Embedded annular flange connecting structure for corrugated steel pipe tunnel

By using an interlocking circumferential flange connection structure, combined with high-performance rubber gaskets and wave spring locks, the problems of joint strength and sealing of corrugated steel pipe tunnels are solved, achieving efficient construction and long-term stability, and making it suitable for complex working conditions.

CN120945943APending Publication Date: 2025-11-14CCTEG SHENYANG ENG CO
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511093935.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-06
Publication Date
2025-11-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing joint connection method for corrugated steel pipe tunnels is difficult to balance strength, sealing and ease of construction, especially in high embankment areas, sections with frequent heavy vehicle traffic and complex geological conditions, where it is difficult to maintain long-term stability.

Method used

The system adopts an interlocking circumferential flange connection structure, which connects the circumferential groove flange with the channel steel. Combined with high-performance rubber gaskets, wave spring locks and polyurethane buffer fillers, it ensures the strength, sealing and stability of the joint, and adopts a modular design to simplify construction.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves the strength and stability of joints, simplifies the construction process, reduces construction difficulty, enhances sealing performance and durability, is suitable for complex working conditions, and supports sustainable development.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded type annular flange connecting structure, and belongs to the technical field of corrugated steel pipe tunnels. An embedded annular flange connecting structure is adopted, and the strength and the stability of a joint are remarkably improved through embedded connection of the annular groove type flange and the channel steel; the automatic compensation function is achieved through the wave spring lock catch, it is guaranteed that the bolt keeps pretightening force for a long time, looseness is prevented, and the durability of the structure is enhanced; a polyurethane buffer filler and a high-performance rubber pad are adopted, so that the sealing performance of a joint is improved, and leakage and invasion of external sundries are prevented; by utilizing the environment-friendly water-borne epoxy resin coating, the corrosion resistance of the structure is enhanced, and the environment-friendly requirement is met; the whole device adopts a modular design and a bolt connection mode, so that the construction process is simplified, the number of bolts is greatly reduced, the construction difficulty is reduced, and later maintenance and local replacement are facilitated.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of corrugated steel pipe tunnel technology, and specifically relates to a corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure. Background Technology

[0002] Corrugated steel pipe tunnels are widely used in highways, municipal works, coal mining, and other fields due to their unique advantages. They perform exceptionally well in high embankment areas and can withstand the long-term impact of heavy vehicles.

[0003] The joints of corrugated steel pipe tunnels are weak points in the structure. Insufficient strength can easily lead to deformation and cracking. Especially under special conditions such as earthquakes, the joints need to withstand greater impact loads, thus requiring even higher joint strength. If the longitudinal direction of the corrugated steel pipe tunnel is under changing soil conditions, the circumferential joints may open, leading to structural leakage and other problems, which in turn affect the overall structural strength.

[0004] The circumferential joints of corrugated steel pipe tunnels are usually connected by bolts. However, this connection method has two significant technical problems: First, the large number of bolts required leads to complex construction processes and low installation efficiency; second, it is difficult to ensure the sealing performance of the joints during long-term use, which poses a risk of leakage.

[0005] In summary, the existing joint connection methods for corrugated steel pipe tunnels cannot simultaneously address the issues of strength, sealing, and ease of construction. Furthermore, the existing technology struggles to maintain long-term stability in high-fill areas, sections with frequent heavy vehicle traffic, and complex geological conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure. Its key technical points are: it mainly consists of a first circumferential grooved flange, a second circumferential grooved flange, a third circumferential grooved flange, a first channel steel, and a second channel steel. The first and third circumferential grooved flanges are respectively connected back-to-back to the end of the second circumferential grooved flange by bolts; the first and second channel steels are welded to the second circumferential grooved flange and located between the first and third circumferential grooved flanges. The first and second channel steels are provided with grooves. The curved end cut from the first circumferential channel flange is embedded into the groove of the first channel steel and welded to fix it. The curved end cut from the third circumferential channel flange is embedded into the groove of the second channel steel and welded to fix it. The first and second channel steels are bolted together by a bolt and nut structure. In the above scheme, the gap between the first circumferential groove flange and the second circumferential groove flange, and near the upper flange, is filled with polyurethane buffer filler with a Shore hardness ≥90D.

[0008] In the above scheme, holes are drilled at corresponding positions on the two webs of the first and second circumferential grooved flanges, and high-performance rubber pads are installed at the hole positions, which are then fixed by bolts passing through the high-performance rubber pads.

[0009] In the above scheme, bolt holes are drilled at corresponding positions on the webs of two adjacent channel steels, and high-performance rubber pads are placed at the hole positions. High-strength bolts pass through the high-performance rubber pads and bolt holes in sequence. In the above scheme, the first grooved flange and the second circumferential grooved flange each have a flange curvature direction that matches the inner wall curvature direction of the corrugated steel pipe plate to which they are connected.

[0010] In the above scheme, the wave spring latch for automatically compensating for bolt loosening is pre-installed in the bolt holes of the first circumferential groove flange and the second circumferential groove flange.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure, employing an embedded circumferential flange connection structure, significantly improves the strength and stability of the joint through the embedded connection of the circumferential groove flange and the channel steel, making it suitable for high-fill areas and sections with frequent heavy vehicle traffic; the use of wave spring locking achieves an automatic compensation function, ensuring that the bolts maintain pre-tightening force for a long time, preventing loosening, and enhancing the durability of the structure; the use of polyurethane buffer filler and high-performance rubber gaskets improves the sealing performance of the joint, preventing leakage and external debris intrusion. The environmentally friendly water-based epoxy resin coating enhances the structure's corrosion resistance and meets environmental protection requirements. The modular design and bolted connection of the overall device simplify the construction process, significantly reduce the number of bolts, lower the construction difficulty, and facilitate later maintenance and partial replacement. The staggered splicing design of the circumferential flange during installation improves the shear strength of the overall structure and is suitable for complex working conditions such as earthquakes. The welding design at the trough of the circumferential groove flange and the corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate increases the moment of inertia of the corrugated plate and further enhances the strength of the circumferential joint.

[0012] This invention employs a combination of factory prefabrication and on-site assembly, significantly improving structural strength, sealing, and construction efficiency through optimized structural design, material application, and construction techniques. This technology is suitable for engineering scenarios involving high embankments, roads with frequent heavy vehicle traffic, and complex geological conditions, demonstrating significant technological advancement and practical value.

[0013] The structural strength and stability are significantly improved. A unique "interlocking connection" structure is adopted, which not only enhances the strength and sealing of the joints but also simplifies the on-site installation process and reduces construction difficulty. Circumferential channel flanges are spliced ​​back-to-back to form I-beams. I-beams possess excellent bending resistance and stability, effectively dispersing soil loads, vehicle dynamic loads, and seismic forces, significantly enhancing the deformation resistance and overall stability of the circumferential joints. The circumferential channel flanges are welded to the troughs of the corrugated steel pipe tunnel slabs, and the circumferential channel flanges are arranged at the ends of each corrugated slab, increasing the moment of inertia of the corrugated slabs and further improving the overall circumferential strength.

[0014] Excellent sealing performance. High-strength bolts, high-performance rubber gaskets, wave spring locking pre-assembly technology, and the application of polyurethane buffer filler ensure a tight seal at the joints, preventing leakage and the intrusion of external debris. Its automatic compensation function effectively prevents bolt loosening, ensuring long-term stability. The inner and outer walls are coated with environmentally friendly water-based epoxy resin, enhancing corrosion resistance and extending service life.

[0015] Construction is convenient and efficient. Components such as circumferential groove flanges and wave spring locks are prefabricated in the factory, requiring only standardized bolt connections on site. Compared with traditional bolt connections, this significantly reduces the number of bolts and lowers construction complexity. Modular design simplifies on-site operations and saves labor costs.

[0016] Maintainability and sustainability are paramount. The circumferential channel flange and channel steel are bolted together, facilitating disassembly and partial replacement, reducing material waste, supporting recycling, and aligning with sustainable development principles. The modular design facilitates later maintenance and partial replacement, reducing maintenance costs and extending the structure's service life. The circumferential channel flange is integrated within the corrugated steel pipe tunnel, providing convenient maintenance access for later inspection, repair, or installation of monitoring sensors.

[0017] Enhanced environmental adaptability. The structural design effectively copes with complex working conditions such as earthquakes and soil changes, reducing the risk of joint cracking; adjacent circumferential groove flanges are staggered in the circumferential direction, further improving the shear strength of the overall structure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circumferential flange structure of the corrugated steel pipe tunnel in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection method between the corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate and the flange.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circumferential groove flange fitting connection in an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the fitting connection method of the circumferential groove flange.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a partial fitting connection in an embodiment of the present invention, which clearly shows the fitting connection details of the circumferential groove flange.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a pre-installed wave spring latch in the bolt hole of a circumferential groove flange in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals: 1-First corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate; 2-Second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate; 3-First circumferential grooved flange; 4-Second circumferential grooved flange; 5-High-performance rubber gasket; 6-Bolt and nut structure; 7-Third circumferential grooved flange; 8-First channel steel; 9-Second channel steel; 10-Polyurethane buffer filler; 11-Wave spring lock. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-4 The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0025] This embodiment provides a corrugated steel pipe tunnel interlocking circumferential flange connection structure, mainly used to connect multiple corrugated steel pipe tunnel plates in the circumferential and axial directions. It mainly consists of a first circumferential grooved flange 3, a second circumferential grooved flange 4, a first channel steel 8, a second channel steel 9, a bolt and nut structure 6, and a wave spring locking mechanism 11. The first circumferential grooved flange 3 and the second circumferential grooved flange 4 are flange structures, and the first circumferential grooved flange 3 and the first channel steel 8, and the third circumferential grooved flange 7 and the second channel steel 9, form interlocking connecting parts. The model of the first channel steel 8 is the same as that of the first circumferential grooved flange 3, and the model of the second channel steel 9 is the same as that of the third circumferential grooved flange 7. The first circumferential groove flange 3 and the third circumferential groove flange 7 are respectively bolted to both ends of the second circumferential groove flange 4. The first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9 are welded to the second circumferential groove flange 4, and the curved end of the first circumferential groove flange 3 is embedded in the groove of the first channel steel 8 and welded and fixed. The curved end of the second circumferential groove flange 7 is embedded in the groove of the second channel steel 9 and welded and fixed, forming an interlocking connector. The first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9 are bolted together.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first circumferential channel flange 3 is connected to the trough of the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1, and the outer arc of the first circumferential channel flange 3 is completely matched with the inner arc of the inner wall of the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1. The upper flange of the first circumferential channel flange 3 is fully penetrated welded to the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1 and is placed inside the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1. The second circumferential channel flange 4 is connected to the trough of the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 2, and the outer arc of the second circumferential channel flange 4 is completely matched with the inner arc of the inner wall of the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 2. The upper flange of the second circumferential channel flange 4 is fully penetrated welded to the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 2 and is placed inside the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 2. The first corrugated steel pipe tunnel panel 1 and the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel panel 2 are circumferentially connected by the first circumferential groove flange 3 and the second circumferential groove flange 4. The first circumferential groove flange 3 and the second circumferential groove flange 4 are connected back to back by high-strength bolts. Holes are drilled at corresponding positions on the two webs of the first circumferential groove flange 3 and the second circumferential groove flange 4, and high-performance rubber pads 5 are installed at the hole positions. The high-strength bolts pass through the high-performance rubber pads 5 for fixing.

[0027] In this embodiment, a "fitting connection" is adopted between the first circumferential channel flange 3 and the third circumferential channel flange 7. Like assembling building blocks, two channel steels, namely the first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9, are added at the axial joints of each corrugated steel pipe tunnel panel. First, the upper and lower flange portions of the first circumferential channel flange 3 and the third circumferential channel flange 7 at their respective ends are removed, while their webs are retained. This ensures that the curve cut from the first circumferential channel flange 3 can perfectly fit into the groove of the first channel steel 8, and the curve cut from the third circumferential channel flange 7 can perfectly fit into the groove of the second channel steel 9. Then, butt welding is performed to form a complete fitting. Bolt holes are drilled at corresponding positions on the webs of adjacent first channel steel 8 and second channel steel 9, and high-performance rubber pads 5 are placed at the hole positions. High-strength bolts are passed through the high-performance rubber pads 5 and the bolt holes in sequence, and the high-strength bolts are tightened to connect the first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9 together.

[0028] In this embodiment, a polyurethane buffer filler 10 with a Shore hardness ≥90D is filled in the gap between the first circumferential groove flange 3 and the second circumferential groove flange 4 near the upper flange.

[0029] The first circumferential groove flange 1 and the second circumferential groove flange 2 work together to connect the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1 and the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1 together. When other corrugated steel pipe tunnel plates are connected using other circumferential groove flanges, the corrugated steel pipe tunnel plates are spliced ​​together in a staggered manner in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The inner and outer walls of the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel panel 1 and the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel panel 2 are respectively coated with environmentally friendly water-based epoxy resin coating.

[0031] The first circumferential grooved flange 3 and the second circumferential grooved flange 4 are arranged together at the ends of each corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate, that is, each plate is provided with circumferential grooved flanges at both ends, thus forming a whole.

[0032] The circumferential grooved flange is divided into sections of 3 to 5 meters, and the joint position between each section is consistent with the axial joint position of the adjacent corrugated steel pipe tunnel slab.

[0033] The high-strength bolts in this embodiment are grade 10.9, with a preload of 60-80 N·m.

[0034] The wave spring latch 11 is pre-installed in the bolt hole of the third circumferential groove flange 7 to automatically compensate for bolt loosening. Its material is SUS304 stainless steel.

[0035] The process of the corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure in this embodiment is as follows: a. Factory modular prefabrication stage.

[0036] (1) Welding of corrugated steel pipe tunnel lining plates to circumferential groove flanges: according to the appendix Figure 1 The first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1 and the upper flange of the first circumferential channel flange 3 are fully penetrated welded at the trough (weld penetration depth ≥ 1.2 times the plate thickness) to form a continuous shear-resistant interface. Since the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 1 and the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 2 are adjacent, the same operation is performed to butt weld the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate 2 and the upper flange of the second circumferential channel flange 4 at the trough, so that the first circumferential channel flange and the first corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate, and the second circumferential channel flange and the second corrugated steel pipe tunnel plate are firmly connected respectively.

[0037] (2) Machining bolt holes and pre-installing locking clips: Machining bolt holes at corresponding positions on the web plates of the first circumferential groove flange 3 and the second circumferential groove flange 4 after welding. (Refer to Appendix) Figure 4 Wave spring locks 11 are pre-installed in the bolt holes of the first circumferential groove flange 3 and the second circumferential groove flange 4. Through their elastic deformation characteristics, they can automatically compensate for the loosening of the bolt preload that may occur during long-term use. When the bolts loosen due to vibration or temperature changes, the wave spring locks 11 will automatically apply a counterforce to ensure that the bolts are always in a tight connection state, thereby enhancing the durability and stability of the structure.

[0038] (3) Fabrication of interlocking connection components: For the "interlocking connection" structure, according to the attached... Figure 2The fitting connection of the first circumferential groove flange 3 is achieved by using CNC plasma cutting to remove the end flange to form an arc curve (R=50mm), which precisely matches the groove of the first channel steel 8 (R=50mm±0.1mm), with the error controlled within 0.5mm to ensure a seamless fit. The processed first circumferential groove flange 3 is then precisely fitted with the internal arc of the first channel steel 8, and the third circumferential groove flange 7 is precisely fitted with the internal arc of the second channel steel 9. These are subsequently butt-welded to form the fitting. Details of the "fitting connection" of the third circumferential groove flange 7 can be seen in the attached diagram. Figure 3 Bolt holes are machined at corresponding positions on the webs of the first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9, and the channel steel model must be consistent with the model of the circumferential channel flange.

[0039] b. On-site installation phase (1) Flange splicing and bolt installation: according to the appendix Figure 1 The prefabricated first circumferential grooved flange 3 and second circumferential grooved flange 4 are spliced ​​back-to-back on site to form an "I-beam structure" with good bending resistance and stability, completing the positioning operation. Next, the high-performance rubber gasket 5 is fitted onto the high-strength bolts, and then the high-strength bolts are passed through the corresponding bolt holes on the flange to secure the flange connection. The high-performance rubber gasket 5 has good elasticity and sealing performance, effectively preventing moisture, mud, and other external debris from intruding into the joint, ensuring the long-term sealing of the joint.

[0040] (2) Fitting and connecting installation: according to the attached... Figure 2 The first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9 are placed back-to-back to form a stable I-beam structure and positioned. After positioning, high-strength bolts fitted with high-performance rubber gaskets are passed through the corresponding bolt holes of the first channel steel 8 and the second channel steel 9, and the bolts are tightened to complete the "fitting connection" between each segment of the circumferential channel flange. Adjacent circumferential channel flanges are joined using a staggered joint method, meaning the joint position of the circumferential channel flange is staggered from the axial joint position of the adjacent corrugated steel pipe tunnel slab. This design effectively improves the shear strength of the overall structure, prevents stress concentration at the joint due to external loads, and further enhances the stability and durability of the structure.

[0041] (3) Filling and coating treatment: according to the appendix Figure 1 Polyurethane buffer filler 10 (Shore hardness ≥90D) is inserted into the gap at the top of two adjacent circumferential groove flanges. This filler not only effectively buffers external impact loads but also prevents gaps from forming at the joint due to vibration or deformation. Its closed-cell rate is ≥95%, effectively blocking moisture penetration and ensuring the sealing of the joint. Simultaneously, both the inner and outer walls of the corrugated steel pipe tunnel are coated with environmentally friendly water-based epoxy resin to enhance the structure's corrosion resistance.

[0042] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure, characterized in that, It mainly consists of a first circumferential grooved flange, a second circumferential grooved flange, a third circumferential grooved flange, a first channel steel, and a second channel steel. The first circumferential grooved flange and the third circumferential grooved flange are connected back-to-back to the end of the second circumferential grooved flange by bolts. The first channel steel and the second channel steel are welded to the second circumferential grooved flange and are located between the first circumferential grooved flange and the third circumferential grooved flange. The first and second channel steels are provided with grooves. The curved end cut from the first circumferential channel flange is embedded into the groove of the first channel steel and welded and fixed. The curved end cut from the third circumferential channel flange is embedded into the groove of the second channel steel and welded and fixed. The first and second channel steels are bolted together by a bolt and nut structure.

2. The corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gap between the first and second circumferential groove flanges, and near the upper flange, is filled with polyurethane buffer filler with a Shore hardness ≥90D.

3. The corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Holes are drilled at corresponding positions on the webs of the first and second circumferential groove flanges, and high-performance rubber gaskets are installed at the hole positions, which are then fixed by bolts passing through the high-performance rubber gaskets.

4. The corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Bolt holes are drilled at corresponding positions on the webs of two adjacent channel steels, and high-performance rubber pads are placed at the hole positions. High-strength bolts pass through the high-performance rubber pads and bolt holes in sequence.

5. The corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first grooved flange and the second circumferential grooved flange each have a flange curvature direction that matches the inner wall curvature direction of the corrugated steel pipe sheet to which they are connected.

6. The corrugated steel pipe tunnel embedded circumferential flange connection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Wave spring latches for automatically compensating for bolt loosening are pre-installed in the bolt holes of the first and second circumferential groove flanges.