RETAINING DEVICE FOR STABILIZING TERRAIN

Abstract

RETAINING DEVICE FOR STABILIZING A GROUND Retaining device (1) for stabilizing a ground, comprising an openwork retaining panel (2) extending in a first plane (P1). The retaining device (1) is substantially dihedral-shaped, comprising a support panel (3) integral with the retaining panel (2) and extending in a second plane (P2) distinct from the first plane (P1), said support panel (3) being intended to rest on the ground. The support panel (3) has a substantially trapezoidal shape in the second plane (P2). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: RETAINING DEVICE FOR STABILIZING TERRAIN TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of soil stabilization, and more particularly relates to a retaining device for soil stabilization.

[0002] A retaining device is known as described in the document WO 2013 / 190052 A2, comprising an openwork retaining panel. Such a retaining device requires the creation of a significant anchorage (by drilling one or more holes in hard rock, or by the presence of a drawbar weighted by a massive deadweight) at a relatively large distance from the retaining panel (approximately 4 to 6 meters). However, hard rock is not always available nearby and / or the necessary setback. In addition, drilling equipment and / or a drawbar and its deadweight must be used, which increases the time, installation cost and backfill volumes. To support the retaining panel on the ground, it is also necessary to create a concrete support beam. The creation of this beam significantly increases the working time and requires the delivery of concrete on site, which is complicated in practice because the land to be stabilized is most often located in areas that are difficult to access. Statement of the invention

[0003] A problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a retaining device whose installation is simpler and faster, and which does not necessarily require the creation of a significant anchoring by drilling and / or a stringer.

[0004] To achieve these and other objects, the invention proposes a retaining device for stabilizing a terrain, comprising an openwork retaining panel extending in a first plane defined by a first direction and a second, so-called transverse, direction; according to the invention: - the retaining device is substantially dihedral-shaped, comprising a support panel secured to the retaining panel and extending in a second plane distinct from the first plane, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first plane, the second plane being defined by a third direction called horizontal and a fourth direction substantially parallel to the second direction, said support panel being intended to rest on the ground, - the support panel has in the second plane a substantially trapezoidal shape having its longest base along the retaining panel.

[0005] Such a retaining device may be arranged with its support panel resting on the ground and its retaining panel rising away from the ground. The support on the ground is made over a larger surface area, providing better distribution of forces on the ground. This means that a stringer can be dispensed with.

[0006] The support panel can be covered with a fill material to simultaneously hold the retaining device in place and limit the risk of tipping. This eliminates the need for extensive anchoring by drilling.

[0007] The trapezoidal shape of the support panel allows for an angled relative arrangement between two adjacent retaining devices so as to form a backfill material retainer with a convex exterior shape.

[0008] The support panel is preferably perpendicular to the retaining panel. The interior angle of the dihedral formed by these two panels may however differ from 90 degrees, in particular being less than 90 degrees.

[0009] Advantageously, the support panel may have a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape in the second plane. The retaining device thus has a symmetry facilitating its use.

[0010] Preferably, the support panel may be openwork. This openwork character promotes the passage and flow of runoff water so as not to harm stability. To do this, the support panel and / or the retaining panel may be meshed.

[0011] Advantageously, the retaining device may comprise attachment means located close to the center of gravity of the retaining device. It is thus possible to lift (for example by helicopter or crane) and transport the retaining device simply by easily pre-orienting it for placement on the ground according to its support panel. This proves particularly useful for reducing the difficulty of work for users on the ground, especially when the place of use is very steep (as is most often the case).

[0012] Advantageously, in order to improve its reliability and strength, the retaining device may comprise at least one reinforcing rib opposing the relative rotation of the retaining panel with respect to the support panel. This reinforcing rib may preferably be substantially in the shape of a right angle arranged in the internal angle of the dihedral between the support panel and the retaining panel.

[0013] Preferably, it can be provided that: - the support panel has an end crosspiece extending parallel to the fourth direction and located away from the first plane, - the retaining device comprises at least one anchoring lug extending between a first end shaped to be fixed to said end crosspiece, and a second end shaped to receive an anchoring rod in the ground.

[0014] Such an anchoring tab makes it possible to increase the stability of the retaining device during its use against a risk of tipping.

[0015] Advantageously, it can be provided that: - the retaining panel extends in the second direction between a first and a second end upright extending parallel to the first direction, - each end upright comprises means for connection to another retaining device, shaped to connect said retaining device and said other retaining device by allowing relative pivoting between said retaining device and said other retaining device around a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0016] Such connecting means, incorporated in the retaining device, prevent the operator from handling separate parts which can easily be lost or damaged. This is particularly useful for reducing the arduousness of work for users on the ground when the place of use is very steep (as is most often the case).

[0017] And such connecting means allow easy relative orientation of two adjacent retaining devices to form a backfill material retainer with a convex or concave external shape.

[0018] Preferably, the end upright connecting means may comprise on a retaining panel: - at least one tube oriented substantially parallel to the first direction, arranged on a first end upright of the retaining panel, and shaped to receive a hook carried by a second end upright of the other retaining device, and - at least one hook with a connecting section oriented substantially parallel to the first direction, arranged on a second end upright of the retaining panel, and shaped to be received in a tube carried by a first end upright of the other retaining device.

[0019] Such means for connecting end uprights are simple, robust and easy to use.

[0020] Advantageously, it can be provided that: - the retaining panel extends from and away from the second plane in the first direction from a lower cross member to an upper cross member, - the retaining device comprises fixing means shaped to receive another superimposed retaining device on the upper crosspiece.

[0021] It is thus possible to easily and quickly erect a retaining wall of a dimension adapted to the ground to be stabilized by means of a stack of retaining devices.

[0022] Preferably, the fixing means may comprise: - at least one receiving hole provided in the upper crosspiece and having an axis substantially parallel to the first direction, - at least one fixing part comprising a profiled main body with a section U-shaped cross-section with a base section and two side sections extending from and away from said base section in a first direction, and comprising a connecting rod, extending from and away from said base section in a second direction opposite to the first direction, said connecting rod being shaped to be received in the receiving hole in a pivoting manner.

[0023] Such fixing means allow a staggered stacking of a third retaining device on a lower row comprising a first retaining device and a second retaining device. This staggered stacking can be achieved regardless of the angle formed between the first and second retaining devices by pivoting the connecting rod of the connecting piece in the receiving hole.

[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a use of a plurality of retaining devices as previously described, use in which: - the retaining devices are placed in support according to their respective support panel on a substantially horizontal installation plane, - backfill materials are placed on the support panels of the retaining devices.

[0025] This quickly and easily forms a reservoir of backfill material to stabilize a site.

[0026] Optionally, in order to increase the stability of the backfill material retention, the adjacent retention devices can be connected to each other by means of the connecting means.

[0027] To easily and effectively erect a retaining wall of a height adapted to the ground to be stabilized, it can also be provided that: - on said backfill materials covering the support panels of two adjacent retaining devices, another retaining device is placed by attaching and fixing using the fixing means the lower crosspiece of said other retaining device to the upper crosspieces of said adjacent retaining devices, - the backfill materials are placed on the support panel of said other retaining device. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the attached figures, among which:

[0029] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a front perspective view of a retaining device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of the retaining device of [Fig.l];

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top view of the retaining device of [Fig.l];

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a rear perspective view of the retaining device of the [Fig.l] with two anchoring legs and two fixing parts being assembled on the retaining device;

[0033] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a rear perspective view of the retainer of [Fig.l] with the two anchoring tabs and the two fixing pieces assembled on the retainer;

[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a front perspective view of two retaining devices assembled to form a rear angle between them of less than 180 degrees;

[0035] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a top view of the retaining devices of [Fig.6];

[0036] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a front perspective view of the two retaining devices of [Fig.7] on which a third retaining device is stacked; and

[0037] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a front perspective view of the three retainers of [Fig.8], with the two lower retainers forming a posterior angle between them greater than 180 degrees. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] When identical reference numerals are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these reference numerals designate identical or similar elements in each of the figures, embodiments or variants.

[0039] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a particular embodiment according to the invention of a retaining device 1 for stabilizing a terrain. The retaining device 1 comprises an openwork retaining panel 2 extending in a first plane PI defined by a first direction II and a second direction ILII called transverse.

[0040] The retaining device 1 is substantially dihedral-shaped, comprising a support panel 3 secured to the retaining panel 2 and extending in a second plane P2 distinct from the first plane P1, the second plane P2 being defined by a third direction III-III called horizontal and a fourth direction IV-IV substantially parallel to the second direction II-II, said support panel 3 being intended to rest on the ground.

[0041] Here, the second plane P2 is substantially perpendicular to the first plane PI (internal dihedral angle Al of approximately 90 degrees). The angle Al could however be different from 90 degrees, in particular less than 90 degrees.

[0042] The retaining panel 2 may be planar or have a slightly convex or concave shape along the first II and / or second II-II directions towards the inside or outside of the dihedron formed by the first PI and second P2 planes. The support panel 3 may be planar or have a slightly convex shape along the third III-III and / or fourth IV-IV directions towards the inside of the dihedron formed by the first PI and second P2 planes.

[0043] As seen more particularly in [Fig.3], the support panel 3 has in the second plane P2 a substantially trapezoidal shape with two parallel sides 3a and 3c and two non-parallel sides 3b and 3d. Side 3a forms one base of the trapezoid and has a length greater than the other base (or side) 3c. The longer base 3a thus extends along the retaining panel 2.

[0044] More specifically, the two non-parallel sides 3b and 3d are of the same length, so that the support panel 3 has in the second plane P2 a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape.

[0045] Like the retaining panel 2, the support panel 3 is perforated.

[0046] To do this, the support panel 3 and the retaining panel 2 are meshed.

[0047] It can be seen more particularly in Figures 4 and 5 that the retaining device 1 comprises attachment means 4, in this case an attachment light 4a. The attachment light 4a is located close to the center of gravity of the retaining device 1.

[0048] The attachment light 4a is formed in a central reinforcing rib 5a, substantially in the shape of a right angle, arranged inside the dihedral between the support panel 3 and the retaining panel 2. The retaining device 1 also comprises two lateral reinforcing ribs 5b and 5c.

[0049] Still in figures 4 and 5, we see that: - the support panel 3 comprises an end crosspiece 6 (forming the side 3c) extending parallel to the fourth direction IV-IV and located away from the first plane PI, - the retaining device 1 comprises two anchoring tabs 7 and 8 extending between a first end 7a or 8a shaped to be fixed to said end crosspiece 6, and a second end 7b or 8b shaped to receive an anchoring rod in the ground.

[0050] More particularly, the first ends 7a and 8a have a U-shaped conformation allowing them to cover the end crosspiece 6 by fitting ([Fig.5]). The second ends 7b and 8b are respectively provided with a slot 70b and 80b allowing them to be fixed by nuts 9a or 9b on a threaded rod 10a or 10b anchored in the ground.

[0051] We see more particularly in figures 2 and 3 that: - the retaining panel 2 extends in the second direction II-II between a first 11 and a second 12 end upright extending parallel to the first direction II, - each end upright 11 and 12 comprises connecting means 13 to another retaining device, shaped to connect said retaining device 1 and said other retaining device by allowing relative pivoting between said retaining device 1 and said other retaining device around directions VV and VLVI substantially pa- rally to the first direction II.

[0052] Such connecting means 13 make it possible to easily connect and orient two adjacent retaining devices 1 to form a retaining element for backfill material with a convex or concave external shape, for example a convex external shape as illustrated by the retaining panels 2 in [Fig.6].

[0053] Inseparable from the retaining device 1, such connecting means 13 prevent the operator from handling separate parts which can easily be lost or damaged.

[0054] After connecting and orienting two adjacent retaining devices 1, the connecting means 13 effectively limit the relative movements between the two adjacent retaining devices 1 (sometimes called “scrolling phenomenon”).

[0055] More specifically, the connecting means 13 of end uprights 11 and 12 are simple, robust and easy to use, and comprise on the retaining panel 2: - two tubes 14a and 14b oriented substantially parallel to the first direction II, arranged on the first end upright 11 of the retaining panel 2, and shaped to receive a hook carried by a second end upright of the other retaining device, and - two hooks 15a and 15b with connecting section 150a and 150b oriented substantially parallel to the first direction II, arranged on a second end upright 12 of the retaining panel 2, and shaped to be received in tubes carried by a first end upright of the other retaining device.

[0056] In Figures 4 and 5, it is better observed that the retaining panel 2 extends from and away from the second plane P2 in the first direction II from a lower cross member 2b to an upper cross member 2a. The lower cross member 2b is thus closer to the support panel 3 than the upper cross member 2a. Here, the lower cross member 2b of the retaining panel 2 also forms the longest base 3a of the support panel 3.

[0057] The retaining device 1 comprises fixing means 16 shaped to receive another superimposed retaining device on the upper crosspiece 2a.

[0058] In practice, the fixing means 16 here comprise: - two receiving holes 17 and 18 provided in the upper crosspiece 2a and respectively having an axis VILVII and VIIIVIII substantially parallel to the first direction II, - two fixing pieces 19 and 20 respectively comprising a main body 19a and 20a profiled with a U-shaped cross-section with a base section 191a or 201a and two lateral sections 192a-193a and 202a-203a extending respectively from and away from said base sections 191a and 201a in a first direction, and comprising a respective connecting rod 19b and 20b, extending from and away from said base section 191a or 201a according to a second meaning opposite to the first meaning.

[0059] The connecting rods 19b and 20b are shaped to be received in the receiving holes 17 and 18 in a pivoting manner around the axes VILVII and VIII-VIII.

[0060] The use of the retaining device 1 will now be explained by means of figures 6 to 9 in which two or three retaining devices 1a, 1b and 1c are used, identical to the retaining device 1 of figures 1 to 5.

[0061] To erect a backfill material retainer intended to stabilize a site, the retaining devices 1a and 1b are first placed in support according to their respective support panel 3 on a substantially horizontal laying plane P3.

[0062] For such an arrangement, the retaining devices 1a and 1b can be craned or helicoptered in situ via their attachment light 4a, which already makes it possible to present them to the operators on the ground with their respective plane P2 substantially parallel to the laying plane P3. The operators then have little more than to orient them by pivoting around the direction in which the retaining devices 1a and 1b are suspended.

[0063] In this arrangement, the adjacent retaining devices 1a and 1b are connected to each other by means of the connecting means 13. Here, the hooks 15a and 15b carried by the second end upright 12 of the retaining device 1a are engaged in the tubes 14a and 14b carried by the first end upright 11 of the retaining device 1b. It is thus possible to orient the retaining devices 1a and 1b relative to each other by pivoting about the direction IX-IX to adjust the rear angle A2 between the retaining panels 2 of the retaining devices 1a and 1b. In Figures 6 and 7, the rear angle A2 is less than 180 degrees in order to form a backfill material retainer with a convex external shape. A rear angle A2 less than 180 degrees is made possible by the trapezoidal shape of the support panel 3.

[0064] Backfill materials are then placed on the support panels 3 of the retaining devices 1a and 1b. The backfill materials are retained by the retaining panels 2 and stabilize the retaining devices 1a and 1b to limit the risk of tipping.

[0065] In the case illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, it is desired to form a retention of backfill material at a height greater than the height of a retention panel 2 along the first direction II.

[0066] To do this, a fixing piece 19 is engaged in the receiving hole 18 of the retaining device 1a and a fixing piece 20 is engaged in the receiving hole 17 of the retaining device 1b.

[0067] The fixing pieces 19 and 20, once correctly oriented as in [Fig.6], can receive the lower crosspiece 2b (or the longer base 3a) of the retaining device 1c which is superimposed in a staggered manner on the upper crosspieces 2a of the retaining devices 1a and 1b and on the backfill materials covering the support panels of retaining devices 1a and 1b.

[0068] It should be noted that the posterior angle A2 can alternatively be 180 degrees, or even more than 180 degrees as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0069] Furthermore, if the retaining device 1c is arranged in a staggered pattern on the two adjacent retaining devices 1a and 1b, the retaining device 1c can alternatively be superimposed on only one of the two adjacent retaining devices 1a and 1b (the other retaining device 1a or 1b receiving another superimposed retaining device for example).

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variations and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Retaining device (1) for stabilizing a ground, comprising an openwork retaining panel (2) extending in a first plane (PI) defined by a first direction (II) and a second direction (II-II) called transverse, characterized in that: - the retaining device (1) is substantially dihedral-shaped, comprising a support panel (3) integral with the retaining panel (2) and extending in a second plane (P2) distinct from the first plane (PI), preferably substantially perpendicular to the first plane (PI), the second plane (P2) being defined by a third direction (III-III) called horizontal and a fourth direction (IV-IV) substantially parallel to the second direction (II-II), said support panel (3) being intended to rest on the ground, - the support panel (3) has in the second plane (P2) a substantially trapezoidal shape having its longest base (3a) along the retaining panel (2).

2. Retaining device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support panel (3) has in the second plane (P2) a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape.

3. Retaining device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the support panel (3) is perforated.

4. Retaining device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support panel (3) and / or the retaining panel (2) is meshed.

5. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises attachment means (4) located close to the center of gravity of the retaining device (1).

6. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one reinforcing rib (5a-5c) opposing the relative rotation of the retaining panel (2) with respect to the support panel (3), preferably substantially in the shape of a right angle arranged in the internal angle of the dihedral between the support panel (3) and the retaining panel (2).

7. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: - the support panel (3) comprises an end crosspiece (6) extending parallel to the fourth direction (IV-IV) and located away from the first plane (PI), - the retaining device (1) comprises at least one anchoring tab (7, 8) extending between a first end (7a, 8a) shaped to be fixed to said end crosspiece (6), and a second end (7b, 8b) shaped to receive an anchoring rod (10a, 10b) in the ground.

8. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: - the retaining panel (2) extends in the second direction (II-II) between a first (11) and a second (12) end uprights extending parallel to the first direction (II), - each end upright (11, 12) comprises connecting means (13) to another retaining device (1), shaped to connect said retaining device (1) and said other retaining device (1) by allowing relative pivoting between said retaining device (1) and said other retaining device (1) about a direction (VV, VI-VI, IX-IX) substantially parallel to the first direction (II).

9. Retaining device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting means (13) of end uprights (11, 12) comprise on a retaining panel (2): - at least one tube (14a, 14b) oriented substantially parallel to the first direction (II), arranged on a first end upright (11) of the retaining panel (2), and shaped to receive a hook (15a, 15b) carried by a second end upright (12) of the other retaining device (1), and - at least one hook (15a, 15b) with a connecting section (150a, 150b) oriented substantially parallel to the first direction (II), arranged on a second end upright (12) of the retaining panel (2), and shaped to be received in a tube (14a, 14b) carried by a first end upright (11) of the other retaining device (1).

10. Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: - the retaining panel (2) extends from and away from the second plane (P2) in the first direction (II) from a lower crosspiece (2b) to an upper crosspiece (2a), - the retaining device (1) comprises fixing means (16) shaped to receive on the upper crosspiece (2a) another superimposed retaining device (1).

11. Retaining device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the fixing means (16) comprise: - at least one receiving hole (17, 18) provided in the upper crosspiece (2a) and having an axis (VII-VII, VIII-VIII) substantially parallel to the first direction (II), - at least one fixing part (19, 20) comprising a main body (19a, 20a) profiled with a U-shaped cross-section with a base section (191a, 201a) and two lateral sections (192a, 193a, 202a, 203a) extending from and away from said base section (191a, 201a) in a first direction, and comprising a connecting rod (19b, 20b), extending from and away from said base section (191a, 201a) in a second direction opposite to the first direction, said connecting rod (19b, 20b) being shaped to be received in the ... reception (17, 18) in a pivoting manner.

12. Use of a plurality of retaining devices (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: - the retaining devices (1, 1a, 1b) are placed in support according to their respective support panel (3) on a substantially horizontal laying plane (P3), - backfill materials are placed on the support panels (3) of the retaining devices (1, 1a, 1b).

13. Use according to claim 12 taken in its attachment to claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the adjacent retaining devices (1, 1a, 1b) are connected to each other by means of the connecting means (13).

14. Use according to one of claims 12 or 13 taken in their connection with claims 10 or 11, characterized in that: - on said backfill materials covering the support panels (3) of two adjacent retaining devices (1, 1a, 1b), another retaining device (1, 1c) is arranged by attaching and fixing using the fixing means (16) the lower crosspiece (2b) of said other retaining device (1, 1c) to the upper crosspieces (2a) of said adjacent retaining devices (1, 1a, 1b), - backfill materials are arranged on the support panel (3) of said other retaining device (1, 1c).

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