Vertical Riser Construction via Pipe Jacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods cannot construct vertical risers with permanent lining by excavating from an underground position upwards through soil, especially in underwater applications, as they lack the capability for one-pass operation and effective soil displacement and sealing.

Innovation Solution

A pipe jacking equipment with a displacement head equipped with a hydro-demolition system and soil discharge line, combined with special segment rings for rotational adjustability and sealing systems, allows for the vertical installation of riser segments from underground to upper levels through soil formations, including underwater applications, using a keystone launching segment for watertight connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional boring methods are used to excavate vertical holes, then excavation can be performed, but permanent lining and sealing cannot be installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent lining installationVSAvoidconstruction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (excavation, lining installation, and sealing) into a single integrated pipe jacking operation. The pipe segments serve both as the permanent lining structure and as the excavation tool, eliminating the need for separate construction phases and enabling one-pass operation through soil and underwater environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe segments are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as the permanent lining structure, serve as the excavation tool through the hydro-demolition system, and provide sealing capabilities. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling all required operations through a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If pipe jacking equipment is used for vertical excavation, then one-pass operation is achieved, but soil displacement and sealing capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-pass operation efficiencyVSAvoidsoil displacement and sealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement head is equipped with a hydro-demolition system that uses high-pressure water jets to erode and displace soil during the jacking operation. This hydraulic system enables effective soil removal while maintaining the one-pass operation capability, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sealing systems using flexible membrane elements that can adapt to the surrounding soil and water conditions. These flexible sealing components ensure watertight connections and effective soil displacement while maintaining the integrity of the one-pass operation through variable geological conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If vertical risers are constructed from underground upwards, then underwater applications are enabled, but conventional methods lack permanent lining and sealing capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderwater application capabilityVSAvoidwatertight connection and permanent lining

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The riser structure is divided into modular pipe segments that can be assembled and installed sequentially during the upward jacking operation. Each segment incorporates integrated sealing elements, enabling the construction of long vertical risers in underwater conditions while ensuring permanent lining and watertight connections through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables one-pass operation for soil excavation and riser segment installation with permanent lining, reducing construction complexity, cost, and environmental impact, while ensuring watertight connections and improved hydraulic performance in underwater conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a displacement head, equipped with a hydro-demolition system and a soil discharge line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydro-demolition: Jet Erosion

Implementation Method 2

a sealing system configured to connect the riser and the tunnel, to guarantee a watertight connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11441423B2Method and apparatus for the bottom-up construction of vertical risers from underground passes through the soil, using a pipe jacking equipment

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 WEBUILD SPA

AI summary

A “Riser Concept” Method and Apparatus includes the bottom-up construction of vertical risers from underground passes through the soil, using a pipe jacking equipment. The pipe jacking equipment vertically push the riser pipe from underground pass upwards through soil formations to waterbody, air intake, terrain surface or like. The method and mechanism can be applied either in traditionally bored tunnel or in tunnel bored by tunnel boring machine.