Low-head portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction

By designing aluminum alloy cofferdam units, a stable triangular structure is formed using foldable structures and adjustable support rods. This solves the problems of uneconomical and environmentally unfriendly traditional cofferdams in inland waterway construction, and enables safe and efficient construction under low water head conditions.

CN122304381APending Publication Date: 2026-06-30SUZHOU PORT & SHIPPING IND DEV CENT

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SUZHOU PORT & SHIPPING IND DEV CENT
Filing Date
2026-05-24
Publication Date
2026-06-30

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Abstract

This invention relates to a low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction, comprising several sequentially assembled cofferdam units. Each cofferdam unit includes a cofferdam panel, support rods, upper anchors, and lower anchors. The cofferdam panel consists of an upper panel and a lower panel that can be folded and rotated around a horizontal axis. The support rods are positioned on the backwater side of the cofferdam panel. The upper end of the support rod is movably connected to the upper panel via the upper anchor, and the lower end of the support rod is connected to the lower panel via the lower anchor. The support rod can rotate at a certain angle around its lower end, using the connection point between the lower end and the lower anchor as a fulcrum, within a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane of the cofferdam panel. The support rods include upper and lower support rods, and their length is adjustable via a threaded connection. This invention improves the support and stability of a single-row cofferdam, and the cofferdam is detachable, making it more economical and environmentally friendly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention patent relates to the field of inland waterway engineering construction technology, specifically to a low-head, convenient cofferdam device for inland waterway construction. Background Technology

[0002] A cofferdam is a temporary retaining structure built in water conservancy or waterway engineering to create dry conditions for the construction of permanent hydraulic structures. Cofferdams are generally dismantled after the permanent structure is completed. Unlike water conservancy projects in general non-navigable rivers, construction in navigable inland waterways requires cofferdams to consider not only the impact of the construction water level but also the impact of ship waves. Therefore, the stability and safety requirements for cofferdams are higher during the construction period. The conventional practice has been to "build high and large" the main structure of the cofferdam, often using double-row curtain steel pipe piles or sheet piles with a clay layer in the middle to achieve stability and ensure construction safety. However, in shallow water areas near the shore or along the banks of low-grade waterways, single-row cofferdams are somewhat "thin" and lack safety, while using the traditional double-row cofferdam structure exposes the disadvantages of material waste, low construction efficiency, and being neither environmentally friendly nor economical. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems of traditional cofferdams being uneconomical, environmentally unfriendly, and bulky in low-head inland waterway construction, this invention patent provides a convenient low-head cofferdam device for inland waterway construction, making the construction of cofferdams more economical, environmentally friendly, and safe.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this invention patent employs the following technical solution: A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction includes several cofferdam units assembled sequentially. Each cofferdam unit includes a cofferdam panel, a support rod, an upper anchor, and a lower anchor. The cofferdam panel consists of an upper panel and a lower panel that can be folded and rotated around a horizontal axis. The support rod is located on the backwater side of the cofferdam panel. The upper end of the support rod is movably connected to the upper panel via the upper anchor, and the lower end of the support rod is connected to the lower panel via the lower anchor. The support rod can rotate at a certain angle around the connection point between its lower end and the lower anchor in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane of the cofferdam panel, using the connection point between the lower end and the lower anchor as a fulcrum. The support rod includes an upper support rod and a lower support rod, and the upper and lower support rods are threaded together to allow for adjustable length.

[0005] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the upper panel and the lower panel are hinged together by a hinge, and in the non-folded state, the upper panel and the lower panel are on the same plane.

[0006] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the left and right sides of the upper panel are respectively fixedly welded with C-type latches and T-type inserts for interlocking and matching use.

[0007] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the lower end of the upper support rod is provided with external threads on its outer wall, and the lower support rod is a hollow tubular structure with internal threads on its inner wall. The overall length of the support rod is adjusted by changing the relative position of the upper support rod in the threaded connection of the lower support rod.

[0008] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the upper anchor includes two oppositely arranged connecting seats on the left and right and an arc-shaped connector; the two connecting seats on the left and right are fixedly welded to the upper plate; the two ends of the arc-shaped connector are respectively bolted to the two connecting seats on the left and right.

[0009] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the lower anchor includes two oppositely arranged bases on the left and right, and an anchor rod connecting the two bases. The lower end of the support rod passes through the anchor rod, and the support rod can rotate around the axis of the anchor rod.

[0010] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the lower anchor also includes two bases on the left and right sides, which are disposed on both sides of the support rod to restrict the axial displacement of the support rod and only allow it to rotate around the anchor rod.

[0011] Furthermore, as a preferred technical solution, the cofferdam panel, support rod, upper anchor, and lower anchor are all made of aluminum alloy.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, this invention patent has the following advantages and beneficial effects: (1) The upper panel and the lower panel are foldable. The upper end of the support rod is connected to the upper panel through the upper anchor. By pulling the support rod, the lower panel forms a certain angle with the upper panel. Thus, the upper and lower panels and the support rod form a stable triangular structure, so that the cofferdam forms a self-stabilizing structure. Even if the structure is "thin", due to its stable triangular structure, it can still withstand low water pressure in shallow water areas near the shore or on the shore of low-grade waterways. Moreover, it becomes more and more stable under water pressure. (2) Compared with the traditional double-layer cofferdam filled with clay, the structure is simpler and more environmentally friendly. Moreover, it is made of aluminum alloy, which is convenient for on-site assembly and transportation, and is lighter and easier to install and dismantle. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A top view of this invention patent; Figure 2 Front view of the cofferdam unit under the drilling condition; Figure 3 A side view of the cofferdam unit under normal working conditions; Figure 4Schematic diagram of the connection point of the cofferdam unit; Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the upper anchor; Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the connection between the lower anchor and the support rod of the cofferdam; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of support rod; In the diagram, 1 – cofferdam panel, 11 – upper panel; 12 – lower panel, 13 – hinge, 14 – C-type lock, 15 – T-type insert; 2 – support rod, 21 – upper support rod, 211 – external thread, 22 – lower support rod, 221 – internal thread; 3 – upper anchor, 31 – connecting seat, 32 – arc-shaped connector; 4 – lower anchor, 41 – base, 42 – anchor bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of this invention.

[0015] like Figure 1-7 As shown, a low-head portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction includes several cofferdam units spliced ​​together in sequence. Each cofferdam unit includes a cofferdam panel 1, a support rod 2, an upper anchor 3, and a lower anchor 4. The cofferdam unit panel 1 consists of an upper panel 11 and a lower panel 12 that can be folded and rotated around a horizontal axis. The support rod 2 is set on the backwater side of the cofferdam unit panel 1. The upper end of the support rod 2 is movably connected to the upper panel 11 through the upper anchor 3, and the lower end of the support rod 2 is fixedly connected to the lower panel 12 through the lower anchor 4. The support rod 2 can rotate around a certain angle around the connection point between its lower end and the lower anchor 4 as a fulcrum. The support rod 2 includes an upper support rod 21 and a lower support rod 22. The upper support rod 21 and the lower support rod 22 are threaded together to make the length of the support rod 2 adjustable.

[0016] When the cofferdam panel 1 is driven into the soil, the upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12 are on the same plane. The upper anchor 3 and the clamp support rod 2 form a "vertical stiffening rib", so that the upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12 form a whole and achieve the effect of overall force bearing, which facilitates the insertion of the cofferdam panel 1 into the soil. After the cofferdam panel 1 is inserted into the soil, unscrew the arc-shaped connector 32. The movable connection between the support rod 2 and the upper anchor 3 is opened, so that the two are not connected. At this time, the support rod 2 is only fixedly connected to the lower anchor 4. Rotate the support rod 2 (manually or mechanically), and then pull the support rod 2 (mechanical external force pull), so that the support rod 2 drives the lower panel 12 to fold 60-80° to the backwater side. At this time, other silt can fill the gaps created by disturbing the soil layer of the lower panel 12 in time. At this time, the upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12 are folded from the previous 180° plane to an angle of 120-100°. By adjusting the length of the support rod 2, the upper end of the support rod 2 is re-connected to the upper anchor 3. At this time, under water pressure, the upper panel 11, the lower panel 12, and the support rod 2 present a triangular stable structure, and the entire cofferdam also forms a stable system, avoiding the risk of cofferdam collapse.

[0017] The upper panel 11 can be 2.2m (length) × 1.5m (width), and the lower panel 12 is 1.8m (length) × 1.5m (width). The upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12 are hinged together by a hinge 13. In the non-folded state, the upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12 are on the same plane. Under certain working conditions, the upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12 can rotate relative to each other around the hinge 13.

[0018] On the left and right sides of the upper panel 11, C-type latches 14 and T-type inserts 15 are fixedly welded for interlocking and matching. The cofferdam panel units are connected to each other by using C-type latches 14 and T-type inserts 15 to achieve linear extension. The gap between the C-type latches 14 and T-type inserts 15 is filled with clay to stop water. The longitudinal length of the C-type latches 14 and T-type inserts 15 is slightly shorter than that of the upper panel 11 by about 10cm to avoid obstructing the movement of the upper and lower panels around the hinge 13.

[0019] The upper support rod 21 is 0.8m long, with external threads 211 on its lower outer wall; the lower support rod 22 is a hollow tubular structure, 1.6m long, with internal threads 221 on its inner wall. The overall length can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the threaded connection between the upper support rod 21 and the lower support rod 22. The length of the support rods 2 can be adjusted according to actual conditions. All support rods are made of aluminum alloy, each weighing approximately 2.5kg, making them easy to handle and install.

[0020] The upper anchor 3 includes two oppositely arranged connecting seats 31 on the left and right, and an arc-shaped connector 32. The connecting seats 31 of the upper anchor 3 are fixedly welded to the upper plate 11 at approximately 1 / 3 of the distance from the upper end. The two ends of the arc-shaped connector 32 are bolted to the left and right connecting seats 31 respectively. Under different working conditions, the upper anchor 31 clamps or supports the upper end of the upper support rod 21 through the arc-shaped connector 32. The arc-shaped connector 31 has an "arch" shape, which makes it easier to clamp or support the support rod 2.

[0021] The lower anchor 4 includes two opposing bases 41 on the left and right, and an anchor rod 42 connecting the two bases 41. The lower end of the support rod 2 passes through the anchor rod 42, and the support rod 2 can rotate around the axis of the anchor rod 42. The base 41 of the lower anchor 4 is also fixedly welded at a position about 1 / 3 of the distance from the lower end of the lower panel 12. At the same time, the lower anchor 4 is bolted to the lower support rod 2 through the anchor rod 42, so that the support rod 2 can rotate flexibly around the bolting point at a certain angle.

[0022] The lower anchor 4 also includes two bases 41 on the left and right sides. The bases 41 are disposed on both sides of the support rod 2 to limit the axial displacement of the support rod 2 and allow it to rotate only around the anchor rod 42.

[0023] The cofferdam panel 1, support rod 2, upper anchor 3, and lower anchor 4 are all made of aluminum alloy. The cofferdam panel 1 is made of high-strength honeycomb aluminum alloy, and the other materials are also made of aluminum alloy. The heaviest single component weighs approximately 50 kg, facilitating on-site assembly and manual handling. The dimensions and materials of the components can be adjusted appropriately according to the actual site conditions.

[0024] Before construction, prepare materials such as cofferdam panel 1, support rod 2, upper anchor 3, and lower anchor 4. On-site, assemble and fix the support rod 2, upper anchor 3, and lower anchor 4 onto the cofferdam panel 1. During construction: Step 1, the upper anchor 3 of the cofferdam panel 1 of one cofferdam unit is clamped to the upper end of the support rod 21 via an arc-shaped connector 32, making the upper panel 11 and lower panel 12 of the cofferdam form a single planar unit. Then, a vibratory hammer is used to drive the cofferdam panel 1 into the soil to a set depth (the C-type or T-type lock must be driven at least 30cm into the soil to achieve a water-stopping effect). Step 2, repeat the above steps for the second cofferdam unit. The two cofferdam units are connected by driving in C-type locks 14 and T-type inserts 15, and the gaps are filled with clay for sealing. Repeating the above process allows for the preliminary formation of the main cofferdam structure. Step 3: After the main structure of the cofferdam is erected, loosen the bolts of the arc-shaped connector 32 and the left and right connecting seats 31, open the arc-shaped connector 32, and stop clamping the upper end of the support rod 21. Pull the support rod 2 so that the lower panel 12 folds to a suitable position, approximately 60-80° with the upper panel 11. Then adjust the length of the support rod 2 so that it is obliquely supported in the gap between the arc-shaped connector 32 of the upper anchor 3 and the upper panel 11. Tighten the arc-shaped connector 32. At this time, the upper panel 11, lower panel 12, and support rod 2 form a stable "triangular" force-bearing structure under water pressure. If necessary, add pressure bags at the inner toe of the cofferdam (i.e., the angle between the upper panel 11 and the lower panel 12) to increase the stability of the cofferdam. Step 4: Seal the cofferdam end with the revetment using C-type locks 14 or T-type inserts 15 and rubber strips (or concrete wrapping), and strengthen and stabilize it with certain measures. This forms a stable cofferdam, and finally, pump water out of the cofferdam.

Claims

1. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction, characterized in that, The cofferdam includes several sequentially spliced ​​cofferdam units, each including a cofferdam panel (1), a support rod (2), an upper anchor (3), and a lower anchor (4). The cofferdam panel (1) consists of an upper panel (11) and a lower panel (12) that can be folded and rotated around a horizontal axis. The support rod (2) is located on the backwater side of the cofferdam panel (1). The upper end of the support rod (2) is movably connected to the upper panel (11) through the upper anchor (3), and the lower end of the support rod (2) is connected to the lower panel (12) through the lower anchor (4). The support rod (2) can rotate around the connection point between its lower end and the lower anchor (4) at a certain angle in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane of the cofferdam panel. The support rod (2) includes an upper support rod (21) and a lower support rod (22). The upper support rod (21) and the lower support rod (22) are connected by a threaded fit to make the length of the support rod (2) adjustable.

2. The low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper panel (11) and the lower panel (12) are hinged together by a hinge (13). In the non-folded state, the upper panel (11) and the lower panel (12) are on the same plane.

3. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper panel (11) is fixedly welded to the left and right sides with C-type latches (14) and T-type inserts (15) for use.

4. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the upper support rod (21) is provided with an external thread (211) on the outer wall, and the lower support rod (22) is a hollow tubular structure with an internal thread (221) on its inner wall. The support rod (2) achieves overall length extension and retraction adjustment by changing the relative position of the upper support rod (21) in the threaded connection of the lower support rod (22).

5. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper anchor (3) includes two oppositely arranged connecting seats (31) on the left and right and an arc-shaped connector (32); the two connecting seats (31) on the left and right are fixedly welded to the upper plate (11); the two ends of the arc-shaped connector (32) are bolted to the two connecting seats (31) on the left and right respectively.

6. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower anchor (4) includes two oppositely arranged bases (41) on the left and right, and an anchor rod (42) connecting the two bases (41). The lower end of the support rod (2) passes through the anchor rod (42), and the support rod (2) can rotate around the axis of the anchor rod (42).

7. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The lower anchor (4) includes two bases (41) on the left and right sides. The bases (41) are arranged on both sides of the support rod (2) to limit the axial displacement of the support rod (2) and allow it to rotate only around the anchor rod (42).

8. A low-head, portable cofferdam device for inland waterway construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cofferdam panel (1), support rod (2), upper anchor (3), and lower anchor (4) are all made of aluminum alloy.