Multi-Function Retaining Structure for Urban Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for excavation and implementation of retaining structures in loose granular soil formations and high groundwater levels are ineffective and expensive, especially in urban settings where machinery use is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function retaining structure comprising I-beams, inclined stiffener plates, water drainage mechanisms, and geotextile layers that form a rectangular chamber for soil stabilization and water drainage, with water jet tubes for soil softening and a wedge-shaped tip for penetrating hard rock surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retaining structure methods are used in loose granular soil formations and high groundwater levels, then soil wall stabilization is attempted, but the methods become ineffective and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure is divided into modular components including I-beams, inclined stiffener plates, water drainage mechanisms, and geotextile layers that can be assembled together to form a rectangular chamber. This segmentation allows the system to address multiple problems (soil stabilization, water drainage, rock penetration) through separate functional modules rather than a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure integrates multiple functions into a single system: the I-beams and stiffener plates provide structural support for soil stabilization, the water drainage mechanism handles groundwater, the wedge-shaped tip penetrates hard rock surfaces, and geotextile layers prevent soil erosion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity while improving reliability in challenging conditions.
2Ease of operation
If diaphragm wall method or tie back nailing method is implemented in urban settings, then excavation is attempted, but the methods are equally ineffective and expensive due to infrastructure constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The water drainage mechanism extracts groundwater from the excavation site by collecting water through the rectangular chamber and channeling it through drainage pipes. This extraction of excess water improves soil stability and makes excavation feasible in urban settings where conventional methods fail due to high groundwater levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The water jet tubes change the physical state of the soil by jetting water into loose granular soil formations, softening the soil to facilitate easier excavation. This parameter change (from dry/compact to wet/softened soil) enables excavation operations in urban areas with infrastructure constraints where traditional mechanical excavation would be ineffective or dangerous.
3Productivity
If water jet tubes are used for soil softening, then excavation efficiency is improved, but water management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water jet tubes and water drainage mechanism are merged into a single integrated system. The same water management infrastructure that softens the soil for excavation also collects and drains excess groundwater. This combination eliminates the need for separate water injection and water drainage systems, reducing overall water management complexity while maintaining high excavation productivity.
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 solution effectively stabilizes soil walls, facilitates efficient water drainage, and penetrates through hard rock surfaces, reducing excavation costs and improving construction efficiency in challenging urban environments.
Implementation Method 1
jetting water to the soils utilizing a first water jet tube and a second water jet tube
Implementation Method 2
the wedge-shaped tip may be configured to penetrate into soil and tamper through hard rock surfaces
Implementation Method 3
draining water from the ground at the target location
Implementation Method 4
a filter mechanism may be attached to a bottom end of the drainage tube
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function retaining structure for excavation and drainage operations during construction process and a method for excavation and implementation of a multi-function retaining structure at a target location. The multi-function retaining structure includes a first I-beam, a second I-beam, a third I-beam, a first inclined stiffener plate, and a second inclined stiffener plate. The method includes positioning the multi-function retaining structure above the target location, driving the multi-function retaining structure into the target location by pushing the bottom edge of the third web into the target location, softening soils in the target location by jetting water to the soils utilizing a first water jet tube and a second water jet tube, extracting the first water jet tube and the second water jet tube from the rectangular chamber, and draining water from the rectangular chamber by utilizing a water drainage pump and through a drainage tube.