Structural cable with protective shield, and construction work comprising such a cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective shield which comprises two protective elements (10) extending in parallel with the tensioning member (5) and a system for assembling the protective elements around an axial passage (8) for the tensioning member. Each protective element comprises a first shell (11) adjacent to the axial passage, a second shell (12) and a filling (14) in a radial gap between the first and second shells. The protective elements (10) have between them two interface zones (15), diametrically opposed with respect to the axial passage (8). The assembly system of the protective elements is configured to apply a force that presses the protective elements against each other in the two interface zones (15).

Description

Description Structural cable with protective shield, and construction work including such a cable. Title: Construction work

[0001] The present invention relates to techniques for protecting voltage components used in construction.

[0002] The tension elements to be protected over all or part of their length may include suspension (or guy) cables of a structure or shoring cables of a tall structure. BACKGROUND

[0003] Cables used in civil engineering structures can be exposed to threats or vandalism, particularly near their lower anchor points, such as at the level of a bridge deck. Threats can include: - with explosive elements; - with mechanical cutting elements; - with oxy-cutting elements; - with fire...

[0004] To counter this, devices are used, generally in the form of cylindrical shields that wrap around the cable in the area exposed to threats.

[0005] Shields often consist of shells with appropriate ductility, capable of withstanding impact and deforming to dissipate a significant portion of the energy involved in the threat. Examples of such shields are described in documents WO 2004 / 048832 A1, US 8,769,882 B2, WO 2020 / 249193 A1, and US 2021 / 0207332 A1.

[0006] These protective shields can be subdivided into longitudinal cylindrical segments (typically 1 to 3 meters long). A segment may consist of a single cylindrical shell if the protection is installed before the cable. It may also be composed of several cylindrical sector-shaped shells, assembled to enclose the cable when the protection is installed after the cable itself, or if it is designed to be removable for maintenance, inspection, or replacement.

[0007] In cases where the shield has several shells in the shape of cylindrical sectors, the junction of these shells constitutes a weak point in the protection and requires special provisions to offer sufficient resistance to threats.

[0008] There is a need to improve the resistance, and / or durability and / or manufacturing, assembly and even disassembly conditions of the protective shield placed around the cable. SUMMARY

[0009] To protect a tensioning element, a shield is proposed comprising two protective elements extending parallel to the tensioning element and a system for assembling the elements. protective elements are arranged around an axial passage for the tensioning element. Each protective element comprises a first shell adjacent to the axial passage, a second shell, and a filler in a radial gap between the first and second shells. The assembly system for the protective elements is configured to exert a clamping force on each other in two interface zones between the protective elements.

[0010] In some designs, the radial gap between the shells of a protective element is maintained by rods engaged radially through the first shell from the axial passage and bearing against an inner face of the second shell.

[0011] In some designs, the second shell of a protective element is fixed to the first shell by connecting elements engaged through the first shell from the axial passage.

[0012] In some designs, the two interface zones between the protective elements are diametrically opposed with respect to the axial passage. The two protective elements may, in particular, have the same geometric shape.

[0013] In some designs, a water drainage channel is formed in the interface area between the two protective elements.

[0014] In each interface zone between the two protective elements, one of the elements may have at least one convex shape, and the other may have at least one concave shape that is the conjugate of the convex shape. The respective convex and concave shapes of the two protective elements may extend along the entire length of the elements. They may also be used to create a water drainage channel at the bottom of the concave shape in the interface zone between the two protective elements.

[0015] In some designs, separation lines between the first respective shells of the two protective elements extend parallel to the axial passage and exhibit an angular offset relative to the two interface zones between the elements.

[0016] In some designs, the protective element assembly system includes a bayonet joint formed between the first shells of the two protective elements. This bayonet joint has a ramp inclined relative to the axial direction and cooperating with a locking member to apply the clamping force between the protective elements. The bayonet joint may allow axial sliding between the first shells of the two protective elements for assembly. The locking member may include a slide located at the axial passage and capable of being moved parallel to the axial passage, with a locking pin on the slide cooperating with the inclined ramp of the bayonet joint.

[0017] In some designs, the assembly system for the protective elements includes male and female parts integrated into the protective elements at their interface points, and locking mechanisms. The male parts engage with the female parts to mutually position the two protective elements. The locking mechanisms locking mechanisms cooperate with at least some of the male parts to exert the clamping force of the protective elements towards each other.

[0018] In particular, each locking member may have an inclined surface to interact with a shoulder formed on a male part of the protective element assembly system. In some embodiments, the locking members can be operated from the axial ends of the protective elements. One way to achieve this is to have each locking member pushed from an axial end of a protective element into a respective housing to cooperate with a male part of the protective element assembly system.

[0019] The male parts of the assembly system may also include positioning pins distributed along the protective elements.

[0020] In some designs, the assembly system for the protective elements is formed on protrusions that the first shells present towards the inside of the axial passage.

[0021] Some protective shield designs comprise several segments arranged along the tensioning element, each segment being formed by assembling two protective elements. Two successive segments have an interface where the respective end faces of the protective elements of the two segments bear against each other. The end faces of the protective elements at the interface between successive segments may be provided with ridges configured to prevent relative rotation of the segments around the axial bore.

[0022] At the interface between a first segment and a second segment, the first shells of the protective elements of the first segment can be arranged so that they protrude beyond the axial ends of the second shells of the protective elements of the first segment, parallel to the axial path, while the first shells of the protective elements of the second segment are set back from the axial ends of the second shells of the protective elements of the second segment, parallel to the axial path. The axial ends of the first shells of the protective elements of the first segment then penetrate the interior of the second shells of the protective elements of the second segment.

[0023] Between successive segments, there may be a spacing, parallel to the axial passage, between the first shells of the protective elements.

[0024] Another interesting possibility is that the interface zones between the two protection elements of a first segment are angularly offset relative to the interface zones between the two protection elements of a second segment adjacent to the first segment.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the protective shield, the infill in the radial gap between the shells of each protective element comprises a cementitious material and at least one metal reinforcement within the cementitious material. The metal reinforcement may be arranged substantially parallel to the first and second shells. It may extend over a majority of the length of the hulls, from one interface zone to the other. The metal fret may have an openwork structure.

[0026] The filling in the radial gap between the shells of each protective element may still include an auxetic material.

[0027] Another aspect presented in this document relates to a structural cable, comprising a tensioning element and a protective shield as described above, arranged around the tensioning element. This document also concerns a construction structure comprising such a structural cable, the tensioning element of which is tensioned and anchored at two ends. The construction structure is, for example, a cable-stayed structure.

[0028] In some embodiments, the assembly system for the protective elements includes splices at the end faces of a segment to maintain the clamping force of the protective elements exerted towards each other.

[0029] The structural cable may include a first intumescent longitudinal joint in at least one interface zone between the protective elements.

[0030] The structural cable may include a second longitudinal joint in at least one interface area between the protective elements, the second joint being made of elastomer and configured to be compressed when the protective elements are assembled together.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows very schematically a cross-section of a tension element protected by a shield according to the invention; - Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of an initial embodiment of the shield, with a part torn off in figure 2; - Figure 4 is another perspective view and cross-section of the first embodiment of the shield; - Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a steel component belonging to the first embodiment of the shield; - Figures 6 to 9 are perspective views illustrating part of a hull assembly system in the first embodiment of the shield; - Figure 10 shows very schematically an interface zone between two protective elements of an example of a shield according to the invention; - Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the shield; - Figures 12 to 14 are partial views illustrating part of a hull assembly system in a third embodiment of the shield; - Figure 15 is a perspective view of internal shells of a shield according to a fourth embodiment; - Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating part of a shell assembly system in the fourth embodiment of the shield; - Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views of components of the assembly system in the fourth embodiment; - Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a shield according to the invention; - Figures 20 to 22 are perspective views illustrating a protective element according to a fifth embodiment of the shield with a transparent part on figure 22; - Figure 23 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly of two segments of a protective shield, one segment of which is shown partially with a single protective element; and - Figure 24 is a schematic view illustrating the locking system of the fifth embodiment in longitudinal section. DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a tension element 5 protected by a shield composed of two protective elements 10 assembled around it.

[0034] In the remainder of this description, a tensioning element 5 consisting of a bridge stay cable is considered, but not limited to. Such stay cables can be exposed to various threats, particularly near the bridge deck. Therefore, it is common practice to encase them in a protective covering along part of their length, for example, up to a height of 2 to 5 meters above the deck.

[0035] The stay 5, schematically represented in Figure 1, comprises a group of parallel reinforcing bars tensioned between their ends, for example, one located on the bridge deck and the other on a pylon from which the deck is suspended. At both ends, anchoring devices maintain tension in the stay bar reinforcing bars. The reinforcing bars may be made of metal strands and may be encased in individual plastic sheaths to protect them against corrosion. Another plastic sheath collectively contains the group of reinforcing bars and gives the stay bar a smooth appearance along its length. This assembly constitutes, in the example considered here, the tensioning element 5, which must be protected by the shield against various threats such as explosions, fires, or mechanical damage.

[0036] The protective elements 10 each comprise an inner shell 11 and an outer shell 12 made of rigid material, for example steel. In the example shown, the two shells 11, 12 of each protective element 10 are hemispherical in shape, with radii greater than that of the stay 5. The inner shells 11 of the two protective elements 10 together form an inner wall of the shield, which delimits an axial passage 8 for the stay 5. The outer shells 12 of the two protective elements 10 together form an outer wall exposed to the environment of the stay and therefore to potential threats.

[0037] The radial gap between the two shells 11, 12 of a protective element 10 is occupied by a filling 14 exhibiting good resistance to compressive forces.

[0038] The filling 14 can be made from cementitious material poured into the volume delimited by the shells 11, 12. An auxetic material, having a negative Poisson's ratio, can also be provided in the filling 14 to offer increased resistance in the event of an explosion near the shield.

[0039] The two protective elements 10 of the shield rest on each other in interface zones 15 which, in the example shown, are diametrically opposed with respect to the axial passage 8. In these interface zones 15, the protective elements 10 have conjugate shapes so as to facilitate their assembly and to offer resistance to the penetration of a shock wave or to the forcing of a tool in an interface zone 15.

[0040] To achieve these combined shapes, one of the two protective elements has a convex shape in the interface zone 15, while the other protective element has a complementary concave shape there. These two complementary shapes interlock during the shield assembly. They can extend along the entire length of the protective elements 10 to contribute continuously to the shield's resistance.

[0041] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, two steel components are used in a first embodiment to construct each protective element 10. The first steel component corresponds to the semi-cylindrical inner shell 11. The second steel component, shown in exploded view in Figure 5, includes the semi-cylindrical outer shell 12, two axial end faces 16 which will be arranged perpendicular to the direction of the stay 5 and two profiles 17 which connect to the outer shell 12 at the interface zones 15. Each profile 17 has a portion 18 provided with the aforementioned convex or concave shape which will be placed in an interface zone 15, and a portion 19 folded inwards to be connected to the inner shell 11.At one end of the second steel component shown in Figure 5, another sheet 20 formed in an arc of a circle, with a radius corresponding to that of the inner wall 11 and to the smallest radius of the axial end face 16, is provided to close the volume delimited by the two shells 11, 12.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, a hole 22 may exist in each axial end face 16 of the second steel component. On one side of the axial ends, the hole 22 is plugged by a stopper 23 formed to leave a recess 24 on the outer side of the end face 16. On the other side of the axial ends, the hole 22 is not plugged, but an annular ring 25 is connected to it to create a protruding shape on the outer side of the end face 16 so as to cooperate with a recess similar to the recess 24 formed on an adjacent protective element 10.

[0043] The various parts shown in Figure 5 are welded together to form the second steel component. This is then joined to the first steel component, which forms the internal hemispherical shell 11 of the protective element 10. To fix them together two steel components, screws 30 are engaged in holes formed in the inner shell 11 and engage with threads provided in the folded portions 19 of the profiles 17. The screws 30 can, alternatively, be replaced by other connecting elements engaged through the first shell 11 from the axial passage 8, such as rivets.

[0044] Before fastening the two steel components together, a practical solution is to place spacers in the form of rods 32 between the two shells 11 and 12. These rods 32 are inserted from the side of the axial passage 8, through tapped holes 33 formed for this purpose in the inner shell 11, thus ensuring a smooth exterior surface of the shield. The rods 32 are threaded and radially engaged in the holes 33 until they butt against the outer shell 12. They will contribute to increasing the cohesion and robustness of the shield in the event of an explosion near the stay.

[0045] Once the two steel components have been fixed together and fitted with the spacer rods 32, the protective element is filled with the cementitious material poured into the radial gap between the shells 11, 12. The cementitious material is introduced through the hole 22 left open at one of the axial ends of the protective element, until it reaches the level of the end face 16 and the ring 25 bordering this hole 22.

[0046] The manufacturing of the protective element 10 is complete after the cementitious material has set. A pair of protective elements 10 can then be brought around the guy wire 5 for assembly.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2-9, an assembly system for the two protective elements 10 includes bayonet connections formed between their internal shells 11.

[0048] As Figures 6-9 show more precisely, the inner shell 11 of one of the protective elements 10 has, along its separation line X with the inner shell 11 of the other protective element 10, a series of generally L-shaped hooks 35, while the other protective element 10 has, correspondingly, a series of generally L-shaped indentations 36. The indentations 36, perpendicular to the separation line X, have a height less than the height of the folded portions 19 of the profiles 17 shown in Figure 5, so that they do not cause leakage of the cementitious material from the filling 14 when this material is poured. The indentations 36 are, parallel to the separation line X, wide enough to each accommodate a hook 35 when the protective elements 10 are brought close together.Once the two protective elements 10 are in butt, at the interface zones 15 where the convex and concave shapes interpenetrate, the L-shape of each hook 35 fits into the L-shape of an indentation 36.

[0049] At this point, the installer can mutually lock the two protective elements 10. This locking is achieved, for example, by turning screws 40 engaged in tapped holes 41 formed along the longitudinal direction in the thickness of the inner shell 11, which has indentations 36. The hole 41 extends between one of the axial ends of this inner shell 11 (the end visible in Figures 8-9) and the indentation 36 closest to this end. axial. By manipulating the screw 40, the installer presses on the hook 35 received in this indentation, which causes a relative longitudinal displacement of the two protective elements 11. The hooks 35 are then prevented from coming out of the indentations 36 if an attempt is made to separate the protective elements 10 from each other.

[0050] Figures 6-9 show the presence of an inclined ramp 42 between the base of the L-shaped indentations 36 and the base of the L-shaped hooks 35 housed within these indentations 36. The configuration of this inclined ramp 42 is such that the thrust exerted by the screws 41 during the assembly of the protective elements 10 results in a force that clamps them together. This strengthens the shield's resistance to shock waves and other threats. In the example shown, the inclined ramp 42 is formed at the edge of the indentation 36 and cooperates with the edge 37 of the L-shaped hook 35, which forms a locking mechanism. The configuration could also be reversed: inclined ramp in the base of the L-shaped hook 35 and locking mechanism at the corner of the L-shaped indentation 36.

[0051] If it becomes necessary to remove the shield, this can be done by turning the screws 41 in the opposite direction. To help dislodge the hooks 35 from the indentations 36, additional tapped holes 43 and screws 44 can be provided at the axial end of the inner shell 11 (visible in Figures 6-7) located opposite the end where the holes 41 and screws 40 are situated. The hole 43 extends between the axial end of the inner shell 11 and the indentation 36 nearest to this axial end. After releasing the screws 41 visible in Figures 8-9, the operator can insert the screws 44 into the holes 43, which causes a relative longitudinal displacement of the two protective elements 10, thus releasing the tension that held them together. The operator can then retract the screws 44 and then separate the two protective elements 10. Alternatively, the screws 44 are replaced by simple rods and the shield is unlocked by striking these rods.

[0052] Figures 2-4 and 6-9 can also be seen that an angular offset exists, around the direction of the axial passage 8, between the lines X separating the two inner shells 11 and the interface zones 15 between the protective elements 10. This angular offset contributes, in addition to the interpenetration of convex and concave shapes in the interface zones 15, to hindering the progression of a possible shock wave towards the interior of the axial passage 8 which contains the stay 5.

[0053] Figures 2-9 show two protective elements 10 assembled to form a shield segment according to the first embodiment. Such a segment can be from one to several meters long. If it is necessary to protect the stay 5 over a greater length, several such segments can be joined end to end.

[0054] The shield then consists of several segments which follow one another along the stay 5. Each segment is made by assembling two protective elements 10, for example of the type described previously.

[0055] The interface between two successive segments is at the end faces 16 of their protective elements 10. The protruding shape provided by a ring 25 on the end face 16 of a protective element 10 fits into the hollow 24 existing on the end face 16 of the adjacent protective element, which prevents relative rotational movements of the two successive segments around the axial passage 8.

[0056] At one axial end of each segment of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 9 (the end visible in Figures 3, 6 and 7), the inner shells 11 protrude from the axial ends of the outer shells 12 and the end faces 16 of the protective elements 10 of the segment, parallel to the passage 8. Conversely, at the other end of the segment (that visible in Figures 2, 8 and 9, where the arc-shaped plates 20 of the steel components described previously with reference to Figure 5 are located), the inner shells 11 are set back from the axial ends of the outer shells 12 and the end faces 16 of the protective elements 10.

[0057] Thus, during the end-to-end assembly of two shield segments, the inner wall formed by the internal shells 11 of one of the segments is inserted over a certain length inside the other segment. This arrangement also helps to prevent the penetration of any shock wave from the outside towards the axial passage 8 at the interface between the segments.

[0058] The overhang of the internal shells 11 at one end of the segment can be made to be shorter than the recess at the other end. This creates, parallel to the axial passage 8, a spacing between the internal shells 11 of adjacent segments, and ensures that the two segments are in close contact with each other at their end faces 16.

[0059] When two successive segments of the shield are joined, one possibility is to rotate them relative to each other around the axial passage 8, so that the interface zones 15 between their protective elements 10 are angularly offset from one segment to the other. This arrangement helps to strengthen the cohesion of the shield.

[0060] Although not shown in Figures 3-5, it is convenient to assume that the two protective elements 10 forming a shield segment have the same geometric shape and are superimposable. In particular, each element 10, as shown in Figure 1, has a convex shape in one of its interface zones 15 and a concave shape in the other. Similarly, the bayonet connections between the internal shells are symmetrically configurable. Thus, a single manufacturing process can be used for all the protective elements 10 that will be used to construct the shield protecting a stay, thereby reducing the shield's cost.

[0061] As schematically represented in Figure 10, the interface areas 15 between the two protective elements 10 forming a shield segment can be arranged to present a water drainage channel 45 in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] In the example in Figure 10, the conjugate convex and concave shapes, which extend along the entire length of the elements 10, have a trapezoidal cross-section, the convex shape having a height h less than the depth H of the concave shape. Thus, the contact between the two protective elements 10, where the clamping stress generated by their assembly system is exerted, is made on the sides of the conjugate convex and concave shapes and outside of them, while a drainage channel 45, of height Hh, remains at the bottom of the concave shape.

[0063] If water seeps between the two protective elements 10, it can be drained through channel 45 to the bottom of the stay, where channel 45 is open. The drainage channel 45 prevents water from becoming trapped between the elements 10, so that freeze-thaw cycles will not damage the shield or disrupt the clamping force between the elements 10.

[0064] With reference to Figure 11, the second embodiment of the shield is quite similar to the first embodiment illustrated by Figures 2-9. It also includes a bayonet joint which allows axial sliding between the internal shells 11 for the assembly of the protective elements 10.

[0065] The two protective elements 10 of a segment, shown in Figure 11, have the same geometric shape. Their steel components, including the outer shells 12, are identical to those of the first embodiment. Their other steel components, including the inner shells 11, differ in the type of bayonet connection used. These steel components comprise, for each element 10, projections 50 added as raised edges on the inner face of the inner shell 11 and L-shaped notches 52 formed in the thickness of the inner shell 11 at a separation line X with the other inner shell. Each projection 50 extends, at the location of a notch 52, along the circumferential direction of the inner shell 11, by half a turn from the position of this notch 52 so as to leave it exposed.The protrusion 50 extends beyond the opposite separation line X', and the protruding part has, on its outer face, a positioning pin 53 adapted to cooperate with a notch 52 of the twin protective element 10.

[0066] The two protective elements 10 of the second embodiment of the shield are manufactured using a process similar to that described previously. To assemble them, they are brought together on either side of the stay 5 by engaging the pins 53 of one element 10 in the notches 52 of another element 10, and vice versa. Once the two protective elements 10 are in contact, they are moved longitudinally to lock them together. An inclined ramp (not clearly visible in Figure 11) is located at the interface between a pin 53 and a notch 52 to exert the clamping force on the protective elements 10 during their assembly. The raised protrusions 50 help to center the shield with respect to the stay 5 it protects.

[0067] A third embodiment of a shield segment, shown schematically in Figures 12-14, also features, on each inner shell 11, raised projections 50, a portion of which extends beyond the separation line X'. In this case, it is the projecting portion of the projection 50 that incorporates the L-shaped notch 55 for the bayonet connection. This notch 55 engages with a locking pin 56 carried by a slide 57 mounted on the inner face of the inner shell 11 of the twin protective element.

[0068] The slide 57 is elongated and has longitudinal slots 58. Supports 59 are connected to the inner shell 11 of the twin protective element, for example by screwing, and are received in the slots 58 of the slide 57. The slide 57 can be actuated from one of the axial ends of the shield segment to be moved parallel to the axial passage 8.

[0069] When the two protective elements 10 are presented on either side of the stay 5 for assembly, the slides 57 located near their interface zones 15 are positioned so that the pins 56 fit into the L-shaped notches 55 (Figure 12). Once the two elements 10 are in contact, the slide 57 is moved, as indicated by arrow F in Figure 13, which locks the two protective elements 10. In this case, the locking is not accompanied by any relative axial sliding of the two protective elements 10.

[0070] Figures 12-14 show that an inclined ramp 60 is formed at each notch 55. The inclination of the ramp 60 is designed so that the pin 56, pushed by the movement of the slide 57 during the assembly of the shield segment, exerts the clamping force on the protective elements 10 by sliding on the ramp 60. In the locked position illustrated in Figure 14, a locking system for the slide 57 can be implemented at the end where it is actuated, to prevent accidental unlocking.

[0071] If it is necessary to dismantle the shield segment, the locking system is deactivated, the slide 57 is operated in the opposite direction and the two protective elements 10 can be separated from each other.

[0072] Figure 15 shows an arrangement of the internal shells 11 in a fourth embodiment of the protective shield. The external shells 12 and the infill 14 of the protective elements 10 can, in this fourth embodiment, be similar to those described previously. Figure 16 is a partial view showing components of the assembly system for the protective elements once they are assembled.

[0073] In this embodiment, the assembly system of the protection elements 10 is again formed on protrusions 50 which present the inner shells 11 towards the inside of the axial passage 8. In this case, the protrusions 50 are located near the separation lines X between the inner shells 11. They nevertheless contribute to the centering of the stay 5 in the shield.

[0074] The assembly system for the protective elements 10 of the fourth embodiment comprises male parts 62, 63 and female parts 64, 65 provided at the interface zones 15 between the protective elements 10. The female parts 64, 65 are formed in the protrusions 50 distributed along the separation lines X. They consist of holes perpendicular to the diametral plane containing the two separation lines X. The male parts include pegs 63 inserted into some of these holes, denoted 65, to ensure precise relative positioning of the two inner shells 11.

[0075] The protrusions 50 closest to the axial ends of the protective elements 10 are configured to ensure the locking of the internal shells 11 between them and the application of the clamping force of the protective elements towards each other.

[0076] For this purpose, a male part includes a stud 62 shown in perspective in the figure 17. The stud 62 has a threaded part 62a screwed into a tapped hole 67 formed in a protrusion 50 near the axial end of one of the inner shells 11. The other part of the stud 62 forms the male part protruding in the interface area between the protective elements 10, and has a head 62b which widens at the level of a frustoconical shoulder 62c. The protrusion 50 formed on the inner shell 11 placed opposite has the female part in the form of a cylindrical hole 64 (figure 16) of sufficient diameter to receive the enlarged head 62b of the stud 62 during the assembly of the elements, and a housing 70 extending perpendicularly to the hole 64 and opening onto the end face of the protective element 10. A locking member 72 is controlled from the end face to be pushed into the housing 70 and thus complete the assembly of the protective elements 10.

[0077] The locking member 72, for example, has a wedge shape as shown in the figure 18. It has an external profile with a shape complementary to the internal profile of the housing 70, for example a cylindrical shape. Its part which penetrates the housing 70 has a notch 74 between two wings 75 which pass respectively on either side of the stud 62 in the area where the housing 71 intersects the hole 70. The wings 75 have an inclined face 76 forming a ramp which bears against the frustoconical shoulder 62c formed on the stud 62 when the locking member 72 is pushed into its housing 71 from the end face of the shield segment.

[0078] To apply the clamping force to the protective elements 10, the installer pushes the locking members 72 into their housings 70. The clamping force results from the interaction of the inclined faces 76 with the truncated conical shoulders 62c. Four locking members 72 can be provided for each shield segment, namely two locking members at each axial end, inserted into housings 70 belonging respectively to protrusions provided in the two internal shells 11.

[0079] It is noted that in the fourth embodiment of the shield shown in Figure 15, the internal shells 11 have the same geometric shape. Preferably, this is also the case for all the protective elements 10 to which these internal shells 11 belong.

[0080] Figures 20 to 24 show a fifth embodiment of the shield quite similar to the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the assembly system of the two protective elements 10 lacks bayonet connections formed between their internal shells 11.

[0081] For each shield, at least one of the profiles 17 is covered, on its portion 19 folded inwards to be connected to the inner shell 11, with a first longitudinal intumescent seal 79. The first seal 79 is specifically made of graphite. The first seal 79 is located between the two inner shells 11 when the protective shield is installed on a cable 5. In the event of a fire, the first seal 79 swells and forms a microporous layer preventing the passage of flames, smoke, and hot gases into the protective shield. The first seal 79 is preferably not compressed when the protective elements 10 are installed against each other. In particular, the first seal 79 is applied to both profiles 17 of only one of the two protective elements 10.

[0082] Each profile 17 is further covered over a longitudinal portion 81 to be connected to the outer shell 12 by a second longitudinal seal 82 made of elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) with a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 55. The second seal 82 is preferably compressed during the installation of the protective elements 10 against each other by pre-tensioning the protective elements 10. The second seal 82 provides permanent protection against dust. In particular, the second seal 82 is applied to both profiles 17 of only one of the two protective elements 10 before the two protective elements 10 are assembled. Preferably, the first seal 79 and the second seal 82 are applied to both profiles 17 of only one of the two protective elements 10 before the two protective elements 10 are assembled.

[0083] To exert the clamping force on the protective elements 10 when they are installed against each other, the installer can place temporary hoops or bands around the protective elements 10, thus applying a pre-stress on the second joint 82.

[0084] At each axial end of a segment of the embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 24, the two axial end faces 16 of each second steel component are held together by a locking system 84. The locking system 84 comprises, for example, two ring-shaped splices 85. In particular, each splice 85 is fixed by bolts 86 screwed axially into tapped holes 88 provided for this purpose in the axial end faces 16. This fastening maintains the clamping force or preload between the two protective elements 10 when the temporary clamping means are released. In particular, when two protective elements 10 of a segment are joined together, the two splices 85 located at one axial end of the segment are diametrically opposed.The two protective elements 10 of a segment are clamped together with sufficient force so that the resulting friction between the clamped surfaces in the interface zones 15 prevents them from sliding laterally against each other. This mechanism ensures that the clamping force between the protective elements in the two interface zones 15 remains stable over time.

[0085] Advantageously, a third annular 90 seal is arranged between each shield segment to ensure sealing between the segments as well as resistance to aggressions and temperatures between -55°C and +150°C in the junction areas between the segments.

[0086] The third 90 joint is in particular made of elastomeric material, for example EPDM with a Shore A hardness between 65 and 75.

[0087] Shims 100 can be attached inside the inner hull 11. These shims 100 hold the stay 5 in the axial passage 8. The shims 100 can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In particular, each protective element 10 has four shims 100 located in pairs near each longitudinal end of the protective element 10.

[0088] Before fastening the two steel components together, a practical solution is to place semi-annular spacers 102 between the two shells 11, 12, either in addition to or instead of the rod-shaped spacers 32. These spacers 102 are attached to the inside of the outer shell 12. They will contribute to increasing the cohesion and robustness of the shield in the event of an explosion near the stay.

[0089] The embodiments described above are a simple illustration of the present invention. Various modifications may be made to them without departing from the scope of the attached claims.

[0090] For example, Figure 19 illustrates a modification in which the filling 14 present in the radial gap between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 of a protective element 10 comprises, in addition to the cementitious material, one or more metal hoops embedded in the cementitious material.

[0091] A reinforcement 80 of this type further strengthens the cohesion and ductility of the shield in the event of a powerful impact or shock wave on the outer wall 12. It can consist of a shaped metal plate positioned parallel to the second shells 11, 12. If necessary, this plate 80 is provided with openings to allow the passage of the spacer rods 32 described previously. An openwork structure of the metal reinforcement 80, for example based on wire mesh, honeycomb, or expanded metal, facilitates its integration with the cementitious material and improves the mechanical behavior of the shield in the presence of a threat. To optimize the reinforcement provided by the reinforcements 80, they can be arranged to extend over almost the entire length of the shells 11, 12.

Claims

Demands

1. Structural cable, comprising; a tensioning member (5); and a protective shield disposed around the tensioning member, in which the protective shield comprises: two protective elements (10) extending parallel to the tensioning member (5); and a system for assembling the protective elements around an axial passage (8) for the tensioning member, in which each protective element has a first shell (11) adjacent to the axial passage, a second shell (12) and a filler (14) in a radial gap between the first and second shells, and in which the system for assembling the protective elements is configured to exert a clamping force of the protective elements towards each other in two interface zones (15) between the protective elements (10).

2. Structural cable according to claim 1, wherein the radial gap between the first and second shells (11, 12) of a protective element (10) is maintained by rods (32) engaged radially through the first shell (11) from the axial passage (8) and bearing against an internal face of the second shell (12).

3. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second shell (12) of a protective element (10) is fixed to the first shell (11) by connecting members (30) engaged through the first shell from the axial passage (8).

4. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two interface zones (15) between the protective elements (10) are diametrically opposed with respect to the axial passage (8).

5. Structural cable according to claim 4, wherein the two protective elements (10) have the same geometric shape.

6. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a water drainage channel (45) is formed in each interface zone (15) between the two protective elements (10).

7. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in each interface zone (15) between the two protective elements, one of the two protective elements (10) has at least one convex shape and the other of the two protective elements has at least one concave shape conjugate to the convex shape.

8. Structural cable according to claim 7, wherein the respective convex and concave shapes of the two protective elements (10) extend along the entire length of the protective elements.

9. Structural cable according to claim 8, wherein a water drainage channel is formed at the bottom of the concave shape in each interface zone (15) between the two protective elements (10).

10. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein separation lines (X) between the respective first shells (11) of the two protective elements (10) extend parallel to the axial passage (8) and have an angular offset with respect to the two interface zones (15) between the protective elements.

11. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly system of the protective elements comprises a bayonet connection formed between the first shells (11) of the two protective elements (10), and wherein the bayonet connection comprises a ramp (42; 60) inclined with respect to the axial direction and cooperating with a locking member (37; 56) to exert the clamping force of the protective elements towards each other.

12. Structural cable according to claim 11, wherein the bayonet joint allows axial sliding between the first shells (11) of the two protective elements (10) for the assembly of the protective elements.

13. Structural cable according to claim 11, wherein the locking member comprises a slide (57) disposed at the axial passage (8) and capable of being moved parallel to the axial passage, and wherein the slide has a locking pin (56) cooperating with the inclined ramp (60) of the bayonet connection.

14. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the assembly system of the protective elements (10) comprises male parts (62, 63) and female parts (64, 65) provided in the protective elements at the interface areas (15), and locking members (72), in which the male parts penetrate the female parts to mutually position the two protective elements, and in which the locking members (72) cooperate with at least some of the male parts (62) to exert the clamping force of the protective elements (10) towards each other.

15. Structural cable according to claim 14, wherein each locking member (72) has an inclined surface (76) to interact with a shoulder (62c) formed on a male part (62) of the assembly system of the protective elements (10).

16. Structural cable according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the locking members (72) are controllable from axial ends of the protective elements (10).

17. Structural cable according to claim 16, in which each locking member (72) is pushed from an axial end of a protective element (10) into a respective housing (70) to cooperate with a male part (62) of the assembly system of the protective elements.

18. Structural cable according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the male parts of the assembly system comprise positioning pegs (63) distributed along the protective elements (10).

19. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly system of the protective elements (10) is formed on protrusions (50) which the first shells (11) present towards the inside of the axial passage (8).

20. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, composed of several segments which follow one another along the tensioning member (5), in which each segment is made by assembling two protection elements (10), and in which two successive segments have an interface between them where respective end faces (16) of the protection elements of the two segments rest on each other.

21. Structural cable according to claim 20, wherein the end faces (16) of the protection elements (10) at the interface between successive segments are provided with reliefs (24, 25) configured to prevent relative rotation of the segments around the axial passage (8).

22. Structural cable according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein at the interface between a first segment and a second segment, the first shells (11) of the protective elements (10) of the first segment protrude from the axial ends of the second shells of the protective elements of the first segment, parallel to the axial passage (8), while the first shells of the protective elements of the second segment are set back from the axial ends of the second shells of the protective elements of the second segment, parallel to the axial passage, and wherein the axial ends of the first shells of the protective elements of the first segment penetrate inside the second shells of the protective elements of the second segment.

23. Structural cable according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein at the interface between successive segments, the first shells (11) of the protective elements (10) have a spacing between them parallel to the axial passage (8).

24. Structural cable according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the interface zones (15) between the two protective elements (10) of a first segment are angularly offset with respect to the interface zones (15) between the two protective elements (10) of a second segment adjacent to the first segment.

25. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling (14) in the radial gap between the first and second shells (11, 12) of each protective element (10) comprises a cementitious material and at least one metal fret (80) in the cementitious material.

26. Structural cable according to claim 25, in which the metal ferrule (80) is arranged substantially parallel to the first and second shells (11, 12).

27. ​​Structural cable according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the metal ferrule (80) extends over a majority of the length of the first and second shells (11, 12), from one interface zone (15) to the other.

28. Structural cable according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the metal ferrule has an openwork structure.

29. Structural cable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling (14) in the radial gap between the first and second shells (11, 12) of each protective element (10) comprises an auxetic material.

30. Structural cable according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the assembly system for the protective elements (10) comprises splices (85) at the end faces (16) of a segment to maintain the clamping force of the protective elements (10) exerted towards each other.

31. Structural cable according to any one of claims 1 to 30, comprising a first longitudinal intumescent joint (79) in at least one interface zone (15) between the protective elements (10).

32. Structural cable according to any one of claims 1 to 31, comprising a second longitudinal joint (82) in at least one interface zone (15) between the protective elements (10), the second joint (82) being made of elastomer and configured to be compressed when the protective elements (10) are assembled towards each other.

33. Construction work, comprising a structural cable, any one of the preceding claims, the tensioning member (5) of which is tensioned and anchored at two ends.

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