A structural assembly comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks connected and tightly packed together.

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural assembly (10) comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks connected together, including: a first block (12) having a first face (12a) and a second face (12b); a second block (14) having a first face (14a) and a second face (14b), the second face (12b) of the first block (12) bearing against the first face (14a) of the second block (14); a first assembly device (20) connecting the first and second blocks (12, 14), the first assembly device (20) being entirely housed within the first and second blocks, the first assembly device (20) being tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks (12, 14) against each other. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Structural assembly comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks connected and clamped together. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the construction of architectural works from adjacent blocks, such as walls, arches, beams, or any other related construction. The invention will also find application in the manufacture of works of art. Prior art

[0002] To create a structural assembly, such as a wall, several construction techniques are known. Among these, it is known to use blocks, or voussoirs, which are adjacent to each other while generally being sealed together using a binder, such as cement or mortar. The blocks are, for example, stones, bricks, or even concrete blocks.

[0003] Structural elements made of cut or molded blocks have a long tradition. Examples include: • cut stone structures made according to the rules of “stereotomy”, that is to say by stone blocks (voussoirs) cut exactly on all faces in such a way as not to leave empty spaces - other than joints of constant thickness - between the stone blocks assembled to each other within the structural element; • post-stressed reinforced concrete structures, such as those of voussoir bridges.

[0004] These examples have in common the use of a material, such as stone or concrete, whose tensile strength is much lower than that of compression. The materials are therefore arranged to work essentially in compression.

[0005] Consequently, the joints between voussoirs must transmit the compressive stresses from one block to the other; this compression generates resistance to sliding by friction (which can be accompanied by other systems for restraining sliding, such as for example crosspieces, dowels, etc.).

[0006] The transmission of compressions is normally ensured by two phenomena: • gravity, whose effect dominates other external actions in cut stone structures; • post-stressing.

[0007] Both of these approaches have drawbacks, particularly for structures that are held together by gravity: • they are very sensitive to earthquakes; their mass is naturally significant and requires appropriate foundations, which often results in a weakness of the building; • the stability of the system can only be ensured once it is complete, making it necessary to resort to temporary spreading and to go through a delicate phase of decentering;

[0008] With particular reference to post-stressed structures: • the conditioning of the stress on the joints carried out by post-stressing requires a surplus of elastic energy in the system compared to that induced by the other loads (more compression in the compressed parts, tension in the cables provided for this purpose), which can generate instability in the event of cracking and whose permanence over time must be guaranteed (despite the finishing of the concrete and the relaxation of the steel); • disassembly is generally impossible.

[0009] Stone and concrete can be reused several times, but only on condition that the dismantling of the voussoirs is possible with a fair saving of energy and material. This dismantling is possible for traditional structures, held by gravity, but much more difficult for post-tensioned structures. Statement of the invention

[0010] An aim of the present invention is to propose a structural assembly which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] To do this, the invention relates to a structural assembly comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks connected together, said structural assembly comprising at least:

[0012] a first block having a first face and a second face opposite the first face;

[0013] a second block having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the second face of the first block bearing against the first face of the second block;

[0014] a first joining device connecting the first and second blocks together, the first joining device being fully housed in the first and second blocks while being mounted to the first and second blocks, the first joining device being tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks against each other.

[0015] It is understood that the first and second blocks are linked together by means of the first assembly device, the latter also having the function of tightening the first and second blocks against each other. The compression generated by the first assembly device therefore takes place between the first and second blocks in the interface zone between these two blocks. The first and second blocks are thus fixed together, thanks to the first assembly device, so as to prevent relative sliding of the first block relative to the second block.

[0016] The first and second blocks are adjacent, that is to say they are arranged side by side having a common interface.

[0017] It is further understood that the first assembly device is contained in the volume of the assembly constituted by the first and second blocks. In other words, the first assembly device has a length which is less than the sum of the lengths of the first and second blocks.

[0018] An advantage of the invention is that it makes it possible to mask the first assembly device, the latter not being visible to an external observer. The invention therefore makes it possible to obtain an aesthetic structural element.

[0019] The structural element according to the invention is also easily removable. To do this, the stress existing in the first assembly device must be released in order to remove the compression between the first and second blocks, and then the first block must be disassembled from the second block.

[0020] The invention is part of a sustainable development approach since it makes it technically and economically possible to reuse the blocks constituting the structural element. The invention will find its application both in construction work and in restoration work.

[0021] Another advantage of the invention is that it makes it possible to easily manufacture architectural works, which are then easily assembled and disassembled. This makes it possible, for example, to easily install an architectural work successively in several exhibition locations.

[0022] Preferably, the interface between the first and second blocks has a non-planar shape, for example curved, so as to ensure better continuity between the first and second blocks.

[0023] Furthermore, the first assembly device preferably extends in a longitudinal direction which is parallel or inclined relative to the direction of the compression force between the first and second blocks.

[0024] The first and second blocks may be voussoirs. By block is meant, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a mass which has been preferentially cut or a volumetric part formed by molding.

[0025] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, several assembly devices may be provided for connecting the first and second blocks together. However, in such a way preferably, a single assembly device is sufficient to connect and tighten the first and second blocks together.

[0026] Advantageously, the interface between the first and second blocks, constituted by the support zone between the second face of the first block and the first face of the second block, is free of binder. This further facilitates disassembly.

[0027] Preferably, the adjacent and connected blocks are also clamped together by a plurality of assembly devices. It is understood that two adjacent blocks of the structural assembly are clamped against each other by one of the assembly devices. A given block may be clamped against one or more other adjacent blocks. Unlike a post-tensioned system, known elsewhere, in which the traction and compression are carried out on the global scale of the structural assembly, giving rise to a tie-rod or tie-arch system, according to the invention the traction and compression are carried out on the local scale between two adjacent blocks.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the first assembly device comprises a first connecting rod and at least one first clamping member, the first connecting rod comprising a first part fixed in the first block and a second part extending into the second block, said first clamping member being engaged with the second part of the first connecting rod while being clamped in the second block so as to compress the first and second blocks against each other.

[0029] It is understood that the tensioning of the first assembly device is obtained by tightening the first tightening member, the compression force being generated between the first tightening member and the first part of the first connecting rod which is fixed to the first block.

[0030] This tightening has the effect of generating a tensile tension in the first assembly device and a compressive force between the first and second blocks.

[0031] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first part of the first connecting rod can be fixed directly to the first block, or even indirectly by means of an added intermediate part which is itself fixed to the first block on the one hand, and to the first part on the other hand.

[0032] Preferably, the first clamping member is a nut screwed onto the first connecting rod.

[0033] The first clamping member is therefore preferably a bolt.

[0034] The nut comes into abutment against an internal face of the second block or an intermediate part fixed to the second block.

[0035] To facilitate the tightening of the first tightening member, the second block comprises a first hole which opens into the second face of the second block, and the first clamping member is located in the first hole. Thus, the clamping of the first clamping member can be achieved by introducing a tool into the first hole via the second face of the second block.

[0036] Preferably, the first hole also opens into the first face of the second block.

[0037] Still preferably, the first hole of the second block has a shoulder against which the first clamping member comes into abutment.

[0038] To do this, the first hole preferably comprises a first hole portion opening into the second face of the second block and a second hole portion opening into the first face of the second block, the diameter of the second hole portion being less than the diameter of the first hole portion. The first clamping member is then preferably located in the first hole portion.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first part of the first connecting rod is sealed in the first block. The sealing can be carried out using a binder such as glue for example, or by mechanical means, for example using an expansion screw or any other sealing means.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the first block comprises a first hole arranged in the continuity of the first hole of the second block and opening into the first face of the first block, and the first part of the connecting rod is fixed in the first hole of the first block.

[0041] The first part of the connecting rod can be fixed directly to the first block or via an intermediate piece secured to the first hole of the first block. This intermediate piece can for example be fixed by gluing in the first hole of the first block.

[0042] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the second face of the first block and the first face of the second block are non-planar and engaged with each other by shape cooperation.

[0043] These first and second faces may, for example, be curved or have other complex complementary shapes.

[0044] Preferably, the first and second blocks are blocks of stone or concrete. They may be natural stone, for example blocks of limestone, granite or even marble. They may, for example, be soft stone or hard stone.

[0045] Preferably, the applied compression force will be determined so as to obtain a clamping between the two blocks allowing the transfer of the shear force from one block to the other, or the application of a prestress allowing, in addition to said transfer, the conditioning of the normal stress for the maintenance of the level considered acceptable of compression over the entire contact section.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the structural assembly according to the invention further comprises at least:

[0047] a third block having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first face of the third block bearing against one of the faces of the second block;

[0048] a second joining device connecting the second and third blocks together, the second joining device being fully housed in the second and third blocks while being mounted to the second and third blocks, the second joining device being tensioned so as to compress the second and third blocks against each other.

[0049] It is understood that the first face of the third block can bear against the second face of the second block or against another face of the second block, for example against a face perpendicular to the second face of the second block.

[0050] The second assembly device may be parallel or inclined relative to the first assembly device.

[0051] According to a variant, the second assembly device is coaxial with the first assembly device. The second assembly device can alternatively extend in a direction secant to the direction of the first assembly device.

[0052] Advantageously, the second assembly device comprises a second connecting rod and a second clamping member, the second connecting rod comprises a first part fixed in the second block and a second part extending into the third block, said second clamping member being engaged with the second part of the second connecting rod while being clamped in the third block so as to compress the second and third blocks against each other.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first face of the third block bears against the second face of the second block, and the second assembly device is parallel to the first assembly device.

[0054] Alternatively, the first face of the third block bears against a third face of the second block, and the second assembly device is inclined relative to the first assembly device. This third face of the second block is preferably perpendicular to the second face of the second block.

[0055] It is understood that the invention makes it possible to produce structural elements of various shapes.

[0056] According to another preferred embodiment, the structural element according to the invention further comprises at least:

[0057] a fourth block having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first face of the fourth block bearing against the second face of the third block, while the first face of the third block rests against the second face of the second block;

[0058] a third joining device connecting the third and fourth blocks together, the third joining device being fully housed in the third and fourth blocks while being mounted to the third and fourth blocks, the third joining device being tensioned so as to compress the third and fourth blocks against each other.

[0059] Preferably, the first and third assembly devices are coaxial.

[0060] The invention also relates to a wall comprising a structural assembly according to the invention.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the wall further comprises a central structure consisting of central blocks juxtaposed to one another and surrounded by the structural assembly according to the invention.

[0062] The central blocks have faces that are non-horizontal and / or non-vertical. One advantage is to improve the stability of the wall by increasing the capacity of the beds to transmit forces, both in the plane of the wall (membrane forces) and in the direction orthogonal to this plane (shear forces).

[0063] The structural assembly may completely surround the central structure or only flank certain edges of the central structure, for example the side and top edges if the central structure rests on the ground.

[0064] Preferably, the central blocks rest against each other without being bound to each other by a binder. One advantage is to facilitate subsequent dismantling of the wall.

[0065] The invention also relates to a beam comprising a structural assembly according to the invention.

[0066] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other construction elements may incorporate the structural element according to the invention. Description of the drawings

[0067] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0068] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] illustrates a first example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising a first block and a second block connected together by a first assembly device;

[0069] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a sectional view of the structural assembly of [Fig.l];

[0070] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a variant of the structural element of [Fig.2], in wherein the first assembly device comprises a first connecting rod fixed to the first block and a nut cooperating with the first connecting rod and bearing against a shoulder of the second block;

[0071] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a variant of the structural element of [Fig.3], in which the interface between the first and second blocks is not planar;

[0072] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising first, second and third blocks, the third block bearing against a face of the second block which is perpendicular to the interface between the first and second blocks, the structural assembly further comprising assembly devices of the type of that of [Fig.2];

[0073] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a variant of the example structural assembly of [Fig.5], which includes assembly devices of the type of that of [Fig.3];

[0074] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates an example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising first, second and third blocks, the third block bearing against a face of the second block which is parallel to the interface between the first and second blocks, the structural assembly further comprising assembly devices of the type of that of [Fig.3];

[0075] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates an example of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising first, second, third and fourth blocks, the fourth block bearing against a face of the third block which is parallel to the interface between the first and second blocks, the structural assembly further comprising assembly devices of the type of that of [Fig.3];

[0076] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates an example of a wall comprising a structural element of the type of [Fig.5] which surrounds a central structure consisting of juxtaposed central blocks;

[0077] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates an example of a wall comprising a structural element of the type of [Fig.6] which surrounds a central structure consisting of juxtaposed central blocks; and

[0078] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates a beam according to the invention comprising a structural element of the type of [Fig.6]. Detailed description

[0079] Using figures 1 to 4, we will first describe several embodiments of a structural assembly according to the invention comprising two adjacent blocks connected together.

[0080] Of course, these examples are not limiting.

[0081] Each of the structural assemblies illustrated here in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a first block 12. In this example, the block is a regular polyhedron, namely a cube. Others geometries of polyhedra, regular or not, could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0082] The blocks can be voussoirs.

[0083] More precisely, in this example, the first block 12 has a first face 12a and a second face 12b opposite the first face 12a.

[0084] The structural assembly 10 further comprises a second block 14 which, in this non-limiting example, has substantially the same shape and the same dimensions as the first block 12. The second block 14 could have different dimensions and a different geometric shape from that of the first block 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0085] The second block 14 has a first face 14a and a second face 14b opposite the first face 14a. As understood in the aforementioned figures, the second face 12b of the first block 12 bears against the first face 14a of the second block 14. In other words, the second face of the first block is in contact with the first face of the first block. The face common to the first and second blocks may be referred to below as the interface between the first and second blocks.

[0086] Furthermore, each structural assembly 10 comprises a first assembly device 20 connecting the first and second blocks 12, 14 together. The first assembly device 20 is entirely housed in the first and second blocks 12, 14 while being mounted to the first and second blocks 12, 14. Furthermore, the first assembly device 20 is tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other.

[0087] It is understood that the first and second blocks 12, 14 are clamped against each other by means of the first assembly device, the compression force between the first and second blocks being localized on an interface 15 constituted by the second face 12b of the first block 12 and the first face 14a of the second block 14 which are in contact with each other.

[0088] With the aid of Figures 1 and 2, the first assembly device 20 of this first embodiment of the two-block structural assembly will now be described in more detail. The first assembly device 20 comprises a first connecting rod 22 and at least one first clamping member 24. The first connecting rod 22 comprises a first portion 22a which is fixed in the first block 12 and a second portion 22b which extends into the second block 14.

[0089] The first clamping member 24 is engaged with the second portion 22b of the first connecting rod 22 while being clamped in the second block 14 so as to tension the first assembly device 20 and compress the first and second blocks against each other.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first part 22a of the first connecting rod 22 is sealed in the first block 12. More precisely, the first block 12 comprises a first hole 30 which opens into the first part 22a of the first connecting rod 22 and is engaged in an orifice 30 formed in the first block 12. In this example, the end of the first part 20a of the first connecting rod 22 comprises an expanding end which has the effect of securing the first connecting rod 20 in rotation and translation relative to the first block 12.

[0091] The second block 14 further comprises a first hole 32 which opens into the second face 14b of the second block 14. The second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 extends into the first hole 32. The first hole 32 of the second block 14 comprises a first hole portion 32a which opens into the second face 14b and a second hole portion 32b, of smaller diameter, which opens into the first face 14a of the second block 14. The differences in diameter between the first hole portion 32a and the second hole portion 32b define a shoulder 34 against which the first clamping member 24 comes into abutment.

[0092] It is further understood that the first clamping member 24 is located in the first hole 32, and more precisely in the first portion 32a of the first hole 32. Furthermore, the second portion 32b of the first hole 32 is arranged in the continuity of the orifice 30 and has substantially the same diameter.

[0093] In this example, the clamping member 24 is a nut screwed to the first connecting rod 22.

[0094] The structural assembly 10 of Figures 1 and 2 is assembled in the following manner.

[0095] First of all, the first block 12 is provided, comprising the orifice 30 which is blind and opens into the second face 12b of the first block 12.

[0096] The first connecting rod 22 is then inserted into the orifice 30, and the first part 22a is secured in the orifice 30, if necessary using glue. The second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 projects out of the first block 12 substantially perpendicular to the second face 12b of the first block 12. In other embodiments of the invention, the second part of the first connecting rod may project out of the first block transversely to the second face of the first block without necessarily being perpendicular to said face.

[0097] The second block 14 is placed against the first block 12, so that the first face 14a of the second block 14 is in contact with the second face 12b of the first block 12. The second part 20b of the first connecting rod 22 is engaged in the second portion 32b of the first hole 32, the length of the first connecting rod 22 being chosen so that a portion of the end of the second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22 extends into the first portion 32a of the first hole 32.

[0098] The clamping member 24 is then engaged with the second part 22b of the first connecting rod 22. To do this, the clamping member 24, consisting of a nut, is screwed to the first connecting rod 22.

[0099] The operator then introduces a tightening tool - for example a simple or torque wrench - into the first hole 32 from the second face 14b of the second block 14 into which the first hole 32 opens. Using this tightening tool, the operator screws the nut. Since the tightening member 24 bears against the shoulder 34, it is understood that the tightening of the tightening member 24 has the effect of compressing the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other at the interface 15.

[0100] The structural assembly 10 illustrated in [Fig. 3] is distinguished from the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 by the fact that the first assembly device 20' is a bolt.

[0101] The first connecting rod 22' of the first assembly device 20' also comprises a first part 22'a which extends into the first block 12 and a second part 22'b which extends into the second block 14.

[0102] In this example, the first block 12 has a first hole 36 which is arranged in the continuity of the first hole 32 of the second block 14. This first hole 36 opens into the first face 12a of the first block 12. The first part 22'a of the first connecting rod 22' is fixed in the first hole 36 of the first block 12.

[0103] The first part 22'a of the first connecting rod 22' comprises a head 22'c which is located in the first portion 36a of the first hole 36 of the first block 12. The first part 22'a of the first connecting rod 22' extends in the second portion 36b of the first hole 36 of the first block 12.

[0104] It is noted that the first portion 36a of the first hole 36 has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the second portion 36b of the first hole 36 so as to define a shoulder 38 against which the head 22'c comes to bear. Means are also provided for blocking the first connecting rod 22' in rotation about its axis. Also, when the operator tightens the clamping member 24, the first connecting rod 22' does not rotate on itself. The head 22'c moves closer to the clamping member 24, which causes the first and second blocks 12, 14 to be compressed against each other.

[0105] The assembly of the structural element 10 of the embodiment of [Fig.3] is carried out as follows:

[0106] First of all, the first block 12 is provided into which the first connecting rod 22' is inserted through the first hole 36 of the first block 12. The head 22'c of the first connecting rod 22' comes to bear against the shoulder 38, the second part 22'b of the first connecting rod 22' projecting from the first block substantially perpendicular to the second face 12b of the first block 12.

[0107] The first connecting rod 22' is secured to the first block 22 so as to prevent the first connecting rod 22' from rotating on itself around its axis.

[0108] Then, as in the assembly of the structural element of [Fig.2], the second block 14 is placed so as to engage the second part 22'b of the first connecting rod 22' in the first hole 32 of the second block 14. The operator then places the clamping member 24 on the first connecting rod 22' and tightens said clamping member 24 so as to compress the first and second blocks 12, 14 against each other.

[0109] In [Fig.4], an alternative embodiment of the structural assembly of [Fig.3] is illustrated. In this alternative, the second face 12b of the first block 12 and the first face 14a of the second block 14 are non-planar and engaged with each other by shape cooperation. This ensures better continuity between the blocks, and in particular better transmission of shear forces.

[0110] In Figures 5 to 7, other embodiments of the structural assembly 1000, 2000 according to the invention are illustrated.

[0111] In these embodiments, the structural assembly 1000, 2000 comprises three blocks.

[0112] Referring firstly to the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the structural assembly 1000 further comprises a third block 40 having a first face 40a and a second face 40b opposite the first face. The first face 40a of the third block 40 bears against one of the faces of the second block 14. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the first face 40a of the third block 40 bears against a third face 14c of the second block 14. This third face 14 is inclined, in this example perpendicular, relative to the first face 14a of the third block.

[0113] It can be seen that the first and second blocks 12, 14 of the example of [Fig. 5] are similar to those of the embodiment of [Fig. 3]. Furthermore, the structural assembly 1000 of [Fig. 5] comprises a first assembly device 50 which is similar to the first assembly device 20' of the structural assembly of [Fig. 3].

[0114] The structural element 1000 further comprises a second assembly device 60 which connects the second and third blocks 14, 40 together. The second assembly device 60 is entirely housed in the second and third blocks 14, 40 while being mounted to the second and third blocks. Furthermore, the second assembly device 60 is tensioned so as to compress the second and third blocks 14, 40 against each other.

[0115] To do this, in this example, the second assembly device 60 comprises a second connecting rod 62 and a second clamping member 64. The second connecting rod 60 comprises a first part 62a which is fixed in the second block 14. To do this, like the embodiment of [Fig.2], the first part 62a is sealed in an orifice 63 provided in the second block 14. The second connecting rod 62 further comprises a second part 62b which extends into the third block 40. In a similar manner to the embodiment of [Fig.3], the third block 40 comprises a first hole 66 opening into the second face 40b of the third block 40, the second clamping member 64 being disposed in this first hole 66. The second clamping member 64 is further engaged with the second part 62b of the second connecting rod 62 while being clamped in the third block 40 so as to compress the second and third blocks 14, 40 against each other.

[0116] The assembly of the first and second third blocks 12, 14 is similar to the assembly of the first and second blocks 12, 14 of the embodiment of [Fig. 2]. As in the example of [Fig. 3], the first and second blocks are compressed against each other by the first assembly device 50.

[0117] The embodiment of the structural assembly 1000 of [Fig. 6] differs from that of [Fig. 5] in that the second assembly device 60' is a bolt, in this case identical to the first assembly device 50' which connects the first and second blocks 12, 14. In this embodiment, the second assembly device 60' comprises a second connecting rod 62' and a second clamping member 64' which is arranged in a second hole 65 of the second block 14, this second hole 65 opening on the one hand into the first face 40a of the third block 40 and on the other hand into a third face 14c of the second block 14, which is opposite the first face 40a of the third block 40.

[0118] In this example, the second hole 65 and the first hole 32 of the second block are intersecting. It is understood that this second hole 65 allows the operator to access the second clamping member 64' in order to tighten it.

[0119] With reference to the examples of Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the second assembly device 60, 60' is inclined relative to the first assembly device 50, 50'. In this case, in these examples, the second assembly device 60, 60' is orthogonal to the first assembly device 50, 50'.

[0120] In [Fig. 7], a structural assembly 2000 is illustrated, which is an alternative embodiment of the structural assembly 1000 of [Fig. 6]. In this example, the first face 40a of the third block 40 bears against the second face 14b of the second block 14. Furthermore, the second assembly device 60' is parallel to the first assembly device 50'. In this example, the second hole 65 of the second block 14 is parallel to the first hole 32.

[0121] It can also be seen that in this example, the third block 40 is identical to the first block 12.

[0122] The third block 40 comprises a first hole 42 which is coaxial with the first hole 32 of the second block 14. The third block 40 further comprises a second hole 44 which is coaxial with the second hole 65 of the second block 14. The first holes of the second and third blocks 14, 40 therefore extend in continuity with each other. The same is true of the second hole 37 of the first block 12 and the second hole 65 of the second block 14.

[0123] Without departing from the scope of the invention, it would be possible to provide an angle of inclination other than the right angle.

[0124] In [Fig. 8], a structural assembly 3000 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated which further comprises a fourth block 70 having a first face 70a and a second face 70b opposite the first face 70a, the first face 70a of the fourth block 70 bearing against the second face 40b of the third block 40, while the first face 40a of the third block bears against the second face 14b of the second block 14.

[0125] In this exemplary embodiment, the structural assembly 3000 comprises a third assembly device 80', similar to the first assembly device 50' of [Fig. 7], connecting together the third and fourth blocks 40, 70. The third assembly device 80' is entirely housed in the third and fourth blocks 40, 70 while being mounted to the third and fourth blocks. The third assembly device 80' is tensioned so as to compress the third and fourth blocks 40, 70 against each other.

[0126] In this example, the first and third assembly devices 50, 80' are coaxial. In this example, these are bolts similar to those described previously.

[0127] In [Fig. 9], a wall 4000 is illustrated comprising a structural assembly 4002. In this example, the structural element 4002 comprises blocks 4004 which are adjacent to each other while being connected together by mounting devices 4006, of the same type as that described in Figures 1 and 2. The assembly devices 4006 connect the blocks 4004 together and are tensioned so as to compress two adjacent blocks 4004 against each other.

[0128] Using [Fig.9], it can be seen that the wall further comprises a central structure consisting of central blocks 4008 juxtaposed with each other. In this example, the structural assembly 4002 surrounds the central structure. As can be seen in [Fig.9], some of the central blocks comprise non-horizontal and / or non-vertical interfaces. This conformation makes it possible to ensure better transmission of shear forces, which makes it possible to ensure better continuity between the different central blocks 4008.

[0129] In [Fig. 10], a wall 5000 similar to the wall 4000 of [Fig. 9] is illustrated. The wall of [Fig. 10] differs from that of [Fig. 9] in that the mounting devices consist of bolts of the type of [Fig. 3].

[0130] Finally, [Fig.l 1] illustrates a beam 6000 comprising a structural assembly 6002 according to the invention. The blocks 6004 constituting the structural assembly 6002 are again tightened two by two using assembly devices 6006 of the bolt type.

Claims

Claims

1. Structural assembly (10,1000,2000,3000,4002,5002,6002) comprising a plurality of adjacent and connected blocks, said structural assembly (10) comprising at least: a first block (12) having a first face (12a) and a second face (12b) opposite the first face (12a), the first block being a stone block; a second block (14) having a first face (14a) and a second face (14b) opposite the first face (14a), the second face (12b) of the first block (12) bearing against the first face (14a) of the second block (14), the second block being a stone block;a first assembly device (20, 20') connecting together the first and second blocks (12, 14), the first assembly device (20, 20') being entirely housed in the first and second blocks while being mounted to the first and second blocks (12, 14), the first assembly device (20, 20') being tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks (12, 14) against each other; a third block (40) having a first face (40a) and a second face (40b) opposite the first face, the first face (40a) of the third block (40) bearing against one of the faces of the second block (14);a second assembly device (60) connecting the second and third blocks (14, 40) together and being entirely housed in the second and third blocks (14, 40) while being mounted to the second and third blocks, the second assembly device (60) being tensioned so as to compress the second and third blocks against each other, wherein the first face (40a) of the third block (40) bears against the second face (14b) of the second block (14), and wherein the second assembly device (60') is parallel to the first assembly device (50').;

2. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly device (20, 20') comprises a first connecting rod (22, 22') and at least one first clamping member (24), wherein the first connecting rod (22) comprises a first portion (22a) fixed in the first block (12) and a second extending portion (22b) in the second block, said first clamping member (24) being engaged with the second portion (22b) of the first connecting rod (22) while being clamped in the second block (14) so ​​as to compress the first and second blocks against each other.

3. A structural assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first clamping member (24) is a nut screwed to the first connecting rod (22).

4. A structural assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second block (14) comprises a first hole (32) which opens into the second face (14b) of the second block (14), and wherein the first clamping member (24) is located in the first hole (32).

5. A structural assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first hole (32) of the second block (14) has a shoulder (34) against which the first clamping member abuts.

6. A structural assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first portion (20a) of the first connecting rod (20) is sealed in the first block (12).

7. Structural assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the first block (12) comprises a first hole (36) arranged in the continuity of the first hole (32) of the second block (14) and opening into the first face (12c) of the first block (12), and in which the first part (22a) of the first connecting rod (20') is fixed in the first hole (36) of the first block (22a).

8. A structural assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second face (12b) of the first block (12) and the first face (14a) of the second block (14) are non-planar and engaged with each other by form cooperation.

9. A structural assembly (1000, 2000) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second assembly device (60, 60') comprises a second connecting rod (62) and a second clamping member (64, 64'), wherein the second connecting rod (62, 62') comprises a first portion (62a) fixed in the second block (14) and a second portion (62b) extending into the third block (45), said second clamping member (64) being engaged with the second portion (62b) of the second connecting rod (62) while being clamped in the third block (40) so as to to compress the second and third blocks (14, 40) against each other.

10. A structural assembly (3000) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, further comprising at least: a fourth block (70) having a first face (70a) and a second face (70b) opposite the first face, the first face (70a) of the fourth block (70) bearing against the second face (40b) of the third block (40), while the first face (40a) of the third block bears against the second face (14b) of the second block (14); a third joining device (80') connecting the third and fourth blocks (40, 70) together, the third joining device (80') being entirely housed in the third and fourth blocks (40, 70) while being mounted to the third and fourth blocks, the third joining device (80') being tensioned so as to compress the third and fourth blocks (40, 70) against each other.

11. Structural assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first and third assembly devices (50', 80') are coaxial.

12. Wall (4000,5000) comprising a structural assembly (4002,5002) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Wall (4000,5000) according to claim 12, further comprising a central structure consisting of central blocks (4008,5008) juxtaposed to each other and surrounded by the structural assembly (4002,5002).

14. A wall (4000,5000) according to claim 13, wherein some of the central blocks (4008,5008) comprise non-horizontal and / or non-vertical interfaces.

15. Beam (6000) comprising a structural assembly (6002) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images