Holding device and device for securing the position of bulk material

Abstract

Holding device (1) for securing bulk material (2) arranged on a substrate (10), the holding device (1) comprising a support element (3) extending along a first direction (100), from which a plurality of rod elements (4a, 4b) extend in a second direction (200), wherein the rod elements (4a, 4b) are arranged side by side along the first direction (100), wherein the rod elements (4a, 4b) are designed for insertion into the bulk material (2) and for retaining the bulk material (2), wherein at least one of the rod elements (4a) is designed for anchoring in the substrate (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for securing the position of bulk material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for securing the position of bulk material during excavation work based on this holding device.

[0002] Construction projects, such as those carried out in the area of ​​railway infrastructure, regularly require the excavation of ballast. This applies not only to new construction but also to renovation, maintenance, conversion, inspections, and other related work. The excavation of soil and loose rock, such as ballast, always results in the flow of the underlying material at the edges of the excavated area. This flow is related to the specific geometries of the individual materials, depending on factors such as grain size, geometry, and moisture content.

[0003] In the case of railway infrastructure, securing the position of the ballast is sometimes necessary to minimize or prevent it from shifting, particularly around the sleeper heads. This securing of the ballast also directly affects the stability of the track bed. The stability of the track bed, in turn, is essential to ensure the track alignment and thus the track geometry. This is directly related to the track's operational capability.

[0004] Currently, the stability of the ballast is ensured through various measures. One option is to bond the ballast using epoxy resin or polyurethane. These adhesives encapsulate the individual aggregate particles and bond adjacent stones at the contact surfaces. A penetration depth of 20-25 cm is possible with this method. Consequently, stabilizing thicker ballast layers is only possible to a limited extent. In railway infrastructure, ballast thicknesses of over 50 cm are regularly encountered. Bonding the entire structure is therefore impossible. Furthermore, moisture and an increased proportion of fine particles (dirt, soil) in the ballast counteract the adhesive strength and significantly reduce it. In addition, the introduction of epoxy resin and / or polyurethane alters essential properties of the ballast.On the one hand, tamping the sleepers is hindered because the bonding is broken up, and these agglomerates consequently have a larger edge length compared to standard ballast. This also reduces the natural interlocking of the ballast. Furthermore, bedding cleaning and disposal are significantly more complex due to the epoxy resin or polyurethane content. Because of these disadvantages and the increased costs, ballast bonding is often not carried out.

[0005] Besides bonding the ballast, there is the option of partially excavating the ballast and subsequently inserting wooden planks. This, in turn, requires excavating the ballast in the first step; however, some ballast runout cannot be reliably prevented during this excavation. Therefore, some runout is to be expected, which may lead to a shift in the track bed. This usually occurs due to track loads in this state from construction equipment, trains, weather, or temperature changes. After the ballast has been excavated, the wooden planks are inserted and then secured in place with ground anchors. Finally, the spaces between the wooden planks and sleeper ends are loosely filled with ballast.This method is only intended for a very short period of use and, above all, due to the unavoidable loss of ballast before the wooden planks are installed, results in a reduction of track stability.

[0006] Another method, primarily used for long-term projects where train operations continue, is traditional track shoring. This is typically carried out using sheet piles. However, this method is very expensive due to the necessary machinery and the required dimensions of the shoring elements.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a device that enables reliable stabilization of bulk material while being easy and cost-effective to manufacture and assemble.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009] The task is thus accomplished in particular by a holding device for securing bulk material arranged on a substrate. The holding device comprises a support element extending along a first direction, with a plurality of rod elements extending from the support element in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are not parallel to each other. Preferably, the first direction and the second direction are oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0010] The bar elements are arranged side by side along the first direction, with the spacing between them along this direction being, for example, but not necessarily, smaller than the grain size of the bulk material. For instance, the spacing between the bar elements might be smaller than the grain size of ballast used for track bed construction. However, this is not strictly necessary, as the natural interlocking of the ballast ensures retention of the ballast even with bar elements spaced further apart than the grain size. This essentially prevents a large number of pieces of the bulk material from passing between the bar elements. The passage of individual pieces of the bulk material is acceptable. The bar elements are designed for inserting and retaining the bulk material.Due to the adjustable spacing between the rod elements, the holding device is particularly suitable for a specific type of bulk material. It is especially advantageous that the spacing is the maximum distance necessary to retain the bulk material with the specified grain size. This maximum spacing also simplifies the insertion of the holding device into the bulk material.

[0011] At least one of the rod elements is designed for anchoring in the subsoil. This at least one rod element extends through the layer of bulk material and into the subsoil. This ensures that the holding device is anchored independently of the bulk material. The bulk material can thus be reliably contained. In particular, it is not necessary for all rod elements to be anchored in the subsoil. This allows for easy insertion of the holding device into the bulk material and anchoring in the subsoil.

[0012] The dimension of the support element along the first direction, and thus the number of bar elements, is unlimited and freely selectable. The dimension of the support element along the second direction is preferably smaller than the shortest dimension of the bar elements in the second direction. Preferably, the dimension of the support element along the second direction is a maximum of 50%, and in particular a maximum of 30%, of the shortest dimension of the bar elements. The dimension of the bar elements along the second direction depends in particular on the planned excavation depth of the bulk material and must correspond at least to the depth of the planned excavation, preferably including the necessary anchoring depth after excavation, in order to reliably prevent the bulk material from flowing back into the excavation.

[0013] Preferably, at least one rod element designed for anchoring in the subsoil is longer along the second direction than the other rod elements. It is provided that the first length of the rod element designed for anchoring in the subsoil is greater along the second direction than the second length of the other rod elements along the second direction. The other rod elements can have either the same second length or different second lengths. The first length is particularly greater than the thickness of the layer of bulk material on the surface. The second length can be selected differently and is advantageously at most as great as the thickness of the layer of bulk material. In particular, the second length defines a maximum excavation depth for the bulk material.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous that the outermost rod elements in the first direction have the first length, and the intermediate rod elements have the second length. The number, length, and position of the rod elements with the first length are preferably adapted to the anchoring depth and / or the bulk material to be retained. Thus, anchoring in the subsoil is achieved with the outermost rod elements of the holding device. This allows for reliable anchoring of the holding device in the subsoil, with the bulk material being reliably retained by the rod elements. In particular, the rod elements located between the rod elements anchored in the subsoil serve primarily or exclusively to retain the bulk material. Eliminating the need to anchor these rod elements simplifies the installation of the holding device.

[0015] The support element has a connection area for joining another holding device. This allows long distances to be covered seamlessly with multiple holding devices. The connection area is designed to overlap with the support element of another holding device. This allows holding forces to be transferred between the holding devices, ensuring reliable containment of the bulk material. Furthermore, holding devices of different lengths along the first direction and holding devices with different bar arrangements can be connected.

[0016] The connection area advantageously features a receiving element for at least partially and positively engaging a rod element of the further holding device. A positive-locking connection is particularly preferred along the first direction and / or along a third direction, which is especially perpendicular to the first and second directions. The positive-locking connection is created, in particular, by inserting the further holding device into the bulk material, with the further holding device interacting with the receiving element. The receiving element is, in particular, a ring element for guiding the rod element of the further holding device along the second direction.Thus, one of the rod elements of the additional holding device can be guided through the ring element of the holding device already inserted into the bulk material during the insertion of the additional holding device into the bulk material, thereby reliably achieving precise relative positioning of the holding device and the additional holding device, as well as enabling force transmission between the holding device and the additional holding device.

[0017] The holding device preferably includes a support element. The support element extends from the support element along a third direction. This third direction is not oriented parallel to the first and second directions. Preferably, the third direction is oriented orthogonally to the first and second directions. The support element is designed to be braced against an anchor element located above the bulk material. The term "above" refers specifically to the second direction, which is particularly parallel to the direction of gravity. Specifically, the holding device can be anchored in the ground via at least one of the rod elements and is also supported by the support element against the anchor element, thus providing anchorage and support of the holding device on both sides of the bulk material layer.This ensures a secure and reliable hold for the holding device, thus reliably containing the bulk material.

[0018] The support element is preferably designed to allow for adjusting the cantilever length. The cantilever length is the length by which the support element projects beyond the support element. Thus, any gap between the anchor element and the support element can be compensated for by adjusting the cantilever length. The holding device therefore does not need to have a predetermined distance to existing anchor elements; rather, its placement can be independent of this. Furthermore, adjusting the cantilever length allows for the application of a preload between the anchor element and the support element. The support element is particularly preferably designed as a tension anchor.

[0019] The holding device advantageously includes a reinforcing element. This reinforcing element is attached to both the support element and all rod elements. The reinforcing element extends away from the support element along a third direction. This third direction is not parallel to the first and second directions. It is particularly advantageous for the first, second, and third directions to be orthogonal to each other. The reinforcing element is preferably planar and has minimal dimensions along the second direction. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing element is planar, extending over the rod elements and / or parallel to the support element. The reinforcing element ensures a stable structure for the holding device, thereby enabling reliable insertion of the holding device into the bulk material.

[0020] The support element is, in particular, a flat element and preferably has its largest dimension along the first direction and its second largest dimension along the second direction. This ensures optimal force transmission, both when inserting the holding device into the bulk material and when retaining the bulk material after excavation.

[0021] The support element and / or the rod elements are advantageously made of a more robust material than the bulk material. It is particularly advantageous for the support element and / or the rod elements to be made of a metallic material and / or plastic. This allows for a stable design of the holding device for damage-free insertion into the bulk material and for reliable retention of the bulk material. Alternatively or additionally, the support element is bonded to the rod elements, in particular by welding. This makes the element suitable for multiple uses.

[0022] The support element can, for example, include an insertion stop element. This insertion stop element is designed to rest on a surface of the bulk material to limit the insertion of the rod elements into the material. This ensures a defined insertion of the holding device into the bulk material. The insertion stop element serves, in particular, to increase the surface area in contact with the bulk material and thus to make it more difficult to insert the holding device further into the material in the second direction.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for securing the position of bulk material during excavation. The method comprises the following steps. First, a holding device is inserted into the bulk material at the excavation site. The holding device is a holding device as previously described. It is provided that at least one of the rod elements of the holding device is anchored in a subsoil beneath the bulk material. The holding device is inserted into the bulk material, in particular, by exerting a force in the second direction on the support element, i.e., a force in the direction of the bulk material. Insertion is particularly advantageous when the holding device is vibrated, for example, by means of a vibratory rammer. After the holding device has been inserted into the bulk material, the bulk material is excavated, whereby the rod elements prevent the bulk material from flowing outwards.The excavation is carried out, in particular, up to a maximum of the second length of the rod elements described above.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous to brace the support element against an anchor element after inserting the holding device and before excavation. For this purpose, a support element, such as a tie rod, is used as described above. The overhang of the support element is adjusted to match the distance between the support element and the anchor element. This ensures reliable positioning of the holding device itself, thus guaranteeing reliable containment of the bulk material.

[0025] Advantageously, during the insertion of the holding device, the rod elements are not fully inserted into the bulk material. They are inserted only to the extent necessary to anchor at least one rod element in the substrate. Specifically, the insertion is limited to preventing the remaining rod elements from penetrating the substrate, thus simplifying the insertion process.

[0026] At a minimum, the insertion of the holding device into the subsoil shall extend to such an extent that, in particular, the upper edge of the holding device does not constitute a significant obstruction.

[0027] Further details, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a holding device according to an embodiment of the invention, which is embedded in bulk material, in the state before excavation; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the holding device according to the embodiment of the invention, which is embedded in bulk material, in the state after excavation; Fig. 3 is a schematic detail view of the holding device according to the embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 is a schematic view of several combined holding devices according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a holding device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The holding device 1 is embedded in bulk material 2 to retain it during excavation. Figure 2 schematically shows the holding device 1 according to the embodiment of the invention, wherein in contrast to Figure 1 An excavation has taken place. Figure 3Figure 1 schematically shows another view of the holding device 1 according to the embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown illustrates an application in the railway sector. The bulk material 2 is, for example, ballast in which sleepers 12 of a track system are laid.

[0029] Part of the bulk material 2 is to be excavated, which will be in Figure 1 shown as area 11a to be excavated. Figure 2 Figure 11b shows an excavation. To prevent the bulk material 2 from flowing out, the holding device 1 is inserted into the bulk material 2. The holding device 1 is inserted before the excavation begins. This ensures that the bulk material 2 is retained from the start of the excavation process, thereby reliably guaranteeing a stable position of the sleepers 12 at all times.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a direction system is provided which includes a first direction 100, a second direction 200 and a third direction 300, wherein all three directions 100, 200, 300 are oriented orthogonally to each other.

[0031] The holding device 1 has a support element 3 extending along the first direction 100, from which a plurality of rod elements 4a, 4b extend in the second direction 200. With respect to the first direction 100, the rod elements 4a, 4b are arranged side by side. In order for the rod elements 4a, 4b to provide a retention function for the bulk material 2, they are spaced at a distance D from each other along the first direction 100 that is smaller than the grain size of the bulk material 2, for example, smaller than the grain size of the ballast used for track construction. However, with appropriate interlocking of the bulk material, distances D between the rod elements that are larger than the grain size of the bulk material can also be used. This allows the rod elements 4a, 4b to reliably retain the bulk material 2.Once the area to be excavated 11a has been excavated, the flow of the bulk material 2 is prevented or at least made more difficult.

[0032] The rod elements 4a, 4b are designed both for insertion into the bulk material 2 and for retaining the bulk material 2. Due to their small cross-section, the rod elements 4a, 4b can be easily inserted into the bulk material 2 along the second direction 200. This can be achieved either by applying pressure to the holding device 1 along the second direction 200, or by additionally applying vibration to the holding device. Preferably, the rod elements 4a, 4b are inserted into the bulk material 2 using a vibratory hammer. In particular, compared to sheet piles or similar structures, the insertion of the holding device 1 is very simple. In addition to being easily inserted, the rod elements 4a, 4b can reliably retain the bulk material 2 once inserted and prevent it from flowing out during excavation.

[0033] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer rod elements 4a are designed for anchoring in the substrate 10. Alternatively, more or fewer, or different, rod elements 4a, 4b can be designed for anchoring in the substrate 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer rod elements 4a have a first length L1 along the second direction 200 that is greater than a second length L2 of the intermediate middle rod elements 4b along the second direction 200.

[0034] In addition to anchoring the holding device 1 in the substrate 10 by means of the outer rod elements 4a, support is also provided by a support element 7 above the layer of bulk material 2, i.e., on the side of the layer of bulk material 2 opposite the substrate 10. The support element 7 extends along the third direction 300 away from the support element 3. The support element can be supported against an existing anchor element 8. The attachment to the anchor element 8 can be carried out in any manner and is not relevant for the described embodiment. In the described embodiment, the anchor element 8 is a rail, and the support of the support element 7 can be achieved, for example, by the support element 7 partially gripping the rail. The support element 7 is, in particular, a tension anchor.

[0035] The support element 7 is preferably designed to adjust a cantilever length L3, by which the support element 7 projects beyond the support element 3. For example, the support element 7 can be a threaded rod. Due to the adjustability of the support element 7, it is not necessary to mount the holding device 1 at a predetermined distance from the anchor element 8, i.e., from the rail. The adjustability of the support element 7 allows for compensation of different distances between the anchor element 8 and the support element 3. Furthermore, a preload between these components can be set.

[0036] Thus, in addition to anchoring in the subsoil below the bulk material, there is also support above the bulk material 2. This ensures high stability of the holding device 1 and reliable containment of the bulk material 2.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 3 is a flat element with a maximum dimension along the first direction 100 and a second maximum dimension along the second direction 200. This simplifies the insertion of the holding device 1 into the bulk material. Furthermore, this ensures optimal retention of the rod elements 4a, 4b on the support element 3. A reinforcing element 9 is also preferably provided. The reinforcing element 9 is attached to both the support element 3 and all rod elements 4a, 4b and extends away from the support element 3 along the third direction 300. In particular, the reinforcing element 9 is flat and has a minimum dimension along the second direction 200.Furthermore, this arrangement of profiles can also be dimensioned according to the respective bulk materials, whereby in particular standard profiles such as L-shaped steels and old rails can be used as support element 3 and rod element 4a, 4b.

[0038] For example, the support element 3 and / or the rod elements 4a, 4b are made of a metallic material. The rod elements 4a, 4b are preferably bonded to the support element, in particular by welding. This choice of material ensures high stability, which reduces deformation of the holding device 1 during insertion into the bulk material 2.

[0039] It is provided that several holding devices 1 can be assembled according to the first embodiment, so that the resulting device is not restricted along the first direction 100. The arrangement of several holding devices 1 along direction 1 can be not only straight, but also segmented and arc-shaped, and thus can also follow the existing track alignment. This is particularly advantageous in the case of large-area excavations along a track bed. To enable force transmission between the holding devices 1, the support element 3 has a connection area 5. This connection area 5 serves to be connected to another holding device 1. For example, the connection area 5 overlaps with a support element 3 of another holding device 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the connection area 5 has a receiving element 6. The receiving element 6 is designed for at least partial positive engagement of a rod element 4a, 4b of an adjacently arranged holding device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving element 6 is provided for receiving the outer rod element 4a of the adjacent holding device 1. For receiving the rod element 4a, it is provided, for example, that the receiving element 6 is in particular a ring element for the passage of said rod element 4a along the second direction 200.

[0041] Figure 4Figure 1 schematically shows how three holding devices 1 are arranged side by side according to the embodiment of the invention. The support elements 3 of the holding devices 1 overlap, with each holding device 1 being guided by an outer rod element 4a through the receiving element 6, which in this embodiment is ring-shaped, of the adjacent connection area 5. Force transmission is therefore enabled between the holding devices 1, which on the one hand allows for reliable anchoring of all holding devices 1 and on the other hand enables reliable retention of the bulk material over the entire dimension of the assembled holding devices 1.

[0042] The holding device 1 has the advantage that it can be easily inserted into the bulk material 2. For example, the holding device 1 can simply be inserted into the ballast of a track bed. After insertion and, if necessary, bracing of the holding device 1, the bulk material 2 can be excavated. The excavation is carried out to a maximum depth between the second length L2 of the middle bar elements 4b and the first length L1 of the outer bar elements 4a in this embodiment. Once the work on the track bed is finished and the excavated bulk material 2 has been replaced, the holding device 1 can be easily and quickly removed and reused.

[0043] In addition to the illustrated embodiment, the holding device can also serve as a measure for protection against high water or flooding. Likewise, the holding device can act as a barrier against burrowing, for example, in the case of animal burrows.

[0044] In addition to the above written description of the invention, explicit reference is hereby made to the graphic representation of the invention in the figures for its supplementary disclosure. Reference symbol list

[0045] 1 Holding device 2 Bulk material 3 Support element 4a Outer rod element 4b Inner rod element 5 Connection area 6 Receiving element 7 Support element 8 Anchor element 9 Reinforcement element 10 Subsoil 11a Area to be excavated 11b Excavation 12 Sill 100th first direction, 200th second direction, 300th third direction DSpacing L1 first length L2 second length L3 cantilever length

Claims

1. Holding device (1) for securing bulk material (2) arranged on a substrate (10), the holding device (1) comprising a support element (3) extending along a first direction (100), from which a plurality of rod elements (4a, 4b) extend in a second direction (200), • wherein the rod elements (4a, 4b) are arranged side by side along the first direction (100), • wherein the rod elements (4a, 4b) are designed for insertion into the bulk material (2) and for retaining the bulk material (2), • wherein at least one of the rod elements (4a) is designed for anchoring in the substrate (10).

2. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that that at least one rod element (4a) designed for anchoring in the subsoil has a first length (L1) along the second direction (200) which is greater than a second length (L2) of the other rod elements (4b) along the second direction (200).

3. Holding device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the outermost rod elements (4a) with respect to the first direction (100) have the first length (L1) and the intermediate rod elements (4b) have the second length (L2).

4. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support element (3) has a connection area (5) for being connected to a further holding device (1), wherein the connection area (5) is designed in particular to overlap with a support element (3) of a further holding device (1).

5. Holding device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the connection area (5) has a receiving element (6) for at least partial positive-locking reception of a rod element (4a, 4b) of the further holding device (1), wherein the receiving element (6) is in particular a ring element for passing the rod element (4a, 4b) of the further holding device along the second direction (200).

6. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a support element (7) extending from the support element (3) along a third direction (300) and designed to support an anchor element (8) above the bulk material (2), wherein the support element (7) is preferably designed to set a cantilever length (L3) by which the support element (7) projects beyond the support element (3), and is particularly preferably designed as a tension anchor.

7. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a reinforcing element (9) which is attached to both the support element (3) and to all the rod elements (4a, 4b) and extends along a third direction (300) away from the support element (3).

8. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe support element (3) is a flat element and has a largest dimension along the first direction (100) and a second largest dimension along the second direction (200).

9. Holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support element (3) and / or the rod elements (4a, 4b) are made of a metallic material and / or of plastic and / or wherein the support element (3) is materially bonded to the rod elements (4a, 4b), in particular by welding.

10. Method for securing the position of bulk material during excavation of bulk material (2) comprising the steps of: • Inserting a holding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims into the bulk material (2) at the location to be excavated, wherein at least one of the rod elements (4a) of the holding device (1) is anchored in a subsoil (10) below the bulk material (2), and wherein the insertion is carried out in particular by means of vibration of the holding device (1), and • Excavating the bulk material (2), wherein a subsequent flow of the bulk material (2) is prevented by the rod elements (4a, 4b).

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