RETENTION DEVICE FOR STABILIZING LAND

Abstract

RETENTION DEVICE FOR TERRAIN STABILIZATION Retention device (1) for stabilizing terrain, comprising a perforated retention panel (2) extending in a first plane (P1). The retention device (1) is substantially dihedral in shape, comprising a support panel (3) integral with the retention 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 abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

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

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

[0002] A containment device such as the one described in document WO 2013 / 190052 A2, comprising a perforated containment panel, is known. Such a containment device requires substantial anchoring (by drilling one or more holes in hard rock, or by using a drawbar weighted by a massive deadweight) at a relatively large distance from the containment panel (approximately 4 to 6 meters). However, hard rock is not always readily available nearby and / or the necessary clearance is not always sufficient. Furthermore, drilling equipment and / or a drawbar and its deadweight must be used, which increases installation time, cost, and the volume of backfill required. A concrete support beam is also necessary to support the containment panel on the ground.Constructing this foundation beam significantly increases working time and requires bringing concrete to the site, which is complicated in practice because the ground to be stabilized is most often located in hard-to-reach areas. Description of the invention

[0003] One problem proposed by the present invention is to provide a restraint device whose installation is simpler and faster, and which does not necessarily require the creation of a large anchorage by drilling and / or a stringer.

[0004] To reach these objects and others, the invention proposes a restraint device for stabilizing ground, comprising a perforated restraint panel extending in a first plane defined by a first direction and a second, so-called transverse direction; according to the invention: - the restraint device is substantially dihedral in shape, comprising a support panel integral with the restraint 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 with its longest base along the retaining panel.

[0005] Such a restraint device can be arranged with its support panel resting on the ground and its restraint panel rising away from the ground. The ground support is provided over a larger surface area, resulting in better distribution of forces on the ground. This eliminates the need for a stringer.

[0006] The support panel can be covered with backfill material to simultaneously hold the restraint 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 a relative angled arrangement between two adjacent retaining devices so as to form a retaining of backfill material with an external convex shape.

[0008] The support panel is preferably perpendicular to the retaining panel. The internal 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 exhibits a symmetry that facilitates its use.

[0010] Preferably, the support panel can be perforated. This perforation facilitates the passage and drainage of runoff water so as not to compromise stability. To achieve this, the support panel and / or the retaining panel can be made of mesh.

[0011] Advantageously, the restraint system may include attachment points located near its center of gravity. This allows the restraint system to be easily lifted (for example, by helicopter or crane) and transported, pre-oriented for placement on the ground according to its support panel. This proves particularly useful for reducing the physical strain on users working on the ground, especially when the site is very steep (as is most often the case).

[0012] Advantageously, in order to improve its reliability and strength, the retaining device may include 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 L-shaped and located 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 includes an end crossbar extending parallel to the fourth direction and set away from the foreground, - the restraint device includes at least one anchoring lug extending between a first end shaped to be fixed to said end cross member, and a second end shaped to receive an anchor rod in the ground.

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

[0015] Advantageously, it can be predicted that: - the restraint panel extends along the second direction between a first and a second end post extending parallel to the first direction, - each end post includes means for connecting to another restraint device, configured to connect said restraint device and said other restraint device by permitting relative pivoting between said restraint device and said other restraint device around a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0016] Such connecting means, incorporated into the retaining device, prevent the operator from having to handle separate parts that could easily be lost or damaged. This proves particularly useful in reducing the physical strain on users' work on the ground when the place of use is very steep (as is most often the case).

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

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

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

[0020] Advantageously, it can be foreseen 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 restraint device includes fixing means shaped to receive on the upper crossbar another superimposed restraint device.

[0021] It is thus possible to easily and quickly erect a dam of a size adapted to the terrain to be stabilized by means of a stacking of dam devices.

[0022] Preferably, the fastening means may comprise: - at least one receiving hole provided in the upper crossbar and having an axis substantially parallel to the first direction, - at least one fixing piece comprising a main body profiled with a U-shaped cross-section with a base section and two lateral 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 fastening means allow for 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 proposes a use of a plurality of restraint devices as previously described, in which: - the restraint devices are placed in support according to their respective support panel on a substantially horizontal mounting surface, - Backfill materials are placed on the support panels of the restraint devices.

[0025] This allows for the rapid and easy formation of a retention of backfill material to stabilize the ground.

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

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

[0028] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0029] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a front perspective view of a restraint device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a front view of the retaining device of the [Fig.1];

[0031] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a top view of the retaining device of the [Fig.1];

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

[0033] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a rear perspective view of the retaining device of the [Fig.1] with the two anchoring lugs and the two fixing pieces assembled on the retaining device;

[0034] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a front perspective view of two restraint devices assembled by forming a posterior angle of less than 180 degrees between them;

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

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

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

[0038] When identical numerical references are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these numerical references 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 ground. The retaining device 1 comprises a perforated retaining panel 2 extending in a first plane PI defined by a first direction II and a second direction ILII, referred to as transverse.

[0040] The restraint device 1 is substantially dihedral in shape, comprising a support panel 3 integral with the restraint panel 2 and extending in a second plane P2 distinct from 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.

[0041] Here, the second plane P2 is substantially perpendicular to the first plane PI (interior 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 flat or have a slightly convex or concave shape along the first II and / or second II-II directions inwards or outwards from the dihedral angle formed by the first PI and second P2 planes. The support panel 3 may be flat or have a slightly convex shape along the third III- III and / or fourth IV-IV directions towards the inside of the dihedral formed by the first PI and second P2 planes.

[0043] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig. 3], the support panel 3 has a substantially trapezoidal shape in the second plane P2, with two parallel sides 3a and 3c and two non-parallel sides 3b and 3d. Side 3a forms one base of the trapezoid and is longer 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 wired.

[0047] Figures 4 and 5 show in particular that the restraint device 1 includes attachment means 4, in this case an attachment light 4a. The attachment light 4a is located near the center of gravity of the restraint device 1.

[0048] The hanging light 4a is provided in a central reinforcing rib 5a, substantially L-shaped, arranged inside the dihedral between the support panel 3 and the retaining panel 2. The retaining device 1 also includes two lateral reinforcing ribs 5b and 5c.

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

[0050] More specifically, the first ends 7a and 8a have a U-shaped conformation allowing them to interlock with the end cross member 6 ([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 onto a threaded rod 10a or 10b anchored in the ground.

[0051] Figures 2 and 3 show in particular that: - the retaining panel 2 extends along the second direction ILII between a first 11 and a second 12 end posts extending parallel to the first direction II, - Each end post 11 and 12 includes means 13 for connecting to another restraint device, configured to connect said restraint device 1 and said other restraint device by allowing relative pivoting between said restraint device 1 and said other restraint device around directions VV and VI-VI substantially parallel to the first direction LL

[0052] Such linking means 13 make it easy to connect and orient two adjacent retaining devices 1 to form a retaining of backfill material with an external convex or concave 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 that can easily be lost or damaged.

[0054] After linking and orienting two adjacent restraint devices 1, the linking means 13 effectively limit the relative movements between the two adjacent restraint devices 1 (sometimes called "piano-tapping phenomenon").

[0055] More specifically, the connecting means 13 of end posts 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 LI, arranged on the first end post 11 of the retaining panel 2, and shaped to receive a hook carried by a second end post 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 post 12 of the retaining panel 2, and shaped to be received in tubes carried by a first end post of the other retaining device.

[0056] In Figures 4 and 5, it is clearer that the retaining panel 2 extends from and away from the second plane P2 along 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 longer base 3a of the support panel 3.

[0057] The restraint device 1 includes fastening means 16 shaped to receive on the upper cross member 2a another superimposed restraint device.

[0058] In practice, the fastening means 16 here comprise: - two receiving holes 17 and 18 made in the upper cross member 2a and having respectively an axis VII-VII and VIII-VIII substantially parallel to the first direction II, - two fixing pieces 19 and 20 comprising respectively a main body 19a and 20a profiled with a U 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 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

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

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

[0061] To erect a retaining wall for backfill material intended to stabilize a terrain, we begin by placing the retaining devices 1a and 1b in support according to their respective support panel 3 on a substantially horizontal laying plane P3.

[0062] For such an arrangement, the restraint devices la and 1b can be craned or helicopter-lifted in situ via their attachment light 4a, which already allows them to be presented to the ground operators with their respective plane P2 substantially parallel to the landing plane P3. The operators then have little more to do than orient them by pivoting around the direction in which the restraint devices la and 1b are suspended.

[0063] In this arrangement, the adjacent retaining devices 1a and 1b are connected by means of the connecting means 13. Here, the hooks 15a and 15b carried by the second end post 12 of the retaining device 1a are engaged in the tubes 14a and 14b carried by the first end post 11 of the retaining device 1b. The retaining devices 1a and 1b can thus be oriented relative to each other by pivoting around the IX-IX direction 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 retaining structure for backfill material with a convex external shape. A rear angle A2 of 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 restraint devices la and 1b. The backfill materials are retained by the restraint panels 2 and stabilize the restraint devices la 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 with 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 cross member 2b (or the longer base 3a) of the retaining device le which overlaps in a staggered fashion on the upper cross members 2a of the retaining devices la and 1b and on the backfill materials covering the support panels of the retaining devices la 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 restraint device le is arranged in a staggered pattern on the two adjacent restraint devices la and 1b, the restraint device le can alternatively be superimposed on only one of the two adjacent restraint devices la and 1b (the other restraint device la or 1b receiving another superimposed restraint device for example).

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

Claims

1. Demands A retaining device (1) for stabilizing ground, comprising a perforated retaining panel (2) extending in a first plane (PI) defined by a first direction (II) and a second direction (II-II) referred to as transverse, in which: - the retaining device (1) is substantially dihedral in shape, 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) referred to as 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),- the restraint panel (2) extends from and away from the second plane (P2) along the first direction (II) from a lower cross member (2b) to an upper cross member (2a), - the restraint device (1) comprises fastening means (16) shaped to receive on the upper cross member (2a) another superimposed restraint device (1), characterized in that the fastening means (16) comprise: - at least one receiving hole (17, 18) provided in the upper cross member (2a) and having an axis (VII-VII, VIII-VIII) substantially parallel to the first direction (II), - at least one fastening piece (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 the deviation of 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) according to a second direction opposite to the first direction, said connecting rod (19b, 20b) being shaped to be received in the receiving hole (17, 18) in a pivotal manner.

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 any 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 wire mesh.

5. Restraint device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises attachment means (4) located near the center of gravity of the restraint 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 L-shaped and located 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) has an end cross member (6) extending parallel to the fourth direction (IV-IV) and located away from the first plane (PI), - the retaining device (1) has at least one anchoring lug (7, 8) extending between a first end (7a, 8a) shaped to be fixed to said end cross member (6), and a second end (7b, 8b) shaped to receive an anchor rod (10a, 10b) in the ground.

8. Restraint device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: - the restraint panel (2) extends along the second direction (II-II) between a first (11) and a second (12) end posts extending parallel to the first direction (II), - each end post (11, 12) has means for connecting (13) to another restraint device (1), configured to connect said restraint device (1) and said other restraint device (1) by permitting relative pivoting between said restraint device (1) and said other restraint device (1) around 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 posts (11, 12) comprise on a retaining panel (2): - at least one tube (14a, 14b) oriented substantially parallel to the first direction (II), disposed on a first end post (11) of the retaining panel (2), and shaped to receive a hook (15a, 15b) carried by a second end post (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), disposed on a second end post (12) of the retaining panel (2), and shaped to be received in a tube (14a, 14b) carried by a first end post (11) of the other retaining device (1).

10. Use of a plurality of restraint devices (1, la, 1b, le) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: - the restraint devices (1, la, 1b) are placed in support according to their respective support panel (3) on a substantially horizontal laying plane (P3), - the backfill materials are placed on the support panels (3) of the restraint devices (1, la, 1b).

11. Use according to claim 10 taken in relation to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the adjacent restraint devices (1, 1a, 1b) are linked together by means of the connecting means (13).

12. Use according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that: - on said backfill materials covering the support panels (3) of two adjacent restraint devices (1, a, 1b), another restraint device (1, le) is placed by attaching and fixing with the fixing means (16) the lower cross member (2b) of said other restraint device (1, le) to the upper cross members (2a) of said adjacent restraint devices (1, a, 1b), - backfill materials are placed on the support panel (3) of said other restraint device (1, le).

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