Protective structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective structure (1) for protecting against moving masses, namely avalanches, rockfalls, mudflows and tree falls, comprising: - a plurality of ballast-filled wall elements (2), which are spaced apart next to each other on a support surface; and - a connection assembly (3) between every two adjacent wall elements (2), each connection assembly connecting the two adjacent wall elements (2) and allowing relative movement between the two wall elements (2); wherein the wall elements (2) can be moved relative to the support surface and relative to each other by the moving mass, namely avalanche, rockfall, mudflow or tree fall, for dissipative conversion of energy.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective structure for protection against moving masses, in particular avalanches, rockfalls, mudslides or logging, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a protective structure corresponding to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 86 12 622 U1 or EP 0 562 154 A1.

[0003] Another common type of protective structure is shown, for example, in EP 1 500 747 A1. Here, support pillars are anchored in the ground via appropriate foundations, and mesh structures are stretched between the pillars. In addition to the foundations, the pillars can be further secured using anchors or piles. The construction of the concrete foundations, anchors, and piles requires specialized machinery and is therefore costly and time-consuming.

[0004] Furthermore, a protective structure of the usual type is known from KR 200 361 762 Y1.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a protective structure for protection against moving masses, which offers effective protection while being easy to manufacture.

[0006] The invention discloses a protective structure for protection against moving masses. These moving masses are, in particular, avalanches, rockfalls, mudslides, or logging debris. The protective structure "protects" against these moving masses by slowing them down and, ideally, stopping them completely. The movement of the masses generally occurs downslope. Accordingly, the protective structure is positioned on a slope, at the foot of a slope, or in a riverbed, which, due to its gradient, also constitutes a slope.

[0007] The protective structure comprises several ballast-filled wall elements. In the simplest case, at least two of these wall elements are provided. Each wall element is initially hollow. This cavity within the wall element represents a "ballast volume." After the wall element is positioned at the desired location, i.e., during the construction of the protective structure, the wall element is filled with ballast.

[0008] The individual wall elements, which together form a protective structure, are arranged side by side and spaced apart on a base surface. This surface is sealed, but preferably not concreted. Ideally, it is the existing soil or rocky subsoil; if necessary, the base surface may be compacted. The base surface is not a road, and preferably not any other type of access road.

[0009] The protective structure has at least one connecting arrangement located between two adjacent wall elements. If only two wall elements are used, a connecting arrangement is provided that joins these two wall elements together. In a preferred embodiment, however, more than two wall elements are used. In particular, at least three, preferably at least four, and especially preferably at least five of the ballast-filled wall elements are used. These wall elements are positioned side by side and spaced apart from each other, like beads on a chain. Each pair of adjacent wall elements is connected by a connecting arrangement.

[0010] At least one of the connection arrangements, but preferably each of the connection arrangements, is designed such that the two adjacent wall elements can move relative to each other. In particular, the respective connection element allows a relative rotational movement, especially about the vertical axis, of the two adjacent wall elements relative to each other. The vertical axis is defined perpendicular to the bearing surface.

[0011] The wall elements are designed and positioned in such a way that the moving mass impacting them causes the wall elements to move relative to the support surface (i.e., relative to the floor) and relative to each other. This results in a dissipative energy conversion to slow down the moving mass and thus protect against its impact.

[0012] An "impact direction" is defined. When constructing the protective barrier, it is assumed that the moving mass will originate from this impact direction. Accordingly, the front faces of the wall elements are oriented towards the impact direction. The at least two wall elements are arranged essentially perpendicular to the impact direction. The moving mass strikes the front faces of the wall elements, causing them to shift across the bearing surface. Due to the flexible connection arrangement, the wall elements can also move relative to each other. In particular, if the moving mass strikes the center of the chain of wall elements, the front faces of the wall elements will move towards each other.

[0013] The connecting arrangements are designed in such a way that they connect the respective wall elements directly and immediately to one another. Preferably, the connecting arrangements are attached only to the wall elements – and not, for example, to the support surface or other elements.

[0014] Preferably, the wall elements are arranged without foundations. This means that there is no foundation beneath the wall elements to which they are attached or in which they are fastened.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the wall elements are arranged without anchors or restraints. This means that the wall elements are not fastened via, for example, tie rods. However, in certain embodiments, it is possible to fasten the wall elements with tie rods in order to prevent movement of the wall elements in the event of relatively small impacts. However, such anchors may be designed in such a way that, with a sufficiently large expected mass, these anchors could break, thus leading to movement of the wall elements for dissipative energy conversion.

[0016] Bulk material is preferably used as ballast to fill the wall elements; in particular, this consists of stones and / or soil and / or gravel. Preferably, bulk material is used that is already present at the installation site of the protective structure, so that this material does not have to be transported to the site.

[0017] To provide sufficient resistance to the moving mass, a certain ballast volume is preferably provided in the individual wall elements. This ballast volume is preferably at least 0.5 m³, or preferably at least 1 m³, or preferably at least 5 m³, or preferably at least 15 m³, or preferably at least 20 m³. Furthermore, an upper limit for the ballast volume is preferably provided so that the wall element is not made too heavy and consequently remains movable. The upper limit for the ballast volume is preferably 200 m³.

[0018] The wall element preferably has several walls. In particular, a bottom wall is provided, which rests on the support surface. At least one front wall extends upwards from this bottom wall, forming the front of the wall element and facing the moving mass. Furthermore, several side walls may be provided, which also extend upwards from the bottom wall. For example, in a cuboid design of the wall element, it has, in addition to the front wall, two side walls and a rear wall.

[0019] A cover wall can be provided on the top of the wall element. However, it is also possible to leave the top of the wall element open.

[0020] It is preferably provided that at least one of the walls is formed by a grid, a mesh or a closed surface, preferably made of sheet metal.

[0021] According to one possible embodiment, a shipping container (also known as an ISO container) is used as a wall element. When using the shipping container, all walls are formed as closed surfaces; optionally, the top wall is removed. Thus, the invention encompasses the use of shipping containers as wall elements; in particular, 8-foot, 20-foot, or 40-foot containers are used.

[0022] However, it is also intended that any other three-dimensional body with identical or different walls, i.e., with a grid, mesh, or closed surface, can be used as a wall element. In particular, it is intended that the wall element has a stable frame, for example made of steel beams, whereby this frame can be clad on its sides with walls of different types.

[0023] The connection arrangements between the wall elements within a single protective structure can be configured differently or identically. Accordingly, a protective structure can have several of the connection arrangement configurations described below: According to the invention, at least one connection arrangement comprises a catch structure. This catch structure is a net or a rope.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one of the connection arrangements includes a braking element. The connection arrangement can, optionally with additional connecting elements, comprise only braking elements. Alternatively, it is also possible to combine at least one braking element with the aforementioned catch structure, so that the individual connection arrangement has a catch structure and at least one braking element.

[0025] The braking element comprises, in a known manner, a structure designed for dissipative energy conversion, for example, a metal element, which is plastically deformed to brake a movement. For example, a braking element can have a wedge that moves through the plastically deformable structure to dissipate energy.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to the catch structure and / or the braking elements, the individual connection arrangement can include at least one connection element: The

[0027] Connecting elements can be rigid components, such as chain links and / or shackles. At least two of these rigid components can interlock movably. Furthermore, the individual connecting element can also be, for example, a cable, especially a steel cable, or a bolted connection (also called a hinge).

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the individual connection arrangement comprises several connection devices. Each connection device is connected to both wall elements. The individual connection devices are arranged one above the other and together form the connection arrangement. For example, two to 20 such connection devices are provided in one connection arrangement. Each connection device, in turn, can comprise, in particular, chain links and / or steel cables and / or brake elements.

[0029] As previously described, each wall element has a front face that faces the expected moving mass. This front face can also be referred to as the mountain side. Corresponding to the front face, a front half or a front third can be defined on the wall element. Preferably, at least one of the connection arrangements, and in particular all connection arrangements, is / are attached to the wall element exclusively in the front half, preferably in the front third. This has the following advantage: It is assumed that the mass impacts the center of the chain of several wall elements. This pushes the middle wall element (or the several wall elements associated with the center) away from the mass. The laterally arranged wall elements move inwards and their front faces move towards each other.In order to enable this movement from a more or less linear arrangement of the chain to a U-shaped arrangement without placing too much tensile stress on the connecting arrangements, the connecting arrangements are preferably positioned as far forward as possible on the wall elements.

[0030] Depending on the application, it may also be advantageous to arrange at least one connection in the valley side of the respective wall element: Each wall element has a back side facing away from the front. This back side can also be referred to as the valley side. Corresponding to the back side, a rear half or a rear third can be defined on the wall element. Preferably, at least one of the connection arrangements, and in particular all connection arrangements, is / are attached to the wall element exclusively in the rear half, preferably in the rear third, of the respective wall element. This has the advantage that the impacting mass can fill the gap between the wall elements, thus stiffening the movement of the wall elements relative to each other. As a result, there is still relatively large movement at the beginning of the impact, which decreases as the gap is filled.

[0031] In particular, each individual protective structure has several gaps between wall elements and therefore also several connection arrangements. Consequently, at least one connection arrangement can be located on the uphill side and at least one connection arrangement on the downhill side of a protective structure.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention discloses a method for protection against moving masses, in particular for braking the moving mass. The described protective structure is erected on a slope, at the foot of a slope, or in a riverbed, such that the wall elements are movable relative to each other and across the bearing surface by a mass moving down the slope, namely an avalanche, rockfall, mudslide, or logging operation. In particular, the wall elements are actually moved relative to each other and across the bearing surface by the moving mass.

[0033] In particular, the procedure involves first positioning the wall elements at the desired location in an empty state during the construction of the protective structure, and then filling them with ballast, especially loose fill material. Furthermore, the use of the aforementioned protective structure on a slope or at the base of a slope, or in a riverbed, is intended to protect against moving masses, namely avalanches, rockfalls, mudslides, and logging.

[0034] Further details, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a protective structure according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the protective structure according to the embodiment with an alternative connection arrangement, and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the protective structure according to the invention according to the embodiment with a connection arrangement according to the invention.

[0035] The following will be based on the Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of the protective barrier 1 is explained in detail. The protective barrier 1 is used and positioned to brake a moving mass and thus protect it from the moving mass. In the schematic representations of the Figures 1 to 3 The moving mass is expected to be at 100° in the direction of impact.

[0036] The protective structure 1 comprises several wall elements 2. The figures show three wall elements 2 arranged side by side as an example. However, the protective structure 1 can also consist of only two wall elements 2 or more than three wall elements 2.

[0037] Two adjacent wall elements 2 are connected to each other via a connection arrangement 3. In the example shown, the connection arrangement 3 comprises three connection devices 4 arranged one above the other. Each connection device 4 is connected to both wall elements 2.

[0038] The three figures each show identical connection arrangements 3. However, different connection arrangements 3 can also be used in a single protective structure 1.

[0039] Figure 1This shows that the connection arrangement can have 3 chain links. Such chain links, or alternatively, for example, steel cables, make it possible to firmly connect the wall elements 2 to each other and, at the same time, allow relative movement between the wall elements 2.

[0040] Figure 2 Figure 3 shows that the connection arrangement 3 has three connection devices 4 arranged one above the other, each with a braking element 20. Such braking elements comprise plastically deformable structures, in particular made of steel, which can be deformed for dissipative energy conversion. These braking elements 20 make it possible for the wall elements 20 not only to rotate relative to each other upon impact of the mass, but also to move away from each other to a certain extent.

[0041] Figure 3Figure 3 shows a protective structure according to the invention with a connecting arrangement 3 having a catch structure 21, here designed as a catch net. The catch structure 21 extends between the two adjacent wall elements 2. Between the catch structure 21 and each wall element 2, the connecting arrangement 3 includes braking elements 20, so that this is a combination of catch structure 21 and braking elements 20.

[0042] The figures show that the connecting arrangement 3 is attached to the wall elements 2 as far forward as possible, i.e., on the mountain side.

[0043] The schematic representations in the figures show the wall elements 2 without ballast. In reality, however, the wall elements 2 are, in particular completely, filled with ballast.

[0044] The total ballast in the respective wall element 2 then forms the ballast volume of wall element 2.

[0045] Figure 1This illustrates that the wall element 2 has a base wall 5, with which the wall element 2 rests on the support surface. From this base wall 5, facing the direction of impact 100, the front wall 7 extends upwards. Side walls 6 and a rear wall 9 are provided on the sides and at the rear. A cover wall 8 can be inserted at the top. However, it is also possible to leave the top of the wall element 2 open.

[0046] The individual wall element 2 has a wall element height 10. Of particular importance here is the height of the surface facing the direction of impact 100, in the illustrated embodiment the front wall 7. This surface facing the direction of impact 100 has a wall element length 12. In the depth direction, particularly parallel to or slightly inclined to the direction of impact 100, the wall element 2 extends over a wall element depth 11. The decisive factor for defining the wall element depth 11 is the side resting on the bearing surface, in this case the bottom wall 5.

[0047] Preferably, and regardless of the specific embodiment shown here, the wall element depth 11 is sufficiently large compared to the wall element height 10 so that, upon impact of the mass, the wall element slips but does not tip over. In particular, the wall element height is a maximum of 150%, preferably a maximum of 120%, and most preferably a maximum of 100% of the wall element depth 11.

[0048] The figures also show a connection length 13, which corresponds to the distance between the wall elements 2. In the variants according to Figure 1 and 2 The connection length 13 is relatively short, since the connection arrangement 3 is formed here via rigid elements or the braking elements 20. In the variant according to Figure 3 The connection length 13 is correspondingly longer, since the catch structure 21 is arranged between the wall elements 2.

[0049] It is preferably provided, regardless of the specific embodiment shown here, that the connection length 13 is preferably 30 cm, in particular 50 cm, as a lower limit. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferably provided that an upper limit of the connection length is 30 m, in particular 10 m.

[0050] In addition to the foregoing written description of the invention, explicit reference is hereby made to the graphic representation of the invention in the following for its supplementary disclosure. Figs. 1 to 3 Reference made to. Reference symbol list

[0051] 1 Protective structure 2 Wall element 3 Connection arrangement 4 Connection device 5 Bottom wall 6 Side wall 7 Front wall 8 Cover wall 9 Rear wall 10 Wall element height 11 Wall element depth 12 Wall element length 13 Connection length 20 Braking element 21 Catching structure 100 Impact direction

Claims

1. Protective installation (1) for protection against moving masses, namely avalanches, rock impacts, murmurs and wood impacts, • having a plurality of ballast-filled wall elements (2) which are arranged spaced apart next to one another on a support surface, • and having in each case one connecting arrangement (3) between two adjacent wall elements (2), which connecting arrangement connects the two adjacent wall elements (2) and permits a relative movement between the two wall elements (2), and • wherein the wall elements (2) can be moved by the moving mass, namely avalanche, rock impact, murmur or wood impact, for dissipative energy conversion relative to the support surface and relative to one another, • wherein the connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) comprises a catch structure (21), characterized in that the catch structure is a catch net or a catch cable.

2. Protective installation according to Claim 1, having at least three, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least five, of the ballast-filled wall elements (2).

3. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall elements (2) are filled with bulk material, in particular stones and / or soil and / or gravel.

4. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ballast volume of the wall elements (2) comprises at least 0.5 cubic metre, preferably at least 1 cubic metre, further preferably at least 5 cubic metres, further preferably at least 15 cubic metres, particularly preferably at least 20 cubic metres.

5. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wall (5 to 9) of at least one wall element (2) has a grid or a net or a closed surface, preferably made of sheet metal.

6. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) permits a relative rotational movement of the two wall elements (2), in particular about the vertical axis.

7. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) comprises a brake element (20).

8. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) comprises at least one chain link and / or at least one shackle and / or at least one cable and / or at least one bolt connection.

9. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) comprises a plurality of connecting devices (4) arranged one above the other, wherein each connecting device (4) is connected to both wall elements (2).

10. Protective installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall elements (2) have a front side facing the moving mass and a rear side opposite the front side, • wherein at least one connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) is fastened to the wall element (3) exclusively in the front half, preferably in the front third, of the respective wall element (3) • and / or wherein at least one connecting arrangement (3) between at least two wall elements (2) is fastened to the wall element (3) exclusively in the rear half, preferably in the rear third, of the respective wall element (3).

11. Use of maritime freight containers as wall elements (2) of a protective installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Method for protection against moving masses, namely avalanches, rock impacts, murmurs and wood impacts, wherein a protective installation (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 is erected on a slope or a foot of a slope, with the result that the wall elements (2) can be moved relative to one another and over the support surface by a mass moving down the slope, namely avalanche, rock impact, murmur or wood impact.

13. Use of a protective installation (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 on a slope or a foot of a slope as protection against moving masses, namely avalanches, rock impacts, murmurs and wood impacts.

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