Assembled Subway Station Connection Using Concave-Convex Structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bolted connections in assembled subway stations face issues with bearing small bending moments, uneven force transmission, structural stress concentration, and inability to meet high-performance waterproof requirements, while also being cumbersome and inefficient in construction.

Innovation Solution

A connection method using concave-convex structures, C-shaped grooves, and H-shaped steels with wedge structures, along with high-strength grouting and epoxy resin, to provide stronger, even force transmission and improved sealing between components, replacing traditional bolted connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bolted connection is used to connect components, then the connection can be assembled, but it cannot meet design requirements since it withstands relatively small bending moment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending moment capacityVSAvoidconnection method
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: concave-convex structures for positioning, C-shaped grooves for embedding, H-shaped steel connecting members for force bearing, and grouting material for bonding. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in a specific function, collectively achieving high bending moment capacity while maintaining assembly ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system uses composite construction combining concrete components with embedded steel structures (C-shaped and H-shaped steels) and grouting material. This composite approach leverages the compressive strength of concrete, the tensile strength of steel, and the bonding properties of grouting material to achieve superior bending moment resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If bolted connection is used, then components can be connected, but it has uneven force transmission which is likely to cause structural stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission uniformityVSAvoidstructural damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concave-convex structures on component surfaces automatically provide positioning and initial force distribution when components are assembled. The geometry itself serves the function of alignment and load distribution without requiring additional active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection method transitions from discrete bolt connection points to continuous contact surfaces through grouting material filling the gaps between components. This parameter change from point-to-line contact distributes forces continuously across the entire connection interface, eliminating stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If bolted connection is used, then components can be assembled, but it cannot meet the high-performance waterproof requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidconnection method
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure merges mechanical connection functions with waterproofing functions into a single integrated system. The grouting material simultaneously provides structural bonding and waterproof sealing, while the H-shaped steel connecting members provide both mechanical strength and a continuous barrier against water penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproofing achievement relies on composite construction where grouting material (cement-based or epoxy) fills all gaps and joints between components, creating a continuous impermeable barrier. This composite approach combines the structural concrete with the sealing properties of specialized grouting materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If bolted connection is used, then components can be connected, but the operation of screwing bolts is cumbersome and the construction efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidconnection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical bolt-screw connection system is replaced with a grouting-based bonding system. Instead of requiring manual or automated bolting operations, the connection is achieved through pouring grouting material into the assembly gaps, which then cures to form a strong bond. This substitution eliminates cumbersome bolt operations entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped and H-shaped steel structures are pre-installed into grooves and positions before the grouting operation. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning, allowing the subsequent grouting to proceed quickly without requiring complex adjustment or tightening operations during the main connection phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11926982B2Assembled subway station and construction method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 GUANGZHOU METRO DESIGN & RES INST CO LTD
  • US11926982B2 patent drawing
  • US11926982B2 patent drawing
  • US11926982B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembled subway station and a construction method thereof are provided. The assembled subway station includes a plurality of components combined in a ring shape, comprising a bottom plate component, two bottom corner components, two side wall components, a middle plate component, two top corner components, and a top plate component. Connection surfaces of each component are each provided with a concave-convex structure being matched with another concave-convex structure on a relevant connection surface of an adjacent component. Butt joint positions of two adjacent components are filled with sealing structures. The embedded grooves of two adjacent components are oppositely arranged, and connecting members for exerting opposite fastening forces on the two adjacent components are installed in the oppositely arranged embedded grooves. The opposite fastening forces are exerted on the two adjacent components through connecting members to ensure sealing structures at the butt joint position and achieve better sealing effects.