Damping Segmental Ring Structure for Deformable Subway Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subway tunnel lining structures face challenges in adapting to differential settlement and high-intensity earthquakes, leading to stress concentration and potential damage, as existing technologies lack self-adjustment capabilities for deformation and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A damping segmental ring structure comprising a damper with arc-like pieces, transitional grooved segmental ring structures, and a steel tube, which allows for self-adjustment and rotation while maintaining structural integrity, using a counter-reaction bolting system and waterproofing gaskets to support the structure and resist earth and water pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid segmental ring structures are used for tunnel lining, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but the structure cannot adapt to differential settlement and earthquake-induced deformation, leading to stress concentration and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is divided into multiple arc-like pieces (3-4 pieces per ring) that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the structure to accommodate deformation while maintaining overall integrity. Each piece acts as an independent segment that can adjust to local stress conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper incorporates rotational joints between arc-like pieces that enable dynamic adjustment to differential settlement and earthquake-induced deformation. The structure transitions from a static rigid form to a dynamic system that can adapt to varying load conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tunnel lining structure is designed to accommodate deformation and rotation, then adaptability to harsh environments is improved, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structure combines steel arc-like pieces with rubber pads and steel plates to create a composite system. The steel components provide structural strength and stability, while the rubber pads provide flexibility and damping, achieving both adaptability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the structure have different properties: the steel arc-like pieces and bolting system provide rigidity and strength, while the rubber pads provide flexibility and shock absorption. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously maintain stability and accommodate deformation.
3Reliability
If a damping segmental ring structure with multiple components is implemented, then adaptability and damage mitigation are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is segmented into modular arc-like pieces that can be manufactured separately and assembled in the field. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity for each individual component while achieving the desired overall functionality through systematic assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-like pieces serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable rotation for adaptation to deformation, and work with the rubber pads for damping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the arc-like pieces of the damper are reduced in number compared to regular segmental ring pieces, then ease of installation and transportation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damper uses fewer, larger arc-like pieces (3-4 per ring) compared to traditional segmental rings (6-8 pieces), reducing the number of connections required and simplifying transportation. The segmentation is optimized to balance ease of installation with structural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-reaction bolting system acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies assembly by providing a standardized connection method between arc-like pieces and the steel tube. This standardized interface reduces assembly precision requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The damping segmental ring structure effectively mitigates damage from differential settlement and earthquakes by allowing deformation and rotation, maintaining structural stability and reducing the need for extensive replacement of existing tunnel lining systems, while being cost-efficient and adaptable for installation in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The spring system (26) comprises at least two stout extension springs (29)
Implementation Method 2
The internal core (22) comprises a plurality of interbedded rubber pads (27) and steel plates (28)
Implementation Method 3
which will generate frictions among the contact surfaces between the rubber pads (27) and the steel plates (28)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention of damping segmental ring structure for subway tunnels built in grim environments of deformable ground can mitigate the stress-concentration of the tunnel lining structures. The deformable ground can be caused by differential settlement or high-intensity earthquakes. Embodiments of the invention have self-adjustment features and forms for deformation and rotation, which comprise one adapter in the middle, two transitional grooved segmental structures, and an internal steel tube. All three forms comprised 3 or 4 pieces with the same features so they can be easily installed, transported and erected on sites and bolts are used to bolt them together to form an integrity structure with damping characteristics. The damper placed in the middle comprises two loading plates that form the shell of the damper, the internal core of the damper which includes interbedded installed rubber pads and steel plates within the loading plates and spring systems that compress the internal core. The springs are locked to the loading plates using locking clamps and the loading plates are bolted to the transitional grooved segmental ring structures, and the transitional grooved segmental ring structures are bolted themselves in the circumferential direction to form a ring structure and bolted with the regular segmental ring structures in the longitudinal direction. The internal steel tube is concentric with the damper but has a smaller diameter so it can support the damper by fastening the counter-reaction bolts installed in the bent-up flanges of each piece. Waterproof anti-slippery rubber pads are placed in all interfaces between the damper, and the transitional segmental ring structure, the regular segmental ring structure and the internal steel tube. The invention of the damping segmental ring structure has self-adjustment capabilities for deformation and rotation whereas the stiffness remains sufficient to resist soil and groundwater pressure. The invented damping segmental ring structure can be manufactured in factories that manufacture the regular segmental ring structure and can be shipped to and installed on-site using the same equipment that installs the regular segmental ring structure. The internal steel tube provides double-safety for the stiffness of the damper and the supports can be adjusted during tunnel operations.