Road surface paving slab

Abstract

A road surface paving slab (1) comprising a substantially flat platform (2) and stiffeners (3) arranged on the same face of the platform (2), substantially perpendicular to the platform (2). Abbreviated figure: Figure 7

Description

Description Title of the invention: Road surface paving slab technical field

[0001] = The invention relates to the field of surface coatings for roadworks: roads, path, sidewalk, etc. Previous technique

[0002] It is known to produce a floor covering using concrete or bi- products Tuminous or granular, most often deposited continuously on the road surface to be paved. A Continuous coating has the disadvantage of needing to be opened and then closed, at means of heavy public works equipment, which produces certain disadvantages such as carbon impact, noise pollution and disruption caused by urban works, during each modification of the network infrastructure located beneath the coating. These re- Clothing is usually waterproof. It features Gentle slopes, limited by accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility. direct rainwater towards grates and drains, collecting it in territorial retention and infiltration networks. However, faced with a sharp increase, the Sanitation regulations are increasingly limiting the discharge of rainwater towards these territorial networks, moreover the materials traditionally used concrete or Bituminous or granular products require sand, which is suffering from a shortage global and oil, whose resources are running out.

[0003] — A new paradigm is also being sought in order to address all or part of these disadvantages and propose an economical, ecological, modular and sustainable replacement. Indeed, this allows for the recycling of certain products which can represent significant savings. Summary of the invention

[0004] — In order to solve this problem, the invention proposes a road surface coating modular, in the form of slabs, simple to produce, simple to install, in a way sustainable and economical.

[0005] — For this purpose, the invention relates to a road surface covering slab comprising a substantially flat platform and stiffeners, arranged on the same face of the platform, roughly perpendicular to the platform. The surface of the slab is not necessarily flat and regular and can be of a completely irregular shape for generate noise, annoyance, or a feeling of discomfort for the motorist and thus acting on reducing speed at street entrances, for example.

[0006] — Particular characteristics or embodiments, usable alone or in combinations are: - the plate has a shape suitable for tiling, preferably hexagonal. - the stiffeners have a height, perpendicular to the platform, that is substantially constant and form open cells, preferably hexagonal and even more preferably adjacent in a honeycomb network, - The stiffeners are of a height that allows contact with the ground, for better distribution of the load supported by the platform, this leads to greater stability of the slab. - the plate includes at least one hole, preferably circular, and preferably with dimensions between 5 and 20 mm, - at least one stiffener includes at least one hole, - The position of the slab allows the holes in the stiffeners to regulate the collected water. -the platform includes, at its periphery, at least one substantially semi-annular cavity in order to allow a connection with an adjacent slab by means of a substantially annular bracelet made of elastomeric material, the bracelet allows the distribution of tangential tensile and compressive forces within the slab. - one face of the plate, on the side opposite the stiffeners, exhibits significant roughness, obtained by shaping or inclusion, -the tray also includes, in its center, an insert, preferably circular and preferably removable, this insert is not systematic. - the playfield also includes a heating cable suitable for defrosting the playfield, - the platform and stiffeners still include at least one weakening point, in order to allow the platform to bend along a straight line and break the underlying stiffeners, - the slab is made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, preferably fiber-reinforced. In a second aspect of the invention, an assembly block 9 for assembling at least two slabs, comprising at least one finger of complementary shape to the stiffeners so as to engage the stiffeners to assemble said at least two adjacent slabs. Specific characteristics or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are: - the assembly block is made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, rigid or flexible preferably fiber-reinforced. In a third aspect of the invention, a riser substantially superimposed on a slab and comprising stiffeners, parallel to each other, of a height of sen- eminently constant, preferentially forming open-ended cells, preferably hexagonal and even preferentially adjacent in a honeycomb network and stackable with the stiffeners of a slab or another riser. Specific characteristics or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are: - the riser is made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, rigid or flexible, preferably fiber-reinforced. Brief description of the drawings The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the figures in the appendix in which: [fig.1] presents a top perspective view of an embodiment of a slab according to the invention, [fig.2] presents a perspective view from below the slab of figure 1, [fig.3] illustrates the assembly of the slabs using assembly blocks, [fig.4] illustrates the assembly of the slabs using elastomer bands, [fig.5] shows in detail the slab / assembly block interface, [fig.6] presents in perspective view a method of implementing a riser, [fig.7] presents a perspective view of an equipped road, [Fig. 8] presents a cross-sectional perspective view of the interface between a slab and an insert. Description of the embodiments With reference to Figure 1, a road surface paving slab 1 comprises a substantially flat platform 2. As more particularly visible in Figure 2, a slab 1 further comprises stiffeners 3, arranged on one and the same face of the platform 2, fixed to the platform 2 substantially perpendicularly. According to another characteristic, the external shape of slab 1, and therefore the shape of platform 2, is suitable for paving. Here, paving is understood in the mathematical sense, meaning the complete covering of a surface, in this case, the surface of a road, without any gaps. This implies, in particular, that the type(s) of slab(s) (the paving may include more than one type of slab) possess certain geometric characteristics (connectivity, complementarity, symmetry, etc.) that allow for this paving. A paving with one type of slab may, for example, include slabs in the shape of a regular polyhedron: triangle, square, hexagon. Based on a preferred characteristic, as it allows for better distribution of stress, slab 1 has a regular hexagonal shape. Given the intended use of such a slab for road surfacing, its size must be large enough to quickly cover a road surface. Conversely, its size must remain quite limited to allow for easy handling, advantageously by a single person. Therefore, the "diametrical" dimension of a slab 1 is between 30 cm and 200 cm, with two preferred methods of implementation: a small one of 50 cm and a large one of 100 cm. According to another characteristic, the stiffeners 3 have a substantially constant height perpendicular to the platform 2. This height determines the height of the slab 1. This height is between 5 and 20 cm, with a preferred value of 8 cm. The stiffeners 3 advantageously form a peripheral contour that follows the shape, for example hexagonal, of the platform 2. The stiffeners 3 are further arranged beneath the surface of the platform 2, advantageously in a distributed manner. They can be of any shape. Advantageously, they are flat to simplify their manufacture. According to another characteristic, the stiffeners 3 join together to mutually reinforce each other and form cells. These cells can be of any shape in a plane parallel to the plate 2, but are preferably hexagonal. Thus, these cells are also preferentially adjacent to form a honeycomb network. According to another characteristic, the stiffeners 3 only include faces perpendicular to the plate 2. Thus any cells formed open downwards, in order to promote the vertical flow of rainwater. A slab 1 is designed to cover a roadway. It must be able to support a pedestrian and / or a moving vehicle. Therefore, depending on the material from which the slab 1 is made and its final use (sidewalk, roadway), its dimensions can vary. Thus, the slab 2 has a thickness between 5 and 30 mm. The stiffeners 3 also have a thickness between 5 and 30 mm. It is possible to distinguish between peripheral stiffeners 3, which have a thickness between 5 and 30 mm, and internal stiffeners 3, which can have a thinner thickness, typically between 2 and 10 mm. Similarly, the density of any cells can vary depending on the loads. Therefore, the size of the cells is advantageously between 30 and 100 mm. One of the functions of a slab 1 is to aid in rainwater management. For this purpose, according to another characteristic, the slab 2 includes at least one hole 4. Such a hole 4 can be of any shape. A circular shape is, however, preferred. The dimensions of the hole 4 are less than 20 mm to comply with accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility. It is also important not to make the hole too small, as this could lead to clogging. Therefore, the dimensions of the hole 4 are advantageously greater than 5 mm. Preferably, the dimensions of the hole 4 are less than 10 mm to avoid the risk of trapping the thinnest heels. The 4 holes are advantageously evenly distributed over the surface of the plate 2. In the illustrated example, 4 holes are drilled around a central circle and along the 6 "radii" of the hexagon. The number of holes (4) can be adjusted according to rainfall. As an indication, the illustrated slab 1, for a diameter of 1m, has a percolation capacity of approximately 70 m³ / h. This at least one hole 4 allows water present on platform 2 to percolate beneath platform 2. Once beneath platform 2, it can reach the ground and infiltrate it at the level of slab 1, thanks to the downward opening of the stiffeners 3 / opening cells. If infiltration is insufficient, slab 1, by means of the stiffeners 3 / cells, provides temporary storage for rainwater while it awaits runoff / infiltration. According to another characteristic, at least one stiffener 3 includes at least one hole 5. Such a hole 5, drilled in a vertical stiffener 3 when the slab 1 is operational, allows lateral drainage of rainwater for collection by a network or infiltration under another slab 1. The orientation of the slabs along the slope or perpendicular to the slope allows for acceleration or deceleration of the water flow. As an example, the illustrated slab, with a height of 8 cm, offers a storage volume of approximately 75 l / m². Thus, a slab with a diameter of 1 m offers a storage volume of approximately 50 l / m². As shown in Figures 1 and 3, and more particularly in Figure 4, the plate 2 includes, at its periphery, at least one substantially semi-annular cavity 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each plate 1 comprises two such semi-annular cavities 10 per side, i.e., six cavities 10 in total. Two identical plates 1, arranged side by side, have their cavities 10 facing each other. Two facing cavities 10 then form an annular cavity suitable for receiving a substantially annular bracelet 11. A bracelet 11 is flexible, for example, made of an elastomeric material. This allows for a connection between adjacent plates 1. According to a preferred feature, the semi-annular cavities 10 are arranged equally around the periphery / on each side of the plate 2. It has been observed that the stiffeners 3 are located under the slab 1 during use. Therefore, the other face 6 of the platform 2, on the side opposite the stiffeners 3, is the upper, visible surface. As a visible face, it can have any aesthetic or decorative finish. Face 6 is the surface that bears the impact of walking and / or rolling. As a wear surface, it can include a surface wear layer, for example, an applied layer. In order to provide good grip, even in wet or icy conditions, this face 6 has a significant roughness. This roughness can be achieved by shaping the surface of this face 6. It can be machined. It is also possible to imitate, for example, by molding, any surface finish. It is thus possible to reproduce the roughness of a concrete, granular, or bituminous surface. This roughness can also be obtained, alternatively or complementaryly, by inclusion. It is therefore possible to include grains of sand or other hard materials equivalent to the surface. The plate 2 of Figure 1 is a single piece. According to an alternative feature, visible in Figures 3 and 4 and in more detail in Figure 8, the plate 2 also includes, preferably in its center, an insert 7. This insert 7 can have any shape, with a preference for a shape with central symmetry, in order to allow for several orientations. Thus, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc., allows for 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, etc., different orientations, respectively. According to another preferred feature, this shape is circular in order to allow for all orientations equally. This insert 7 is advantageously removable. Such an insert 7 can be used to create signage. As illustrated, insert 7 includes an "information desk" pictogram with an arrow indicating the direction to reach it. Insert 7 can also include functional elements such as solar panels, lighting, etc. This allows for dynamic signage, which can include, for example, flashing lights. The size / proportion of the '7' insert can be any size. The model shown has a dimension / diameter of approximately 20 cm. According to another feature, the tray 2 also includes a heating cord suitable for defrosting the tray 2. This heating cord can be integrated into the thickness or advantageously at the periphery of the tray 2. A slab 1 is most often laid flat and approximately horizontally. It may still happen that the surface covered with the slabs | has uneven levels. Therefore, it is possible to bend a slab 1. This bending is carried out along a straight line, at an angle, positive or negative, with an amplitude of no more than 15°. To perform such a bend, the stiffeners 4 located at the bend line must be broken. To facilitate the bending operation, the platform 2 and / or the stiffeners 4 advantageously include at least one weakening. This weakening simplifies the operation of breaking the stiffeners 4 underlying the bend line and the operation of bending the platform 2. This weakening is achieved, for example, by locally reducing the material thickness. A slab 1 can be made of any material. Preferably, it can be made of plastic, concrete, composite material, or any equivalent material. It is possible to reinforce the concrete with materials such as fibers. Even more preferably, to offer an ecological, economical, and sustainable alternative, a slab 1 can be made of plastic, such as a thermoplastic material: polyethylene, polyolefin, etc. It is still It is possible to reinforce the plastic matrix by inserting fibers, such as glass or other materials. Using recycled plastic is both possible and advantageous. Thus, while concrete, granular, or bituminous materials are becoming increasingly scarce, the invention offers an outlet for the high-demand plastics recycling sector. Advantageously, a slab 1 is recyclable. It is still possible to include in the composition of the material of a slab 1, other components: additive, color, UV protection, etc. A slab 1 can be produced by any means. Preferably, it can be produced by molding. This technique is classic and simple to implement, for both concrete and plastic, and allows for large production runs. Alternatively, a slab 1 can be produced by 3D printing. This technique is operational for plastic and emerging for concrete. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the invention further relates to an assembly block 9. Such an assembly block 9 is shaped to allow the joining of at least two adjacent slabs 1. For this purpose, an assembly block 9 comprises at least one finger 14, the shape of which is complementary to the stiffeners 3. Thus, said at least one finger 14 is capable of engaging the stiffeners 3. Such an assembly block 9 is advantageously arranged at the boundary between at least two slabs 1, or at the boundary between two, or preferably three, hexagonal slabs. An assembly block 9 comprises at least one finger 14 capable of engaging the stiffeners of each of the adjacent slabs 1 in order to join them. As can be seen in Figure 5, the assembly blocks 9 are arranged under the slabs 1, that is, against the underlying ground. An assembly block 9 can be fixed to the ground by at least one screw 15. It is likewise possible to fix the slabs 1 onto the assembly blocks 9 by at least one screw 15.According to a preferred embodiment, a screw 15 is positioned at the boundary between two or preferably three slabs 1 and is screwed into an assembly stud 9, preferably in its center. Like a slab 1, an assembly block 9 can advantageously be made by molding or by 3D printing, in plastic material or concrete, preferably fiber-reinforced. The invention further relates to a riser 12. Such a riser 12 is illustrated in figure 6. It is substantially superimposable with a slab 1, in that it has substantially the shape of a slab 1. It advantageously comprises stiffeners 13, parallel to each other, vertical, of substantially constant height, preferably forming open-ended cells, preferably hexagonal and even more preferably adjacent in a honeycomb network. According to an important feature, the stiffeners 13 are shaped so that a slab | can be stacked on a riser 12 and furthermore so that a riser 12 can be stacked on another riser 12. The stiffeners 13 are open-ended to allow for vertical liquid flow. Furthermore, the stiffeners 13 advantageously include holes 17 in their vertical walls to allow for lateral / horizontal circulation of rainwater. As illustrated in Figure 7, it is possible to stack at least one 12-inch riser and, if necessary, up to four or more. Such stacking can accommodate irregularities in the underlying soil. It can also increase liquid storage capacity. For example, a 12-inch riser, as illustrated, with a height of 12 cm, adds a storage capacity of 120 L / m², or 80 L / m² for a 1 m riser. Therefore, more risers can be added if the underlying soil has low absorption or if rainfall is heavy. Like the slabs 1 and the assembly blocks 9, a riser 12 is advantageously produced by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, preferably fiber-reinforced. As a guide, for a plastic product, a 1 m² slab weighs approximately 11 kg. A riser of the same material and size weighs approximately 12 kg. The weight is approximate and may vary depending on the material and dimensions. This allows for easy handling by a single operator. As shown in Figure 7, a pavement made of slabs 1 allows for the integration of the technical conduits of the various networks 18 that may be present under a roadway. The invention provides easy access to these networks 18. It is indeed easy to dismantle one or more slabs and then reassemble them, without requiring heavy equipment and an operator. This is in contrast to cutting into a concrete or asphalt pavement and then repairing it. The ease of assembly / disassembly is also advantageous for replacing a slab 1, changing its color or appearance, or renovating it. An old, removed slab 1 can be advantageously recycled. The use of slabs 1, which grid the road surface, further facilitates the identification of the position of the networks 18. The identification can be obtained by "counting" the slabs 1 or even by being inscribed on the slabs 1 themselves. The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This description is to be considered illustrative and given by way of example, and not as limiting the invention to this single description. Numerous embodiments are possible. List of reference signs 1: slab, 2: plateau, 3: stiffener, 4: hole (tray), 5: hole (stiffener), 6: wear face, 7: insert, 8: heating cord, 9: assembly point, 10: semi-annular cavity, 11: annular bracelet, 12: riser, 13: stiffener (riser) 14: finger, 15: screw, 16: body raiser, 17: hole riser, 18: networks.

Claims

Demands

1. A road surface paving slab (1), characterized in that it includes a substantially flat plate (2) and stiffeners (3), arranged on the same face of the plate (2), substantially perpendicular- lightly to the plateau (2).

2. Slab (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the platform (2) has a shape suitable for paving, preferably hexagonal.

3. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffeners (3) have a height, perpendicular to the platform (2), substantially constant and form open-ended alveoli, prefer- hexagonally and preferentially adjacent in honeycomb network.

4. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the plate (2) includes at least one hole (4), preferably circular, preferably with dimensions between 5 and 20 mm.

5. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where less one stiffener (3) includes at least one hole (5).

6. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the plate (2) includes, at its periphery, at least one cavity (10) sen- possibly semi-annular in order to allow a connection with a slab adjacent by means of a bracelet (11) substantially annular in elastomeric material.

7. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where a face (6) of the plate (2), on the side opposite the stiffeners (3), presents a significant roughness, obtained by shaping or inclusion.

8. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the plate (2) further includes, preferably in its center, an insert (7), preferably circular and preferably removable.

9. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the tray (2) also includes a heating cord capable of performing a de- icing of the tray (2).

10. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the plate (2) and stiffeners (4) still include at least one fra- gilisation, in order to be able to fold the tray (2) along a straight line and break the underlying stiffeners (4).

11. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, made by molding or 3D printing, in plastic material or in concrete, preferably fiber-reinforced.

12. Assembly stud (9) for assembling at least two slabs (1), according any one of claims 1 to 10, adjacent, characterized in that that it includes at least one finger (14) of complementary shape to the stiffeners (3) so as to engage the stiffeners (3) to assemble said at least two adjacent slabs (1).

13. Assembly stud (9) according to the preceding claim, made by molding or 3D printing, in plastic material or concrete, pre- differentially loaded with fibers.

14. Riser (12) characterized in that it is substantially superimposable with a slab (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and in that it comprises stiffeners (13), parallel to each other, of height approximately constant, preferentially forming alveoli open-ended, preferably hexagonal and even more preferential- tily adjacent in a honeycomb network and stackable with the rai- thickeners of a slab (1) or of another riser (12).

15. Riser (12) according to the preceding claim, made by molding injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or in composite material, preferably fiber-reinforced.