Monolithic Underground Concrete Structure via Interconnected Jet Grouting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing underground artificial conglomerate structures, such as jet grouting, fail to create stable and waterproof monolithic structures due to soil non-uniformity and deviations from vertical column formations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the sequential formation of interconnected columnar blocks using jet grouting, where primary, secondary, and tertiary columns are created with varying cross-sectional areas and shapes, with tertiary columns forming in the central spaces to enhance strength and waterproofing, and caps are added to seal and reinforce the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If jet grouting is used to form columnar artificial conglomerate structures, then soil consolidation is achieved, but the structures are not monolithic and waterproof due to deviations from vertical and soil non-uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof stabilityVSAvoidmonolithic structure continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple columnar blocks into a unified monolithic structure by injecting binder material into the interstices between adjacent columns. This combining process creates continuous ligatures that connect previously separate columns, forming a monolithic artificial conglomerate structure that ensures both waterproofing and structural continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses binder material as an intermediary substance to connect and unify the columnar blocks. This binder acts as a mediating element that fills the gaps and bonding surfaces between columns, creating strong adhesion and forming a continuous monolithic structure that overcomes the discontinuity of individual jet-grouted columns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If columnar blocks are formed by jet grouting, then soil consolidation is achieved, but the structure lacks rigidity and resistance to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidconstruction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple columnar blocks into a unified monolithic structure through binder injection, creating a rigid composite structure with enhanced load-bearing capacity and deformation resistance. The merging of columns into a monolithic whole significantly improves structural strength while maintaining the relative simplicity of the jet grouting construction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This method results in a stable, waterproof, and monolithic underground structure capable of withstanding soil excavation and minimizing water infiltration, with improved rigidity and resistance to deformation.

Implementation Method 1

methods are based on the mixing of particles of the soil itself with binders, usually cement mixtures, which are injected at high pressure through small radial nozzles formed in the proximity of the lower end of a tubular shaft which is rotated and raised towards the surface. The jets of binder disgregate and are mixed with the surrounding soil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet grouting: Jet

Implementation Method 2

The disgregating efficiency of the jet can be increased by the addition of injected water and/or pressurized air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized air: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP1961867B1A method of building a monolithic underground concrete structure
Publication Date: 2013.07.03 TREVI
  • EP1961867B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP1961867B1 patent drawingFigure 7
  • EP1961867B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

Jet grouting methods are used to form a first plurality of parallel primary columns (P) which are spaced apart from each other and which are positioned with a spacing between them according to a predetermined reticular layout. A second set of secondary columnar blocks (S) is then formed, each of these blocks being interposed between and securely joining two consecutive primary blocks (P), thus providing at least one closed ring structure composed of a sequence of primary blocks alternating with secondary blocks which surround at least one central portion of soil. Finally, a tertiary columnar block (T) is formed in this central portion to securely join the surrounding primary (P) and secondary (S) blocks. These operations are repeated to produce a monolithic underground artificial conglomerate structure.