Method of connection
US5489164A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21D11/386
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention relates to a constructional element such as a tunnel lining, part of which is shown in the drawing, comprising adjacent segments which have facing surfaces between which there is a joint which is physically deformable under load. The joint comprises a toroidal body or tube of substantially circular cross section received in complementary or semi-circular facing recesses in the surfaces respectively, and comprises a flexible material such as polypropylene and which means in the form of a nozzle for gaining access to the interior of the body. The body is initially filled with a fluid, which could be a liquid or gas, through the nozzle, which can then be maintained in the body by closing the nozzle as by a valve. When round in which the tunnel is set has settled, the joint is "locked up" by passing a flowable settable material such as a cementitious mortar material from a grout pump into the body, which thereby displaces the fluid which passes out of the body through an outlet which may be part of the nozzle, may be a separate nozzle, or may be the bleed valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.