Self-adapting inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient masonry arch bridge

Abstract

The application discloses a self-adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient masonry arch bridges, which is composed of a flexible bag body, a water flow impact automatic inflation system, a gravity reset system and an anchoring system. When arranged, the anchoring system is fixed on the riverbed basement upstream of the ancient bridge to be protected. During the flood period, the device constructs the water flow impact automatic inflation system, and the pressurized water inlet arranged on the water surface of the bag body captures the flood impact kinetic energy and converts it into static pressure to press into the bag, so that the flexible bag body is rapidly inflated to form a submerged dam. After the flood recedes, the top reset weight is used to extrude the bag body to reset. The flood control protection method has the characteristics of full hydraulic drive, self-adaptive opening and closing and normal invisible zero intervention, and can effectively solve the structural instability risk of the ancient bridge under extreme flood, and provides reliable technical support for the ecological friendly preventive protection of the ancient bridge cultural relics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of civil engineering technology, specifically relating to an adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulically self-driven flexible energy dissipation submerged dam technology is one of the core research issues in the field of ancient bridge protection and water conservancy flood control engineering for solving the flood safety of cultural heritage. Ancient bridges, as precious historical and cultural heritage of my country, possess extremely important historical, artistic, scientific, and social value. However, with the frequent occurrence of extreme hydrological events, ancient bridges face severe challenges under extreme floods, making the need for non-contact protection and flood energy dissipation of ancient bridge structures increasingly urgent. In actual engineering, ancient bridges not only suffer structural loosening and cracking in key parts such as abutments and arches due to the direct impact of high-speed water flow, but also structural instability and even collapse due to scouring of the riverbed around the bridge pier foundations. If these potential water damage risks are not addressed in time through flexible energy dissipation methods, they may cause significant losses to national cultural heritage, or even irreversible structural collapse.

[0003] Currently, flood control measures for ancient bridges mainly rely on passive defense methods such as temporarily piling sandbags and placing stones to protect the bridge piers during the flood season. While the former offers rapid response, it struggles to adapt to complex water conditions; the latter, though providing physical barriers, easily disturbs the riverbed. In recent years, fixed or externally powered movable dam structures have offered a new direction for the protection of ancient bridges due to their ability to provide continuous flood barriers.

[0004] However, the following problems still exist in the flood control protection of ancient bridges: (a) Passive defense measures are slow to respond and have limited protective effects. Moreover, the construction process may disturb the original state of the bridge and affect the river landscape and ecology, and cannot provide intelligent and adaptive protection for ancient bridges. (b) A single fixed structure is difficult to meet both the needs of normal flood control and landscape, while a single mechanical movable dam relies on external power and manual control, has a complex structure and insufficient reliability, and is difficult to adapt to unattended field environments. (c) Existing technologies have a high degree of interference with the environmental landscape of ancient bridges, making it difficult to achieve invisible protection of cultural relics with zero interference while efficiently dissipating energy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention discloses an adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges. It utilizes the energy of the flood itself to achieve automatic start-up and operation, automatically forming underwater energy dissipation during flood season to protect the downstream ancient bridge, while remaining completely invisible in the riverbed during normal times, achieving intelligent, flexible, and eco-friendly all-weather protection.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges includes: a) A water flow impact automatic inflation system, comprising at least one pressurized water inlet disposed on the water-facing side of a flexible bladder, the pressurized water inlet capturing the impact force of floodwater by utilizing an opening facing the water flow, converting the high-speed water flow into static pressure to automatically inflate the flexible bladder. b) A flexible capsule, made of high-strength flexible material, which is normally folded or laid flat on the riverbed upstream of the bridge; c) A gravity reset system, comprising a reset weight disposed on or above the flexible capsule, and a guide constraint component connecting the reset weight to the flexible capsule or the riverbed. d) An anchoring system that secures the bottom and both ends of the flexible capsule to the riverbed and both banks of the river.

[0007] An adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges, after being fully inflated, has a submerged dam whose height (H) is equal to the upstream water depth (h) under the designed flood control conditions, with the ratio H / h ≤ 0.6, ensuring that it is always in a submerged working state and forms energy-dissipating rolling water.

[0008] The pressurized water inlet consists of an inlet constriction section and a diffuser section. The inlet constriction section faces the incoming flow direction and uses increased flow velocity and pressure to force water into the flexible bladder. A one-way valve, allowing only water to enter the flexible bladder, is installed on the connecting pipe inside the inlet. The one-way valve is a suspended rubber valve or a hinged metal valve. When the impact force of the water flow outside the inlet exceeds the pressure inside the bladder, the valve opens to allow water in. When the external flow velocity decreases and the impact force weakens, the valve closes under its own weight or back pressure.

[0009] The flexible capsule shell is made of a high-strength industrial fabric with micro-permeability and a repositioning weight along its outline. A self-cleaning sand discharge hole is located at the bottom of the backwater side, and this hole is normally open. Its outflow area is smaller than the inflow area of ​​the inlet device, allowing for a continuous flow of water to carry away deposited sediment when the capsule inflates. Internally, longitudinal impermeable baffles are arranged along the water flow direction, dividing the capsule into multiple independent longitudinal chambers, each with a width ranging from 1.5 meters to 5.0 meters.

[0010] The reset weight of the gravity reset system is lifted to store gravitational potential energy when the flexible bladder is inflated. When the bladder stops inflating, the reset weight moves downward under its own weight, applying continuous pressure to the top and back surfaces of the bladder to force drainage until the bladder is flattened and reset.

[0011] The anchoring system includes anti-scouring skirts installed at the bottom of the flexible bladder. The anti-scouring skirts extend upstream and downstream of the bladder and are laid flat on the riverbed to prevent water flow from scouring the base of the device.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) Fully automatic self-adaptation: It is driven by the impact force of floods to realize the intelligent cycle of "the dam rises when the water is rapid and the dam falls when the water is slow". It does not require any external energy, power or manual control, conforms to the principle of fluid mechanics, and responds quickly and reliably.

[0013] (2) Cultural Relics-Ecological Friendly Type: Completely invisible under normal conditions, without changing the original appearance, structural stress and natural ecology of the ancient bridge and the river channel; only temporarily operated during floods, minimizing intervention.

[0014] (3) Excellent protective performance: By forming a submerged dam to dissipate energy from the energy source, it effectively reduces the direct impact on the ancient bridge body and the foundation scouring, and the protective effect is significant.

[0015] (4) Simple and reliable structure: There are no complex mechanical or electrical components. The core is based on the principles of hydraulic and gravity machinery. There are few failure points, good durability, and extremely low maintenance costs.

[0016] (5) Anti-siltation design: The unique combination of diffused water intake and bottom sand discharge solves the problem of traditional flexible dams being easily silted up by sediment, and greatly improves the durability of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device proposed in this invention during its inflation working state.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible bladder of the device proposed in this invention in its inflated working state.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the pressurized water inlet device proposed in this invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the environment in which the device proposed in this invention is deployed in its uninflated state.

[0021] List of identifiers in attached diagrams: 1-Flexible capsule; 101-Top surface of flexible capsule; 102-Water-facing surface of flexible capsule; 103-Water-repellent surface of flexible capsule; 104-Longitudinal partition; 2-Pressurized inlet; 201-Inlet section of inlet; 202-Contraction section of inlet; 203-Throat section of inlet; 204-Diffuser section of inlet; 3-Bottom anchoring system; 4-Reset weight; 5-Check valve; 6-Arch bridge to be protected; 7-Riverbed; 8-Upstream water; 9-Whirlpool energy dissipation zone; 10-Riverbank slope. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the device of the present invention mainly consists of a flexible bladder 1, a pressurized water inlet 2, a bottom anchoring system 3, and a reset weight 4. The water inlet 2 is installed at the bottom of the water-facing side of the bladder, and the reset weight 4 is located above the bladder.

[0024] like Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross-section of the device in its inflated working state. The top surface 101, water-facing surface 102, and back surface 103 of the flexible bladder 1 are all made of micro-permeable filter cloth. The interior can be divided into independent chambers by longitudinal partitions 104. A reset weight 4 is provided at the top, and a one-way valve 5 is provided at the inlet of the water inlet. Small-diameter sand discharge holes are provided on the back surface of the bladder.

[0025] The weight of the reset weight 4 can normally flatten the flexible bladder 1. When the flood flow velocity increases, the impact force overcomes the gravity of the reset weight 4 and inflates the bladder.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressurized inlet 2 includes an inlet section 201, a constriction section 202, a throat section 203, and a diffuser section 204. When a flood impacts the constriction section 202 of the inlet, it is pressurized and flows at high speed through the throat section. After reaching the diffuser section 204, the flow velocity slows down, and pressure accumulates, thereby expanding the bladder.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the flexible capsule 1 of the device of the present invention is fixed by the bottom anchoring system 3 and is installed on the riverbed 7 at a certain safe distance upstream of the ancient bridge 6 to be protected. When the upstream water body 8 passes by, it forms an energy dissipation vortex energy dissipation zone 9 downstream. The device spans the entire watershed and is connected to the riverbank slope 10 on its side. All structures are smoothly connected to the normal flow level of the river channel.

[0028] In practice, the riverbed and bank slopes are first treated, and erosion-resistant skirts are laid. Then, flexible bladders are laid and anchored, and inlets are installed. As the flood flow velocity increases, the impact force overcomes the gravity of the repositioning weight, automatically inflating the bladders. A small amount of sediment-laden water continuously drains from the bladders through the bottom sediment discharge holes, keeping the interior clean. As the flood recedes and the flow velocity decreases, the impact force is insufficient to support the weight, and the bladders are flattened and repositioned.

[0029] The aforementioned anti-scouring skirt is a reinforced concrete slab with a slightly upturned tail. It utilizes the low flow velocity in the lower gap and the high flow velocity in the upper part of the water body to draw back the riverbed sediment washed away by the water through the pressure difference, thereby preventing the riverbed from being eroded. It can stabilize the riverbed foundation without the need for pile driving.

[0030] The sand discharge hole on the back side of the bladder described in this invention is generally not easy to block due to the pressure difference. To prevent this, a silt discharge port can be added on the back side, which is closed during operation and only opened during manual inspection and cleaning.

[0031] Additionally, a grid can be added to the front end of the pressurized water inlet 2 to restrict the entry of large-diameter soil clods / stones, ensuring that small-diameter sand can be discharged smoothly.

[0032] It should be noted that the above content merely illustrates the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and all such improvements and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges, characterized in that, include: a) A water flow impact automatic inflation system, comprising at least one pressurized water inlet disposed on the water-facing side of a flexible bladder, the pressurized water inlet capturing the impact force of floodwater by utilizing an opening facing the water flow, converting the high-speed water flow into static pressure to automatically inflate the flexible bladder. b) A flexible capsule, made of high-strength flexible material, which is normally folded or laid flat on the riverbed upstream of the bridge; c) A gravity reset system, comprising a reset weight disposed on or above the flexible capsule, and a guide constraint component connecting the reset weight to the flexible capsule or the riverbed. d) An anchoring system that secures the bottom and both ends of the flexible capsule to the riverbed and both banks of the river.

2. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, After full inflation, the ratio of the height of the dam (H) to the upstream water depth (h) under the designed flood control conditions satisfies H / h ≤ 0.6, ensuring that it is always in a submerged working state and forms energy-dissipating rolling water.

3. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurized water inlet includes an inlet constriction section and a diffuser section. The inlet constriction section faces the direction of the incoming flow and uses increased flow velocity and pressure to force water into the bladder. The connecting pipe inside the inlet is equipped with a one-way valve that only allows water to enter the bladder.

4. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 3, characterized in that, The one-way valve uses a suspended rubber valve or a hinged metal valve. When the water flow impact force outside the inlet is greater than the pressure inside the bladder, the valve opens to allow water to enter. When the external flow velocity decreases and the impact force weakens, the valve closes under its own weight or back pressure.

5. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible capsule shell is made of a high-strength industrial fabric with micro-permeability, and a reset weight is provided at the rear edge of the top surface.

6. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the backwater side of the flexible bladder is provided with a self-cleaning sand discharge hole. The sand discharge hole is in a normally open state, and its outflow area is smaller than the inflow area of ​​the pressurized water inlet. This is used to form a continuous through flow of water when the bladder is inflated to carry away the deposited sediment.

7. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible capsule has longitudinal impermeable septa arranged along the direction of water flow, which divide it into multiple independent longitudinal chambers.

8. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The repositioning weight in the gravity repositioning system is lifted to store gravitational potential energy when the flexible bladder is inflated. When the bladder stops inflating, the repositioning weight moves downward under its own weight, applying continuous pressure to the top and back surfaces of the bladder to force drainage until the bladder is flattened and repositioned.

9. The adaptive inflatable submerged dam flood control device for ancient brick and stone arch bridges according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anchoring system includes anti-scouring skirts installed at the bottom of the flexible bladder. The anti-scouring skirts extend upstream and downstream of the bladder and are laid flat on the riverbed to prevent water flow from scouring the base of the device.

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