Underwater suspended tunnel pipe joint sealing structure and method

Abstract

The underwater suspended tunnel pipe joint connector sealing structure comprises a pipe section one and a pipe section two, a multi-layer sealing structure for sealingly connecting the pipe section one and the pipe section two, the multi-layer sealing structure comprises a first sealing strip with an anti-corrosion function, a second sealing strip arranged on the inner side of the first sealing strip, a third sealing strip in a pre-compressed state, and a shear key for limiting the shear and tensile deformation of the third sealing strip, and the third sealing strip is fixedly connected with the pipe section one and the pipe section two respectively. The application avoids excessive stretching and shearing of the sealing strip, prevents permanent loss of the sealing strip, avoids breakage of the sealing strip, effectively reduces the failure risk of the sealing strip when the suspended tunnel pipe joint is opened and sheared, guarantees the sealing and water-stopping function between the pipe sections under extreme working conditions, prolongs the sealing and water-stopping life and reliability of the sealing structure, and meets the use requirements of the suspended tunnel pipe joint connector. The application also provides a sealing method for the underwater suspended tunnel pipe joint connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a water-stopping structure and method for underwater suspended tunnel joints, belonging to the field of suspended tunnel connection technology. Background Technology

[0002] Pipe joints are a critical component in underwater tunnel engineering. Compared to the strength and rigidity of concrete pipe sections, the joint structure remains a weak point, and the sealing and waterproofing function at the joint plays a paramount role in the entire tunnel waterproofing system. Currently, most completed underwater tunnels both domestically and internationally utilize flexible joint connections, which are suitable for sealing and waterproofing even with small deformations and misalignments in the pipe sections.

[0003] Suspended tunnels are a novel type of tunneling system that traverses waterways. They typically float at a certain depth underwater, utilizing the buoyancy of the tube structure for support. Unlike immersed tunnels, suspended tunnels operate in harsher marine environments. Large displacements and settlements of the seabed can alter the position of the anchor cables, causing significant opening, shearing, and compression at the joints of the suspended tunnel sections. This affects the stability of the entire structure and ultimately threatens its overall safety. Existing patents include the following patents concerning water-stopping structures for joints in suspended tunnels:

[0004] The invention patent with patent number "202311652172.2" and titled "Suspended Tunnel Joint Structure Adaptable to Large Deformation" discloses a joint structure for a suspended tunnel in water, comprising a first multi-layer water-stopping structure, a second multi-layer water-stopping structure, a first deformation control structure, and a second deformation control structure. The first multi-layer water-stopping structure elongates or compresses with the deformation between the pipe sections, while the second multi-layer water-stopping structure is fixed by a collar and a first bolt that surround and press it onto the pipe section. The joint structure of this invention is made entirely of flexible material, which ensures a water-stopping and sealing effect while also adapting to large deformations between the pipe sections.

[0005] The invention patent with patent number "202311649459.X" and patent title "Suspended Tunnel Joint Structure" discloses a suspended tunnel joint structure. This structure includes a first waterstop, a second waterstop, a shear key, and prestressed steel bars. The first waterstop is fixed to the connection between the first and second pipe sections by clamps and bolts. The prestressed steel bars pass through both the first and second pipe sections, and a spring connecting the first and second pipe sections is also provided in the middle of the prestressed steel bars. This invention's structure has good watertightness and resistance to deformation, and can meet the vibration and deformation generated by suspended tunnel joints in complex marine environments.

[0006] The existing technologies described above have the following main problems: Current waterstop structures mainly rely on the tension between pipe sections to pre-compress the waterstop and achieve the water-stopping and sealing function. However, when the pipe sections of a suspended tunnel experience opening or shear displacement, the waterstop may fail. How to continue to ensure the sealing and water-stopping function of the contact points under large deformation displacement is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The underwater suspended tunnel joint waterstop structure provided by this invention avoids excessive stretching and shearing of the waterstop, prevents permanent loss of the waterstop, and avoids waterstop breakage. It effectively reduces the risk of waterstop failure when suspended tunnel sections experience opening or shearing displacement, ensuring the sealing and waterstop function between sections under extreme working conditions, extending the sealing and waterstop life and reliability of the waterstop structure, and meeting the usage requirements of suspended tunnel joints. This invention also provides a waterstop method for underwater suspended tunnel joints.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure includes a first section and a second section, and a multi-layer water-stop structure that seals and connects the first section and the second section. The multi-layer water-stop structure includes a first water-stop with anti-corrosion function, a second water-stop set inside the first water-stop, a third water-stop in a pre-compressed state, and a shear key that limits the shear and tensile deformation of the third water-stop. The third water-stop is fixedly connected to the first section and the second section respectively.

[0010] Preferably, at least two layers of second waterstops are connected between pipe section one and pipe section two, and the third waterstop and shear key are disposed between the second waterstops of adjacent layers.

[0011] Preferably, the third waterstop is a rubber waterstop with an I-shaped cross-section, and the third waterstop is pre-compressed along the axis between the end faces of pipe section one and pipe section two.

[0012] Preferably, the end of the third waterstop is fixed to pipe section one and pipe section two by a pressure plate, and the end face of the third waterstop has a plurality of annular ribs that are close to the end faces of pipe section one and pipe section two.

[0013] Preferably, the pressure plate is L-shaped, and there are four of them. The four pressure plates are distributed in a rectangle and are respectively vulcanized and bonded to the end of the third waterstop. Threaded holes are opened on the pressure plates, and the threaded holes extend through the end of the third waterstop. Embedded parts corresponding to the threaded holes are pre-embedded in pipe section one and pipe section two, respectively. Bolts pass through the threaded holes and are fastened in the embedded parts.

[0014] Preferably, the third waterstop is pre-compressed to have arc-shaped convex surfaces on both the inner and outer walls.

[0015] Preferably, the shear key protrudes axially from one end of pipe section one toward pipe section two. The end face of pipe section two has a groove corresponding to the shear key. The shear key is integrally formed on the end face of pipe section one. The shear keys are evenly spaced along the circumference of the pipe section. The shear keys extend into the groove and have gaps with pipe section two in both the radial and axial directions. Each pipe section has a shear key at one end and a groove at the other end.

[0016] Preferably, the first waterstop is a stainless steel waterstop, and the two ends of the first waterstop are fixed to the embedded parts of pipe section one and pipe section two by bolts. The middle part of the first waterstop has multiple inwardly recessed V-shaped grooves.

[0017] Preferably, the second waterstop is an OMEGA waterstop, and the ends of the second waterstop are fixed to the embedded parts in pipe section one and pipe section two by metal fixing plates and bolts.

[0018] The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stopping method adopts the underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stopping structure described in the above claims, characterized in that: according to the load-bearing and deformation requirements of the suspended tunnel joint water-stopping structure under extreme working conditions, the thickness of the third water-stopping strip and the distance between the first and second pipe sections are adjusted to adjust the pre-compression and initial stiffness of the third water-stopping strip, so that the third water-stopping strip can maintain its sealing and water-stopping function under extreme working conditions.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the invention are:

[0020] The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure of this invention comprises a first water-stop strip forming an outer layer of sealing water-stop, which can resist corrosion caused by some marine organisms and seawater. A second water-stop strip forms an inner layer of sealing water-stop. A third water-stop strip, together with the first and second water-stop strips, forms a multi-layered sealing water-stop. Pre-compression can increase the initial stiffness of the third water-stop strip, improve its deformation resistance, and enable the third water-stop strip to adapt to large displacement opening and shearing conditions. It maintains its sealing water-stop function under large deformation displacement, and shear keys are used to limit the shearing and tensile deformation of the third water-stop strip to limit the maximum deformation displacement between the pipe sections, avoid excessive stretching and shearing of the water-stop strip, prevent permanent loss of the water-stop strip, and prevent water-stop strip breakage. This effectively reduces the risk of water-stop strip failure when the suspended tunnel pipe sections open and shear, ensures the sealing water-stop function between pipe sections under extreme conditions, extends the sealing water-stop life and reliability of the water-stop structure, and meets the usage requirements of suspended tunnel joints.

[0021] The I-shaped third waterstop is vulcanized and bonded to the pressure plate to form a whole. The pressure plate forms a quick connection with the pipe section. The I-shaped structure achieves a pre-compressed initial state, increasing the initial stiffness of the third waterstop and giving it a certain resistance to deformation. During shear and tensile deformation, the pre-compressed third waterstop is gradually released from its compression state. This released compression is used to offset the tensile and shear deformation displacement of the third waterstop when the pipe sections open and shear. When the third waterstop is restored from the compressed state to the uncompressed free state, it will begin to undergo tensile and shear deformation if the pipe sections continue to open and shear. Shear keys are used to limit the shear and tensile deformation displacement of the third waterstop, limiting the maximum deformation displacement between the pipe sections and preventing the third waterstop from being damaged or broken due to excessive tension and shear. This protects the third waterstop from damage and improves the reliability and stability of the waterstop structure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stopping structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the third waterstop.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the height of the raised surface of the third waterstop when it decreases to zero. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following is combined Figures 1-4 The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0027] The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure includes pipe section 1 and pipe section 2, and a multi-layer water-stop structure that seals and connects pipe section 1 and pipe section 2. The multi-layer water-stop structure includes a first water-stop 3 with anti-corrosion function, a second water-stop 4 set inside the first water-stop 3, a third water-stop 5 in a pre-compressed state, and a shear key 6 that limits the shear and tensile deformation of the third water-stop 5. The third water-stop 5 is fixedly connected to pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 respectively.

[0028] The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure described above comprises a first water-stop 3 forming an outer layer of sealing water-stop, which can resist corrosion caused by some marine organisms and seawater. A second water-stop 4 forming an inner layer of sealing water-stop. A third water-stop 5, together with the first water-stop 3 and the second water-stop 4, forms a multi-layered sealing water-stop. Pre-compression can increase the initial stiffness of the third water-stop, improve its deformation resistance, and enable the third water-stop to adapt to large displacement opening and shearing conditions. It maintains its sealing water-stop function under large deformation displacement. Furthermore, shear keys 6 limit the shearing and tensile deformation of the third water-stop 5 to limit the maximum deformation displacement between the pipe sections, avoid excessive stretching and shearing of the water-stop, prevent permanent loss of the water-stop, and prevent water-stop breakage. This effectively reduces the risk of water-stop failure when the suspended tunnel pipe sections open and shear, ensures the sealing water-stop function between the pipe sections under extreme conditions, extends the sealing water-stop life and reliability of the water-stop structure, and meets the usage requirements of suspended tunnel joints.

[0029] In this design, at least two layers of second waterstops 4 connect pipe section 1 and pipe section 3. A third waterstop 5 and a shear key 6 are disposed between adjacent layers of second waterstops 4. The number of layers of second waterstops 4 is determined based on the thickness of the pipe section to improve the reliability of the sealing and water-stopping mechanism. The placement of the third waterstop 5 and the shear key 6 between adjacent layers of second waterstops 4 improves space utilization, and the first waterstop 2 and the second waterstop 4 provide protection for the third waterstop 5.

[0030] The third waterstop 5 is an I-shaped rubber waterstop. It is pre-compressed along the axis between the end faces of pipe section 1 and pipe section 2. The I-shaped rubber waterstop's end face fits snugly against the end face of the pipe section, facilitating pre-compression and adjustment of the pre-compression amount. The distance between pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 can be adjusted according to the load-bearing requirements of the suspended tunnel pipe section joint waterstop structure under extreme conditions. A suitable thickness of the third waterstop 5 can be selected to adjust its pre-compression amount and initial stiffness, ensuring it maintains its sealing function under extreme conditions.

[0031] The third waterstop 5 is fixedly connected to pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 via a pressure plate 51 at its end. The end face of the third waterstop has multiple annular ribs 52 that fit tightly against the end faces of pipe section 1 and pipe section 2. The annular ribs 52 improve the sealing performance between the third waterstop 5 and the end faces of the pipe sections. The rigid pressure plate forms a fixed connection between the third waterstop 5 and the pipe sections, ensuring the reliability and stability of the connection between the third waterstop 5 and the pipe sections, and allowing the third waterstop 5 to deform synchronously with the opening and shearing of the pipe sections.

[0032] The pressure plates 51 are L-shaped, and there are four of them. The four pressure plates 51 are rectangularly distributed and vulcanized and bonded to the ends of the third waterstop 5. Threaded holes 53 are formed on the pressure plates 51, extending through the ends of the third waterstop 5. Embedded parts corresponding to the threaded holes 53 are pre-embedded in pipe section 1 and pipe section 2, respectively. Bolts pass through the threaded holes 53 and are fastened to the embedded parts. The I-shaped third waterstop 5 and the pressure plates 51 are vulcanized and bonded as a whole, forming a quick connection with the pipe section through the pressure plates 51. The I-shaped structure achieves the initial pre-compression state, improving the convenience of installation and pre-compression of the third waterstop 5 and increasing the assembly efficiency of the waterstop structure between pipe sections.

[0033] The third waterstop 5 is pre-compressed, with both its inner and outer walls having arc-shaped convex surfaces 54. In the initial installation state, a certain pre-pressure is applied between the pipe sections to pre-compress the third waterstop 5, forming convex surfaces 54 on both the inner and outer walls, as shown in Figure 3. When the pipe sections open or shear, the third waterstop 5 undergoes tensile and shear deformation, and the convex height of the convex surfaces 54 gradually decreases. When the convex height of the convex surfaces 54 decreases to zero, it deforms to the state shown in Figure 4. If the opening and shear displacement between the pipe sections continues to increase, the third waterstop 5 will be stretched. The pre-compressed installation state of the third waterstop 5 increases its initial stiffness, giving it a certain resistance to deformation. The third waterstop 5, which is in a pre-compressed state during shearing and tensile deformation, is gradually released from its compression. This released compression offsets the tensile and shear deformation displacement of the third waterstop 5 when the pipe sections open and shear. Once the third waterstop 5 is restored from its compressed state to a free state, it will begin to undergo tensile and shear deformation if the pipe sections continue to open and shear. The shear key 6 limits the shear and tensile deformation displacement of the third waterstop 5 to limit the maximum deformation displacement between the pipe sections, preventing the third waterstop 5 from being damaged or broken due to excessive tension and shear, thus protecting the third waterstop 5 from damage and improving the reliability and stability of the waterstop structure.

[0034] Among them, the shear key 6 protrudes axially from one end of pipe section 1 toward pipe section 2. The end face of pipe section 2 has a groove 7 corresponding to the shear key 6. The shear key 6 is integrally formed on the end face of pipe section 1. The shear key 6 is evenly distributed around the circumference of pipe section 1. The shear key 6 extends into the groove 7 and has gaps with pipe section 2 in both the radial and axial directions. Each pipe section has a shear key 6 at one end and a groove 7 at the other end. One end of pipe section 1 has a shear key 6, and the other end of pipe section 1 has a groove 7. One end of pipe section 2 has a groove 7, and the other end of pipe section 2 has a shear key 6. When the pipe sections open and shear, the distance between pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 increases, and pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 move axially and / or radially. The groove 7 at the other end of pipe section 1 will contact the shear key 6 at the end of the adjacent pipe section on the other side, and the shear key 6 at the other end of pipe section 2 will contact the groove 7 at the end of the adjacent pipe section on the other side, forming a limit. That is to say, when two adjacent pipe sections open and shear, the other ends of the two pipe sections are limited by the contact of the shear key 6 and the groove 7. This can effectively protect the water-stop structure when large deformation occurs between the pipe sections of the suspended tunnel, and prevent the water-stop structure from being pulled or broken.

[0035] The first waterstop 3 is a stainless steel waterstop. Both ends of the first waterstop 3 are fixed to the embedded parts of pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 by bolts. The middle part of the first waterstop 3 has multiple inwardly recessed V-shaped grooves. The V-shaped grooves on the stainless steel waterstop can accommodate large shearing and opening deformations, and can resist corrosion caused by marine organisms and seawater to the sealing structure.

[0036] The second waterstop 4 is an OMEGA waterstop. The ends of the second waterstop 4 are fixed to the embedded parts in pipe section 1 and pipe section 2 via metal fixing plates 41 and bolts. The OMEGA waterstop is fixedly connected to the pipe sections via bolts, fixing plates 41, and embedded parts. The OMEGA waterstop has the ability to expand and contract, adapting to large deformations, and can deform synchronously with the first and third waterstops, achieving a multi-layer sealing and water-stopping function.

[0037] The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stopping method adopts the underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stopping structure described above. Its characteristic is that, based on the load-bearing and deformation requirements of the suspended tunnel joint water-stopping structure under extreme working conditions, the thickness of the third water-stopping strip and the distance between the first and second pipe sections are adjusted to adjust the pre-compression and initial stiffness of the third water-stopping strip, so that the third water-stopping strip 5 can maintain its sealing and water-stopping function under extreme working conditions.

[0038] The above-described underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stopping method can increase the stiffness of the third waterstop 5 by pre-compression, thereby improving its resistance to deformation. This allows the third waterstop to adapt to large displacement opening and shearing conditions, maintain its sealing and water-stopping function under large deformation displacement, effectively reduce the risk of waterstop failure when the suspended tunnel joints open or shear, and ensure the sealing and water-stopping function between the joints under extreme conditions.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have been fully described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

Claims

1. Water-stopping structure for underwater suspended tunnel pipe section joint, including pipe section one and pipe section two, and a multi-layer water-stopping structure for sealing and connecting pipe section one and pipe section two. The multi-layer water-stopping structure includes a first water-stopping strip with anti-corrosion function, a second water-stopping strip set inside the first water-stopping strip, a third water-stopping strip in a pre-compressed state, and a shear key that limits the shear and tensile deformation of the third water-stopping strip. The third water-stopping strip is fixedly connected to pipe section one and pipe section two respectively. At least two layers of second waterstops are connected between pipe section one and pipe section two, and the third waterstop and shear key are arranged between the second waterstops of adjacent layers; The third waterstop is a rubber waterstop with an I-shaped cross-section, and the third waterstop is pre-compressed along the axis between the end faces of pipe section one and pipe section two. The end of the third waterstop is fixed to pipe section one and pipe section two by a pressure plate, and the end face of the third waterstop has multiple annular ribs that are close to the end faces of pipe section one and pipe section two. The pressure plate is L-shaped, and there are four of them. The four pressure plates are distributed in a rectangle and are respectively vulcanized and bonded to the end of the third waterstop. Threaded holes are opened on the pressure plates and the threaded holes extend through the end of the third waterstop. Embedded parts corresponding to the threaded holes are pre-embedded in pipe section one and pipe section two respectively. Bolts pass through the threaded holes and are fastened in the embedded parts. The shear key protrudes axially from one end of pipe section one toward pipe section two. The end face of pipe section two has a groove corresponding to the shear key. The shear key is integrally formed on the end face of pipe section one. The shear keys are evenly spaced along the circumference of the pipe section. The shear keys extend into the groove and have gaps with pipe section two in both the radial and axial directions. Each pipe section has a shear key at one end and a groove at the other end.

2. The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third waterstop is pre-compressed to have arc-shaped convex surfaces on both the inner and outer walls.

3. The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first waterstop is a stainless steel waterstop. Both ends of the first waterstop are fixed to the embedded parts of pipe section one and pipe section two by bolts. The middle part of the first waterstop has multiple inwardly recessed V-shaped grooves.

4. The underwater suspended tunnel joint water-stop structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second waterstop is an OMEGA waterstop, and the ends of the second waterstop are fixed to the embedded parts in pipe section one and pipe section two by metal fixing plates and bolts.

5. A method for sealing the joint of an underwater suspended tunnel section, employing the water-stopping structure for the joint of an underwater suspended tunnel section as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Based on the load-bearing and deformation requirements of the suspended tunnel joint waterstop structure under extreme working conditions, the thickness of the third waterstop and the spacing between the first and second pipe sections are adjusted to adjust the pre-compression and initial stiffness of the third waterstop, so that the third waterstop can maintain its sealing and water-stopping function under extreme working conditions.

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