Support element and noise barrier with the support element

Abstract

Support element for fastening wall elements, wherein one end of the support element can be inserted into the ground in a foundation and another end of the support element projects freely from the ground in a longitudinal direction of the support element, wherein the support element has lateral grooves (4, 5) for receiving wall elements, wherein the support element has a substantially H-shaped cross-section with two outer flanges (1;3) and a web (2) connecting the flanges (1;3), wherein the support element is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic with a vinyl ester resin as a matrix, wherein at least a part (7', 7'', 8', 8'', 8'''', 8'''') of the glass fibers are in the form of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric with a fiber direction in the longitudinal direction of the support element, wherein said nonwoven fabric or woven fabric extends from the interior of the web into the interior of at least one of the flanges (1;3).The invention further relates to a noise barrier wall comprising the supporting element and a cover layer made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The GRP supports can be provided with a coating in the area where they are embedded in the foundation to ensure bonding between the supports and the concrete.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of civil engineering. More specifically, the invention relates to a support element for fastening flat building elements. Furthermore, the invention relates to a noise barrier incorporating the support element.

[0002] For the installation of flat structural elements, such as noise barriers, support elements in the form of posts are conventionally used. These posts are either firmly embedded in the ground at the appropriate location within a foundation or secured to a foundation using anchor bolts. The posts are spaced apart in a row so that flat wall elements, such as sound-absorbing panels, can be inserted between them. These wall elements are made of materials such as wood, lava concrete, concrete, glass, or aluminum. Such wall elements are frequently used to construct noise barriers along roads, such as highways, cantonal or private roads, or railway lines, to protect residents.

[0003] On the one hand, space for construction is usually very limited and often requires complex construction work, for example along bridges or in front gardens of buildings. The construction of the noise barrier, especially the installation of the posts, is frequently associated with significant noise pollution. For this reason, such noise barriers should have the longest possible lifespan and require no maintenance.

[0004] Traditionally, steel profiles from standard profile ranges are frequently used as posts. To ensure sufficient corrosion resistance, these metal profiles are subsequently treated with a rust inhibitor applied to the structure. To achieve the longest possible protection period, the posts are galvanized immediately after manufacturing and then coated with a multi-component coating. The disadvantage is that this protective layer can be inadvertently damaged during transport and assembly, significantly reducing the service life. In particular, damage is usually very difficult or even impossible to detect immediately after the noise barrier has been erected.

[0005] Even if such damage were detected, there is usually no way to restore or refresh the corrosion protection to its original quality on the construction site. Especially in the areas of the posts that are in contact with the ground, contact corrosion can occur, which can lead to significant damage in a very short time. Posts used in close proximity to roads and railway lines are particularly exposed to acids and surface rust.

[0006] Another disadvantage of such steel profiles is their very high weight. This always necessitates machinery for transporting and installing these posts at the installation site.

[0007] Especially when used near railway lines, the electrical conductivity of these posts can lead to safety problems, as there is a risk of them coming into contact with the live overhead lines during handling and installation. This often necessitates switching off the overhead lines at the installation site to handle such posts, which significantly reduces construction time and increases costs.

[0008] The requirements for the load-bearing capacity of support elements increase when, for example, a railway line is to be used at higher speeds, as is the case with TGV or ICE lines.

[0009] The object of the present invention was to find a support element for fastening wall elements that exhibits good corrosion resistance and yet possesses sufficient strength to support wall elements of conventional design and withstand high wind pressures. A further object is that the post has the lowest possible weight, exhibits no or only low electrical conductivity, and visually resembles a wide-flange steel beam.

[0010] These problems are solved according to the invention by a support element having the features of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments result from the features of claims 2 to 4.

[0011] The support element according to the invention is a support element for fastening wall elements. One end of the support element can be inserted into a foundation in the ground. Another end of the support element extends freely from the ground along its longitudinal direction. The support element has lateral grooves for receiving wall elements. The support element has a substantially H-shaped cross-section with two outer flanges and a web (2) connecting the flanges. The support element consists of glass fiber reinforced plastic with a vinyl ester resin as the matrix. At least some of the glass fibers are in the form of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric with a fiber orientation in the longitudinal direction of the support element, wherein said nonwoven fabric or woven fabric extends from the interior of the web into the interior of at least one of the flanges.

[0012] The support element according to the invention can therefore be described as a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) support or GFRP post. The specific arrangement of a glass fiber fleece or woven fabric, extending from the web into the chords, results in a particularly high load-bearing capacity. The GFRP post can withstand wind pressure, such as that caused by fast-moving trains.

[0013] Sustainability with GRP columns can be guaranteed even with minor damage. Therefore, the support element according to the invention is also advantageous from an ecological perspective. A service life of 80 years can be expected with such GRP columns. In addition to the aforementioned portion of glass fibers, which is characteristic of the present invention, further glass fibers or glass fiber arrangements can be embedded in the vinyl ester matrix and provide additional reinforcement. The glass fibers as reinforcing material can be, for example, in the form of nonwovens, woven fabrics, mats, and rovings. The matrix material can be provided with pigments, in particular with UV-absorbing pigments, to achieve a long service life for support elements exposed to sunlight.

[0014] Preferably, the height of the web corresponds approximately to the width of the second chord, with the first chord preferably having a greater width than the second chord. This creates a profile corresponding to the geometry of conventional steel posts, which allows for the conventional attachment of noise barrier elements. Furthermore, this geometry has the advantage that, for a given profile height, it requires the smallest possible cross-sectional area (taking material properties into account), thus keeping the overall weight of the post low.

[0015] With typical cross-sectional shapes (see examples "GFK bar S" and "GFK bar B" in the following figures) and dimensions designed for the application of a typical noise barrier, the following weights per unit length can be achieved, for example: GRP bar S: 13.5 kg / m1 GRP bar B: 20.2 kg / m1

[0016] This significantly simplifies the transport and installation of the post. The use of large machinery is not required; posts of typical length can be moved manually, keeping post installation costs low.

[0017] Preferably, both surfaces of the web transition into the flanges with a radius. This ensures optimal force transmission from the flanges to the web and prevents overloading in the surface area, which could lead to damaging cracks.

[0018] Typical dimensions of a support element for constructing a noise barrier result from a chord width of approximately 160–200 millimeters, a web width of 160–200 millimeters, and a material thickness of the web and chords in the range of 10–30 millimeters, and a profile length, measured longitudinally, of 2–5 meters. A support element according to the invention with these dimensions can be installed by hand. A steel support element of the same dimensions is so heavy that a crane must be used.

[0019] The GRP columns can be provided with a coating in the area where they are integrated into the foundation to ensure bonding between the columns and the concrete.

[0020] In one embodiment, the surface of the support element is reinforced with a glass fiber reinforcement.

[0021] Preferably, the reinforcing material is arranged to cover the surface, and the matrix is ​​mixed with pigments. This ensures that the surface is free of cracks and thus guarantees very good corrosion resistance. The use of durable pigments allows the appearance of the post to mimic that of conventional steel posts. Therefore, the post according to the invention is also suitable as a replacement for existing posts without altering their visual appearance.

[0022] In one embodiment, the re-entrant corners at the transitions of the web and the chords have additional glass fiber reinforcements at least in one longitudinal section of the support element.

[0023] With this type of additional reinforcement, the load-bearing capacity of the support element is significantly increased with a relatively small number of additional glass fibers.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first belt has an outwardly convex curvature, and the second belt has a substantially rectangular cross-section with an outwardly projecting rib in the area of ​​the web. In particular, the rib can have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section with an outwardly tapering cross-section (type designation "GFK bar s").

[0025] Preferably, the rib has a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section that tapers outwards. This advantageously allows a sufficient section modulus of the beam to be achieved without subjecting the load-bearing fibers of the profile to loads exceeding one-third of their load-bearing capacity under alternating loads. This advantageously ensures very high fatigue strength.

[0026] Alternatively, both belts have an outwardly convex curvature (type designation "GFK bar b").

[0027] A noise barrier according to claim 5 is also part of the invention.

[0028] The noise barrier according to the invention comprises at least two support elements according to the invention. The noise barrier further comprises at least one wall element inserted into the lateral grooves of the support elements for sound insulation, wherein the noise barrier has a first wall side which has a continuous cover surface (23) made of glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show Fig. 1 a cross-section through an embodiment of the support element; Fig. 2 a cross-section through an area of ​​a noise barrier (with support element according to example "GFK bar B"); Fig. 3a cross-section through an area of ​​a noise barrier with an alternative cross-sectional shape of the GRP post (with support element according to example "GRP bar S").

[0030] In Figure 1 The cross-section through a support element 10 according to the invention is shown, comprising the first flange 1, the web 2, and the second flange 3. Within the cross-section, the position of glass fiber reinforcements in the form of a nonwoven or woven fabric is indicated by dashed lines. In these reinforcements, the fiber direction runs longitudinally along the support element. Various forms of reinforcement are shown here, which can optionally be combined. For better visibility of the special glass fiber reinforcements, the matrix material, which may also contain additional glass fibers, is shown in white without hatching.

[0031] A characteristic feature of the present invention is that a part 7', 7'', 8', 8", 8‴, 8ʺʺ of the

[0032] Glass fiber reinforcements are present as nonwovens or woven fabrics, extending from the interior of the web into the interior of at least one of the flanges. The glass fiber nonwovens or woven fabrics designated with reference numbers 7' and 7'' even extend from one flange through the entire web into the second flange. The nonwovens or woven fabrics designated 8', 8'', 8‴, 8ʺʺ are additional glass fiber reinforcements at re-entrant corners of the support element.

[0033] Further, optional fiber optic reinforcements are marked 9', 9''.

[0034] In the example shown here, the first flange 1 is convexly curved upwards, towards the outside. The web 2 is relatively narrow and arranged along the axis of symmetry of the profile. The second flange 3 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. This forms a substantially H-shaped cross-section, with two lateral grooves 4 and 5, respectively, also with substantially rectangular cross-sections.

[0035] Wall elements, such as noise barriers, can be inserted and fixed into these grooves 4 and 5. The dimensions of these grooves 4 and 5 correspond to those of conventional steel posts, allowing the use of standard flat building elements.

[0036] The cross-sectional shape of the GRP post corresponds here to the example which is referred to as "GRP bar S".

[0037] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a cross-section through part of an embodiment of a noise barrier 20, where the cross-section is shown only through a support element 10. Details inside the support element are not shown here. Wall elements 21 and 22 are held in grooves 4 and 5 on both sides of the support element. Further to the left and right, additional support elements hold the opposite side edge of the wall element. The wall elements shown here have a layer of structural concrete 24 and a layer of sound-absorbing facing concrete 25, the latter having a corrugated profile. In the example shown here, the wall elements are fastened to the support element by means of clamping screws 27. A sealing strip 26 can be used to create a tight seal.

[0038] One side of the noise barrier is continuously covered with a surface 23 made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The first flanges of the support element and the surface together form a continuous, highly electrically insulating surface. Such a noise barrier can be used, for example, along a railway line with overhead power lines. The noise barrier according to the invention has a safe outer surface which, even in the event of a downed overhead line still carrying high voltage, poses no danger to people or animals touching the outer surface of the noise barrier. Safe noise barriers without grounding are thus possible.

[0039] Noise barriers with wall elements made of aluminum panels, reinforced lava concrete, glass elements, or wood (which conducts heat too well when damp) are inconceivable without grounding. The present invention offers a surprisingly simple solution that simultaneously provides good sound absorption on the side facing the railway.

[0040] The cross-sectional shape of the GRP post corresponds here to the example which is referred to as "GRP bar S".

[0041] In Figure 3 A cross-section through a noise barrier is taken, similar to the one in the Figure 2 shown. Unlike Figure 2 The support element 10 here has the cross-sectional shape of the example designated as "GFK bar B". Reference symbol list

[0042] 1 Strap 2 Web 3 Straps (second) 4, 5 Lateral groove 6 Rib 7', 7'' Part of the glass fibers 8', 8'', 8‴, 8ʺʺ Additional glass fiber reinforcements at re-entrant corners of the support element 9', 9" Further glass fiber reinforcements 10 Support element 20 Noise barrier 21 Wall element 22 Wall element 23 Cover surface 24 Structural concrete 25 Sound-absorbing facing concrete 26 Sealing tape 27 Clamping screw GRP bar S Type designation (cross-sectional shape) GRP bar B Type designation (cross-sectional shape)

Claims

1. Support element for fastening wall elements, wherein one end of the support element can be inserted into the ground in a foundation and another end of the support element projects freely from the ground in a longitudinal direction of the support element, wherein the support element has lateral grooves (4, 5) for receiving wall elements, wherein the support element has a substantially H-shaped cross-section with two outer flanges (1;3) and a web (2) connecting the flanges (1;3), wherein the support element is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic with a vinyl ester resin as a matrix, wherein at least a part (7', 7'', 8', 8'', 8‴, 8ʺʺ) of the glass fibers are in the form of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric with a fiber direction in the longitudinal direction of the support element, wherein said nonwoven fabric or woven fabric extends from the interior of the web into the interior of at least one of the flanges (1;3).

2. Support element according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the support element is reinforced with a glass fiber reinforcement.

3. Support element according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the re-entrant corners at the transitions of web and flanges have additional glass fiber reinforcements (8', 8'', '', 8ʺʺ) at least in a longitudinal section of the support element.

4. Support element according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first chord (1) has an outwardly convex curvature and the second chord (3) has a substantially rectangular cross-section with an outwardly projecting rib (6) in the region of the web (2), in particular wherein the rib (6) has a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section with an outwardly tapering cross-section (GFK bar S), or wherein alternatively both chords (1;3) have an outwardly convex curvature (GFK bar b).

5. Noise barrier comprising at least two support elements according to one of claims 1 to 4, and at least one wall element inserted into the lateral grooves of the support element for sound insulation, wherein the noise barrier has a first wall side which has a continuous cover surface (23) made of glass fiber reinforced plastic.

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