Movable Tunnel Formwork With Guide Rail for Faster Lining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Belgian method for constructing short excavated tunnels is slow and costly due to manual excavation and frequent formwork assembly/disassembly, necessitating a more automated and efficient formwork system for lining tunnel side walls.
Innovation Solution
A movable formwork system with a guide rail and anchoring structure allows for automated lining of vertical surfaces, including tunnel side walls, using sliding panels that are fastened and positioned using rolling means and anchoring to previously set concrete segments, reducing the need for heavy machinery and manpower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual excavation and batch lining are used (Belgian method), then excavation stability is improved, but construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system is designed to be movable rather than stationary, allowing it to be repositioned along the tunnel using rolling means. This dynamic capability enables continuous lining operation while maintaining the stability benefits of the Belgian method through controlled incremental advancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork system is self-propelling through the use of rolling means that enable it to move along the guide rail without requiring external heavy machinery. The system serves itself by incorporating its own movement capability, eliminating the need for separate lifting and positioning operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent formwork assembly and disassembly are performed, then lining precision is improved, but construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork transitions from a static assembled structure to a dynamic movable system. Once assembled at the initial position, it can be repositioned multiple times along the guide rail using rolling means, eliminating the need for repeated disassembly and reassembly while maintaining lining precision through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork system serves multiple functions: it provides the lining mold, incorporates its own movement mechanism through rolling means, and can be repositioned repeatedly along the guide rail. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate assembly/disassembly operations for each lining segment.
3Measurement precision
If heavy machinery is used for formwork handling, then positioning accuracy is improved, but site invasion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system uses its own integrated rolling means for movement rather than relying on external heavy machinery. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional equipment in the confined tunnel space, minimizing site invasion while maintaining positioning accuracy through the guide rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail acts as an intermediary element between the formwork and the tunnel structure. It provides a precise tracking path for the formwork movement while requiring minimal space, serving as a space-efficient mediator that enables accurate positioning without heavy machinery.
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 system significantly reduces construction time and cost while minimizing site invasion, enabling efficient and automated lining of tunnel surfaces with minimal disruption.
Implementation Method 1
rolling means sliding on a surface of the guide rail
Data Source
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Figure 1B
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a movable formwork system for lining part of a tunnel. The system comprises: a guide rail, fastening means for fastening the guide rail to a surface of the tunnel to be lined, a formwork panel coupled to the guide rail, rolling means sliding on a surface of the guide rail and attached to the formwork panel, an anchoring structure having one part attached to the formwork panel and another part projecting from the formwork panel and is configured to be fastened to a surface of the tunnel to be lined. The formwork panel along with the anchoring structure can move together guided by the guide rail when the anchoring structure is not fastened to a surface of the tunnel to be lined. The invention is applicable for building mined soft-ground tunnels, for example, where the so-called Belgian tunneling method is recommended.