Steel pipe installation methods, bridge construction methods, column connection mechanisms

Abstract

To provide a pile driving method and a bridge construction method for stabilizing the attitude of a beam structure (for example, a pier panel used in pier construction) so that the beam structure does not deviate from a design position.SOLUTION: A pile driving method and a bridge construction method comprise the steps of: installing a beam structure 1 provided with a guide part for guiding a support pile P1 composed of steel pipes in a soil direction so as to be positioned in a hollow part; installing a support pile driving device 4 composed of a steel pipes driving device in the guide part of the beam structure 1; fixing a column body connection mechanism 6 to the beam structure 1; connecting with the beam structure 1 positioned in the hollow part through the column body connection mechanism 6 by erecting a column body P2 that can temporarily support the beam structure 1; erecting the support pile P1 for supporting the beam structure 1 positioned in the hollow part through the support pile driving device 4; and driving the support pile P1 into a foundation by the support pile driving device 4 while holding a position of the beam structure 1 in a state where the column body P2 is connected to the beam structure 1 through the column body connection mechanism 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for driving steel pipes, a method for constructing a bridge using the same, and a column connection mechanism used for implementing this method. Herein, the "steel pipes" referred to in this application are steel pipes that are temporarily or permanently driven or buried in the ground, including casing pipes for excavation, pipe piles, pipe sheet piles, and other support piles and wall bodies, as well as steel pipes for forming various shafts. "Driving" includes driving or burying "steel pipes" into the target ground and constructing piles in the ground. "Bridges" include structures such as piers, temporary piers, construction roads, working platforms, emergency bridges during disaster recovery, artificial ground, and other bridges.

Background Art

[0002] In the civil engineering industry in Japan with undulating terrain, in the field of bridge construction such as piers, construction roads, working platforms, and emergency bridges during disaster recovery, for example, a construction method has been proposed in which a beam structure forming the superstructure is first attached in a cantilevered manner using a cable-stayed facility. Patent Document 1 discloses such a cable-stayed pier construction method.

[0003] (Outline of the conventional pier construction method) Based on FIGS. 10 and 11, the conventional pier construction method will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the conventional pier construction method, which shows a state where a pier panel 1 forming the beam structure of the pier is transported by a crane and lifted and lowered near the design position (the connection position with respect to the already constructed pier portion). FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the subsequent process of FIG. 10, which shows a state where a support pile P1 (pipe pile) forming a pier is being driven into the ground using the pier panel 1 (beam structure of the pier) extended in a cantilevered manner as a guide.

[0004] In the pier construction method disclosed in Patent Document 1, as shown in Figure 10, a mobile crane is first prepared on scaffolding made up of the already constructed pier section, and the pier panel 1 is lifted by the crane and transported to the vicinity of the extension point (the tip of the already constructed pier section). This pier panel 1 is a "superstructure component (pier beam structure)" that can function as part of the superstructure after the pier is completed, and as shown in Figure 11, it is a component that functions as a "pile guide means" when driving in the support piles P1.

[0005] The pier panel 1, which forms the beam structure of the pier, has a cylindrical guide section 3 (pile head fixing pipe) that guides the support pile P1 into the ground when it is driven in, and a connecting section 15 that is connected to the base end of the next pier panel. The cylindrical guide section 3 has an insertion hole (guide hole) for inserting the support pile P1 to be driven in.

[0006] As shown in Figure 10, the pier panel 1, which has been transported by crane, is connected to the existing pier panel 1' at the front of the completed pier section, as shown in Figure 11, and is attached in a cantilevered manner so as to extend from the completed pier section. The existing pier panel 1' has the same structure as the newly constructed pier panel 1 and constitutes the beam structure of the completed pier section.

[0007] In the state shown in Figure 11, the pier panel 1, which extends outward from the already constructed pier section, is connected to the upper end of the reaction pole 32 via wire 31 in a diagonal tensioning manner. This reaction pole 32 is fixed at the tip of the already constructed pier section to the existing pier panel 1', that is, to protrude upright onto the bridge surface, and the reaction force is further reinforced by a back stay 33 stretched diagonally at the rear.

[0008] As shown in Figure 11, the extended pier panel 1 is connected to the reaction pole 32 via wire 31, thereby transferring the load of the pier panel 1 to the already constructed pier section. In other words, the pier panel 1 is suspended from the already constructed pier section using the reaction pole 32 and wire 31 in a diagonal tensioning manner.

[0009] As mentioned above, once the pier panel 1 is suspended from an oblique direction by the reaction pole 32, which is a cable-stayed structure, the tubular support piles (steel pipe piles) P1, which are steel pipes that form the bridge piers, are then set on the ground at the planned installation location, guided by the cantilevered pier panel 1, as shown in Figure 11. At this time, the drill rod of the support pile driving device 8, which is configured as a steel pipe driving device, penetrates the interior of the support pile P1, and the tip bit (hammer bit) of the drill rod protrudes from the tip of the support pile P1.

[0010] Next, the support pile driving device 8 rotates and impacts the target ground while simultaneously driving the support piles P1 into the ground using impact force. Then, the heads of the driven support piles P1 are fixed to the pier panel 1, integrating the heads of the support piles P1 and the pier panel 1.

[0011] In the illustrated example, three support piles P1 are driven side-by-side for each extension of the pier panel 1, and the tops of these piles are fixed to the tip of the extended pier panel 1 to integrate them. By fixing the pier panel 1 to the tops of the driven support piles P1 in this way, the load of the pier panel 1 is supported by the support piles P1. Through these steps, the extension work of the superstructure and substructure for one span length (one pier panel) is completed.

[0012] After the installed support piles P1 and the pier panel 1 are integrated, the wire 31 is detached from the newly installed pier panel 1, and the reaction pole 32 and back stay 33 are removed from the existing pier panel 1'. The removed reaction pole 32 and back stay 33 are then reattached to the newly installed pier panel 1 and reused as a cable-stayed system to diagonally suspend the pier panels to be extended in the future.

[0013] Then, by repeating the process described above and continuously extending the pier panels supported by support piles in the expansion direction, the entire pier is completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3211673 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-147926 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] In recent years, from the standpoint of shortening construction periods, reducing construction costs, and protecting the environment, there has been a demand to shorten the pile-driving process for pier support piles, which is the most costly and time-consuming part of construction. To achieve this, it is necessary to increase the span length (the distance between the driven support piles) of the pier being constructed. In other words, when the support piles are made of steel pipe piles, it is necessary to drive large-diameter, long piles over long spans.

[0016] Furthermore, due to the aging of structures, there is a growing demand for the installation of foundation piles such as steel pipe piles and steel pipe sheet piles in various structural foundation and cofferdam construction projects, particularly in construction of various structures and revetments within rivers and dam lakes, as well as in the construction of marine structures such as marine bridges. This is because construction conditions, including hard ground such as riverbeds, lakebeds, and seabeds, obstacles such as boulders, and the presence of bedrock, make it difficult to install guide materials.

[0017] To meet such demands, for example, Patent Document 2 proposes a method for constructing a pier in which a pier panel (pier beam structure) positioned in a cantilevered, hollow section is used as a guide for driving piles. As shown in Figure 12, a rotary press-in device 4, which has the function of gripping and pressing a support pile P1 into the ground, is fixed to the tip of the pier panel 1 positioned in a cantilevered, hollow section, and the support pile P1 is driven in by using this rotary press-in device 4 in combination with a drilling device 5.

[0018] According to Patent Document 2, in the process of driving a support pile P1 (steel pipe pile) using a rotary press-in device 4 configured as a steel pipe driving device, the support pile P1 being driven is moved up and down from time to time to prevent the pile center from shifting. That is, the support pile P1 is driven to the target depth while repeatedly being pulled out during the press-in process.

[0019] However, when using a rotary press-in device in a pier construction method that utilizes a cantilevered beam structure as a pile-driving guide, the reaction force from the rotary press-in device during operation (when the support piles are pressed in and pulled out) acts on the cantilevered beam structure. This cantilevered beam structure is supported on one side by the already constructed pier section, but the other side is not yet fixed, making it unstable against external forces. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the reaction force from the operation of the rotary press-in device 4 causes the cantilevered beam structure 1 to deflect significantly in the vertical direction (floating upwards or deflecting downwards), causing its position to deviate significantly from the predetermined design position, resulting in a serious problem of greatly reducing the construction quality of the pier.

[0020] Furthermore, in response to the demand for longer pier spans (spacing between support piles) in recent construction plans, the "pier beam structure" for one span has become significantly longer, exceeding 20m. As a result of the increased length of the pier beam structure, the cantilevered beam structure has become more susceptible to bending. Consequently, the increased length of the pier span has made the "pier beam structure," which is positioned in a cantilevered, hollow section, unstable. This has led to serious problems such as the beam structure deviating significantly from its design position due to the effects of strong winds, reaction forces during support pile driving, and vibrations, drastically reducing the construction quality of the pier.

[0021] Furthermore, as the span length of the pier increases, it becomes necessary to increase the height of the reaction pole 32. In other words, since the reaction pole 32 functions as a cable-stayed support for the extended pier panel 1, when the span length of the pier increases, it is advantageous for the reaction pole to protrude more from the bridge surface (i.e., for the reaction pole to be longer). However, if the height of the reaction pole increases in this way, and the support device 2, including the backstay 21, occupies a large portion of the pier side, depending on the width of the pier to be constructed and the size of the crane, interference between the support device 2 and the crane may occur when the crane rotates during various cargo handling operations, potentially resulting in limitations such as restricted crane operating positions.

[0022] Furthermore, in a construction site where it is difficult to use the reaction pole 32 and the backstay 21 and it is difficult to erect the trestle panel 1 in a cantilevered manner through them, problems such as a long construction time and low construction quality of the trestle still occurred.

[0023] Therefore, in view of the problems of the above-described conventional technologies, an object of the present invention is, for example, a beam structure used as an excavation casing guide or a pile guide that is positioned and installed / fixed in a hollow part by a handling machine such as a crane, and a beam structure installed so as to project from a completed part of a bridge (for example, a trestle panel used in trestle construction). An object of the present invention is to provide a bridge construction method and a column connection mechanism used in this method that enable the posture to be stabilized so that the beam structure does not deviate from the design position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0024] The above-described object is achieved by a method of driving steel pipes using a beam structure (for example, as various structures such as guides for excavation machines and pile bodies, work scaffolds, and machine scaffolds during various constructions such as excavation, pile driving, and erection work, and also as upper works, lower works, etc. of structures such as bridges and trestles after the completion of the structures, and functioning as the beam structure that constitutes the skeleton of the structure to support some load according to the purpose), comprising: a step of installing a beam structure having a guide portion capable of guiding the steel pipes to be driven in the ground direction so as to be positioned in a hollow part; a step of installing a steel pipe driving device on the guide portion provided in the beam structure; a step of fixing a column connection mechanism to the beam structure; a step of erecting a column capable of temporarily supporting the beam structure positioned in the hollow part and connecting it to the beam structure via the column connection mechanism; a step of driving the steel pipes to be driven through the steel pipe driving device; a step of driving the steel pipes into the ground by the steel pipe driving device while maintaining the position of the beam structure in a state where the column is connected to the beam structure via the column connection mechanism; and is achieved by a steel pipe driving method including the above steps.

[0025] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is This is achieved by a method for driving steel pipes, characterized in that the steel pipes to be driven are pile bodies (i.e., the steel pipes to be driven are used as pile bodies).

[0026] In the above-described method for installing steel pipes, the beam structure is equipped with multiple guide sections, and the column connecting mechanism is fixed, for example, to at least one of the guide sections provided by the beam structure.

[0027] Furthermore, in the above-described method for installing steel pipes, the column connection mechanism may have position adjustment means for adjusting the relative positions of the columns to be connected. In this case, by operating the position adjustment means of the column connection mechanism while the column is erected in the ground, the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section is adjusted and supported.

[0028] Furthermore, in the above-described method for installing steel pipes, a support device may be provided to support the load of the beam structure installed to be positioned in the hollow section, so that the load of the beam structure is supported by the support device. Accordingly, the position adjustment means plays a role in connecting the beam structure and the column in the column body connection mechanism and is the part that maintains the height of the beam structure. It not only autonomously adjusts the height, but also operates heteronomously, that is, it supports the load of the beam structure installed to be positioned in the newly constructed hollow section by external devices or equipment of the column body connection mechanism, such as the provided support device or a temporary crane, and adjusts the height, and then further maintains the height by connecting the beam structure and the column via the column body connection mechanism, thereby determining and maintaining the height of the beam structure. This means may be, for example, a band structure or chuck device that can grip and release the column at any timing, preferably swiftly and repeatedly.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above-described method for installing steel pipes, the column can be, for example, a member for temporarily supporting the beam structure. In this case, the column is removed after the state in which the beam structure is supported by the steel pipes is ensured.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above method for driving steel pipes, the column body may be composed of, for example, steel pipes that support the beam structure. In this case, after ensuring that the beam structure is supported by the steel pipes, the steel pipes are first driven in at locations other than the steel pipes, and then the column body made of the steel pipes is driven again, thereby driving the pile without using a dedicated column body.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above-described method for driving steel pipes into the ground using the steel pipe driving device, the steel pipes may be driven in with a weight installed on the beam structure to suppress the uplift of the beam structure.

[0032] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is A column connecting mechanism used in the above-mentioned method for installing steel pipes, A connecting part for connecting the column connecting mechanism to the beam structure, A position adjustment means for adjusting the height position of a column connected to a column connecting mechanism, This is achieved by a columnar connecting mechanism having [a specific feature / feature]. In this case, with the column installed in the ground, the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section is adjusted by activating the position adjustment means of the column connecting mechanism.

[0033] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is A column connecting mechanism used in the above-mentioned method for installing steel pipes, A connecting part for connecting the column connecting mechanism to the beam structure, This is achieved by a column connecting mechanism having a position adjustment means for adjusting the relative position between the column connected to the column connecting mechanism and the connecting part. In this case, with the column installed in the ground, the position adjustment means of the column connecting mechanism is activated to adjust the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section to match the different ground levels at each construction location. Furthermore, while the columns are fixed in the ground to support various design loads on the beam structure, the balance between the magnitude of the loads and the bearing capacity of the ground—for example, due to the load of the excavator and the energy of impact (excavation) during pile driving, and the softness of the ground—may cause the piles or columns to settle even after the initial height of the beam structure has been determined and maintained. As a result, the top of the columns may gradually become lower than when the height of the beam structure was determined, and it may not be possible to maintain the design position. When driving piles into such ground, other measures can be considered to increase the bearing capacity obtained from the ground, such as pre-driving steel pipe piles or columns as temporary steel pipes into the ground that will become a reliable supporting layer, or by expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the base of the columns. Regardless of the measures taken, there are uncertainties regarding the bearing capacity of the columns due to on-site construction conditions. In order to reliably support the beam structure, it is necessary to take into account uncertain and unavoidable changes in the height of the columns during construction, and to maintain the height of the beam structure at a predetermined position (a position designed in advance), a position adjustment mechanism is required to adjust the height of the beam structure.

[0034] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is A bridge erection method using the above-mentioned method for driving steel pipes, A method for constructing a bridge by repeatedly performing the steps of: installing a beam structure so as to be positioned in a hollow section; and using the beam structure positioned in the hollow section to drive in steel pipes for the bridge, A process of installing a beam structure equipped with a guide section capable of guiding the steel pipes to be driven in the direction of the ground, so as to position it in the hollow section, The process of installing a steel pipe driving device on the guide portion provided in the beam structure, The process of fixing the column connection mechanism to the beam structure, The process involves erecting a column that can temporarily support the beam structure positioned in the hollow section, and connecting it to the beam structure via the column connecting mechanism, A step of erecting steel pipes, which are positioned in the hollow section to support the beam structure, via the steel pipe installation device, The process of driving the steel pipes into the ground using the steel pipe driving device while maintaining the position of the beam structure with the column connected to the beam structure via the column connecting mechanism, The steel pipes and beam structure that were cast by the steel pipe casting method including the above, This is achieved by connecting the beam structure via the guide portion provided therein. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] In this invention, a beam structure positioned in the hollow section is used as an excavation casing guide or pile guide, and steel pipes are driven using a steel pipe driving device (for example, a crane-suspended pile driving device). In this configuration, the beam structure, positioned and fixed within the hollow section, is integrally constructed with the steel pipe driving device, column body connecting mechanism, and column body, and all of its loads are integrated. Furthermore, when the column body is inserted into the ground, the beam structure is fixed to the ground via the column body and column body connecting mechanism. Therefore, in this invention, reaction forces for rotation, pushing, and pulling by various steel pipe driving devices are ensured through the beam structure, and the posture of the beam structure is stabilized during the steel pipe driving process.

[0036] Furthermore, in this invention, a beam structure (a newly constructed beam structure) is attached to the hollow section of the bridge in a cantilevered manner from the completed section, and this beam structure is used as an excavation casing guide or pile guide, and steel pipes are driven in using a steel pipe driving device (for example, a rotary press-in device). In this case, the beam structure, positioned and fixed in the hollow section, is integrally constructed with the steel pipe driving device, column body connecting mechanism, and column body, and all of its loads are integrated. Furthermore, when the column body is inserted into the ground, the beam structure is fixed to the ground via the column body and column body connecting mechanism. Therefore, in this invention, the reaction forces for rotation, pushing, and pulling by the steel pipe driving device are secured through the beam structure, and the posture of the beam structure is stabilized during the steel pipe driving process. Furthermore, while conventional technology relied primarily on cable-stayed equipment consisting of reaction poles to support newly constructed beam structures, the present invention allows the newly constructed beam structure to be supported by columns (via a column connection mechanism), thus avoiding the need to lengthen support devices, including reaction poles and backstays, which could potentially hinder the rotation of the crane.

[0037] Furthermore, in this invention, the column connecting mechanism is fixed to the guide portion provided in the beam structure. This allows the column connecting mechanism to be easily fixed to the beam structure.

[0038] Furthermore, in this invention, the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section is adjusted by activating the position adjustment means while the column is installed in the ground via the column connecting mechanism. This allows for precise adjustment of the height of the newly constructed beam structure.

[0039] Furthermore, in this invention, the newly constructed beam structure is supported by the existing beam structure in the completed section of the bridge via a support device. This reduces the load on the column connection mechanism (reaction force transmission device), and allows for fine adjustment of the height position using the column connection mechanism.

[0040] Furthermore, in this invention, the column may be constructed from a dedicated temporary support member such as a reaction pipe (dummy pipe). This allows for the use of various tubular members depending on the ground conditions at the construction site.

[0041] Furthermore, in this invention, the column body may be made of steel pipes (main piles) for supporting the beam structure or casings for excavation. In this case, the steel pipes for supporting the beam structure are temporarily used (made to function) as a column body. This eliminates the need for reaction pipes specifically for temporary support, and after the column has finished its role as a temporary pile, it can be used as a permanent pile or excavation casing, thereby reducing the amount of work involved in handling materials and equipment.

[0042] Furthermore, in the process of driving steel pipes into the ground using a steel pipe driving device, a weight (a member specifically for suppressing uplift) is installed on the beam structure to suppress the uplift of the beam structure used as an excavation casing guide or pile guide. As a result, even if the column body connection mechanism does not have a function to suppress the uplift movement of the beam structure (or if that function is insufficient), the uplift of the beam structure is suppressed by a separate heavy member acting as a counterweight. In addition, a simple column body connection mechanism that does not have a function to suppress the uplift of the beam structure can be used, in which case the cost of the column body connection mechanism can be reduced. Furthermore, when beam structures are used solely as excavation casing guides or pile guides, they can also function as weights to suppress loss due to the effects of flowing water and waves when used in rivers and the sea (harbors, open ocean). The weight is a component that functions as a counterweight to prevent the beam structure positioned in the hollow section from lifting. In addition to the installation of a dedicated separate component, it is sufficient to have a weight that can function as a counterweight and be stably placed at the required location. Other materials and equipment can be used as substitutes as appropriate, and the form is not limited.

[0043] Furthermore, by using the column connection mechanism of the present invention in a bridge construction method, it becomes possible to support a cantilevered beam structure that is connected to an existing beam structure in the completed section of the bridge with the column, while simultaneously fine-tuning the height of the beam structure using a position adjustment means. As a result, for example, when the beam structure should be installed horizontally or at a slope, the beam structure can be installed at the position and angle as designed, enabling highly accurate construction. Furthermore, while conventional technology relied primarily on cable-stayed equipment consisting of reaction poles to support newly constructed beam structures, the column connection mechanism of the present invention allows the newly constructed beam structure to be supported by the columns (via the column connection mechanism), thus avoiding the need to lengthen support devices, including reaction poles and backstays, which could potentially hinder the rotation of the crane. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing an example of a pier beam structure (pier panel) that can be used in pier construction methods. [Figure 2A] This is a side view showing the construction process of a pier, which is one example of a bridge construction method. [Figure 2B] These are a plan view and a side view illustrating the requirements during construction of a pile driving method, which is one example of a pile driving method. [Figure 3A] This is a front view showing the construction process of a pier construction method, which is one example of a bridge construction method (specifically, the process of applying compressive force to the steel pipes that will serve as support piles to be driven into the ground). [Figure 3B] This is a front view showing the construction process of a pier construction method, which is one example of a bridge construction method (specifically, the process of applying tensile force to the steel pipes that will serve as support piles to be driven into the ground). [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a steel pipe driving device (rotary press-in device) that functions as a support pile driving device usable in pier construction methods. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a column connection mechanism (reaction force transmission device) that can be used in pier construction methods. [Figure 6] This is a side view illustrating the function and operation of the column connection mechanism (reaction force transmission device) in pier construction. [Figure 7A] This is a front view showing the construction process of a pier construction method, which is one example of a bridge construction method (specifically, the process of applying compressive force to the steel pipes that will serve as support piles to be driven into the ground). [Figure 7B] This is a front view showing the construction process of a pier construction method, which is one example of a bridge construction method (specifically, the process of applying tensile force to the steel pipes that will serve as support piles to be driven into the ground). [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a steel pipe driving device (intermediate drilling device) that functions as a second support pile driving device usable in pier construction methods. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of a steel pipe driving device (an excavation device equipped with a down-the-hole hammer) that functions as a support pile driving device usable in pier construction methods. [Figure 10]This is a perspective view illustrating a conventional method of constructing a pier, showing how pier panels, which form the beam structure of the pier, are transported by crane and lowered into their designated positions (planned extension locations). [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the subsequent process, illustrating how steel pipes that will serve as support piles are being driven into the ground while pier panels extending from the already constructed pier are used as pile guides. [Figure 12] This is a side view illustrating a conventional method of constructing a pier. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a side view illustrating the challenges in the conventional pier construction method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The present invention relates to a method for driving steel pipes and a bridge construction method, which includes a feature of driving steel pipes that serve as support piles using a beam structure that cantilevered out from the completed bridge section and is positioned in the hollow section.

[0046] (Beam structure used in steel pipe installation methods and bridge construction methods) First, we will explain the beam structures used in pile driving methods and bridge construction methods. The following describes a pier construction method as an example of a pile driving method and a bridge construction method, a pier as an example of a bridge to be constructed, and a pier panel as an example of a beam structure (superstructure component) used in the pier construction method.

[0047] In the pier construction method of this embodiment, a pier panel 1 as shown in Figure 1 is used. This pier panel 1 is a member that can function as a beam structure (superstructure component) of a pier, similar to the pier panels used in the conventional technology shown in Figures 10 to 12.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the pier panel 1 (pier beam structure) used in this embodiment is mainly composed of a main frame 11 (beam) which is roughly grid-shaped in plan view, and a transverse girder 12 (beam) connected to the main frame. Furthermore, in actual construction, the roughly grid-like openings in the pier panel 1 (pier beam structure) shown in Figure 1 can be covered with scaffolding (not shown) to ensure safety, thereby ensuring the safety of various pile driving and bridge erection operations on the pier panel 1.

[0049] The main frame 11, which functions as a beam, is a roughly grid-like member in plan view that has the functions of a main girder and cross girder. This main frame 11 has a connecting section 14 that connects to the preceding existing pier panel (the leading part of the pier construction section).

[0050] The transverse girder 12, which functions as a beam, has a plurality of cylindrical guide sections 3a, 3b, 3c (pile head fixing pipes) that can guide steel pipe piles (hereinafter referred to as support piles in this embodiment) which will serve as support piles when driven into the ground, and a connecting section 15 that connects to the next stage main frame.

[0051] The cylindrical guide sections 3a, 3b, and 3c each serve to guide the bridge pier support piles to be driven into the ground, and each has an insertion hole (guide hole) for inserting the support pile. After the support pile is driven, the guide sections 3a, 3b, and 3c each function as pile head fixing pipes.

[0052] In this embodiment, the guide sections 3a, 3b, and 3c capable of guiding support piles are realized solely by pile head fixing pipes (see Figure 1) provided on the pier panel 1, but the configuration of the guide section is not limited to this. For example, the pier panel 1 can be constructed using only the main frame 11 (i.e., the pier panel 1 is constructed without the transverse beams 12), and instead, a guide section capable of guiding support piles (for example, a guide member other than a cylindrical shape, or a guide member with guide holes that surrounds the cross-section of a pile, column, etc.—for example, surrounded by a guide member of an H-shaped steel beam and provided with a rectangular opening that is approximately inscribed around the outer circumference of the pile, or a pair of steel plates each provided with a semicircular notch to create a circular opening that surrounds the outer circumference of the pile) can be installed as an independent attachment-type member separate from the pier panel 1. Alternatively, along with the pier panel 1 equipped with guide sections 3a, 3b, and 3c, a second guide section (a separate, independent member from the pier panel 1, such as a cylindrical guide member) capable of guiding support piles and the like can also be provided. Furthermore, the guide section can be configured to guide either the "support pile" to be driven in, the "column" described later, or both. In other words, the guide section is not necessarily limited to guiding only the support pile to be driven in. In this case, during construction, either one of the guide sections may be used, or both may be used depending on the progress of the construction.

[0053] Furthermore, in the support pile driving method of this embodiment, the pier panel 1, which has a beam structure as shown in Figure 2B, can be used as a guide for driving in steel pipes other than pier support piles. In other words, the configuration consists of a main frame 11 (beam) that is roughly grid-shaped in plan view, and two crossbeams 12 (beams) connected to the main frame at both ends. Guide sections 3b and 3c attached to the crossbeams on both sides (and thus near the four corners—the four vertices—of the pier panel, which is thus roughly rectangular in plan view) are each connected to the column and the pier panel 1 via a column connecting mechanism 6 (and attached jack-type or chain block-type position adjustment mechanism), and assembled as a single guide unit.

[0054] In this configuration, the four columns are typically installed on the uneven seabed according to the specific conditions of each location (sinking and embedding themselves in the ground), or the four columns are constructed from excavation casings and driven to a predetermined depth depending on site conditions. All four columns are positioned so that they are supported by the ground, bearing the load of the entire guide unit. Therefore, in most cases, when four columns of the same length are used, the height of the top of each column will vary depending on the topography and soil conditions of the site. However, the height (relative position) of the beam structure of each column can be adjusted by the various position adjustment mechanisms provided by each column connection mechanism, and they are fixed in the hollow at the height required by the design. Figure 2B shows a configuration in which the guide unit, which has a roughly rectangular beam structure in plan view, has its shape advantages taken advantage of by providing a separate guide section 3d in its center to secure the position for newly driven support piles P1 and other steel pipes.

[0055] In the 3D model, a member having a cylindrical guide section is separately fixed to the pier panel. However, the guide section only needs to perform a guiding function, and other types of guide sections capable of guiding support piles, etc., can also be installed as separate attachment-type members from the pier panel 1. These guide sections may include guide members other than cylindrical ones, or guide members with guide holes that surround the cross-section of piles, columns, etc.—for example, surrounded by H-shaped steel guide members with a roughly square opening in plan view that roughly inscribes the outer circumference of the pile, or a pair of steel plates with semicircular notches in each to create a circular opening that surrounds the outer circumference of the pile. In other words, the beam structure forming the superstructure of the pier not only has a fixed guide section on its own, but can also be configured to be integrated by installing and connecting detachable guide sections at the necessary locations as appropriate, and it is also possible to add and equip it with multiple guide sections as needed. The present invention relates to a method for driving steel pipes into the ground, and the materials to be driven include steel pipe piles, steel sheet piles, and steel pipes for shafts, as well as, for example, tubular excavation casings. In other words, depending on the design conditions, this method can be used to drive excavation casings into the ground, then fill the hole (inside the excavated casing) with sand to construct a sand replacement pile, or erect H-beams or reinforcing cages, and then drive in various grout materials to construct earth retaining piles, cast-in-place piles, etc. (at which point the excavation casings can be withdrawn).

[0056] (Pile driving method / bridge construction method / pier construction method using beam structure) Next, an example of a bridge construction method, specifically a pier construction method using the aforementioned pier panels (pier beam structure), will be explained based on Figures 2A, 3A, and 3B. Figure 2A shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the installation of steel pipe piles (hereinafter referred to as support piles in this embodiment) that serve as support piles during the construction of a pier at a dam site. Figure 3A is a front view showing the process of driving support piles during pier construction (the process of applying compressive force to the support piles to be driven). Figure 3B is a front view showing the process of driving support piles during pier construction (the process of applying a pull-out force to the support piles being driven).

[0057] In the pier construction method of this embodiment, the pier is constructed by repeatedly performing the following steps: installing pier panels so as to cantilever outwards from the already constructed pier section into the hollow section; and driving in support piles for the pier using the pier panels positioned in the cantilevered hollow section. Specifically, the pier is constructed by performing the following steps in order.

[0058] A pier panel 1 (a newly constructed pier panel to be installed) equipped with multiple guide sections 3a, 3b, and 3c is lowered using a crane and installed so as to extend cantilevered from the already constructed pier section into the hollow area. Thereafter, a crane will be used in the same manner as in this process to lower heavy objects such as construction equipment and support piles. The pre-constructed pier section is the part where one side is supported by the existing pier panels or support piles in the preceding section, and the opposite side is supported by existing support piles (i.e., each pier panel is supported by the ground through the support piles, making it a stable section). This pre-constructed pier section can be used as a stable mechanical scaffolding during the pier construction process.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 2A, a support device 2 is installed between the newly constructed pier panel 1, which is cantilevered outwards from the hollow section, and the existing pier panel 1' (the section where the pier has already been constructed), which is supported by support piles.

[0060] In this embodiment, the support device 2 (either alone or in cooperation with the column P2 or the column connecting mechanism 6, etc.) plays the role of supporting the load of the newly installed pier panel 1 which is installed to cantilever outwards in the hollow section.

[0061] This support device 2 is • The back stay 21 is connected to the existing pier panel 1' in the front section, • A length-adjustable connecting member 22 is connected to the newly constructed pier panel 1, • A reaction pole 23 connects the back stay 21 and the length-adjustable connecting member 22. It is composed of including.

[0062] The reaction pole 23 is fixed upright to the existing pier panel 1' at the tip of the constructed pier section, so as to protrude above the bridge surface above the tip.

[0063] The back stay 21 is connected at one end to the preceding existing pier panel 1', and at the other end to the top of the reaction pole 23.

[0064] In this embodiment, the length-adjustable connecting member 22 is composed of a combination of a wire 25 and a chain block 26. One end of this length-adjustable connecting member 22, consisting of the wire 25 and chain block 26, is connected to the newly installed pier panel 1, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the reaction pole 23.

[0065] Once the installation of the support device 2 with the above configuration is complete, the load of the newly installed pier panel 1, which is positioned and installed in a cantilevered, overhanging hollow section, will be supported via the support device 2 by the already constructed pier section (existing pier panel 1') in a cable-stayed manner.

[0066] The configuration of the support device 2 is not limited to those described above; any device that enables the load of the newly constructed pier panel 1 to be supported on the side of the already constructed pier can be used. Preferably, it is configured to include a length-adjustable connecting member such as a chain block, as in this embodiment. As in this embodiment, by configuring the support device 2 with a length-adjustable connecting member 22 (for example, a combination of a wire 25 and a chain block 26), the height position of the newly installed pier panel 1, which is installed to cantilever outward in the hollow section, can be precisely positioned. The "height position" here refers to the height position at the tip of the newly installed pier panel. In other words, with the newly installed pier panel 1 extending outward from the already constructed pier section, by adjusting the length of the length-adjustable connecting member 22 (i.e., operating the chain block 26), if the newly installed pier panel 1 should be installed horizontally, it can be installed to extend horizontally as designed, without tilting (or bending). Furthermore, if the newly installed pier panel 1 should be installed with a slope, it can be installed to extend at the slope angle as designed.

[0067] Furthermore, this embodiment is a method of constructing a pier by repeatedly performing the steps of installing pier panels so as to cantilever outwards from a pre-constructed pier section into a hollow section, and driving in support piles for the pier using the pier panels positioned in the hollow section with cantilevered outwards. Therefore, the support device 2 is exemplified as being supported in a diagonal tensioning manner via a reaction pole 23 installed at the tip of the pre-constructed pier section. However, any other beam structure that can be positioned and supported in the hollow section can be used. For example, in cases where there is no connection to a pre-constructed pier section other than that of this embodiment, or where there is no pier section itself, and a beam structure is used in the method of driving in steel pipes, the beam structure may be supported separately by a mobile crane or the like. Alternatively, before the pier panels are supported by the columns, temporary jacks or support structures may be placed between the pier panels and the ground to provide support from below.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figures 2A and 3, the support pile driving device 4 is installed on one of the multiple guide sections 3a, 3b, and 3c provided on the pier panel (in this embodiment, on guide section 3a). At this time, in order for the support pile driving device 4 to be able to drive the support pile P1, the support pile driving device 4 and each of the guide sections are positioned so that the insertion openings for the attached steel pipes can be freely inserted into the support pile P1 (steel pipes), and are fixed together by fastening with bolts or the like. The support pile driving device 4 is a device that has the function of driving support piles P1 into the target ground, either in cooperation with a second support pile driving device such as the intermediate excavation device 5, or by itself. The specific configurations of the support pile driving device 4 and the intermediate excavation device 5 will be described later. In this embodiment, the support pile driving device 4 has the function of rotating and pressing in the support pile P1, and works in cooperation with the excavation device 5 (second support pile driving device) to drive the support pile P1 into the target ground. In this embodiment, a rotary press-in type device fixed to the pier panel (the device exemplified in Figure 4) is used as the support pile driving device. However, it is also possible to use an excavation device equipped with a down-the-hole hammer (the device exemplified in Figure 9) as the support pile driving device instead. The specific configuration of the excavation device equipped with a down-the-hole hammer will be described later.

[0069] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the column connecting mechanism 6 is fixed to the remaining guide sections 3b and 3c (other guide sections where the support pile driving device is not installed) of the pier panel 1. The column connecting mechanism 6 is responsible for connecting the upper part of the erected column P2 to the pier panel 1. A "column" is a member that can temporarily support the tip of the pier panel so that the cantilevered pier panel 1 remains stable (does not deviate from its design position) while the support pile P1 is driven into the ground by the support pile driving device 4.

[0070] Next, a column P2 is erected to temporarily support the pier panel 1, which is positioned in a cantilevered, overhanging hollow section. At this time, the lower end of the column P2 is inserted into the ground (pressed in if necessary) and firmly fixed to the ground. This completes the erection of the column P2. Once the column P2 is erected in the ground, the upper part of the erected column P2 is firmly connected to the pier panel 1 via the column connecting mechanism 6. As a result, the pier panel 1, which is positioned in a cantilevered, overhanging hollow section, becomes integrated with the ground via the column connecting mechanism 6 and the column P2. Consequently, the load of the pier panel 1 is mainly supported by the column P2. The specific configuration of the column connecting mechanism 6 will be described later.

[0071] The column P2 may be composed of a temporary support member (a member intended to be removed after the support piles are driven) for temporarily supporting the pier panel 1, or it may be composed of a support pile (steel pipe pile) that can function as a pier pier. Furthermore, if the column P2 is constructed of a temporary support member (for example, a dummy pipe or other pipe member for securing reaction forces), then after the pier panel 1 is supported by the support pile P1, the column P2 has finished its role and is removed by pulling it out. On the other hand, when the column P2 is made of the same material as the support pile P1, after ensuring that the beam structure is supported by the column P2, the support pile P1 is first driven in at a location other than the column P2, and then the column P2, which consists of the support pile, is driven in a procedure that does not involve using temporary support members (for example, reaction force securing pipe members such as dummy pipes). In other words, after ensuring that the pier panel 1 is supported by the support pile P1, the column P2 has finished its role as a temporary support for the pier panel 1 and is driven into the ground (so that it can function as a bridge pier).

[0072] As explained above, in this embodiment, (1) Adjusting the newly constructed pier panel 1 to be closer to the design position, that is, in the initial stage of installing the pier panel 1, this is done first with the support device 2 including the reaction pole 23 etc. (with the support device 2 alone), (2) After maintaining the design position, the column P2 and the column connecting mechanism 6 maintain the design position of the pier panel 1. The following construction procedures are followed. In addition, in (2) above, the column P2 and the column connecting mechanism 6 may cooperate with the support device 2 to support the pier panel 1, or the column P2 and the column connecting mechanism 6 may support the pier panel 1 by themselves.

[0073] Next, support piles P1 (steel pipe piles) for supporting the pier panel 1, which is positioned in a cantilevered, hollow section, are lowered using a crane and erected on the ground via the support pile driving device 4 and guide section 3a.

[0074] Next, with the column P2, whose lower end is inserted into the ground, securely connected to the pier panel 1 via the column connecting mechanism 6, the support pile P1 is driven into the ground using the support pile driving device 4. In this embodiment, the support pile P1 is driven using a combination of the support pile driving device 4, which has a function to rotate and press in the support pile, and the internal excavation device 5, which excavates the internal cavity of the support pile, which is made of steel pipe.

[0075] During the process of driving the support pile P1 using the support pile driving device 4, the support pile is occasionally moved up and down to prevent misalignment of the pile center. In other words, the support pile is driven to the target depth while repeatedly withdrawing it during the driving process.

[0076] In this embodiment, when driving in the support pile P1, a pushing force is applied to the support pile P1 by a support pile driving device 4 installed and fixed on the guide portion 3a of the pier panel 1, and the support pile P1 is driven in by rotation. At this time, the pier panel 1 serves as the source of the pushing reaction force. Refer to the front view in Figure 3A. On the other hand, the pier panel 1, which supplies the pushing reaction force of the support pile driving device 4, may lift up due to the recoil when the support pile P1 is pushed in. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the lifting of the pier panel 1 (recoil suppression) when the support pile P1 is pushed in, the column P2 protruding from the pier panel 1 and the pier panel 1 are integrated via the chuck mechanism of the column connecting mechanism 6. As a result, the weight of the column P2 and the pull-out resistance of the ground into which the lower end of the column is inserted act on the pier panel 1, ensuring a pushing reaction force.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when driving in the support pile P1, a support pile driving device 4, which is installed and fixed on the guide portion 3a of the pier panel 1, is used to occasionally apply a pulling force to the support pile P1, causing it to move up and down. At this time, the pier panel 1 serves as the source of the pulling reaction force. Refer to the front view in Figure 3B. On the other hand, the pier panel 1, which supplies the pull-out reaction force for the support pile driving device 4, may bend downward due to the recoil when the support pile P1 is pulled out. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the downward bending (recoil suppression) of the pier panel 1 when the support pile P1 is pulled out, the column P2 protruding from the pier panel 1 and the pier panel 1 are integrated via the chuck mechanism of the column connecting mechanism 6. As a result, the reaction force (supporting force) to suppress the downward bending of the pier panel 1 can be secured in the ground through the column P2.

[0078] In this way, the reaction forces for rotation, pushing, and pulling by the support pile driving device 4 are secured through the pier panel 1 which is integrated with the ground, so that the posture of the pier panel 1 remains stable during the support pile driving process and does not deviate from the design position.

[0079] Then, once the driving of the support piles erected via the guide section 3a is complete, the column connecting mechanism is removed from the guide section 3b, and the support pile driving device 4 is moved to the guide section 3b. The new support piles are then erected on the ground via the support pile driving device 4 and the guide section 3b. The support piles are then driven via the guide section 3b in the same manner as described above.

[0080] Next, once the driving of the support piles erected via the guide section 3b is complete, the column connecting mechanism is removed from the guide section 3c, and the support pile driving device 4 is moved to the guide section 3c. Then, the new support piles are erected on the ground via the support pile driving device 4 and the guide section 3c. Finally, the support piles are driven via this guide section 3c in the same manner as described above.

[0081] Therefore, The process involves installing pier panels 1 so as to extend in a cantilevered manner from the already constructed pier section into the hollow area, The process involves driving in support piles P1 for the pier using pier panels 1 positioned in a cantilevered, hollow section, Construction of the pier section, including the span length, will be completed.

[0082] Then, by repeating the process described above (construction of a pier section the length of one span), the entire pier is completed by continuously extending the pier panels, which are supported by support piles, in the expansion direction.

[0083] (Support pile driving device configured as a steel pipe driving device) Next, the specific configuration of the support pile driving device 4, which is configured as a steel pipe driving device used in the pier construction described above, will be explained based on Figure 4. Figure 4 shows the state in which the support pile driving device 4 is fixed to the guide section 3a of the extended pier panel 1 by bolt fastening. In this configuration, the support pile driving device 4 is installed so that the support pile can be driven into the design position guided by the insertion opening for steel pipes provided in the guide section 3a, and the support pile P1 is positioned and erected at the design position via the support pile driving device 4.

[0084] As shown in Figure 4, this support pile driving device 4 is • A fixing part 41 for fixing the device itself to the guide part 3a of the pier panel 1, • A chuck device 43 for chucking the support pile P1 to be driven, A vertical drive device 45 for moving the chucked support pile P1 up and down, • Rotary drive device 47 that rotates or swings the support pile P1 during vertical movement. It has.

[0085] The chuck device 43 is responsible for chucking and fixing the support pile P1 to be driven. The vertical drive device 45 is primarily responsible for pressing the chucked support pile P1 into the ground. It also plays a role in ensuring verticality by moving the support pile P1 up and down at appropriate timings while it is being pressed in. The rotary drive unit 47 is responsible for rotating or oscillating the support pile P1 while the vertical drive unit 45 is in operation.

[0086] The support pile driving device 4 with the above configuration can be used to drive support piles P1 in combination with the excavation device 5, as described later, and can also be used to drive support piles by itself. The present invention relates to a method for driving steel pipes into the ground. The steel pipes driven by the steel pipe driving device, such as the support pile driving device described above, can include steel pipe piles, steel sheet piles, and steel pipes for shafts, as well as, for example, tubular excavation casings. In other words, depending on the design conditions, this method can be used to drive excavation casings into the ground, then fill the hole (inside the excavated casing) with sand to create a sand replacement pile, or install H-shaped steel or reinforcing cages, then drive in various grout materials to construct earth retaining piles, cast-in-place piles, etc. (at which point the excavation casings can be withdrawn).

[0087] (Column connection mechanism) Next, the specific configuration of the column connecting mechanism 6 used in the aforementioned pier construction will be explained based on Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example of a columnar linking mechanism (reaction force transmission device).

[0088] This column connecting mechanism 6 is • A connecting part 61 for connecting and fixing the column connecting mechanism to the guide part of the pier panel 1, • A hydraulically driven upper chuck section 63 and lower chuck section 65 capable of gripping and connecting the column to the column connecting mechanism 6, It has a hydraulically driven jack section 67 for moving the upper chuck section 63 that connects the column bodies up and down.

[0089] The connecting portion 61 is located on the bottom side of the column connecting mechanism 6 and plays the role of connecting and fixing the column connecting mechanism 6 to the guide portion of the pier panel 1. In other words, the connecting portion 61 plays the role of integrating the column connecting mechanism 6 and the pier panel 1. In this embodiment, the bottom (connecting portion 61) of the column connecting mechanism 6 is assumed to be connected to the guide portion of the pier panel 1. However, the connection position of the column connecting mechanism 6 to the pier panel 1 is not necessarily limited to the guide portion. For example, as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B (described later), the column connecting mechanism 6 may be connected to any position on the pier panel 1.

[0090] The upper and lower chuck sections 63 and 65 play the role of connecting the column by gripping it. In other words, the upper and lower chuck sections 63 and 65 play the role of integrating the column and the column connecting mechanism by gripping them together.

[0091] The upper chuck portion 63 (first chuck portion) is configured to connect to the column by gripping it. When the upper chuck portion 63 is pressed against the outer surface of the column, the column is chucked (connected by gripping) by the upper chuck portion 63. When the upper chuck portion 63 is separated from the outer surface of the column from the state in which it is chucked to the column, the chuck (connection by gripping) by the upper chuck portion 63 is released. The upper chuck portion 63 also has an inner space through which the column can be inserted.

[0092] Similarly, the lower chuck portion 65 (second chuck portion) is configured to connect to the column by gripping it. When the lower chuck portion 65 is pressed against the outer surface of the column, the column is chucked (connected by gripping) by the lower chuck portion 65. When the lower chuck portion 65 is separated from the outer surface of the column from the state in which it is chucked to the column, the chuck (connection by gripping) by the lower chuck portion 65 is released. The lower chuck portion 65 also has an inner space through which the column can be inserted.

[0093] Furthermore, the lower chuck section 65 is functionally separate from the upper chuck section 63 and the jack section 67. In other words, the upper and lower chuck sections 63 and 65 operate independently when chucking / unchucking the column. Also, the effects of load or impact on the lower chuck section 65 do not affect the function of the upper chuck section 63 or the jack section 67.

[0094] The jack section 67 functions as a movable part of a position adjustment means for adjusting the relative position (relative position in the vertical direction) of the columnar bodies that are connected by autonomous gripping.

[0095] In addition to the above configuration, the column connecting mechanism 6 is equipped with a control unit (controller) for manually or automatically controlling one or more of the jack section 67, the upper chuck section 63, and the lower chuck section 65.

[0096] Next, the function and operation of the columnar connecting mechanism 6 will be explained based on Figure 6. When connecting the column P2 to the pier panel 1 via the column connecting mechanism 6, the column P2 is chucked by the upper and lower chuck sections 63 and 65. When adjusting the height of the pier panel 1, which is positioned in a cantilevered, hollow section, using the column connecting mechanism 6, the column P2 is chucked by the upper chuck section 63, while the lower chuck section 65 is left unchucked. Next, the jack section 67 is activated to move the upper chuck section 63, which is chucking the outer surface of the column P2, up and down. As a result, with the column P2 chucked by the upper chuck section 63, it moves up and down by the stroke of the jack section 67. Therefore, with the lower end of the column P2 fixed to the ground via the column connecting mechanism 6, and with the column connecting mechanism 6 firmly gripping and connecting the column P2, the height of the pier panel 1, which is positioned in the cantilevered, overhanging hollow section, can be adjusted by operating the jack section 67, which is the position adjustment means. In other words, when the pier panel 1 is fixed to the ground via the column connecting mechanism 6 and the column P2, operating the jack section 67 will cause the pier panel 1, not the column P2, to move up and down. In this state, by operating the jack section 67, which is the position adjustment means, the height of the pier panel 1, which is positioned in the cantilevered, overhanging hollow section, can be finely adjusted.

[0097] Furthermore, the configuration of the column connecting mechanism for making the column P2 function as a temporary support member (a member intended to be removed after the driving of support piles) for temporarily supporting the pier panel 1, or as a support pile (steel pipe pile) that can function as a pier pier, is not limited to the hydraulic mechanism described above. Any mechanism that enables the column P2 to support the load of the newly installed pier panel 1 can be used. Other embodiments of the column connecting mechanism will be described below.

[0098] For example, as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, the column body connection mechanism 6 may be constructed using wires, including a chain block 90 (position adjustment means) which is a length-adjustable connecting member, and wires. One end of this length-adjustable connecting member, which includes the chain block (position adjustment means), is connected to the newly installed pier panel 1 (lower connecting portion 68), and the other end (upper connecting portion 69) is connected to the vicinity of the upper part of the column body P2, respectively, via a suspension piece, bracket, etc. In this embodiment, the chain block 90 functions as a position adjustment means for adjusting the relative position between the column body P2 connected to the column body connection mechanism 6 and the lower connecting portion 68.

[0099] Furthermore, when adopting the column connection mechanism 6 illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, the fixing position of the column connection mechanism is not particularly limited. That is, the wire, which is a length-adjustable connecting member including the chain block 90, can have one end (lower connecting portion 68) connected to any position on the newly installed pier panel 1. In other words, the lower connecting portion 68 does not necessarily have to be connected to the guide portions 3b and 3c, and the lower connecting portion 68 may be connected to any position on the pier panel 1 that is optimal for work efficiency.

[0100] Furthermore, when employing the column connection mechanism 6 illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, a weight 91 (counterweight) of several tons to tens of tons may be used in combination as a means to suppress the uplift of the newly installed pier panel 1. The weight 91 is a dedicated component for suppressing the uplift of the pier panel 1 and is positioned closer to the tip of the pier panel 1.

[0101] Once the installation of the column connecting mechanism 6 as described above is complete, the load of the newly installed pier panel 1, positioned in the cantilevered, overhanging hollow section, is supported by the column P2 via the column connecting mechanism 6. Furthermore, the height of the newly installed pier panel 1 can be finely adjusted and maintained using a length-adjustable connecting member operated manually, such as a chain block. In other words, with the column P2 installed on the ground via the column connecting mechanism 6, the height of the pier panel 1, positioned in the cantilevered, overhanging hollow section, can be finely adjusted and maintained by operating the chain block 90.

[0102] The jack section 67 (Figure 5) and the chain block 90 (Figures 7A and 7B) mentioned above are examples of position adjustment means, and the position adjustment means available in the present invention are not limited to these. For example, another example of a possible position adjustment means is an extension member of the column body with a telescopic mechanism, integrally connected to the column body P2, which is configured to have a variable height (length). A column body formed to have a variable height by connecting such an extension member with a telescopic mechanism can be realized, for example, by equipping it with a hydraulically driven telescopic mechanism. In this case, the position adjustment member attached to the column body connection mechanism grips the height-adjusted column body with an attached chuck device, thereby allowing the beam structure to be held at a height independently adjusted by the column body. In addition, relative position adjustment can also be achieved by methods such as forming the connection between the column and the column connecting mechanism (attached position adjustment means) with a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0103] (Internal drilling device) Next, the intermediate excavation device 5 (second support pile driving device), which is used in conjunction with the steel pipe driving device for support piles and other steel pipes in the aforementioned pier construction, will be explained based on Figure 8. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the configuration and extension / retraction operation of the excavation device 5.

[0104] The internal excavation device 5 mainly consists of a reaction force securing unit 51 for securing the reaction force for excavation and an excavation unit 52 for excavating the ground below it. This internal excavation device 5 is a crane-suspended type excavation device and is used to excavate the ground while being inserted inside the support pile P1 when the support pile P1 is driven in.

[0105] The reaction force securing unit 51 is composed of a hydraulic cylinder 54 whose piston rod tip is connected to the excavation unit 52, and a crimping device 55 for taking reaction force against the inner wall of the tubular support pile P1.

[0106] The crimping body 56 of the crimping device 55 is provided to be movable back and forth, and is pressed against the inner wall surface of the tubular support pile P1 when the internal excavation device 5 is inserted inside the support pile P1. As a result, the excavation reaction force in the excavation section 55 (rotational reaction force of the rotary drive device 50, press-in reaction force of the hydraulic cylinder 54) is supported by the support pile P1.

[0107] The excavation section 55 comprises an auger screw 58 equipped with spiral fins, a rotary drive device 50 for rotating the screw, and a soil storage section 59 provided to surround the screw.

[0108] The soil storage section 59, which is made of a cylindrical member, surrounds the auger screw 58 and is provided with an opening at its lower end. Inside the soil storage section 59, the auger screw 58 can rotate freely in both forward and reverse directions. The soil that has been lifted up by the fins of the auger screw 58 is stored inside the storage section 59 and is then trapped inside the storage section by the fins of the auger screw 58.

[0109] The excavation device 5, with the above configuration, ensures a reaction force against the support pile P1 to be driven, and as shown in Figure 8(b), operates the hydraulic cylinder 54 to apply a pushing force to the tip bit of the auger screw 58. Simultaneously, the rotary drive device 50 rotates the auger screw 58, and its tip bit performs rotational impact excavation of the target ground. The soil generated by the excavation is lifted up by the auger screw 58 and stored in the soil storage section 59 surrounding the screw. Furthermore, the configuration of the drilling device is not limited to that of the auger screw described above; for example, a device equipped with a down-the-hole hammer at its tip may also be used.

[0110] (Crane-suspended steel pipe driving device) Next, we will explain, with reference to Figure 9, a steel pipe driving device 8 equipped with a suspended down-the-hole hammer on a crane, which can be used as a steel pipe driving device for support piles and other steel pipes in the aforementioned pier construction. Figure 9 shows the configuration of a steel pipe driving device equipped with a down-the-hole hammer.

[0111] As shown in Figure 9, the drilling device 8, which can be used as a steel pipe driving device such as a support pile, mainly consists of a crane-suspended rotary drive device 80, a drill rod 85 (drilling shaft member) connected to the rotary drive device 80, and a down-the-hole hammer 87 which has a built-in piston for generating impact pressure input.

[0112] A drill rod 85 equipped with a down-the-hole hammer 87 is provided with an expandable and retractable drilling bit 89 for excavating the ground at its lower end. Above the drilling bit 89 and on the outer circumferential surface below the down-the-hole hammer 87, an overhang 86 (an engaging portion that abuts vertically with the casing top 75 on the support pile side) is fixed for applying impact force to the lower part of the support pile P1.

[0113] When driving support piles P1 using the drilling device 8 configured as described above, the rotary drive device 80 applies rotational force to the drill rod 85, and at the same time, compressed air is supplied to the down-the-hole hammer 87. When compressed air is supplied to the down-the-hole hammer 87, the piston built into the down-the-hole hammer 87 moves up and down, and the impact force of the piston is transmitted to the drilling bit 89 at the tip of the hammer. As a result, continuous impact drilling can be performed on the ground to be drilled while applying rotation.

[0114] Furthermore, when using the crane-suspended steel pipe driving device shown in Figure 9 as a pile driving device, for example, using a pier panel 1 with a beam structure as indicated in Figure 2B of this embodiment as a pile guide, the steel pipe driving device is replaced with the rotary press-in device 4 in Figure 2B, and the steel pipe driving device is configured as follows. In other words, in a support pile driving device (steel pipe driving device) composed of a support pile P1 assembled to behave integrally with an excavation device 8, the support pile P1 is provided with a rotational restraining member (not shown) in its longitudinal direction to supply the rotational reaction force of the rotational drive device 80, and an engagement mechanism during excavation is provided by engagement grooves (not shown) provided in the guide parts 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of the column connecting mechanism 6 provided in the pier panel 1 of Figure 2B, and by inserting the support pile driving device vertically into any of the above guide parts (or the insertion openings provided therein), the support pile P1 is erected vertically, and then when excavation (excavation and pile erection) is started, the pier panel 1, which functions as a pile guide, provides a stable supply of rotational reaction force, enabling crane-suspended leaderless construction of steel pipes.

[0115] In other words, the drilling device 8 (support pile driving device) advances by striking and excavating the target ground using the principle described above. As the drilling device advances, the overhang portion 86 fixed to the outer surface of the upper part of the drilling bit 89 below the down-the-hole hammer 87 and the casing top (overhang portion / shoe ring) fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the support pile P1 interfere with each other (collide with each other) in the vertical direction, causing the support pile P1 to be driven in by impact in the direction of drilling.

[0116] Therefore, when the ground is excavated with the drill rod 85 of the pile driving device 8 inserted through the support pile P1, a striking force is simultaneously applied to the lower part of the support pile, causing the support pile P1 to follow the pile driving device 8, and thus the impact driving of the support pile P1 proceeds simultaneously with the excavation.

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for driving steel pipes into the ground, and the materials driven by the drilling device 8 include steel pipe piles, steel sheet piles, and steel pipes for shafts—in which case the drilling device 8 becomes a support pile driving device—but may also include, for example, tubular drilling casings. In other words, depending on the design conditions, this method can be used to drive drilling casings into the ground, then fill the hole (inside the drilled casing) with sand to create sand replacement piles, or erect H-shaped steel or reinforcing cages, and then drive in various grout materials to construct earth retaining piles, cast-in-place piles, etc. (at which point the drilling casings can be withdrawn). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] P1 Support pile (steel pipe pile)... This is an example of a steel pipe. P1' Existing support piles (steel pipe piles)... This is an example of steel pipes. P2 column 1. Pier panels (pier beam structure) 1' Existing pier panels (pier beam structure) 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d Guide section (Guiding means for supporting piles, columns, etc.) 11 Main frame (beams) 12 Cross beam (beam) 14 Connection part 15 Connecting part 2 Support device 21 Backstay 22 Length-adjustable connecting member 23 Reaction pole 25 wires 26 Chain Block 31 Wire 32 Reaction poles 33 Backstay 4. Support pile driving device (rotary press-in device)... This is an example of a device for driving steel pipes. 41 Fixed part 43 Chuck device 45 Up / Down Drive System 47 Rotary drive device 5. Second support pile driving device (intermediate excavation device)... This is an example of a steel pipe driving device. 50 Rotary drive unit 51 Reaction force securing section 52 Excavation Section 54 Hydraulic Cylinder 55 Crimping device 56 Crimping body 58 Auger Screw 59. Soil storage area 6 Column connection mechanism 61 Connecting part 63 Upper zipper section 65 Lower zipper section 67 Jack section (position adjustment means) 68 Lower connection part 69 Upper connection part 8. Drilling equipment 80 Rotary drive unit 85 Drill Rod 86 Overhang 87 Down-the-Hole Hammer 89 drilling bits 90 Chain hoist (position adjustment mechanism) 91. Weight (Counterweight / Special component for suppressing the lifting of pier panels)

Claims

1. In a method of installing steel pipes using a beam structure, A process of installing a beam structure equipped with a guide section capable of guiding the steel pipes to be driven in the direction of the ground, so as to position it in the hollow section, The process of installing a steel pipe driving device on the guide portion provided in the beam structure, The process of fixing the column connection mechanism to the beam structure, The process involves erecting a column that can temporarily support the beam structure positioned in the hollow section, and connecting it to the beam structure via the column connecting mechanism, The process of erecting the steel pipes to be driven in the ground via the steel pipe driving device, The process of driving the steel pipes into the ground using the steel pipe driving device while maintaining the position of the beam structure with the column connected to the beam structure via the column connecting mechanism, It includes, The column connecting mechanism has position adjustment means for adjusting the relative positions of the columns to be connected. With the column erected in the ground, the position adjustment means of the column connecting mechanism is activated to adjust the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section, and the beam structure is held in the design position during the process until the beam structure is supported by the driven steel pipes. A method for installing steel pipes, characterized by the features described above.

2. In the method for driving steel pipes according to claim 1, A method for driving steel pipes, characterized in that the steel pipes to be driven are pile bodies.

3. The beam structure is equipped with multiple guide sections, The column connecting mechanism is fixed to at least one of the guide portions provided in the beam structure. The method for installing steel pipes as described in feature 1.

4. The method for installing steel pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that a support device for supporting the load of a beam structure, which is installed to be positioned in a hollow section, is provided in conjunction with the support device, and the load of the beam structure is supported by the support device.

5. The column is composed of a member for temporarily supporting the beam structure, After ensuring that the beam structure is supported by the aforementioned steel pipes, the column is removed. The method for installing steel pipes as described in feature 1.

6. The column is composed of steel pipes to support the beam structure. The method for installing steel pipes as described in feature 1.

7. In the process of driving the aforementioned steel pipes into the ground using the aforementioned steel pipe driving device, The method for driving steel pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that a weight for suppressing the uplift of the beam structure is installed on the beam structure, and the steel pipes are driven into the ground with the weight installed on the beam structure.

8. A column connecting mechanism for use in the steel pipe installation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A connecting part for connecting the column connecting mechanism to the beam structure, It has a position adjustment means for adjusting the height position of the column connected to the column connecting mechanism, With the column installed in the ground, the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section is adjusted by activating the position adjustment means of the column connecting mechanism. A columnar connecting mechanism characterized by the following features.

9. A column connecting mechanism for use in the steel pipe installation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A connecting part for connecting the column connecting mechanism to the beam structure, It has a position adjustment means for adjusting the relative position between the column connected to the column connecting mechanism and the connecting part, With the column installed in the ground, the height of the beam structure positioned in the hollow section is adjusted by activating the position adjustment means of the column connecting mechanism. A columnar connecting mechanism characterized by the following features.

10. A bridge construction method comprising connecting a beam structure using the steel pipe installation method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 with the installed steel pipes to construct a bridge.

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