Abstract: In a general aspect, a method is presented for manufacturing support structures for offshore wind turbines. In some implementations, the method includes constructing a plurality of modular sections that assemble to define the support structure. One or more of the plurality of modular sections are configured to anchor to an underwater floor. At least one of the plurality of modular sections is constructed by operations that include forming a wall along a perimeter to bound a volume, filling the volume with a castable material, and hardening the castable material. In some instances, forming the wall includes depositing layers of printable material successively on top of each other. The method also includes joining the plurality of modular sections to assemble the support structure.

Abstract: A composite utility tunnel including a plurality of prefabricated tunnel units which are connected to one another. Each tunnel unit includes a tunnel body and a support component. The tunnel body includes a liner layer, a structural layer and an outer protective layer from inside to outside in the radial direction. The liner layer includes a flame-retardant resin and a flame-retardant fabric. The structural layer at least includes a plurality of bamboo strip layers including winding bamboo strips to which a water-soluble resin is adhered. The outer protective layer at least includes flame-retardant resin; and the support component is secured to an inner surface of the tunnel body.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arched culvert includes a first foundation having a top surface with a plurality of first reinforcing members upwardly projecting therefrom. A first arch includes a body having an arched interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first arch being positioned on the top surface of the first foundation adjacent to the first reinforcing members. A first opening extends from the exterior surface of the first arch toward the interior surface at the first end thereof. A first locking wall is formed on the top surface of the first foundation so that at least a portion of the first reinforcing members are embedded within the first locking wall and the first locking wall extends along the exterior surface of the first arch and into the first opening of the first arch.

Abstract: An arched culvert includes a first foundation having a top surface with a plurality of first reinforcing members upwardly projecting therefrom. A first arch includes a body having an arched interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first arch being positioned on the top surface of the first foundation adjacent to the first reinforcing members. A first opening extends through the first arch between the interior surface and the exterior surface at the first end thereof. A first locking wall is formed on the top surface of the first foundation so that at least a portion of the first reinforcing members are embedded within the first locking wall and the first locking wall extends along the exterior surface of the first arch and into the first opening of the first arch.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors.

Abstract: A riser system for use at the access opening of a wastewater treatment tank includes an adaptor ring affixed to the top of the tank, and a mating riser. The adaptor ring and riser have ends with mating circumferential L-shape sections. There are horizontally projecting tabs spaced apart around the upper end of the adaptor. The tabs engage a corresponding number of L-shape slots which are spaced apart around the circumference of the bottom end of the riser. When ring and riser are mated, rotation of the riser relative to the adaptor causes each tab to move circumferentially to a recess in the slot, which locks the tab in position. Micro-ridges on horizontal mating surfaces of the L-shape sections help form a seal between the two parts.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a frame and two substantially vertically extending legs. The frame includes a suspension device adapted to suspend a sinking tunnel section. The legs include upper ends connected by a substantially horizontally extending beam and lower ends vertically movable relative to the sinking tunnel section. The legs include clamping members for engaging opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section that are settable substantially in a plane defined by the legs and beam of the frame. The frame is devised for extending with its legs outwardly of the two opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section and extending with the beam above a roof of the tunnel section.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for articulably bearing a prefabricated structural member on a foundation includes a first static hinge interposed between the base of the upright of the structural prefabricated member and the foundation, and an additional static hinge which is also arranged between the base of the upright and the foundation and has a rotation axis parallel and separated from that of the first static hinge.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a segment of an open-air work by prefabricated structural members of reinforcing concrete, includes the steps of arranging first and second prefabricated structural members (18, 19) including an upright portion (22) and at least a cover portion (26), and the phase of installing the two structural members (18, 19) by resting the free ends (20) of the respective upright portions (22) on respective foundation portions (12), in such a manner that the two structural members (18, 19) are arranged symmetrically opposed. Each structural member (18, 19) has a cavity in correspondence of the respective cover portion (26), the cavities of the two structural members (18, 19) constituting a continuous channel (34) in order to allow to form a beam superimposed to the two members (18, 19) and fastened to them, by executing a casting (36) in said continuous channel (34) during the work.

Abstract: The top arch overfilled system defined in application Ser. No. 10/102,921 is formed of precast arch elements which are formed and shipped in a use orientation. The precast arch elements can include arch footings and the system can include a plurality of precast arch elements which can be tied together. The arch elements can also be prestressed.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel easily-cuttable tunnel segment structure used for the departure of a shield machine from a main tunnel to a branch tunnel or the return to the main tunnel from the branch tunnel, and provides an easily-cuttable tunnel segment structure 1 constructed by connecting a plurality of easily-cuttable tunnel segment pieces 2 in the longitudinal direction of a tunnel, wherein at least an easily-cuttable area 3 is formed by concrete 7 in which easily-cuttable reinforcement members are arranged, and a join disposed at least in the easily-cuttable area 3 in the longitudinal direction has an easily-cuttable join structure.

Abstract: During manufacture of a sewer or tunnel lining section, sand-resin material is deposited over a mould, to define a central part of the section. Sand-resin material is removed using a wire arranged to lie a predetermined radial distance from the surface of the mould. The wire is passed around the surface of the sand-resin layer whilst maintaining the predetermined radial distance, the predetermined radial distance comprising, or being slightly greater than a preset minimum thickness. The use of a wire to remove excess sand-resin material has been found to be particularly effective, and surprisingly the excess material does not re-adhere to the underlying surface after the wire has passed. This is despite the required tackiness of the sand-resin mixture.

Abstract: An underwater tunnel system for vehicular traffic flow, including rail, automobile and truck traffic connecting the shores of opposed land masses separated by a body of water draws heavily from submarine manufacturing and modular construction technology. It is environmentally benign and will not adversely dominate the skyline of the surrounding region. The system of the invention requires minimal, if any, dredging to insure its substantially level installation. A compensating ducting and valve system is utilized for initial tunnel submergence during construction and to provide dynamic stability subsequently during operation. Part of the ducting system utilized during submergence operations is also subsequently used for ventilation airflow throughout the tunnel system during operation. During operation, fresh air is introduced from both shores into the tunnel system and exhaust air may be selectively discharged at both shores or from the tunnel system at a location distant from both shores.

Abstract: A support structure and method for forming same for use in excavations such as underpasses, tunnels and the like for roads, rail or rivers. The support structure allows the utilization of the strength provided by using arch shaped sections and also minimizes the disruption caused to the soil surrounding the excavation thereby allowing existing road, rail or river services to continue to be used during excavation.

Abstract: A construction method for widening road, superhighway or railway tunnels, without interrupting the traffic flow includes a first stage of excavation; in steps, of the ground between the theoretical profile of the future widened tunnel and that of the original tunnel, after having reinforced the ground between the theoretical profile of the future widened tunnel and that of the original tunnel by reinforcement operations on the face, and a second stage in which the final lining, comprising one or more arches of prefabricated segments is placed close to the face.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tunnel (10) or shaft lining or pipeline of segments (12), wherein each segment (12) comprises a concrete body (11) having an extrados (13) surface, an intrados (14) surface and first and second ends (15, 16) and first and second sides (17, 18), the ends (15, 16) and sides (17, 18) providing edge portions, the segments (12) being adapted to be connected to further similar segments (12) with edge portions adjacent edge portions of adjacent segments (12), the method being characterized in that the method includes enveloping the ends (15, 16) or sides (17, 18) of at least a pair of segments (12) in a reinforcing material as the concrete is cast, and once the concrete has cured, connecting the segments (12) together with one of each of their enveloped ends (15, 16) or sides (17, 18) adjacent, and sealing between the enveloped ends or sides.

Abstract: A fiberglass manhole adjustment ring comprising a fiberglass pipe and a self-centering lip attached to the edge of the pipe, and a method for installing the fiberglass manhole adjustment ring in an existing fiberglass manhole. The self-centering lip can either be attached to the interior edge of the pipe to form a sleeve or to the exterior edge of the pipe to form a collar. An interior self-centering lip, or sleeve, slides into an adjoining fiberglass manhole section while an exterior self-centering lip, or collar, slides over an adjoining manhole section. The manhole adjustment ring is inserted between the cone section and barrel section of an existing fiberglass manhole to accommodate changes in elevation of the surrounding grade level. The self-centering lip may also be used on manhole sections to enable field assembly of a manhole.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure for the construction of open air structures, particularly motorway flyovers, underpasses, bridges, tunnels, underground carparks and the like, includes a plurality of prefabricated elements of reinforced concrete. These elements are able to define the side walls and the deck of the work with adjacent longitudinal sections of the structure which rest on a foundation at the base of the work. Each section of the structure includes a pair of side elements which rest on the foundation via a static hinge and are intended to be disposed symmetrically with respect to the axle of the structure so as to assume a substantially L-shaped configuration. A substantially rectilinear prefabricated element is interposed centrally between two side elements and is anchored thereto so as to define a central portion of the deck of the work.

Abstract: An underwater tunnel system for vehicular traffic flow, including rail, automobile and truck traffic connecting the shores of opposed land masses separated by a body of water draws heavily from submarine, manufacturing and modular construction technology. It is environmentally benign and will not adversely dominate the skyline of the surrounding region. The system of the invention requires minimal, if any, dredging to insure its substantially level installation. A compensating ducting and valve system is utilized for initial tunnel submergence during construction and to provide dynamic stability subsequently during operation. Part of the ducting system utilized during submergence operations is also subsequently used for ventilation airflow throughout the tunnel system during operation. During operation, fresh air is introduced from both shores into the tunnel system and exhaust air may be selectively discharged at both shores or from the tunnel system at a location distant from both shores.

Abstract: A shaping member for the finishing of junctions for "Climaver Plus" type glass wool piping comprising a unitary flat plate of bendable material which can be folded into sections to form a shape such that the shaping member can be placed at the junction of two glass wool elements.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated end wall for culvert includes a novel pre-cast concrete slab shaped with an upper margin longer than the lower margin and with inclined side or end margins which are proximate the angle of repose of the culvert or ditch in which the culvert end walls are to be inserted. Each end wall defines an aperture into which mates or nests a conduit which is adapted to pass water from one end wall through the other end wall. Backfilling is the usual aggregate is compacted into and between the end walls to complete the culvert structure and if desired, a roadway surface may be placed over top of the same.

Abstract: An excavation method is provided, which is particularly suitable as an undercut-and-fill mining method, wherein posts are inserted into the ground and are used to support a concrete floor of the upper level which serves as a roof for the lower excavation level. Excavation beneath such roof is thereby safely carried out. Also, for mining operations, the excavation is very efficient since it removes essentially 100% of the ore in a single pass. The posts are preferably made of concrete and are inserted into holes drilled in the ground. For greater safety a double post system can be used, which involves placing a second post beside the first and tying them all together with the concrete used to make the floor/roof at any given level of excavation.

Abstract: An underwater tunnel consisting of: a foundation body moored to the bottom of the water; a support frame erected on the foundation body; and a tunnel body formed integral with the support frame; wherein the tunnel body is formed in a two-layer construction which consists of an outer shell and an inner shell so that spaces formed inside the inner shell and between the outer and inner shells can be used for desired purposes, and the support frame is so formed that its vertical cross section is virtually a regular triangle and that a water tank is formed at the inside bottom of the support frame.

Abstract: An underground tubular structural system capable of having a very large cross section, for the construction of urban or rural conduits, underground passages and other civil engineering installations. At least two conduits (S1) (S2), namely, a high conduit (S2) and a low conduit (S1), are superposed and at least the high conduit (S2) is formed in cross section by at least two prefabricated elements, namely a lower element (4) (6) in the shape of an inverted U capping the low conduit (S1) and bearing along two lateral sides (14) of the latter and an upper covering element (2') (5) capping the lower element (4) (6) of the high conduit and closing the section (S2) towards the top. One or more supplementary conduits can easily be added to an already existing conduit.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are shown for highly efficient manipulation of multiple pipe sections within the close confines of a tunnel formation to construct an underground conduit. Overall production is improved by adapting pipe section transport equipment to quickly deliver multiple pipe sections to a placement site and return immediately with the pipe carriages for a next load. Pipe section placement equipment is adapted to manipulate the pipe sections as delivered at the placement site, without any intermediate handling step, and position the pipe sections according to desired line and grade specifications.

Abstract: A precast concrete culvert system includes a series of open bottom culvert sections each having parallel spaced vertical side walls integrally connected to an arcuate top wall having a curved inner surface with a radius of curvature at least twice the rise defined between the top center of the curved inner surface and the bottom surfaces of the side walls. The side walls rest on footers and have outer surfaces which form sharp corners with the top surface of the top wall and have a vertical height at least sixty percent and preferably between eighty and ninety percent of the rise. The vertical height is also less than fifty percent of the radius of curvature which is between twenty and fifty feet and preferably either about twenty-five or forty feet. The end sections have vertical head walls, and the vertical side walls are adapted to connect with angularly disposed vertical concrete wing walls to provide for a smooth hydraulic flow into and through the series of the culvert sections.

Abstract: Enclosing structures having tubular sections which are elliptical in cross-section, each section being an assembly of prefabricated components corresponding to a portion of the cross-section of the tubular section and including side components and a vault forming upper component, and optionally a base component, the side components having stabilizing members at their lowermost ends, joints being provided to integrally interconnect the components to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A tunnel or pipe section which includes a plurality of panels which are connected together to form a closed tunnel or pipe section. Each panel includes a plurality of tubular connectors which are anchored within the panel, preferably to the reinforcing members of the concrete panels, and which are connected to one another, such as by bolting through apertures in walls of the aligned connectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the underground installation of pipelines. The underground installation of pipelines is carried out by driving pipe sections into the ground. The earth is loosened at the driving face via a liquid jet, and the excess earth is transported away from the removal zone. Only so much of the earth that has been loosened and mixed with the liquid is removed, such that the removal zone is always completely filled with the earth-liquid mixture. The larger earth aggregates or obstructions in the ground are forced outwards. In this way, the driving face does not require any special support. A receiving device with entry orifices for the earth-liquid mixture is located behind a nozzle head provided for discharging the liquid jet. A sluice serves to pass the mixture into a removal pipe in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A rectangularly shaped tunnel is constructed to include an artificial roof, side wall pillars, a center wall pillar and floor portions all extending along the length of tunnel. The artificial roof is formed by sequentially excavating cross cut shafts and by subsequently plugging the thus formed cavities with concrete. Then the portions directly beneath opposite sides and the center of the roof are excavated and filled with concrete to form side wall pillars and a center wall pillar. Thereafter the rock portions covered by the roof and the wall pillars are excavated to form inner hollow tunnel chambers, the bottoms of which are covered by concrete to form floor portions. Iron frames are embedded in the concrete.

Abstract: An underground conduit-forming structure made of concrete for easily forming a protection conduit line for laying underground cables, e.g., power cables, communication cables, etc. For snug coupling between the leading and trailing structures, each structure is provided with a flat bottom, a plurality of through-holes for cables, a receiving surface and a corresponding mating surface, a protuberance and a corresponding fitting hole, operation holes for the coupling operation, joint metals, and a reinforcing bar secured by welding some of these members. A seal member encompassing the through-holes keeps them water-tight when a series of structures are sequentially coupled to form the protection conduit line.

Abstract: A method of excavating tunnels comprises digging an excavation to form a tunnel, gradually pushing a casing inwardly of the excavation as the excavation proceeds, the cross-sectional area of the excavation being larger than the outer cross-sectional area of the casing in order to provide a hollow annular chamber between the same; arranging at least a seal at the inner end of the casing to seal the annular section between said casing and the excavation; arranging a seal at the entrance of the excavation to seal the annular section between the casing and the entrance to the excavation; and injecting under pressure a drilling mud to completely fill the annular space between the casing and the excavation as the excavation front advances, in order to provide a fluid support for the walls of the excavation and to float the casing within the excavation, whereby friction contact between said casing and the excavation is prevented as the casing is pushed inwardly of the excavation.