed of channel steel and scaffolding. Fireproof cloth is installed around the outer construction platform to avoid wind damage during welding, which could reduce weld quality and affect construction safety. The outer construction platform is built using channel steel and scaffolding. Specifically, the channel steel is used to support the scaffolding, and the two are set perpendicularly. A manhole 4 is set along the outer perimeter of the steel pipe pile 3 to connect the inside of the steel pipe pile 3. The manhole 4 is a construction hole used to connect the outer construction platform 7 and the inner construction platform 8, so that construction personnel can enter the inner construction platform 8 or the outer construction platform 7, which facilitates the construction.

[0047] In some embodiments, the guide plate 5 is arranged around the circumferential matrix of the steel pipe pile 3, and a pad 9 is provided between the guide plate 5 and the side wall of the steel pipe pile 3.

[0048] Understandably, guide plates 5 are set on the outer periphery of the steel pipe pile 3. The guide plates 5 are arranged in a matrix around the outer periphery of the steel pipe pile 3. Multiple guide plates 5 form a guide hole. When the extension pipe 1 is hoisted, the extension pipe 1 first contacts the guide plate 5. The guide plate 5 guides the extension pipe 1 to the center of the guide plate 5, which facilitates the positioning of the extension pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile. This reduces the error between the extension pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile during installation and avoids the need for multiple adjustments during construction, which would affect the construction progress.

[0049] In some embodiments, the guide plate 5 has a length greater than 600 mm and a width greater than 300 mm.

[0050] Understandably, the guide plate 5 is set in a parallelogram, rhombus, or other angular shape to facilitate guidance for the extended pipe 1. The guide plates 5 are distributed in a circular matrix on the steel pipe pile 3 according to its perimeter, guiding the extended pipe 1. When the extended pipe 1 is connected to the steel pipe pile, it first contacts the guide plate 5, and the edges of the guide plate 5 guide the axis of the extended pipe 1 closer to the axis of the steel pipe pile, making their axes coincide, thus facilitating the connection between the extended pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile. Specifically, the guide plate... The length of plate 5 is greater than 600mm and the width is greater than 300mm. Setting the length of guide plate 5 to be longer allows it to guide the extended pipe 1 as it descends. At the same time, as the extended pipe 1 continues to descend, guide plate 5 gradually tightens, guiding the extended pipe 1 to the steel pipe pile, thus giving it a better guiding effect. A width of 300mm for guide plate 5 gives it a better load-bearing capacity and also a better guiding effect.

[0051] In some embodiments, the guide plate 5 is provided with at least 8 plates.

[0052] Understandably, the guide plates 5 are arranged in an array around the steel pipe piles 3, and at least 8 plates are arranged. The guide plates 5 can also be arranged to cover the entire steel pipe piles 3, but this requires a longer preparation time and is less economical. If there are fewer guide plates 5, the guiding and positioning ability of the guide plates 5 will decrease. Therefore, in this application, it is preferred to set the number of guide plates 5 to 8, so as to ensure the economy of construction while also ensuring that the guide plates 5 have a good guiding effect.

[0053] In some embodiments, the construction platform is at least 2 meters above sea level.

[0054] Understandably, having a construction platform 2 meters above sea level ensures the safety of construction workers in the event of wind and waves, and also allows for smooth and safe construction when there are no wind or waves.

[0055] The welding method is a full penetration double-sided weld, which has the advantages of fast welding speed, large depth, and small deformation after welding. In addition, the welding equipment is simple and can be used for welding under special conditions.

[0056] In some embodiments, one end of the extended pipe 1 is provided with an arc-shaped chamfer 2 for cooperating with the guide plate 5.

[0057] Understandably, an arc-shaped chamfer 2 is provided at the end of the extended pipe 1 that mates with the guide plate 5. The arc-shaped chamfer 2 facilitates docking with the guide plate 5, and the arc of the arc-shaped chamfer 2 is relatively large, which further facilitates docking with the guide plate 5.

[0058] In some embodiments, both the interior of the extended pipe 1 and the interior of the steel pipe pile 3 are provided with reinforcing ribs, which are used to improve the connection strength between the extended section of the steel pipe pile 3 and the steel pipe pile 3.

[0059] It is understandable that reinforcing ribs are welded to the inner walls of the extended pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile. The reinforcing ribs can give the extended pipe 1 and the steel pipe pile sufficient strength after connection, so as to improve the overall strength of the steel pipe after welding.

[0060] In one specific embodiment, during construction, the crane vessel is anchored near the construction platform with 3 anchors in front and 3 anchors behind, for a total of 6 anchors. The stern of the vessel is pushed against the swell to reduce the impact of the swell on the construction. At the same time, the steel pipe pile transport vessel is placed against the construction platform with 2 anchors in front and 2 anchors behind, for a total of 6 anchors. The stern of the vessel is also pushed against the swell.

[0061] Before extending the steel pipe piles, preparatory work is carried out. The preparatory work includes: first, setting up the construction platform and cleaning the cross section of the steel pipe pile 3, that is, grinding and removing rust. Then, the construction platform is set up. The construction platform is set up by the bracket 6. The outer construction platform 7 and the inner construction platform 8 can be completed after laying the planks. However, the outer construction platform needs to be covered with fireproof cloth.

[0062] Next, the guide plate 5 is welded. The guide plate 5 is welded into eight pieces, which are distributed in a circular matrix on the steel pipe pile 3 according to the pile circumference. The plate is in the shape of a parallelogram, 600 mm long and 300 mm wide, and the bottom weld is a double-sided weld with a length of 300 mm.

[0063] The crane vessel uses a winch to align the extended pipe 1, and then lifts it up. After the extended pipe 1 is lifted up, the crane vessel uses the winch to move the vessel to align the extended pipe 1. For the alignment construction, the sea conditions must reach a swell of 1.5m and a swell period of less than 7s. When the extended pipe 1 is connected to the steel pipe pile, the extended pipe 1 first passes through the buffer and guidance of the guide plate 5. After the extended pipe 1 passes through the guidance, the hook quickly drops until the wire rope is slack and the swell process is no longer forceful.

[0064] After the extended pipe 1 is lowered and stationary, the construction personnel and the crane operator observe from the construction platform and use a measuring tape to measure the length and range of the maximum misalignment. At the same time, the verticality is measured. If both results meet the requirements, welding can be carried out. When the welding is completed to 2 / 3 of the outer ring weld, the hook can be adjusted to release the hook. The above welding method is a double-sided weld with full penetration and internal stiffening plates.

[0065] If the misalignment length is too large or the measured inclination does not meet the requirements, adjustment is required using guide plate 5. In the direction requiring adjustment, according to the misalignment of the mating surfaces, bevel the plate and make several pads 9. Place these pads between the plate and the pile wall, and weld guards on both sides of the pads 9 to prevent them from falling during adjustment. After placing the pads 9, lift the extended pipe 1, ensuring that the lowest point of the extended section does not exceed the height of the plate during the surging waves. Adjust the height of the hook by observing the position of the pads 9. Lift the hook while the pads 9 remain stationary, and let the pads 9 fall. After the pads 9 fall to a certain position, lower the hook, and the extended section returns to above the steel pipe pile 3. Once the extended section is stable, observe the mating situation again, and the surveyors will also measure again to determine if the welding and installation requirements are met. If they are met, weld reinforcement is performed; if not, readjustment is performed until the requirements are met.

[0066] Compared to the traditional onshore transverse pile extension method, the offshore longitudinal pile extension method significantly reduces ship and machinery costs, improves ship and machinery utilization, and saves process time. Previously, steel pipe piles were extracted, sent to the factory for extension, and then transported back for installation, requiring two round trips by transport vessels. Furthermore, the extended steel pipe piles were too long, placing higher demands on the transport vessels and requiring higher lifting heights from the crane vessels. Offshore longitudinal extension only requires one trip by transport vessel from the factory to the site, with lower crane height requirements and no need to return to the factory for further extension, reducing factory processing costs. This construction method significantly reduces costs and saves process time.

[0067] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes made in accordance with the shape, structure and principle of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for longitudinally splicing offshore steel pipe piles, characterized in that, Including: the following step: S1, an ocean platform is pre-installed in the ocean, steel pipe piles are installed on the ocean platform, and a construction platform is built on the steel pipe piles. The construction platform is used to connect the steel pipe piles to the extended pipeline. S2, clean the cross-sections of both ends of the extended pipe, weld guide plates onto the steel pipe piles, and transport the extended pipe to the construction location; S3, anchor the crane vessel in the construction area and lift the extension pipe. After the extension pipe is lifted, the crane vessel moves the vessel by winch anchor to align it. During alignment, the bottom of the extension pipe is buffered and guided by the guide plate and then falls quickly to contact the steel pipe pile. S4. When the extended pipe is in place and stationary, measure the misalignment error and verticality between the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile. S5, when the measurement meets the preset standard, the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile are welded; if they do not meet the standard, the extended pipe is lifted and its position is readjusted by installing pads on the guide plate and then lifting the extended pipe. The guide code plate is arranged in a circular matrix around the steel pipe pile, and a pad is provided between the guide code plate and the side wall of the steel pipe pile; one end of the extension pipe is provided with an arc-shaped chamfer for cooperating with the guide code plate.

2. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The construction platform includes: an external construction platform and an internal construction platform; The construction platform is equipped with brackets, and both the outer construction platform and the inner construction platform are set on the brackets. The outer construction platform is set around the outside of the steel pipe pile, and the inner construction platform is set inside the steel pipe pile.

3. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer construction platform is constructed using channel steel, scaffolding, and fireproof cloth; the steel pipe piles are equipped with manholes, and the inner construction platform is constructed using channel steel and scaffolding through the manholes.

4. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide plate has a length greater than 600mm and a width greater than 300mm.

5. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide bar has at least 8 bars.

6. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 5, characterized in that, The construction platform is at least 2 meters above sea level.

7. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding method is a full penetration double-sided weld.

8. The method for longitudinally extending offshore steel pipe piles according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the interior of the extended pipe and the interior of the steel pipe pile are equipped with reinforcing ribs, which are used to improve the connection strength between the extended pipe and the steel pipe pile.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    CN111411651A

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