VAN LEEUWEN, Marinus, Teunis, Sr. (24 Breudijk, LP Harmelen, NL-3481, NL)
| CLAIMS
1. Method for introducing a building structure having a bottom into the ground, comprising the following steps : connecting a flushing device to the building structure, with at least one flushing duct and at least one suction duct extending as far as underneath the bottom of the building structure; positioning the building structure on the ground; - flushing the ground underneath the bottom of the building structure via the flushing duct; sucking up the flushed ground via the suction duct from underneath the bottom of the building structure; introducing several foundation means into the ground around the building structure; coupling the building structure to the foundation means at a coupling point, which foundation means serve to prevent rising or subsidence of the building structure; characterized in that the distal ends of the foundation means introduced into the ground are lower than the coupling points on the building structure, in such a manner that- they exert a vertical force component on the building structure and in that the method furthermore comprises a step in -which the building structure is controlled while it is being introduced into the ground by tensioning each of the coupling points separately in a controlled manner with respect to the foundation means.
2. Method according to claim 1, in which the foundation means are anchor rods .
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the building structure comprises a cutting edge extending downwards along the outer periphery of the bottom, so that a space is formed underneath the bottom.
4. Method according to one of claims 1-3, furthermore comprising a step in which a tensile force measurement is carried out on the anchor rods .
5. Method according to one of claims 1-4, in which at least four anchor rods are provided around the building structure.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flushing duct of the flushing device is connected to a flushing arm which is rotatable about a vertical shaft in the space below the bottom of the building structure.
7. Method according to claim 6, in which the flushing arm is directed during rotation by means of a drive mechanism on the vertical shaft.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least two flushing arms are arranged in pairs in the space below the bottom of the building structure and rotate in opposite directions during flushing.
9. Method according to one of claims 6-8, in which the flushing arm is moved up and down during flushing.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cutting edge of the building structure is lubricated while introducing the building structure into -the. ground.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a hardening substance is introduced into the space under the bottom after the building structure has been introduced into the ground.
12. Building structure provided with a bottom and a cutting edge extending downwards along the outer periphery of the bottom, so that a space is formed underneath the bottom, in which at least one flushing arm (21) with at least one nozzle is attached in the space below the bottom, in which the flushing arm is rotatable about a vertical shaft and is at an angle to the vertical shaft.
13. Building structure according to claim 12, in which the building structure can furthermore be coupled to the foundation means around the building structure in the ground by means of coupling points in such a manner that rising or subsidence of the building structure is prevented.
14. Building structure according to claim 12 or 13, in which the foundation means are arranged substantially vertically around the building structure.
15. Building structure according to one of claims 12-14, in which the flushing arm is at an angle of 15°-90° to the vertical shaft.
16. Building structure according to one of claims 12-15, in which the positioning of the flushing arm can be controlled during rotation by means of a drive mechanism on the vertical shaft.
17. Building structure according to one of claims 12-16, in which a nozzle is arranged on the distal end of the flushing arm.
18. Building structure according to one of claims 12-17, in which at least one nozzle is arranged along the length of the flushing arm.
19. Building structure according to one of claims 12-18, in which at least two flushing arms are arranged in pairs in the space below the bottom.
20. Building structure according to one of claims 12-19, in which a suction nozzle is arranged between the at least two flushing arms .
21. Building structure according to one of claims 12-20, in which the cutting edge comprises a cutting plate which protrudes with respect to the outer periphery of the building structure.
22. System for introducing a building structure into the ground comprising a building structure according to one of claims 12-21 and foundation means, in which the building structure is coupled to the foundation means via coupling points.
23. System according to claim 22, in which control means are provided for a vertically adjustable coupling of the building structure to the coupling points of the foundation means in such a manner that the introduction of the building structure into the ground with respect to the foundation means is controllable by the control means .
24. System according to claim 23, in which the control means comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder.
25. Underground parking space for a vehicle, provided with a building structure according to one of claims 12-21.
26. underground parking space according to claim 25, in which the building structure has a bottom and vertical side walls, so that the building structure is box-shaped and has an open top, in which a removable cover is provided over the open top of the building structure and a platform is provided on the bottom of the building structure which can be moved up and down as far as above the building structure, in which the cover is coupled to the platform in such a manner that the cover gives way when the platform is moved.
27. Underground parking space according to claim 25 or 26, in which an access opening (46) for access of an individual to the parking space is provided. |
Building structure, flushing device and method for introducing a building structure into the ground
The present invention relates to a method for introducing a building structure into the ground according to the preamble of claim 1.
Such a method is known. DE 199 45 822 Al describes a method for sinking construction pits, locks or other constructions which are to be positioned below ground level. To this end, the constructions are positioned with their- bottom on the ground or in a hole in the ground, after which the ground under the bottom of the construction is flushed away by means of water. The ground which has been flushed away is discharged through holes in the bottom of the construction. By removing the ground which has been flushed away from underneath the bottom of the construction, the construction sinks into the ground.
For flushing purposes, pipes are provided in the bottom of the .construction which have a nozzle at their distal end. Water squirts out of the nozzle under high pressure in such a manner that the surrounding ground is mixed with the water and can be sucked up through openings in the bottom in a simple manner. In order to prevent the construction from being pushed up by, for example, the upward pressure of groundwater, the flushed out ground is used as ballast on top of the construction. This may be achieved, for example, by storing the flushed out ground in a container intended for the purpose, which rests on the bottom of the construction.
The illustrated construction has side walls. In order to prevent the side walls from collapsing due to the pressure of the surrounding ground, the side walls are provided with supports on the inside. When the construction has been lowered sufficiently deep into the ground, the side walls are laterally fixed by means of an anchor in the ground. Subsequently, the temporary supports on the inside of the construction can be removed.
The known method has the disadvantage that the construction which has been introduced into the ground is not securely positioned, in particular after the ballast is removed from the bottom of the construction. Due to the pressure of the groundwater, the construction may move upwards, or if it is above groundwater level, the construction may subside under its own weight. The degree of subsidence, or rising up of the construction is often unpredictable and difficult to repair. It may even lead to cracks appearing in the construction.
It is an object of the present invention to eliminate at least one of the abovementioned drawbacks, at least partially, and/or to provide a usable alternative. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an efficient and quick method for introducing a building structure into the ground. More particularly, it is an object of the invention to limit the size of the work and costs.
This object is achieved by a method for introducing a building structure into the ground, as defined in claim 1. In accordance with the method according to the invention, a flushing device is first connected to the building structure. In this case, at least one flush-ing duct and at least- -one suction duct - extend -a& - far as underneath the bottom of the building structure. The building structure is positioned on the ground at a suitable location, for example at ground level or in a hole in the ground. Via the flushing duct, a flushing liquid, for example water or bentonite, is conducted to the ground below the bottom of the building structure. The ground will mix with the flushing liquid, following which the flushed ground can be sucked up via the suction duct from underneath the bottom of the building structure. Several foundation means are introduced into the ground around the building structure . The building structure is provided with various coupling points in order to couple the building structure to the foundation means.
It is characteristic of the method according to the invention that, when the building structure has been introduced into the ground at a desired depth, the coupling points are higher than the distal ends of the fitted foundation means. As a result thereof, the foundation
means will be able to exert a vertical force component on the building structure. Preferably, anchor rods are provided as foundation means at an acute angle of preferably at most 45° with respect to the vertical, so that a substantially vertical force component is transmitted to the building structure. More preferably, the anchor rods are provided substantially vertically. The anchor rods ensure a fixed position of the building structure in the ground. upward forces which result from the pressure of the groundwater are resisted by means of the anchor rods. The anchor rods may also support the building structure and act as foundation piles. If the building structure only has to be supported, foundation piles may be used as foundation means .
It should be noted that the anchors which are mentioned in DE 19945822 only prevent the side walls from collapsing and do not counteract any upward movement or subsidence of the building structure .
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the building structure is controlled while it is being introduced into the ground by tensioning each of the anchor rods separately in a controlled manner. During flushing and sucking, the building structure i-s coupled to the anchor- rods by- means of the coupling points. The coupling points provided are mechanical coupling means, with which a coupling between the building structure and the foundation means can be achieved in this case. Preferably, at least four anchor rods are provided around the building structure . By coupling with the anchor rods, the building structure can steadily be guided into the ground. The building structure is controlled by tensioning each of the anchor rods separately. The askew position of the building structure may, for example, be detected by means of spirit levels, after which the askew position can be compensated for by tensioning the appropriate anchor rod.
In order to control the building structure during its introduction into the ground, a force is thus exerted on the building structure by means of the anchor rods. This may be a downward tensile force, but the anchor rods may also support the building structure, for example in order to prevent the building structure from sinking too
quickly locally. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a force measurement is carried out on an anchor rod in order to prevent overloading of the anchor rods. If a maximum permissible tensile force or pressure force, for example 15 or 20 tonnes, on the anchor rod is exceeded, tensioning the remaining anchor rods prevents failure of the anchor rod in question.
The dimensions of the building structures to be introduced into the ground may vary, depending on the use. For example, in order to construct underground refuse containers, it is possible to sink building structures having dimensions of 2x2x2 metres. However, according to the method according to the invention, it is also possible ' to sink larger building structures, for example in order to build a cellar or a parking space below ground level.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the building structure comprises a cutting edge extending downwards along the outer periphery of the bottom. As a result thereof, a space is formed underneath the bottom. The flushing duct opens into this space below the bottom. During flushing, the ground is flushed into the space. The cutting edge on the building structure prevents ground from outside the space from flushing underneath the bottom of the- building structure- during flushing. • As a result thereof, only that ground is very expediently flushed which has to be sucked up in order to be able to lower the building structure. In addition, as hardly any ground around the building structure with the cutting edge is flushed and sucked up, undesired subsidence around the sunk building structure is counteracted. This is particularly important when, for example, a building structure has to be introduced into the ground near a house or in a garden of a private individual. The damage which is caused in the vicinity of the building site is thus limited to a minimum.
By expediently flushing and sucking the ground out of the space below the bottom, a significant time saving is achieved with the method according to the invention.
In a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the flushing duct of the flushing device is connected to a flushing
arm in the space below the bottom of the building structure.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a flushing device for introducing into the ground a building structure having a bottom and a cutting edge extending downwards along the outer periphery of the bottom in such a manner that a space is formed under the bottom. It is • characteristic of the flushing device according to the invention that the flushing device comprises a flushing duct which opens out in a flushing arm which can be rotated about a vertical shaft. The embodiment of the flushing arm may vary. Preferably, a nozzle is provided on the distal end of the flushing arm. Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one nozzle is provided along the length of the flushing arm. As the flushing arm is rotatable, the flushing arm can be directed during rotation by means of a drive mechanism on the vertical shaft. Advantageously, by directing the flushing arm, that ground can be removed from underneath the building structure which prevents the building structure from sinking. In order to be able to effectively remove ground, it is advantageous if the flushing arm is moved up and down. In addition, it is advantageous if the suction duct of the flushing device, at the distal end, comprises a nozzle which is moved up and down during flushing. Thus, is it possible to suck up flushed ground in an efficient manner, while sucking up less air.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a building structure provided with a bottom and a cutting edge extending downwards along the outer periphery of the bottom, in such a manner that a space is formed underneath the bottom. It is characteristic of the building structure according to the invention that at least one flushing arm is fitted in the space below the bottom. Thus, the building structure is prepared for a method in which ground is effectively flushed into the space underneath the bottom using the flushing arm.
Furthermore, the invention relates to an underground parking space for a vehicle provided with a building structure which has been introduced into the ground by means of the above-described method. The building structure has a bottom and vertical side walls so that the building structure is box-shaped and has an open top.
Preferably, the open top is closed off by a removable cover. On the bottom of the box-shaped building structure, a platform is provided which can be moved up and down as far as above the building structure. The platform is suitable for supporting a vehicle. When 5 the platform moves up, the cover will be moved away from the building structure. This may be effected, for example, by fixedly connecting the cover to the movable platform. However, the cover may also be designed, for example, in the form of hinged hatches which swing open.
10
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings which show a practical embodiment of the invention, but should not be regarded as being limiting and in which:
15 Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a building structure which is positioned above ground level;
Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a building structure which has been partially introduced into the ground; Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a building structure
20 which has been introduced into the ground at the desired depth;
Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of a building structure provided with two flushing arms which are arranged in pairs;
•■ - ■ Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of a detail Z from -Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 shows a side view of a building structure according to the 5 invention, which is laid out as an underground parking space;
Fig. 7 shows a side view of an underground parking space according to the invention.
Figs 1 to 3 successively show different positions of a building 0 structure 10 which is introduced into the ground in accordance with a method according to the invention. The building structure may have smaller dimensions, for example lxlxl metre for the underground storage of a household refuse container, but may also be larger, for example 3x6x3 metres, as a result of which the building structure 5 becomes suitable for use in constructing an underground parking space.
The building structure 10 in Fig. 1 has a bottom 11, vertical side walls 12 and an open top. Various openings 13, 14 are provided in
the bottom 11, which are used inter alia for connecting a flushing device 20. The flushing device 20 has a flushing duct which opens into a flushing arm 21. Furthermore, the flushing device 20 has a suction duct which is connected to some of the openings in the bottom 11.
Various anchor rods 30 are introduced substantially vertically into the ground around the building structure 10. Near the proximal end of an anchor rod 30, the building structure 10 is provided with a coupling point 32. The building structure 10 is connected to the anchor rods at this coupling point 32.
In a simple embodiment, the coupling point is a steel plate with a horizontally oriented slot, with the steel plate being cast at the same time as the concrete building structure or fixed by means of supports. The anchor rod 30 is connected to this coupling point 32 by means of a projecting pin with a widened head which is inserted into the slot in the plate.
In an alternative embodiment, the coupling point comprises a chair and a hydraulic cylinder. The chair is preferably designed as an L- shaped plate with a horizontal and a vertical part. The vertical
- ■ part of the L-shaped plate is- attached to -the -side -wall of the building structure by means of a bolted connection. When the building structure is introduced into the ground, the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the horizontal part of the L-shaped plate so that the hydraulic cylinder is positioned upright and substantially parallel to the foundation means. The hydraulic cylinder has a piston rod. The distal end of the piston rod is coupled to the foundation means. By controlling the hydraulic cylinder, the building structure can be moved with respect to the foundation means and can thus be lowered or raised at a desired angle. By controlling the coupling points separately, it is possible to prevent the building structure from being lowered into the ground at an angle different from the desired angle, for example askew instead of upright.
In this case, a helix 31 is provided on the distal end of the anchor rod which gives the anchor rod 30 grip in the ground. As the distal
end 31 of the anchor rod 30 is lower than the coupling point 32, a vertical force component will act on the building structure 10. The anchor rod 30 will exert a supporting or tensile force in the vertical direction on the building structure. As a result, subsidence or rising of the building structure 10 can be prevented.
Depending on the dimensions of the building structure, the anchor rods used may have a diameter of 10 to 30 cm. Preferably, use is made of anchor rods of the screw anchor type, as described in Dutch patent NL 8403178 in the name of Gebr. van Leeuwen in Harmelen. These screw anchors can be introduced into the ground without vibration, thus causing little disturbance during the building works. In addition, these so-called Leeuw-anchors can be aligned with high precision. The Leeuw-anchors can be aligned with a precision of 0.5%-1.0%, which is particularly important when the building structure is controlled by means of anchor rods. The anchor rods are then introduced into the ground substantially vertically around the building structure.
In order to be able to control the building structure in a simple manner, in the method according to the invention, use is preferably made of anchor rods which consist of a hollow and a solid part. The hollow part can slide over -the solid 1 part -up to- a travel - di-stance of 50 cm, preferably up to a travel distance of 25 cm. Control means are used to effect controlled displacement. The control means may comprise, for example, a jack or hydraulic cylinders. The displacement of the hollow part over the solid part can be controlled by means of, for example, a jack by turning a nut along a screw thread, which is arranged on the solid part of the anchor rod.
In many cases, it is sufficient to guide the building structure 10 into the ground when it starts to sink from the ground surface at a travel distance of approximately 50 cm using the foundation means. In Fig. 1, the building structure 10 is box-shaped and has vertical side walls 12. When the box-shaped building structure 10 has been introduced into the ground sufficiently far, the building structure 10 no longer has a tendency to sink at an angle, due to the vertical side walls 12 and the surrounding ground. The coupling points 32 can then be detached and the control means, such as a jack or hydraulic
cylinder, can then be removed. When the building structure has been brought to the desired depth, the coupling points 32 can be attached to the foundation means again in order to prevent subsidence or rising of the building structure.
Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the building structure 10, in which the building structure 10 has been sunk into the ground vertically in accordance with the method according to the invention. Via the flushing duct of the flushing device 20, flushing liquid, such as water or bentonite, is supplied and leaves the flushing arm 21 via a nozzle. The flushing liquid mixes with the ground under the bottom 11 of the building structure 10. The flushing arm 21 is rotatable about a vertical shaft. In this case, the flushing arm 21 is at a substantially right angle to the connection with the flushing duct. In order to remove ground efficiently, the flushing arm can be directed obliquely downwards, in the direction of the cutting edge. The flushing arm 21 is preferably at an acute angle of preferably 15° -90° with respect to the vertical shaft. Preferably, the flushing arm 21 is directed obliquely downwards at an acute angle of 0° to 30° with respect to the bottom of the building structure .
- By -rotating the flushing arm 2-1,- the ground - under the -bottom 11 of the building structure 10 is mixed more efficiently with the flushing liquid. By means of the rotating movement of the flushing arm, larger pieces of ground are ground and the ground will be mixed more efficiently with the flushing liquid, so that the flushed ground can be sucked up in an easier manner. Sucking up the flushed ground takes place via several openings in the bottom 11 of the building structure 10. The openings in the bottom 11 are provided with shut-off valves . By sucking up the flushed ground in various locations in the bottom and closing off certain openings, it is possible to suck up flushed ground in a controlled manner from under the bottom 11, which improves the stability of the building structure 10 during sinking.
Fig. 3 shows the building structure 10, with the building structure 10 having sunk completely below ground level. The building structure 10 has been introduced into the ground vertically by means of the
method according to the invention and is, as Fig. 3 shows, then stabilized, by injecting a hardening substance. This hardening substance is, for example, water glass or grout. Furthermore, the openings which have been used for flushing and sucking are closed by means of the injecting. The flushing device has by now been removed, with the flushing arm 21 remaining under the bottom of the building structure 10.
Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the building structure 10 having a bottom 11 and side walls 12. Four anchor rods 30 are arranged around the building structure 10. Several openings are provided in the bottom 11. Smaller openings 13 are provided for injecting hardening substance once the building structure 10 has been introduced into the ground at the desired depth. Two flushing arms 21 are rotatably mounted in the bottom 11. The arrows in Fig. 4 indicate a direction of rotation of the flushing arms 21 arranged in pairs. Preferably, the flushing arms 21 rotate in opposite directions with respect to one another. As a result thereof, a stream of the flushed ground is created which forces the flushed ground towards the centre of the bottom half. In order to ensure that the flushed ground is discharged effectively, a discharge opening 14 is provided substantially in the centre of the bottom 11. Here, a building structure 10 is shown having a rectangular shape and two flushing arms. However, in the case of a building structure having a circular or square cross section across the bottom, it is equally possible to use three or four flushing arms, respectively. It is also possible to provide nozzles in various arbitrary positions.
Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of a detail Z from Fig. 1. The enlarged view shows the building structure 10 with the bottom 11 and the vertical side walls 12. A flushing arm 21 is arranged under the bottom 11. A cutting edge 15 is provided against the side wall 12.
The cutting edge 15 is provided along the entire outer periphery of the bottom 11. Under the bottom 11 and within the cutting edge 15, a space is thus formed where flushing and extraction of the ground takes place while the building structure is introduced into the ground.
Preferably, the cutting edge 15 has a height which is between 0.2
and 1.2 metres. More preferably, the cutting edge 15 has a height of between 0.5 and 1 metre. Preferably, the inside of the cutting edge is provided with trestles and supports in order to achieve a greater stiffness. Preferably, the cutting edge comprises a steel plate having a thickness of at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 2 cm.
The cutting edge 15 along the outer periphery of the bottom forms the outer contour of the building structure. Preferably, the cutting edge 15 protrudes beyond the outer periphery of the bottom of the building structure. This reduces the friction of the ground along the side walls of the building structure. This protrusion of the cutting edge is also referred to as an overlap.
Another measure to reduce the frictional forces along the side walls of the building structure is achieved by lubricating the side walls while introducing the building structure into the ground. This may be carried out with the aid of bentonite.
Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show an underground parking space for a vehicle. The building structure 10 has in this case been introduced into the ground by means of the steps of the method according to the invention. The building structure 10 rests on anchor rods 30 and is provided --with • a cutting edge 15 along -the ■ outer periphery . of the bottom 11. The building structure is stabilized in the ground by injecting grout 16.
The building structure 10 is box-shaped and has an open top. Inside the box-shaped building structure 10, half-brick walls 44, which are provided with an air grate 45, are built against the side walls 12 of the building structure 10. In the building structure 10, a platform 41 is provided for carrying a vehicle. The platform 41 can be moved up and down. In this case, the movement is made possible by a scissor lift 43. However, other solutions for lifting the platform 41 are also conceivable, such as lifting it by means of hydraulic cylinders or a lead screw drive. The platform 41 in the lifting mechanism may be designed as a hydraulic ramp, so that the underground parking space can also serve as a workshop. The open top of the building structure 10 is covered with a cover 42. As a result of the fixed connection to the platform 41, the cover 42 here moves
concomitantly with the platform 41.
Fig. 7 shows the platform 41 which has been moved upwards. The cover 42 is rigidly connected to the platform 41 and in this way acts as a carport. In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to park a second car on top of the cover 42 so that the space is used in an optimum manner .
Figs 6 and 7 show that the cover does not cover the open top of the building structure completely. The top is covered in addition by a shutter which serves as an access opening 46 for an individual to the underground parking space. Under the access opening 46, a staircase is provided in order to reach the underground parking space. Furthermore, the underground parking space is provided with a pump in order to pump rain water out.
Many variants are possible in addition to the embodiments illustrated in the figures.
In one variant of the illustrated embodiment of the method, various kinds of anchor rods or foundation piles can be used to secure the building structure once it has been sunk into the ground. Anchor rods may also -be fitted at an angle of at most -45° to the -vertical, so that they, in addition to a vertical force component, also provide strength in the lateral direction by the horizontal force component of the building structure.
Various alternative embodiments of the coupling points between the building structure and the anchor rods are possible. Thus, for example, clamps may be attached to the building structure which can engage with the tie rods.
In one variant of the illustrated flushing arm, in which the flushing arm extends in another direction than the supply duct, a bent end of the supply duct may also serve as flushing arm.
Incidentally, flushing by means of the flushing arm can not only be used with the method according to the invention, but the flushing arm may also be used with methods in which a building structure is
introduced into the ground without anchor rods .
In one variant to the illustrated building structure, for example, nozzles for flushing may be provided under the bottom, near the cutting edge. It is advantageous if these nozzles squirt towards the cutting edge in the horizontal direction, as it is thus possible to flush any ground which may have accumulated near the cutting edge away in an effective manner.
In one variant of the illustrated underground parking space, one of the side walls can be removed after the box-shaped building structure has been introduced into the ground in order to join a ramp thereto. The ramp makes it possible to reach the underground parking space and makes a movable platform redundant. Furthermore, it is possible to sink a building structure for an underground parking space, in which a ramp which runs upwards at an angle is integrated in the building structure.
Thus, a quick, efficient and cost-saving method is provided for introducing a building structure into the ground. The method ensures a building structure which is introduced into the ground in a stable manner and is held in place by foundation means. This prevents the •building • structure from rising- -up due- to upward- forces- from the groundwater or from sinking due to the weight of the building structure.
In particular, the method according to the invention offers the possibility of building building structures, such as an individual garage or a refuse container close to existing buildings without the ground around the building caving in.