Track on a series of piers

Abstract

 Track arranged on a series of piers and a method for constructing it. It is proposed to provide a series of piers for supporting a track such as a railway, road or the like. To this end, after arranging the piers a bearing part is arranged on at least one pier. Inside the bearing part the elements for the track are being received and coupled with the already present part of the track. Subsequently, the bearing part moves by pushing off against the constructed part of the track while leaving behind the locally formed track element that is connected to the other part of the track. Preferably, the track elements are implemented as double-decked elements such that a double-decked track arises inside of which and on top of which traffic is possible.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for constructing a track on a series of piers, comprising the application of that series of piers on a foundation and building that track from an end of an already built part of the track, wherein a movable bearing part is arranged resting on at least one pier.

[0002] Such a method is known for example from US 5,511,266, DE 22 51 475 A1 and US 5,940, 916. According to this known method the bearing part is arranged resting on two or more piers, whereupon a new track part is formed across the entire length of the bearing part. After the new track part has been formed, the bearing part is lowered such that the new track part starts resting on the piers. Next, the bearing part is moved towards the next two piers between which a track part has to be formed. The disadvantage of such a method is that an elongated bearing part or auxiliary girder is required. Furthermore, according to the known method it has to be possible to lower the bearing part in order to move it subsequently towards the next piers by pushing off against piers. This requires a complex displacement mechanism. An additional disadvantage is that no traffic may pass underneath in view of item that may fall down.

[0003] In the state of the art yet another method is known. According to this, starting from a starting point every time a track element is coupled to the already existing track and the existing track together with the additional track element is moved in its entirety towards the next pier, whereupon at the starting point again a new track element is coupled to the track. In this way, bridges and other constructions that need to span a distance can be build. A disadvantage is that the weight of the track increases as the work progresses. Besides, the track rests on an increasing number of piers, which means that towards the end of the assembly process the constructed track has to be moved over a large number of piers over sliding blocks with all complications that can arise. The length of such constructions is therefore limited. Moreover, using such an assembly process it is not possible to construct tracks with curvatures unless the curvature is substantially constant along the entire track.

[0004] It is the aim of the present invention to provide a considerably simplified method for constructing a continuous track on a series of piers.

[0005] This aim is achieved according to a method described above, wherein a movable bearing part is arranged resting on at least one pier; track elements are supplied to said bearing part; said supplied track elements are connected at said bearing part with said end of the already built part of the track, thereby forming an extended part of the built track with a new end; and subsequently, said bearing part is moved from said new end of the built part of the track by pushing off of the bearing part against said new end, wherein the just constructed extended part of the built track is not moved anymore after its construction.

[0006] According to the present invention instead of the track being moved over the piers, a bearing part is being moved over the piers. In the bearing part concerned the track elements are arranged and are coupled to the track already present. Subsequently, the such formed first track part remains stationary. Because of this only the weight of the bearing part needs to be moved. The other support point can be formed by a further pier or by the track formed. This weight and the corresponding support can constantly remain the same as a result of which the costs can significantly be reduced. Moreover, the track is not moved anymore and immediately starts resting on the pier concerned. As a result of that, directly after constructing the part of the track concerned and after shifting, rolling or in any other way moving of the bearing part, finishing activities around the track can already be started without having to wait until the track as such has been constructed entirely.

[0007] With respect to the known method in which a track part that extends over two piers is formed in one go on a bearing part that extends over both these piers, the bearing part can be implemented shorter and lighter as only on a part of the bearing part a part of the track is formed. The displacement mechanism can also be implemented simpler. The track elements can be supplied over the already constructed track and shorter track elements can be used practically. As a result, track elements can be supplied more easily and thus a raised road can be build simpler and safe above an existing road, without traffic on the existing road being hindered.

[0008] It should be understood that in the preceding and following with track every construction can be meant that is suitable for conveying traffic. In this respect pedestrians, rail vehicles and road vehicles should be taken in mind.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment said extended part of the track which is formed by said track elements supplied prior to moving of said bearing part only forms a part of the span of said track between two piers. The bearing part can thus be implemented simpler, shorter and lighter.

[0010] In a special embodiment said extended part of the track which is formed by said track elements supplied prior to moving of the bearing part has a length that is equal to a length of one, two or three track elements measured in a direction along said track.

[0011] In a special embodiment of the invention, the bearing part sets against the end of said built part of the track. The bearing part thus only needs to be supported by a single pier in the longitudinal direction of the track. This pier forms a first support point and the end of the constructed track forms a second support point. The bearing part can thus be implemented shorter, lighter and simpler.

[0012] According to another special embodiment of the present invention not only piers are used for supporting the bearing part but also at least one auxiliary pier can be applied. The piers that later on bear the track will generally be secured firmly to the foundation. Such an auxiliary pier is significantly less demanding on their foundation and can generally be reused while fabricating a next track part.

[0013] The track elements can in an advantageous manner comprise multiple-decked elements, such as tunnel elements. After all, to provide sufficient stiffness to the track it can be advantageous to implement it as a U-shaped construction. By subsequently covering such a U-shape in a simple way, a double-decked track or tunnel can be created, wherein it is possible to provide a first sub-track part inside the tunnel and a second sub-track part on top of the tunnel.

[0014] If the bearing part is provided with an enveloping part where the works regarding the supply of the track elements and the coupling thereof with the existing track is done, the works can continue under all conditions like rain, frost, wind and the like. In addition, the ground floor will not be obstructed.

[0015] Coupling of the track elements with the already constructed track can be implemented in any imaginable way. In the state of the art of coupling of concrete elements construction methods are known wherein always the reinforcement of a new track element is coupled to the existing construction by coupling through. Subsequently, the space in which the reinforcement bars are present can be injected with mortar directly or after the application of a number of adjoining track elements.

[0016] The invention also relates to a bearing part that is movable over piers for constructing a track on said piers from an end of an already built part of the track by means of supplying track elements to said bearing part and securing of said track elements to said end of the built part of the track, said bearing part comprising a bearing surface for support on at least one pier; a working space for receiving and securing said track elements; and a displacement mechanism for moving said bearing part in a moving direction by means of pushing off of said bearing part against said end of the built part of the track. With that, the displacement mechanism can comprise jacks that on the one hand seize at the bearing part and on the other hand seize at the end of the built part of the track.

[0017] As the bearing part in general will have a significant length like 20 meters or more and the space for coupling of the track elements to the already constructed track can be implemented smaller, it is advantageous if the first part of the bearing part is implemented exclusively as guiding part. In this way, the weight of the bearing part can be maintained low which simplifies manipulation of it both towards the construction site and on the construction site.

[0018] The invention also relates to a combination comprising a series of piers and a bearing part that is arranged on said piers as described above. Moreover, the invention relates to an assembly comprising the combination described above and track arranged on said piers. More particularly, such an assembly comprises a multiple-decked track, like for instance a tunnel. Moreover, the invention relates to a civil construction comprising a series of piers that are arranged in a foundation and protrude at least one meter above the ground level, a single-decked track or multiple-decked track with a first sub-track inside and a second sub-track on top, which is arranged on said series of piers, wherein said single-decked track or multiple-decked track is built up from track elements that are locally coupled to each other and put on said piers. Obviously, a starting part can be arranged closer to the ground level. The side of the tunnel-like construction can be implemented as a frame work or as an otherwise open construction. The cross section of such a tunnel can have any desirable shape, like for instance oblique sidewalls, different widths of the floor slabs, or otherwise.

[0019] The invention will be elucidated in more detail below by an exemplary embodiment that is shown in the drawing, in which

Fig. 1 shows the first stage of the construction of a track wherein piers are arranged;

Fig. 2 shows the application of the bearing part according to the invention and supply of track elements; these elements 14, 15 can also be supplied over the upper deck and lowered in the bearing construction. With this, the elements 14, 15 are supplied obliquely. Moreover, the elements can be implemented differently and for example comprise a base plate, upper plate and sidewalls formed in any way.

Fig. 3 schematically shows the joining of the track elements with each other and with the already existing track;

Fig. 4 shows the moving of the bearing part with respect to the just constructed track;

Fig. 5 shows a part of the track in combination with the bearing part; and

Fig. 6 shows a part of another track in combination with a bearing part, with on top of the track and the bearing part a construction for the supply of track elements.

[0020] In fig. 1 a number of piers 1, 2 is shown. Piers 1 are fixed piers that are implemented for bearing the track that is constructed in the way described next. In general such piers are founded in the foundation 4, for example by piles. With 2 auxiliary piers are indicated that are applied only temporarily and which have to comply with lower requirements with respect to the foundation. With 3 the ground level is indicated above which the piers 1 protrude at least one meter. This means that the track that has to be constructed will be located at a distance of at least one meter and generally several to many meters above the ground level. The starting part can be located much lower.

[0021] Anyway, it is not necessary to apply auxiliary piers 2. If the span between two fixed piers 1 remains limited to for example 25 meters in an embodiment of track 11, no auxiliary piers are required.

[0022] In fig. 2 with 5 a bearing part is indicated, the bearing part comprising a working space 7 and a guiding part 8 that is located in front of that in the moving direction. At the underside the bearing part 5 is provided with a closed bearing surface 12 and the working space is at the upper side provided with a ceiling 10 with a hoisting hatch for protection against weather influences. In the working space jacks 9 are applied that on the one hand set on the bearing part. In the present example, the bearing part is set by sliding blocks 6 on the piers 1 and 2. Instead of sliding blocks 6 it is possible to use rollers or other constructions.

[0023] The working space 7 is open at the rear side and to that track elements 14 and 15 are supplied by cranes or the like as is schematically shown with the arrows.

[0024] In fig. 3 is shown how inside the working space 7 after placing of a lower track element 14 on top of that an upper track element 15 is positioned. Moreover, these parts are connected with the already present track 11 which here is implemented as a tunnel. In this example, the track elements 14 and 15 are fabricated from concrete, other materials are possible such as metal, light concrete, plastics and the like, and the therein applied prestress reinforcement is connected with the already existing track by coupling through.

[0025] Subsequently, as shown in fig. 4 the jacks 9 are set against the track elements 14 and 15 that have just been connected with the track 11 and the length of the jack 9 is enlarged. As a result of that, the bearing part 5 moves in the direction of arrow 13 to the next pier. With that, the support constantly takes place such that the bearing surface 12 is always supported by at least one pier 1, 2 in the longitudinal direction of the track. According to the figures, the bearing part is supported crosswise with respect to the track by two piers, but this could be a single central pier. Furthermore, the bearing part is possibly supported further by the end of the constructed part of the track such that there is no danger of tumbling over of the bearing part 5 while moving it and while applying the track elements. The bearing part can also be supported in each situation by at least two piers 1, 2 in the longitudinal direction of the track.

[0026] It can also be provided for that more than one track element, for example two or three track elements, are connected with the already constructed track in the longitudinal direction before the bearing part 15 is moved.

[0027] When the bearing part 5 moves from the pier 1 the sliding block 6 is removed and replaced by a more permanent construction on which the just constructed part of the track comprising the track elements 14, 15 that have been coupled to the track 11 will come to rest. This means that the track does not undergo a displacement in horizontal direction and no or hardly any displacement in vertical direction when the bearing part is being displaced.

[0028] After the bearing part does not longer rest on auxiliary pier 2 or if the track rests on two adjoining piers 1, the auxiliary pier 2 can be removed.

[0029] When implemented as double-decked track, or tunnel, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5 a first sub-track 17 inside the tunnel arises and a second sub-track 16 above the tunnel which both can be used for traffic purposes. The sidewalls of the tunnel can be provided with openings or be implemented in any imaginable way.

[0030] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which bearing part 5 in most of the situations in the longitudinal direction of the track rests on a single pier 1, 2. Besides setting on this pier bearing part 5 also sets on the end of the already constructed part of the track. In a single situation bearing part 5 at both ends sets on a pier, so on two piers in the longitudinal direction of the track. Fig. 6 also shows a hoisting hatch 20 through which track elements can be inserted in working space 7. On the topside of bearing part 5 and end of the already constructed part of the track 11 a hoisting construction 50 is arranged for taking from a lorry 25 and inserting into working space 7 through hoisting hatch 20 of track elements. Hoisting construction 50 is arranged in an assembly room 51 in order to work safe and under all weather conditions. Track 11 can thus be constructed when the underlying driving lane is used by traffic. Fig. 6 furthermore shows that a part of the track 11 has already been finished with a road surface 18.

[0031] The present invention enables the installation of a relatively large number of track elements per day. Moreover, directly after moving of the bearing part it is possible to start finishing the track obtained as such. Works inside the bearing part can be carried out in all weather conditions. Moreover, it allows constructing curves of various shapes.

[0032] After reading all of the above, those skilled in the art will immediately conceive variants that fall within the scope of the following claims. Moreover, explicit rights are requested for variants described in the dependent claims without combination with the independent claims.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a track (11) on a series of piers (1, 2), comprising

- the application of said series of piers (1, 2) on a foundation (4); and

- building said track (11) from an end of an already built part of the track, wherein

- a movable bearing part (5) is arranged resting on at least one pier (1,2);

- track elements (14, 15) are supplied to said bearing part (5);

- said supplied track elements are connected at said bearing part with said end of the already built part of the track (11), thereby forming an extended part of the built track with a new end; and

- subsequently, said bearing part (5) is moved from said new end of the built part of the track by pushing off of said bearing part (5) against said new end, wherein the just constructed extended part of the built track is not moved anymore after its construction.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said extended part of the track which is formed by said track elements supplied prior to moving of said bearing part (5) only forms a part of the span of said track (11) between two piers (1, 2).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said extended part of the track which is formed by said track elements supplied prior to moving of said bearing part (5) has a length that is equal to a length of one, two or three track elements measured in a direction along said track.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bearing part (5) sets against the end of said built part of the track.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said serie of piers (1, 2) comprises at least one auxiliary pier (2), which is removed when said track (11) spans fixed piers (1) adjoining said auxiliairy pier.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said track elements comprise multiple-decked elements.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bearing part (5) comprises a part (7) that envelops said track elements.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bearing part (5) is moved using rolling or sliding elements between bearing part and piers, and that after passing of said bearing part over a pier, a permanent supporting construction is provided between said pier and built part of the track.

9. A bearing part (5) that is movable over piers for constructing a track (11) on said piers from an end of an already built part of the track by means of supplying track elements (14, 15) to said bearing part and securing of said track elements to said end of the built part of the track, said bearing part comprising

- a bearing surface (12) for support on at least one pier;

- a working space (7) for receiving and securing said track elements (14, 15); and

- a displacement mechanism (9) for moving said bearing part (5) in a moving direction (13) by means of pushing off of said bearing part against said end of the built part of the track.

10. The bearing part according to claim 9, wherein said displacement mechanism (9) comprises jacks with one end connected to said bearing part and one end implemented for seizing said end of the built part of the track.

11. The bearing part according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said working space (7) comprises an enveloping part.

12. The bearing part according to any one of the claims 9-11, comprising a guiding part (8) that is arranged in front of said working space (7) in the moving direction (13).

13. A combination comprising a series of piers and a bearing part (5) that is arranged on said piers according to any one of the claims 9-12.

14. An assembly comprising a combination according to claim 13 and a track (11) arranged on said piers.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein said track comprises a tubular shape with a first sub-track (17) inside said tubular shape and a second sub-track (16) on top of said tubular shape.

16. A civil construction comprising a series of piers (1) that are arranged in a foundation (4) and protrude at least one meter above the ground level (3), a single-decked track or a multiple-decked track (11) with a first sub-track (17) inside and a second sub-track (16) on top, which is arranged on said series of piers (1), wherein said single-decked track or said multiple-decked track is built up from track elements (14, 15) that are locally coupled to each other and are put on said piers according to the method according to any one of the claims 1-8.

Drawing