Scaffolding for a building element, building element comprising such scaffolding, and corresponding manufacturing method

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a skeleton for a construction element.

[0002] The invention also relates to a construction element comprising such a skeleton. The construction element is, for example, a structure (bridge, tunnel, quay, dike, etc.) or a roadway or a portion of a roadway or a joint of a roadway and / or a structure.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method of producing an associated construction element. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Civil engineering structures are large-scale constructions such as bridges, tunnels, quays, dikes, etc., which, due to their size, present gaps at the junction between the various elements that make them up. In order to fill these gaps and thus ensure continuity of the exterior covering of the civil engineering structure in question due to the expansion of the various materials used, it is known to arrange joints at the said junctions.

[0005] Depending on the intended applications, different types of seals can be used.

[0006] We thus know the visible joints with normal coating comprising a sheet arranged at the level of the joint void so as to form a reservoir, reservoir which is filled with a mastic. A standard bitumen then covers the whole.

[0007] Also known are visible joints with improved coating comprising a bridging plate arranged to cover the joint void, said plate being covered with a special coating generally consisting of a mixture of binder and aggregates.

[0008] Such visible joints with improved coating have a blow capacity which is greater than visible joints with normal coating (it being recalled that a "blow" of a joint corresponds to the variation in dimensions that the joint can take relative to its initial position at the time of its installation, for example when the joint is expanded, from the blow we can therefore estimate the maximum relative displacement authorized between two elements that the joint connects so that the joint can fulfill its function of continuity between said two elements).

[0009] However, the available breath remains limited even with the visible joints with improved coating.

[0010] Document JP2014114593 discloses a skeleton according to the preamble of claim 1. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One aim of the invention is to propose a solution enabling a construction element to have better properties, particularly in terms of wear resistance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In order to achieve this aim, a skeleton for a construction element is provided, according to claim 1, the skeleton comprising a cellular structure extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, said structure comprising cells of polygonal section having as their normal an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] In this way, the cells allow the skeleton to more easily accommodate the deformation of the construction element due, for example, to the expansion of the materials constituting it. Thus, the invention makes it possible to more easily accommodate deformations of a construction element in which the skeleton is arranged.

[0014] Advantageously, the skeleton, and therefore the associated construction element, has a relatively high rigidity along the axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis due to the particular arrangement of the cells. This makes it possible to have a construction element that is more resistant, for example, to the passage of vehicles traveling over said construction element. This also makes it possible to limit the creep and rutting of said element.

[0015] The invention therefore makes it possible to have a construction element with good properties, particularly mechanical properties.

[0016] In particular, at least two cells have sections of different shapes.

[0017] In particular, the structure is made of rubber.

[0018] The structure has at least two rows of cells.

[0019] In particular, at least one cell has a hexagonal section.

[0020] In particular, the alveolus has an irregular hexagonal section.

[0021] In particular, the alveolus has a flattened hexagon section.

[0022] In particular, at least two cells are separated by another cell of a shape different from those of said two cells.

[0023] The structure comprises at least one arm extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said structure.

[0024] The skeleton includes at least one element to reinforce the structure.

[0025] The invention also relates to a construction element according to claim 8 and comprising a skeleton as mentioned above.

[0026] Thanks to the skeleton, we ensure in particular better homogeneity of the coating of the construction element over time and seasons.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for producing a construction element according to claim 10 and comprising the following steps: place the skeleton in a reservation of the building element, fill the reservation with a filler material.

[0028] In particular, the filling material comprises aggregates coated with bitumen.

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the following description of a particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention will be better understood in light of the following description with reference to the attached figures, among which: there figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a skeleton according to a first particular embodiment of the invention, the figures 2a à 2d illustrate the different stages of making a joint including the skeleton illustrated in figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a top view of a skeleton according to the invention; the figure 4 is a top view of a skeleton according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In reference to the figure 1 , a skeleton according to a particular embodiment of the invention will now be described. As we will see below, the skeleton is used here in a joint of a structure such as a bridge, a tunnel, a quay, a dike, etc.

[0032] The skeleton, generally designated 1, includes an alveolar structure 2.

[0033] The structure 2 is made of an elastically deformable material. Preferably, said structure 2 is made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber. Said structure 2 is, for example, made of vulcanized rubber.

[0034] The structure 2 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis X. Said structure 2 comprises cells 3 (only one of which is referenced here) of section having as normal a second axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0035] The structure 2 comprises at least two rows of cells 3, the rows being parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis X. Each row thus comprises a succession, along the longitudinal axis X, of cells 3.

[0036] Here, the structure 2 comprises two rows of cells 3. According to a particular embodiment, the two rows are identical to each other. Typically, each row comprises a first type of cells 3 and a second type of cells 4.

[0037] The first 3 cells are typically polygonal sections (section having the second Y axis as its normal). The first 3 cells are all identical to each other here even between two different rows. The first 3 cells have for example a section (having the second Y axis as its normal) in the shape of an irregular hexagon.

[0038] The first cells 3 thus have two opposite faces of greater length than those of the other four faces. Said faces of greater length extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The other four faces are of identical length.

[0039] The first cells 3 are thus substantially shaped as flattened hexagonal prisms along a third axis Z, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the second axis Y.

[0040] We thus have a relatively rigid structure along the second Y axis while being relatively deformable in a plane normal to said second Y axis. The structure proves to be more particularly deformable along the third Z axis.

[0041] In particular, the first 3 cells of the same row are not contiguous. The first 3 cells of the same row are thus separated from each other by the same distance (along the longitudinal axis X).

[0042] The structure 2 thus has between two cells 3 of the same row, a cell 4 of the second type (of which only one is referenced here) which is here substantially in the shape of an hourglass. The different second cells 4 are all identical to each other here even between two different rows.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, each first cell 3 of the first row is aligned (along the third axis Z) with a respective first cell 3 of the second row, and correspondingly each second cell 4 of the first row is aligned (along the third axis Z) with a respective second cell 4 of the second row.

[0044] Of course, depending on the length of skeleton 1 required according to the intended application, the first cells 3 and / or the second cells 4 of the ends of skeleton 1 (along the longitudinal axis X) may be whole or cut.

[0045] The rows of first cells 3 are bordered externally by a first longitudinal arm 5 and a second longitudinal arm 6 of the structure 2, the first arm 5 and the second arm 6 both extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0046] These two arms 6, 7 make it possible to stiffen the structure 2 along the longitudinal axis X while allowing transverse deformation along the third axis Z of the skeleton 1.

[0047] The structure 2 also comprises a longitudinal central arm 7 separating the two rows of cells. Said central arm 7 is here parallel to the two arms 5, 6 and extends along the longitudinal axis X.

[0048] This allows the skeleton 1 to be further stiffened.

[0049] We note that in the present case, the different arms form faces of cells 3, 4 (in the present case the two faces of the first cells 3 of the greatest length).

[0050] The central arm 7 and the two arms 5, 6 constitute the thickest parts of the structure 2.

[0051] The rest of structure 2 has the same thickness, less than that of arms 5, 6, 7.

[0052] Said thickness of the remainder of the structure 2 is between 20 and 100 millimeters and preferably between 50 and 70 millimeters. For example, said thickness is substantially 60 millimeters.

[0053] The thickness of arms 5, 6, 7 is here at least greater than 60 millimeters.

[0054] The skeleton 1 comprises at least one reinforcing element of the structure 2.

[0055] The reinforcing elements extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0056] This allows the skeleton 1 to be stiffened along the longitudinal axis X while allowing transverse deformation along the third axis Z of the skeleton 1.

[0057] The reinforcing element(s) are made of metal, for example steel.

[0058] According to the invention, the skeleton 1 comprises one or more reinforcing elements entirely included in the structure 2.

[0059] Each reinforcing element is shaped into a bar arranged inside the structure 2.

[0060] The skeleton 1 comprises a first bar extending into the first arm 5, a second bar extending into the second arm 6 and a central bar extending into the central arm 7 (the different bars are not visible here because they are included in the arms of the structure 2).

[0061] The reinforcing elements are thus advantageously inserted into the thickest parts of the structure 2.

[0062] Preferably, the skeleton 1 comprises openings provided in the structure 2 for the passage of means for fixing the skeleton 1 as we will see later.

[0063] Said openings are in the form of an orifice and / or a recess.

[0064] In particular, the skeleton 1 here comprises only recesses 8 arranged in the first arm 5 and the second arm 6 at regular intervals (or not) so that the recesses 8 of the first arm 5 are aligned respectively with one of the recesses of the second arm 6. Typically the skeleton 1 comprises a recess 8 substantially at the center of a face of each cell 3, 4 formed by the arm in question. Each recess 8 thus forms a housing in the associated arm. The housings 8 here have a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0065] It is noted that the means of fixing the skeleton 1 are arranged at the level of the arms 5, 6 of the structure 2, that is to say at the level of the thickest parts of the structure.

[0066] In reference to the figures 2a à 2d , a method of producing the joint 12 from such a skeleton 1 will now be described.

[0067] In reference to the figure 2a , for a work of art 10 already completed, said work of art 10 is dug above the joint void to form a reservation 11.

[0068] The skeleton 1 is then placed in said reservation 11 above the joint void. Of course, enough is dug to be able to arrange the skeleton 2 in the reservation 11 without it protruding from said reservation 11.

[0069] It should be noted that the skeleton 1 does not rest directly on the joint void but on a layer of bitumen, concrete, binder, etc. or any other material such as, for example, a bridging plate made of metal material itself directly above the joint void. Preferably, it is preferred not to place the skeleton 1 directly on the bridging plate but on a layer of material (bitumen, concrete, binder, etc.) already covering said bridging.

[0070] In this position, the skeleton 1 thus extends transversely to the structure 10. The third axis Z of the skeleton 1 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the structure 10.

[0071] We thus have a structure 2 that is relatively rigid along the second Y axis while being relatively deformable, particularly along the third Z axis.

[0072] This makes it possible to reinforce the rigidity of the joint 12 equipped with such a skeleton 1 along the second axis Y while facilitating deformation of the joint 12 in particular along the third axis Z.

[0073] The most significant deformation component between two elements of a work of art 10 being generally in the longitudinal direction of said work of art 10, the facilitated deformation of the joint 12 along the third axis Z therefore proves to be particularly significant.

[0074] Furthermore, the rigidity of the joint 12 along the second Y axis allows the joint 12 to be more resistant to the passage of vehicles traveling on the structure 10. This also makes it possible to limit the creep and rutting of the joint 12.

[0075] Once laid, skeleton 1 extends substantially in a horizontal plane and the second Y axis extends substantially vertically.

[0076] It is noted that the skeleton 1 is then secured to the reservation 11 by fixing means such as for example using piles sometimes called crosses C.

[0077] Said crossbars C typically comprise a rod (threaded or not) extended by a hook: the rods are driven into the structure 10 beyond the reservation (typically in holes provided for this purpose) and the hooks come to bear on the recesses of the skeleton 1 so as to press the skeleton 1 against the bottom of the reservation. Each hook thus surrounds the associated arm of the skeleton 1. The rods of the crossbars C can be sealed to the reservation, for example by hydraulic mortar or by chemical sealing.

[0078] In particular, the distance separating two crosses C (along the first axis X) can vary along the skeleton 1.

[0079] We thus have the skeleton 1 secured at the level of its two arms 5, 6 to respective opposite sides delimiting the joint void.

[0080] This makes it possible to secure the skeleton 1 to the structure 10 so that it can more easily follow its movements, particularly in spacing, between the two elements delimiting the joint gap.

[0081] In reference to the figure 2b , the skeleton 1 and the reservation 11 are then covered with a filling material 13. The filling material 13 is for example composed of aggregates, and preferably aggregates coated with bitumen such as in particular, although not exclusively, bitumen modified by a polymer (such as an elastomer).

[0082] Cells 3 and 4 of structure 2 are thus filled.

[0083] In reference to the figure 2c , a hydrocarbon binder 14 is poured onto the aforementioned aggregates, and preferably a bituminous binder (modified or not by a polymer such as for example by an elastomer).

[0084] This completes the filling of the reservation 11 and allows, once the binder 14 has cooled, to create a special coating block above the joint void. The joint 12 thus created is an exposed joint with improved coating.

[0085] In reference to the figure 2d , and if necessary, a finishing layer 15 is created on said special coating block to ensure the most complete continuity possible between the different elements of the civil engineering structure 10 that the joint 12 connects. This finishing layer 15 is for example created from a hydrocarbon binder sprinkled with micro-aggregates.

[0086] Joint 12 was thus created simply and quickly.

[0087] Furthermore, the skeleton 1 used is easily adaptable to the joints 12 already existing and which are to be renovated. Indeed, it is sufficient on site to cut the skeleton 1 to the correct length (along the longitudinal axis X) and to dig the reservation 11 to the correct depth (along the second axis Y) to arrange the skeleton 1 in any type of reservation. In the same way, such a skeleton 1 can be used in half-carriageways and without discontinuity between the two half-carriageways considered.

[0088] Of course, the skeleton 1 used is also perfectly suitable for new civil engineering structures.

[0089] Furthermore, due to the rubber material of the skeleton 1, there is good adhesion between the skeleton 1 and the rest of the seal 12.

[0090] This also allows for a quieter 12 joint.

[0091] We thus have a joint 12 presenting good mechanical characteristics.

[0092] For example, seal 12 has a blowout that can exceed 60 millimeters.

[0093] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and variant embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0094] So although here the skeleton has been applied to a visible joint with improved coating, the skeleton can be associated with other types of joint such as for example a visible joint with normal coating or a joint with improved coating. The joint can have a different breath than what has been indicated. In addition, the skeleton can be associated with joints requiring very variable breaths. The skeleton can thus be associated with joints requiring a breath equal to zero as well as joints requiring a greater breath, the skeleton can thus be associated with joints requiring breaths greater than 60 millimeters.

[0095] In the same way, the skeleton can be used for other types of engineering structures (bridge, tunnel, dike, quay, etc.) than those indicated.

[0096] In addition, the skeleton may be used for other construction elements than a civil engineering structure, such as a roadway. The process for installing the skeleton will, for example, be identical to that described above for a joint. For example, the skeleton may be arranged in a roadway on which public transport (buses, trams, trains, etc.) or individual transport (cars, trucks, two-wheelers, etc.) circulate. In particular, the skeleton may be arranged in the roadway in areas particularly exposed to high stresses, such as parking areas, stopping areas, level crossings, intersections, areas near traffic lights, etc. By way of non-limiting examples, the skeleton may be arranged in bus lanes, stops before level crossings, bus stop areas, bus parking areas, etc.

[0097] The thickness of structure 2 may differ from what has been indicated (whether the structure has a uniform thickness or not). The thickness of structure 2 may thus be between 10 and 100 millimeters and for example between 30 and 60 millimeters.

[0098] Similarly, the alveolar structure may take a different form than what has been indicated and, for example, present a different number of rows of alveoli and / or a different shape of alveoli.

[0099] The cells may be contiguous within the same row and / or be offset from one row to another. Within the same structure, cells of different shapes and / or dimensions may be present. The structure may, for example, be in the form of a honeycomb. One or more cells may have a cross-section in the shape of a pentagon, a regular hexagon, etc.

[0100] Thus, in the variant of the figure 3 , a skeleton of the type of that of the figure 1 but whose angles of the alveoli 3, 4 have been rounded. The skeleton also includes three rows of alveoli, the rows being separated two by two by a central arm 7.

[0101] In the second embodiment shown in the figure 4, the cells 3 all have the same shape, namely a chevron shape delimited, in the direction of the length of the row, by two V-shaped parts connecting the arm 6 to the arm 7. The cells 3 of a row here all extend in the same direction, this direction being opposite to that of the cells 3 of the adjacent row. The cells 3 of a row are further positioned relative to the cells 3 of the adjacent row in such a way that the V-shaped parts separating two by two the cells 3 of a row extend in the extension of the V-shaped parts separating two by two the cells 3 of the adjacent row. Alternatively, it may be provided that the cells 3 of one row are offset relative to the cells 3 of the adjacent row and / or that the cells 3 of two adjacent rows extend in the same direction.

[0102] Arm 7 here has a straight shape but it could have a zig-zag or wavy shape.

[0103] The skeleton may not have any reinforcing elements. The skeleton may not have any metal reinforcing elements.

[0104] The skeleton may not be secured to the reservation. For example, if the skeleton is associated with a joint, the skeleton may not be secured to the reservation, particularly, although not exclusively, when the joint clearance may be less than or equal to approximately 20 millimeters (which depends on the intended applications). The skeleton may be secured to the reservation in ways other than by crosspieces, for example using rods passing through the skeleton or using threaded rods.

[0105] Although here the skeleton is arranged on an already existing structure or roadway, the skeleton may be arranged on a structure or roadway currently under construction. The construction element may comprise a single skeleton as previously described or two or more skeletons which may be juxtaposed, or not, in the direction of the width or length or height of the construction element.

Claims

1. Frame for construction element, the frame comprising a honeycomb structure (2) that extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (X), said structure comprising cells (3) of a polygonal cross-section having an axis (Y) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis as the normal, the structure (2) comprising at least two rows of cells that are separated from one another by a central arm (7) that extends in parallel with the longitudinal axis (X) of said structure, the rows being bordered on the outside by a first longitudinal arm (5) and a second longitudinal arm (6) of the structure (2), the first arm and the second arm both extending in parallel with the longitudinal axis (X), the frame being charaterised in that it comprises one or more reinforcing elements that are fully integrated into the structure, each reinforcing element being shaped into a bar arranged inside the structure, the frame comprising a first bar that extends in the first arm, a second bar that extends in the second arm and a central bar that extends in the central arm, the different bars being integrated into the arms of the structure.

2. Frame according to claim 1, wherein at least two cells have differently shaped cross-sections.

3. Frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (2) is made of rubber.

4. Frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one cell (3) has a hexagonal cross-section.

5. Frame according to claim 4, wherein the cell (3) has a cross-section in the shape of an irregular hexagon.

6. Frame according to claim 5, wherein the cell (3) has a cross-section in the shape of a flattened hexagon.

7. Frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two cells (3) are separated from one another by another cell (4) having a different shape than said two cells.

8. Construction element, the construction element comprising at least one frame according to any of claims 1 to 7.

9. Element according to claim 8, arranged so as to form an expansion joint.

10. Method for producing a construction element according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: - placing the frame in a recess (11) in the construction element, - filling the recess with a filler material (13).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the filler material comprises bitumen-coated aggregates.