Formation of Underground Constructions

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the formation of underground structures. The method includes the provision of the formation of at least two spaced support structures which are provided to include a slide track thereon to receive and allow the sliding movement therealong of a roof structure which is moved into position once the support structures are formed to form the underground structure. The support structures can include piled foundations and include a series of units in which the slide tracks are formed. Further articles can be provided to allow the excretion of lubricant to allow the movement of the structure units into position to be improved. Said articles can also be used subsequently to receive a filler material to allow any spaces between the structure and surrounding soil or rock to be filled.

1 . A method of forming an underground structure, said method comprising the steps of excavating soil and/or rock to a sufficient extent to allow the formation one or more units in position to form at least two, spaced apart, linear support structures, forming and/ or exposing linear slide tracks within or on said structures and advancing one or more roof structures into the excavation with respective opposing ends of each of the roof structures in contact with at least one of the tracks and wherein material lying under the one or more roof structures is then excavated to the required depth of the underground structure. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support structure include one or more units which are moved into position in a direction substantially parallel to that in which the roof structures are subsequently advanced. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support structures include one or more units which are moved down into position from the top surface. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the units form support structure piers and abutments. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the support structure units are positioned along the support structures to form the upper surface of the support structures and which include the slide tracks formed therealong. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support structures include piled foundations which depend downwardly from a series of units in which the slide tracks are formed and which form abutment walls or columns of the support structure. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support structures include an access therealong. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein the slide tracks are formed in the access once the tunnelled access is formed. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support units are provided along a tunnel which is formed to form the support structure, and which includes an access therealong from which pilings depend and in which the slide tracks are formed. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein two spaced support structures are provided at a spacing which allows support of the opposing end portions of the roof structures placed thereon. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein three or more support structures are formed and include an intermediate support structure on which an end portion of each of a first and second roof structure is placed therealong. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein once at least the support structures are formed excavation is performed to form the space between the same down to the required depth. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the excavation is performed as the roof structure is moved into position and/or once in position. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the excavation is performed to a depth which is greater than that of the units of the support structure. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein an access shaft is formed to a required depth and size and then forming the excavated structure in at least one required direction from the access shaft in a substantially linear direction. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein a shield is provided in front of the leading roof structure unit and the slide tracks are exposed when they lie under the said shield and are protected thereby. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein there is provided in a space formed between the external face of the support structure units and or roof structure units at least one article containing a material for use in aiding the advancement of the said units into position, and/or stabilising said space and adjacent soil or rock once the structure is formed. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 20  wherein the said material is a lubricant which is excreted from the said at least one article as the units are moved into position in order to lubricate the passage of the units. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 20  wherein the material is a grout which is introduced into the at least one article once the structure is formed, said grout hardening when in position. 
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 20  wherein the said at least one article includes lubricant initially as the same is moved along with the units into the excavation and, following the movement into position, any remaining lubricant is moved and the article is filled with the grout material. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A structure formed underground, said structure including at least first and second substantially linear support structures, said support structures including a series of units, said support structures spaced apart and each having a track formed therein, said tracks respectively receiving an end portion of at least one roof structure such that said at least one roof structure spans across the space between said support structures and is supported by the same to allow an excavated area thereunder to be defined to a sufficient depth once fully excavated to allow the passage of persons and/or transport means. 
     
     
         28 . A structure according to  claim 27  wherein the linear structures are located in position when the excavated area is of a first depth and, once in position, the excavated area is enlarged with the linear structures and roof structures acting as a protective formation in a first function prior to use for a second function once the excavated area has been fully formed. 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . (canceled)