Suspension tunnel pipe joint structure adapted to large deformation

Abstract

The application relates to a large-deformation-adaptable suspended tunnel pipe joint structure and belongs to the technical field of suspended tunnel connection. The joint structure comprises a first water-stopping structure, a second water-stopping structure, a first layer of deformation control structure and a second layer of deformation control structure. The second water-stopping structure is arranged on one side of the connection between adjacent pipe joints, and the first water-stopping structure, the first layer of deformation control structure and the second layer of deformation control structure are arranged between the connection between adjacent pipe joints. The second water-stopping structure is further fixed through a sleeve hoop and a first bolt, the sleeve hoop is tightly pressed around the pipe joint, the outer sides of the first layer of deformation control structure and the second layer of deformation control structure are respectively wrapped with protective sleeves, the protective sleeves are fixed on the adjacent pipe joints through second bolts, and a filling pad layer is arranged between the first layer of deformation control structure, the second layer of deformation control structure and the protective sleeves. The joint structure is made of flexible materials, can ensure the water-stopping and sealing effect, and can adapt to large deformation between the pipe joints.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of suspended tunnel connection technology, and relates to a suspended tunnel joint structure that can adapt to large deformations. Background Technology

[0002] Suspended tunnels generally consist of a tubular structure suspended at a certain depth in the water to meet traffic requirements, a water-based or underwater positioning system to prevent excessive displacement, pipe joints, and revetment structures connecting to both banks. Pipe joints are a crucial component of the suspended tunnel structure system, and their structural characteristics significantly influence the mechanical behavior of the entire system. Furthermore, the construction process often makes pipe joints the weakest link in the suspended tunnel structure. On the other hand, the joint structure is also the weakest point in the waterproofing performance of the suspended tunnel, highlighting the critical importance of joint waterproofing within the overall waterproofing system.

[0003] Common joint types for suspended tunnels include immersed tunnels and very large floating structures (VLFS). However, both immersed tunnels and VLFS differ significantly from suspended tunnels in terms of structure, scale, and working environment. Their connection component types can only provide a reference for the design of suspended tunnel joints and cannot directly meet the functional requirements of suspended tunnels.

[0004] Existing patents for suspended tunnel joint structures primarily employ rigid joints that limit displacement. However, suspended tunnels float under long-term wave loads, and in extreme wave environments, the joints can deform significantly with the tunnel body's displacement. Existing patented joint structures cannot maintain normal service performance even under large deformations of the tunnel sections. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a more flexible joint structure capable of adapting to large tunnel section deformations, ensuring the joint structure remains undamaged and leak-proof even in extreme wave environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a suspension tunnel section joint structure that can adapt to large deformations, and to ensure that the section is not damaged or leaks water under extreme wave environment through a flexible joint structure.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A suspended tunnel segment joint structure adaptable to large deformation includes two coaxially connected segments, which are fixedly connected by a joint structure. The joint structure connects the segments in a flexible manner. The joint structure includes a first water-stop structure disposed between the connecting parts of the segments, which elongates or compresses with the deformation of the segments.

[0008] Optionally, the joint structure further includes a second water-stop structure disposed on one side of the connection part of the pipe section. The second water-stop structure is an annular water-stop strip made of high-performance rubber material. Its cross-section has two flat bonding sections on both sides and a pleated section in the middle. The bonding sections on both sides are respectively tightly attached to the adjacent pipe sections.

[0009] Optionally, an annular sleeve is fitted on the side of the fitting section away from the pipe section to prevent water from the outside from seeping into the pipe section through the gap of the second water-stop structure. The sleeve is made of stainless steel plate, which has a certain degree of ductility and is easy to install. The surface of the sleeve is coated with an ultra-thick epoxy anti-corrosion coating to prevent corrosion by seawater and marine microorganisms.

[0010] Optionally, the sleeve and the second water-stop structure are fixed to the pipe section by the first bolt. The sleeve has several bolt holes that mate with the first bolt, arranged in two rows symmetrically along the circumference of the sleeve. Waterproof bolts or other waterproofing measures are installed in the bolt holes to prevent seawater leakage. The first bolt is a high-strength bolt for a more secure fixation.

[0011] Optionally, a flange gasket is provided between the first bolt and the sleeve, which is installed between the first bolt and the sleeve to make the connection between the first bolt and the sleeve more secure. The exposed parts of the flange gasket and the bolt are coated with polyurethane anti-corrosion coating to resist corrosion from seawater and marine microorganisms.

[0012] Optionally, the first water-stop structure is an annular water-stop strip made of relatively soft rubber. Its two ends are fixedly connected to adjacent pipe sections, and it has a pleated area in the middle. When misalignment occurs between the pipe sections, the pleated area in the middle of the second water-stop strip can stretch or compress along with the deformation between the pipe sections, ensuring a water-stopping and sealing effect when deformation occurs between the pipe sections.

[0013] Optionally, the joint structure further includes a first deformation control structure and a second deformation control structure, which are annular springs made of high-carbon alloy steel, respectively arranged around both sides of the second waterstop. The surface of the springs is coated with an ultra-thick epoxy anti-corrosion coating to resist corrosion from seawater and marine microorganisms. The first and second deformation control structures have a certain degree of rigidity and excellent flexibility, which can meet various deformation conditions between pipe sections.

[0014] Optionally, the outer sides of the first-layer deformation control structure and the second-layer deformation control structure are respectively wrapped with protective sleeves made of waterproof and corrosion-resistant rubber material, which can prevent the internal springs from being corroded and damaged by seawater when the second water-stop structure fails and leaks.

[0015] Optionally, a filling pad is provided between the protective sleeve and the first and second deformation control structures. The filling pad has strong deformation resistance and a certain degree of water resistance. It not only protects the internal deformation control structure but also absorbs some of the external kinetic energy, thus acting as a buffer.

[0016] Optionally, the protective sleeve and the first water-stop structure are respectively fixedly connected to the pipe section by the second bolt.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] (1) The first-layer deformation control structure and the second-layer deformation control structure use special springs made of high-carbon alloy steel as load-bearing components. The special springs have a certain rigidity to resist small vibrations and relative displacement deformations. When the pipe section undergoes large deformation, they exhibit excellent flexibility and can deform with the pipe section. The special springs also have self-resetting ability and can restore the structure to its original state after the external load is unloaded.

[0019] (2) The filling pad can help the special spring absorb some of the kinetic energy, and can also act as a protective material for the spring to prevent the spring from being damaged and causing structural failure when encountering sudden situations such as impact.

[0020] (3) The double-layer multi-directional water-stopping measures of the second water-stopping structure and the first water-stopping structure are adopted, which can ensure good waterproofing effect in both radial and axial directions when the joint structure undergoes large deformation.

[0021] (4) All joint structures adopt various anti-seawater corrosion and anti-microbial corrosion measures to ensure the long-term healthy operation of the structure in the marine environment and prevent it from being eroded by seawater and microorganisms.

[0022] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination, or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the suspended tunnel joint structure;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the suspended tunnel joint structure.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. Pipe section, 2. Second water-stop structure, 3. Hoop, 4. First bolt, 5. First layer deformation control structure, 6. Second layer deformation control structure, 7. Protective sleeve, 8. Filling pad, 9. Second bolt, 10. First water-stop structure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0029] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-2 This is a joint structure for a suspended tunnel segment 1 designed to adapt to large deformations. It is installed at the connection points of adjacent segments 1 in the suspended tunnel, and the joint structure connects adjacent segments using a flexible connection method. It includes a second water-stop structure 2 located on one side of the segment 1 connection point, and a first deformation control structure 5, a first water-stop structure 10, and a second deformation control structure 6 sequentially arranged between the segment 1 connection points from near to away from the second water-stop structure 2. The first water-stop structure 10 and the second water-stop structure 2 are flexible structures, while the first deformation control structure 5 and the second deformation control structure 6 are elastic structures.

[0032] Section 1 is the smallest component of the suspended tunnel structure, and is a hollow cylinder prefabricated on land or in a dry dock. Sections 1 are connected to each other via joint structures, with the connection work completed underwater. The diameter and wall thickness of each section 1 are consistent across all cross-sections.

[0033] The first water-stop structure 10 is located between the first deformation control structure 5 and the second deformation control structure 6. It is made of relatively soft rubber and has a pleated area in the middle. When misalignment occurs between pipe sections 1, it can elongate or compress accordingly, ensuring a water-stopping and sealing effect when the pipe sections 1 deform. The portion of the first water-stop structure 10 near the two pipe sections 1 is fixed by the second bolts 9.

[0034] The second water-stop structure 2 is a high-performance rubber material, ring-shaped, with a cross-section consisting of two flat, fitted sections on both sides and a retractable, pleated section in the middle. The two fitted sections are tightly attached to the outer wall of the suspended tunnel section 1, and are fixed by two annular clamps 3 that wrap around and enclose the fitted sections of the second water-stop structure 2 to prevent water from seeping into the tunnel section 1 through gaps in the second water-stop structure 2. The portion of the fitted section in contact with the tunnel wall also has three triangular annular protrusions. After the clamps 3 are compacted, the tips of the triangular protrusions compress and deform upon contact with the tunnel section 1, ensuring a tight fit between the fitted sections of the water-stop structure and the tunnel section 1, preventing gaps. Several first bolts 4 are also provided on the clamps 3, which penetrate the clamps 3 and the fitted sections of the second water-stop structure 2, fixing them to the outer wall of the tunnel section 1. The middle pleated section of the second water-stop structure 2 has good ductility and strength, and can remain water-free under the water pressure of tens of meters underwater. When the left and right pipe sections 1 undergo large deformations such as displacement or opening, the pleated section will also open and shift accordingly, which can prevent the water-stop from being damaged and causing leakage.

[0035] The sleeve 3 is made of annular stainless steel plate with a certain degree of ductility for easy installation. The surface of the sleeve 3 is coated with an ultra-thick epoxy anti-corrosion coating to prevent corrosion from seawater and marine microorganisms. The sleeve 3 evenly presses against the fitting portion of the second water-stop structure 2 to prevent water leakage from the outside. Several bolt holes are also provided on the sleeve 3, arranged symmetrically in two rows along the circumference of the sleeve 3 for the installation of the first bolt 4. Waterproof bolts or other waterproof measures are used in the bolt holes to prevent seawater leakage.

[0036] The first bolt 4 is a high-strength bolt used to fix the sleeve 3 and the second water-stop structure 2 to the pipe section 1. A flange gasket is also provided, installed between the first bolt 4 and the sleeve 3, to make the connection between the first bolt 4 and the sleeve 3 more secure. The exposed parts of the flange gasket and the bolt are coated with polyurethane anti-corrosion coating to resist corrosion from seawater and marine microorganisms.

[0037] The first layer deformation control structure 5 and the second layer deformation control structure 6 are both special springs made of high-carbon alloy steel. They are arranged around the connection between adjacent pipe sections 1. The surface of the springs is coated with an ultra-thick epoxy anti-corrosion coating to resist corrosion from seawater and marine microorganisms. The deformation control structure can provide the suspended tunnel structure with resistance to bending, torsion and shear, and has self-resetting ability. When the external load is unloaded, it can restore its original shape. The first layer deformation control structure 5 and the second layer deformation control structure 6 are respectively wrapped by protective sleeves 7.

[0038] The protective sleeve 7 wraps circumferentially around the outside of the first deformation control structure 5 and the second deformation control structure 6, respectively. It is made of waterproof and corrosion-resistant rubber material to prevent the first and second deformation control structures 5 and 6 from coming into contact with seawater and causing corrosion or damage when the second water-stopping structure 2 fails and leaks. Second bolts 9 are installed on the portions of the protective sleeve 7 near the two pipe sections 1 to secure the protective sleeve 7 to the pipe sections 1 on both sides.

[0039] A filling pad 8 is provided between the protective sleeve 7 and the first deformation control structure 5 and the second deformation control structure 6. This filling pad 8 is made of a material with strong deformation capacity and a certain degree of water resistance, such as high-performance rubber particles or high-viscosity lubricating oil. The filling pad 8 forms a whole with the protective sleeve 7, the first deformation control structure 5, and the second deformation control structure 6, playing a synergistic role. When subjected to external forces, it also provides buffer protection for the first deformation control structure 5 and the second deformation control structure 6.

[0040] This invention uses a special spring made of high-carbon alloy steel as the load-bearing component, which has a certain rigidity and excellent flexibility, as well as self-resetting ability, resisting deformation of various sizes from the outside and still able to return to its original shape after unloading; the outside of the special spring is filled with a filling pad 8, and the outside of the filling pad 8 is wrapped with a protective sleeve 7, which ensures the overall synergy and plays a role in buffering external loads and absorbing kinetic energy. The double-layer water-stopping measures of the second water-stopping structure 2 and the first water-stopping structure 10 ensure a good waterproof effect.

[0041] In addition, the present invention has a flexible joint structure that can resist large deformations, ensuring structural safety while still achieving the water-stopping effect of the joint, and has a broad application prospect.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that 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 preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A suspension tunnel segment joint structure adaptable to large deformation, comprising two coaxially connected segments (1), wherein the segments (1) are fixedly connected by a joint structure, characterized in that: The joint structure connects the pipe section (1) through a flexible connection method; the joint structure includes a first water-stop structure (10) disposed between the connecting parts of the pipe sections (1), and the first water-stop structure (10) stretches or compresses with the deformation between the pipe sections (1). The first water-stopping structure (10) is an annular water-stopping strip, with its two ends fixedly connected to the adjacent pipe section (1) and a pleated area in the middle. The joint structure also includes a second water-stop structure (2) disposed on one side of the connection part of the pipe section (1). The second water-stop structure (2) is an annular water-stop strip with flat bonding sections on both sides of its cross section and a pleated section in the middle. The bonding sections on both sides are respectively tightly attached to the adjacent pipe section (1). The joint structure further includes a first deformation control structure (5) and a second deformation control structure (6). The first deformation control structure (5) and the second deformation control structure (6) are both ring springs, which are respectively arranged around both sides of the first water-stopping structure (10). The outer sides of the first deformation control structure (5) and the second deformation control structure (6) are respectively wrapped with protective sleeves (7). The protective sleeves (7) are made of waterproof and corrosion-resistant rubber material. A filling pad (8) is provided between the protective sleeve (7) and the first deformation control structure (5) and the second deformation control structure (6). The filling pad (8) is made of high-performance rubber particles.

2. The suspended tunnel segment joint structure adaptable to large deformation according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular sleeve (3) is fitted on the side of the fitting section away from the pipe section (1).

3. The suspended tunnel segment joint structure adaptable to large deformation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sleeve (3) and the second water-stop structure (2) are fixed to the pipe section (1) by the first bolt (4).

4. The suspended tunnel segment joint structure adaptable to large deformation according to claim 3, characterized in that: A flange gasket is provided between the first bolt (4) and the sleeve (3).

5. The suspended tunnel segment joint structure adaptable to large deformation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective sleeve (7) and the first water-stop structure (10) are respectively fixedly connected to the pipe section (1) by the second bolt (9).

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