Apparatus and method for the maintenance of vertical artifacts, such as pillars or piers of viaducts, bridges or suchlike

Abstract

 Apparatus (10) and method for the maintenance of a vertical artifact (11) arranged to support a transit seat of a viaduct (12). The apparatus (10) comprises a scaffolding (13) of selectively adjustable sizes, arranged at least partly around the vertical artifact (11), and moved vertically by means of one or more motor members (14). The scaffolding (13) is associated with guide members (15, 115) which stabilize it with respect to the vertical artifact (11) and to guide the vertical movement thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns an apparatus for the maintenance of vertical artifacts such as pillars or piers of road, motorway or railway viaducts, and the relative method to perform the maintenance operations on said vertical artifacts. To be more exact, the present invention concerns a horizontal scaffolding that is installed around the vertical artifact below the transit seat, road or railway, of the viaduct, in order to support the staff and the equipment necessary to perform the maintenance operations. The present invention is particularly advantageous when it is applied to any very high vertical artifact, for example in the range of tens of meters, up to hundreds of meters. By vertical artifacts we mean the pillars, piers and in general any supporting structure, having a prismatic or cylindrical shape and able to support viaducts, bridges or other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] No specific apparatus is known in the state of the art to allow to perform maintenance operations on very high pilasters or pillars, like those of horizontal viaducts, particularly for the reconstruction of their outer layer of concrete by a first step of removing and a subsequent step of reconstructing said outer layer.

[0003] Normally, the maintenance operations are performed by means of suitable apparatus, such as for example hydro-demolition machines or suchlike, mounted on fixed scaffolding erected around the pillar on which maintenance is to be done.

[0004] This known method, however, requires very long working times, due both to the assembling and dismantling of the scaffolding, and also due to the performance of the maintenance itself, since it is necessary to move the apparatus manually on the fixed scaffolding.

[0005] Moreover, known scaffolding is used only to maintain pillars with a height in the range of some tens of meters. On pillars of greater height, for example in the range of many tens of meters or even hundreds of meters, such scaffolding would be difficult to install, too expensive, due to the large number of components necessary, and above all extremely instable and unsafe.

[0006] Moreover, very often said maintenance operations require particular auxiliary equipment which, due to the limited spaces of the scaffolding, are normally arranged on the roadway itself, thus requiring the traffic lane on the viaduct to be restricted or closed, with consequent inconvenience for the traffic.

[0007] One purpose of the present invention is to achieve an apparatus for the maintenance of vertical artifacts of viaducts which allows to correctly perform the maintenance operations in substantial safety for the operators, which allows to reduce the time required to carry out said operations, and which can be used practically for the maintenance of vertical artifacts of any height, even in the range of several hundred meters.

[0008] Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve an apparatus which can be easily installed around any type of pillar, irrespective of the shape and sizes of its cross section, and which has ample availability of space for the operators to work in, so that it is not necessary to put any auxiliary equipment on the viaduct, and thus keep the roadway itself free, hence without obstructing the traffic.

[0009] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied this invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain other advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the main claims, while the dependent claims describe other innovative characteristics of the invention.

[0011] In accordance with the above purposes, an apparatus for the maintenance of vertical artifacts according to the present invention comprises a scaffolding of selectively adjustable sizes, arranged at least partly around the vertical artifact on which maintenance is to be performed.

[0012] The scaffolding is also able to be moved vertically by one or more motor members, and is associated with guide means that stabilize it with respect to the vertical artifact and guide the vertical movement thereof.

[0013] In one form of embodiment, the guide means comprise a plurality of rolling members, such as wheels, rollers or suchlike, pivoted to the scaffolding and able to roll on respective outer surfaces of the vertical artifact, so that the scaffolding itself is constantly in contact with the artifact and advances vertically, keeping itself substantially parallel to the plane on which the respective outer surface lies.

[0014] According to a variant, the guide means comprise a plurality of tie rods, arranged substantially vertical, in proximity with the artifact, and to each of which the scaffolding is connected in sliding manner. In this way, by tensioning the tie rods according to the height at which the scaffolding is with respect to the ground below, the scaffolding is given stability with respect to the artifact, thus ensuring a greater safety for the operators.

[0015] The scaffolding comprises a plurality of sections, for example four in the case of artifacts with a quadrangular cross section, connected in angled manner one with respect to the other, so as to be arranged advantageously parallel to the surfaces of the artifact on which maintenance is to be performed. The sections, which for example have a lattice structure, are advantageously able to slide one with respect to the other, so that they can be reciprocally brought closer to or distanced from the artifact, in order to arrange the maintenance equipment always at the same distance from the surfaces of the artifact to be worked, even in the event that the latter has a variable section, for example a truncated pyramid.

[0016] This allows to perform maintenance on vertical artifacts of even more than several hundred meters, without the operators needing to climb dangerously on fixed scaffoldings resting on the ground.

[0017] With the present invention, moreover, the disadvantage of the reductions in section of the artifacts to be maintained is obviated.

[0018] Moreover, it is possible to provide, for every section, one or more walkways, in order to provide ample spaces for the operators to maneuver in, so as to increase the safety of the apparatus and allow auxiliary equipment to be located on board, thus leaving free the transit seat of the viaduct during the work.

[0019] Another advantage of the present invention is that, since the scaffolding is movable with respect to the vertical artifact, the maintenance equipment can be moved automatically along every section, so as to make the maintenance operations to be performed more rapid and uniform.

[0020] The present invention thus allows to use the apparatus for maintenance without distinction both on vertical artifacts of a few tens of meters, and also on vertical artifacts which reach several hundred meters in height, in both cases limiting the costs, increasing the safety of the operators and keeping unoccupied the transit seat of the viaduct.

[0021] According to another variant, a lift element can be associated with the scaffolding, moved vertically and independently with respect to the scaffolding, and able to permit the transport of the operators or of special equipment from the ground to the height at which the scaffolding is, and vice versa, without needing to move the whole scaffolding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some preferential forms of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• fig. 1 is a side view of a vertical artifact of a viaduct, around which a maintenance apparatus according to the present invention is mounted;
• fig. 2 is a three-dimensional partial view of the apparatus in fig. 1;
• fig. 3 shows a variant of the apparatus in fig. 1;
• fig. 4 shows a variant of the apparatus in fig. 3;
• fig. 5 shows a section from V to V of fig. 1;
• fig. 6 shows a section from VI to VI of fig. 5;
• fig. 7 shows the detail VII of the apparatus in fig. 5, on an enlarged scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERENTIAL FORMS OF EMBODIMENT

[0023] With reference to figs. 1 and 2, an apparatus 10 for the maintenance of a vertical artifact, in this case a pillar 11 with a rectangular section, of a viaduct 12, comprises a scaffolding 13 arranged around the pillar 11 and moved vertically along the latter by means of a plurality of winches 14 arranged on the ground, of a known type and of which only two are shown schematically in fig. 1, and which also determine the positioning of the bearing structure 13 with respect to the pillar 11.

[0024] To be more exact, the scaffolding 13 consists of four sections 17 (figs. 2 and 5), each one facing a respective outer surface 11a of the pillar 11, and connected in sliding manner with an adjacent section 17, so that all the sections 17 can be brought nearer to or distanced from the respective lateral surfaces 11a, simultaneously and in a desired manner.

[0025] Each section 17 comprises a lattice type structure, provided at a first end 17a with an aperture 19 able to accommodate a second end 17b of an adjacent section 17 (figs. 3, 5 and 7). In this way, each section 17 can be inserted into or removed from the reciprocal adjacent section 17 in a desired manner, so as to vary the sizes of the scaffolding 13 with respect to the pillar 11.

[0026] The reciprocal movement of the adjacent sections 17 is advantageously carried out by means of specific motor members, of a substantially known type and not shown in the drawings, arranged on the ground, so as to make the scaffolding 13 lighter. To be more exact, the motor members command relative cables which, connected to the ends 17b of every section 17, determine the reciprocal sliding of the various sections 17.

[0027] As shown in fig. 6, each section 17 comprises two superimposed levels, respectively upper 23 and lower 25.

[0028] In this case, the upper level 23 of each section 17 consists of one or more modular cabins 24, while each lower level 25 consists of a reticular beam 28 with a square section. The modular cabins 24 are mounted able to slide both longitudinally and also transversely with respect to the reticular beam 28.

[0029] To be more exact, each level 23 or 25 is provided below with a walkway 26, a parapet 27 which faces the pillar 11, and a rear wall 29, opposite the respective parapet 27, which prevents the accidental fall of objects or persons from the respective walkway 26.

[0030] Moreover, the upper level 23 comprises a roof 30, able to be selectively opened by means of an actuator, not shown here, so that the operators employed can protect themselves in the event of rain, or keep the level 23 aired in the event that there are high temperatures.

[0031] This solution thus allows to use the bearing structure 13 substantially in any atmospheric condition.

[0032] Below the reticular beam 28 a plurality of stabilizing wheels 15 are fixed, able to be kept in contact with the relative outer surfaces 11a of the pillar 11, so as to keep the scaffolding 13 substantially stabile and parallel with respect to the pillar 11, even in the event of high winds or other atmospheric agents which could cause inconvenience or danger for the operators on board.

[0033] At least one maintenance equipment 33, 34 is connected in sliding manner with every parapet 27. In this case, a perforator 33 is connected to the parapet 27 of the upper level 23, while a hydro-demolition device 34 is connected to the parapet 27 of the lower level 25.

[0034] Both maintenance equipments are moved automatically by respective trolleys 31 able to slide parallel to the relative parapet 27, so as to render the operations necessary for the maintenance of the pillar 11 more simple and precise.

[0035] An electronic unit is also associated with the scaffolding 13, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, provided with a processor which, according to signals arriving from sensors arranged on board the scaffolding 13, automatically activates both the members to move the maintenance equipments 33 and 34, and also the members that determine the movement of the sections 17, so that a constant distance is maintained between the equipments 33 and 34 and the lateral surface 11a of the pillar 11.

[0036] The apparatus 10 according to the present invention also comprises a lift 35 (figs. 2 and 5), moved vertically and independently with respect to the scaffolding 13, and able to allow the transport of the operators or of special equipment from the ground to the height at which the scaffolding 13 is, and vice versa, without needing to move the latter.

[0037] The apparatus 10 as described heretofore functions as follows.

[0038] After positioning the scaffolding 13 around the pillar 11 to be maintained, and connecting the scaffolding 13 to the winches 14, the scaffolding 13 is equipped with the maintenance equipments 33 and 34. Thus equipped, the scaffolding 13 is moved by the winches 14 to the highest height, so that the removal step is performed from the top downwards.

[0039] Then the outer layer of the surface 11a is removed and holes are made, if necessary, in order to insert reinforcement elements.

[0040] If the pillar 11 to be maintained has different sections, the sections 17 are selectively moved, so as to adjust the sizes of the scaffolding 13 instantaneously according to the sizes of the pillar 11.

[0041] During the descent of the scaffolding 13, the stabilizing wheels 15 are kept in contact with the surface 11a of the pillar 11, so as to limit to a minimum the oscillations that affect the scaffolding 13. It must also be said that the stabilizing wheels 15 can be mounted on telescopic supports able to keep them slightly under pressure against the respective outer surfaces 11a of the pillar 11.

[0042] When the demolition operation is finished, the sections 17 are re-equipped with equipment to perform concrete casts, and this operation is performed by taking the scaffolding 13 from the bottom upwards, until the outer surface 11a of the pillar 11 has been regenerated.

[0043] It is clear, however, that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the maintenance apparatus 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

[0044] For example, it comes within the field of the present invention, as shown in figs. 3 and 4, to provide that instead of the stabilizing wheels 15 a plurality of tie rods 115 are provided, in this case four, arranged substantially parallel to the pillar 11, and attached below the transit seat of the viaduct 12, and attached below to the ground by means of tensioning members 18.

[0045] In this solution, a cable-guiding element 22 of a substantially known type is connected to the second end 17b of each section 17, and connected to a respective tie rod 115. The cable-guiding element 22 is provided with a normal safety system, of the so-called parachute type, by means of which it is possible to guarantee the safety of the bearing structure 13, should the support supplied by the winches 14 ever come to fail. The tensioning member 18 is provided with a guide element 18a upstream of which a motorized coil 18b is arranged. In this case, the end of the tie rod 115 is attached to the motorized coil 18b, so that the latter recovers or slackens the tie rod 115 according to the height at which the scaffolding 13 is.

[0046] It also comes within the field of the present invention to provide that the rear walls 29 of each level 23 or 25 can be provided with windows, for example of the sliding type, which allow to air the levels 23 and 25, or to close them in order to shelter the operators from the wind, rain or other atmospheric agents.

[0047] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of apparatus for the maintenance of vertical artifacts, all of which shall come within the field and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the maintenance of a vertical artifact (11) arranged to support a transit seat of a viaduct (12), characterized in that it comprises a scaffolding (13) of selectively adjustable sizes, arranged at least partly around said vertical artifact (11), and able to be moved vertically by means of one or more motor members (14), said scaffolding (13) being associated with guide means (15, 115) able to stabilize it with respect to said vertical artifact (11) and to guide the vertical movement thereof.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said guide means comprise a plurality of rolling members (15) pivoted to said scaffolding (13), and able to roll on respective outer surfaces (11a) of the vertical artifact (11), in order to keep said scaffolding (13) constantly in contact with said vertical artifact (11).

3. Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said guide means comprise a plurality of tie rods (115) arranged substantially vertical in proximity with said vertical artifact (11), to each of which said scaffolding (13) is connected in sliding manner.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said scaffolding (13) comprises a plurality of sections (17) connected in angled manner one with respect to the other.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4, characterized in that each of said sections (17) is able to slide with respect to an adjacent section (17), so as to bring them reciprocally closer to or distance them from said vertical artifact (11).

6. Apparatus as in claim 4, characterized in that there are four of said sections (17) and they are arranged to form a quadrilateral structure.

7. Apparatus as in claim 5, characterized in that each section (17) comprises at one end (17a) an aperture (19) able to allow an opposite end (17b) of an adjacent section (17) to be inserted.

8. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in that it comprises movement means, able to make said opposite end (17b) selectively slide inside said aperture (19).

9. Apparatus as in claim 4, characterized in that each of said sections (17) comprises a first upper level (23) and a second lower level (25), each provided at least with a walkway (26) and a parapet (27) that faces said vertical artifact (11).

10. Apparatus as in claim 9, characterized in that at least one maintenance equipment (33, 34) is able to be connected in sliding manner with said parapet (27).

11. Apparatus as in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said first upper level (23) and said second lower level (25) each comprises a rear wall (29), opposite the respective parapet (27), and able to prevent the accidental fall of objects or persons from the respective walkway (26).

12. Apparatus as in claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that said second level (25) comprises a roof (30) able to be selectively opened, so as to shelter the operators from atmospheric agents.

13. Apparatus as in claim 10, characterized in that said maintenance equipment (33, 34) is able to be moved automatically by means of respective trolleys (31) able to slide parallel to the respective parapet (27).

14. Apparatus as in claim 3, characterized in that each of said tie rods (115) is connected with a first end to said transit seat, and with a second end to a tensioning member (18) able to adjust the tension of said tie rod (115) according to the position of said scaffolding (13).

15. Apparatus as in claim 14, characterized in that said tensioning member (18) is attached to the ground and comprises a guide element (18a) upstream of which a motorized coil (18b) is arranged, able to recover or slacken the respective tie rod (115).

16. Apparatus as in claim 14, characterized in that each of said sections (17) comprises a sliding connection element (22) able to connect it to said tie rods (115).

17. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it also comprises a lift element (35), moved vertically and independently with respect to said scaffolding (13), and able to allow the transport of the operators or equipment from the ground to the height at which the scaffolding (13) is, and vice versa.

18. Method for the maintenance of a vertical artifact (11), arranged to support a transit seat of a viaduct (12), characterized in that it provides to use an apparatus (10) comprising a scaffolding (13) of selectively adjustable sizes, arranged at least partly around said vertical artifact (11) and able to be moved vertically by means of one or more motor members (14), said scaffolding (13) being associated with guide means (15, 115) able to stabilize it with respect to said vertical artifact (11) and to guide the vertical movement thereof.

Drawing