A method of constructing a water pier

Abstract

This invention discloses a construction method for a floating bridge, comprising: installing a cantilever guide frame at the end of an existing floating bridge; the cantilever guide frame includes a guide frame body, a guiding and positioning mechanism located at the front end of the guide frame body, and a pin-connecting assembly for connecting the existing Bailey bridge beams; the guiding and positioning mechanism includes guide holes corresponding to the positions of the steel pipe piles to be constructed, and is equipped with a fine-tuning device; using the cantilever guide frame, the steel pipe piles are hoisted into the guide holes using a fishing method, and then driven to the design elevation using a vibratory hammer; a load-bearing beam is installed on top of the driven steel pipe piles, and then Bailey bridge beams, distribution beams, and bridge decks are sequentially installed on the load-bearing beam to form the floating bridge structure. This invention can solve the problem of how to safely, accurately, and efficiently complete the entire life cycle construction of a large-span heavy-load steel floating bridge under complex conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pier construction technology, and in particular to a construction method for a pier over water. Background Technology

[0002] In infrastructure construction, long-span, heavy-duty steel trestle bridges serve as crucial passageways connecting two banks of water or traversing complex terrain. Their construction often faces challenges such as complex geological conditions, harsh environments, and heavy load requirements. Traditional construction methods are prone to problems like positioning errors, structural instability, low construction efficiency, and high life-cycle costs under complex conditions, failing to meet the comprehensive requirements of modern engineering for safety, precision, and economy. How to achieve safe, precise, and efficient construction and full life-cycle management of steel trestle bridges under complex conditions has become a critical problem that the industry urgently needs to solve.

[0003] Existing patents and engineering practices reveal significant shortcomings in technical solutions for constructing steel trestle bridges under complex conditions. For instance, patent application number 201710710140.1 proposes a construction method for a steel trestle bridge over water, optimizing structural stability through segmented construction and fixed anchor bolt adjustments. However, it fails to adequately consider the difficulties in driving steel pipe piles in deep water and the impact of soft soil foundation settlement on the long-term durability of the trestle bridge, leading to high maintenance costs. Similarly, patent application number 201911252802.0 discloses a foundation construction method for a trestle bridge in deep water with shallow overburden, employing rotary drilling rigs for pre-drilling and sand-filled pile replacement technology to address the penetration problem of hard rock layers. However, the construction process is complex, requires high equipment precision, and does not address dynamic monitoring and adaptive adjustments during the trestle bridge's operational period, making it difficult to meet the needs of full life-cycle management. Furthermore, existing technologies often focus on optimizing single construction stages, lacking systematic solutions for complex geological, environmental, and load conditions, resulting in difficulties in effectively controlling construction risks and costs.

[0004] Based on this, the present invention proposes a novel construction method for a floating bridge, which significantly reduces the risk of structural instability during construction and enhances the disaster resistance during operation; achieves precise control of construction, shortens the construction period, reduces the total life cycle cost; extends the service life of the bridge, and achieves green construction and sustainable development goals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problem of how to safely, accurately, and efficiently complete the entire life cycle construction of long-span heavy-load steel trestle bridges under complex conditions.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a construction method for a floating bridge, comprising: Install a cantilever guide frame at the end of the existing trestle bridge. The cantilever guide frame includes a guide frame body, a guide positioning mechanism set at the front end of the guide frame body, and a pin assembly for connecting the Bailey beam of the existing trestle bridge. The guiding and positioning mechanism includes a guide hole corresponding to the position of the steel pipe pile to be constructed, and is equipped with a fine-tuning device; Using a cantilever guide frame, the steel pipe piles are hoisted into the guide hole using a fishing method, and then driven to the design elevation using a vibratory hammer. A load-bearing beam is installed on top of the driven steel pipe piles, and Bailey beams, distribution beams and bridge decks are then installed on the load-bearing beams in sequence to form a trestle bridge structure.

[0007] Preferably, the guiding and positioning mechanism includes a fixed guide plate and a movable limiting plate. The fixed guide plate is fixedly installed at the front end of the guide frame body, and the movable limiting plate is detachably installed on one side of the fixed guide plate. The fixed guide plate and the movable limiting plate together form a guide hole. The fine-tuning device includes a horizontal adjusting screw and a vertical adjusting pad, which are used to adjust the planar position and verticality of the steel pipe pile.

[0008] Preferably, the trestle structure is provided with expansion joints at intervals along the longitudinal direction, and braking blocks are provided at the expansion joints. The braking blocks include several steel pipe piles and a load-bearing beam set on the top of the steel pipe piles, which are used to transmit longitudinal forces and limit displacement.

[0009] Preferably, the Bailey beam is composed of several Bailey trusses connected in groups by a window, and adjacent groups of Bailey beams are connected by scissor bracing; a limiter is provided between the Bailey beam and the load-bearing beam, and the limiter is a block or plate welded to the load-bearing beam.

[0010] Preferably, the distribution beams are I-beams, spaced along the longitudinal direction of the trestle, and locked to the Bailey beams by dovetail clips or saddle bolts; the bridge deck is made of steel plates and is fully welded to the distribution beams.

[0011] Preferably, during the driving of steel pipe piles, the pile position deviation is monitored by a total station, and the verticality is controlled by adjusting the fine-tuning device on the cantilever guide frame.

[0012] Preferably, monitoring the settlement of the pile foundation includes periodically measuring the top elevation of the steel pipe piles, and when the settlement difference between adjacent steel pipe piles exceeds a set threshold, inserting an adjustment steel plate between the bottom of the Bailey beam and the load-bearing beam.

[0013] Preferably, protecting against localized scour includes filling sandbags or rubble around the pile foundation where the scour depth exceeds the design value to form an anti-scour layer.

[0014] Preferably, the dismantling of the trestle bridge is carried out in reverse order as follows: first, the bridge deck ancillary facilities are removed, then the bridge deck panels, distribution beams, Bailey beams, and load-bearing beams are removed in sequence, and finally the steel pipe piles are removed by using a vibratory hammer in conjunction with a crawler crane; for steel pipe piles that cannot be removed, underwater cutting is used.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In this invention, the guiding and positioning mechanism is equipped with a guide hole and a fine-tuning device. The horizontal adjusting screw and the vertical adjusting pad can accurately adjust the planar position and verticality of the steel pipe pile, ensuring that the steel pipe pile is accurately driven into the design position, reducing the construction risk caused by position deviation, and ensuring the safety of construction personnel in complex environments. During construction, a total station is used to monitor pile position deviations and to regularly measure pile settlement. When the settlement difference exceeds the threshold, adjustment steel plates can be inserted in time. There are protective measures against local scour, and safety hazards in construction can be detected and dealt with in a timely manner to ensure the safety of the trestle structure and thus the safety of construction personnel. The design of the cantilever guide frame, especially the guiding and positioning mechanism that corresponds to the position of the steel pipe pile to be constructed, provides precise guidance for the driving of the steel pipe pile, enabling the steel pipe pile to be accurately positioned according to the design requirements and ensuring the accuracy of the trestle foundation construction. The fine-tuning device can make precise adjustments to the planar position and verticality of the steel pipe piles, further improving construction accuracy, ensuring that the installation of each component of the trestle structure meets the design standards, and improving the overall project quality; The "fishing method" is used to hoist steel pipe piles into the guide hole and use the existing trestle bridge as a construction platform, which reduces the investment of additional construction equipment and site preparation time, improves construction efficiency, and is especially suitable for construction under complex conditions such as water. The construction of the trestle bridge structure begins with the installation of the cantilever guide frame, followed by the sequential driving of steel pipe piles, installation of load-bearing beams, Bailey beams, distribution beams, and bridge decks, forming a modular construction process. The steps are closely connected, which is conducive to organizing construction and shortening the construction cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention.

[0017] In the attached image:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction method of a pier over water. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a construction method for a waterborne pier, comprising: A cantilever guide frame is installed at the end of the existing trestle bridge. The cantilever guide frame includes a guide frame body, a guide positioning mechanism set at the front end of the guide frame body, and a pin connection assembly for connecting the Bailey beam of the existing trestle bridge. The guide positioning mechanism has a guide hole corresponding to the position of the steel pipe pile to be constructed. The guide hole is surrounded by a fixed guide plate and an openable and closable movable limiting plate. The movable limiting plate is hinged to the guide frame body through a pin. The guide positioning mechanism is also equipped with a fine adjustment device, which includes a horizontal adjusting screw for pushing the steel pipe pile and a vertical adjusting pad for raising the bottom of the steel pipe pile. The cantilever guide frame is hoisted to the front end of the existing trestle bridge, and the guide frame body is fixed to the Bailey beam of the existing trestle bridge by pin connection assembly; The steel pipe pile is hoisted into the guide hole using a fishing method. The horizontal adjustment screw and vertical adjustment pad are used to adjust the plane position and verticality of the steel pipe pile to ensure precise positioning. A crawler crane is used in conjunction with a vibratory hammer. The hydraulic clamps of the vibratory hammer are used to clamp the top of the steel pipe pile. The vibratory hammer is then turned on to drive the steel pipe pile to the design elevation. During the driving process, the pile position deviation is monitored in real time using a total station. A slot is made at the top of the driven steel pipe pile, a load-bearing beam is installed, the load-bearing beam is embedded into the slot and welded to the steel pipe pile, and a stiffening plate is welded at the connection between the load-bearing beam and the steel pipe pile. A Bailey beam is installed on the load-bearing beam, and a limiter is set between the Bailey beam and the load-bearing beam. The limiter is a block or plate welded to the load-bearing beam. A distribution beam is laid on the Bailey beam, and the distribution beam is locked to the Bailey beam by dovetail clips or saddle bolts. Bridge decks are laid on the distribution beams, and the bridge decks are fully welded to the distribution beams to form a trestle structure. A temporary road was built at the junction of the trestle bridge and the river embankment, and retaining walls were installed at the junction of the temporary road and the trestle bridge. During the use of the trestle bridge, the settlement of the pile foundation, local scour, and the structural connection status are monitored and maintained.

[0021] Specifically, the cantilever guide frame is a key component in the entire construction method used to guide the precise positioning of steel pipe piles. It consists of the guide frame body, the guiding and positioning mechanism, and the pin connection assembly. The guide frame body, as the main frame of the entire guide frame, plays the role of bearing and connecting other components. Its structural form is usually truss or box girder type, with sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand various loads generated during construction, such as the gravity of the guiding and positioning mechanism and the impact force of the steel pipe piles.

[0022] In this embodiment, the guiding and positioning mechanism also includes guide rollers disposed inside the guide hole. The guide rollers are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the guide hole to reduce the frictional resistance when the steel pipe pile sinks and to guide the steel pipe pile to sink vertically.

[0023] Specifically, the guide hole on the guiding and positioning mechanism is the key channel for guiding the sinking of the steel pipe pile. The guide hole is enclosed by a fixed guide plate and an openable and closable movable limiting plate. The fixed guide plate is a rigid structure, usually made of steel plate, and its shape is adapted to the outer contour of the steel pipe pile, serving to initially guide the steel pipe pile into the guide hole. The movable limiting plate is hinged to the guide frame body by a pin. This hinged connection allows the movable limiting plate to rotate around the pin. When the steel pipe pile enters the guide hole, the movable limiting plate can be opened to facilitate the insertion of the steel pipe pile; after the steel pipe pile is in place, the movable limiting plate can be closed, together with the fixed guide plate, to confine the steel pipe pile within the guide hole and prevent the steel pipe pile from shifting during construction.

[0024] Guide rollers are spaced circumferentially inside the guide hole. These guide rollers are typically cylindrical with a smooth surface and are supported by rolling bearings. When the steel pipe pile is driven into the ground, the guide rollers contact the surface of the steel pipe pile, converting the sliding friction between the steel pipe pile and the guide hole into rolling friction. This significantly reduces the frictional resistance during the sinking of the steel pipe pile and guides it to sink vertically, ensuring its verticality.

[0025] The fine-tuning device includes a horizontal adjusting screw and vertical adjusting shims. The horizontal adjusting screw is mounted on the guide positioning mechanism, and one end of it can push the steel pipe pile. By rotating the screw, the horizontal position of the steel pipe pile can be precisely adjusted so that the center of the steel pipe pile coincides with the designed pile position. The vertical adjusting shims are placed at the bottom of the steel pipe pile. By increasing or decreasing the number of shims or adjusting the thickness of the shims, the bottom of the steel pipe pile can be raised, thereby adjusting the verticality of the steel pipe pile and ensuring that the steel pipe pile is inserted vertically into the riverbed.

[0026] Specifically, the pin-connecting assembly is used to connect the guide frame body to the Bailey bridge beams of the existing trestle. The pin-connecting assembly typically consists of a pin and a pin hole. The pin is cylindrical, made of high-strength steel, and its diameter is determined based on the stress conditions at the connection point. The pin hole is located at the connection between the guide frame body and the Bailey bridge beam. The pin passes through the pin hole, firmly connecting the guide frame body and the Bailey bridge beam together. This connection method offers advantages such as convenient installation and disassembly, and reliable connection.

[0027] The cantilever guide frame is hoisted to the front end of the existing trestle bridge using crawler cranes or other lifting equipment. During hoisting, the balance and stability of the cantilever guide frame must be ensured to prevent swaying and collisions. Once in the designated position, the guide frame body is pinned to the Bailey beams of the existing trestle bridge using a pin-connecting assembly. During the pin-connecting process, it is crucial to ensure the pins are accurately inserted into the pin holes and to use appropriate tools to secure them firmly, preventing them from falling off during subsequent construction.

[0028] In this embodiment, the trestle structure is provided with expansion joints at intervals along the longitudinal direction, and braking piers are set at the expansion joints. The braking piers are composed of four steel pipe piles and their top load-bearing beams. The trestle sections between adjacent braking piers are independent connecting sections, and each connecting section is separated by expansion joints.

[0029] In this embodiment, the Bailey beam is composed of multiple Bailey trusses connected in groups by decorative windows. Adjacent groups of Bailey beams are connected by scissor braces, which are channel steels with their ends welded and fixed to the chords of the adjacent groups of Bailey beams.

[0030] Specifically, Bailey bridges are installed on load-bearing beams. Each Bailey bridge is composed of multiple Bailey trusses connected in groups by decorative panels. These decorative panels are specialized components used to connect the Bailey trusses; their structure is typically rectangular. The decorative panels are bolted to the chords of the Bailey trusses, forming a unified structure and improving the load-bearing capacity and stability of the Bailey bridge. Adjacent groups of Bailey bridges are connected by scissor braces, which are channel steels welded to the chords of the adjacent groups at both ends. These scissor braces increase the overall stiffness of the Bailey bridge and prevent lateral deformation under load. Limiters, which are blocks or plates welded to the load-bearing beam, are installed between the Bailey bridges and the load-bearing beam. These limiters restrict the horizontal movement of the Bailey bridges, ensuring accurate positioning.

[0031] In this embodiment, the distribution beam is an I-beam, which is laid out along the longitudinal direction of the trestle at a set interval. The portions of the distribution beams that extend beyond the outer side of the Bailey beams are provided with dovetail slots, which are engaged and fixed with the upper chord of the Bailey beams.

[0032] Specifically, the distribution beams are I-beams, laid out along the longitudinal direction of the trestle at predetermined intervals. The function of the distribution beams is to evenly distribute the load from the bridge deck to the Bailey beams; therefore, their spacing must be rationally determined based on the dimensions of the bridge deck and the load conditions. The portions of the distribution beams extending beyond the Bailey beams at both ends are equipped with dovetail grooves, which are engaged and fixed to the upper chord of the Bailey beams. This engagement method is convenient to install, ensures a secure connection between the distribution beams and the Bailey beams, and prevents horizontal movement of the distribution beams. Furthermore, the distribution beams and Bailey beams can be locked together using U-bolts to further enhance the reliability of the connection.

[0033] In this embodiment, when encountering hard rock or gravel layers during the driving of steel pipe piles, which makes sinking difficult, an intermittent vibration method using a vibratory hammer is adopted. After each 10-15 minutes of vibration, the vibration is stopped for 2-3 minutes, and this process is repeated until the steel pipe pile sinks to the design elevation.

[0034] In this embodiment, monitoring the pile foundation settlement includes measuring the top elevation of the steel pipe piles weekly during the initial use of the trestle bridge, and monthly thereafter. When the settlement difference between adjacent steel pipe piles exceeds a set threshold, adjusting steel plates are inserted between the bottom of the Bailey beam and the load-bearing beam. These adjusting steel plates can be wedge-shaped or flat. The wedge-shaped steel plates can be selected and adjusted according to the magnitude of the settlement difference, while the flat steel plates can be stacked as needed. By inserting these adjusting steel plates, the height of the Bailey beam can be adjusted, ensuring the flatness of the trestle bridge.

[0035] In this embodiment, protection against localized scour includes increasing monitoring frequency during flood season or high tide. When the scour depth exceeds the design value, sandbags or rubble are placed around the steel pipe piles, extending a predetermined distance outward from the steel pipe piles, with the placement height above the riverbed surface. The sandbags or rubble increase the stability of the soil around the steel pipe piles, preventing them from tilting or being damaged by localized scour, thus ensuring the safe use of the trestle bridge.

[0036] In this embodiment, the dismantling of the trestle bridge is carried out in reverse order according to the following steps: First, remove the bridge deck ancillary facilities, including guardrails and pipeline supports; The welds between the bridge deck and the distribution beam were removed using an oxy-acetylene torch, and the bridge deck was lifted off in sections. Remove the dovetail clips or saddle bolts, and lift the distribution beams one by one; Remove the scissor bracing and decorative window connections between the Bailey beams, and then lift the Bailey beams away in groups; Cut off the weld between the load-bearing beam and the steel pipe pile, and lift the load-bearing beam away; The steel pipe piles were removed using a crawler crane and a vibratory hammer. Before removing the piles, stiffening plates were welded to the top of the steel pipe piles to prevent the pile tops from tearing. For steel pipe piles that cannot be pulled out, underwater cutting is used. Before cutting, temporary lifting lugs are welded onto the steel pipe pile. After the steel pipe pile is lifted by a crawler crane, divers go underwater and use electric arc oxygen cutting to cut the steel pipe pile below the riverbed.

[0037] This invention has many applications, including but not limited to the following described scenarios: When constructing piers in rivers or oceans with rapid currents and great depths, this construction method can utilize the cantilever guide frame installed at the end of an existing pier and adopt the "fishing method" for construction. This overcomes the difficulties of construction on water and allows for the safe, precise, and efficient completion of pier construction, providing a passage for water operations.

[0038] When constructing large water bridges, it can serve as an auxiliary construction trestle, providing convenient conditions for the construction of the main piers and the transportation of materials. Its precise construction methods can ensure the coordination and stability between the auxiliary trestle and the main bridge construction.

[0039] When constructing long-span heavy-duty steel trestle bridges on soft soil foundations, precise steel pipe pile driving and pile foundation settlement monitoring and adjustment measures can effectively solve the problem of soft soil foundation settlement, ensure the safety and stability of the trestle bridge structure, and meet the needs of heavy-duty transportation.

[0040] For areas with unstable geological conditions and problems such as local scour, the protective measures against local scour and the monitoring and adjustment mechanism for pile foundations in this plan can ensure the normal use of the trestle bridge under complex geological conditions.

[0041] In the event of disasters such as earthquakes and floods, when it is necessary to quickly build trestle bridges for the transportation of relief supplies and the evacuation of personnel, the modular construction process and efficient construction method of this project can shorten the trestle bridge construction time and buy valuable time for emergency rescue.

[0042] When existing transportation facilities are damaged by a disaster and it is necessary to quickly restore traffic, this plan can be used to quickly construct temporary traffic bridges to meet temporary traffic needs and ensure the smooth progress of rescue work.

Claims

1. A construction method for a floating bridge, characterized in that, include: Install a cantilever guide frame at the end of the existing trestle bridge. The cantilever guide frame includes a guide frame body, a guide positioning mechanism set at the front end of the guide frame body, and a pin assembly for connecting the Bailey beam of the existing trestle bridge. The guiding and positioning mechanism includes a guide hole corresponding to the position of the steel pipe pile to be constructed, and is equipped with a fine-tuning device; Using a cantilever guide frame, the steel pipe piles are hoisted into the guide hole using a fishing method, and then driven to the design elevation using a vibratory hammer. A load-bearing beam is installed on top of the driven steel pipe piles, and Bailey beams, distribution beams and bridge decks are then installed on the load-bearing beams in sequence to form a trestle bridge structure.

2. The construction method for a waterborne pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding and positioning mechanism includes a fixed guide plate and a movable limiting plate. The fixed guide plate is fixedly installed at the front end of the guide frame body, and the movable limiting plate is detachably installed on one side of the fixed guide plate. The fixed guide plate and the movable limiting plate together form a guide hole. The fine-tuning device includes a horizontal adjusting screw and a vertical adjusting pad, which are used to adjust the planar position and verticality of the steel pipe pile.

3. The construction method for a waterborne pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trestle structure has expansion joints spaced along the longitudinal direction, and braking blocks are set at the expansion joints. The braking blocks consist of several steel pipe piles and a load-bearing beam set on top of the steel pipe piles, which are used to transmit longitudinal forces and limit displacement.

4. The construction method for a waterborne pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, A Bailey beam is a group of several Bailey trusses connected by a window frame, and adjacent groups of Bailey beams are connected by scissor bracing. Limiters are installed between the Bailey beams and the load-bearing beams. The limiters are blocks or plates welded to the load-bearing beams.

5. The construction method for a waterborne pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distribution beams are I-beams, spaced along the longitudinal direction of the trestle bridge. The distribution beams are locked to the Bailey beams by dovetail clips or saddle bolts. The bridge deck is made of steel plates and is fully welded to the distribution beams.

6. The construction method for a waterborne pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the driving of steel pipe piles, the pile position deviation is monitored by a total station, and the verticality is controlled by adjusting the fine-tuning device on the cantilever guide frame.

7. The construction method for a waterborne pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, Monitoring the settlement of the pile foundation includes periodically measuring the top elevation of the steel pipe piles. When the settlement difference between adjacent steel pipe piles exceeds the set threshold, an adjustment steel plate is inserted between the bottom of the Bailey beam and the load-bearing beam.

8. The construction method of a water pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, Protecting against localized scour involves placing sandbags or rubble around piles where the scour depth exceeds the design value to form an anti-scour layer.

9. The construction method of a water pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dismantling of the trestle bridge is carried out in reverse order as follows: first, remove the bridge deck ancillary facilities, then remove the bridge deck panels, distribution beams, Bailey beams, and load-bearing beams in sequence, and finally use a vibratory hammer in conjunction with a crawler crane to remove the steel pipe piles; for steel pipe piles that cannot be removed, underwater cutting is used.

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