[0001] The invention relates to a vibrating device for inserting a foundation element, such
as a foundation pile or sheet pile profile or tube, into the ground. Such foundation
elements can be inserted into the ground on land or at sea.
[0002] Diverse vibrating systems are known in practice which make use of a vibrating device
and more particularly of a vibrator block provided with a number of eccentrics. Such
a vibrator block exerts vibrations on the foundation element, whereby this element
is vibrated into the ground. Such vibrator blocks are usually arranged on the upper
side of the foundation element during insertion thereof. These vibrating systems known
in practice are usually driven hydraulically, wherein use is made of a so-called power
pack comprising a diesel engine and a hydraulic pump. This hydraulic pump drives the
hydraulic motor of the vibrating device.
[0003] The document
US 6 672 805 B1 discloses a vibrating system sporting a foundation element according to the preamble
of claim 1. It further teaches a method of installing or decommissioning a foundation
element.
[0004] A problem with existing vibrating systems is that due to the ground resistance great
power is usually required to insert the foundation element into the ground. The great
resistance entails the danger of overloading of the hydraulic system and/or makes
it necessary for great power to be provided for the vibrating system. This increases
the insertion time of the foundation element and/or entails higher costs.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to obviate or reduce the above stated problems
and to provide an effective vibrating system for inserting a foundation element into
the ground.
[0006] This object is achieved with the vibrating system according to the present invention
for inserting a foundation element into the ground, wherein the vibrating system comprises:
- a vibrating device;
- a drive operatively connected to the vibrating device and comprising a motor; and
- a foundation element to be inserted into the ground or removed from the ground, comprising
a closing means arranged in the interior of the foundation element for realizing a
pressure chamber in the interior of the foundation element. In a currently preferred
embodiment the pressure chamber is created between the closing means and the ground
into which or on which the foundation element is inserted or is situated.
[0007] Providing the vibrating device, also referred to as vibrator block, with a number
of eccentrics in particular enables a vibration to be exerted on a foundation element,
such as a foundation pile, a foundation tube, a tube and a sheet pile profile.
The drive of the vibrating device is formed by the motor, in a currently preferred
embodiment comprising a hydraulic motor. This is preferably provided in combination
with a pump, in a currently preferred embodiment comprising a hydraulic pump. This
produces a quantity of hydraulic fluid which determines the frequency of the vibrating
device. The effective frequency of the vibrating device is determined in practice
by the relation between the quantity of hydraulic fluid and the so-called stroke volume
of the hydraulic motor, together with the transmission ratio inside the vibrating
device. The frequency of the vibrating device together with the eccentric moment of
the vibrating device determine the impact force, i.e. the power produced by the vibrating
device.
[0008] The maximum available power of the drive for the vibrating system is determined by
the (hydraulic) pump, which is operatively connected to the (hydraulic) motor, together
with the drive unit for the (hydraulic) pump. Such a drive unit is preferably a diesel
engine, although an electrically driven hydraulic pump is also possible.
[0009] The hydraulic pressure determines the drive force which can be realized with the
vibrating system. The drive force of the vibrating device is substantially used to
overcome the resistance which is encountered during insertion into the ground of the
foundation element, and some losses. Providing the drive with an adjusting device
which is configured to set the drive force of the system achieves an optimal use of
the available power, while the power which can be supplied by the vibrating device
to the foundation element remains substantially constant.
[0010] By providing according to the invention a closing means, comprising one, two or more
plugs or closing means, a pressure chamber is provided in the interior of the foundation
element.
[0011] An overpressure can be provided in the pressure chamber during insertion into the
ground of the foundation element. This achieves that the stability of the foundation
element, particularly a tube, is increased. Providing an underpressure in the pressure
chamber during the vibration process achieves that the foundation element will penetrate
further into the ground than in a similar situation without pressure chamber. This
significantly increases the effectiveness of the process, and enables a number of
foundation elements to be inserted into the ground in less time. Besides installation
being accelerated, an additional advantage is that a sound-reducing effect is achieved
whereby the total amount of sound produced can remain limited. The risk that the foundation
element may or may not reach its destination depth can in addition also be limited
further. If desired, in a possible embodiment according to the invention it is also
possible to provide a type of spring action with the pressure chamber during installation
of the foundation element.
[0012] During removal of the foundation element from the ground the pressure chamber is
preferably brought to an overpressure, whereby an upward force is achieved. This removal
of a foundation element from the ground is also referred to as decommissioning. One
of the advantages herein is that the crane used has to lift the foundation element
and possible vibrator block, but need not overcome the full resistance of the ground.
This is because the upward force contributes to the decommissioning of the foundation
element. Decommissioning of the foundation element is for instance applicable during
removal of the foundation element after use and/or testing of the load-bearing capacity
of the foundation element.
[0013] The pressure chamber in addition increases the buoyancy of the foundation element.
This is particularly advantageous when the foundation element is transported over
water, which element can hereby be displaced in floating manner. This simplifies transport
of the foundation element.
[0014] Multiple effects are achieved in the above stated manner with the pressure chamber
according to the invention, which can be advantageously combined in the whole process
of insertion of the foundation element into the ground or decommissioning thereof.
This can hereby be performed in more effective manner, preferably using a lighter
vibrating device.
[0015] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the closing means
is positioned between two outer ends of the foundation element.
[0016] By providing the closing means in the interior of the foundation element instead
of at the outer end thereof in a possible embodiment an interior pressure chamber
is provided inside the foundation element. The above stated effects are hereby better
guaranteed.
[0017] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the closing means
is provided with one or more expanders for moving the closing means between an insertion
configuration and a closing configuration in which the closing means is expanded.
[0018] Applying expanders enables the closing means to be placed in the foundation element
in relatively simple manner. In the case that round foundation piles or tubes are
applied, the closing means is inserted and carried to the desired position while having
a relatively small diameter. At the desired position the closing means is brought
to a relatively large diameter with the expanders such that the closing means is fixed
against the internal surface of the pile or tube, preferably water and/or air-tightly.
Expanders can be formed in diverse ways, for instance using an element extendable
with a cylinder, and/or an inflatable element.
[0019] The closing means is preferably removable. This allows the closing means to be reused.
[0020] In a further embodiment according to the invention the closing means can be provided
with a valve for for instance carrying air or water (passively) out of or into the
pressure chamber. If desired, a medium such as air or water can additionally or alternatively
be carried into the pressure chamber or removed therefrom in a more active manner
using a pump or compressor.
[0021] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the vibrating
system further comprises a control system for modifying the pressure in the pressure
chamber.
[0022] By providing a control system for modifying the pressure in the pressure chamber
the pressure in this pressure chamber can be monitored and preferably controlled.
Use is preferably made here of one or more pressure sensors. By making use of a control
system according to the invention the desired effects to be achieved with the pressure
chamber can be provided in effective manner. The control system is preferably suitable
for controlling the above described passive and/or active manner of introducing or
removing a medium, such as water or air, into or from the pressure chamber.
[0023] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the foundation
element further comprises a cutting tool configured to cut off the foundation element.
[0024] Providing a cutting tool is particularly advantageous during decommissioning of a
foundation element. If a foundation element cannot be wholly removed from the ground,
a part can be cut off so that at least a part of the foundation element can be removed.
[0025] In a currently preferred embodiment optimal use is made of the available power, and
the power which can be transmitted by the vibrating device to the foundation element
is kept substantially constant herein during use. The insertion time required and
the overall amount of energy required to insert the foundation element into the ground
is hereby minimized. The power taken up by the foundation element is determined here
by the frequency and the drive force of the vibrating device.
[0026] By optimizing the taken-up power with an adjusting device in such a preferred embodiment
a foundation element can be inserted into the ground in effective manner. It is here
possible in practice to dispense with a conventional safety valve, or at least with
the practical use thereof, whereby in conventional systems the maximum operating pressure
is limited. Hydraulic fluid is carried via such a safety valve back to the reservoir,
while the drive force of the vibrating device remains the same. This results in loss
of power. The adjusting device according to the invention increases the drive force,
while the frequency is reduced. No power is hereby lost, and an effective process
is achieved.
[0027] The invention further relates to a method for inserting a foundation element into
the ground or decommissioning it, comprising the steps of:
- providing a foundation element to be inserted into the ground or decommissioned;
- providing a closing means in the foundation element for the purpose of providing a
pressure chamber;
- providing a vibrating device at or on the foundation element; and
- inserting or removing the foundation element.
[0028] The method provides the same advantages and effects as described for the vibrating
system.
[0029] During providing of the closing means, this closing means is preferably arranged
in the interior of the foundation element between the two outer ends thereof. Use
is preferably made here of expanders for varying the diameter of the closing means.
The method also preferably comprises the step of removing the closing means.
[0030] In a possible application the method comprises the step of transporting the foundation
element over water, wherein the pressure chamber created by the closing means provides
buoyancy. This enables efficient transport.
[0031] During or prior to insertion into the ground the pressure chamber is preferably placed
under an overpressure such that the stability of the foundation element is increased.
This preferably improves the stability such that the foundation element can stand
independently. This simplifies the insertion process. Increasing the stability prior
to insertion into the ground is in a possible embodiment also possible when the foundation
element is not yet positioned on the ground or ground layer by making use of two closing
means. The pressure chamber is then situated therebetween. For insertion into the
ground one of the closing means can then be opened or removed, so that the ground
will once again function as second closing means and an underpressure in the pressure
chamber allows the vibration process to run more efficiently, as already described
above. The pressure chamber is here preferably filled with a gas or liquid which is
lighter than water, for instance air, for the purpose of increasing the stability.
[0032] In a possible advantageous embodiment the pressure chamber is placed under an underpressure
for the purpose of insertion, such that the power of insertion into the ground is
increased during insertion of the foundation element into the ground. A smaller vibrating
device can hereby suffice and/or the foundation element can be inserted into the ground
more quickly.
[0033] In a further advantageous preferred embodiment the pressure chamber is placed under
an overpressure such that an outward pressing or outward driving force is achieved
during decommissioning of the foundation element. A smaller vibrating device can hereby
suffice and/or the foundation element can be decommissioned more quickly. A cutting
tool is preferably provided in this application. In the case that not the whole foundation
element need or can be removed from the ground, the foundation element is cut off
with a cutting tool during decommissioning of the foundation element.
[0034] In the discussed applications the pressure in the pressure chamber is preferably
monitored and preferably controlled with a control system.
[0035] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis
of a preferred embodiment thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying figures
in which:
- Figure 1 shows a view of a vibrating system according to the invention.
[0036] Foundation element 2 (Figure 1) is held on the upper side by clamping system 4 using
one or more clamps 6. Arranged above clamping system 4 is vibrator block 8 which in
the shown embodiment is provided with hydraulic motor 10. Further arranged above vibrator
block 8 is a so-called suppressor 12 which ensures inter alia that vibrations are
not transmitted via connection 14 to for instance the boom of a lifting device.
[0037] In the shown embodiment vibrating system 16 comprises in addition to vibrator block
8 with hydraulic motor 10 a power pack 18, wherein hydraulic hoses 20 carry hydraulic
fluid, for instance an oil, to connections to suppressor 12 and back via hoses 22,
wherein via suppressor 12 hydraulic fluid is carried via hydraulic hoses 24 to hydraulic
motor 10 and back via hydraulic hoses 26. A different configuration of hydraulic hoses
20, 22, 24, 26 is of course likewise possible.
[0038] In the shown embodiment power pack 18 comprises diesel engine 28 and hydraulic pump
30, which are mutually coupled using connection 32.
[0039] Provided in foundation element 2 is closing means or plug 34 whereby pressure chamber
36 is provided. In the shown embodiment foundation pile 2 is situated partially in
air 38, under water 40 and in ground 42. A pile cutter 44 is further optionally provided.
[0040] Pressure sensor 46, whereby pressure signal 48 is sent to controller 50, is shown
schematically. On the basis of the operation to be performed on foundation element
2, instruction 52 can hereby be sent to actuator 54, for instance a pump, which modifies
the pressure in pressure chamber 36, if required, with control action 56.
[0041] When foundation pile 2 is installed in ground 42 an underpressure is preferably applied
in chamber 36 during transport and upending. When pile 2 is positioned upright an
overpressure is preferably applied in chamber 36 for the purpose of stable positioning.
During vibration for the purpose of installation an underpressure is preferably applied
in chamber 36 using controller 50.
[0042] When pile 2 is decommissioned from ground 42 an overpressure is preferably applied
in chamber 36. If desired, a part of pile 2 can be cut off using pile cutter 44.
[0043] During insertion of foundation element 2 power pack 18 is set into operation to supply
available power. Hydraulic oil is carried to motor 10 with a set stroke volume. Vibrator
block 8 is hereby driven and operated at a determined frequency and drive force. In
the case of an increase of the resistance to a foundation element 2 being inserted
into the ground, the drive force is increased according to the invention, while the
frequency of vibrator block 8 decreases.
[0044] It is noted for the sake of completeness that the closing means according to the
invention can be both placed in the foundation element as separate component or can
be integrated therein.
[0045] According to the invention, the pressure chamber can optionally be filled with both
liquid which cannot be compressed in practice, or hardly so, and/or gas which can
be compressed in practice. In an advantageous embodiment use is for instance made
of water or air. The choice can be made on the basis of for instance the specific
application, such as insertion of the foundation element into the ground, decommissioning
of the foundation element, increasing the pile stability and/or testing the load-bearing
capacity.
[0046] In a possible embodiment the closing means can also be used to test the load-bearing
force of the pile. The downward load-bearing capacity of the pile can be tested by
creating underpressure. The upward load-bearing capacity can be tested by creating
overpressure. This testing is for instance possible immediately after installation
with the vibrating system. It is also possible to perform the tests at a later time,
for instance in order to map the change in load-bearing capacity in the course of
time.
[0047] Increasing the stability and/or testing the load-bearing capacity with the closing
means in a possible embodiment can be done in combination with the vibrating system,
but also by using only the closing means.
[0048] A number of the possible embodiments or possible applications according to the invention
is stated below. These can be applied individually or in different combinations, optionally
in combination with other aspects.
[0049] In a first embodiment the stability is increased using in particular two closing
means, wherein the pressure chamber is filled with a gas or liquid lighter than the
surrounding liquid, optionally in combination with an above described vibrating device.
[0050] In a second embodiment the stability is increased using one closing means, wherein
the pressure chamber is filled with a gas or liquid lighter than the surrounding liquid,
optionally in combination with an above described vibrating device.
[0051] In a third embodiment a foundation element is inserted into the ground more efficiently
by applying underpressure in the pressure chamber, in combination with vibration,
wherein the pressure chamber is filled with liquid, gas or a combination of the two.
[0052] In a fourth embodiment a foundation element is decommissioned more efficiently, in
combination with vibration, wherein the pressure chamber is filled with air, water
or a combination of the two.
[0053] In a fifth embodiment the upward load-bearing capacity is tested by means of applying
an overpressure, wherein the pressure chamber is filled with liquid, gas or a combination
of the two, optionally in combination with a vibrating device.
[0054] In a sixth embodiment the downward load-bearing capacity is tested by applying an
underpressure, wherein the pressure chamber is filled with liquid, gas or a combination
of the two, optionally in combination with a vibrating device.
[0055] In a seventh embodiment an optional so-called pile run during installation of the
pile is prevented or avoided, wherein the closing means can be closed in the case
of such a pile run, wherein the pressure chamber is filled with liquid.
1. Vibrating system (16) comprising:
- a vibrating device (8);
- a drive operatively connected to the vibrating device and comprising a motor; and
- a foundation element (2) to be installed in the ground or decommissioned from the
ground, characterized in that the foundation element comprises a closing means (34) arranged in the interior of
the foundation element for realizing a pressure chamber (36) in the interior of the
foundation element.
2. Vibrating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing means is positioned on
or between two outer ends of the foundation element.
3. Vibrating system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing means is provided
with one or more expanders configured to move the closing means between an insertion
configuration and a closing configuration in which the closing means is expanded.
4. Vibrating system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the closing means is removable.
5. Vibrating system as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the foundation
element further comprises a pile cutter (44) configured to cut off the foundation
element.
6. Vibrating system as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising
a control system (50) configured to modify the pressure in the pressure chamber.
7. Method for installing or decommissioning a foundation element, comprising the steps
of:
- providing a foundation element (2) to be installed or decommissioned;
- providing a closing means (34) in the foundation element for the purpose of providing
a pressure chamber (36);
- providing a vibrating device (8) at or on the foundation element; and
- inserting or removing the foundation element.
8. Method as claimed in claim 7, wherein during providing of the closing means, this
closing means is arranged in the interior of the foundation element on or between
the two outer ends thereof.
9. Method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, further comprising the step of removing the closing
means.
10. Method as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, further comprising the step of transporting
the foundation element over water (40), wherein the pressure chamber created by the
closing means provides buoyancy.
11. Method as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 7-10, wherein the pressure
chamber is placed under an overpressure such that the stability of the foundation
element is increased.
12. Method as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 7-11, wherein the pressure
chamber is placed under an underpressure such that the power of insertion into the
ground (42) is increased during installation of the foundation element.
13. Method as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 7-12, wherein the pressure
chamber is placed under an overpressure such that an outward pressing force is achieved
during decommissioning of the foundation element.
14. Method as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 7-13, wherein the foundation
element is cut off with a pile cutter (44) during decommissioning of the foundation
element.
1. Schwingungssystem (16), das aufweist:
- eine Schwingungsvorrichtung (8);
- einen Antrieb, der betriebsfähig mit der Schwingungsvorrichtung verbunden ist und
einen Motor aufweist; und
- ein Gründungselement (2), das im Boden installiert oder aus dem Boden stillgelegt
werden soll, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gründungselement eine Schließeinrichtung (34) aufweist, die im Inneren des Gründungselements
eingerichtet ist, um eine Druckkammer (36) im Inneren des Gründungselements zu realisieren.
2. Schwingungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Schließeinrichtung auf oder zwischen
zwei äußeren Enden des Gründungselements positioniert ist.
3. Schwingungssystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Schließeinrichtung mit einem oder
mehreren Spreizern versehen ist, die konfiguriert sind, um die Schließeinrichtung
zwischen einer Einsatzkonfiguration und einer Schließkonfiguration, in der die Schließeinrichtung
gespreizt ist, zu bewegen.
4. Schwingungssystem nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei die Schließeinrichtung entfernbar
ist.
5. Schwingungssystem nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das
Gründungselement einen Schneidgreifer (44) aufweist, der konfiguriert ist, um das
Gründungselement abzuschneiden.
6. Schwingungssystem nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das ferner
ein Steuersystem (50) aufweist, das konfiguriert ist, um den Druck in der Druckkammer
zu ändern.
7. Verfahren zum Installieren oder Stilllegen eines Gründungselements, das die folgenden
Schritte aufweist:
- Bereitstellen eines Gründungselements (2), das installiert oder stillgelegt werden
soll;
- Bereitstellen einer Schließeinrichtung (34) in dem Gründungselement zu dem Zweck,
eine Druckkammer (36) bereitzustellen;
- Bereitstellen einer Schwingungsvorrichtung (8) an oder auf dem Gründungselement;
und
- Einsetzen oder Entfernen des Gründungselements.
8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, wobei während der Bereitstellung der Schließeinrichtung,
diese Schließeinrichtung im Inneren des Gründungselements auf oder zwischen seinen
zwei äußeren Enden eingerichtet wird.
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, das ferner den Schritt des Entfernens der Schließeinrichtung
aufweist.
10. Verfahren nach den Ansprüchen 7, 8 oder 9, das ferner den Schritt des Transportierens
des Gründungselements über Wasser (40) aufweist, wobei die durch die Schließeinrichtung
erzeugte Druckkammer Auftrieb bereitstellt.
11. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche 7 - 10, wobei die Druckkammer
unter einen Überdruck gesetzt wird, so dass die Stabilität des Gründungselements erhöht
wird.
12. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche 7 - 11, wobei die Druckkammer
unter einen Unterdruck gesetzt wird, so dass die Leistung für das Einsetzen in die
Erde (42) während der Installation des Gründungselements erhöht wird.
13. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche 7 - 12, wobei die Druckkammer
unter einen Überdruck gesetzt wird, so dass während der Stilllegung des Gründungselements
eine nach außen drückende Kraft erreicht wird.
14. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche 7 - 13, wobei das Gründungselement
während der Stilllegung des Gründungselements mit einem Greifschneider (44) abgeschnitten
wird.
1. Système vibrant (16) comprenant :
- un dispositif vibrant (8) ;
- un entraînement raccordé opérationnellement au dispositif vibrant et comprenant
un moteur ; et
- un élément de fondation (2) à installer dans le sol ou à démanteler du sol, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de fondation comprend un moyen de fermeture (34) agencé à l'intérieur de
l'élément de fondation pour réaliser une chambre de pression (36) à l'intérieur de
l'élément de fondation.
2. Système vibrant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le moyen de fermeture est positionné
sur ou entre deux extrémités extérieures de l'élément de fondation.
3. Système vibrant selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le moyen de fermeture est
pourvu d'un ou plusieurs extenseurs configurés pour déplacer le moyen de fermeture
entre une configuration d'insertion et une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle
le moyen de fermeture est étendu.
4. Système vibrant selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel le moyen de fermeture
est amovible.
5. Système vibrant selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
l'élément de fondation comprend en outre un découpeur de pieu (44) configuré pour
découper l'élément de fondation.
6. Système vibrant selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre un système de commande (50) configuré pour modifier la pression dans la chambre
de pression.
7. Procédé d'installation ou de démantèlement d'un élément de fondation, comprenant les
étapes de :
- la fourniture d'un élément de fondation (2) à installer ou à démanteler ;
- la fourniture d'un moyen de fermeture (34) dans l'élément de fondation dans le but
de fournir une chambre de pression (36) ;
- la fourniture d'un dispositif vibrant à ou sur l'élément de fondation ; et
- l'insertion ou le retrait de l'élément de fondation.
8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, dans lequel, au cours de la fourniture du moyen
de fermeture, ce moyen de fermeture est agencé à l'intérieur de l'élément de fondation
sur ou entre les deux extrémités extérieures de celui-ci.
9. Procédé selon la revendication 7 ou 8, comprenant en outre l'étape du retrait du moyen
de fermeture.
10. Procédé selon la revendication 7, 8 ou 9, comprenant en outre l'étape du transport
de l'élément de fondation sur l'eau (40), dans lequel la chambre de pression créée
par le moyen de fermeture assure la flottaison.
11. Procédé selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 7 à 10, dans lequel la chambre de
pression est mise en surpression de sorte que la stabilité de l'élément de fondation
soit accrue.
12. Procédé selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 7 à 11, dans lequel la chambre de
pression est mise en sous-pression de sorte que la puissance d'insertion dans le sol
(42) soit accrue au cours de l'installation de l'élément de fondation.
13. Procédé selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 7 à 12, dans lequel la chambre de
pression est mise en surpression de sorte qu'une force de pression vers l'extérieur
soit obtenue au cours du démantèlement de l'élément de fondation.
14. Procédé selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 7 à 13, dans lequel l'élément de
fondation est découpé avec un découpeur de pieu (44) au cours du démantèlement de
l'élément de fondation.