Seal-Carrier Reinforcement Cage for Formwork-Free Diaphragm Wall Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining diaphragm wall panels require the use of formwork, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement element with a seal-carrier is used, comprising a reinforcement cage and a seal-housing with sacrificial material, allowing the seal to be embedded between panels without formwork, ensuring continuity and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic formwork is used to install the seal along the end edge of the panel, then the sealing continuity between adjacent panels is ensured, but the manufacturing cost and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal-carrier integrates the seal installation function directly into the reinforcement cage structure by fixing the seal to the reinforcement bars. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate formwork while ensuring the seal is properly positioned along the end edge of the panel, thereby maintaining sealing continuity without increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement cage serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement for the concrete panel and simultaneously acts as a carrier for installing and positioning the seal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated formwork, reducing both manufacturing cost and construction time while ensuring reliable seal installation
2Reliability
If a metallic formwork is used to install the seal along the end edge of the panel, then the seal positioning is ensured, but the construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-fixed to the reinforcement cage before the concrete pouring operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the seal is already in the correct position when the panel is constructed, eliminating the need for time-consuming formwork installation and subsequent seal installation during construction
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the seal fixation to the reinforcement cage, the seal positioning function is merged into the reinforcement installation process. This allows the seal to be positioned correctly during the same operation as the reinforcement cage installation, significantly reducing construction time compared to using separate formwork
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first panel is overlapped so that the concrete of the second panel comes into contact with the concrete of the first panel, then the continuity of concrete is ensured, but the sealing between panels cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between the concrete of adjacent panels. It is installed along the end edge of the panel where the panels will join, allowing the concrete to be continuous while the seal provides the necessary waterproof barrier to ensure sealing between panels
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the sealing function from the concrete structure itself by introducing a dedicated seal element. The seal is installed separately on the reinforcement cage, allowing the concrete to maintain continuity while the seal provides the waterproofing function that concrete alone cannot provide
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcement element for a diaphragm wall is described. The reinforcement element includes a reinforcement cage, the reinforcement element further includes a seal-carrier provided with a mounting part for receiving at least one seal, which is elongated, the seal-carrier is fixed to the first end part of the reinforcement cage and extends along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement cage, the seal-carrier defines a housing for receiving the seal, at least a first part of which is surrounded by a sacrificial material. Additionally, a method for making a diaphragm wall in the ground is described that comprises placing the reinforcement element in a first trench, pouring concrete into the first trench, and discharging the sacrificial material out of the housing using a scraping tool.