Wide-temperature-range adaptive sound barrier steel frame and sound barrier system

Abstract

The invention discloses a wide-temperature-range adaptive sound barrier steel frame and a sound barrier system, and relates to the technical field of sound barriers, the steel frame comprises arched stand columns arranged in the longitudinal direction of a bridge, and the adjacent arched stand columns are connected through connecting structures. The connecting structure is divided into a strong connecting structure, a longitudinal displacement self-adaptive connecting mechanism and a conventional connecting structure, and the strength of the strong connecting structure is larger than that of the conventional connecting structure. All the arched stand columns located between the adjacent bridge expansion joints form a steel frame unit, and each unit is divided into two end sections and a middle section in the length direction. The adjacent stand columns in the end sections are fixed through strong connection structures, and the stand columns in the middle sections are connected through conventional structures. The adjacent steel frame units are connected through a longitudinal displacement self-adaptive connecting mechanism, the mechanism can automatically adjust the effective length to adapt to the width change of the expansion joint, relative longitudinal displacement between the units is allowed, and meanwhile the connecting state is kept. The design fundamentally solves the problems of stress concentration and fatigue failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sound barrier technology, and in particular to a wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame and sound barrier system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of transportation infrastructure, fully enclosed sound barriers are widely used on bridges and other major transportation routes to reduce the impact of traffic noise on the surrounding environment. Sound barriers are typically fixed to the upper part of the bridge via a steel frame structure, and their stability and safety are directly affected by the deformation of the bridge structure.

[0003] Bridges expand and contract with temperature changes. To prevent structural damage caused by temperature stress, bridge designs typically include expansion joints along certain lengths. Traditional sound barrier steel frames are often arranged continuously, spanning these expansion joints. When the bridge expands and contracts due to temperature changes, the continuous steel frame is subjected to significant tensile, compressive, or shear stresses at the expansion joints. This can easily lead to fatigue, deformation, or even failure of the steel frame connections, affecting the overall stability and service life of the sound barrier.

[0004] Currently, no publicly available technical solutions have been found that specifically address the adaptive structural design of sound barrier steel frames at bridge expansion joints to systematically solve the problems of stress concentration and structural safety caused by bridge temperature deformation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a sound barrier steel frame structure that can adapt to wide temperature range changes and has deformation compensation capabilities to ensure that it maintains overall stability and safety during bridge expansion and contraction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame and sound barrier system to overcome the defects of the existing technology, where the sound barrier steel frame is rigidly connected to the bridge structure and cannot adapt to the thermal expansion and contraction deformation of the bridge, resulting in stress concentration at the expansion joint, easy fatigue damage of the connection node, and affecting the overall safety and service life.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame, comprising multiple arched columns arranged longitudinally along the bridge. Any two adjacent arched columns are interconnected by a connection structure, which is divided into three types: a strong connection structure, a longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism, and a conventional connection structure. The connection strength of the strong connection structure is greater than that of the conventional connection structure. All the arched columns on the bridge section between two adjacent bridge expansion joints form a steel frame unit. Each steel frame unit includes two end sections and a middle section located between the two end sections along its length. Adjacent arched columns located within the same end section are fixedly connected by the strong connection structure, while adjacent arched columns located within the middle section are connected by the conventional connection structure. Between any two adjacent steel frame units, two adjacent arched columns are connected by a longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism; the effective connection length of the longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism can be automatically adjusted in response to the width change of the expansion joint, so as to allow relative longitudinal displacement between adjacent steel frame stabilizing units while maintaining the connection state.

[0007] Preferably, the strong connection structure includes transverse purlins, inter-column supports, and horizontal supports; the inter-column supports are cross-channel steel supports installed on the sides of the arched columns; the horizontal supports are cross-channel steel supports installed on the top of the arched columns; the transverse purlins are arranged in a horizontal direction and connected at both ends to the two arched columns respectively.

[0008] Preferably, multiple sets of inter-column supports are provided, with a vertical dimension of 2m; multiple sets of horizontal supports are provided, with a dimension of 1m along the width of the bridge.

[0009] Preferably, the longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism includes a transverse purlin, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the arched columns of two adjacent steel frame units through a sliding pair; The sliding pair includes an elongated hole at the end of the transverse purlin and a bolt passing through the elongated hole and fastening the end to the corresponding arched column; the length direction of the elongated hole is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bridge; when adjacent steel frame units experience relative longitudinal displacement due to changes in the width of the bridge expansion joint, the bolt can slide within the elongated hole to achieve longitudinal displacement adaptation between the transverse purlin and the arched column.

[0010] Preferably, the conventional connection structure is a transverse purlin, the end of which is provided with an elongated hole, and the elongated hole and the fastening bolt cooperate to connect the transverse purlin to the arched column.

[0011] Preferably, the arched columns and all the connecting structures are made of weathering steel.

[0012] Preferably, the maximum length of the steel frame unit is less than or equal to 120 meters.

[0013] Preferably, the surfaces of the arched columns and connecting structures are treated with hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection.

[0014] The present invention also provides a sound barrier system, including the sound barrier steel frame as described above and the screen body installed on the arched column.

[0015] Preferably, the screen body is made of an anti-aging composite material.

[0016] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: The effectiveness of this invention stems from a fundamental reconstruction of the stress path in traditional continuous structures. In traditional schemes, the expansion and contraction deformation of bridges is directly transmitted through the continuous steel frame, leading to a high concentration of stress at the expansion joints. This scheme first blocks the long-distance transmission of stress by dividing the structure into segments (forming units); then, functional zoning is implemented within each unit, with localized reinforcement (strong connections) at the ends where stress is complex and requires "support," while maintaining an economical design (conventional connections) in the simpler middle sections. This optimizes the stress distribution and material utilization within the unit; finally, at the interfaces between units, adaptive mechanisms that allow controlled sliding replace rigid connections, providing a dedicated release channel for the bridge's expansion and contraction deformation. These combined measures effectively absorb and isolate displacements caused by temperature changes in the bridge through the adaptive mechanisms, preventing the main steel frame structure from undergoing large deformations or bearing excessive stress. This achieves the core objective of "moving with the bridge while remaining stable," fundamentally solving the long-standing problems of stress concentration and fatigue failure at the system level. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wide temperature range adaptable sound barrier steel frame provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view showing the connection between the transverse purlins and the arched columns in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the connection between the transverse purlin and the arched column in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inter-column support and the connection of the arched columns in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal support and the arched column connection in some embodiments of the present invention; In the diagram: 1-arched column; 2-strong connection structure; 3-conventional connection structure; 4-longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism; 5-bridge expansion joint; 6-bridge; 7-steel frame unit; 8-end section; 9-middle section; 10-transverse purlin; 11-oblong hole; 13-connecting plate; 14-inter-column bracing; 15-horizontal bracing. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame and sound barrier system to overcome the defects of the existing technology, where the sound barrier steel frame is rigidly connected to the bridge structure and cannot adapt to the thermal expansion and contraction deformation of the bridge, resulting in stress concentration at the expansion joint, easy fatigue damage of the connection node, and affecting the overall safety and service life.

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Example 1 This invention provides a wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame, comprising multiple arched columns 1 arranged longitudinally along a bridge 6. The bottom of each arched column 1 is fixedly mounted on the bridge 6. Any two adjacent arched columns 1 are connected to each other through a connection structure. The connection structure is divided into three types: a strong connection structure 2, a longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism 4, and a conventional connection structure 3. The connection strength of the strong connection structure 2 is greater than that of the conventional connection structure 3. All the arched columns 1 on the bridge section between two adjacent bridge expansion joints 5 form a steel frame unit 7. Each steel frame unit 7 includes two end sections 8 and a middle section 9 located between the two end sections 8 in the length direction. Adjacent arched columns 1 located in the same end section 8 are fixedly connected by the strong connection structure 2, and adjacent arched columns 1 located in the middle section 9 are connected by the conventional connection structure 3. Between any two adjacent steel frame units 7, two adjacent arched columns 1 are connected by a longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism 4; the effective connection length of the longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism 4 can be automatically adjusted in response to the width change of the expansion joint, so as to allow relative longitudinal displacement between adjacent steel frame stable units while maintaining the connection state.

[0024] The effectiveness of this invention stems from a fundamental reconstruction of the stress path in traditional continuous structures. In conventional solutions, the expansion and contraction deformation of bridge 6 is directly transmitted through the continuous steel frame, leading to a high concentration of stress at the expansion joints. This solution first blocks the long-distance stress transmission by segmenting the structure (forming units); then, functional zoning is implemented within each unit, with localized reinforcement (strong connections) at the ends where stress is complex and requires "support," while maintaining an economical design (conventional connections) in the simpler middle sections. This optimizes the stress distribution and material utilization within the unit; finally, at the interfaces between units, adaptive mechanisms that allow controllable slippage replace rigid connections, providing a dedicated release channel for the expansion and contraction deformation of bridge 6. These combined measures effectively absorb and isolate the displacement of bridge 6 caused by temperature changes through the adaptive mechanisms, preventing large deformations or excessive stress on the main steel frame structure. This achieves the core objective of "moving with the bridge while remaining stable," fundamentally solving the long-standing problems of stress concentration and fatigue failure.

[0025] The arched column 1 can be a single arched column 1, or it can be a combination of a separate side arched column 1 and a separate top arched column 1, for example, by welding.

[0026] The arched column 1 is made of I-beams, meaning its cross-section is "I".

[0027] In some embodiments, the strong connection structure 2 includes transverse purlins 10, inter-column supports 14 and horizontal supports 15; the inter-column supports 14 are cross-channel steel supports provided on the side of the arched column 1; the horizontal supports 15 are cross-channel steel supports provided on the top of the arched column 1; the transverse purlins 10 are arranged in a horizontal direction and are connected at both ends to the two arched columns 1 respectively.

[0028] This embodiment concretizes the "strong connection structure 2" as a composite system composed of transverse purlins 10, inter-column supports 14, and horizontal supports 15, constructing a rigid connection network in three-dimensional space for the end section 8. The inter-column supports 14, in the form of cross-channel steel, form a highly efficient shear truss within the plane of the arched columns 1, specifically resisting transverse horizontal loads; the top cross-channel steel horizontal supports 15 constitute rigid horizontal spacers, effectively constraining the relative displacement of each arch frame and resisting torsion. These three elements work together to integrate multiple discrete arched columns 1 within the end section 8 into a spatial load-bearing module with high overall rigidity and stability. This module can not only independently and efficiently bear and transmit various loads, but more importantly, it provides a reliable "fixed end" constraint for the entire steel frame unit 7, serving as a concrete structural guarantee for ensuring the realization of "segmented rigidity."

[0029] The strong connection structure 2 can also be implemented using other forms of spatial grid or truss systems. For example, spatial triangular trusses can be used instead of the combination of cross bracing and purlins, or prefabricated steel honeycomb panels or corrugated steel plates can be set between the arched columns 1 as shear-resistant webs to form box-shaped or I-shaped composite section arched columns 1, thereby achieving extremely high local stiffness directly at the component level.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, each end segment 8 consists of two arched columns 1 and a strong connecting structure 2 between them.

[0031] In some embodiments, the channel steel purlins in the intersecting column supports 14 and horizontal supports 15 are fixed to the arched column 1 in the following manner: during the factory prefabrication stage, a connecting plate 13 is pre-welded to the corresponding position of the arched column 1 (when the column is an I-beam, this position can be on the flange or web of the I-beam); during installation, the end of the channel steel purlin is fitted with the connecting plate 13 and fastened with bolts and nuts; wherein, the bolts are preferably cotter pin bolts, and after tightening, a cotter pin is inserted through its tail to prevent the nut from loosening.

[0032] In some embodiments, multiple sets of inter-column supports 14 are provided, each with a vertical dimension of 2m; multiple sets of horizontal supports 15 are provided, each with a dimension of 1m along the width of the bridge 6. The aforementioned vertical and width directions refer to the directions in which the arched columns 1 extend.

[0033] This embodiment quantifies and limits the key dimensions of the support system.

[0034] In addition, the dimensions of the support can be designed differently according to the load level and cross-sectional dimensions of the arched column 1 of the specific project.

[0035] In some embodiments, the longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism 4 includes a transverse purlin 10, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the arched columns 1 of two adjacent steel frame units 7 through a sliding pair; the sliding pair includes an elongated hole 11 provided at the end of the transverse purlin 10, and a bolt passing through the elongated hole 11 and fastening the end to the corresponding arched column 1; the length direction of the elongated hole 11 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bridge 6; when the adjacent steel frame units 7 generate relative longitudinal displacement due to the change in the width of the bridge expansion joint 5, the bolt can slide in the elongated hole 11 to realize the longitudinal displacement adaptation between the transverse purlin 10 and the arched column 1.

[0036] This embodiment provides a simple and reliable adaptive connection scheme. Its core effectiveness lies in the sliding pair formed by the "elongated hole 11 bolt," which cleverly achieves a "directional release" function. The length of the elongated hole 11 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the bridge 6, providing a preset and controllable degree of freedom for the connection. The preload of the bolt provides initial static friction, making the connection appear approximately rigid when the internal forces caused by temperature changes are small, maintaining its integrity under normal conditions. When the width variation of the bridge expansion joint 5 accumulates to a certain extent, causing the longitudinal force generated by deformation coordination between adjacent units to exceed the static friction, the bolt will overcome frictional resistance and slide within the elongated hole 11. This sliding process actively releases the constrained displacement, thereby preventing the continuous accumulation of internal forces in the structure. More importantly, throughout the sliding process and after sliding, the bolt always connects the units on both sides through the crossbeam, continuing to effectively transmit lateral (such as wind load) and vertical loads. This design achieves the ideal state of "longitudinal mobility and lateral constraint," transforming the adaptive deformation design concept into an implementable engineering component with extremely low cost and maximum reliability.

[0037] The longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism 4 can also be implemented using other principles. For example, a "telescopic joint" type sleeve connection can be used, where the inner and outer sleeves can slide relative to each other and are sealed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the conventional connection structure 3 is a transverse purlin 10, with an elongated hole 11 at the end of the transverse purlin 10. The elongated hole 11 and the fastening bolt cooperate to connect the transverse purlin 10 to the arched column 1.

[0039] This embodiment also introduces bolted connections with elongated holes 11 in the conventional connection area. First, this design standardizes components and nodes, significantly simplifying the design, processing, and installation process. Since this conventional connection structure 3 and the "longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism 4" used for inter-unit connections employ the exact same "elongated hole 11 + bolt" sliding pair structure, this means that only one standardized connection node can meet the needs of two different functional areas (the conventional connection area in the middle of the unit and the deformation adaptation area between units) throughout the entire sound barrier steel frame system. This highly unified design greatly simplifies the workload of structural detail design, material list preparation, and factory prefabrication, reducing the types of components and the probability of errors. During the construction and installation phase, the unified connection form also simplifies the worker's operating process, improves installation efficiency and quality consistency, and has good engineering economics.

[0040] Secondly, the sliding connection structure provides the necessary construction tolerance for the structure. The elongated hole 11 provides installation and adjustment space for the bolts, which can effectively absorb and compensate for the unavoidable dimensional errors in the positioning of the arched column 1, the fabrication of the purlins, and on-site installation, ensuring that the structure can be assembled smoothly.

[0041] In some embodiments, the arched column 1 and each connecting structure are made of weathering steel.

[0042] This embodiment provides a fundamental guarantee at the material level for the entire steel frame system to match the goal of "wide temperature range adaptability". The core advantage of weathering steel lies in its dense and stable rust layer formed through alloying. This rust product can effectively block the penetration of moisture and oxygen, thereby significantly slowing down the corrosion process.

[0043] Of course, an alternative solution can be adopted: "ordinary steel + high-performance anti-corrosion coating system". Weathering steel can also be used in critical, non-replaceable parts, while hot-dip galvanized steel can be used in secondary parts, forming a more economical combination material solution.

[0044] In some embodiments, the maximum length of the steel frame unit 7 is less than or equal to 120 meters.

[0045] In this embodiment, the length of the steel frame unit 7 is limited.

[0046] Of course, the length of steel frame unit 7 is not fixed, but strictly determined according to the actual location of bridge expansion joint 5, i.e., "one joint, one unit". Alternatively, in temperate climates, the unit length can be appropriately increased to 150 meters after calculation and verification; while in areas with extreme temperature differences, a more conservative 80 meters or 90 meters may be adopted. The unit division strategy can also be dynamically adjusted according to the alignment (straight line, curve) and slope of bridge 6.

[0047] In some embodiments, the surfaces of the arched column 1 and the connecting structure are treated with hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection.

[0048] This embodiment uses hot-dip galvanizing as a corrosion protection method, which can provide reliable and durable protection for the internal steel structure.

[0049] Example 2 The present invention also provides a sound barrier system, including the sound barrier steel frame in Embodiment 1 and the screen body installed on the arched column 1.

[0050] This embodiment combines an innovative steel frame structure with a functional screen to form a complete sound barrier product system. It possesses all the advantages of Embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0051] In some embodiments, the screen body is made of an anti-aging composite material.

[0052] The limitation on the material of the screen in this embodiment ensures that the performance of the entire sound barrier system does not degrade and its function does not fail under long-term complex environments.

[0053] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame, comprising multiple arched columns arranged longitudinally along the bridge, wherein any two adjacent arched columns are interconnected by a connecting structure, characterized in that... The connection structure is divided into three types: strong connection structure, longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism, and conventional connection structure. The connection strength of the strong connection structure is greater than that of the conventional connection structure. All the arched columns on the bridge section between two adjacent bridge expansion joints form a steel frame unit. Each steel frame unit includes two end sections and a middle section located between the two end sections in the length direction. Adjacent arched columns located in the same end section are fixedly connected by the strong connection structure, and adjacent arched columns located in the middle section are connected by the conventional connection structure. Between any two adjacent steel frame units, two adjacent arched columns are connected by a longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism; the effective connection length of the longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism can be automatically adjusted in response to the width change of the expansion joint, so as to allow relative longitudinal displacement between adjacent steel frame stabilizing units while maintaining the connection state.

2. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strong connection structure includes transverse purlins, inter-column supports, and horizontal supports; the inter-column supports are cross-channel steel supports installed on the sides of the arched columns; the horizontal supports are cross-channel steel supports installed on the top of the arched columns; the transverse purlins are arranged in a horizontal direction and connected at both ends to the two arched columns respectively.

3. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple sets of inter-column supports are provided, each with a vertical dimension of 2m; multiple sets of horizontal supports are provided, each with a dimension of 1m along the width of the bridge.

4. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal displacement adaptive connection mechanism includes a transverse purlin, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the arched columns of two adjacent steel frame units through a sliding pair; The sliding pair includes an elongated hole at the end of the transverse purlin and a bolt passing through the elongated hole and fastening the end to the corresponding arched column; the length direction of the elongated hole is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bridge; when adjacent steel frame units experience relative longitudinal displacement due to changes in the width of the bridge expansion joint, the bolt can slide within the elongated hole to achieve longitudinal displacement adaptation between the transverse purlin and the arched column.

5. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conventional connection structure is a transverse purlin, with an elongated hole at the end of the transverse purlin. The elongated hole and the fastening bolt cooperate to connect the transverse purlin to the arched column.

6. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arched columns and all the connecting structures are made of weathering steel.

7. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum length of the steel frame unit is less than or equal to 120 meters.

8. The wide-temperature-range adaptable sound barrier steel frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surfaces of the arched columns and connecting structures are treated with hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection.

9. A sound barrier system, characterized in that, It includes the sound barrier steel frame as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 and the screen body installed on the arched column.

10. The sound barrier system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The screen is made of anti-aging composite material.

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