A multiple sealing device for expansion joint of U-shaped concrete aqueduct

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-layer sealing device for the expansion joint of a U-shaped concrete aqueduct, belonging to the field of water conveyance construction technology. It includes embedded steel plates installed on the joint surfaces of two aqueduct sections. The main body of the embedded steel plates has a labyrinth sealing structure, and embedded bolts are fixed to the main body of the steel plates. A composite rubber block is installed inside the joint of the two aqueduct sections, with mounting holes. The embedded bolts pass through the mounting holes and are connected to spherical nuts. The composite rubber block is pressed and fixed to the embedded steel plates by the spherical nuts. Water-absorbing and expanding rubber strips are respectively installed between the composite rubber block and the aqueduct, and between the composite rubber block and the labyrinth sealing structure of the embedded steel plates. This invention adopts a multi-layer sealing structure, providing reliable sealing, strong adaptability to deformation, and easy replacement and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water conservancy engineering and large-scale water conveyance structure technology, specifically relating to a multi-seal device for the expansion joint of a U-shaped concrete aqueduct. Background Technology

[0002] In large-scale water conveyance projects, aqueducts, as key water conveyance structures spanning rivers, valleys, and other complex terrains, are typically constructed by splicing together multiple concrete sections. Due to the thermal expansion and contraction characteristics of concrete and factors such as foundation settlement, expansion joints must be installed between adjacent aqueducts to accommodate structural deformation, and sealing structures must be employed to prevent leakage during water conveyance.

[0003] Currently, existing sealing technologies for aqueduct joints mainly fall into two categories: one is the traditional method of filling with hemp rope and then pouring concrete. This type of structure is prone to aging and cracking during long-term use, and after the seal fails, it is necessary to break down the concrete for replacement, which is difficult and time-consuming to maintain; the other is the method of using pre-embedded waterstops, such as copper or rubber waterstops. This type of waterstop is usually covered by the concrete protective layer, and once it ages or is damaged, it also faces the problems of difficult replacement and complex construction.

[0004] To address the difficulty of replacing sealing materials, some related technologies have proposed improved solutions. For example, Chinese invention patent CN110468684A discloses a joint sealing device for a U-shaped prefabricated aqueduct. This device has a U-shaped groove on the end face of the aqueduct segment, with two adjacent grooves forming a sealing cavity. A circular rubber sealing strip is pulled into the sealing cavity by a pull rope, and pressurized gas or liquid is introduced through the pressure channel inside the rubber sealing strip, causing the rubber sealing strip to expand and seal with a thin stainless steel plate inside the groove. This technology achieves a certain degree of replaceability of the sealing material, but it still has the following shortcomings:

[0005] 1. The sealing structure relies on pressure maintenance: its sealing effect depends on the continuous pressure inside the rubber sealing strip. If pressure leakage occurs during long-term use, the sealing performance will be significantly reduced, posing a potential reliability risk.

[0006] 2. Single sealing method: It only relies on a single expansion sealing strip to adhere to the smooth stainless steel sheet, lacking multiple protection mechanisms. Under long-term water pressure or structural deformation, there is still a risk of leakage.

[0007] 3. Limited adaptability: Its sealing structure does not fully consider the impact of axial expansion and contraction deformation of the aqueduct caused by temperature changes on the sealing components, and the seal is prone to failure due to structural displacement during long-term use.

[0008] Therefore, existing technologies still suffer from problems such as insufficient sealing reliability, poor adaptability, and inconvenient maintenance. There is an urgent need for a sealing structure between aqueducts that is more rational in structure, has better sealing performance, is easy to maintain, and has strong adaptability to deformation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the technical problems of insufficient sealing reliability, easy failure after long-term use, poor adaptability to structural deformation, and inconvenience of maintenance and replacement in existing technologies, this invention provides a sealing device for aqueducts that has a reasonable structure, reliable sealing performance, multiple waterproofing mechanisms, strong adaptability to deformation, and is easy to install and replace on site.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a multi-seal device for the expansion joint of a U-shaped concrete aqueduct, installed between two joined sections of the aqueduct, comprising:

[0011] The embedded steel plates are respectively set at the docking ends of the two sections of the aqueduct. The embedded steel plates include a steel plate body and a labyrinth sealing structure. The labyrinth sealing structure is set on the end of the steel plate body that is exposed on the aqueduct. The embedded steel plates are also fixedly provided with embedded bolts.

[0012] A composite rubber block is provided on the inner side of the joint between two sections of the aqueduct. The composite rubber block is provided with mounting holes. The pre-embedded bolts pass through the mounting holes and are connected to the spherical nuts. The spherical nuts provide pre-tightening force to the composite rubber block, pressing the composite rubber block tightly onto the steel plate body.

[0013] A water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip is disposed between the composite rubber block and the aqueduct, and between the composite rubber block and the labyrinth sealing structure on the embedded steel plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the labyrinth sealing structure on the embedded steel plate includes at least two layers of partitions spaced apart along the length of the aqueduct, the partitions being perpendicular to the main body of the steel plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the composite rubber block is internally embedded with multiple spring steel plates, which are spaced apart along the thickness direction of the composite rubber block to enhance its compressive strength.

[0016] Furthermore, the spring steel plate is wavy, and the wavy shape extends along the length of the aqueduct.

[0017] Furthermore, the composite rubber block is made by bonding rubber materials of different hardness in its thickness direction.

[0018] Furthermore, a gap is left between the mounting hole of the composite rubber block and the pre-embedded bolt to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction deformation of the pre-embedded steel plate.

[0019] Furthermore, the composite rubber block is also provided with a clearance groove to avoid the labyrinth sealing structure. A sealing plate is provided in the clearance groove. The sealing plate can be inserted between adjacent partitions of the labyrinth sealing structure, and the end face of the sealing plate is in close contact with the main body of the steel plate.

[0020] Furthermore, gaps are left between the two sides of the sealing plate and the adjacent partition, and the size of the gaps is set such that at least one side of the sealing plate can be tightly attached to the adjacent partition when the temperature changes.

[0021] Furthermore, the lower end of the spherical nut has a spherical structure, and the mounting hole end of the composite rubber block is provided with a spherical surface that matches the lower end of the spherical nut. The spherical nut is tightly fitted to the spherical surface at the mounting hole end by a preload.

[0022] Furthermore, the water-absorbing and swelling rubber strip includes a first water-absorbing and swelling rubber strip and a second water-absorbing and swelling rubber strip. The first water-absorbing and swelling rubber strip is disposed at both ends of the composite rubber block along the length direction of the trough and fills the space between the composite rubber block and the trough. The second water-absorbing and swelling rubber strip is disposed in the clearance groove of the composite rubber block and fills the space between the side of the clearance groove and the adjacent partition.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] 1. This invention incorporates pre-embedded steel plates at the ends of adjacent aqueducts, along with a multi-layered sealing structure including composite rubber blocks, water-absorbing and expanding rubber strips, and spherical nuts, forming a waterproof system that combines labyrinthine sealing with contact sealing. This significantly enhances the seepage prevention performance between adjacent aqueducts. Furthermore, compared to existing technologies, this invention can further tighten the sealing interface through the self-expansion of the water-absorbing and expanding rubber strips when exposed to water, significantly improving the reliability and durability of the seal.

[0025] 2. The present invention sets a spring steel plate inside the composite rubber block, which can not only enhance the compressive strength of the composite rubber block, but also give the composite rubber block axial ductility. At the same time, the reserved gap between the mounting hole of the composite rubber block and the pre-embedded bolt can effectively absorb the axial expansion and contraction deformation of the aqueduct caused by temperature changes, and avoid sealing failure due to structural displacement.

[0026] 3. The present invention adopts a sealing method that combines mechanical pre-tightening and material self-expansion. Unlike CN110468684A, it does not rely on the continuous pressurization of gas or liquid inside the sealing strip to maintain the sealing effect, thus eliminating the risk of sealing failure due to pressure leakage and making the sealing state more stable and reliable.

[0027] 4. This invention uses pre-embedded bolts and spherical nuts to connect and fix the composite rubber block, making assembly and disassembly convenient without damaging the aqueduct's concrete structure. Compared to the traditional method that requires damaging the concrete protective layer to replace the waterstop, and the method described in CN110468684A, which allows replacement but still requires rearranging the ropes and applying pressure, this invention simplifies the replacement process, significantly shortens maintenance time, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0028] 5. The sealing structure of the present invention is located inside the aqueduct and is in a long-term underwater or humid environment, isolated from the air, which effectively slows down the aging and oxidation process of rubber and metal parts, extends the service life of the sealing structure, and reduces the maintenance frequency throughout the entire life cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion joint multi-sealing device for the U-shaped concrete aqueduct of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the end face structure of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct of the present invention.

[0031] Markings in the diagram: 1. Aqueduct; 101. Water conveyance side; 102. Outer side; 103. L-shaped mounting port; 2. Embedded steel plate; 201. Steel plate body; 202. Partition plate; 3. Spring steel plate; 4. Composite rubber block; 401. Mounting hole; 402. Sealing plate; 403. Clearance groove; 5. Embedded bolt; 6. Spherical nut; 7. Water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip; 701. First water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip; 702. Second water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0033] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a multi-seal device for the expansion joint of a U-shaped concrete aqueduct is installed between two sections of the aqueduct 1 that need to be joined, located on the water-carrying side 101 of the aqueduct 1. It includes a pre-embedded steel plate 2, pre-embedded bolts 5, a composite rubber block 4, and a water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 7. The water-carrying side 101 of the aqueduct 1 refers to the inner side of the aqueduct 1 that is in contact with water, and the outer surface of the aqueduct 1 is the outer side 102. The cross-section of the aqueduct 1 is U-shaped, and its end face is provided with an L-shaped mounting opening 103 for installing the multi-seal device. The L-shaped mounting opening 103 is formed simultaneously during the pouring of the aqueduct 1, and extends along the U-shaped structure of the aqueduct 1. The shapes of the pre-embedded steel plate 2 and the composite rubber block 4 match the U-shape of the cross-section of the aqueduct 1.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the end face of the aqueduct 1 is pre-embedded with a pre-embedded steel plate 2 and pre-embedded bolts 5 connected to the pre-embedded steel plate 2. The bolt heads of the pre-embedded bolts 5 are located in the concrete structure of the aqueduct 1 and are welded and fixed to the pre-embedded steel plate 2. The pre-embedded bolts 5 are located at the L-shaped installation opening 103, and multiple pre-embedded bolts 5 are arranged at intervals along the U-shaped structure. The main body 201 of the pre-embedded steel plate 2 is provided with a labyrinth sealing structure extending toward the water conveyance side 101. The labyrinth sealing structure includes at least two spaced partitions 202, which are perpendicular to the main body 201 of the steel plate. In this embodiment, there are two partitions 202, so the pre-embedded steel plate 2 forms an F-shaped steel plate.

[0035] An installation space is formed between the two aqueducts 1 by the L-shaped mounting port 103. The composite rubber block 4 is installed in the installation space, and the pre-embedded bolt 5 extends from the mounting hole 401 on the composite rubber block 4 and is then connected and locked by the spherical nut 6.

[0036] Preferably, the mounting hole 401 of the composite rubber block 4 has a spherical end. The spherical nut 6 is made of stainless steel, with a hexagonal upper end for easy tightening with a wrench and a spherical lower end for easy sealing. When the spherical nut 6 is connected to the pre-embedded bolt 5, a certain preload is applied by the spherical nut 6, so that the spherical surface of the nut 6 is in close contact with the spherical surface around the mounting hole 401, forming a seal on the end of the mounting hole 401 and preventing water from the water supply side 101 from seeping into the mounting hole 401 of the composite rubber block 4.

[0037] Preferably, there is a certain gap between the mounting hole 401 on the composite rubber block 4 and the pre-embedded bolt 5, which is used for adaptive adjustment of the thermal expansion and contraction of the pre-embedded steel plate 2.

[0038] The first composite method of the composite rubber block 4 is to add multiple spring steel plates 3 inside the rubber block to increase the compressive strength of the rubber block. The multiple spring steel plates 3 are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the rubber block.

[0039] Preferably, the spring steel plate 3 is wavy, and the wavy shape extends along the length direction of the aqueduct 1, which allows the rubber block to be appropriately extended along the length direction of the aqueduct 1.

[0040] The second composite method for the composite rubber block 4 is as follows: the composite rubber block 4 can also be made of rubbers of different hardnesses in the thickness direction to meet the requirements of tight fit with the side of the embedded steel plate 2 and strength of the mating surface with the spherical nut 6. Specifically, in the composite rubber block 4, the hardness of the rubber on the side that fits with the embedded steel plate 2 is lower than the hardness of the rubber on the side that fits with the spherical nut 6.

[0041] It is understandable that the composite rubber block 4 can also be formed by combining the above two composite forms.

[0042] Preferably, the composite rubber block 4 is further provided with a clearance groove 403 to avoid the labyrinth sealing structure, and a sealing plate 402 is provided in the clearance groove 403. The sealing plate 402 can be inserted between adjacent partitions 202 of the labyrinth sealing structure, and the end face of the sealing plate is in close contact with the steel plate body 201 of the embedded steel plate 2. During installation, a certain gap is left between the two sides of the sealing plate 402 and the adjacent partitions 202. Under normal circumstances, the size of the gap between the sealing plate 402 and the partitions 202 should ensure that at least one side of the sealing plate 402 can be in close contact with the adjacent partitions 202 when the temperature changes. The two ends of the composite rubber block 4 are respectively connected to the embedded steel plates 2 and embedded bolts 5 on the two aqueducts 1. Therefore, two clearance grooves 403 are provided to avoid the labyrinth sealing structure at the ends of the two embedded steel plates 2, and two sealing plates 402 are also provided, namely the left sealing plate and the right sealing plate. During the high temperatures of summer, the aqueducts 1 that are connected together extend axially by a certain length, thereby reducing the expansion joint gap between them. The left side of the left sealing plate contacts the partition 202, and the right side of the right sealing plate contacts the partition 202. During the low temperatures of winter, the aqueducts 1 that are connected together contract axially, increasing the expansion joint gap between them. The right side of the left sealing plate contacts the partition 202, and the left side of the right sealing plate contacts the partition 202.

[0043] The water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 7 is used to prevent water from entering the composite rubber block 4 and then seeping out of the aqueduct 1. The water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 7 includes a first water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 701 and a second water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 702. The first water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 701 is disposed at both ends of the composite rubber block 4 along the length of the aqueduct 1 and fills the space between the composite rubber block 4 and the aqueduct 1. The first water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 701 expands when it comes into contact with water, which can prevent water from the water supply side 101 of the aqueduct 1 from seeping out through the gap between the composite rubber block 4 and the inner wall of the aqueduct 1. The second water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 702 is disposed in the relief groove 403 and fills the space between the side of the relief groove 403 and the adjacent partition 202, and is closer to the first water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 701 than the sealing plate 402. If water seeps into the space between the composite rubber block 4 and the embedded steel plate 2 through the mounting hole 401 of the composite rubber block 4, and further seeps into the labyrinth sealing structure, the second water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 702 expands upon contact with water, sealing the gap between the composite rubber block 4 and the steel plate body 201, preventing water from continuing to seep out from the gap.

[0044] Therefore, the present invention constructs a multi-layer sealing structure by pre-embedded steel plate 2, composite rubber block 4, spherical nut 6, and water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip 7, forming a waterproof system that combines labyrinth sealing and contact sealing, which greatly ensures the seepage prevention performance between adjacent aqueducts 1.

[0045] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the specific implementation of the present invention with reference to the above embodiments. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are within the protection scope of the pending claims.

Claims

1. A multi-seal device for the expansion joint of a U-shaped concrete aqueduct, disposed between two joined sections of the aqueduct (1), characterized in that, include: An embedded steel plate (2) is provided at the joint ends of the two sections of the aqueduct (1). The embedded steel plate (2) includes a steel plate body (201) and a labyrinth sealing structure. The labyrinth sealing structure is provided at one end of the steel plate body (201) that protrudes from the aqueduct (1). An embedded bolt (5) is also fixedly provided on the steel plate body (201). The labyrinth sealing structure includes at least two layers of partitions (202) spaced apart along the length of the aqueduct (1). The partitions (202) are perpendicular to the steel plate body (201). A composite rubber block (4) is provided on the inner side of the joint between the two sections of the aqueduct (1). The composite rubber block (4) is provided with mounting holes (401). The pre-embedded bolts (5) pass through the mounting holes (401) and are connected to the spherical nuts (6). The spherical nuts (6) provide pre-tightening force to the composite rubber block (4) and press the composite rubber block (4) onto the steel plate body (201). The composite rubber block (4) is also provided with a clearance groove (4) to avoid the labyrinth sealing structure. 03), a sealing plate (402) is provided in the clearance groove (403). The sealing plate (402) can be inserted between the adjacent partitions (202) of the labyrinth sealing structure, and the end face of the sealing plate (402) is in close contact with the steel plate body (201). There is a gap between the two sides of the sealing plate (402) and the adjacent partition (202). The size of the gap is set so that when the temperature changes, at least one side of the sealing plate (402) can be in close contact with the adjacent partition (202). A water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip (7) is disposed between the composite rubber block (4) and the trough (1), and between the composite rubber block (4) and the labyrinth sealing structure on the embedded steel plate (2).

2. The multi-seal device for expansion joints of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite rubber block (4) is internally embedded with multiple spring steel plates (3), which are spaced apart along the thickness direction of the composite rubber block (4) to enhance the compressive strength of the composite rubber block (4).

3. The multi-seal device for expansion joints of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring steel plate (3) is wavy, and the wavy shape extends along the length of the aqueduct (1).

4. The multi-seal device for expansion joints of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite rubber block (4) is made of rubber materials of different hardness in its thickness direction.

5. The multi-seal device for expansion joints of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting hole (401) of the composite rubber block (4) is left with a gap between it and the pre-embedded bolt (5) to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction deformation of the pre-embedded steel plate (2).

6. The multi-seal device for expansion joints of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the spherical nut (6) has a spherical structure. The end of the mounting hole (401) of the composite rubber block (4) is provided with a spherical surface that matches the lower end of the spherical nut (6). The spherical nut (6) is tightly fitted to the spherical surface at the end of the mounting hole (401) by a pre-tightening force.

7. The multi-seal device for expansion joints of the U-shaped concrete aqueduct according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip (7) includes a first water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip (701) and a second water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip (702). The first water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip (701) is disposed at both ends of the composite rubber block (4) along the length direction of the trough (1) and fills the space between the composite rubber block (4) and the trough (1). The second water-absorbing and expanding rubber strip (702) is disposed in the clearance groove (403) of the composite rubber block (4) and fills the space between the side of the clearance groove (403) and the adjacent partition (202).

Images