Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sea tunnel, and relates to the technical field of sea-crossing bridge tunnels. The sea tunnel comprises a body; and the body has a hollow cavity extending from one end to the other end, the cavity is divided into mutually independent first cavity and second cavity by a passage pavement, the first cavity is mainly used for passing and is wholly or partly protruded out of the sea level, the second cavity is immersed in the seawater, water holes are formed in the second cavity, and the second cavity is communicated with the seawater through the water holes. When the seawater impacts one side of the body, the second cavity is immersed in the seawater, and the seawater flows into the second cavity, so the body is not easy to be flushed over by the seawater.

Abstract: A self-propelled integrated ship for transporting and installing immersed tubes of an underwater tunnel comprises a first ship body and a second ship body which are parallel with each other, a connection structure is arranged between the first ship body and the second ship body; the first ship body, the second ship body and the connection structure are provided with hauling and hoisting devices, a loading space is formed between the first ship body and the second ship body and below the connection structure; a to-be-installed member is arranged in the loading space and is connected with the ship; and the first ship body and the second ship body are provided with propelling power devices and positioning devices. The loading space is provided in a lower part of the integrated ship, and a member to be transported is placed in the loading space and floated in the water, so that most of the weight of the member is shared by buoyancy. The member is transported to a designated site and installed precisely.

Abstract: A sea-cross high-speed tunnel structure suspended in water includes a pipe body capable of suspending in water. The pipe body is formed by fixedly connecting a plurality of pipe sections. A reinforced concrete horizontal partition plate for dividing each pipe section to form an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixed in each pipe section. Two closed tunnels arranged along a length direction of the pipe body are disposed in the upper chamber. Reinforced concrete fin plates are symmetrically disposed in a horizontal direction outside the pipe sections. A steel closed tunnel shell fixed to the reinforced concrete horizontal partition plate is disposed in the upper chamber. A rail bed is disposed in the steel closed tunnel shell. Electromagnetic regulating devices disposed transversely are fixedly connected between both sides of the rail bed and the steel closed tunnel shell.

Abstract: A method and a structural element for the construction of a directionally flexible and watertight tunnel lining (1) or tunnel course (1), the method using pre-fabricated elements of concrete or sandwich structure (3, 4, 5; 73;73?). Interspace between such elements and extending transversely of the direction of the tunnel course or tunnel lining receives an interspace cast (14) using an outer flexible formwork (2) in the form of skirts (2?, 2?) attached to the outside of the elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?), and which through interconnection (11) thereof form a flexible, “bag-like” formwork (2) on the outside of the elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?). Together with conventional formwork (12) on the inside of the elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?) there is formed a defined cavity (13) which can be filled with injectable mass of concrete. After the concrete has hardened it will provide support to the installed elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?) as well as providing support relative to exposed surface portion of rock surface (10).

Abstract: A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria.

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: An apparatus and method is described for providing a water impenetrable barrier between a cone and support frame of a manhole system. The apparatus includes a barrier, cap, and seal that restricts the inflow and infiltration of water or other debris into the interior of the manhole system. The cap and seal barrier may be implemented in a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system.

Abstract: A linking tool links segments for a rehabilitating pipe for rehabilitating an existing pipeline. The segment is integrally formed at least from an internal surface plate that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the rehabilitating pipe, and side plates that have an insertion hole formed thereon and are disposed on both sides of the internal surface plate so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the rehabilitating pipe. The linking tool includes a tubular linking pin that is separable into pin halves and can be inserted into the insertion hole in the side plate of a first segment with a part of the linking pin remaining outside the first segment. The linking tool further includes a separating pin that can be inserted into the linking pin to separate the linking pin into the pin halves and press them against the first segment for anchoring thereto.

Abstract: A tubular connector system for joining two pipe ends without the necessity of rotating the pipe ends. A coupling has opposing tapered ends. Each of the tapered ends slopes inwardly from an inner extent to an outer extent to form a respective mouth opening of the body. Each tapered end of the coupling has a contoured surface which is made up of a series of alternating helical spline wedges. The wedges are oppositely tapered from an inner extent to an outer extent, whereby the helical spline wedges form an alternating series of lands and grooves on the body as viewed from the respective mouth openings. The two opposing pipe ends have mating engagement surfaces which engage and mate with the contoured surfaces of the coupling as one pipe end is pushed toward the other during assembly.

Abstract: A grout and lifting tube for casting within a concrete segment. The tube provides enhanced sealing between the tube and the concrete to prevent moisture leakage into a structure formed by a plurality of the concrete segments. The tube includes a generally cylindrical body having an exterior with an anchoring rib structure, a threaded interior, a proximal end, a distal end. An annular gasket is disposed at the proximal end of the tube body, and may be secured to the proximal end of the tube body by a mechanical interlock and/or by unitary co-molding. After the concrete section is placed and grout is pumped through the tube, a plug is threadable into the proximal end of the tube to both compress the gasket between the plug and the tube at a first seal, and to compress the gasket between the plug and the concrete surrounding the proximal end of the tube at a second seal to provide robust, watertight sealing.

Abstract: A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria.

Abstract: The invention is a watertight joint seal for precast concrete box modules used to form underground enclosures to control the discharge of water runoff from roads and parking areas. The modules become sections of a tunnel structure, and the joint seal of the invention is constructed by forming the end of the walls of each module with mating offset inside and outside edge surfaces that are joined by an intermediate surface, applying sealing strips to the inside and outside edge surfaces of one end wall, compressing the modules against each other, and injecting an expansive grout into the cavity formed by the sealing strips and the modules' end surfaces. After the grout cures under the pressure resulting from its own expansion, the joint is watertight and does not suffer from leakage through cracks caused by the creep and relaxation characteristics which generally occur in joints formed with conventional grout or only rubber gaskets.

Abstract: A compression body is inserted into the contraction joint between two tunnel lining elements, which body deforms in response to a compressive load caused by the tunnel lining elements moving towards each other. The compression body is composed of a material containing voids, and has a compressive strength of at least 1 MPa and a void fraction of between 10% and 90% of its total volume. The compression body may be composed, for example, of steel foam, or of a mixture which contains cement and blown-glass particles or plastic particles. When a predetermined compressive load is exceeded, the voids within the compression body collapse in a stepwise manner, or are compressed in a stepwise manner.

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: A coupler device for joining together two segments of a tunnel or shaft lining ring, the device being characterised by a double ended male dowel having an externally grooved cylindrical portion adjacent to both ends. This dowel engages in recesses cast into the segment. A reverse tapered sleeve is cast in the recesses retaining an expandable collar formed of a plurality of arcuate segments, these arctuate segments having complimentary grooves on their inner surface to mate with the grooves on the dowel and a tapered external circumferential portion to abut the reverse tapered sleeve. As the dowel is inserted the arcuate segments, being retained elastically within the reverse tapered sleeve, lock the male part of the device into the recess preventing the device from pulling out.

Abstract: A coupler device for joining together two segments of a tunnel or shaft lining ring, the device being characterised by a double ended male dowel having an externally grooved cylindrical portion adjacent to both ends. This dowel engages in recesses cast into the segment. A reverse tapered sleeve is cast in the recesses retaining an expandable collar formed of a plurality of arcuate segments, these arctuate segments having complimentary grooves on their inner surface to mate with the grooves on the dowel and a tapered external circumferential portion to abut the reverse tapered sleeve. As the dowel is inserted the arcuate segments, being retained elastically within the reverse tapered sleeve, lock the male part of the device into the recess preventing the device from pulling out.

Abstract: A sealing assembly comprising two abutting components and a sealing profile produced from an elastomeric material, which bridges the gap between the two components to form a seal. The components are configured in particular as sections which are assembled into a tubular tunnel thus forming transverse and longitudinal joints. There is also a sealing profile being located in turn in each recess, thus forming a cornered sealing framework. There is also a lubricant for the contact surfaces between each component and the sealing profile, in particular for the contact surfaces between two sealing profiles. The sealing assembly has at least one sealing profile that has at least two protrusions in the vicinity of the contact surfaces. The protrusions form a sealed chamber, in which the lubricant is contained.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement which comprises at least two abutting components that form a gap therebetween and a seal that sealingly bridges the gap. The inventive sealing arrangement is characterized in that the seal entirely consists of a matrix or is provided with a matrix representing a composite system. The matrix is combined with a base body and is a pasty mixture comprising a water-soluble material. A lubricant and a swelling agent which can be activated by means of water as well as optionally additional additives are mixed into the material. In an advantageous embodiment, the matrix is introduced into the chamber. The wall of the chamber is configured in the form of a web that can be torn out. The web is removed before assembly. The base body consisting of an elastomeric material is provided with channels and grooves which extend in an extruded-like manner.

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 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: The invention relates to a concrete lining element for a drilled tunnel, which element is formed as a ring segment and is internally reinforced, and a plurality of which ring segments can be joined together to form a ring, and a plurality of rings can be joined to form the lining for the drilled tunnel and wherein, in order to couple adjacent rings at the intermediate ring joint, each element is provided at one side bordering the ring joint with at least one projection, and at the opposed side with a corresponding recess to admit the projection of an adjacent element. The height of the projection, respectively the depth of the recess on the respective side is between 30 and 60 mm, and the projection, respectively the recess at the transition from its top, respectively its bottom to its side walls, possesses rounded comers, having a radius of rounding of between 5 and 50 mm.

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 sealing arrangement (1) has two abutting construction elements made of concrete, steel, reinforced concrete, cast iron or other materials, as well as a sealing section made of an elastomer material which sealingly bridges the gap between the two construction elements. The construction elements are in particular segments (2, 2″) which are assembled into a tubular tunnel with transverse and longitudinal joints (3). Each segment is preferably provided with a continuous groove on all its abutting sides. An elongated sealing profile (5) is located in each groove, forming a sealing frame with frame corners. The sealing section has elongated open and/or closed flutes arranged on the section base side and elongated ducts arranged between the flutes and the section front side. The sealing section (5) also has at least two groups (A, B) of ducts of which the first (A) is located directly above the flutes while the other (B) is laterally offset with respect to the flutes.

Abstract: A joint for pre-cast concrete twin-leaf arch sections is self-aligning when the two arch sections are initially brought into abutting contact with each other. The joint provides a rigid connection between the twin units and is achieved on site by means of re-inforced cast-in-place concrete. Reinforcement splices for the connection are lap splices, and the joint allows pouring the cast-in-place concrete without the need of formwork. For load distributing purposes, a continuous connection of individual arch rings in the longitudinal direction at the arch crown is possible. An initial abutting contact between the twin units is provided by the joint of the present invention. The contact provided by the joint of the present invention is self-aligning, locking, allows the controlled transmission of the abutting force and allows for a temporary connection. The joint includes mechanical elements for aligning and locking the two arch sections together.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement includes face walls of two construction parts made of concrete, reinforced concrete or the like, these face walls being pressed against each other, particularly of tunnel tube segments, as well as a strand shaped seal made of elastomeric material for sealing the gap between the construction parts or tunnel tube segments, whereby the seal has a base part which, in relation to the sealing part, is widened on both sides, forming flanges, and which, by means of these flanges and suitable additional anchoring parts, is fastened on one of the two face walls of the construction parts or tunnel tube segments, whereas the sealing part, the latter being joined with the base part in one piece, has a trapezoidal shape, viewed cross-sectionally, and, in relation to the base part, a decreasing width, with lateral flanks tapering off at the same time, and seals the gap when the construction parts or tunnel tube segments are pressed together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal between a side face of a first part (11) and an application face (10), the seal being made of a compressible profiled lining (1) and being comprised of an internal portion (2) sealingly fixed to the first part (11) and an external portion (3) bearing on the application face (10). According to the invention, in its original condition prior to setting the seal on the first part (11), the external portion (3) of the liner (1) is provided with at least one profile tongue (4) housed inside at least one longitudinal groove (5) provided in said external portion (3) and opening on the side of the application face (10), said tongue (4) being fixed to the internal face (50) of said groove (5) in an easily detachable way so as to be able to suppress and eventually replace the tongue (4) at least on a portion of the length of the liner (1) in order to vary the compressibility degree of the liner on the corresponding length.

Abstract: One end of a circumferential joining end surface 2 of segments 1 which are joined together in the circumferential direction of an excavated tunnel is made the male side circumferential joining end surface 2a on which a male coupler 4 is provided, and the other end is made a female side circumferential joining end surface 2b on which a female coupler 5 is provided. On a base plate 7, a bolt 10, which provides an engagement part 16 comprising a flat washer 13, a disc spring 14, and a head 15, is erected, and made a male coupler 4. An engagement plate 23, formed by a notch 22 which engages the bolt 10, and is inserted and engaged between the base plate 7 and the engagement part 16, and tightly held by the elastic force of the disc springs 14, is made the female coupler 5.

Abstract: A basement unit comprises a reinforced concrete lower structural block having a floor portion and surrounding walls and at least one reinforced concrete upper structural block having surrounding walls and the same shape as the lower structural block in plan view. The upper structural block is stacked on top of the lower structural block with a seal member placed between the top end of the lower structural block and the bottom end of the upper structural block.

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: This invention provides a seismic joint for an underwater floating tunnel having: (a) a joint portion (i) having a transverse section essentially the same as that of the tunnel, (ii) being rigidly fastened to land at one end (A) thereof, and (iii) being elastically constrained to the tunnel at its other end (B) via a plurality of operably affixed means which performs an elastic function and a damping function; (b) a collar welded onto the external surface of the tunnel facing end (B) of the portion, said collar being capable of sliding on and along the external surface of the joint portion; and (c) a means for providing a water-tight seal between the internal surface of the collar and the external surface of the joint portion.

Abstract: A simple bore hole plug for either temporarily or permanently sealing mine bore holes and ventilating shafts or the like is described. A plurality of used motor vehicle tires are arranged one upon the other coaxially in increasing order of diameter. Steel plates are placed at the top and bottom of the tire pile and maintained in spaced relation by means of a metal separator pipe. A steel rod having a lifting eye at one end and a threaded portion at the other end, is passed axially through the pipe and a nut is tightened on the threaded portion to draw the tires tightly together.

Abstract: A tubbing-type tunnel lining, which comprises a plurality of tubbing rings, each of which consists of an even number of tubbing blocks, which are similar or identical and have a trapezium-shaped or trapezoidal or diamond basic shape and are so arranged that the joints between adjacent rings are defined by the end faces of said blocks and are connected together by plug-connections, which permit a restricted transmission of shear forces, and in each ring are connected at inclined longitudinal gaps by key-groove connections consisting of continuous longitudinal grooves in inclined longitudinal side faces and keys inserted therein.

Abstract: The lower end of an outwardly tight shaft structure (3) for a bore shaft (1) rests on a tilting joint arrangement (15, 20). This arrangement includes a hydraulic thrust bearing (15) at the end face of the shaft structure (3) and a hydraulic annular cylinder (20) at the circumference of the lower end of the shaft structure (3). Thus, this tilting joint arrangement (15, 20) is located between the shaft structure (3) and the base (10) and permits tilting of the shaft structure (3) relative to the ground (12) without impairing the water-tightness of the bore shaft foundation.

Abstract: A formwork for a draft tube which includes ganged precast forms, each precast form corresponding to a curved segment of the draft tube. The precast forms are molded with continuous side plates extending thereabout and anchored in the precast concrete form and projecting beyond the surface opposite to the contact surface to provide a flange. A fastening means for attaching adjacent forms with a space therebetween to allow for stripping. A method includes determining the outline of the inner surface of the draft tube and dividing it into segments and preparing molds to make precast forms corresponding to each segment. The precast forms are assembled and shored to provide the draft tube ganged formwork, and concrete is poured about the draft tube formwork and is cured. The precast forms are stripped from the set concrete structure and reused in another draft tube formwork.

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 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 fluid-conveying conduit of large cross section, formed by assembling on a laying surface a plurality of prefabricated longitudinal elements placed in sequence and comprising, in transverse section, a lower base and a vault having two lateral edges connected to the base by sealingly joining longitudinal members, which consist of two parallel metallic profiled members rigidly connected to one another by at least one crosspiece and fixed to a slab forming the base of the conduit, and the vault consists of at least one thin wall element and is sealingly fixed by its two lateral edges along two longitudinal profiled members. The invention applies especially to the construction of conduits for conveying fluid under pressure, for example for water conveyance, urban heating or penstocks.

Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises novel prefabricated tunnel sections comprising generally open channel configured, reinforced concrete, opposing lower and upper channel members with mating elements along opposing leg edges of the channel for forming a generally rectangular, tubular, assembled tunnel section having opposite ends with rectangular edges grooved for interlocking engagement with a generally matching, grooved adjacent assembled tunnel sections and containing metal tying plates for holding the sections together in an assembled tunnel. A system is also disclosed for on site assembly of a vehicular tunnel comprising the sections.

Abstract: A sealing profile made of rubber or rubber-like material for installation in a recess extending around concrete segments for a tunnel tube. The profile has on the base side a plurality of parallel grooves extending in the longitudinal direction, and parallel ducts extending in the longitudinal direction on the top side. The ducts are laterally displaced with respect to the grooves, and the back of the profile is substantially shaped with a plane surface. Of the three grooves provided on the base side, the center groove is from 10% to 20% deeper and wider than the adjacent grooves. In the center of the profile, the spacing between the ducts is larger than the spacing between the ducts disposed away from the center of the profile. The lateral sides of the profile are inclined at an angle of from 10 to 20 degrees.

Abstract: A composable well of right prismatic or right cylindrical shape has a polygonal or circular base respectively, and consists of a plurality of walls (1), the walls having on their lateral borders, on one side a plurality of hooking elements (2) of male type and on the opposite side a plurality of hooking elements (3) of female type. Stable hooking between each wall (1) with the preceding wall and the successive wall is easily achieved. The well may be easily transported and stored in the form of a plurality of walls which are superimposed and occupy little space and is then assembled at the final place. After it is assembled, the well forms a box-type structure, with or without the bottom closure and does not require nails, screws or the like.

Abstract: A sealing profile formed of rubber or rubber-like material is provided for sealing tunnel segments which have circumferential recesses. There is a plurality of slotted grooves running parallel in the lengthwise direction on the base side of the profile and a plurality of channels running parallel in the lengthwise direction, the number of channels being no greater than the number of slotted grooves and at least one channel being in alignment with a corresponding groove.

Abstract: A method of construction of tunnels under water by pre-fabricating them in short sections with their ends adapted to make fluid-tight joints with adjacent sections, transporting, sinking and joining them together and forming the sections into sets by installing a bulkhead in the last section of each set and dewatering the sets and tying the sections together.

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: Thrust pipe for disposition in a passage in the ground by advance of the pipe axially through the passage includes a plurality of pipe segments disposed in end-to-end relation one to the other. Each pipe segment includes an inner pipe section having a diametrically enlarged end for telescopically receiving the opposite end of an adjacent inner pipe section. The pipe segments each include an outer pipe section, substantially enveloping a corresponding inner pipe section. The outer surface of the pipe segments is smooth and substantially continuous. Each outer pipe section at one end terminates short of the end of the corresponding inner pipe seciton and is spaced from the outer pipe section of the adjacent pipe segment whereby compressive loadings from thrusting the pipe axially through the passage are carried by the inner pipe sections and not be the outer pipe sections.

Abstract: A sealing profile made of rubber or a rubber-like material for sealing tunnel segments provided with peripherally extending recesses. The profile includes grooves extending parallel to each other on the base side in the longitudinal direction, angled lateral sides, and plane-surfaced top and base surfaces. Ducts extend in the longitudinal direction within the profile and are arranged in a plurality of rows. The ducts have an approximately equal spacing between each other both within each row and from one row to another.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a reinforced concrete work such as a road tunnel, an underground gallery or a tunnel for an underground railway, there is first excavated an open trench 62 in which there are then placed, consecutively and contiguously, prefabricated hollow concrete frame element 4, the external faces of which have reinforcements 5. A filler concrete 18 is then poured so as to cover the joints between elements and to cooperate with the reinforced concrete of the frame elements and with the reinforcements so as to construct, by consecutive stages and rapidly, a monolithic work. The strength of this monolithic work is appreciably greater than the respective strengths of the prefabricated elements initially placed and of the filler concrete. Finally the trench is filled. Preferably the external reinforcements 5 of the frame elements are such as to cooperate with the filler concrete which is subsequently placed round the elements.

Abstract: A tubular member is arranged to be inserted in a hole drilled in adjacent monoliths astraddle a joint between the monoliths. A tubular member comprises an outer layer of material saturated with a resin capable of bonding to defining walls of the hole. An inner layer of fluid impermeable material is bonded to the outer layer of tubular member. Prior to installation, the tubular member is non-inverted, having the resin saturated layer on the inside whereby upon being inverted into the hole by an inverting gas or fluid, the resin saturated layer turns outwardly for bonding to the walls of the hole. A core portion is placed in the tube to hold it in tight bonded engagement with the hole, such core portion comprising a grout having an elasticity which when cured flexes with differential movements of adjacent monoliths.