EP2204498A1 - Pile extension - Google Patents
Pile extension Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2204498A1 EP2204498A1 EP08022355A EP08022355A EP2204498A1 EP 2204498 A1 EP2204498 A1 EP 2204498A1 EP 08022355 A EP08022355 A EP 08022355A EP 08022355 A EP08022355 A EP 08022355A EP 2204498 A1 EP2204498 A1 EP 2204498A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- defining
- aperture
- pile
- coupling
- hole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 287
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 287
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 287
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000640 Fe alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011150 reinforced concrete Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D5/00—Bulkheads, piles, or other structural elements specially adapted to foundation engineering
- E02D5/22—Piles
- E02D5/52—Piles composed of separable parts, e.g. telescopic tubes ; Piles composed of segments
- E02D5/523—Piles composed of separable parts, e.g. telescopic tubes ; Piles composed of segments composed of segments
Definitions
- Concrete piles are typically used for deep piling foundations, which are used when the upper soil layers are not suitable for accommodating a shallow foundation. Piles are often preferred over shallow foundations when the bearing capacity of the ground is weak in relation to the construction, which the foundation should support. By using a piling foundation the load from the construction may be transferred from the weak upper layers of the soil to stronger layers, which are typically found deeper in the ground.
- the piles are driven into the ground by using a pile driver or hammer or the like.
- the piles penetrate the soft upper soil layers and embed in the lower, more rigid lower soil layers.
- the piles are intended for embedment deep into the ground for providing a stable foundation for various structures such as buildings, bridges and similar constructions.
- the concrete piles are typically reinforced concrete piles, which are cast in standardized lengths.
- the piles are fixated together end to end for achieving a total length greater than the standardized lengths.
- a coupling device is used for fixating the two opposing ends of the concrete piles.
- the coupling device is typically integrated into the end of the concrete pile when the concrete pile is being cast.
- Such a pile foundation as described above may e.g. be used in soil layers at or near bodies of water such as near lakes or near the ocean. It is thus contemplated that the piles, which are embedded into the ground, may be subjected to a large amount of water. The water may penetrate the pile, in particular at locations where the piles have been joined. Such water penetrating the joints between the piles may cause rust and may eventually cause the pile to break, which will reduce the stability of the overlying construction. The penetrating water may also freeze at a later time when subjected to lower temperatures and cause damage to the pile. There is consequently a need for technologies for avoiding water penetration into the joints between two opposing piles.
- the two opposing piles are typically coupled by applying a coupling device having a flat metal plate at the end of the opposing piles.
- the opposing coupling devices typically comprise reciprocal coupling elements, which may interact to provide a rigid fixation between the two opposing piles.
- the fixation must be rigid enough for sustaining the very large forces applied to the coupling device during piling, i.e. the fixation must endure repeated hammering without breaking.
- One example of such a coupling device may be found in the European patent application EP 1 127 195 , in which a coupling device comprises a pair of loopholes which are fixated to a pair of opposing loopholes of an opposing coupling device by a pin.
- a further example can be found in the European patent application EP 0 891 454 , in which a coupling device having a male coupling element comprising a protruding cylinder snap-fit interlocks with an opposing coupling device having a female coupling element having a receiving cavity.
- the opposing male and female coupling elements are joined and locked in position by a locking pin.
- the locking pin has to be completely encapsulated inside a square metal box.
- the metal box should be sealed in relation to the pile for avoiding any concrete entering the locking pin duct and may thus only be accessible from the outside.
- a square female coupling element has the drawback of requiring a large amount of machining compared to a round coupling element. Thus, square female coupling elements will be significantly more expensive and less suitable for the present purpose.
- the coupling device should comprise coupling elements of substantially only round shape.
- the concrete piles should be prefabricated concrete piles such as reinforced concrete piles which are provided in lengths between approx. 4 m and approx. 20 m.
- the piles are driven into the ground by a pile driver comprising a hammer or the like.
- An example of a suitable pile driver may be found in the European patent applications 0 392 311 and 0 984 105 .
- the pile driver forces the pile into the ground by the use of a repeated hammering action.
- a further pile may be positioned on top of the first pile, thereby enabling the total pile length to extend deeper into the ground. Often more than two piles must be joined together for reaching to a suitable depth into the ground.
- the piles must be driven more than 50 m into the ground, such as 80 m into the ground, and since a single pile typically cannot be longer than about 20 m, several piles must be connected and driven into the ground. Piles longer than 20 m would require unsuitably large pile drivers and would additionally cause logistic problems, since they would require special carriers for being transported to the installation site.
- a coupling device is provided at each end of the opposing pile.
- the coupling device is cast into the pile already during manufacture of the pile itself.
- the piles are factory-cast and subsequently delivered to the installation site.
- the coupling device comprises the flat base plate for defining a substantially flat and stable front surface being the contact area between the two opposing piles. In this way the weight resting on the pile will be distributed over the complete surface of the base plate.
- the reinforcement bar extending from the rear surface of the base plate and the support flange prevent any substantial movement of the base plate, both during and after installation.
- the periphery of the base plate should be substantially concurrent with the end periphery of the pile for allowing a stable and secure foundation and proper weight distribution.
- the opposing base plates should be aligned to transfer the weight of the overlying structures downwardly. Any misalignment may increase the risk of installation failure or a later foundation failure, which may in the worst case cause the overlying structure to collapse.
- the female coupling element comprises a receptor cavity, which is adapted to receive the male coupling element comprising a cylindrical protrusion.
- the female coupling element should accommodate the male coupling element of the opposing coupling device.
- the upper pile is positioned on top of the lower pile so that the male coupling element of one of the coupling devices is accommodated inside the cavity of the female coupling element of the other coupling device, or vice versa.
- the coupling elements constitutes round cylinders, which are simple to manufacture compared to manufacturing square-shaped structures as in the prior art technology described above.
- the female and male coupling elements should be positioned on the flat base plate in a symmetrical pattern for allowing the opposing base plates to be juxtaposed without any overlapping or misalignment.
- the coupling elements should be placed a certain distance from the periphery of the base plate and should consequently not have any contact with the periphery of the base plate.
- the support flange extends from the periphery of the base plate rearwards, encapsulating the end part of the pile similar to a sleeve.
- the female coupling element constitutes a cavity into the front surface of the base plate. The cavity is as well cast into the pile.
- the cavity constitutes a rounded cylinder having a length approximately corresponding to the extension of the support flange.
- the aperture in the support flange and the passage defined by the first hole and the second hole of the female coupling element should be centrally located in registration at about half the distance between the rear surface of the base plate and the end of the support flange and preferably perpendicular to the direction of the pile.
- the male coupling element should have an outer shape fitting into the receptor cavity of the female coupling element. By fitting is meant that substantially no sideward movement should be possible when the female coupling element and the male coupling element are joined and a well-defined position is achieved.
- the male coupling element comprises a cylindrical duct at a distance from the front surface of the flat base plate corresponding to the distance between the front surface of the flat base plate and the first and second holes of the female coupling element.
- the coupling devices are juxtaposed and the male coupling element is accommodated inside the receptor cavity of the female coupling element, the duct of the male coupling element is positioned in registration with the aperture and the first and second holes. In this way, the coupling devices are assembled.
- a tube is attached fluid-tight between the aperture and the first hole and a hollow plug is attached fluid-tight to the second hole, respectively.
- the tube and a hollow plug should be made of flexible material, providing a smooth and fluid-tight connection between the aperture and the hollow plug. Consequently, water from the outside cannot penetrate the end part of the pile and concrete cannot penetrate the receptor cavity of the female coupling element. Water penetrating the end part of the pile may cause corrosion as well as frost damages if the penetrating water freezes. Concrete entering the receptor cavity will render the coupling element useless, since the female coupling element will not be able to accommodate the male coupling element.
- the channel resulting from assembling the coupling devices is typically filled with grease such as consistent grease or the like.
- the grease will simplify the insertion of the locking pin as well as prevent any water from entering the coupling device through the aperture.
- the locking pin should fit inside the channel for preventing the assembled opposing coupling devices from disassembling.
- One locking pin should be inserted in each male-female assembled pair of coupling elements. All parts of the coupling device, except the tube and the hollow plug, should be made of rigid material capable of withstanding the forces subjected to the pile from the overlying structures.
- the locking pin is preferably hammered into the aperture so that it is suitably fixated by the friction inside the channel.
- the outwardly end of the locking pin preferably forms an even surface with the support flange for avoiding any damage on the contact pin due to friction with the ground when the pile is being driven into the ground.
- the base plate, reinforcement bar, support flange, female coupling element and male coupling element are made of iron or an iron alloy such as steel.
- the coupling device except the tubular and hollow bodies is preferably made of iron or an iron alley such as steel due to the great rigidity needed for supporting the foundation.
- the flexible material of the tube and the hollow plug constitutes a polymeric material such as plastic.
- the tube and the hollow plug are preferably made of a plastic material, since plastic materials are durable and flexible for allowing a fluid-tight connection.
- the locking pin and the hollow plug comprise locking elements for snap-fit interlocking with each other.
- the hollow plug may comprise locking elements so that when the locking pin is inserted in the channel and the tip of the locking pin enters the hollow plug, the hollow plug snaps around the tip for preventing the locking pin from leaving the channel. In this way it may be ensured that the locking pin does not fall out of the channel, e.g. during hammering.
- the tube and the hollow plug extend partially into the receptor cavity for snap-fit interlocking with the duct of the opposing coupling device.
- the tube and the hollow plug may extend partially into the receptor cavity at the first and second hole, respectively, for snap-fitting and locking with the male coupling element of the opposing coupling device.
- a smooth transition between the first and second coupling device is achieved, thereby simplifying the insertion of the locking pin.
- the gap - if any - between the first and male coupling element, viz. between the first hole and the duct is sealed, preventing any liquid or fluid between the first and male coupling elements.
- the base plate defines an area of about 30 x 30 cm and the pile has a length of about 4-20 m.
- the typical size of a coupling device used for construction purposes is about 30 cm x 30 cm, i.e. a square shape.
- the typical length of a pile is about 4 to 20 m. Longer piles are not feasible due to limitations in the height of the pile driver and due to logistic limitations.
- each of the opposing coupling elements comprises the female coupling element, the tube, the hollow plug, the locking pin and the male coupling element.
- the cylindrical duct of the male coupling device is extending perpendicular to the passage of the female coupling device or, alternatively, the cylindrical duct of the male coupling device is extending in parallel to the passage of the female coupling device.
- a square coupling device is used having a square base plate. Consequently, the support flange comprises four side surfaces.
- the duct of the male coupling element is perpendicular to the channel of the female coupling element of the same coupling device so that the opposing coupling device should be turned 90 degrees for being juxtaposed the first coupling device.
- the locking pins of the opposing coupling device are perpendicular to the locking pins of the first coupling device.
- the coupling devices are arranged so that all contact pins have the same orientation. In this way, only one orientation is possible.
- each of the coupling devices comprises a plurality of female coupling elements and a plurality of male coupling elements, such as two female coupling elements and two male coupling elements for each coupling device.
- the coupling device comprises two coupling elements of the first type and two corresponding coupling elements of the second type.
- the first and male coupling elements should be distributed on the base plate in a symmetrical pattern, e.g. have the same distance from the central point of the coupling device to the respective peripheries of the base plates.
- the two respective male and female coupling elements are located in a crossover pattern, i.e. in opposite corners of the base plate in relation to each other.
- the male coupling element constitutes a removable part, which may be inserted into the reception cavity of the female coupling device.
- the coupling device may be manufactured with only female coupling elements, and some, i.e. half, of the female coupling elements may be transformed to male coupling elements by using a removable male coupling device part.
- Fig. 1A shows a pile system 10 comprising a pair of opposing upper and lower piles 12, 12', each having a respective upper and lower coupling device 14, 14'.
- the coupling devices 14, 14' are of a first type configuration.
- the upper coupling device 14 is accommodated on an upper pile 12 and the lower coupling device 14' is accommodated on a lower pile 12'.
- the piles constitute reinforced concrete piles of a length of about 10 m and a cross-section area of about 30 x 30 cm.
- the lower pile 12' has been driven into the ground by means of a hydraulic hammer.
- the upper and lower coupling devices 14, 14' are firmly fixated to their respective piles 12, 14 and assume opposing flat front surfaces 16, 16'.
- the coupling devices 14, 14' each comprises a substantially flat base plate 20 and a support flange 22 extending inwardly and constituting a sleeve covering the end part of the pile 12, 12'.
- the coupling devices 14, 14' further comprise a pair of female coupling elements 24 located in a crossover configuration at opposite corners on the plate 20 as well as corresponding male coupling elements 26 located at the other opposite corners on the plate 20.
- the female coupling elements constitute tube-shaped receptor cavities 18 in the front surface 16.
- the male coupling elements constitute tubular protrusions in the front surface 16, which in shape and length fit inside the receptor cavities 18 of the female coupling element 24.
- the male and female coupling elements 24, 26 are positioned symmetrically on the base plate 20 having equal distance from each of the coupling elements 24, 26 to the centre of the front surface 16.
- the upper coupling device 14 is positioned opposite the lower coupling device 14' so that the female coupling elements 24 of the upper coupling device 14 are positioned opposite the male coupling elements of the lower coupling device 14'. Consequently, the male coupling elements of the upper coupling device 14 should be positioned opposite the female coupling elements 26 of the lower coupling device 14', and vice versa.
- the coupling devices 24, 26 should be positioned on the front surface 16 so that the front surfaces and the periphery of the front surfaces 16 may concur when the coupling devices 14, 14' are juxtaposed.
- the above-mentioned position may be referred to as the pre-assembly position of the piling system 10. It should be noted that in the present type configuration a further pre-assembly position is achieved by rotating the upper pile 12 around its axis by 180 degrees.
- the coupling devices 14, 14' may be juxtaposed. In the juxtaposed position, the front surfaces 16 and the periphery of the front surfaces 16 of the opposing coupling devices 14, 14' will concur, and the male coupling element 26 will be accommodated within the receptor cavity 18 of the female coupling element 24.
- the female and male coupling elements 24, 26 should have a tubular shape.
- the female and male coupling elements 24, 26 may therefore be manufactured by using standard machinery such as a lathe and a drill. The coupling elements may subsequently be welded to the coupling device.
- Fig. 1B shows a pile system 10' similar to the pile system 10 of Fig. 1A , however, having a different type configuration.
- the coupling device 14" of the present embodiment has the male coupling elements 26 at the two respective corners which define the same side of the base plate 20, and the two female coupling elements 24 at the corners defining the opposite side of the base plate 20.
- the opposite lower coupling device 14"' has corresponding female and male coupling elements 24, 26.
- the present type configuration enables one pre-assembly position.
- Fig. 1C shows a pile system 10" being similar to the pile system 10 of Fig. 1A , however, having a third type configuration.
- the upper coupling device 14 IV comprises four male coupling elements 26, which are located at each of the corners of the base plate 20.
- the lower coupling device 14 V has corresponding female coupling elements 24 for accommodating the male coupling elements 26 of the upper coupling device 14 IV .
- the present type configuration has the drawback of needing two fundamentally different coupling devices 14 IV , 14 V , one having only female coupling elements 24 and one having only male coupling elements 26. Thereby the risk of an accidental incorrect pre-assembly position increases, e.g. the risk of occasionally having two opposite coupling devices of the same kind.
- Fig. 1D shows a pile system 10"' being similar to the pile system 10" of Fig. 1C , however, having a fourth type configuration.
- both the upper coupling device 14 VI and the lower coupling device 14 VII comprise only female coupling elements 24.
- the male coupling elements 26' comprise loose male coupling element parts, which may be inserted into the female coupling elements 26 of one of the coupling devices, thereby transforming the female coupling elements into male coupling elements. The risk of an incorrect pre-assembly position as discussed above in relation to Fig. 1C is thus decreased.
- Fig. 2A shows an upper coupling device 14 and lower coupling device 14' before being joined together.
- the lower coupling device 14' has two male coupling elements 26 located at opposing corners on the base plate 20 and protruding outwardly. At the other opposing corners of the base plate 20 two female coupling elements are located.
- the male coupling elements 26 constitute circular cylindrical protrusions protruding outwardly in relation to the front surface of the base plate 20.
- the male coupling element 26 has a circular duct 28 penetrating the cylindrical surface of the male coupling element 26 at a centralized location and a certain distance of about 1 cm above the front surface.
- the female coupling element 24 defines a receptor cavity in the front surface, having an inner shape for fitting a male coupling element 26.
- the female coupling element 24 protrudes at the rear surface of the base plate 20 and defines a first and a second hole (not shown), which defines a channel intersecting the receptor cavity of the female coupling element 24 at a centralized location and about 1/2 cm from the rear surface.
- the female coupling element extends from the rear surface about 2 cm, which is equal to the distance, in which the support flange 22 extends.
- the support flange 22 has an aperture 30, which is in registration with the first and second hole (not shown) of the female coupling element 24.
- the diameter of the first hole, second hole and aperture is equal to the diameter of the duct 28.
- a locking pin 32 is provided for each female coupling element 24.
- the female coupling element has a diameter matching the inside of the duct 28, and a matching length corresponding to the distance between the aperture 30 and at least through the second hole (not shown).
- Each of the male and female coupling elements 24, 26 has a reinforcement bar 34, extending inwardly into the pile (not shown). The reinforcement bar 34 is cast into the pile for fixating the coupling device to the pile (not shown).
- the support flange 22, which is filled with concrete, provides additional stability to the coupling device 14.
- Fig. 2B shows the two opposing upper and lower coupling devices 14, 14', when they are assembled.
- the coupling devices 14, 14' When the coupling devices 14, 14' are assembled, the front surfaces 16 of the respective coupling devices are juxtaposed so that their respective peripheries concur and their respective male coupling elements 26 are accommodated in the receiving receptor cavities of the corresponding female coupling elements 24 of the opposite coupling device.
- the aperture 30, the first and second holes (not shown) and the duct (not shown) are put in registration so that the locking pin 32 may be inserted in each of the apertures 30.
- a hammer may be used for assuring that the locking pin 32 reaches its locked position when the end of the locking pin 32 forms an even surface in relation to the support flange 22.
- the coupling devices 14, 14' and their respective piles 12, 12' are joined together and fixated. Any movement of the piles 12, 12' and coupling devices 14, 14' in any direction is thereby prevented.
- Fig. 3A shows a cut-out view of the coupling devices of Fig. 2A .
- a tube 36 is provided between the aperture 30 and the first hole 38.
- the tube 36 is made of plastic material and provides a fluid-tight connection between the aperture 30 and the receptor cavity 18 defined by the female coupling element 24.
- the tube has an interior passage having a dimension corresponding to the previously mentioned cylindrical duct of the male coupling element 26.
- the space defined inside the base plate 20 and the support flange 22 will be filled with concrete and constitute the end part of the pile.
- the tube 36 prevents any concrete from entering the receptor cavity 18 via the first hole 38 during casting.
- the tube 36 further prevents concrete from escaping through the aperture 30.
- the tube 36 will as well prevent water from the outside penetrating the end part of the pile.
- the oppositely located second hole 40 is connected to a hollow plug 42 made of plastic material and extending outwardly in relation to the female coupling element 24.
- the hollow plug 42 has an inner groove corresponding to the tube 36, however, is sealed at its far end for preventing any concrete from entering the second hole 40.
- the groove of the hollow plug 42 has a diameter corresponding to the cylindrical duct 28 of the male coupling element and a length suitable for receiving the front end part of the locking pin (not shown).
- Fig. 3B shows a cut-out view of the two opposing upper and lower coupling devices 14, 14' when they are assembled as shown in Fig. 2B .
- the male coupling elements 26 are received within the receptor cavity 18 of the female coupling elements 24, and a channel is defined from the aperture 30 via the tube 26, the first hole 38, the duct 28, the second hole 40 to the hollow plug 42.
- the locking pin 32 is inserted into the channel for fixating the male and female coupling elements 24, 26 in relation to each other, thereby fixating the upper and lower coupling devices 14, 14'.
- the channel is typically filled with grease such as consistence grease for preventing any water from entering the channel when the pile is embedded in the ground.
- Fig. 3C shows a close-up view of the tube 46.
- the tube is sealed fluid-tight at the aperture 30 of the support flange 22 and at the first hole 38 of the female coupling element 24.
- the tube 46 comprises a locking flange 44 extending through the first hole into the receptor cavity of the female coupling element 24 for providing a sealed and smooth transition between the first hole 38 of the female coupling element 24 and the duct 28 of the male coupling element 26, when the coupling devices have been juxtaposed.
- the hollow plug (not shown here) is fitted with similar locking flanges 44 for providing a sealed and smooth connection between the second hole and the hollow plug.
- the tube 36 and the hollow plug 42 may constitute effectively equivalent components, namely a pipe being open towards the receptor cavity 18 and closed off by a pierceable cap in the opposite direction.
- the dashed line in the figure represents a pierceable membrane, which is a part of the pierceable cap.
- the pierceable membrane prevents concrete from entering the channel.
- the pierceable membrane of the tube 36 is ruptured by driving the locking pin 32 through the aperture 30.
- the pierceable membrane constitutes a plastic membrane having slits, which are closed while the concrete pile 12 is cast to the coupling device 14, and the slits are separated when the locking pin is driven through the aperture 30.
- the pierceable cap may be omitted and the pipe being a part of the hollow plug 42 may be provided with a non-pierceable cap, whereas the pipe being a part of the tube 36 may be left open towards the aperture 30.
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- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- Concrete piles are typically used for deep piling foundations, which are used when the upper soil layers are not suitable for accommodating a shallow foundation. Piles are often preferred over shallow foundations when the bearing capacity of the ground is weak in relation to the construction, which the foundation should support. By using a piling foundation the load from the construction may be transferred from the weak upper layers of the soil to stronger layers, which are typically found deeper in the ground. The piles are driven into the ground by using a pile driver or hammer or the like. The piles penetrate the soft upper soil layers and embed in the lower, more rigid lower soil layers. The piles are intended for embedment deep into the ground for providing a stable foundation for various structures such as buildings, bridges and similar constructions. The concrete piles are typically reinforced concrete piles, which are cast in standardized lengths. For reaching further into the ground than the standardized lengths the piles are fixated together end to end for achieving a total length greater than the standardized lengths. For fixating the two opposing ends of the concrete piles a coupling device is used. The coupling device is typically integrated into the end of the concrete pile when the concrete pile is being cast.
- Such a pile foundation as described above may e.g. be used in soil layers at or near bodies of water such as near lakes or near the ocean. It is thus contemplated that the piles, which are embedded into the ground, may be subjected to a large amount of water. The water may penetrate the pile, in particular at locations where the piles have been joined. Such water penetrating the joints between the piles may cause rust and may eventually cause the pile to break, which will reduce the stability of the overlying construction. The penetrating water may also freeze at a later time when subjected to lower temperatures and cause damage to the pile. There is consequently a need for technologies for avoiding water penetration into the joints between two opposing piles.
- In the state of the art the two opposing piles are typically coupled by applying a coupling device having a flat metal plate at the end of the opposing piles. The opposing coupling devices typically comprise reciprocal coupling elements, which may interact to provide a rigid fixation between the two opposing piles. The fixation must be rigid enough for sustaining the very large forces applied to the coupling device during piling, i.e. the fixation must endure repeated hammering without breaking. One example of such a coupling device may be found in the European
patent application EP 1 127 195 , in which a coupling device comprises a pair of loopholes which are fixated to a pair of opposing loopholes of an opposing coupling device by a pin. A further example can be found in the European patent applicationEP 0 891 454 , in which a coupling device having a male coupling element comprising a protruding cylinder snap-fit interlocks with an opposing coupling device having a female coupling element having a receiving cavity. In currently used coupling devices the opposing male and female coupling elements are joined and locked in position by a locking pin. For avoiding water penetration during use and concrete penetration during casting into the coupling device the locking pin has to be completely encapsulated inside a square metal box. The metal box should be sealed in relation to the pile for avoiding any concrete entering the locking pin duct and may thus only be accessible from the outside. A square female coupling element has the drawback of requiring a large amount of machining compared to a round coupling element. Thus, square female coupling elements will be significantly more expensive and less suitable for the present purpose. - It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for joining two concrete piles together at their respective opposing ends by providing a coupling device. The coupling device should comprise coupling elements of substantially only round shape.
- The above need and object together with numerous other needs and objects, which will be evident from the below detailed description, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by a method for joining two concrete piles together at their respective opposing ends by providing a pair of opposing coupling devices at the opposing ends, each of the coupling devices comprising:
- a flat base plate defining a rear surface juxtaposed the pile, an opposite front surface and a periphery substantially concurrent with the end periphery of the pile,
- at least one reinforcement bar protruding into the pile from the rear surface and integrally cast into the pile, and
- a support flange extending from the periphery of the base plate, perpendicular to the rear surface and towards the pile, the support flange defining an aperture at a specific distance from the front surface, the aperture having a specific diameter,
- a female coupling element defining a receptor cavity in the front surface and a protrusion from the rear surface adjacent to the aperture, the receptor cavity defining a tubular cylinder defining a first hole opposite the aperture and a second hole opposite the first hole, both holes having a specific diameter and defining a passage through the receptor cavity, the passage being located in registration with the aperture,
- a tube of flexible material defining an inner diameter corresponding to a specific diameter and connected fluid-tight between the first hole and the aperture,
- a hollow plug of flexible material defining an open end and an opposite closed end, the open end being connected fluid-tight to the second hole, and
- a male coupling element protruding outwardly from the front surface and defining an outer shape fitting into the tubular cylinder of the receptor cavity of the opposing coupling device, the outer shape defining a cylindrical duct of a specific diameter located a specific distance from the front surface and extending through the male coupling element for allowing the duct to be positioned in registration with the aperture of the opposing coupling device, concurrent to the passage, and
- a locking pin defining a radial dimension of a specific diameter and an axial dimension matching the distance between the aperture and the closed end of the hollow plug,
- juxtaposing the front surfaces of the pair of coupling devices so that the peripheries are concurrent and the male coupling element is received within the receptor cavity, thereby forming a channel defined by the aperture, the first hole, the cylindrical duct, the second hole and the hollow plug, and inserting the locking pin into the channel.
- The concrete piles should be prefabricated concrete piles such as reinforced concrete piles which are provided in lengths between approx. 4 m and approx. 20 m. The piles are driven into the ground by a pile driver comprising a hammer or the like. An example of a suitable pile driver may be found in the European patent applications
0 392 311 and0 984 105 . The pile driver forces the pile into the ground by the use of a repeated hammering action. When the first pile has been driven into the ground, a further pile may be positioned on top of the first pile, thereby enabling the total pile length to extend deeper into the ground. Often more than two piles must be joined together for reaching to a suitable depth into the ground. Sometimes, the piles must be driven more than 50 m into the ground, such as 80 m into the ground, and since a single pile typically cannot be longer than about 20 m, several piles must be connected and driven into the ground. Piles longer than 20 m would require unsuitably large pile drivers and would additionally cause logistic problems, since they would require special carriers for being transported to the installation site. - For permitting the piles to be connected together, a coupling device is provided at each end of the opposing pile. The coupling device is cast into the pile already during manufacture of the pile itself. The piles are factory-cast and subsequently delivered to the installation site. The coupling device comprises the flat base plate for defining a substantially flat and stable front surface being the contact area between the two opposing piles. In this way the weight resting on the pile will be distributed over the complete surface of the base plate. The reinforcement bar extending from the rear surface of the base plate and the support flange prevent any substantial movement of the base plate, both during and after installation. The periphery of the base plate should be substantially concurrent with the end periphery of the pile for allowing a stable and secure foundation and proper weight distribution. The opposing base plates should be aligned to transfer the weight of the overlying structures downwardly. Any misalignment may increase the risk of installation failure or a later foundation failure, which may in the worst case cause the overlying structure to collapse.
- The female coupling element comprises a receptor cavity, which is adapted to receive the male coupling element comprising a cylindrical protrusion. The female coupling element should accommodate the male coupling element of the opposing coupling device. When the lower pile has been driven into the ground, the upper pile is positioned on top of the lower pile so that the male coupling element of one of the coupling devices is accommodated inside the cavity of the female coupling element of the other coupling device, or vice versa. The coupling elements constitutes round cylinders, which are simple to manufacture compared to manufacturing square-shaped structures as in the prior art technology described above. The female and male coupling elements should be positioned on the flat base plate in a symmetrical pattern for allowing the opposing base plates to be juxtaposed without any overlapping or misalignment. The coupling elements should be placed a certain distance from the periphery of the base plate and should consequently not have any contact with the periphery of the base plate. The support flange extends from the periphery of the base plate rearwards, encapsulating the end part of the pile similar to a sleeve. The female coupling element constitutes a cavity into the front surface of the base plate. The cavity is as well cast into the pile. The cavity constitutes a rounded cylinder having a length approximately corresponding to the extension of the support flange. The aperture in the support flange and the passage defined by the first hole and the second hole of the female coupling element should be centrally located in registration at about half the distance between the rear surface of the base plate and the end of the support flange and preferably perpendicular to the direction of the pile. The male coupling element should have an outer shape fitting into the receptor cavity of the female coupling element. By fitting is meant that substantially no sideward movement should be possible when the female coupling element and the male coupling element are joined and a well-defined position is achieved. The male coupling element comprises a cylindrical duct at a distance from the front surface of the flat base plate corresponding to the distance between the front surface of the flat base plate and the first and second holes of the female coupling element. In this way, when the coupling devices are juxtaposed and the male coupling element is accommodated inside the receptor cavity of the female coupling element, the duct of the male coupling element is positioned in registration with the aperture and the first and second holes. In this way, the coupling devices are assembled.
- For avoiding any concrete blocking the space between the aperture and the first hole and for avoiding any concrete entering the receptor cavity or escaping through the first aperture when the pile is being cast, a tube is attached fluid-tight between the aperture and the first hole and a hollow plug is attached fluid-tight to the second hole, respectively. The tube and a hollow plug should be made of flexible material, providing a smooth and fluid-tight connection between the aperture and the hollow plug. Consequently, water from the outside cannot penetrate the end part of the pile and concrete cannot penetrate the receptor cavity of the female coupling element. Water penetrating the end part of the pile may cause corrosion as well as frost damages if the penetrating water freezes. Concrete entering the receptor cavity will render the coupling element useless, since the female coupling element will not be able to accommodate the male coupling element.
- The channel resulting from assembling the coupling devices is typically filled with grease such as consistent grease or the like. The grease will simplify the insertion of the locking pin as well as prevent any water from entering the coupling device through the aperture. The locking pin should fit inside the channel for preventing the assembled opposing coupling devices from disassembling. One locking pin should be inserted in each male-female assembled pair of coupling elements. All parts of the coupling device, except the tube and the hollow plug, should be made of rigid material capable of withstanding the forces subjected to the pile from the overlying structures. The locking pin is preferably hammered into the aperture so that it is suitably fixated by the friction inside the channel. The outwardly end of the locking pin preferably forms an even surface with the support flange for avoiding any damage on the contact pin due to friction with the ground when the pile is being driven into the ground.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the base plate, reinforcement bar, support flange, female coupling element and male coupling element are made of iron or an iron alloy such as steel. The coupling device except the tubular and hollow bodies is preferably made of iron or an iron alley such as steel due to the great rigidity needed for supporting the foundation.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the flexible material of the tube and the hollow plug constitutes a polymeric material such as plastic. The tube and the hollow plug are preferably made of a plastic material, since plastic materials are durable and flexible for allowing a fluid-tight connection.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the locking pin and the hollow plug comprise locking elements for snap-fit interlocking with each other. The hollow plug may comprise locking elements so that when the locking pin is inserted in the channel and the tip of the locking pin enters the hollow plug, the hollow plug snaps around the tip for preventing the locking pin from leaving the channel. In this way it may be ensured that the locking pin does not fall out of the channel, e.g. during hammering.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the tube and the hollow plug extend partially into the receptor cavity for snap-fit interlocking with the duct of the opposing coupling device. The tube and the hollow plug may extend partially into the receptor cavity at the first and second hole, respectively, for snap-fitting and locking with the male coupling element of the opposing coupling device. In this way, a smooth transition between the first and second coupling device is achieved, thereby simplifying the insertion of the locking pin. In addition, the gap - if any - between the first and male coupling element, viz. between the first hole and the duct, is sealed, preventing any liquid or fluid between the first and male coupling elements.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the base plate defines an area of about 30 x 30 cm and the pile has a length of about 4-20 m. The typical size of a coupling device used for construction purposes is about 30 cm x 30 cm, i.e. a square shape. The typical length of a pile is about 4 to 20 m. Longer piles are not feasible due to limitations in the height of the pile driver and due to logistic limitations.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, each of the opposing coupling elements comprises the female coupling element, the tube, the hollow plug, the locking pin and the male coupling element. The above embodiment provides more flexibility since the risk of accidentally orienting the piles falsely is eliminated, because the same type of coupling element is used for both sides of each pile. More coupling elements provide additional stability.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, for each of the coupling devices, the cylindrical duct of the male coupling device is extending perpendicular to the passage of the female coupling device or, alternatively, the cylindrical duct of the male coupling device is extending in parallel to the passage of the female coupling device. Typically, a square coupling device is used having a square base plate. Consequently, the support flange comprises four side surfaces. For maximum flexibility and stability, the duct of the male coupling element is perpendicular to the channel of the female coupling element of the same coupling device so that the opposing coupling device should be turned 90 degrees for being juxtaposed the first coupling device. In this way, the locking pins of the opposing coupling device are perpendicular to the locking pins of the first coupling device. This way, two different orientations are possible. Alternatively, the coupling devices are arranged so that all contact pins have the same orientation. In this way, only one orientation is possible.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, each of the coupling devices comprises a plurality of female coupling elements and a plurality of male coupling elements, such as two female coupling elements and two male coupling elements for each coupling device. In particular, the coupling device comprises two coupling elements of the first type and two corresponding coupling elements of the second type. The first and male coupling elements should be distributed on the base plate in a symmetrical pattern, e.g. have the same distance from the central point of the coupling device to the respective peripheries of the base plates. By having at least four coupling elements per coupling device, excellent stability is achieved for ensuring a perfect alignment of the opposing base plates.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the two respective male and female coupling elements are located in a crossover pattern, i.e. in opposite corners of the base plate in relation to each other. By a crossover pattern, an outstanding stability is achieved for forces in all possible directions.
- In a further embodiment according to the first aspect, the male coupling element constitutes a removable part, which may be inserted into the reception cavity of the female coupling device. In this way, the coupling device may be manufactured with only female coupling elements, and some, i.e. half, of the female coupling elements may be transformed to male coupling elements by using a removable male coupling device part.
- The above need and object together with numerous other needs and objects, which will be evident from the below detailed description, are according to a second aspect of the present invention obtained by a system comprising two concrete piles joined together at their respective opposing ends by a pair of opposing coupling devices at the opposing ends, each of the coupling devices comprising:
- a flat base plate defining a rear surface juxtaposed the pile, an opposite front surface and a periphery substantially concurrent with the end periphery of the pile for juxtaposing the front surfaces of the pair of coupling devices so that the peripheries are concurrent,
- at least one reinforcement bar protruding into the pile from the rear surface and integrally cast into the pile, and
- a support flange extending from the periphery of the base plate, perpendicular to the rear surface and towards the pile, the support flange defining an aperture at a specific distance from the front surface, the aperture having a specific diameter,
- a female coupling element defining a receptor cavity in the front surface and a protrusion from the rear surface adjacent to the aperture, the receptor cavity defining a tubular cylinder defining a first hole opposite the aperture and a second hole opposite the first hole, both holes having a specific diameter and defining a passage through the receptor cavity, the passage being located in registration with the aperture,
- a tube of flexible material defining an inner diameter corresponding to a specific diameter and connected fluid-tight between the first hole and the aperture,
- a hollow plug of flexible material defining an open end and an opposite closed end, said open end being connected fluid-tight to the second hole,
- a male coupling element protruding outwardly from the front surface and defining an outer shape fitting into the tubular cylinder of the receptor cavity of the opposing coupling device, the outer shape defining a cylindrical duct of a specific diameter located a specific distance from the front surface and extending through the male coupling element for allowing the duct to be positioned in registration with the aperture of the opposing coupling device, concurrent to the passage, the male coupling element being received within the receptor cavity, thereby forming a channel defined by the aperture, the first hole, the cylindrical duct, the second hole and the hollow plug, and
- a locking pin for being inserted into the channel, the locking pin defining a radial dimension of a specific diameter and a axial dimension matching the distance between said aperture and the closed end of the hollow plug.
- It is evident that the system described above may be used together with the method described above.
- The present invention will now be further described with reference to the figures, in which:
-
Fig. 1 is a pile system having opposing coupling devices, -
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of opposing coupling devices, and -
Fig. 3 is a cutout view of a pair of opposing coupling devices. - The figures illustrate numerous exemplary embodiments of the coupling device according to the present invention.
-
Fig. 1A shows apile system 10 comprising a pair of opposing upper andlower piles 12, 12', each having a respective upper andlower coupling device 14, 14'. Thecoupling devices 14, 14' are of a first type configuration. Theupper coupling device 14 is accommodated on anupper pile 12 and the lower coupling device 14' is accommodated on a lower pile 12'. The piles constitute reinforced concrete piles of a length of about 10 m and a cross-section area of about 30 x 30 cm. The lower pile 12' has been driven into the ground by means of a hydraulic hammer. The upper andlower coupling devices 14, 14' are firmly fixated to theirrespective piles coupling devices 14, 14' each comprises a substantiallyflat base plate 20 and asupport flange 22 extending inwardly and constituting a sleeve covering the end part of thepile 12, 12'. Thecoupling devices 14, 14' further comprise a pair offemale coupling elements 24 located in a crossover configuration at opposite corners on theplate 20 as well as correspondingmale coupling elements 26 located at the other opposite corners on theplate 20. The female coupling elements constitute tube-shapedreceptor cavities 18 in thefront surface 16. The male coupling elements constitute tubular protrusions in thefront surface 16, which in shape and length fit inside thereceptor cavities 18 of thefemale coupling element 24. The male andfemale coupling elements base plate 20 having equal distance from each of thecoupling elements front surface 16. Theupper coupling device 14 is positioned opposite the lower coupling device 14' so that thefemale coupling elements 24 of theupper coupling device 14 are positioned opposite the male coupling elements of the lower coupling device 14'. Consequently, the male coupling elements of theupper coupling device 14 should be positioned opposite thefemale coupling elements 26 of the lower coupling device 14', and vice versa. Thecoupling devices front surface 16 so that the front surfaces and the periphery of thefront surfaces 16 may concur when thecoupling devices 14, 14' are juxtaposed. The above-mentioned position may be referred to as the pre-assembly position of thepiling system 10. It should be noted that in the present type configuration a further pre-assembly position is achieved by rotating theupper pile 12 around its axis by 180 degrees. When any of the pre-assembly positions have been achieved, thecoupling devices 14, 14' may be juxtaposed. In the juxtaposed position, thefront surfaces 16 and the periphery of thefront surfaces 16 of the opposingcoupling devices 14, 14' will concur, and themale coupling element 26 will be accommodated within thereceptor cavity 18 of thefemale coupling element 24. The female andmale coupling elements male coupling elements -
Fig. 1B shows a pile system 10' similar to thepile system 10 ofFig. 1A , however, having a different type configuration. Thecoupling device 14" of the present embodiment has themale coupling elements 26 at the two respective corners which define the same side of thebase plate 20, and the twofemale coupling elements 24 at the corners defining the opposite side of thebase plate 20. The oppositelower coupling device 14"' has corresponding female andmale coupling elements -
Fig. 1C shows apile system 10" being similar to thepile system 10 ofFig. 1A , however, having a third type configuration. In the present embodiment, theupper coupling device 14IV comprises fourmale coupling elements 26, which are located at each of the corners of thebase plate 20. Thelower coupling device 14V has correspondingfemale coupling elements 24 for accommodating themale coupling elements 26 of theupper coupling device 14IV. The present type configuration has the drawback of needing two fundamentallydifferent coupling devices female coupling elements 24 and one having onlymale coupling elements 26. Thereby the risk of an accidental incorrect pre-assembly position increases, e.g. the risk of occasionally having two opposite coupling devices of the same kind. -
Fig. 1D shows apile system 10"' being similar to thepile system 10" ofFig. 1C , however, having a fourth type configuration. In the present embodiment, both theupper coupling device 14VI and thelower coupling device 14VII comprise onlyfemale coupling elements 24. The male coupling elements 26' comprise loose male coupling element parts, which may be inserted into thefemale coupling elements 26 of one of the coupling devices, thereby transforming the female coupling elements into male coupling elements. The risk of an incorrect pre-assembly position as discussed above in relation toFig. 1C is thus decreased. -
Fig. 2A shows anupper coupling device 14 and lower coupling device 14' before being joined together. The lower coupling device 14' has twomale coupling elements 26 located at opposing corners on thebase plate 20 and protruding outwardly. At the other opposing corners of thebase plate 20 two female coupling elements are located. - The
male coupling elements 26 constitute circular cylindrical protrusions protruding outwardly in relation to the front surface of thebase plate 20. Themale coupling element 26 has acircular duct 28 penetrating the cylindrical surface of themale coupling element 26 at a centralized location and a certain distance of about 1 cm above the front surface. Thefemale coupling element 24 defines a receptor cavity in the front surface, having an inner shape for fitting amale coupling element 26. Thefemale coupling element 24 protrudes at the rear surface of thebase plate 20 and defines a first and a second hole (not shown), which defines a channel intersecting the receptor cavity of thefemale coupling element 24 at a centralized location and about 1/2 cm from the rear surface. The female coupling element extends from the rear surface about 2 cm, which is equal to the distance, in which thesupport flange 22 extends. Thesupport flange 22 has anaperture 30, which is in registration with the first and second hole (not shown) of thefemale coupling element 24. The diameter of the first hole, second hole and aperture is equal to the diameter of theduct 28. A lockingpin 32 is provided for eachfemale coupling element 24. The female coupling element has a diameter matching the inside of theduct 28, and a matching length corresponding to the distance between theaperture 30 and at least through the second hole (not shown). Each of the male andfemale coupling elements reinforcement bar 34, extending inwardly into the pile (not shown). Thereinforcement bar 34 is cast into the pile for fixating the coupling device to the pile (not shown). Thesupport flange 22, which is filled with concrete, provides additional stability to thecoupling device 14. -
Fig. 2B shows the two opposing upper andlower coupling devices 14, 14', when they are assembled. When thecoupling devices 14, 14' are assembled, thefront surfaces 16 of the respective coupling devices are juxtaposed so that their respective peripheries concur and their respectivemale coupling elements 26 are accommodated in the receiving receptor cavities of the correspondingfemale coupling elements 24 of the opposite coupling device. In the assembled position, theaperture 30, the first and second holes (not shown) and the duct (not shown) are put in registration so that the lockingpin 32 may be inserted in each of theapertures 30. A hammer may be used for assuring that the lockingpin 32 reaches its locked position when the end of the lockingpin 32 forms an even surface in relation to thesupport flange 22. When the lockingpin 32 has reached the locking position, thecoupling devices 14, 14' and theirrespective piles 12, 12' are joined together and fixated. Any movement of thepiles 12, 12' andcoupling devices 14, 14' in any direction is thereby prevented. -
Fig. 3A shows a cut-out view of the coupling devices ofFig. 2A . Atube 36 is provided between theaperture 30 and thefirst hole 38. Thetube 36 is made of plastic material and provides a fluid-tight connection between theaperture 30 and thereceptor cavity 18 defined by thefemale coupling element 24. The tube has an interior passage having a dimension corresponding to the previously mentioned cylindrical duct of themale coupling element 26. The space defined inside thebase plate 20 and thesupport flange 22 will be filled with concrete and constitute the end part of the pile. Thetube 36 prevents any concrete from entering thereceptor cavity 18 via thefirst hole 38 during casting. Thetube 36 further prevents concrete from escaping through theaperture 30. Thetube 36 will as well prevent water from the outside penetrating the end part of the pile. The oppositely locatedsecond hole 40 is connected to ahollow plug 42 made of plastic material and extending outwardly in relation to thefemale coupling element 24. Thehollow plug 42 has an inner groove corresponding to thetube 36, however, is sealed at its far end for preventing any concrete from entering thesecond hole 40. The groove of thehollow plug 42 has a diameter corresponding to thecylindrical duct 28 of the male coupling element and a length suitable for receiving the front end part of the locking pin (not shown). -
Fig. 3B shows a cut-out view of the two opposing upper andlower coupling devices 14, 14' when they are assembled as shown inFig. 2B . Themale coupling elements 26 are received within thereceptor cavity 18 of thefemale coupling elements 24, and a channel is defined from theaperture 30 via thetube 26, thefirst hole 38, theduct 28, thesecond hole 40 to thehollow plug 42. The lockingpin 32 is inserted into the channel for fixating the male andfemale coupling elements lower coupling devices 14, 14'. The channel is typically filled with grease such as consistence grease for preventing any water from entering the channel when the pile is embedded in the ground. -
Fig. 3C shows a close-up view of the tube 46. The tube is sealed fluid-tight at theaperture 30 of thesupport flange 22 and at thefirst hole 38 of thefemale coupling element 24. The tube 46 comprises a locking flange 44 extending through the first hole into the receptor cavity of thefemale coupling element 24 for providing a sealed and smooth transition between thefirst hole 38 of thefemale coupling element 24 and theduct 28 of themale coupling element 26, when the coupling devices have been juxtaposed. The hollow plug (not shown here) is fitted with similar locking flanges 44 for providing a sealed and smooth connection between the second hole and the hollow plug. - It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the
tube 36 and thehollow plug 42 may constitute effectively equivalent components, namely a pipe being open towards thereceptor cavity 18 and closed off by a pierceable cap in the opposite direction. The dashed line in the figure represents a pierceable membrane, which is a part of the pierceable cap. The pierceable membrane prevents concrete from entering the channel. The pierceable membrane of thetube 36 is ruptured by driving thelocking pin 32 through theaperture 30. The pierceable membrane constitutes a plastic membrane having slits, which are closed while theconcrete pile 12 is cast to thecoupling device 14, and the slits are separated when the locking pin is driven through theaperture 30. Alternatively, the pierceable cap may be omitted and the pipe being a part of thehollow plug 42 may be provided with a non-pierceable cap, whereas the pipe being a part of thetube 36 may be left open towards theaperture 30. - Although the invention has been described above with reference to a number of specific and advantageous embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to the above disclosure of the above described advantageous embodiments, as the features of the above-identified embodiments may be combined to provide additional embodiments. The additional embodiments are all construed to be part of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is to be understood encompassed by any equivalent or similar structure as described above and also to be encompassed by the scope limited by the below claims defining the protective scope of the present patent application.
-
- 10. Pile system
- 12. Concrete pile
- 14. Coupling device
- 16. Front surface
- 18. Receptor cavity
- 20. Base plate
- 22. Support flange
- 24. Female coupling element
- 26. Male coupling element
- 28. Cylindrical duct
- 30. Aperture
- 32. Locking pin
- 34. Reinforcement bar
- 36. Tube
- 38. First hole
- 40. Second hole
- 42. Hollow plug
- 44. Locking flange
Claims (13)
- A method for joining two concrete piles together at their respective opposing ends by providing a pair of opposing coupling devices at said opposing ends, each of said coupling devices comprising:a flat base plate defining a rear surface juxtaposed said pile, an opposite front surface and a periphery substantially concurrent with the end periphery of said pile,at least one reinforcement bar protruding into said pile from said rear surface and integrally cast into said pile, anda support flange extending from said periphery of said base plate, perpendicular to said rear surface and towards said pile, said support flange defining an aperture at a specific distance from said front surface, said aperture having a specific diameter,at least one of said pair of coupling devices comprising:a female coupling element defining a receptor cavity in said front surface and a protrusion from said rear surface adjacent to said aperture, said receptor cavity defining a tubular cylinder defining a first hole opposite said aperture and a second hole opposite said first hole, both holes having said specific diameter and defining a passage through said receptor cavity, said passage being located in registration with said aperture,a tube of flexible material defining an inner diameter corresponding to said specific diameter and connected fluid-tight between said first hole and said aperture,a hollow plug of flexible material defining an open end and an opposite closed end, said open end being connected fluid-tight to said second hole, andat least the other one of said pair of coupling devices comprising:a male coupling element protruding outwardly from said front surface and defining an outer shape fitting into said tubular cylinder of said receptor cavity of said opposing coupling device, said outer shape defining a cylindrical duct of said specific diameter located said specific distance from said front surface and extending through said male coupling element for allowing said duct to be positioned in registration with the aperture of the opposing coupling device, concurrent to said passage, andsaid pair of coupling devices comprising:a locking pin defining a radial dimension of said specific diameter and a axial dimension matching the distance between said aperture and said closed end of said hollow plug,said method further comprising performing the steps of:juxtaposing said front surfaces of said pair of coupling devices so that said peripheries are concurrent and said male coupling element is received within said receptor cavity, thereby forming a channel defined by said aperture, said first hole, said cylindrical duct, said second hole and said hollow plug, and inserting said locking pin into said channel.
- The method according to claim 1, wherein said base plate, reinforcement bar, support flange, female coupling element and male coupling element are made of iron or an iron alloy such as steel.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible material of said tube and said hollow plug constitute a polymeric material such as plastic.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said locking pin and said hollow plug comprise locking elements for snap-fit interlocking with each other.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tube and said hollow plug extend partially into said receptor cavity for snap-fit interlocking with said duct of said opposing coupling device.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base plate defines an area of about 30 x 30 cm and said pile has a length of about 4-20 m.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said opposing coupling elements comprises said female coupling element, said tube, said hollow plug, said locking pin and said male coupling element.
- The method according to claim 7, wherein for each of said coupling devices, said cylindrical duct of said male coupling device is extending perpendicular to said passage of said female coupling device or, alternatively, said cylindrical duct of said male coupling device is extending in parallel to said passage of said female coupling device.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said coupling devices comprises a plurality of female coupling elements and a plurality of male coupling elements, such as two female coupling elements and two male coupling elements for each coupling device.
- The method according to claim 9, wherein said two respective male and female coupling elements are located in a crossover pattern, i.e. in opposite corners of the base plate in relation to each other.
- The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said male coupling element constitutes a removable part, which may be inserted into said reception cavity of said female coupling device.
- A system comprising two concrete piles joined together at their respective opposing ends by a pair of opposing coupling devices at said opposing ends, each of said coupling devices comprising:a flat base plate defining a rear surface juxtaposed said pile, an opposite front surface and a periphery substantially concurrent with the end periphery of said pile for juxtaposing said front surfaces of said pair of coupling devices so that said peripheries are concurrent,at least one reinforcement bar protruding into said pile from said rear surface and integrally cast into said pile, anda support flange extending from said periphery of said base plate, perpendicular to said rear surface and towards said pile, said support flange defining an aperture at a specific distance from said front surface, said aperture having a specific diameter,at least one of said pair of coupling devices comprising:a female coupling element defining a receptor cavity in said front surface and a protrusion from said rear surface adjacent to said aperture, said receptor cavity defining a tubular cylinder defining a first hole opposite said aperture and a second hole opposite said first hole, both holes having said specific diameter and defining a passage through said receptor cavity, said passage being located in registration with said aperture,a tube of flexible material defining an inner diameter corresponding to said specific diameter and connected fluid-tight between said first hole and said aperture,a hollow plug of flexible material defining an open end and an opposite closed end, said open end being connected fluid-tight to said second hole,at least the other one of said pair of coupling devices comprising:a male coupling element protruding outwardly from said front surface and defining an outer shape fitting into said tubular cylinder of said receptor cavity of said opposing coupling device, said outer shape defining a cylindrical duct of said specific diameter located said specific distance from said front surface and extending through said male coupling element for allowing said duct to be positioned in registration with the aperture of the opposing coupling device, concurrent to said passage, said male coupling element being received within said receptor cavity, thereby forming a channel defined by said aperture, said first hole, said cylindrical duct, said second hole and said hollow plug, andsaid pair of coupling devices comprising:a locking pin for being inserted into said channel, said locking pin defining a radial dimension of said specific diameter and an axial dimension matching the distance between said aperture and said closed end of said hollow plug.
- The system according to claim 12, further comprising any of the features of claims 1-11.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP08022355A EP2204498A1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2008-12-23 | Pile extension |
EP09795785.6A EP2382357B1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2009-12-22 | Pile extension |
PCT/EP2009/067763 WO2010072772A1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2009-12-22 | Pile extension |
DK09795785.6T DK2382357T5 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2009-12-22 | Pile Extension |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP08022355A EP2204498A1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2008-12-23 | Pile extension |
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EP2204498A1 true EP2204498A1 (en) | 2010-07-07 |
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EP08022355A Withdrawn EP2204498A1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2008-12-23 | Pile extension |
EP09795785.6A Active EP2382357B1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2009-12-22 | Pile extension |
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EP09795785.6A Active EP2382357B1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2009-12-22 | Pile extension |
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DK (1) | DK2382357T5 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010072772A1 (en) |
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RU200419U1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2020-10-23 | Сергей Александрович Суворов | Castle pile connection |
WO2022008892A1 (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-13 | Wrr Pedley & Co Ltd | A joint |
RU221621U1 (en) * | 2023-08-30 | 2023-11-15 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Свайные Решения" | Interlocking pile connection |
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AU2021410532A1 (en) * | 2020-12-22 | 2023-06-22 | Kenny Tze Ken TAN | Pile mechanical joint with grooved locking protuberance/protuberances for easy locking pin/pins installation |
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DE8504456U1 (en) * | 1985-02-16 | 1985-06-13 | Otto, Joachim, 2100 Hamburg | Locking device |
DE3505479A1 (en) * | 1985-02-16 | 1986-08-28 | Joachim 2100 Hamburg Otto | Locking device |
EP0265859A1 (en) * | 1986-10-27 | 1988-05-04 | Oy Lohja Ab | A device for joining together building units |
EP0392311A1 (en) | 1989-04-11 | 1990-10-17 | Per Aarsleff A/S | A method for pile-driving and a ram head for fixation of a hammer assembly in relation to a pile |
EP0891454A1 (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1999-01-20 | Leimet Oy | Clampjoint for concrete piles |
EP0984105A1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2000-03-08 | Per Aarsleff A/S | Positioning assembly for a ram head |
EP1127195A1 (en) | 1998-10-29 | 2001-08-29 | Leimet Oy | Joining means in reinforced concrete piles for ramming |
EP1582633A2 (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2005-10-05 | Terratest Tecnicas Especiales, S.A. | Coupling head for premanufactured prestressed piles |
-
2008
- 2008-12-23 EP EP08022355A patent/EP2204498A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2009
- 2009-12-22 EP EP09795785.6A patent/EP2382357B1/en active Active
- 2009-12-22 WO PCT/EP2009/067763 patent/WO2010072772A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-22 DK DK09795785.6T patent/DK2382357T5/en active
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8504456U1 (en) * | 1985-02-16 | 1985-06-13 | Otto, Joachim, 2100 Hamburg | Locking device |
DE3505479A1 (en) * | 1985-02-16 | 1986-08-28 | Joachim 2100 Hamburg Otto | Locking device |
EP0265859A1 (en) * | 1986-10-27 | 1988-05-04 | Oy Lohja Ab | A device for joining together building units |
EP0392311A1 (en) | 1989-04-11 | 1990-10-17 | Per Aarsleff A/S | A method for pile-driving and a ram head for fixation of a hammer assembly in relation to a pile |
EP0891454A1 (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1999-01-20 | Leimet Oy | Clampjoint for concrete piles |
EP0984105A1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2000-03-08 | Per Aarsleff A/S | Positioning assembly for a ram head |
EP1127195A1 (en) | 1998-10-29 | 2001-08-29 | Leimet Oy | Joining means in reinforced concrete piles for ramming |
EP1582633A2 (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2005-10-05 | Terratest Tecnicas Especiales, S.A. | Coupling head for premanufactured prestressed piles |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101871211A (en) * | 2010-07-13 | 2010-10-27 | 武汉一冶交通工程有限责任公司 | Wet pile extension method for cast-in place pile |
CN101871211B (en) * | 2010-07-13 | 2011-09-21 | 中国一冶集团有限公司 | Wet pile extension method for cast-in place pile |
WO2020094923A1 (en) * | 2018-11-07 | 2020-05-14 | Leimet Oy | Pile joint |
US11530519B2 (en) | 2018-11-07 | 2022-12-20 | Leimet Oy | Pile joint |
CN110629751A (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2019-12-31 | 中北大学 | Quick connecting structure and method for foundation cement piles |
RU200419U1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2020-10-23 | Сергей Александрович Суворов | Castle pile connection |
WO2022008892A1 (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-13 | Wrr Pedley & Co Ltd | A joint |
RU221621U1 (en) * | 2023-08-30 | 2023-11-15 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Свайные Решения" | Interlocking pile connection |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2382357B1 (en) | 2014-05-28 |
EP2382357A1 (en) | 2011-11-02 |
DK2382357T3 (en) | 2014-08-18 |
WO2010072772A1 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
DK2382357T5 (en) | 2014-09-15 |
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