Reinforced retaining-wall panel system and handling tool thereof

Abstract

A reinforcement structure has a body having a proximal end for coupling to an anchoring structure of a retaining-wall panel, and a distal end extending longitudinally away from the proximal end; and a plurality of protrusions distributed on the body between the proximal end and the distal end.

Description

[0001] REINFORCED RETAINING- WALL PANEL SYSTEM AND HANDLING TOOL

[0002] THEREOF

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 662,148, filed June 20, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to retaining-wall panel systems for stabilizing an earth structure, and in particular to reinforced retaining-wall panels and systems (such as steel- reinforced recycled concrete or plastic retaining-wall panels and systems), and handling tools thereof.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] Retaining-wall panel systems have been widely used for stabilizing earth structures. Such systems generally comprise forming, installing, or otherwise securing a rigid wall structure of suitable materials such as concrete, stones, and / or the like, and then filling in earth or soil on one side of the wall structure. The secured wall structure thus retains and stabilizes the earth. In some applications, reinforcement structures may be coupled to the wall structure for improving the stability thereof.

[0009] Therefore, it is always a desire for a novel reinforcement structure and / or retaining-wall panel system for stabilizing an earth structure.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a reinforcement structure for coupling to a retaining-wall panel for retaining a landfilling material. The reinforcement structure comprises: a proximal end for coupling the reinforcement structure to an anchoring structure embedded in the retaining-wall panel; a distal end longitudinally extendible away from the proximal end into the landfilling material; and a plurality of protrusions distributed thereon between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure comprises a first end for embedding in the retaining-wall panel and a second end extendible away from the first end for coupling with the proximal end of the reinforcement structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first end of the anchoring structure is a triangle shaped end.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second end of the anchoring structure comprises a screw hole. In some embodiments, the anchoring structure is made of steel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the distal end is bent, curved, or hook-shaped.

[0016] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure further comprises a coupling mechanism for connecting or coupling the distal end of the reinforcement structure with the proximal end of another reinforcement structure.

[0017] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises a screw and a screw hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure is made of steel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure is flexible.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions are located on an upward facing side of the reinforcement structure, on a downward facing side of the reinforcement structure, or both.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a sidewall facing the retaining-wall panel at an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the reinforcement structure.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a side facing the retaining- wall panel perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a side facing the retaining- wall panel at an obtuse angle with the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement structure.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions are equally spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement structure.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a retaining-wall panel system for retaining a landfilling material. The retaining-wall panel system comprises: a retaining- wall panel having a body, an interior side for facing the landfilling material, and an exterior side opposite of the interior side; at least one anchor structure embedded in the body of the retaining- wall panel; and at least one reinforcement structure as described above.

[0026] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a movable frame; and a plurality of lifting arms each longitudinally pivotably extending downwardly from an upper portion of the frame; each lifting arm comprises a hook; and the hooks of the plurality of lifting arms face a longitudinal center of the frame, or the hooks of the plurality of lifting arms face away from the longitudinal center of the frame.

[0027] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a locking structure for locking preventing each lifting arm from rotation.

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a reinforcement structure comprising: a body having a proximal end for coupling to an anchoring structure of a retaining- wall panel, and a distal end extending longitudinally away from the proximal end; and a plurality of protrusions distributed on the body between the proximal end and the distal end. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions are located on an upward facing side of the body, on a downward facing side of the body, or both.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a first side facing the retaining-wall panel, the first side and the reinforcement structure forming a first angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and the first angle is an acute angle or a 90-degree angle.

[0030] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a first side facing the retaining-wall panel, the first side and the reinforcement structure forming a first angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and the first angle is an obtuse angle.

[0031] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a second side facing away from the retaining-wall panel, the second side and the reinforcement structure forming a second angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and the second angle is an obtuse angle.

[0032] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a second side facing away from the retaining-wall panel, the second side and the reinforcement structure forming a second angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and the second angle is an acute angle or a 90-degree angle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions are equally spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the reinforcement structure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distance between the equally spaced apart protrusions is 150 mm to 300 mm.

[0035] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions tapers from the center towards each lateral end.

[0036] In some embodiments, the distal end is bent, curved, or hook-shaped.

[0037] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure is made of steel.

[0038] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure is flexible.

[0039] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure further comprises a coupling mechanism for connecting or coupling the distal end of the reinforcement structure with the proximal end of another reinforcement structure.

[0040] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism comprises a bolt and a fastening hole.

[0041] In some embodiments, the proximal end is bent downwardly and rearwardly thereby forming a front hook facing away from the retaining-wall panel.

[0042] In some embodiments, the bent proximal end comprises a hole.

[0043] In some embodiments, the bent proximal end comprises an upright tip.

[0044] In some embodiments, a rear side of upright tip has a shape complementary to that of a coupling hook of the anchoring structure of the retaining-wall panel.

[0045] In some embodiments, the body comprises a downwardly extending protrusion near the front hook, for acting as a delimiter. In some embodiments, the body comprises a hole near the proximal end.

[0046] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a retaining-wall panel system for retaining a landfilling material comprising: a retaining-wall panel having a body, an interior side for facing the landfilling material, and an exterior side opposite of the interior side; at least one anchor structure extending from the interior side of in the body of the retaining-wall panel; and at least one above-described reinforcement structure each coupled to a respective one of the at least one anchoring structure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure comprises a first end embedded in the retaining-wall panel and a second end extending away from the first end for coupling to the proximal end of the reinforcement structure.

[0048] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure is a part of the proximal end of the reinforcement structure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fust end of the anchoring structure is a triangle shaped end.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second end of the anchoring structure comprises a fastening hole.

[0051] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure comprises a first end horizontally extending into the retaining-wall panel, then bending vertically, and then bending obliquely towards the interior side such that the vertically bent portion of the first end and the obliquely bent portion of the first end form an acute angle.

[0052] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure comprises a body horizontally extending from the first end the out of the interior side of the retaining-wall panel; and wherein the body comprises a distal, second end bending upwardly and forwardly to form a coupling hook.

[0053] In some embodiments, the horizontally extending body of the anchoring structure comprises a hole.

[0054] In some embodiments, the bending portion of the coupling hook comprises a hole.

[0055] In some embodiments, the coupling hook comprises an upright tip.

[0056] In some embodiments, a front side of upright tip has a shape complementary to that of a front hook of the reinforcement structure.

[0057] In some embodiments, the retaining-wall panel system further comprises one or more spacers for filling in one or more gaps between the engaging front hook of the reinforcement structure and the coupling hook of the anchoring structure.

[0058] In some embodiments, the body comprises an upwardly extending protrusion near the coupling hook, for acting as a delimiter.

[0059] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure is made of steel. According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a movable support structure; and a plurality of lifting arms coupled to the movable support structure; wherein each lifting arm comprises a hook on a lower end thereof; wherein each hook faces a longitudinal center of the movable support structure, or faces away from the longitudinal center of the movable support structure; wherein each lifting arm is pivotable for engaging the hook thereof with an anchoring structure of a retaining-wall panel; and wherein each lifting arm is vertically movable for lifting and lowering the retaining-wall panel.

[0060] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a first locking structure for preventing the plurality of lifting arms from pivoting.

[0061] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a second locking structure for preventing the plurality of lifting arms from vertical movement.

[0062] In some embodiments, the plurality of lifting arms are rotatable as a group for rotating the retaining-wall panel engaged therewith.

[0063] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: an actuator for actuating the plurality of lifting arms to pivot.

[0064] In some embodiments, the actuator comprises a rachet.

[0065] In some embodiments, the actuator is coupled to the plurality of lifting arms via a pulling structure wrapped on the rachet.

[0066] In some embodiments, the pulling structure comprises a string, a chain, or a belt.

[0067] In some embodiments, the plurality of lifting arms is horizontally movable relative to the movable support structure.

[0068] In some embodiments, the movable support structure comprises a plurality of omnidirectional wheel for moving the apparatus on a surface towards any direction.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining-wall panel system, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 2 is a side view of a MSE retaining-wall panel system, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the portion A of the panel system shown in FIG. 2;

[0073] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the portion B of the panel system shown in FIG. 2;

[0074] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the portion C of the panel system shown in FIG. 2;

[0075] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reinforcement structure and an anchoring structure of a MSE retaining-wall panel system, according to some embodiments of the disclosure; FIGs. 7A to 7C show an example of a protrusion of the reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of the disclosure, wherein

[0076] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the protrusion,

[0077] FIG. 7B is a side view of the protrusion of FIG. 7A, and

[0078] FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the protrusion of FIG. 7A;

[0079] FIGs. 8 A to 8N are perspective views of various protrusions in various embodiments of this disclosure;

[0080] FIGs. 9A to 9C illustrate various retaining-wall-facing angles of the proximal sidewall of a protrusion;

[0081] FIGs. 10A to 10C illustrate various retaining-wall-facing angles of the distal sidewall of a protrusion;

[0082] FIGs. 11A to 11C and 12 are plan views of various reinforcement structures in various embodiments of this disclosure;

[0083] FIG. 13 is a front view of a MSE retaining-wall panel system, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0084] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0085] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retaining-wall panel laying on the ground;

[0086] FIG. 16 is perspective view of a handling tool, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0087] FIG. 17 is a sideview of a lifting arm of the handling tool shown in FIG. 16, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0088] FIG. 18 is a sideview of a portion of the handling tool having the lifting arm shown in FIG. 17 and a locking structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0089] FIGs. 19A to 19C show a procedure of lifting a retaining-wall panel using the handling tool shown in FIG. 16;

[0090] FIG. 20 is perspective view of a handling tool, according to some other embodiments of this disclosure;

[0091] FIG. 21 is perspective view of a handling tool, according to yet some other embodiments of this disclosure;

[0092] FIG. 22 is a sideview of a handling tool according to some embodiments of this disclosure, viewing from a first side thereof;

[0093] FIG. 23 is a sideview of a handling tool according to some embodiments of this disclosure, viewing from a second side thereof; FIGs. 24 to 27 illustrate a process of lifting, moving, and orienting a retaining-wall panel using the handling tool shown in FIGs. 22 and 23;

[0094] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0095] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0096] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 29 coupled to the retaining-wall panel shown in FIG. 28, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0097] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0098] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0099] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 32 coupled to the retaining-wall panel shown in FIG. 31, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0100] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0101] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0102] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 35 coupled to the retaining-wall panel shown in FIG. 34, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0103] FIG. 37 is a plan view of a retaining-wall panel shown in FIG. 34 with a plurality of reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 35 coupled thereto, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0104] FIG. 38A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0105] FIG. 38B shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 38 A;

[0106] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0107] FIG. 40A is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 39 coupled to the retaining-wall panel shown in FIGs. 38A and 38B, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0108] FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 39 coupled to the retaining-wall panel shown in FIGs. 38A and 38B, according to some other embodiments of this disclosure; FIG. 41 A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0109] FIG. 4 IB shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 41 A;

[0110] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement structure, according to some embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0111] FIG. 43 shows the detail of the coupling of the reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 42 to the retaining-wall panel shown in FIGs. 41A and 41B, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0112] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a reinforcement structure for reinforcing a retaining-wall panel in retaining a landfilling material, a reinforced retaining-wall panel system employing the reinforcement structure for retaining a landfilling material with enhanced stability, and a handling tool for handling retaining-wall panels. In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure comprises a proximal end for coupling to a retaining-wall panel via, for example, an anchoring structure embedded in the retaining-wall panel; a distal end longitudinally extending away from the proximal end; and a plurality of protrusions distributed thereon between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0114] Advantageously, when the reinforcement structure is extended into the landfilling material, the plurality of protrusions located on the reinforcement structure increase contact with the landfilling material and thus, provide a reinforced and enhanced ability to retain the landfilling material comparing to a reinforcement structure without the protrusions.

[0115] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a side facing the retaining- wall panel (denoted “proximal side” hereinafter) at an acute angle (with respect to a longitudinal axis or plane of the reinforcement structure). In some other embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a proximal side perpendicular to the reinforcement structure (or more precisely, to a longitudinal axis or plane of the reinforcement structure). In yet some other embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions has a proximal side at an obtuse angle (with respect to a longitudinal axis or plane of the reinforcement structure). In still some other embodiments, the proximal sides of some protrusions may be at acute angles, those of some other protrusions may be perpendicular to the reinforcement structure, and those of yet some other protrusions may be at obtuse angles.

[0116] A retaining-wall panel system for retaining a landfilling material is also disclosed. The retaining-wall panel system comprises: a retaining-wall panel having a body, an interior side (also denoted a “rear side”) for facing the landfilling material, and an exterior side (also denoted a “front side”) opposite of the interior side; at least one anchor structure embedded in the body of the retaining-wall panel; and at least one reinforcement structure as described above.

[0117] Turning now to FIG. 1, a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining-wall panel system according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown and is generally identified using reference numeral 100.

[0118] The MSE retaining-wall panel system 100 comprises one or more rigid retaining-wall panels 101 (also called “MSE panels” or “retaining walls”) for retaining a landfilling material (not shown) such as rocks, gravels, earth, soil, and / or the like on a load-bearing side 120 thereof. Herein, the load-bearing side 120 is also denoted as the interior side and the side 122 opposite to the loadbearing side 120 is denoted as the exterior side. The retaining-wall panel 101 can be made of suitable material such as conventional concrete, lightweight concrete (low -density concrete made with lightweight coarse aggregates such as shale, clay, and / or slate), plastic (for example, recycled plastic), stone, steel, wire-mesh, and / or the like.

[0119] The retaining-wall panel 101 comprises a wall body (also identified using reference numeral 101) with one or more anchoring structures 112 embedded therein or otherwise integrated therewith on the load-bearing side 120 thereof. The anchoring structures 112 can be made of steel or any suitable materials and may be of any suitable shapes for embedding into the wall body 101.

[0120] On the load-bearing side 120, the MSE retaining-wall panel system 100 further comprises one or more reinforcement structures 104 extending away from the retaining-wall panel 101. Each reinforcement structure 104 may be in a suitable form such as a reinforcement strip, and comprises a proximal end 112 coupled to the anchoring structure 112 using suitable fasting mechanisms 106 such as screws, bolts and nuts, welding, and / or the like, and a distal end 108 extending longitudinally away from the proximal end 112 for inserting into and within the landfilling material (not shown).

[0121] In one example, the reinforcement structure 104 is coupled to the anchoring structure 112 via screws 106 (shown in detail in FIG. 6). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the distal end 108 is optionally bent downwardly at a suitable angle (such as an acute angle, a 90-degree angle, or an obtuse angle) for increasing contact with the landfilling material and thus further enhancing the reinforcement structure’s ability to retain the landfilling material.

[0122] In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure 104 may be made of suitable materials such as steel, geosynthetic materials, and / or the like. In various embodiments, the reinforcement structure 104 may be rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible.

[0123] In some embodiments, each reinforcement structure 104 comprises a plurality of protrusions 110 distributed on the upper surface thereof. The protrusions 110 may be of various shapes (see various examples shown in FIGs. 7A to 7J) and made of any suitable rigid or semi- rigid materials. In these embodiments, the protrusions 110 are integrated with the reinforcement structure 104.

[0124] When the MSE retaining-wall panel system 100 is in use, the reinforcement structure 104 extends into the landfilling material (not shown). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the landfilling material generally applies a force (indicated by the arrow 113 A) pushing against the load-bearing side 120 of the wall body 101, and consequently, pulling the reinforcement structure 104 (indicated by the arrows 113B). However, the protrusions 110 are in contact with the landfilling material and bear a portion of that pulling force, thereby preventing the retaining-wall panel 101 from being pushed down. Compared to a reinforcement structure without any of the protrusions 110, the protrusions 110 enhance the reinforcement structure’s ability to retain the landfilling material.

[0125] FIG. 2 is a side view of a MSE retaining-wall panel system, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 2 shows some examples of various reinforcement structures 104 that may be coupled to the anchoring structure 102.

[0126] For example, the reinforcement structure 104-1 is coupled to the anchoring structure 102 at the proximal end thereof, and the distal end 108 of the reinforcement structure 104-1 is bent downwardly.

[0127] The reinforcement structure 104-2 comprises a plurality of reinforcement sections such as reinforcement sections 104A and 104B coupled in series. Among the plurality of reinforcement sections, the reinforcement section 104B furthermost to the wall body 101 has a downwardly bending distal end 108, and all other reinforcement sections 104A has a flat end for facilitating coupling or connect to the next reinforcement section. In various embodiments, either or both of the reinforcement structures 104-1 and 104-2 may be used. However, comparing to the singlesection reinforcement structure 104- 1 of the same length, the multi-section reinforcement structure 104-2 may have some advantages such as ease for shipping or transportation with ease of installation because of the shorter length of each reinforcement section.

[0128] Portions of the MSE retaining-wall panel system 200 shown in FIG. 2 are enlarged at FIGs. 3 to 5.

[0129] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the portion A shown in FIG. 2 showing the detail of the bolt 106 and nut 106’ used for coupling the reinforcement structure 104 to the coupling structure 102 or for coupling two reinforcement sections. As shown, the bolt 106 has the following measurements: the length LI of the body is 30 millimeters (mm), the width L2 of the head is 22 mm, the height of the head L5 is 8 mm, and the thickness of the expanded portion of the head L4 is 3mm (which may alternatively be a washer with a 3mm thickness). Thus, overall height of the bolt 106 is 41 mm. The nut 106’ has a height L3 of 12 mm. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the portion B of the panel system shown in FIG. 2 showing the distal end 108 of the reinforcement structure 104 in detail. As shown, the downwardly bending distal end 108 is a straight portion with a height L6 of 30 mm and perpendicular to the rest of the reinforcement structure 104. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in some other embodiments, the distal end 108 does not need to be perpendicular to the rest of the reinforcement structure 104, and may be in any suitable angle such as a suitable acute angle or a suitable obtuse angle. Moreover, the distal end 108 may be in any suitable shape such as a curved shape, a hook-shaped shape, or the like. As described above, the purpose of having a bent distal end 108 is to increase contact with the landfilling material for retaining the wall body 101 with enhanced stability. Therefore, while the distal end 108 may be at any suitable angle with respect to the rest of the reinforcement structure 104, it may be preferable that the distal end 108 is at an acute angle with respect to the rest of the reinforcement structure 104 towards the wall body 101.

[0130] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the portion C of the panel system shown in FIG. 2 showing the anchoring structure 102 in detail. The anchoring structure 102 can be made of steel or any other suitable materials. In this embodiment, the anchoring structure has a triangular base portion 102 A for embedding into the wall body 101 and a coupling portion 102B extending from the base portion 102A. Other suitable shapes or structures that can provide a stable anchoring may also be used.

[0131] In some embodiments, the anchoring structure 102 may be an integrated portion of the reinforcement structure 102 (see FIG. 13). In some other embodiments, the anchoring structure 102 may be coupled to the reinforcement structure 102 using suitable fastening mechanisms such as screwing, bolting, and / or the like (see FIG. 6).

[0132] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the structure 102 coupled to the anchoring structure 102 of a MSE retaining-wall panel system 100, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, the structure 102 is coupled to the anchoring structure 102 by using a bolt 106 extending through the aligned holes 107 on both the reinforcement structure 104 and the anchoring structure 102, and then engaging the nut 106’ to the bolt 106 on the other side thereof.

[0133] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the anchoring structure 102 has the following length measurements: length L7 of 106 mm; length L8 of 75 mm; length L9 of 120 mm; length L10 of 15 mm which is the size of the screw hole 107; length Li l of 50 mm; and length L12 of 3 mm which is the thickness.

[0134] FIGs. 7A to 7C show an example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the protrusion 110 comprises a base 142 coupled to the reinforcement structure 104, a proximal sidewall 144 facing the wall body 101, a distal sidewall 146 on the longitudinally opposite side of the proximal sidewall 144, and optionally a top wall 148. In this example, the protrusion 110 has a trapezoidal or frustum crosssection upwardly tapering from the base 142 such that each of the proximal sidewall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 is at an acute angle 145A, 145B with respect to the base 142. Laterally, the protrusion 110 has a maximum longitudinal width substantially at the middle portion thereof and tapering towards the two laterally opposite ends.

[0135] FIG. 8 A shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the protrusion 110 comprises a base 142 coupled to the reinforcement structure 104, a proximal sidewall 144 facing the wall body 101, a distal sidewall 146 on the longitudinally opposite side of the proximal sidewall 144, and optionally a top wall 148. In this example, the proximal sidewall 144 is perpendicular to the base 142 (that is, the proximal sidewall 144 is at a right angle with respect to the base 142), and the distal sidewall 146 is at an acute angle with respect to the base 142 such that the distal side of the protrusion 110 is upwardly tapering from the base 142. Laterally, the protrusion 110 in this example has a substantially uniform longitudinal width. In this example, the protrusion has a lateral length L13 of 50 mm.

[0136] FIG. 8B shows yet another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example is similar to that shown in FIG. 8 A except that the distal sidewall 146 has a concave cross-section. The protrusion 110 in this example has the following length measurements: length L 14 of 3 mm; length L15 of 2 mm; and length L16 of 5 mm.

[0137] FIG. 8C shows still another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example has a cubical shape. In other words, both the proximal sidewall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 are perpendicular to the base 142. Laterally, the protrusion 110 in this example has a substantially uniform longitudinal width.

[0138] FIG. 8D shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example is similar to that shown in FIG. 8 A except that the distal sidewall 146 is laterally curved such that the protrusion 110 has a maximum longitudinal width substantially at the middle portion thereof and tapering towards the two laterally opposite ends in a curved manner.

[0139] FIG. 8E shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example has a cylindrical shape. In other words, both the proximal sidewall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 are perpendicular to the base 142, and the proximal side wall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 are smoothly merged together at the two laterally opposite ends. The cylindrical protrusion 110 has a diameter DI of 4 mm.

[0140] FIG. 8F shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example has a semi- spherical shape (thus, upwardly tapering from the base 142 and does not have a top wall).

[0141] FIG. 8G shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example has a conical shape (thus, upwardly tapering from the base 142 and does not have a top wall).

[0142] FIG. 8H shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, the proximal sidewall 144 is at an obtuse angle with respect to the base 142, and the distal sidewall 146 is at an acute angle with respect to the base 142 such that the longitudinal width of the protrusion 110 reduces upwardly from the base 142.

[0143] FIG. 81 shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, the protrusion 110 has a semicircular cross-section with the proximal sidewall 144 and distal sidewall 146 upwardly tapering from the base 142 in a curved convex manner.

[0144] FIG. 8J shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, the protrusion 110 has a semi- cylindrical shape with a flat proximal sidewall 144 and a laterally curved convex distal sidewall 146.

[0145] FIG. 8K shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, the protrusion 110 has a quarter-cylindrical shape with a flat proximal sidewall 144 and a laterally curved convex distal sidewall 146.

[0146] FIG. 8L shows yet another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example is similar to that shown in FIG. 8B except that each of the proximal sidewall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 has a concave cross-section (that is, upwardly tapering from the base 142 in a curved concave manner).

[0147] FIG. 8M shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In this example, the protrusion 110 has a quarter-cylindrical shape with a flat proximal sidewall 144 and a vertically curved convex distal sidewall 146. FIG. 8N shows another example of a protrusion 110 of the reinforcement structure 104, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The protrusion 110 in this example is similar to that shown in FIG. 8M except that the protrusion 110 has a flat proximal sidewall 144 at an obtuse angle with respect to the base 142. The protrusion has the following length measurements: length L 17 of 3 mm and length L 18 of 2 mm.

[0148] In some embodiments, it may be preferable that the proximal sidewall 144 is at an obtuse angle with respect to the base 142.

[0149] In above description, each of the proximal sidewall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 (which may be a “flat” plane or a curved surface) is characterized by its angle with respect to the base 142. In other words, the proximal sidewall 144 is characterized by a rear-facing angle (that is, facing away from the retaining wall 101), and the distal sidewall 146 is characterized by a frontfacing angle (that is, facing the retaining wall 101).

[0150] Each of the proximal side wall 144 and the distal sidewall 146 of the protrusion 110 may alternatively characterized by its retaining-wall-facing angle (i.e., the angle facing the retaining wall 101) with respect to the reinforcement structure 104 (or a longitudinal axis thereol).

[0151] For example, as shown in FIGs. 9 A to 9C, the proximal sidewall 144 may be characterized by its retaining-wall-facing angle 147 with respect to the reinforcement structure 104. The retaining-wall-facing angle 147 of the proximal sidewall 144 may be any suitable angle, such as an obtuse angle (FIG. 9 A), a 90-degree angle (FIG. 9B, that is, the proximal sidewall 144 is perpendicular to the reinforcement structure 104), or an acute angle (FIG. 9C). However, compared to an obtuse angle, the retaining-wall-facing angle 147 of the proximal sidewall 144 may be preferably a 90-degree angle (FIG. 9B), and may be more preferably an acute angle (FIG. 9C).

[0152] Similarly, as shown in FIGs. 10A to 10C, the distal sidewall 146 may be characterized by its retaining-wall-facing angle 149 with respect to the reinforcement structure 104 (or equivalently with respect to the base 142 as the base 142 is on the reinforcement structure 104). The retaining- wall-facing angle 149 of the distal sidewall 146 may be any suitable angle, such as an obtuse angle (FIG. 10A), a 90-degree angle (FIG. 10B, that is, the distal sidewall 146 is perpendicular to the reinforcement structure 104), or an acute angle (FIG. 10C).

[0153] FIGs. 11 A to 11C and 12 are plan views of various reinforcement structures 104 in various embodiments.

[0154] The reinforcement structure 104 shown in FIG. 11A comprises a hole 107 at its proximal end. The protrusions 110 are longitudinally aligned and uniformly distributed (that is, equally spaced) on the reinforcement structure 104. The reinforcement structure 104 shown in FIG. 11B comprises two holes 107 at its proximal and distal ends, respectively. The protrusions 110 are longitudinally aligned and uniformly distributed (that is, equally spaced) on the reinforcement structure 104. In this example, the reinforcement structure 104 has the following length measurement ranges: length L19 of 35 mm to 70 mm from the end of the reinforcement structure to the screw hole 107; and length L20 of 150 mm to 300 mm between two protrusions.

[0155] The reinforcement structure 104 shown in FIG. 11C comprises two holes 107 at its proximal and distal ends, respectively. The protrusions 110 are longitudinally uniformly arranged (that is, equally spaced) on the reinforcement structure 104 in a zig-zag pattern.

[0156] The reinforcement structure 104 shown in FIG. 12 comprises two holes 107 at its proximal and distal ends, respectively. The protrusions 110 are arranged in two laterally-aligned longitudinal rows. The protrusions 110 in each row are uniformly distributed (that is, equally spaced).

[0157] FIG. 13 is a front view of a MSE retaining-wall panel system 300, showing arrangements of multiple reinforcement structures 104 on the wall body 101. In this embodiment, six reinforcement structures 104 are coupled to the wall body 101, wherein the six reinforcement structures 104 are arranged in two lateral rows, and are equally spaced in each row. In this example, the wall body 101 has a width W1 of 1480 mm and a height Hl of 1480 mm. The reinforcement structures are arranged horizontally apart with a distance L21 of 605 mm and vertically apart with a distance L22 of 750 mm or 375 mm.

[0158] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a reinforcement structure 104, according to another embodiment of this disclosure. In FIG. 13, the anchoring structure 102 is an integrated portion of the reinforcement structure 104 at the proximal end of the reinforcement structure 104.

[0159] In above embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 110 extend upwardly from the reinforcement structure 104. In some other embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 110 extend downwardly from the reinforcement structure 104. In yet some other embodiments, a first plurality of protrusions 110 extend upwardly from the reinforcement structure 104 and a second plurality of protrusions 110 extend downwardly from the reinforcement structure 104.

[0160] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retaining-wall panel 101 laying on the ground. The retaining-wall panel 101 (or more specifically, the wall body 101 thereof) comprises a plurality of anchoring structures 102 integrated thereon. Each anchoring structure 102 forms a void 162 (such as a hole or a gap, for example, between the wall body 101 and a main body of the anchoring structure 102) for coupling thereto a reinforcement structure (such as an above-described reinforcement structure 104, a geosynthetic sheet, and / or the like). The retaining-wall panel 101 often needs to be moved from one location to another. A handling tool may be used to lift and move a retaining-wall panel 101.

[0161] FIG. 16 shows a handling tool 400 in some embodiments. As shown, the handling tool 400 comprises a support structure having a frame 402 on amoving structure 404 such as a set of wheels or endless tracks. The bottom of the frame 402 is at an elevation higher than the thickness of a retaining-wall panel 101 (that is, higher than the “height” of the retaining-wall panel 101 when it is laid on the ground).

[0162] The handling tool 400 also comprises two pairs of lifting arms 406. Each pair of lifting arms 406 are located on a respective lateral side of the frame 402, and longitudinally spaced from each other. In these embodiments, each lifting arm 406 is longitudinally rotatable about a pivot 408 on an upper portion of the frame 402, and comprises a hook 410 on the distal end thereof. In these embodiments, the hook 410 of each lifting arm 406 faces the longitudinal center of the frame 402.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 17, the hook 410 of each lifting arm 406 comprises an upwardly bending tip 428 transitioning to a hook body 430, the tip 428 and hook body 430 are at an obtuse angle. Alternatively, the hook 410 may have a curved shape.

[0164] FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of the frame 402 and a hook 406 coupled thereto. In these embodiments, a locking structure 422 is used for locking the hook 406 at a desired position.

[0165] The locking structure 422 is a curve-shape plate having a curved slot 424 thereon. The locking structure 422 is mounted to the frame 402. A locking bolt 426 extends through the slot 424 and connected to the lifting arm 406. The locking bolt 426 may be loosened to allow the lifting arm 406 to rotate, or may be tightened to lock the lifting arm 406 at a specific position.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 19A, an operator (not shown) may move the handling tool 400 to a laid- down retaining-wall panel 101 to locate the frame above the retaining-wall panel 101.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 19B, the operator may rotate each lifting arm 406 towards the longitudinal center of the frame 402 (with the locking bolt 426 loosened) to extend the hook tip through the void of an anchoring structure 102 of the retaining-wall panel 101.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 19C, the operator may further rotate each lifting arm 406 towards the longitudinal center of the frame 402. The hook body 430 of each hook 406 then engages the anchoring structure 102 and lifts the retaining-wall panel 101 off the ground.

[0169] The operator then locks each lifting arm in place by tightening the respective locking bolt 426, and moves the handling tool 400 to relocate the retaining-wall panel 101.

[0170] After relocation, the operator may unlock the lifting arms 406, and rotate the lifting arms 406 away from the longitudinal center of the frame 402 to disengage the lifting arm 406 from the anchoring structure 102, thereby disengaging the handling tool 400 from the retaining-wall panel 101 so as to use the handling tool 400 to move another retaining-wall panel 101.

[0171] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 20, the hook 406 of each lifting arm 406 of the handling tool 400 may face a direction away from the longitudinal center of the frame 402.

[0172] FIG. 21 is perspective view of a handling tool 400, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The handling tool 400 is similar to that shown in FIG. 16, except that the handling tool 400 in these embodiments comprises a lifting-assistance structure 442, such as a spring, connect to each lifting arm 406 for pulling the lifting arm 406 towards the lifting position (which in this example is towards the longitudinal center of the frame 402) to facilitate the retaining-wall panel lifting operation.

[0173] FIGs. 22 and 23 show a handling tool 500, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The handling tool 400 comprises a movable support structure supporting one or more pairs of pivotable lifting arms. In these embodiments, the movable support structure comprises a base structure 502, a lower structure 512, and an upper structure 514.

[0174] The base structure 502 (such as a base frame) comprises a plurality of omni-directional wheels 504 such that the handling tool 500 may be movable along any direction. As shown in FIG. 23, the base structure 502 may also comprise a one or more legs 506 downwardly extendable to the ground for securing the handling tool 500 at a position.

[0175] The lower structure 512 (such as a vertical lower frame) extends upwardly from the base structure 502, and may be horizontally movable with a predefined horizontal range 514. For example, the lower structure 512 (and other components thereon) may be movable to a position close to an end of the base structure 502 for facilitating positioning of a retaining-wall panel 101.

[0176] The upper structure 516 (such as a vertical upper frame) extends upwardly from the lower structure 512. In these embodiments, the upper structure 514 is vertically extendable (or height adjustable) within a predefined vertical range 518, and is pivotable about a pivot 520. Moreover, the upper structure 516 is lockable (via a suitable locking mechanism such as via a locking pin, a lock structure, or the like) for preventing it from vertical movement or height adjustment. The upper structure 516 is also lockable for preventing it from pivotable.

[0177] One or more pairs of arms 532 are pivotably mounted on the upper structure 516. Each arm 532 is pivotable about a pivot intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof. In these embodiments, the pivot of each arm 532 is the pivot 520, but may be a different pivot on the upper structure 516 in some other embodiments.

[0178] Each arm 532 comprises a hook 534 on the lower end thereof. In these embodiments, the hooks 534 of the pair of arms 532 face each other (and thus face the center of the base structure 502), but may be face away from each other similar to that described above. The upper ends of the pair of arms 532 are coupled by pulling structure 536 which may be a string, a chain, a belt, or the like wrapped or wound on a rotatable actuator 538. The actuator 538 also comprises a plurality of locking holes 542. When a locking hole 542 is aligned with a locking hole (not shown) on the upper structure 516, a pin (not shown) may be inserted through the aligned locking holes to secure the position of the pair of arms 532.

[0179] The handling tool 500 may be used to lift, move, and position a retaining- wall panel 101. FIGs. 24 to 27 show an example of such a process. In this example, a weight 535 is added to the base structure 502 for preventing the handling tool 500 from falling that may otherwise caused by the retaining- wall panel 101. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in some embodiments, the base structure 502 itself may have sufficient weight for falling prevention, and the added weight 535 is not required.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 24, before lifting and moving a retaining-wall panel 101, the upper structure 516 is locked at the upright orientation via a suitable method (such as via a locking pin, a lock structure, or the like). Then, the handling tool 500 may be moved to a horizontally arranged retaining-wall panel 101 to position the hooks 534 about the anchoring structures 102 of the retaining-wall panel 101 on the outer sides thereof. Then, the actuator 538 is rotated (for example, either manually or by a motor), which pulls the pulling structure 536 to rotate the hooks 534 (as indicated by the arrows 562) towards the respective anchoring structures 102 and engage therewith. In these embodiments, the pulling structure 536 is wrapped or wound on a rachet (not shown) of the actuator 538. When the rachet is enabled, it only allows rotation along one direction, thereby preventing the pulling structure 536 from loose. After the hooks 536 engage the respective anchoring structure 102 of the retaining-wall panel 101, a locking 542 of the actuator 538 is aligned with the locking hole on the upper structure 516. A locking pin is then inserted through the aligned locking holes to secure the hooks 534 in place.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 25, the upper structure 516 is then upwardly extended to lift the retaining-wall panel 101 off the ground 564. The weight of the retaining-wall panel 101 automatically secures the retaining-wall panel 101 to the hooks 534. The handling tool 500 may then be driven (for example, either manually or via a motor) to move the lifted retaining-wall panel 101 to a desired position.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 26, the legs 506 (not shown) are downwardly extended to the ground for securing the handling tool 500 at the desired position. If needed, the lower structure 512 (and accordingly the upper structure 516 and the retaining-wall panel 101) is moved towards an end of the base structure 502. Then, the upper structure 516 is unlocked and rotated. Accordingly, the arms 532 and the engaged retaining-wall panel 101 is rotated to reorient the retaining-wall panel 101 to the upright orientation. As shown in FIG. 27, the upper structure 516 is lowered to lower the upright-oriented retaining-wall panel 101 to the ground 564 for installation. The locking pin is removed from the locking hole 542, and the rachet of the actuator 538 is disabled to release the pulling structure 536 for disengaging the hooks 534 from the anchoring structures 102 of the retaining-wall panel 101. Necessary actions are then taken to install the retaining-wall panel 101.

[0183] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel 101 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. As shown, the anchoring structure 102 is formed by a belt or strip shaped, rigid material such as steel, and comprises a front end 102’ substantially horizontally extending into the retaining-wall panel 101, bending vertically (for example, bending upwardly as shown in FIG. 28, or bending downwardly), and then bending obliquely towards the horizontal portion of the front end 102’ such that the vertical portion 604 of the front end 102’ and the oblique portion 606 thereof form an acute angle 608. Such a front end 102’ provides an enhanced strength against any pull force applied to the anchoring structure 102 for preventing the anchoring structure 102 from being pulled out of the retaining-wall panel 101.

[0184] The anchoring structure 102 rearwardly extends out of the retaining-wall panel 101, and bends upwardly and forwardly at the distal end 612, thereby forming a coupling hook 614.

[0185] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement structure 104 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. As shown, the reinforcement structure 104 is formed by a belt or strip shaped, rigid material such as steel, and comprises a plurality of protrusions 110 distributed on the top and bottom side thereof. The front end of the reinforcement structure 104 bends downwardly and rearwardly, thereby forming a front hook 622. The rear end of reinforcement structure 104 bends upwardly and forwardly, thereby forming a rear hook 624.

[0186] FIG. 30 illustrates the coupling of a reinforcement structure 104 shown in FIG. 29 to the anchoring structure 102 of the retaining-wall panel 101 shown in FIG. 28. As shown, the front hook 622 of the reinforcement structure 104 is arranged on the front side of the coupling hook 614 of the anchoring structure 102, and is slightly pulled rearwardly to allow the two hooks 622 and 614 to engage with each other, thereby coupling the reinforcement structure 104 to the retaining- wall panel 101.

[0187] If needed, the reinforcement structure 104 may be coupled to another reinforcement structure 104’ (not shown) by engaging the rear hook 624 of the reinforcement structure 104 with the front hook 622 of said another reinforcement structure 104’ in similar manner as described above.

[0188] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel 101 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The anchoring structure 102 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG. 28 except that the end portion of the coupling hook 612 comprises a front bolting hole 632.

[0189] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 32, the reinforcement structure 104 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG.29 except that the front hook 622 comprises a bolting hole 634.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 33, a reinforcement structure 104 may engage the anchoring structure 102 of a retaining-wall panel 101 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 30, such that the bolting holes 632 and 634 are aligned. A bolt, a string, or a similar fastening component (not shown) is then extended through the aligned bolting holes 632 and 634 to secure the reinforcement structure 104 to the anchoring structure 102 of the retaining-wall panel 101.

[0191] In this example, the rear hook 624 of the reinforcement structure 104 also comprises a rear bolting hole 636. If needed, the reinforcement structure 104 may be coupled to another reinforcement structure 104’ (not shown) by engaging the rear hook 624 of the reinforcement structure 104 with the front hook 622 of said another reinforcement structure 104’ in similar manner as described above, such that the rear bolting hole 636 of the reinforcement structure 104 is aligned with the front bolting hole 634 of said another reinforcement structure 104’. Then, a suitable fastening component may be extended through the aligned bolting holes 636 and 634 to secure the two reinforcement structures together.

[0192] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel 101 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The anchoring structure 102 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG. 31 and further comprises a bolting hole 638 on the horizontal section thereof.

[0193] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 35, the reinforcement structure 104 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG.32 and further comprises a bolting hole 642 on a front section thereof.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 36, the bolting holes 638 and 642 may be aligned, and a fastening component is used to secure the reinforcement structure 104 to the retaining-wall panel 101. As shown in FIG. 37, the benefit of using the bolting holes 638 and 642 is that the reinforcement structure 104 may be coupled to the retaining-wall panel 101 at any suitable horizontal angle (for example, a reinforcement structure 104 may be extended along a rear direction, a rear-left direction, or a rear-right direction).

[0195] FIG. 38A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel 101 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 38B shows an enlarged view of the end portion of the anchoring structure 102. As shown, the anchoring structure 102 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG. 34, except that the anchoring structure 102 further comprises an upwardly extending protrusion 652 on the horizontal section thereof in proximity to the opening of the coupling hook 614, and the coupling hook 614 thereof further comprises an upright end or tip 654. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 39, the front hook 622 of the reinforcement structure 104 in these embodiments also comprises a downwardly extending protrusion 662 on the horizontal section thereof in proximity to the opening of the front hook 622 thereof, and the front hook 622 further comprises an upright end or tip 664. In these embodiments, the reinforcement structure 104 also comprises an upwardly extending protrusion 662’ on the horizontal section thereof in proximity to the opening of the rear hook 624 thereof, and the rear hook 624 further comprises an upright end or tip 664’.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 40A, when coupling the reinforcement structure 104 to the anchoring structure 102 of a retaining-wall panel 101, the protrusion 652 of the coupling hook 614 of the anchoring structure 102 acts as a delimiter engaging the upright tip 664 of the front hook 622 of the reinforcement structure 104, and at the same time, the protrusion 662 of the front hook 622 of the reinforcement structure 104 acts as a delimiter engaging the upright tip 654 of the coupling hook 614 of the anchoring structure 102. The two hooks 614 and 622 are then secured together.

[0197] FIG. 40B shows coupling the reinforcement structure 104 to the anchoring structure 102 of a retaining-wall panel 101, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The coupling process in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG. 40. In these embodiments, a suitable spacer 615 such as a T-shaped spacer having an enlarged head portion and a body generally with a triangular cross-section is inserted into the space 617 between the tip 664 of the front hook 622 of the reinforcement structure 104 and the hook 614 of the anchoring structure 102, and another spacer 617 is inserted into the space 619 between the tip 654 of the hook 614 of the anchoring structure 102, thereby further securing the engagement of the two hooks 614 and 622.

[0198] FIG. 41 A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a retaining-wall panel 101 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. FIG. 41B shows an enlarged view of the end portion of the anchoring structure 102. As shown, the anchoring structure 102 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIGs. 38A and 38B, except that the front portion of the tip 654 has a shape complementing that of the front hook 622 of the reinforcement structure 104.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 42, the reinforcement structure 104 in these embodiments is similar to that shown in FIG. 39 except that the rear portion of the tip 664 of the front hook 622 has a shape complementing that of the coupling hook 614 of the anchoring structure 102.

[0200] FIG. 43 shows the details of the engagement of the two hooks 614 and 622. The complementary shapes of these hooks 614 and 622 further enhances the securing of the reinforcement structure 104 with the anchoring structure 102.

[0201] Similar to the coupling process shown in FIG. 40B, in some embodiments, suitable spacers (not necessarily T-shaped spacer) may be used to fill the gaps in the engaging two hooks 614 and 622. While in above embodiments, two spacers 615 are used to filling in two gaps 617 and 619. In some embodiments, only one of the two gaps 617 and 619 is filled.

[0202] While in above embodiments, the spacer 615 comprises an expanded head portion, in some embodiments, the spacer 615 does not comprise any expanded head portion. For example, the spacer 615 may have a suitable, elongated shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a cubical shape, or the like.

[0203] While in above embodiments, one spacer 615 is used to filling in one gap 617 or 619, in some embodiments, a gap 617 or 619 may be filled in using a plurality of spacers 617 such as a plurality of cylindrical spacers each having a small cross-section size. Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A reinforcement structure comprising: a body having a proximal end for coupling to an anchoring structure of a retaining-wall panel, and a distal end extending longitudinally away from the proximal end; and a plurality of protrusions distributed on the body between the proximal end and the distal end.

2. The reinforcement structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are located on an upward facing side of the body, on a downward facing side of the body, or both.

3. The reinforcement structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a first side facing the retaining-wall panel, the first side and the reinforcement structure forming a first angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and wherein the first angle is an acute angle or a 90-degree angle.

4. The reinforcement structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a first side facing the retaining-wall panel, the first side and the reinforcement structure forming a first angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and wherein the first angle is an obtuse angle.

5. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a second side facing away from the retaining-wall panel, the second side and the reinforcement structure forming a second angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and wherein the second angle is an obtuse angle.

6. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a second side facing away from the retaining-wall panel, the second side and the reinforcement structure forming a second angle facing the retaining-wall panel; and wherein the second angle is an acute angle or a 90-degree angle.

7. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of protrusions are equally spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the reinforcement structure.

8. The reinforcement structure of claim 7, wherein the distance between the equally spaced apart protrusions is 150 mm to 300 mm.

9. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions tapers from the center towards each lateral end.

10. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the distal end is bent, curved, or hook-shaped.

11. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprises a coupling mechanism for connecting or coupling the distal end of the reinforcement structure with the proximal end of another reinforcement structure.

12. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the proximal end is bent downwardly and rearwardly thereby forming a front hook facing away from the retaining-wall panel.

13. The reinforcement structure of claim 12, wherein the bent proximal end comprises an upright tip.

14. The reinforcement structure of claim 12 or 13, wherein a rear side of upright tip has a shape complementary to that of a coupling hook of the anchoring structure of the retaining-wall panel.

15. The reinforcement structure of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises a downwardly extending protrusion near the front hook, for acting as a delimiter.

16. A retaining-wall panel system for retaining a landfilling material comprising: a retaining-wall panel having a body, an interior side for facing the landfilling material, and an exterior side opposite of the interior side; at least one anchor structure extending from the interior side of in the body of the retaining- wall panel; and at least one reinforcement structure of anyone of claims 1 to 15 each coupled to a respective one of the at least one anchoring structure.

17. The retaining-wall panel system of claim 16, wherein the anchoring structure comprises a first end embedded in the retaining-wall panel and a second end extending away from the first end for coupling to the proximal end of the reinforcement structure.

18. The retaining-wall panel system of claim 17, wherein the anchoring structure is a part of the proximal end of the reinforcement structure.

19. The retaining-wall panel system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first end of the anchoring structure is a triangle shaped end.

20. The retaining-wall panel system of claim 16, wherein the anchoring structure comprises a first end horizontally extending into the retaining-wall panel, then bending vertically, and then bending obliquely towards the interior side such that the vertically bent portion of the first end and the obliquely bent portion of the first end form an acute angle.

21. The retaining-wall panel system of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the anchoring structure comprises a body horizontally extending from the first end the out of the interior side ofthe retaining-wall panel; and wherein the body comprises a distal, second end bending upwardly and forwardly to form a coupling hook.

22. The retaining-wall panel system of claim 21, wherein the coupling hook comprises an upright tip.

23. The retaining-wall panel system of any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein a front side of upright tip has a shape complementary to that of a front hook of the reinforcement structure.

24. The retaining-wall panel system of any one of claims 16 to 23 further comprising one or more spacers for filling in one or more gaps between the engaging front hook of the reinforcement structure and the coupling hook of the anchoring structure.

25. The retaining-wall panel system of any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the body comprises an upwardly extending protrusion near the coupling hook, for acting as a delimiter.

26. An apparatus comprising: a movable support structure; and a plurality of lifting arms coupled to the movable support structure; wherein each lifting arm comprises a hook on a lower end thereof; wherein each hook faces a longitudinal center of the movable support structure, or faces away from the longitudinal center of the movable support structure; wherein each lifting arm is pivotable for engaging the hook thereof with an anchoring structure of a retaining-wall panel; and wherein each lifting arm is vertically movable for lifting and lowering the retaining-wall panel.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising: a first locking structure for preventing the plurality of lifting arms from pivoting.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 or 27 further comprising: a second locking structure for preventing the plurality of lifting arms from vertical movement.

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the plurality of lifting arms are rotatable as a group for rotating the retaining-wall panel engaged therewith.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 29 further comprising: an actuator for actuating the plurality of lifting arms to pivot.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the actuator comprises a rachet.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the actuator is coupled to the plurality of lifting arms via a pulling structure wrapped on the rachet.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the pulling structure comprises a string, a chain, or a belt.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the plurality of lifting arms is horizontally movable relative to the movable support structure.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein the movable support structure comprises a plurality of omni-directional wheel for moving the apparatus on a surface towards any direction.

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