Underwater vacuum preloading combined type integrated reinforcing equipment and method for soft soil around seabed pile

Abstract

The invention discloses underwater vacuum preloading combined type integrated reinforcing equipment for soft soil around seabed piles, and belongs to the technical field of underwater vacuum preloading. The equipment comprises a vacuum preloading equipment carrying platform, a composite lifting frame and a vacuum preloading system, the vacuum preloading equipment carrying platform is installed on a first lifting machine of the composite lifting frame, and the vacuum preloading system is installed on a second lifting machine of the composite lifting frame; a second lifting machine of the composite lifting frame is fixed to the stern, the air preloading system is located on the vacuum preloading equipment carrying platform, and the vacuum preloading equipment carrying platform is connected with a pile through a pile periphery embracing air bag in a sealed mode. The invention further provides an underwater vacuum preloading combined type integrated reinforcing method for the soft soil around the seabed pile. Vacuum preloading drainage reinforcement of the soft soil around the pile is achieved, and the construction efficiency is improved; and meanwhile, differential settlement is effectively avoided, so that the overall stability of a pile-soil system is remarkably improved, the equipment can be prefabricated and reused, and the use cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underwater vacuum preloading technology, specifically relating to an integrated underwater vacuum preloading reinforcement device and method for soft soil around seabed piles. Background Technology

[0002] As the most widely used support structure for offshore wind power, monopile foundations face dual technical challenges in complex marine environments: they must meet static ultimate bearing requirements while resisting lateral cyclic loads from strong winds, tides, and waves. Of particular note is the fact that the overlying soil layers on the seabed along my country's coast generally exhibit typical characteristics of soft soils, such as high compressibility, low shear strength, and significant softening properties. Under the coupled effects of long-term cyclic loading and extreme working conditions, monopile foundations are prone to lateral cumulative deformation, and may even induce structural failure. Extensive engineering practice both domestically and internationally has shown that effectively reinforcing the soft soil around the pile can significantly improve the stability of the pile-soil system, and is a key technical measure to ensure the safety of offshore wind power foundations.

[0003] Currently, the main technologies for reinforcing and repairing soft soil foundations for offshore wind turbine piles include underwater grouting and solidification technology. While underwater grouting and solidification technology has seen initial application, it remains under development and has significant limitations: firstly, it requires prolonged underwater manual operations, posing a serious challenge to the safety of personnel and equipment; secondly, it requires on-site mixing of the solidified soil slurry, placing significant pressure on environmental protection. While underwater vacuum preloading is theoretically feasible, its traditional implementation methods suffer from the following technical drawbacks: 1. Requires precise marking of seabed locations and installation of individual drainage boards – resulting in low construction efficiency; 2. Vacuum system installation requires multi-stage coordination – leading to high complexity of seabed operations; 3. Preloading and drainage cycles can last for several weeks – making it difficult to meet project schedule requirements. More importantly, existing vacuum preloading technology uses a discrete drainage board arrangement, creating a non-uniform drainage path around the pile, resulting in uneven radial distribution of the reinforcement effect and affecting the pile-soil synergistic performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the current state of technology, there is an urgent need to develop a device and method specifically for drainage reinforcement of soft soil around piles. This device aims to achieve vacuum preloading drainage reinforcement of soft soil around piles, improving construction efficiency; it also effectively avoids uneven settlement, thereby significantly improving the overall stability of the pile-soil system; furthermore, the device can be prefabricated and reused, reducing operating costs; in addition, the device needs to consider both construction safety and environmental protection.

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of traditional vacuum preloading technology in offshore wind power pile foundation reinforcement, such as low efficiency, cumbersome procedures, and high safety risks, this invention provides an integrated underwater vacuum preloading combined reinforcement device and method for soft soil around seabed piles. This device aims to achieve vacuum preloading and drainage reinforcement of soft soil around piles, improving construction efficiency; it also effectively avoids uneven settlement, thereby significantly improving the overall stability of the pile-soil system; furthermore, the device can be prefabricated and reused, reducing operating costs; and compared with underwater grouting and solidification soil remediation technology, this device needs to consider both construction safety and environmental protection.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: An integrated underwater vacuum preloading reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles includes a vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform, a composite lifting frame, and a vacuum preloading system. The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is installed on the first lifting machine of the composite lifting frame, the second lifting machine of the composite lifting frame is fixed to the stern of the ship, and the vacuum preloading system is located on the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform and the pile are sealed together by a pile perimeter airbag. The vacuum preloading system includes a split water tank, inside which a water level sensor is installed. The top of the split water tank has an opening for connection to an electromagnetic valve via an air pipe. The bottom of the split water tank has an opening for installing an electrically controlled valve and connecting to a rigid drainage pipe and a horizontal drainage pipe. One end of the electromagnetic valve is connected to an air compressor, and the other end is connected to a booster compressor. The length of the rigid drainage pipe is customized according to the depth of the soft soil to be treated. The outer wall of the rigid drainage pipe has drainage holes that connect to an internal vertical drainage channel. The horizontal drainage pipe is located below the split water tank and extends out of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. A displacement sensor is located at the bottom outer side of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. The top of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform has openings at predetermined intervals for the air pipes to extend through.

[0007] Furthermore, the top outer side of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is provided with a first bolt connection point, a second bolt connection point, and lifting rings at the four corners. The lifting rings are connected to the electric pulleys of the composite lifting frame via cables. The side of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is provided with a third bolt connection point.

[0008] Preferably, the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform has side openings for horizontal drainage pipes to pass through; the bottom of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform also has openings at set intervals for rigid drainage pipes to pass through.

[0009] Furthermore, the composite lifting frame includes a hanger, a top crossbeam, a vertical lifting frame, a bottom crossbeam, a first lifting machine, and a second lifting machine. The hanger is fixedly connected to the top crossbeam, and an electric pulley is installed at the bottom of the hanger. The installation points of the electric pulley are set according to the size of the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform. The vertical lifting frame has an internal open space to accommodate the first lifting machine. Hydraulic buffer bases are respectively set at the top and bottom of the open space, and the second lifting machine, a first rack, and a second rack are set on the side.

[0010] The No. 1 elevator is equipped with bolt connection points, which are connected to the No. 1 bolt connection points located on both sides of the top of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform via bolts. The No. 1 elevator is equipped with a No. 1 motor inside and a first gear and bolt connection points are installed on the outside. The first gear meshes with the first rack. The No. 1 motor drives the external first gear, enabling the No. 1 elevator to move up and down through the hollow part of the vertical lifting frame. The No. 2 elevator is equipped with a No. 2 motor inside and a second gear on the outside. The second gear meshes with a second rack. The No. 2 motor drives the external second gear, allowing the composite lifting frame to move up and down relative to the construction vessel.

[0011] Preferably, the vacuum preloading equipment is equipped with a skirt plate welded around the bottom three sides of the platform, and the bottom of the skirt plate has a wedge shape in cross-section.

[0012] Preferably, the interior of the drain hole of the rigid drain pipe is provided with a metal filter screen.

[0013] Alternatively, the electrically controlled valve may be one that can be remotely controlled to open and close.

[0014] The top of the surrounding airbag is equipped with an inflation port.

[0015] A combined underwater vacuum preloading method for reinforcing soft soil around subsea piles includes the following steps: S1. Prefabrication, Transportation and Assembly: Based on the diameter of the construction piles and the size of the construction area, a vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is prefabricated in the factory. The prefabricated vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is installed onto the No. 2 elevator of the composite lifting frame at the stern of the construction vessel. The No. 1 elevator of the composite lifting frame is connected to the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. The lifting rings at the four corners of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform are connected to the electric pulleys of the lifting frame via cables. The equipment is then transported to the designated construction area by the construction vessel. S2, Platform Deployment and Connection: The mobile construction vessel approaches the pile, and the vacuum preloading equipment platform is mounted below. The vacuum preloading equipment platform and the pile are sealed by the airbags surrounding the pile. S3. Vacuum pre-compression: Start the vacuum pre-compression system; S4. Recovery Platform: The diving construction personnel will disconnect the bolts of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform; reconnect the lifting ring of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform to the cable of the electric pulley, and reconnect the No. 1 elevator to its No. 1 bolt connection point; simultaneously start the motors of the No. 1 elevator and the No. 2 elevator, and raise the composite lifting frame and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform until the top limit is reached.

[0016] Furthermore, the process of S2 is as follows: S21. The mobile construction vessel approaches, maintaining the set distance between the semi-circular recessed area of ​​the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform and the pile surface; connect to the power supply of the construction vessel, start the No. 2 elevator to lower the motor inside the No. 2 elevator and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform in the composite lifting frame until the bottom of the composite lifting frame contacts the soft soil; start the motor and electric pulley inside the No. 1 elevator to lower the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform, allowing the skirt and metal drainage pipe to slowly embed into the soft soil until the displacement sensor detects that the bottom of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform contacts the soft soil, then stop the lowering operation; the diving construction personnel disconnect the bolts connecting the No. 1 elevator and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform, as well as the cables connected to the lifting rings; S22. Similarly, lower the other half of the vacuum pre-compression equipment onto the platform. S23. The two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms are connected by underwater construction personnel using bolts to connect the No. 2 and No. 3 bolt connection points of the two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms. S24. The two vacuum preloading equipment platforms are sealed to the pile by inflating and compressing the pile with airbags around the pile. The top of the airbags around the pile is equipped with an inflation port, which is connected to the booster machine by diving construction personnel to perform inflation.

[0017] The technical concept of this invention is as follows: During vacuum preloading, negative pressure is formed inside the split water tank, thereby promoting the drainage of pore water in the soft soil; the settlement data of the soft soil is monitored by the feedback data of the displacement detection sensor to determine the soil consolidation effect; after the soil pore water is drained, the consolidation effect is achieved, thereby repairing the soft soil foundation around the pile.

[0018] In the vacuum pre-compression operation, if uneven settlement is detected by the feedback data from the displacement detection sensor, the power of the air pump connected to the corresponding split water tank can be adjusted, and the electronically controlled valve of the split water tank above the corresponding area can be closed to correct the uneven settlement.

[0019] During construction, this invention uses an inflatable airbag surrounding the expansion pile, combined with the skirting board around the platform, to effectively form a water-proof and sealed area, ensuring airtightness.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are mainly reflected in: 1. Each of the separate water tanks in this invention is connected to an air compressor and a booster compressor. Through the coordinated control of the electronically controlled valve and the electromagnetic valve, the drainage and consolidation of the "vacuuming" stage in the vacuum preloading is realized, which accelerates the drainage rate of pore water, shortens the drainage and consolidation time, and improves construction efficiency. The semi-circular recessed pile embedding area of ​​the vacuum preloading equipment platform is equipped with a pile-surrounding airbag. After the double platform is installed in place, it is inflated to expand the volume of the pile-surrounding airbag. Together with the skirt plate around the platform, it can effectively form a water-proof closed area to ensure airtightness and improve the vacuum preloading effect of the equipment. 2. The vacuum preloading equipment platform is equipped with multiple independent water tanks, each corresponding to a metal drainage pipe in a specific construction area. This allows for precise control of zoned vacuum preloading of the soft soil around the pile. Combined with data feedback from displacement sensors on the platform, the air pressure in each water tank can be dynamically adjusted to change the vacuum intensity, effectively controlling uneven settlement that could lead to pile scour and affecting the overall pile posture, thus improving the pile-soil synergy. 3. The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform, combined with composite lifting frames, electric pulleys, and elevators, achieves coordinated control and fully automated vertical movement in air, water, and soft soil, significantly reducing manual underwater operations and greatly improving construction safety and efficiency. The entire system and platform are recyclable and reusable, effectively reducing project costs. Furthermore, the core of this invention lies in a recyclable "vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform." This platform highly integrates key equipment such as separate water tanks, electrically controlled valves, solenoid valves, rigid and lateral drainage pipes, and displacement sensors into a single unit, achieving equipment prefabrication. 4. This invention adopts the principle of vacuum preloading. Compared with underwater grouting and solidification technology, which is prone to water pollution due to the penetration of solidifying agent, this invention can effectively prevent mortar diffusion and avoid water pollution during mortar injection and platform recovery. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting device of the present invention connected to the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the platform on which the vacuum pre-compression equipment of this invention is mounted; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the platform on which the vacuum preloading equipment of this invention is mounted; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic valve connection; Figure 5 This is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of the rigid drainage pipe of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the composite lifting frame structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the No. 1 elevator structure of the present invention; Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the No. 2 elevator structure of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a construction diagram of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform; 2. Composite lifting frame; 3. Cable; 4. Rigid drainage pipe; 5. Pile; 6. Pile perimeter airbag; 7. Booster; 8. Air compressor. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Reference Figures 1-9 A combined underwater vacuum preloading reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles includes a vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1, a composite lifting frame 2, and a vacuum preloading system. The vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform 1 has a steel shell and is used to mount the vacuum pre-compression system. The top has openings at predetermined intervals for the air pipes 102 to pass through. The outer side of the top is equipped with bolt connection points 103 (first bolt), 104 (second bolt), and four corner lifting rings 105, which are connected to the electric pulleys 202 of the composite lifting frame 2 via cables 3. The side has a bolt connection point 106 (third bolt). The side has openings for the horizontal drain pipes 107 to pass through. The bottom also has openings at certain intervals for the rigid drain pipes 4 to pass through. A displacement sensor 108 is installed on the outer side of the bottom. A skirt plate 109 is welded around the outer three sides of the bottom, and the bottom cross-section of the skirt plate is wedge-shaped. The vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform contains a separate water tank 110 for the vacuum pre-compression system, the horizontal drain pipes 107, and an electrically controlled valve 111.

[0025] The long side of the vacuum preloading equipment platform 1 is greater than five times the pile diameter, and the short side is half the length of the long side.

[0026] The mounting platform 1 and the pile 5 are sealed by the inflatable compression of the pile perimeter airbag 6; the top of the pile perimeter airbag 6 is provided with an inflation port 601.

[0027] The vacuum preloading system includes a split water tank 110, which houses a water level sensor 112. The top of the tank has an opening connected to an electromagnetic valve 113 via an air pipe 102. Several openings at the bottom allow for the installation of an electrically controlled valve 111, connecting to a rigid drainage pipe 4 and a transverse drainage pipe 107. The electromagnetic valve 113 has an air compressor 8 connected to one end and a booster compressor 7 connected to the other. The rigid drainage pipe 4 has a length customizable to the required depth of the soft soil to be treated, and its outer wall has drainage holes 401 connecting to an internal vertical drainage channel 402. The transverse drainage pipe 107 is located below the split water tank 110 and extends out of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1. A displacement sensor 108 is located at the bottom outer side of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1.

[0028] The electrically controlled valve 111 is a valve that can be remotely controlled to open and close.

[0029] The rigid drain pipe 4 has a metal filter screen installed inside its drain hole 401.

[0030] The composite lifting frame 2 includes a hanger 201, a top crossbeam 203, a vertical lifting frame 204, a bottom crossbeam 205, a first lifting machine 206, and a second lifting machine 207. The hanger 201 is welded to the top crossbeam 203, and its bottom is riveted with electric pulleys 202. The installation points of the electric pulleys 202 can be set according to the size of the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform. The vertical lifting frame 204 has an internal open section to accommodate the first lifting machine 206. Hydraulic buffer bases 208 are respectively provided at the top and bottom of the open section, and the second lifting machine 207, a first rack 209, and a second rack 210 are provided on the side.

[0031] The No. 1 elevator 206 is provided with bolt connection points 211, which are connected to the No. 1 bolt connection points 103 provided on both sides of the top of the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform 1 by bolts, so as to realize the connection between the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform 1 and the No. 1 elevator 206.

[0032] The No. 1 elevator 206 is equipped with a No. 1 motor 212 inside and a first gear 213 and a bolt connection point 211 on the outside. The first gear 213 meshes with the first rack 209. The No. 1 motor 212 drives the first rack 209 so that the No. 1 elevator 206 can move up and down at the hollow part of the vertical lifting frame 204.

[0033] The second elevator 207 is fixed to the stern of the ship. It has a second motor 215 installed inside and a second gear 214 installed outside. The second gear 214 meshes with the second rack 210. The second motor 215 drives the external second gear 210 so that the composite elevator 2 can move up and down relative to the construction ship.

[0034] The method for constructing using the underwater vacuum preloading combined integrated reinforcement equipment suitable for soft soil around seabed piles is described in [reference needed]. Figure 9 Specifically, it includes the following steps: S1. Prefabrication, transportation and assembly; Based on the diameter of the construction piles and the size of the construction area, a vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is prefabricated in the factory.

[0035] Specifically, the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform 1 has a steel shell and is used to mount the vacuum pre-compression system. The top has openings at regular intervals for the air pipes 102 to pass through. The outer side of the top is equipped with bolt connection points 103 (first bolt), 104 (second bolt), and four corner lifting rings 105, which are connected to the electric pulleys 202 of the composite lifting frame 2 via cables 3. The side has bolt connection point 106 (third bolt). The side has openings for the horizontal drain pipes 107 to pass through. The bottom also has openings at regular intervals for the rigid drain pipes 4 to pass through. A displacement sensor 108 is installed on the outer side of the bottom. A skirt plate 109 is welded around the outer three sides of the bottom, and the bottom cross-section of the skirt plate is wedge-shaped. The vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform internally houses a split water tank 110, the horizontal drain pipes 107, and an electrically controlled valve 111. The diameter of the semi-circular recessed area of ​​the modified platform is 0.4-0.5 meters larger than the pile diameter. The length of the long side of the platform is more than five times the pile diameter, and the length of the short side is half the length of the long side. The length of the rigid drainage pipe is determined according to the depth of the soft soil in the construction area. The length of the skirt board is 2 meters longer than the length of the rigid drainage pipe.

[0036] The prefabricated vacuum preloading equipment was mounted on a platform and installed onto the composite lifting frame 2 at the stern of the construction vessel. The composite lifting frame had been pre-welded and fixed to the stern of the construction vessel via welding point 207 of the No. 2 lifting machine.

[0037] Specifically, the composite lifting frame 2 includes a hanger 201, a top crossbeam 203, a vertical lifting frame 204, a bottom crossbeam 205, a first lifting machine 206, and a second lifting machine 207. The hanger 201 is welded to the top crossbeam 203, and its bottom is riveted with an electric pulley 202. The installation points of the electric pulley 202 can be set according to the size of the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform. The vertical lifting frame 204 has an internal open space to accommodate the first lifting machine 206. The top and bottom of the open space are respectively provided with hydraulic buffer bases 208, and the second lifting machine 207, a first rack 209, and a second rack 210 are provided on the side.

[0038] This includes connecting the No. 1 bolt connection point 103 of the platform to the bolt connection point 211 of the No. 1 elevator 206, while the lifting rings 105 at the four corners of the vacuum preloading equipment platform are connected to the electric pulleys 202 of the hanger via cables; and transporting it to the designated construction area by construction vessel.

[0039] S2. Platform deployment and connection, the specific process is as follows: S21. The mobile construction vessel approaches, maintaining a distance of approximately 0.2-0.5 meters between the semi-circular recessed area of ​​the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform and the pile surface; connect to the power supply of the construction vessel, start the No. 2 elevator to lower the No. 2 motor 215 inside the No. 2 elevator 207 of the composite lifting frame 2 and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1 until the bottom of the composite lifting frame 2 contacts the soft soil; start the No. 1 motor 212 and electric pulley 202 inside the No. 1 elevator 206 to lower the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1, so that the skirt 109 and rigid drainage pipe 4 are slowly embedded into the soft soil until the displacement sensor 108 detects that the bottom of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1 has contacted the soft soil, and stop the lowering operation; the diving construction personnel disconnect the bolts connecting the No. 1 elevator 206 and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1, as well as the cable 3 connected to the lifting ring 105; S22. Similarly, lower the other half of the vacuum pre-compression equipment onto platform 1. S23. The two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms 1 are connected by underwater construction personnel using bolts to connect the second bolt connection point 104 and the third bolt connection point 106 of the two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms.

[0040] S24. The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1 and the pile 5 are sealed by the inflation and compression of the pile perimeter airbag 6; the top of the pile perimeter airbag 6 is provided with an inflation port 601. The inflation port 601 of the pile perimeter airbag 6 is connected to the booster machine by the diving construction personnel to perform the inflation operation.

[0041] S3, Vacuum Preloading The diving construction personnel connect one end of the solenoid valve 113 to the air compressor 8 and the other end to the booster compressor 7; remotely control the closing of one side valve of the booster compressor 7 and the opening of one side valve of the air compressor 8; open the electrically controlled valve 111 above the rigid drain pipe and close the electrically controlled valve 111 connected to the horizontal drain pipe 107; start the air compressor 8 to perform a vacuuming operation on the split water tank; If, during the vacuum pre-pressurization process, the water level detector detects that the water level in the split water tank 110 has reached the preset high limit and is about to be filled, the remote control opens the solenoid valve 113 on one side of the booster pump and closes the solenoid valve on one side of the air compressor; at the same time, the electrically controlled valve 111 above the rigid drain pipe 4 is closed, and the electrically controlled valve 111 connected to the horizontal drain pipe is opened; the booster pump 7 is started to pressurize and drain the split water tank 110. After the water level detector 112 reports that all the water in the split water tank has been discharged, the above vacuum pre-pressurization operation is continued again. Settlement data is monitored in real time by a displacement detection sensor at the bottom of the platform using a vacuum preloading device. When the measured settlement rate is less than or equal to 0.5 mm / day for five consecutive days and nights, the foundation can be considered to be basically stable, and the vacuum preloading operation can be stopped.

[0042] S4, Recycling Platform The system remotely opens one side valve of the solenoid valve 113 on the booster 7 and closes one side valve of the solenoid valve 113 on the air compressor 8; simultaneously closes the electrically controlled valve 111 above the rigid drain pipe 4 and opens the electrically controlled valve 111 connected to the horizontal drain pipe; the booster 7 is started to pressurize the split water tank 110; the water level sensor 112 inside the split water tank monitors the water level in real time; the operation is stopped after the water in the split water tank is completely drained; and the electrically controlled valve 111 above the rigid drain pipe 4 and the electrically controlled valve 111 connected to the horizontal drain pipe 107 are remotely closed.

[0043] The diving construction personnel disconnected the bolts at bolt connection points 104 and 106 of the two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms 1; reconnected the cable of the electric pulley to the lifting ring 105 of one of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms 1, and reconnected the first elevator 206 to its bolt connection point 103 using bolts; simultaneously started the motors of the first elevator 206 and the second elevator 207, raising the composite lifting frame 2 and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1 until the top limit was reached. The other vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform 1 was retrieved in the same manner.

[0044] The embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of implementations of the inventive concept and are for illustrative purposes only. The scope of protection of this invention should not be considered limited to the specific forms described in these embodiments; rather, it extends to equivalent technical means conceived by those skilled in the art based on the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A combined underwater vacuum preloading reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles, characterized in that, The equipment includes a vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform, a composite lifting frame, and a vacuum preloading system. The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is installed on the first lifting machine of the composite lifting frame, the second lifting machine of the composite lifting frame is fixed to the stern, the vacuum preloading system is located on the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform, and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is sealed to the pile through a pile perimeter airbag. The vacuum preloading system includes a split water tank, inside which a water level sensor is installed. The top of the split water tank has an opening for connection to an electromagnetic valve via an air pipe. The bottom of the split water tank has an opening for installing an electrically controlled valve and connecting to a rigid drainage pipe and a horizontal drainage pipe. One end of the electromagnetic valve is connected to an air compressor, and the other end is connected to a booster compressor. The length of the rigid drainage pipe is customized according to the depth of the soft soil to be treated. The outer wall of the rigid drainage pipe has drainage holes that connect to an internal vertical drainage channel. The horizontal drainage pipe is located below the split water tank and extends out of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. A displacement sensor is located at the bottom outer side of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. The top of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform has openings at predetermined intervals for the air pipes to extend through.

2. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform has a No. 1 bolt connection point, a No. 2 bolt connection point, and lifting rings at the four corners on its top outer side. The lifting rings are connected to the electric pulleys of the composite lifting frame via cables. The vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform has a No. 3 bolt connection point on its side.

3. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading combined reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The vacuum preloading equipment platform has side openings for horizontal drainage pipes to pass through; the bottom of the vacuum preloading equipment platform also has openings at set intervals for rigid drainage pipes to pass through.

4. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading combined reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The composite lifting frame includes a hanger, a top crossbeam, a vertical lifting frame, a bottom crossbeam, a first lifting machine, and a second lifting machine. The hanger is fixedly connected to the top crossbeam, and an electric pulley is installed at the bottom of the hanger. The installation points of the electric pulley are set according to the size of the vacuum pre-compression equipment mounting platform. The vertical lifting frame has an internal open space to accommodate the first lifting machine. Hydraulic buffer bases are respectively set at the top and bottom of the open space, and the second lifting machine, a first rack, and a second rack are set on the side.

5. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading combined reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The No. 1 elevator is equipped with bolt connection points, which are connected to the No. 1 bolt connection points on both sides of the top of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform via bolts; The No. 1 elevator is equipped with a No. 1 motor inside and a first gear and bolt connection points are installed on the outside. The first gear meshes with the first rack. The No. 1 motor drives the external first gear, enabling the No. 1 elevator to move up and down through the hollow part of the vertical lifting frame. The No. 2 elevator is equipped with a No. 2 motor inside and a second gear on the outside. The second gear meshes with a second rack. The No. 2 motor drives the external second gear, allowing the composite lifting frame to move up and down relative to the construction vessel.

6. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading combined reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The vacuum preloading equipment is equipped with a skirt plate welded around the bottom three sides of the platform, and the bottom of the skirt plate has a wedge shape in cross-section.

7. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading combined reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The rigid drain pipe has a metal filter screen installed inside the drain hole.

8. The integrated underwater vacuum preloading reinforcement device for soft soil around seabed piles as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The top of the surrounding airbag is equipped with an inflation port.

9. A combined underwater vacuum preloading method for reinforcing soft soil around seabed piles, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: S1. Prefabrication, Transportation and Assembly: Based on the diameter of the construction piles and the size of the construction area, a vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is prefabricated in the factory. The prefabricated vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform is installed onto the No. 2 elevator of the composite lifting frame at the stern of the construction vessel. The No. 1 elevator of the composite lifting frame is connected to the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform. The lifting rings at the four corners of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform are connected to the electric pulleys of the lifting frame via cables. The equipment is then transported to the designated construction area by the construction vessel. S2, Platform Deployment and Connection: The mobile construction vessel approaches the pile, and the vacuum preloading equipment platform is mounted below. The vacuum preloading equipment platform and the pile are sealed by the airbags surrounding the pile. S3. Vacuum pre-compression: Start the vacuum pre-compression system; S4. Recovery Platform: The diving construction personnel will disconnect the bolts of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform; reconnect the lifting ring of the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform to the cable of the electric pulley, and reconnect the No. 1 elevator to its No. 1 bolt connection point; simultaneously start the motors of the No. 1 elevator and the No. 2 elevator, and raise the composite lifting frame and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform until the top limit is reached.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The process of S2 is as follows: S21. Move the construction vessel closer and maintain the set distance between the semi-circular recessed area of ​​the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform and the pile surface; connect to the power supply of the construction vessel, start the No. 2 elevator to lower the motor inside the No. 2 elevator and the vacuum preloading equipment mounting platform in the composite lifting frame until the bottom of the composite lifting frame contacts the soft soil. Start the motor and electric pulley inside the No. 1 elevator, lower the vacuum preloading equipment platform, and slowly embed the skirt and metal drainage pipe into the soft soil until the displacement detector detects that the bottom of the vacuum preloading equipment platform has contacted the soft soil, then stop the lowering operation; the diving construction personnel disconnect the bolts connecting the No. 1 elevator and the vacuum preloading equipment platform, as well as the cable connected to the lifting ring. S22. Similarly, lower the other half of the vacuum pre-compression equipment onto the platform. S23. The two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms are connected by underwater construction personnel using bolts to connect the No. 2 and No. 3 bolt connection points of the two vacuum preloading equipment mounting platforms. S24. The two vacuum preloading equipment platforms are sealed to the pile by inflating and compressing the pile with airbags around the pile. The top of the airbags around the pile is equipped with an inflation port, which is connected to a pressurizer by a diving construction worker for inflation.

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