Vibrating device, method for inserting / removing base element into / from ground, and assembly having base element

Abstract

The present application relates to a vibrating device (2) for inserting a base element (4) into the ground, to an assembly of a vibrating device and a base element, to a method for inserting and removing a base element (4) and to such a base element (4) wherein said vibrating device comprises:-a frame (8) with a clamping mechanism configured to clamp a base element (2); -at least one vibratory element (12) operably connected to the frame (8); -a vibrating chamber (14, 18) provided within or attached to the frame (8) for accommodating at least one vibrating element (12); -at least one drive device (24, 26) operatively connected to the at least one vibrating element (12) wherein the at least one vibrating element (12) is configured for rotational movement within the vibrating cavity (14, 18) about the longitudinal axis of the base element (4) to generate torsional vibrations.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration device and method for inserting / removing foundation elements into / from the ground (including the seabed). This vibration device and method can be used for both land-based and sea-based foundation elements. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a vibration device and foundation element.

[0002] Vibration devices for placing or inserting foundation elements (such as foundation piles) into the ground are known. For example, such devices are used for placing wind turbine foundations. Known vibration devices utilize axial vibration to drive foundation elements (such as solid or hollow foundation piles) into the ground. For this purpose, known vibration devices include at least one vibrating block connected to the upper side of the foundation pile.

[0003] WO 2023 / 091010 A1 discloses a vibration device that can be advantageously used to introduce torsional vibration for inserting foundation elements. In particular, torsional vibration reduces the amount of noise generated during the insertion of foundation elements.

[0004] Although the combination of torsional and axial vibrations can reduce some noise, further reductions in noise emissions are still needed when inserting foundation components into the ground (including the seabed).

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to eliminate or reduce one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a vibration device that uses torsional vibration to insert a foundation element into the ground, the device comprising: - A frame with a clamping mechanism for clamping the base components; - At least one vibrating element, which is operatively connected to the frame; - A vibration chamber, which is disposed within or attached to the frame, for accommodating at least one vibrating element; - At least one drive device operatively connected to at least one vibrating element, In this embodiment, at least one vibrating element is configured to rotate within the vibrating cavity about the longitudinal axis of the base element to generate torsional vibration.

[0007] By providing a clamping mechanism, the vibration device can be operatively connected to the base element. Several conventional clamping mechanisms can be employed, such as those described by the same applicant in WO 2022 / 060225 A2. The vibration element can be clamped by the clamping device to the upper inside, on, and / or around the upper side of the base element, and / or at any other suitable location on the base element.

[0008] The vibrating element moves within the vibrating chamber along at least a portion of its length. One or more vibrating elements can have a considerable weight, such as 200 tons. Vibrating elements of this weight are capable of generating significant and effective torsional vibrations, thereby assisting in driving the foundation element into the ground.

[0009] Torsional vibration can be generated by providing a rotational motion of at least one vibrating element about the longitudinal axis of the base element (preferably along the circumference of the base element). This rotational motion can be a portion of the circumference (e.g., a portion of the circumference of the base element) or a complete circumferential path. This will result in a torsional force acting on the base element.

[0010] The base element will be inserted into the ground using its own weight, optionally applicable to land-based or sea-based applications. The frequency and displacement distance or amplitude of the rotational motion can be manually set by the user / operator or automatically set by the controller. Optionally, the frequency and / or displacement amplitude can be adjusted according to the specific circumstances and / or progress of the insertion process. Such adjustments can be made manually by the user / operator or automatically by the controller.

[0011] The application of generating torsional vibration by moving at least one vibrating element within a vibrating cavity in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base element significantly reduces noise emissions during insertion. This is believed to be due to a reduction in the radial expansion of the base element. Results show that this reduction can also be achieved when the base element is placed in an underwater environment on the seabed. Optionally, more than one vibrating element can be used, such as two, three, four, or any other suitable number of vibrating elements.

[0012] Another advantage of the vibration device according to the invention is that it can generate a unidirectional force, which is then applied to the base element. Combined with the use of torsional vibration, this avoids the need for separate damping units to eliminate axial vibrations transmitted to the crane or other lifting equipment. This significantly reduces the risk of damage to external equipment.

[0013] In addition, the fatigue level of the base components during the insertion process is significantly reduced, which improves the service life of the base components.

[0014] In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the vibration device can be configured into different modes by changing the frequency and displacement distance of the vibrating element. This allows the vibration device to operate efficiently and adapt relatively easily to the specific circumstances of the insertion process, including the specific requirements of the (intended) relevant ground layer. Optionally, different modes can also be switched at the beginning and / or during the insertion process. Examples of some different modes will be briefly described below.

[0015] In the first mode, high-frequency torsional vibrations in the frequency range of 30 Hz to 60 Hz are applied, preferably with a relatively small displacement amplitude range of 1 mm to 3 mm. One objective of this mode is to reduce the drag on the base element itself as it moves toward the ground. Furthermore, this mode can also reduce the drag encountered at the bottom or ends of the base element to some extent.

[0016] In the second mode, low-frequency torsional vibrations in the frequency range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz are applied, with a relatively large displacement amplitude range of 3 mm to 20 mm. Compared to the first mode, in the second mode, the base element can be inserted into the ground over a greater distance and / or at a faster speed, especially in harder ground layers with greater resistance.

[0017] In the third mode, torsional pulses are generated, preferably in alternating directions, with a preferred frequency range of 1 Hz to 5 Hz and a preferred amplitude of 3 mm to 50 mm. These pulses are specifically designed for use when encountering ground layers with relatively high resistance. Optionally, the third mode can be used in combination with the first and / or second modes.

[0018] Optionally, users can switch between different modes depending on the actual ground layer conditions during the basic component insertion process.

[0019] In a typical insertion process, the insertion process begins with Mode 1. When encountering a ground layer with higher resistance, it can be switched to Mode 2, or alternatively, Mode 2 can be combined with Mode 1. If an even higher resistance ground layer is encountered, a torsional pulse can be applied according to Mode 3, which can optionally be combined with Mode 1 and / or Mode 2.

[0020] When using the vibration device in an embodiment of the invention, the user can set the actual mode and / or frequency and amplitude through an interface with the controller of the vibration device. Optionally, if needed, the user can adjust these settings according to the progress of the insertion process. Such adjustment can be done manually or automatically, for example, by measuring the progress and / or resistance during the insertion process and adjusting the frequency and / or amplitude accordingly.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration device is powered by a 5 MW power supply for moving the vibrating elements within the vibration chamber. It should be understood that the power supply is adapted to the configuration of the vibration device based on the number of vibrating elements, the weight of the vibrating elements, and / or other relevant parameters.

[0022] In the currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vibration cavity is annular.

[0023] The annular vibration cavity allows at least one vibrating element to move controllably within the cavity, preferably along its entire length. This movement enables the at least one vibrating element to generate controllable torsional vibration. In this embodiment, the vibrating element moves within the vibration cavity along the circumference of the base element, and the plane containing this circumference is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base element. The movement of the vibrating element can occur along a portion of the circumference of the base element. Preferably, in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration cavity is circular and extends to the entire circumference of the base element, substantially surrounding the circumference of the base element. This allows the vibrating element to move along the entire circumference of the base element, thereby providing maximum flexibility for generating torsional vibration.

[0024] Preferably, at least one vibrating element is ring-shaped. The shape of the ring-shaped or multiple vibrating elements is preferably such that they can move effectively within a vibrating cavity, which is also preferably ring-shaped. By arranging the ring-shaped vibrating element, the vibration device can be effectively used for (insertion) operations. Rotating the ring-shaped vibrating element produces torsional vibration. By accelerating or decelerating / stopping the movement of the vibrating element, pulses can be generated according to mode 3 described above.

[0025] The ring-shaped vibrating element is preferably used in combination with a ring-shaped vibrating cavity. One advantage of this ring combination is that it provides the largest surface area for positioning the drive device, more preferably the electromagnetic drive device. Furthermore, the generated force acts close to the base element. The ring combination also effectively clamps the base element. In addition, this special ring structure can generate relatively high torsional pulses with relatively small mass, thus providing an effective device for operation in Mode 3, as previously described. Another advantage is that the ring structure can provide an opening (described later) that facilitates the fluidization or removal of material inside the base element.

[0026] The movement of the vibrating element can be achieved in a variety of ways, including by providing an electromagnetic drive, a hydraulic drive, or any other suitable device, or any combination thereof.

[0027] In the currently preferred embodiment, at least one electromagnetic drive device is provided. This drive device is capable of providing electricity, thereby contributing to further reduction of emissions when using the vibration device according to the invention. Furthermore, the use of the electromagnetic drive device can also achieve energy regeneration, for example, by slowing down or stopping the vibrating element as it moves within the vibration chamber. This is an effective method, for example, when operating in Mode 3. With this energy regeneration, pulses can be generated efficiently and energy-savingly. In a preferred embodiment, one or more vibrating elements are equipped with an electromagnet or permanent magnet, enabling them to move within the housing or wall of the vibration chamber, which contains a fixed circuit or coil controllable by a controller of the vibration device. Alternatively, the electromagnet or permanent magnet may also be disposed within a fixed housing or wall, while the circuit or coil is disposed within the vibrating element.

[0028] If a hydraulic drive is used, the vibrating element preferably moves along a portion of the circumference of the base element and then engages with a stop (e.g., a wall, edge, pin, or other suitable stop). This will generate the pulses associated with mode 3. However, one advantage of the above-described application of an electromagnetic drive is its ability to regenerate energy.

[0029] Another preferred embodiment is that the frame of the vibration device further includes a bearing operatively connected to at least one vibration element.

[0030] This bearing enables relative movement between the vibrating element and the base elements of the frame and / or the vibrating chamber. The bearing can be an air bearing, a rolling bearing, currently preferred electromagnetic bearing (to minimize resistance to the movement of the vibrating element within the vibrating chamber), or other suitable bearing.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration device further includes an energy regeneration system.

[0032] This regeneration system can be configured in various ways. In one currently preferred embodiment, the regeneration device is used in conjunction with an electromagnetic drive device to regenerate energy when the vibrating element decelerates or stops vibrating within the vibration chamber. This provides an energy-efficient vibration device.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration device further includes a plurality of eccentric counterweights.

[0034] As described in the aforementioned application WO 2023 / 091010 A1 by the same applicant, the combination of eccentric counterweights can be used for axial vibration and / or torsional vibration. However, according to the present invention, the eccentric counterweight is (primarily) used for axial vibration and can optionally be used to enhance torsional vibration, preferably generated by a vibrating element moving within a vibration chamber. This allows for the effective combination of axial and torsional vibration. In particular, according to the present invention, the combined use of the vibrating element and the vibration chamber can apply torsional pulses to the base element. This allows the base element to be inserted into the ground even under challenging conditions such as ground layers with high resistance. It is noteworthy that in one possible embodiment of the invention, the eccentric counterweight is moved by a hydraulic drive, while the vibrating element moves within the vibration chamber by an electromagnetic drive. Alternatively, all counterweights and vibrating elements can be driven electromagnetically or hydraulically.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame of the vibration device includes an opening that extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the frame.

[0036] This opening allows access to the interior of the foundation element while the vibratory device is installed. This is particularly important when inserting tubular foundation elements into the ground. In this case, soil or other materials can be removed from the interior of the foundation element during insertion, reducing resistance during the insertion process. Alternatively, the opening can also be used to fluidize the internal materials and / or the bottom of the ground layer that the foundation element contacts. Again, this significantly reduces resistance during insertion, making the insertion process more efficient and energy-saving.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a combination of a vibration device and a foundation element according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] The combination according to the invention provides the aforementioned effects and advantages related to the vibration device. Furthermore, it should be noted that the base element preferably has a circular cross-section (viewed from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base element), such as a tube or pipe, or any other tubular base element.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the base element includes a profiled base. This profiled base refers to the lower end of the base element during insertion. By providing a profiled base, the insertion process can be made more efficient, especially when dealing with ground layers with high resistance. The specific profile selection of this base may depend on the ground layer type and available power, and may optionally be combined with the stiffness of the base element itself.

[0040] Furthermore, it is worth noting that the profiled base preferably has a toothed profile. The height of this profile can be adjusted according to the specific circumstances. For example, a higher profile (i.e., a larger height difference along the longitudinal direction of the base element) will generate greater resistance during insertion, resulting in a higher insertion speed. Conversely, a relatively low or limited profile height of the profiled base will reduce the insertion speed because less soil or other material is displaced at the bottom of the base element. At the same time, resistance will be reduced. This profile is particularly advantageous when inserting the base element into ground layers with high resistance, and / or when it is necessary to reduce the size and power requirements of the vibration device.

[0041] Alternatively, a waveform, sine wave, or any suitable waveform can be provided for the profile base.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method for inserting a foundation element into the ground using torsional vibration, the method comprising the following steps: - A vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided; - Use a clamping mechanism to clamp the base components; - Using a drive device to drive at least one vibrating element and generate torsional vibration; and - Drive the basic components into the ground.

[0043] This method provides the same or similar effects and advantages as the vibration device and / or components.

[0044] The method according to the invention provides an effective and efficient insertion process for inserting a foundation element into the ground using torsional vibration. Preferably, one or more of the above-described modes can be selected during the insertion process. Alternatively, switching between different modes and using combinations of modes can also be possible. This allows the method to be performed by combining one or more of the most effective modes.

[0045] In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further includes the step of generating torsional vibrations in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz, preferably in the frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz, more preferably in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 80 Hz, and most preferably in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 60 Hz. It is evident that when inserting the base element into the ground, applying the above-mentioned frequencies or any combination of different frequencies within this range can achieve good results.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further includes the step of generating torsional vibration with a displacement amplitude range of 0.1 mm to 100 mm, preferably with a displacement amplitude range of 0.5 mm to 75 mm, more preferably with a displacement amplitude range of 1 mm to 60 mm, and most preferably with a displacement amplitude range of 1 mm to 50 mm.

[0047] In particular, applying a combination of frequency and displacement amplitude within the aforementioned range yields excellent results. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, combinations of frequency and amplitude in different modes can provide optimal combinations for effective utilization.

[0048] In the currently preferred embodiments of the invention, several so-called driving modes are defined. In a first mode, high-frequency vibrations with a frequency of 30 Hz to 60 Hz are applied, combined with a relatively low (displacement) amplitude ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm. This reduces or minimizes the resistance (axial drag) of the base element moving into the ground and reduces the drag at the lower end of the base element. In a second mode, low-frequency vibrations with a frequency of 5 Hz to 30 Hz are applied, combined with a relatively high (displacement) amplitude ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm. This mode enables the base element to penetrate the ground faster and / or deeper. The second mode is particularly effective when encountering ground with high resistance. A third mode is to apply pulses / impacts with a frequency range of 1 Hz to 5 Hz in the torsional direction, combined with a larger (displacement) amplitude ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm. This third mode is particularly effective when encountering ground with (very) high resistance. Furthermore, this third mode can also be used to change the orientation of the base element, for example by applying pulses / impacts in the same direction. It should be understood that other modes and / or combinations of modes are also conceivable according to the invention.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of adjusting the frequency, displacement amplitude, and / or power. This adjustment can be performed manually and / or automatically. For example, at the start of the insertion process, settings can be selected according to Mode 1; when encountering a high-resistance ground layer, settings can be switched to Mode 2. In cases of even higher resistance, a torsional pulse according to Mode 3 can be used as an alternative, or in combination with one of the other modes.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, the method further includes the step of removing soil or other materials from the foundation element. Alternatively, or in addition to this step, the method may also include a step of fluidizing the soil or other materials in the foundation element. These two steps may be used alone or in combination to reduce resistance and improve the insertion process.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of designing a profile base for the basic element.

[0052] Preferably, the profile of the base element is designed according to the soil type and its materials, and preferably in conjunction with the available power. Optionally, the stiffness of the base element may also be considered during the design process.

[0053] In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration device can also be used to lift / hoist and / or erode foundation components.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further includes the step of erecting the base element before starting the actual insertion process.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a method for removing a foundation element from the ground using torsional vibration, the method comprising the following steps: - A vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided; - Use a clamping mechanism to clamp the base components; - Using a drive device to drive at least one vibrating element and generate torsional vibration; and - Remove the base components from the ground.

[0056] The method of removing the base element from the ground using torsional vibration has the same or similar effect as the aforementioned methods of vibrating devices, components, and / or inserting base elements. It should be noted that removing the base element from the ground is also referred to as removing the base element. This method may include all the steps and features associated with the aforementioned methods of vibrating devices, components, and inserting base elements.

[0057] The present invention also relates to a base element, wherein the base element includes a profiled base.

[0058] This base element has the same or similar effects as the aforementioned vibration devices, components, and related methods. The profile base specifically refers to the lower end of the base element during insertion. Preferably, the profile base includes a toothed profile.

[0059] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will be set forth based on its preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figures 1A-1C An embodiment of the vibration device according to the present invention is shown; - Figures 2A-2B Alternative embodiments of the vibration device according to the present invention are shown; - Figures 3A-3D As shown Figures 2A-2B The suspension state of the vibration device is shown; - Figures 4A-4D An embodiment of the lower end of the base element is shown; and - Figure 5 A schematic diagram of (partial) the relevant process steps is shown.

[0060] Vibration device 2 ( Figures 1A-1CThe vibrating device 2 is located at the upper end 4a of the base element 4. The combination of the vibrating device 2 and the base element 4 is referred to as component 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibrating device 2 includes a frame 8, which is positioned above the upper end 4a of the base element 4 and is positioned by clamping elements 10 (e.g., ...). Figure 1B (Illustrative illustration).

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, two annular vibrating elements 12 are disposed within a vibrating cavity 14 and extend over the entire circumference 16 of the base element 4. In this illustrated embodiment, the frame 8 includes a housing 18 that also extends over the entire circumference of the base element 4 and has a top opening 20 to allow access to the interior 22 of the base element 4. In this illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 contains the vibrating cavity 14. The vibrating elements 12 can move independently of each other along direction D. This movement of the base element 12 within one or more vibrating cavities 14 causes the base element 4 to move along direction A upon insertion into the ground.

[0062] The vibrating element 12 is provided with multiple electromagnets or permanent magnets 24, and the vibrating cavity 14 / housing 18 is provided with (numerous) circuits or coils 26, which are activated, deactivated or otherwise controlled by the controller 28 (e.g. Figure 1B (Illustrative illustration). A pump device 30 or other suitable device removes soil and / or other materials from the interior space 22 of the foundation element 4 along direction B, and / or supplies liquid into the interior space 22 of the foundation element 4 along direction C to fluidize the materials in the foundation element 4 and / or the ground layer. Optionally, the controller 28 is equipped with a user interface 32, allowing the user to set or adjust the controller 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnetic drive of the vibration device 2 includes a magnet 24 of the vibrating element 12 and a circuit or coil 26. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the circuit or coil 26 is powered by a power supply 34 provided by a power source 36, the schematic of which is also shown below. Figure 1B As shown.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the vibration device 52 is mounted on the base element 54, and the two together constitute component 56. Figures 2A-2B In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration device 52 is configured as a ring with a hinge 58, which allows the vibration device 52 to open and be positioned around the base element 54. A lifting element 60 of the vibration device 52 is connected to a lifting cable 62. After the vibration device 52 is positioned, it is closed and secured. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration device 52 is positioned along the length of the base element 54. A connecting element 64 secures the ring-shaped vibration device 52 in the closed position. The base element 54 has a side 66 with an internal space 68.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the vibrating element 52 ( Figures 2A-2BThe device includes three generally annular grooves 78, which are arranged vertically relative to each other in the longitudinal direction L along the X-axis of the base element 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration device 52 has a lower ring and an upper ring of an eccentric counterweight 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate or central ring has a vibration cavity 74, in which at least one vibration element 76 is provided. Multiple vibration elements 80 are provided with multiple drive devices 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration element 80 includes eccentric counterweights 70 and 72. The annular vibration element 52 has a height of H and a width of W. The vibration element 76 moves within the vibration cavity 84 via a circuit or coil 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration element 76 is provided with a permanent magnet or electromagnet 24. The vibration element 76 moves in the direction D, while the eccentric elements 70, 72, and 80 can rotate in the direction T.

[0065] It should be understood that different numbers of rows can be set, and these rows can also be positioned in different ways. Optionally, eccentric elements 70, 72, and 80 can be omitted, and only vibration element 76 can be set. Optionally, also in this embodiment, pump device 30, controller 28, and interface 32 can be set.

[0066] It should be understood that embodiments of the vibration devices 2 and 52 can also be positioned in different locations depending on the specific configuration of the clamping elements and / or other suitable elements.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiments of vibration devices 2 and 52, the vibration elements 12 and 76 are annular, corresponding to the annular vibration cavities 14 and 84. In the illustrated embodiments, vibration devices 2 and 52 are provided with power supply lines 34, which are operatively connected to a power source 36. Additionally, optionally, the eccentric members 70, 72, and 80 are provided with one or more drive devices 82, which are powered by a power source 90 via power supply lines 88. The power sources 36 and 90 can be, for example, electric or hydraulic. Optionally, the power sources 36 and 90 can be combined into an integrated power source.

[0068] Bearing 92 in Figure 2B As schematically shown, preferably, the bearing is an electromagnetic bearing.

[0069] The power supply lines 34 and 88 are preferably designed in a bidirectional manner to enable energy regeneration when the vibrating elements 12 and 76 accelerate or stop moving. The regeneration system consists of energy supply devices 36 and 90 and power supply lines 34 and 88, used to transmit the energy generated by the circuit or coil 26 due to the movement of the vibrating elements 12 and 76.

[0070] Ships or vessels 252 ( Figures 3A-3DThe process of erecting the base elements 4 and 54 is described. The erection operation is performed by crane 254. The base elements 4 and 54 are slowly positioned in a vertical position, i.e., erected, while being suspended from lifting cable 62. During the erection process, the base elements 4 and 54 are slowly moved from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position so that they are inserted into the ground G. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibrating devices 2 and 52 are always clamped onto the base elements 4 and 54. It should be understood that other clamping positions of the vibrating devices 2 and 52 are also conceivable according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the erection operation is performed after the vibrating devices 2 and 52 have been positioned onto the base elements 4 and 54. Alternatively, the vibrating devices 2 and 52 may also be positioned relative to the base elements 4 and 54 after being positioned in a generally vertical / vertical position.

[0071] Profiled base 102 Figures 4A-4D Also known as the base end, it may optionally have different shaped profiles. Figures 4B-4D For example, contour 104 ( Figure 4B It is wavy. Outline 6 ( Figure 4C ) and 108 ( Figure 4D It is toothed and has a large number of teeth, which may optionally be slightly rounded. The difference between profiles 108 and 106 is the profile height h, which defines the motion resistance in the additional directions of the base elements 4 and 54.

[0072] In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, when inserting the base elements 4 and 54 into the ground, the insertion process 150 ( Figure 5 First, contours 104, 106, and 108 are designed via design step 152, utilizing information from the ground G and power supplies 36 and 90. Then, clamping process 154 positions the vibration devices 2 and 52 at or on base elements 4 and 54, after which erection step 156 and / or lifting step can be initiated. It should be understood that erection step 156 is optional and depends on the orientation of base elements 4 and 54. Furthermore, the order of the steps can be changed. After positioning step 158 is completed, components 6 and 56 are correctly positioned, and insertion process 160 can be initiated by powering the vibration devices 2 and 52 and inserting base elements 4 and 54 into the ground G. Optionally, settings provided to controller 28 can be set and / or adjusted in adjustment step 162. This may include switching between different modes, examples of which have been described previously. This may also optionally involve combinations of different modes. In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, a ring-shaped vibration element is used to provide high-frequency, low-frequency, and / or torsional pulses / impacts. In addition, in removal step 164, soil or other materials may be removed from the base elements 4 and 54, and / or liquid may be provided to fluidize the soil G.

[0073] The dismantling process 170 can begin in preparation step 172 by providing vibration devices 2 and 52 to the base components 4 and 54. Then, removal or dismantling is performed in removal step 174. During process 170, adjustment or switching steps 176 can be performed. Finally, after removing the base components 4 and 54 from the ground G, they can be removed in removal or transport step 178.

[0074] Torsional vibration experiments on different embodiments of the present invention show that noise emissions are significantly reduced during the insertion and / or removal steps. In particular, the noise reduction effect is further significantly improved by combining the ring vibration element with the ring vibration cavity. In particular, the use of an electromagnetic drive device realizes an energy-saving process that includes an energy regeneration system.

[0075] This invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above and / or their experiments. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within which various modifications are contemplated.

Claims

1. A vibration device for inserting a foundation element into the ground via torsional vibration, the device comprising: - A frame having a clamping mechanism configured to clamp a base element; - At least one vibrating element operatively connected to the frame; - A vibration chamber, which is disposed within or attached to the frame, for accommodating at least one vibration element; - At least one drive device operatively connected to at least one vibrating element. In this embodiment, at least one vibrating element is configured to rotate within the vibrating cavity about the longitudinal axis of the base element to generate torsional vibration.

2. The vibration device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The vibrating cavity is annular.

3. The vibration device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The vibrating cavity substantially surrounds the circumference of the base element.

4. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vibrating element is ring-shaped.

5. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The driving device includes an electromagnetic driving device.

6. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The frame also includes a bearing that can be operatively connected to at least one vibrating element.

7. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bearings include electromagnetic bearings.

8. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an energy regeneration system.

9. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a plurality of eccentric counterweights.

10. The vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The frame includes an opening that extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the frame.

11. An assembly of a vibration device and a foundation element according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The component according to the preceding claim, wherein, The basic element includes a profiled base.

13. The component according to the preceding claim, wherein, The profile base includes a toothed profile.

14. A method for inserting a foundation element into the ground using torsional vibration, the method comprising the following steps: - Provide a vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - Use a clamping mechanism to clamp the base element; - The at least one vibrating element is driven by a driving device to generate torsional vibration; as well as - Drive the aforementioned basic components into the ground.

15. The method according to the preceding claims further comprises the step of: generating torsional vibrations in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz, preferably in the frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz, more preferably in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 80 Hz, and most preferably in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 60 Hz.

16. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 15 further comprises the step of: generating a torsional vibration with a displacement amplitude ranging from 0.1 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 75 mm, more preferably from 1 mm to 60 mm, and most preferably from 1 mm to 50 mm.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16 further includes the step of adjusting the frequency, displacement amplitude and / or power.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17 further includes the step of removing soil from the foundation element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18 further includes the step of fluidizing the soil in the foundation element.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19 further includes the step of designing a profile base for the basic element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20 further includes the step of erecting the base element.

22. A method for removing a foundation element from the ground using torsional vibration, the method comprising the following steps: - Provide a vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - Use a clamping mechanism to clamp the base element; - Using a drive device to drive at least one vibrating element and generate torsional vibration; and - Remove the base components from the ground.

23. A basic component, wherein, The basic element includes a profiled base.

24. The basic element according to the preceding claim, wherein, The profile base includes a toothed profile.

Images