A non-welded connection structure between a pile top and a cross beam of an offshore steel pipe pile platform

Abstract

The application relates to a water steel pipe pile platform pile top and beam non-welding connection structure, which comprises a pile body, a pile cap and a beam which are sequentially connected, the pile cap is provided with a sleeve pipe part which can cover the pile body and a supporting part at the upper end of the sleeve pipe part, the pile body and the pile cap are connected in a sleeve pipe mode, fixed bolts are arranged on the side edges of the sleeve pipe connection, and the pile cap and the beam are connected in a separable mode, so that welding on water can be avoided, and the manufacturing safety and efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of underwater steel pipe pile engineering technology, specifically to the field of a non-welded connection structure between the top of an underwater steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam. Background Technology

[0002] As a temporary bridge construction facility, steel pipe pile platforms are widely used in the construction of water-based engineering projects and temporary road access. After years of iterative upgrades, the stress patterns of steel pipe pile platforms have been developed into relatively complete prefabricated designs.

[0003] However, its fabrication requires cutting and welding in harsh environments, and the connection of the platform's steel pipe piles and crossbeams is done manually. The traditional connection method involves welding corbel plates, specifically cutting grooves along the crossbeam's direction on the steel pipe piles, then hoisting the crossbeams, and finally welding the crossbeams and corbel plates together.

[0004] In response, patent CN221193296U, an embedded combined long and short pile forming device, discloses a method of pre-setting the length of steel pipe piles, then installing pile caps and welding them with bracket plates. However, in actual operation, it is impossible to ensure that the foundation at the location of the pile meets the estimated conditions, and welding installation operations cannot be avoided, leaving room for improvement.

[0005] Meanwhile, both traditional grooving methods and steel pipe piles of predetermined lengths are prone to local instability and low bearing capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the aforementioned needs, this application proposes a weld-free connection structure between the pile top and the crossbeam of a steel pipe pile platform on water, aiming to improve at least one of the problems mentioned above by improving the connection structure between the pile top and the crossbeam.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present application adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water includes a pile body, a pile cap, and a crossbeam connected in sequence. The pile cap is provided with a sleeve portion that can fit over the pile body and a support portion at the upper end of the sleeve portion. The pile body and the pile cap are sleeve-connected, and a fixing bolt is provided on the side of the sleeve connection. The pile cap and the crossbeam are detachably connected.

[0009] Thus, by using sleeve connections between the pile body and pile cap, and detachable connections between the pile cap and crossbeam, welding on water can be avoided, thereby improving manufacturing safety and efficiency. Furthermore, the sleeve connection can completely enclose the pile body, improving overall integrity compared to corbel welding, while the detachable crossbeam connection allows for adjustment of overall misalignment, ensuring uniform stress distribution.

[0010] In some possible implementations, a reserved gap is provided between the sleeve and the pile body to enable a smooth connection when the pile body is tilted.

[0011] In some possible implementations, a pipe-limiting correction groove is also provided at the top edge of the pile body, which can correct the elliptical cross section of the pile body to a circle.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the support portion of the pile cap is connected to the pipe opening limiting and correcting groove.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the pipe opening limiting and correcting groove at least covers the position of the fixing bolt on the sleeve connection side.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the crossbeam is detachably connected to the pile cap via a fixed pressure plate.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the support portion of the pile cap is provided with a central support plate that extends through the pile cap.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the support portion further includes a plurality of stiffening ribs perpendicular to the central support plate. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the end face of the crossbeam connecting the pile top and the crossbeam in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pile cap structure in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the crossbeam connecting the pile top and the crossbeam in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a top view of the connection between the pile top and the crossbeam in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the construction steps for connecting the pile top to the crossbeam in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following examples further illustrate the features of this application and other related features in detail, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art:

[0024] It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions in the attached diagrams, while the terms “bottom surface,” “top surface,” “inner,” and “outer” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0025] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this case based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The connection between the pile top and the crossbeam of the offshore steel pipe pile platform used in this application would typically involve welding in existing technologies. Offshore steel pipe pile platforms, as a type of temporary bridge infrastructure, are widely used in offshore engineering construction and temporary road access. After years of iterative upgrades, steel pipe pile platforms have achieved a relatively complete prefabricated design.

[0027] The most crucial aspect is the connection between the steel pipe piles and the crossbeam, specifically the connection between the pile top and the crossbeam, which is the main load-bearing part. A common connection method is welding corbel stiffening plates. Specifically: after the steel pipe piles are driven in, the elevation of the pile top is measured and marked, and then excess pipe ends are cut off. Next, a groove is cut into the steel pipe along the crossbeam's direction, and then corbel plates are welded to the pipe openings. Finally, the crossbeam is hoisted into the groove, welded to the corbel plates, and then welded to the wall of the steel pipe groove as a stabilizing measure for the crossbeam. Installation is then complete.

[0028] This welding method can meet the rigidity and stability requirements of the connection between the steel pipe pile and the beam, but its drawbacks are also apparent. Firstly, it requires two cutting and two welding processes: the two cuttings involve removing excess pipe ends and cutting grooves, while the two welding processes involve welding the steel pipe to the bracket plate and the beam to the bracket plate. The harsh on-site working environment, complex procedures, and large workload increase the difficulty for operators and place high demands on their welding skills. This often leads to poor weld quality on-site, and since the connection between the steel pipe pile and the beam is a major load-bearing component, it is crucial to the safety of the entire structure.

[0029] The primary problem this application addresses is the weldless connection method, which faces the challenge of large positioning deviations in steel pipe piles. During construction, due to factors such as waves and water flow, the positioning deviation of steel pipe piles can be significant, potentially reaching around 10cm based on past experience.

[0030] Please refer to the following for details. Figures 1 to 5The structure of the floating steel pipe pile platform of this application, which has no welded connection between the pile top and the crossbeam, includes a pile body 1, a pile cap 2, and a crossbeam 3 connected sequentially from bottom to top. The pile body 1 refers to a steel pipe pile. The pile cap 2 is provided with a sleeve portion 21 that can fit over the pile body 1 and a support portion 22 that supports the crossbeam 3 on the upper part of the sleeve portion 21. The pile body 1 and the pile cap 2 are connected by a sleeve, and the sleeve portion 21 fits over the pile body 1 and is fastened on the side by fixing bolts 4.

[0031] Furthermore, the pile cap 2 and the crossbeam 3 are detachably connected. This decoupling of the pile cap 2 and the crossbeam 3 allows for smooth connection even when there are deviations in the pile body positioning. Simultaneously, welding in an underwater environment is avoided, thereby improving manufacturing safety and efficiency. Moreover, the sleeve-type connection can completely enclose the pile body 1, improving overall integrity compared to corbel welding. The detachable crossbeam 2 also helps adjust overall misalignment, ensuring uniform stress distribution.

[0032] As one way to achieve a separable connection between the pile cap 2 and the crossbeam 3, the crossbeam 2 is connected to the crossbeam 3 by a fixed pressure plate 5, that is, by bolting, and the fixed pressure plate 5 restricts the lateral movement of the crossbeam 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the support portion 22 of the pile cap 2 is provided with a central support plate 221 that penetrates the pile cap 2. Preferably, it also includes multiple stiffeners 222 perpendicular to the central support plate 221. In this case, the design and construction of the pile cap 2 supporting the central plate 221 of the crossbeam 3, combined with the bolt limiting, allows the load of the crossbeam 3 to be axially transmitted to the steel pipe pile, changing the traditional eccentric compression mode of the steel pipe pile and improving the compressive bearing capacity of the steel pipe pile.

[0034] In water applications, steel pipe piles may have issues with the verticality of the pile body 1. To address this, this application incorporates a pre-reserved gap 11 between the casing 21 and the pile body 1, allowing for smooth connection even when the pile body is tilted. During operation, a 3cm gap 11 can be left between the casing 21 and the pile body 1, and then the bolts 4 can be tightened from the side. In practical applications, the piles often operate under dynamic loads; therefore, anti-loosening devices are installed on the bolts. These devices can be self-locking nuts, double nuts, locking washers, etc., and there are many implementation methods available in the industry; no specific limitation is made here.

[0035] Besides the verticality issue, there is also the problem of the cross-section of the turning section not being round enough. During construction, the steel pipe pile may become an elliptical cross-section, which will affect structural assembly. To address this issue, this application provides a pipe opening limiting and correcting groove 6 at the top edge of the pile body 1. Within a certain range, this groove can correct the elliptical cross-section to a circular cross-section and serve as a reinforcing device for the pipe opening, preventing local instability. At this time, the support part 22 and the pipe opening limiting and correcting groove 6 are connected via a gasket or buffer pad. The pipe opening limiting and correcting groove 6 at least covers the position of the fixing bolt 4 on the sleeve connection side.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 6 The construction steps are as follows:

[0037] Step 1: Please refer to Figure 6 In section (a), the steel pipe pile is driven, which is pile body 1. Then, the excess pile body 1 stage is removed and the pipe opening is cut flat.

[0038] Step 2: Please refer to Figure 6 In section (b), install the pipe opening limiting and correction groove 6 to ensure that the pipe opening is subjected to uniform force.

[0039] Step 3: Please refer to Figure 6 (c) Install the pile cap and tighten the bolts.

[0040] Step 4: Please refer to Figure 6 In section (d), install the crossbeam and tighten the pressure plate bolts 5 to complete the construction.

[0041] Compared with traditional connection methods, the weldless connection structure of this application significantly improves construction efficiency. The following table (Table 1) provides a detailed comparison of its construction efficiency by procedure with the conventional corbel-type pile top connection method.

[0042]

[0043] Comparison Table 1

[0044] The construction sequence and time for the non-welded connection between the pile top and the crossbeam are as follows: Excess steel pipe at the pile top is cut off (pipe opening is cut flush) (construction time 1.0 hour) + the pile cap is inserted into the steel pipe and the bolts are tightened (construction time 0.5 hours) + the crossbeam is hoisted to the pile top and the bolts are tightened (construction time 0.5 hours) = total time 2.0 hours.

[0045] The construction sequence and time for a conventional corbel-type pile top design are as follows: removal of excess steel pipe at the pile top (reservation of crossbeam slot) (construction time 1.2 hours) + welding of corbel at the pile top (construction time 2.0 hours) + hoisting of the crossbeam to the pile top (construction time 0.4 hours) + welding of the crossbeam to the corbel and the side baffle of the steel pipe (construction time 1.2 hours) = total time 4.8 hours.

[0046] The above efficiency analysis shows that the installation time of the crossbeam without welding connection between the pile top and the crossbeam is only 50% of that of the conventional corbel pile top design. The method of connecting the pile top and the crossbeam without welding can significantly improve the construction efficiency of the floating platform.

[0047] As stated above, this case protects a structure where the top of a steel pipe pile platform and the crossbeam are not welded together. All technical solutions that are the same as or similar to those in this case should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this case.

Claims

1. A structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water, characterized in that, The system includes a pile body (1), a pile cap (2), and a crossbeam (3) connected in sequence. The pile cap (2) is provided with a sleeve part (21) that can fit over the pile body (1) and a support part (22) at the upper end of the sleeve part (21). The pile body (1) and the pile cap (2) are sleeve-connected. The sleeve connection side is provided with a fixing bolt (4). The pile cap (2) and the crossbeam (3) can be detachably connected.

2. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A reserved gap (11) is provided between the casing part (21) and the pile body (1).

3. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that... It also includes a pipe end limiting and correction groove (6) set at the top edge of the pile body (1).

4. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The support part (22) of the pile cap (2) is connected to the pipe opening limiting and correcting groove (6).

5. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe opening limiting and correcting groove (6) at least covers the position of the fixing bolt (4) on the side of the sleeve connection.

6. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The crossbeam (3) is detachably connected to the pile cap (2) via a fixed pressure plate (5).

7. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The support part (22) of the pile cap (2) is provided with a central support plate (221) that penetrates the pile cap (2).

8. The structure for a non-welded connection between the top of a steel pipe pile platform and a crossbeam on water, as described in claim 7, is characterized in that... The support (22) also includes a plurality of stiffening ribs (222) perpendicular to the central support plate (221).

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