Method of advancing a plurality of longitudinally arranged movable

Abstract

A method of advancing a plurality of longitudinally arranged movable constructional units forwardly successively in a self-running manner, wherein a plurality of prefabricated constructional units for construction of an underground structure of a form adapted for a special purpose such as tunnel excavation, heavy load transportation, underwater tunnel installation or muddy water dredging excavation are arranged along a common longitudinal line adjacent to each other and are provided with a forward advancement impelling mechanism, said mechanism comprising propulsion means positioned between the successive constructional units, a linking member extending over the entire length of the combined constructional units, impelling means and anchoring means arranged at respective certain locations on said linking member, and further with the necessary engineering facilities according to the employed purpose for construction, said method comprising actuating the first propulsion means to advance the forwardmost constructional unit through the length of one stroke, releasing the first propulsion means, actuating the other propulsion means successively to advance the intermediate and tailing constructional units successively each through the length of one stroke toward the advanced forwardmost constructional unit while utilizing the reaction forces of the other stationary constructional units which are summed up by the linking and anchoring means, and repeating such a procedure of the steps constituting one cycle a number of times until the constructional units arrive at a desired site of installation. An apparatus for performing the above-described advancing method comprising propulsion means positioned between the said successive constructional units, a linking member serving the advancement of said units and arranged to pass from the forwardmost to the tailing constructional unit therethrough, anchoring members mounted at respective certain location of said linking member, and a set of equipments necessary for the supplemental engineering purpose.