Flexible drainage device for immersed tube tunnel joint and construction method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible drainage device for a pipe joint of a immersed tunnel, which comprises two groups of waterproof steel plates, a flexible water tank and a protective shell. The two groups of waterproof steel plates are respectively installed on the pipe joint walls on both sides of the pipe joint. The flexible water tank comprises a tank body and two bent installation parts on both sides of the tank body, and the two installation parts are respectively installed on the two groups of waterproof steel plates. An arc-shaped water baffle is arranged on the tank wall of the tank body and extends away from the tank bottom. The protective shell covers the outside of the flexible water tank. The application also provides a construction method for the flexible drainage device. The flexible water tank can be deformed to adapt to the relative displacement of adjacent pipe joints under external load, thereby avoiding water leakage at the pipe joint. The water baffle can reduce the scouring of water flow on the flexible water tank, thereby avoiding damage of the flexible water tank due to long-term scouring and improving the service life of the flexible water tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of immersed tunnel technology, specifically to a flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints and its construction method. Background Technology

[0002] Immersed tunnels, as a type of underwater tunnel, are highly favored by the engineering community both domestically and internationally due to their numerous advantages, including low burial depth requirements, strong adaptability to geological formations, and wide applicability. As of 2022, the total number of immersed tunnels worldwide (including those already built and under construction) exceeded 150, making it the third most commonly used tunnel construction method after drill-and-blast and shield tunneling. Since the completion of the Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel in Hong Kong in 1972, my country has planned over 20 immersed tunnels within 50 years. It is expected that with the development of urban clusters such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, even more cross-sea and cross-river passages will emerge in the future.

[0003] However, as the service life of immersed tunnels increases, structural defects are becoming increasingly prominent. Immersed tunnel structures are mostly semi-concealed structures located underwater, with complex structural forms and operating environments. They are characterized by enclosed spaces, limited height, small spaces, complex facilities, long depths, and poor visibility. Severe damage, structural performance degradation, or even failure can impact the traffic capacity and safety of the entire immersed tunnel and surrounding roads. The joint area is the most vulnerable and stress-sensitive part of the immersed tunnel structure, and one of the main defects. When two adjacent tunnel sections experience relative displacement under external loads, water seepage at the joint is highly likely. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints and its construction method to address the problem that water seepage may occur at the joints when existing immersed tunnels undergo relative displacement under external loads.

[0005] A flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints includes:

[0006] Two sets of waterproof steel plates are installed on the pipe section walls on both sides of the pipe section joint;

[0007] A flexible water tank includes a tank body and mounting portions bent on both sides of the tank body. Two mounting portions are respectively mounted on two sets of waterproof steel plates. The tank body has an arc-shaped water-blocking plate extending from the tank wall away from the tank bottom. The water-blocking plate includes a first water-blocking piece near the tank wall and a second water-blocking piece near the tank bottom. The first and second water-blocking pieces are spaced apart. The first water-blocking piece has drainage holes throughout its entire area, and the second water-blocking plate has water-passing holes in its upper area away from the tank wall.

[0008] A protective shell covers the outside of the flexible water tank.

[0009] In one embodiment, a steel-adhesive is provided between the waterproof steel plate and the pipe section wall.

[0010] In one embodiment, the waterproof steel plate has a step on the sidewall away from the tunnel joint gap, and the mounting part extends to the step and is fixed to the step by locking screws.

[0011] In one embodiment, the waterproof steel plate is provided with fixing holes and waist-shaped holes, and expansion bolts are fixed in the pipe section wall through the fixing holes and the waist-shaped holes.

[0012] In one embodiment, multiple sets of the flexible water tanks are spliced ​​together sequentially along the tunnel cross section, with the end faces of two adjacent flexible water tanks overlapping each other, and the overlapping parts of the flexible water tanks are covered with waterproof cloth.

[0013] A construction method for a flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints as described in any of the above claims includes the following steps:

[0014] Grind the surface of the pipe section wall at the installation position until a new contact surface is exposed;

[0015] Apply adhesive to the waterproof steel plate and then fix the waterproof steel plate to the pipe section wall;

[0016] After the adhesive has reached the required bonding strength, install the two installation parts of the flexible water tank onto the two sets of waterproof steel plates respectively.

[0017] Install a protective shell so that it covers the outside of the flexible water tank.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of grinding the surface of the pipe section wall in the installation position until a new contact surface is exposed further includes:

[0019] On-site survey and construction drawings were prepared;

[0020] Process the waterproof steel plate and install the water baffle on the tank wall;

[0021] Choose an appropriate time to temporarily close the tunnel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the process of applying adhesive to the waterproof steel plate beforehand includes:

[0023] Remove stains, foreign objects, and rust from the waterproof steel plate;

[0024] Prepare the adhesive for steel bonding. Mix components A and B separately until they are evenly mixed. Then, pour components A and B into a container at a weight ratio of 4:1. Use an electric stirrer or other rod to stir at a uniform speed until the color is consistent.

[0025] In one embodiment, multiple sets of the flexible water tanks are sequentially spliced ​​along the tunnel cross section, with adjacent flexible water tanks overlapping each other, and the overlapping area of ​​adjacent flexible water tanks is covered with waterproof cloth.

[0026] In one embodiment, after the step of installing the protective shell to cover the flexible water tank, the method further includes:

[0027] Heated asphalt is injected along the joint between the waterproof steel plate and the protective shell;

[0028] Quality inspection involves checking for gaps and holes at the joints of various materials, and if any problems are found, sealing and reinforcement measures are taken to address them.

[0029] Reflective markers are affixed to the outside of the protective case to create a reflective outline.

[0030] The lane has been reopened to traffic.

[0031] The above-mentioned flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints and its construction method have the following advantages:

[0032] The flexible water tank is mounted on two sets of waterproof steel plates on both sides. The tank can cover the pipe joints, and it is deformable to accommodate relative displacement of adjacent pipe sections under external loads, preventing leakage at the joints. Water in the flexible tank passes through the drainage holes on the first baffle plate and then flows into the bottom of the tank through the water passages on the second baffle plate. The water flow is slowed down by the drainage holes, the space between the first and second baffle plates, and the water passages, reducing erosion and extending the lifespan of the flexible water tank. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the specific embodiments will be briefly described below. In all the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible drainage device for a submerged tunnel joint in one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the flexible drainage device for the immersed tunnel joint is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1Schematic diagram of the structure of the waterproof steel plate;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the central water baffle;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the construction method of a flexible drainage device for sedimentation tunnel joints in one embodiment.

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] 10-Pipe section wall, 12-Pipe section joint, 100-Waterproof steel plate, 102-Expansion bolt, 110-Fixing hole, 120-Oval hole, 130-Mounting hole, 200-Flexible water tank, 210-Tank body, 212-Tank bottom, 214-Tank wall, 220-Installation part, 230-Water baffle, 231-First water baffle, 232-Second water baffle, 233-Leakage hole, 234-Water passage hole, 240-Fixing screw, 242-Rubber gasket, 250-Locking screw, 300-Protective shell. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention; therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0042] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 One embodiment of the immersed tunnel joint flexible drainage device includes two sets of waterproof steel plates 100, a flexible water tank 200 and a protective shell 300.

[0045] Two sets of waterproof steel plates 100 are respectively installed on the pipe section wall 10 on both sides of the pipe section joint 12. In one embodiment, adhesive is provided between the waterproof steel plate 100 and the pipe section wall 10 to seal the gap between them and ensure that there are no gaps between the waterproof steel plate 100 and the pipe section wall 10. The waterproof steel plate 100 can be fixed to the pipe section wall 10 using expansion bolts 102, and the connection between the bolts and the waterproof steel plate 100 should be sealed with sealant.

[0046] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 In one embodiment, the waterproof steel plate 100 is provided with fixing holes 110 and oblong holes 120, and expansion bolts 102 pass through the fixing holes 110 and oblong holes 120 to anchor it in the pipe section wall 10. The oblong holes 120 can ensure the normal installation of the waterproof steel plate 100 even if there is a deviation in the drilling of the holes in the pipe section wall 10, making the installation of the waterproof steel plate 100 flexible and convenient.

[0047] The flexible water tank 200 includes a tank body 210 and mounting portions 220 bent on both sides of the tank body 210. The two mounting portions 220 are respectively installed on two sets of waterproof steel plates 100 so that the tank body 210 covers the pipe joint 12 and absorbs water seepage at the pipe joint 12. At the same time, the flexible water tank 200 can deform to adapt to the relative movement of adjacent pipe sections under external loads, thereby preventing water leakage at the pipe joint 12.

[0048] In one embodiment, the mounting portion 220 of the flexible water tank 200 is fixed to the waterproof steel plate 100 by fixing screws 240. Specifically, the waterproof steel plate 100 has mounting holes 130, and the fixing screws 240 pass through the mounting portion 220 and are anchored in the mounting holes 130, thereby fixing the mounting portion 220 to the waterproof steel plate 100. A rubber gasket 242 is provided between the nut of the fixing screw 240 and the flexible water tank 200 to prevent the flexible water tank 200 from being damaged by the fixing screws 240.

[0049] In one embodiment, the side wall of the waterproof steel plate 100 is provided with a step, the mounting part 220 is bent to extend to the step of the waterproof steel plate 100 and fixed by the locking screw 250, and the flexible water tank 200 extends to the side wall of the waterproof steel plate 100, which can increase the contact area between the mounting part 220 and the waterproof steel plate 100 and improve the sealing performance between the two.

[0050] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4The tank wall 214 of the tank body 210 is provided with an arc-shaped baffle 230 that curves and extends from the tank wall 214 away from the tank bottom 212. The baffle 230 includes a first baffle plate 231 and a second baffle plate 232, which are spaced apart. The first baffle plate 231 is close to the tank wall 214, and the second baffle plate 232 is close to the tank bottom 212. The top ends of the first baffle plate 231 and the second baffle plate 232 are connected as one piece. The first baffle plate 231 has drainage holes 233 throughout its entire area, and the second baffle plate 230 has water passage holes 234 in its upper area away from the tank wall 214.

[0051] Water seeping from the pipe joint 12 flows down the tank wall 214 to the tank bottom 212. The water flowing on the tank wall 214 passes through the drain hole 233 on the first baffle 231 and then collects between the first baffle 231 and the second baffle 232. It then flows into the tank bottom 212 through the water passage hole 234 on the second baffle 232. The water flow is slowed down by the drain hole 233, the space between the first and second baffles 231 and 232, and the water passage hole 234. This reduces the scouring effect of the water flow on the flexible water tank 200, preventing damage from long-term scouring and extending the lifespan of the flexible water tank 200.

[0052] In one embodiment, the flexible water tank 200 is made of flexible materials, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), etc., and the water baffle can be made of PVC.

[0053] In one embodiment, due to the different corners of the immersed tunnel cross section, multiple sets of flexible water tanks 200 are sequentially spliced ​​along the tunnel cross section. When installing the flexible water tanks 200, overlapping work needs to be done properly. The end faces of two adjacent flexible water tanks 200 overlap each other, and a hot melt welding machine is used to cover the flexible water tank 200 at the corner with waterproof cloth to ensure that the connection is sealed and waterproof.

[0054] The protective shell 300 covers the outside of the flexible water tank 200. The protective shell 300 is used to protect the flexible water tank 200 and prevent it from being damaged by external collisions or other situations.

[0055] In one embodiment, the protective shell 300 and the flexible water tank 200 are fixed to the waterproof steel plate 100 with the same screw, which reduces the number of screws used and improves the manufacturing efficiency of each component. Heated asphalt is injected into the joint between the waterproof steel plate 100 and the protective shell 300 to ensure no gaps are left. Reflective markers are affixed to the outside of the protective shell 300 to form a reflective outline, alerting oncoming vehicles to the tunnel outline.

[0056] On the other hand, please see Figure 5The present invention also provides a construction method for a flexible drainage device for an immersed tunnel joint, to construct the aforementioned flexible drainage device for an immersed tunnel joint. Specifically, the construction method includes the following steps:

[0057] Step S110: Grind the surface of the pipe section wall 10 in the installation position until a new contact surface is exposed.

[0058] Specifically, at the locations where the waterproof steel plates 100 are installed on both sides of the pipe joint 12, the surface of the pipe joint wall 10 is ground until a new contact surface is exposed. During this process, if a drainage box is already installed at the original location, it needs to be removed before surface grinding. If holes or cracks exist, they are repaired with self-compacting cement grout, and holes for fixing the waterproof steel plates 100 are drilled in the pipe joint wall 10 according to the construction drawings.

[0059] In one embodiment, prior to step S110, the method further includes:

[0060] On-site surveying and construction drawings were conducted. Specifically, the on-site survey measured the water leakage at adjacent pipe sections, the tunnel clearance dimensions, and the joint width, and the construction drawings were prepared to calculate the required material usage.

[0061] The waterproof steel plate 100 and the flexible water tank 200 are processed. Specifically, the waterproof steel plate 100 is processed according to the required dimensions and holes. An arc-shaped water baffle 230 is installed on the tank wall 214 of the flexible water tank 200.

[0062] Road closure operations. Based on the actual tunnel operation situation, a suitable time will be selected to temporarily close the tunnel road.

[0063] Step S120: Apply adhesive to the waterproof steel plate 100 and then fix the waterproof steel plate 100 to the pipe section wall 10.

[0064] Specifically, the adhesive for bonding steel is stirred evenly and applied to the surface of the waterproof steel plate 100. The adhesive layer is typically 2mm thick, thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges. Then, the waterproof steel plate 100 is fixed to the pipe section wall 10 using expansion bolts 102. During the fixing process, pressure is applied to the adhesive to cause it to overflow from around the perimeter of the waterproof steel plate 100, ensuring no gaps between the waterproof steel plate 100 and the wall surface. Simultaneously, the connection between the expansion bolt 102 and the waterproof steel plate 100 is sealed with sealant.

[0065] In one embodiment, before step S120, the process further includes: grinding the waterproof steel plate 100 to remove stains, foreign matter, and rust from the waterproof steel plate 100, and then preparing the adhesive for bonding the steel. Specifically, first, components A and B are stirred evenly separately, and then components A and B are poured into a container at a weight ratio of 4:1. The mixture is stirred at a uniform speed using an electric mixer or other rod until the color is consistent. Generally, 6-10 kg of adhesive is prepared at a time.

[0066] Step S130: After the adhesive has reached the required bonding strength, install the two mounting parts 220 of the flexible water tank 200 onto the two sets of waterproof steel plates 100 respectively.

[0067] Specifically, the materials to be bonded and the construction quality are inspected, and surface anti-corrosion and anti-rust treatments are performed. Then, after the bonding strength is reached (24 hours), the flexible water tank 200 is installed. The mounting parts 220 on both sides of the flexible water tank 200 are placed on two waterproof steel plates 100, and the edges of the mounting parts 220 are bent to extend to the steps of the waterproof steel plates 100. The mounting parts 220 are fixed to the waterproof steel plates 100 with fixing screws 240, and the edges of the mounting parts 220 are fixed to the steps of the waterproof steel plates 100 with fixing screws 240.

[0068] Because the immersed tunnel cross-section has different corners, overlapping work needs to be done when installing the flexible water tank 200. Multiple sets of flexible water tanks 200 are spliced ​​together along the tunnel cross-section, with the end faces of two adjacent flexible water tanks 200 overlapping each other. A hot melt welding machine is used to cover the flexible water tank 200 at the corner with waterproof cloth to ensure that the joint is sealed and waterproof.

[0069] Step S140: Install the protective shell 300 so that it covers the flexible water tank 200.

[0070] Specifically, the shape of the protective shell 300 matches the shape of the flexible water tank 200. The pre-fabricated steel plate protective shell 300 is smoothly placed over the flexible water tank 200 and secured with screws. At the same time, care is taken to firmly press the flexible water tank 200 in the middle against the waterproof steel plates 100 on both sides. Finally, edge treatment is performed by evenly injecting heated asphalt along the joint between the waterproof steel plate 100 and the protective shell 300, ensuring no gaps are left.

[0071] For tunnels with drainage ditches on both sides, water from the flexible drainage system can be directly discharged into the drainage ditches. If no drainage ditches are provided, PVC pipes can be used to discharge water to the appropriate area.

[0072] In one embodiment, after step S140, the method further includes: quality inspection, focusing on checking for gaps, voids, or other problems at the joints of various materials; if problems are found, timely sealing and reinforcement measures are taken. Reflective markers are affixed to the protective shell 300 to form a reflective outline strip, reminding oncoming vehicles to pay attention to the tunnel outline. After the flexible drainage device for the immersed tunnel joint is completed, lane traffic is restored.

[0073] The aforementioned flexible drainage device and its construction method for immersed tunnel joints involve mounting the flexible water trough 200 on two sets of waterproof steel plates 100 on both sides. The trough body 210 can cover the pipe joint 12. Simultaneously, the flexible water trough 200 can deform to accommodate relative displacement of adjacent pipe sections under external loads, preventing leakage at the pipe joint 12. Water flow is slowed and decelerated through the leakage hole 233, the space between the first and second baffle plates 231 and 232, and the water passage hole 234, reducing the scouring effect of the water flow on the flexible water trough 200 and preventing damage due to long-term scouring, thus extending the lifespan of the flexible water trough 200.

[0074] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints, characterized in that, include: Two sets of waterproof steel plates are installed on the pipe section walls on both sides of the pipe section joint; A flexible water tank includes a tank body and mounting portions bent on both sides of the tank body. Two mounting portions are respectively mounted on two sets of waterproof steel plates. The tank wall is provided with an arc-shaped water-blocking plate that curves and extends from the tank wall away from the tank bottom. The water-blocking plate includes a first water-blocking piece near the tank wall and a second water-blocking piece near the tank bottom. The top ends of the first and second water-blocking pieces are connected as one unit. The first and second water-blocking pieces are spaced apart. The first water-blocking piece has drainage holes throughout its entire area, and the second water-blocking piece has water-passing holes in its upper area away from the tank wall. A protective shell covers the outside of the flexible water tank.

2. The flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adhesive is provided between the waterproof steel plate and the pipe section wall.

3. The flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof steel plate has a step on the side wall away from the tunnel joint gap, and the mounting part extends to the step and is fixed to the step by locking screws.

4. The flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof steel plate is provided with fixing holes and waist-shaped holes. Expansion bolts pass through the fixing holes and waist-shaped holes to fix the waterproof steel plate in the pipe section wall.

5. The flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple sets of the flexible water troughs are spliced ​​together along the tunnel cross section, with the end faces of two adjacent flexible water troughs overlapping each other, and the overlapping parts of the flexible water troughs are covered with waterproof cloth.

6. A construction method for a flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Grind the wall surface of the pipe section at the installation location until a new contact surface is exposed; Apply adhesive to the waterproof steel plate and then fix the waterproof steel plate to the pipe section wall; After the adhesive has reached the required bonding strength, install the two installation parts of the flexible water tank onto the two sets of waterproof steel plates respectively. Install a protective shell so that it covers the outside of the flexible water tank.

7. The construction method of the flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before the step of grinding the wall surface of the pipe section at the installation location until a new contact surface is exposed, the following also includes: On-site survey and construction drawings were prepared; Process the waterproof steel plate and install the water baffle on the tank wall; Choose an appropriate time to temporarily close the tunnel.

8. The construction method of the flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process of applying adhesive to the waterproof steel plate beforehand also includes: Remove stains, foreign objects, and rust from the waterproof steel plate; Prepare the adhesive for steel bonding. Mix components A and B separately until they are evenly mixed. Then, pour components A and B into a container at a weight ratio of 4:

1. Use an electric stirrer or other rod to stir at a uniform speed until the color is consistent.

9. The construction method of the flexible drainage device for immersed tunnel joints according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of installing the protective shell to cover the flexible water tank further includes: Heated asphalt is injected along the joint between the waterproof steel plate and the protective shell; Quality inspection involves checking for gaps and holes at the joints of various materials. If any problems are found, sealing and reinforcement measures should be taken promptly. Reflective markers are affixed to the outside of the protective case to create a reflective outline. The lane has been reopened to traffic.

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