Device for constructing a support for anchoring a structure to an irregular surface, corresponding system and methods

Abstract

The invention relates to a formwork device (10) comprising: - two bars (11); - a flexible formwork (13) extending generally below said bars (11); - a rigid formwork (15) extending generally above said bars (11) and opposite said flexible formwork (13); - first fastening means (132) configured to fix said flexible formwork (13) to said bars (11) and second fastening means (14) configured to fix said rigid formwork (15) to said bars (11), wherein said flexible formwork (13) is loosely fixed to said bars (11). The invention thus proposes a simple and rapid method for constructing a support on an uneven surface. This system makes it possible to avoid altering the surface elements and therefore to limit the operations required for constructing a support. Indeed, such a formwork system allows for easy and cost-effective adaptation to irregularities present on the surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of construction, and in particular to the construction of supports, such as foundation beams, intended to be built on uneven surfaces, such as artificial dikes. Specifically, the invention relates to a device for constructing foundation beams that subsequently allow a structure to be anchored to an artificial dike. The invention also relates to a formwork system and a support manufactured using such a system. The invention further relates to a method for constructing such a support and a method for anchoring a structure to an uneven surface. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Installing structures on sites with irregular, preferably sloping, surfaces, such as artificial seawalls, is relatively complex. Such structures can be wave energy converters (WECs) or reinforcement elements for an artificial seawall. In particular, installing such structures on artificial seawalls faces numerous constraints.

[0003] In particular, artificial breakwaters, such as sloping breakwaters, have an outer layer with an inclined surface facing the sea. This outer layer is relatively irregular, as it generally consists of large stone blocks arranged in a somewhat haphazard fashion. However, the structures to be installed can only be anchored to a flat surface to guarantee their stability and lifespan. Installing these structures on the outer layers of artificial breakwaters is therefore quite complex. To address this drawback, a known technical solution involves reshaping the breakwater. In other words, it is necessary to remove the stone blocks from the outer layer that are bearing the brunt of the waves in order to install the structure directly on the core of the breakwater.Indeed, the core of a seawall is generally made up of small blocks (i.e., pebbles and aggregates) and therefore has a more regular surface than the outer layer. However, such an operation requires taking into account tides and weather conditions, since even the slightest weather event can significantly damage the core and thus compromise the entire structure of the seawall. Furthermore, such a reprofiling operation is time-consuming and costly.

[0004] There is therefore a need to provide a solution that allows the anchoring of a structure on a surface, preferably inclined, which has irregularities that addresses at least some of these disadvantages. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to propose a solution to facilitate the anchoring of a structure on a surface, preferably inclined, presenting irregularities.

[0006] To this end, a formwork system is proposed for constructing a support for anchoring a structure on an uneven surface. The formwork system comprises: two bars; a flexible formwork extending generally below said bars and intended to rest on said surface; a rigid formwork extending generally above said bars and opposite said flexible formwork, where said rigid formwork and said flexible formwork form a volume into which concrete is intended to be poured to manufacture said support; and first fastening means configured to fix said flexible formwork to said bars and second fastening means configured to fix said rigid formwork to said bars, where said flexible formwork is loosely fixed to said bars.

[0007] The invention thus proposes a simple and rapid method for constructing a support on a surface, preferably inclined, with irregularities. This formwork system eliminates the need to modify the surface elements, thereby reducing the number of operations required for constructing the support. Indeed, such a formwork system, comprising a lower section made from flexible formwork, allows for easy and cost-effective adaptation to surface irregularities, as it is sufficient to pour the concrete within the space formed between the flexible formwork and the rigid formwork.

[0008] The resulting support is thus molded to the surface irregularities. This ensures high stability and optimal lifespan. Furthermore, in addition to anchoring a structure, this support also consolidates and reinforces the site on which it is built. It can also be used for site renovation.

[0009] According to one particular aspect of the invention, the flexible formwork comprises, on each longitudinal edge, a sleeve into which the bars are inserted, and the rigid formwork comprises peripheral fins on which the sleeves receiving the bars rest. According to another particular aspect, the rigid formwork comprises clamping rods forming the fastening means, wherein the fastening means are configured to clamp the sleeves receiving the bars between the peripheral fins of the rigid formwork and the clamping rods.

[0010] According to one particular aspect of the invention, said rigid formwork is metallic formwork. According to another particular aspect of the invention, said rigid formwork comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements.

[0011] According to yet another particular aspect of the invention, said rigid formwork comprises at least one housing intended to be filled with concrete during the pouring of concrete in said system so as to form a bearing surface intended for anchoring said structure.

[0012] According to one particular aspect of the invention, said flexible formwork is a textile fabric. The invention also relates to a formwork system comprising at least two devices and at least one net, wherein said at least one net is fixed in a generally taut manner between said at least two devices.

[0013] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the system comprises retaining rods, where one end of each retaining rod is fixed to one of said devices and a second end of each retaining rod is fixed to another of said devices. The invention also relates to a support for anchoring a structure to an uneven surface, where the support is constructed from the system as described above.

[0014] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said support is in the form of a stringer intended to be built on a surface in the form of an artificial dike.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for constructing a support for anchoring a structure to a surface with irregularities, said method comprising the steps of: supply and positioning of a system as described above on said surface; pouring of concrete inside said volume formed by said rigid formwork and said flexible formwork of each device; removal of said rigid formwork.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for anchoring a structure to a surface with irregularities, said method comprising the steps of: construction of a support comprising the sub-steps of: supplying and positioning a system as described above on said surface; pouring concrete inside said volume formed by said rigid formwork and said flexible formwork of each device; removing said rigid formwork; anchoring a structure on said support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a side and cross-sectional view of an artificial dike on which a structure is anchored using the solution of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view of a first example of the implementation of a formwork device according to the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] is a perspective view of a second example of an embodiment of a formwork device according to the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] is a cross-sectional view of the formwork system of the Fig.2 ; Fig. 5 ] is a perspective view of a formwork system implementing two formwork devices of the Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 ] is a diagram schematically illustrating the steps of a method for constructing a support according to the invention for anchoring a structure to a surface with irregularities; and [ Fig. 5 ] is a diagram schematically illustrating the steps of an anchoring method according to the invention of a structure on a surface with irregularities. DETAILED PRESENTATION OF TWO EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS

[0018] There Fig. 1 illustrates an outdoor site 4. In this example, site 4 is in the form of an artificial dike, of the slope dike type, comprising a core 40 resting on a seabed 41. The core 40 has a surface 42, inclined and oriented towards the sea 44, presenting a plurality of irregularities 43 which in this example take the form of stone blocks arranged in a generally disordered manner on the surface 42.

[0019] A structure 3, schematically represented here as a wave energy converter, is anchored to a support 2 fabricated using the formwork device 10 or the system 1 of the invention described below. In this example, the support 2 is in the form of a stringer that is constructed and rests on the irregularities 43 of the surface 42.

[0020] The following description is based on the construction of a support 2 for a slope dike 4. It is understood, however, that the invention could be used on other outdoor sites where the surface, which may or may not be inclined, presents irregularities. For example, the invention can be implemented in mountainous areas for the construction of a support 2 intended to accommodate a funicular railway or a penstock, or on a natural rocky / stony site for the construction of foundations.

[0021] THE Figs. 2 And 3illustrate respectively a first and a second example of the realization of a formwork device 10 according to the invention for the construction of a support 2.

[0022] According to the invention, the formwork device 10 comprises two bars 11, which in this example are in the form of two wooden battens. It is understood, however, that the bars 11 can be made of another material, such as recycled plastic or metal, for example. The cross-sectional shape of these bars (here generally square) can also vary. In this example, the bars 11 extend generally parallel to each other since the formwork device 10 has a generally parallelepiped shape. However, depending on the desired shape of the support 2, the bars 11 may not extend parallel to each other. The formwork device 10 further comprises a flexible formwork 13 that extends generally below the bars 11 and is intended to rest on the surface 42.

[0023] Furthermore, the formwork system 10 comprises a rigid formwork 15 which extends generally above the bars 11 and opposite the flexible formwork 13 (i.e., opposite the flexible formwork 13 and therefore opposite the irregularities 43). The rigid formwork 15 and the flexible formwork 13 together form an internal volume into which concrete is to be poured to create the support 2.

[0024] The formwork system 10 also includes first fastening means 132 configured for fixing the flexible formwork 13 to the bars 11 and second fastening means 14 configured for fixing the rigid formwork 15 to the bars 11. Preferably, and so that the flexible formwork 13 can conform to the irregularities 43 of the surface 42, the flexible formwork 13 is loosely (i.e., not under tension) fixed between the bars 11. Even more preferably, the flexible formwork 13 is fixed along the entire length of the bars 11.

[0025] Such a system therefore makes it possible to construct a support 2 on a surface 42 with irregularities 43 in a simple and rapid manner. This system 1 makes it possible to avoid intervening on the elements of the surface 42 and thus to limit the operations necessary for the construction of a support 2. Indeed, such a formwork device 10, comprising a lower part made from a flexible formwork 13, makes it possible to adapt easily and at a lower cost to the irregularities 43 present on the surface 42 since it is sufficient to pour the concrete inside the volume formed between the flexible formwork 13 and the rigid formwork 15. For example, the stone blocks forming the irregularities 43 on an artificial dike 4 can have edges of up to 3 meters.

[0026] The resulting support 2 is thus molded to the irregularities 43 of the surface. This ensures high stability and optimal lifespan for the support 2. Furthermore, the resulting support 2, in addition to anchoring a structure 3, also consolidates / reinforces the site 4 on which it is built. The support 2 can also be used to renovate such a site 4.

[0027] In the first example of the implementation of the formwork device 10, illustrated on the Fig. 2 The first fastening means 132 (not shown) include, for example, screws or adhesive for fixing the flexible formwork 13 along the bars 11. The second fastening means 14 for fixing the rigid formwork 15 to the bars 11 may also include fixing screws. In particular, the second fastening means 14 are removable so that the rigid formwork 15 can be detached from the bars 11 after the concrete has been poured and cured within the interior volume.

[0028] It is understood that other types of first 132 and second 14 means of fixing are conceivable without departing from the operating principle of the invention.

[0029] In the second example of the implementation of the formwork device 10, illustrated on the Figs. 3 And 4The flexible formwork 13 has, on each of its longitudinal edges 131, a sleeve 132 into which the bars 11 are inserted. The sleeves 132 form the primary means of fixing the flexible formwork 13 to the bars 11. The implementation of such sleeves 132 is relatively simple and inexpensive and ensures optimal fixing of the flexible formwork 13 to the bars 11.

[0030] In this example, the rigid formwork 15 is generally in the form of a shell with an inverted U-shaped cross-section. The rigid formwork 15 comprises a top wall 150a, two side walls 150b which extend generally perpendicularly to the top wall 150a, as well as a front wall 150c and a rear wall (not visible) which close the rigid formwork 10. The rigid formwork 15 also includes peripheral fins 153 on which the sleeves 132 receiving the bars 11 rest. In other words, the peripheral fins 153 supported by the rigid formwork 15 form bearing surfaces configured to hold the sleeves 132 receiving the bars 11.

[0031] The peripheral fins 153, which therefore form the second means of fixing 14 of the rigid formwork 15 to the bars 11, extend in this example generally perpendicularly to the lateral walls 150b and outwards from the rigid formwork 15.

[0032] To ensure optimal retention of the sleeves 132 receiving the bars 11 on the peripheral fins 153, the second fastening means 14 also include clamping rods 141 carried by the rigid formwork 15 (and in particular by the side walls 150b of the rigid formwork 15) by means of rod supports 142. The clamping rods 141 (for example, of the threaded rod type) are configured to clamp the sleeves 132 receiving the bars 11 against the peripheral fins 153. In other words, the sleeves 132 receiving the bars 11 are clamped between the peripheral fins 153 and the clamping rods 141.

[0033] Although not illustrated, it is conceivable to implement additional bars at the front and rear of the rigid formwork 15 as well as sleeves 132 located at the front and rear of the flexible formwork 13 so as to close the formwork device 10. The front wall 150c and the rear wall of the rigid formwork 15 can therefore also include second fixing means 14 in the form of clamping rods 141 to hold the additional bars.

[0034] Preferably, and regardless of the specific embodiment of the formwork system 10, the rigid formwork 15 is metallic. In particular, the rigid formwork 15 can be made of steel. Such a material provides optimal mechanical strength and durability. Indeed, it is preferable for the rigid formwork 15 to be reusable, as it is intended to be removed after the concrete has been poured and cured within the formwork system 10. It can therefore be reused for the construction of another support 2.

[0035] It is also possible to manufacture the rigid formwork from wood or composite materials. However, these materials are either expensive (composite materials in particular) and / or have lower mechanical strength and durability than steel.

[0036] Preferably, the flexible formwork 13 is a textile sheet. In this way, the sheet 13 can adapt to the irregularities 43 of the surface 42 and conform to them optimally, thus ensuring a secure and durable fixing of the support 2 to the surface 42. Even more preferably, the textile sheet 13 is made of a natural textile, as the sheet 13 is intended to remain on site 4 after the concrete has been poured. The sheet 13 therefore becomes part of the support 2 after its construction. Textiles such as jute or linen are therefore preferred. In one variant, the flexible formwork 13 can be in the form of a plastic sheet or a polymer sheet. Such a tarpaulin also allows the flexible formwork 13 to adapt to the irregularities 43 of the surface 42 and to conform to them optimally, thus ensuring a secure and durable fixing of the support 2 on the surface 42.Optionally, and as illustrated in these examples, the rigid formwork 15 may include a plurality of reinforcing elements 151. In particular, the reinforcing elements 151 are generally in the form of stiffeners, which are walls extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the rigid formwork 15 and projecting from it. In these examples, the reinforcing elements 151 extend over the upper wall 150a and partially over the side walls 150b of the rigid formwork 15. They stiffen the rigid formwork 15 to prevent it from deforming, particularly during handling (by a crane, for example) or during the pouring of concrete into the internal space between the flexible formwork 13 and the rigid formwork 15.In order to do away with these reinforcement elements 151, it is possible to implement upper walls 150a and lateral walls 150b with a greater thickness in order to limit the risks of deformation of the rigid formwork 15.

[0037] Optionally, and as illustrated on the Fig. 5 The rigid formwork 15 may include at least one cavity 152 intended to be filled with concrete during the pouring of concrete into the formwork device 10. In this example, the cavity 152 has a generally parallelepiped shape. After the concrete has been poured, this cavity 152 provides a bearing surface on the support 2 for anchoring the structure 3. For example, the bearing surface can be used to anchor a column or beam of a structure 3.

[0038] It is also possible to construct this support surface without using such a housing. Indeed, it is possible, initially, to construct the support 2 using the formwork device 10 of the invention and then, subsequently, to construct the support surface on the support 2.

[0039] Optionally, and as illustrated on the Fig. 3 , it is possible to provide, on the outer surface of the upper wall 150a, a plurality of steps 155 which make it easier for operators to move around on the rigid formwork 15, especially during its handling.

[0040] With reference to the Fig. 5 The invention also relates to a system 1 comprising a plurality of formwork devices 10. In this example, the system 1 comprises two formwork devices 10. Preferably, when several formwork devices 10 are implemented in a system 1 according to the invention, the system 1 comprises a net 17 fixed in a generally taut manner between the formwork devices 10. In this example, the net 17 is fixed in a generally taut manner between the two formwork devices 10. In other words, the two formwork devices 10 are connected to each other by the net 17. Such a net 17 makes it possible to hold the formwork devices 10 together and to retain the irregularities 43 located between the two formwork devices 10. In this way, the net 17 prevents the ejection of irregularities 43 (for example blocks of stone from a dike) and thus reinforces the site 4.

[0041] Preferably, net 17 is a textile net (-for example in polyethylene or polyamide) or a metal net (for example in steel and of the type of rockfall protection net used in the mountains in particular).

[0042] As illustrated on the Fig. 5 The system 1 may optionally include retaining rods 19. A first end 191 of each retaining rod 19 is fixed to one of the devices 10 and a second end 192 of each retaining rod 19 is fixed to another of the devices 10. In other words, the retaining rods 19 connect and hold together the devices 10 of the system 1. The retaining rods 19 make it possible to ensure optimal positioning of the devices 10 relative to each other (particularly when a plurality of devices 10 are implemented in the system 1).

[0043] The invention also provides a new method 91 for constructing a support 2 for anchoring a structure 3 to a surface 42 with irregularities 43. More specifically, such a method, illustrated in the Fig. 6 , includes the following steps: supply and positioning 911 of a formwork device 10 or of a system 1 as described above on the surface 42; pouring 912 of the concrete inside the volume formed by the rigid formwork 15 and the flexible formwork 13 of each device 10; removal 913 of the rigid formwork 15 of each device 10 of the system 1.

[0044] It is clearly understood that this process can be implemented for independent formwork devices 10 as well as for systems 1 comprising a plurality of formwork devices 10.

[0045] Thus, the invention offers a relatively simple and quick solution for constructing a support 2 on a surface 42 with irregularities 43. Indeed, the support 2 can be constructed without having to alter the surface 42 (i.e., without any significant prior preparation or modification of the surface 42) since it is sufficient to position the formwork devices 10 on the surface 42, resting the flexible formwork 13 on the irregularities 43, and then pour the concrete inside the formwork devices 10. The concrete poured inside the devices 10 will, by gravity, cause the flexible formwork 13 to conform to the shapes of the irregularities 43 and fit them. The support 2 is therefore fixed / anchored securely to the surface 42 since the support 2 is adjusted / cooperates with the irregularities 43 of the surface 42.

[0046] It should be noted that only the rigid formwork 15 is removed after the concrete is poured. In other words, the flexible formwork 13 and the bars 11 remain after the concrete is poured. The flexible formwork and the bars 11 then become part of the support 2 and are, in other words, lost after the concrete is poured.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention also proposes a method 92 for anchoring a structure 3 to a surface 42 exhibiting irregularities 43. More specifically, such a method, illustrated in the Fig. 7 , includes the following steps: construction 921 of a support 2 comprising the sub-steps of: supplying and positioning 911 of a formwork device 10 or of a system 1 as described above on the surface 42; pouring 912 of the concrete inside the volume formed by the rigid formwork 15 and the flexible formwork 13 of each device 10; removing 913 of the rigid formwork 15 to obtain said support 2; anchoring 922 of a structure 3 on the support 2.

[0048] In other words, the method 92 for anchoring a structure 3 on a surface 42 with irregularities 43 includes the method 91 for constructing a support 2 to which is added a step of anchoring 922 of the structure 3 on the support 2 previously constructed according to the method 91 described above.

[0049] As described previously, the support 2 may optionally include bearing surfaces on which the structure 3 can be fixed / anchored. These bearing surfaces are constructed during the construction process 91 of the support 2 by means of the recesses 152 provided in the rigid formwork 15.

[0050] The anchoring 922 of structure 3 can be done, for example, by screwing, by bolting (bolts being placed in the stringer formwork before the concrete is poured in the device 10) or by concrete keying.

Claims

1. Formwork device (10) for the construction of a support (2) for anchoring a structure (3) on a surface (42) having irregularities (43), said formwork device (10) comprising: - two bars (11); - a flexible formwork (13) extending globally below said bars (11) and intended to rest on said surface (42); - a rigid formwork (15) extending globally above said bars (11) and opposite said flexible formwork (13), where said rigid formwork (15) and said flexible formwork (13) form a volume into which concrete is intended to be poured to manufacture said support (2); and - of the first fixing means (132) configured to fix said flexible formwork (13) to said bars (11) and of the second fixing means (14) configured to fix said rigid formwork (15) to said bars (11), where said flexible formwork (13) is loosely fixed to said bars (11).

2. Formwork device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible formwork (13) comprises, on each longitudinal edge (131), a sleeve (132) into which the bars (11) are inserted and in that said rigid formwork (15) includes peripheral fins (153) on which rest said sleeves (132) receiving said bars (11).

3. Formwork device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said rigid formwork (15) includes clamping rods (141) forming said fastening means (14), where said fastening means (14) are configured to clamp said sleeves (132) receiving said bars (11) against said peripheral fins (153) of the rigid formwork (15).

4. Formwork device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said rigid formwork (15) is a metal formwork.

5. Formwork device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said flexible formwork (13) is a textile fabric.

6. System (1) for constructing a support (2) for anchoring a structure (3) on a surface (42) with irregularities (43), characterized in that said system (1) comprises: - at least two devices (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and - at least one net (17), wherein said at least one net (17) is fixed in a globally tensioned manner between said at least two devices (10) and / or retaining rods (19), wherein a first end (191) of each retaining rod (19) is fixed to one of said devices (10) and wherein a second end (192) of each retaining rod is fixed to another of said devices (10).

7. Support (2) for anchoring a structure (3) on a surface (42) with irregularities (43), characterized in thatit is constructed by means of said device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or of said system (1) according to claim 6.

8. Support (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that said support (2) is in the form of a stringer intended to be built on a surface (42) in the form of an artificial dike.

9. Method (91) of constructing a support (2) for anchoring a structure (3) on a surface (42) having irregularities (43), said method comprising the steps of: - supplying and positioning (911) of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or of a system (1) according to claim 6 on said surface (42); - pouring (912) of the concrete inside said volume formed by said rigid formwork (15) and said flexible formwork (13) of each device (10); - removing (913) said rigid formwork (15).

10. Method (92) of anchoring a structure (3) on a surface (42) having irregularities (43), said method comprising the steps of: - construction (921) of a support (2) comprising the substeps of: - supplying and positioning (911) of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or of a system (1) according to claim 6 on said surface (42); - pouring (912) of the concrete inside said volume formed by said rigid formwork (15) and said flexible formwork (13) of each device (10); - removal (913) of said rigid formwork (15); - anchoring (922) of a structure (3) on said support (2).

Images