Shallow Tunnel Formation Using Sliding Modular Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tunneling techniques for forming underground transport routes are expensive and require significant space for access routes, leading to surface disruption and land use issues, especially in urban areas where noise and pollution from surface transport routes are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of at least two spaced access tunnels with guide surfaces, where pre-cast or on-site units are slid along these surfaces to create a tunnel structure at a shallow depth, allowing for a new transport route to be formed parallel to existing ones, with reduced access road length and minimal surface disruption, using access ramps for connection to existing routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional tunnelling techniques are used to form tunnels at depth of 20-30 metres, then the tunnel structure achieves sufficient structural strength, but the access routes become relatively long and require significant surface space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the depth parameter from conventional 20-30 metres to a reduced depth of 2-10 metres. This parameter change allows the tunnel to achieve sufficient structural strength at a shallower depth, thereby reducing the required length and surface area of access routes while maintaining the tunnel's load-bearing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel structure is formed using pre-cast segments or modules that are assembled in sequence at the reduced depth. This segmentation approach enables the construction of a structurally sound tunnel at shallower depths by distributing structural loads across multiple modular units, resolving the contradiction between reduced depth and structural strength
2Area of stationary object
If tunnels are formed at reduced depth of 2-10 metres, then the access routes become shorter and surface space is minimized, but the structural strength requirement becomes more challenging to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction methods combining pre-cast concrete segments with reinforcement elements and grouting materials. This composite approach enables the tunnel structure at reduced depth to achieve the required structural strength by combining multiple materials with complementary properties, overcoming the challenge of maintaining strength at shallower depths
3Strength
If conventional tunnelling techniques are used, then the tunnel can be formed with sufficient structural strength, but noise and pollution disruption to residents is significant
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the depth parameter to 2-10 metres, the tunnel is positioned closer to the surface, allowing for less intrusive construction methods. This reduces the need for deep drilling and heavy machinery operation at surface level, thereby minimizing noise and pollution disruption to residents while maintaining structural integrity through the use of pre-cast segments
4Area of stationary object
If tunnels are formed at reduced depth, then land use is minimized and surface disruption is reduced, but the excavation and unit installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel construction is divided into sequential steps involving pre-cast segments that are manufactured off-site and assembled in-place. This segmentation simplifies the on-site excavation and installation process at reduced depth by using standardized modular units, thereby reducing land use and surface disruption while managing construction complexity through systematic assembly
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 approach reduces the depth and length of access roads, minimizing land use and disruption, enabling the formation of tunnels that can serve as additional or replacement transport routes with reduced environmental and social impact, while maintaining the structural strength for a long lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a plurality of units from at least one end of the said access tunnels and successively sliding the said units along the said at least one guide surface of said access tunnels
Implementation Method 2
sliding the said units along the said at least one guide surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3c
Figure 3a
AI summary
A method and apparatus for forming a tunnel structure at a relatively shallow depth from the surface, which tunnel can be used as a replacement or additional transport route to an existing transport route (2) which is already formed on the surface. The method comprises the steps of forming two spaced apart access tunnels, installing piles (15), installing slide tracks (17) in each of the tunnels, removing a part of the tunnels (hatched portion) to expose the tracks, introducing units (22) comprising side walls portions (26, 28) and a roof section (30) by moving the units along the tracks while excavating the soil in which the tunnel is to be formed is in advance of the leading edge of the units.