US 10,746,022 B2 · Helical segmental lining

Abstract

The Helical segmental lining is an invention in tunneling industry wherein segments are designed in helical shape that are connected by interlocking system. The proposed helical tunnel lining method allows for segment erection and excavation to be completed concurrently and continuously by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) which will result in increasing the tunneling speed. The segments have tongue projection on the two trailing sides (circumferential and radial) and similar groove recess in the opposite two leading sides. This forms a tongue-and-groove joint at both circumferential and radial joints. The system allows for optional post-tensioning (PT) strand to be inserted into the leading circumferential side of the segments. The optional PT strand is fitted into a continuous groove located at the leading circumferential side of the segments. The system has solutions for the alignment curves and turning of the helical segmental lining, sealing of the system as well as terminating the strand and beginning another due to limitation of the strand length. The method is eliminating bolt connection between segments and increase tunnel advancement rate. The system allows for using typical (identical) segments.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A helical segmental lining comprising a plurality of helical segments that form an interlock connection, each helical segment comprising:

a tongue at a circumferential side that forms tongue circumferential side and a groove at an opposite side of said tongue circumferential side that forms groove circumferential side to provide the interlock connection between adjacent helical segments,
wherein said tongue and groove circumferential sides are a helix curve and parallel,
wherein a plurality of spacers with gradually modified thicknesses are provided between said tongue and groove circumferential sides of said plurality of helical segments to allow providing curves for alignment of said helical segmental lining,
wherein said spacers are continuous or un-continuous,
wherein one or a plurality of rows of gaskets are added on said tongue or groove circumferential sides of each of said helical segment to allow providing sealing at said helical segmental lining,
wherein projection sides of said tongue are parallel or slightly tapered,
wherein recess sides of said groove are parallel or slightly tapered, and
wherein said one or a plurality of rows of gaskets are positioned on the projection side of said tongue circumferential side or on the recess side of said groove circumferential side of each of said helical segment.

5 more elements

A tubular helical segmental lining with a sub-rectangular, a sub-square or an elliptical section shape comprising a plurality of tubular helical segments that have equal or dissimilar outer surface curvature radius and have equal or dissimilar circumferential side lengths wherein when assembled in sequence forms a course, each tubular helical segment comprising:

a tongue at a circumferential side that forms tongue circumferential side and a groove at an opposite side of the said tongue circumferential side that forms groove circumferential side to provide an interlock connection between adjacent tubular helical segments,
wherein said tongue and groove circumferential sides are a helix curve and parallel,
wherein a plurality of spacers with gradually modified thicknesses are provided between said tongue and groove circumferential sides of said tubular helical segments to allow providing curves for alignment of said tubular helical segmental lining, wherein one or a plurality of rows of gaskets are added on said tongue or groove circumferential sides of each of said tubular helical segment to allow providing sealing at said tubular helical segmental lining,
wherein said spacers are continuous or un-continuous,
wherein projection sides of said tongue are parallel or slightly tapered,
wherein recess sides of said groove are parallel or slightly tapered, and
wherein said one or a plurality of rows of gaskets are positioned on the projection side of said tongue circumferential side or on the recess side of said groove circumferential side of each of said tubular helical segment.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Helical segmental lining

Life of this patent

Helical segmental lining

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16