Anchoring system for anchoring mechanically stabilised earth walls

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of anchoring systems used in mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls. In particular, the present invention relates to an anchoring system for anchoring mechanically stabilised earth walls that is designed to ensure the connection between a front panel of a wall and a reinforcing structure. The system is characterised by the structural arrangement of a plurality of reinforcing rods, which are positioned below and along the straight section of V-shaped rods, limiting the downward vertical movement of said V-shaped rods.

Description

ANCHORING SYSTEM FOR MECHANICALLY STABILIZED WALLS

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of anchoring systems used in mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. Specifically, the present invention relates to an Anchoring System for Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls, designed to secure the connection between a wall's face panel and a reinforcing structure, thereby facilitating mechanical stabilization. This system allows for load transfer and proper anchoring of the wall, increasing its structural capacity and durability over time.

[0002] Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls are widely used in civil engineering projects, such as roads and embankments, where a structure is required to support large earth loads in a stable and durable manner. These walls utilize anchoring systems that typically include a face panel for earth retention, a reinforcement element of fill or reinforced soil that interacts in such a way as to also improve stabilization in the subsoil on which they stand, and connecting components that ensure load transfer between these elements.

[0003] In mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall anchoring systems, the interaction between the different soil layers and sections is fundamental to ensuring uniform load distribution and structural stability. These sections include the reinforced fill, the contained fill, and the foundation soil, each playing a crucial role in the system's performance.

[0004] The “reinforced fill” encompasses all the surrounding soil and is directly integrated with the anchor reinforcement system. Its primary function is to provide additional stability to the wall by distributing loads evenly along the reinforcement element. Furthermore, the “reinforced fill” acts as a damping barrier against dynamic stresses and vibrations, particularly in areas of high seismic activity.

[0005] The “contained fill”, unlike the reinforced fill, comprises the soil that does not interact directly with the reinforcement elements of the anchoring system and represents the body of earth that is to be stabilized or contained.

[0006] The "foundation soil" is the soil upon which the front panel of a mechanically stabilized earth wall is erected. This soil must possess adequate bearing properties and ensure that the vertical loads of the wall are transferred uniformly to the underlying ground. Poor quality or inadequately prepared foundation soil can lead to problems such as tilting or failure at the base of the wall, especially under conditions of variable bearing capacity or in soft soils or subsoils.

[0007] The relationship between these sections is key to the design and optimal performance of the anchoring system. Effective integration between the reinforced fill and the foundation soil ensures efficient load transfer and long-lasting stability. Furthermore, the clear separation between the "contained" and "reinforced" fill allows for functional zoning of the system. This interaction becomes even more critical in challenging geotechnical contexts, such as sloping terrain, soils with low bearing capacity, or regions with high seismic activity. In such cases, anchoring systems must be designed to withstand stress distribution not only within the reinforced fill but also at the interfaces between the foundation soil and the contained fill.

[0008] A recurring problem in conventional mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall anchoring systems is the uneven distribution of loads along the soil reinforcement element. This concentration of stresses at specific points in the anchoring system can lead to structural failures, especially under dynamic loading conditions or on unstable ground. Furthermore, many of these systems are not adequately equipped to withstand lateral stresses and ground movements (differential settlements), which is particularly critical in areas with seismic activity or in situations where the retaining wall experiences vibrations and oscillating forces.

[0009] Currently, the prior art includes several patent documents disclosing anchoring systems for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, such as patent application US12009285639A. This patent discloses a conventional anchoring system for mechanically stabilized earth walls that employs a soil reinforcement element and includes at least one reinforcing bar positioned on said soil reinforcement element. This system has a limited capacity to distribute forces in a balanced and effective manner. This configuration may be insufficient under static conditions and presents even more significant disadvantages in soils with dynamic or variable loads, since the concentration of stresses at specific points increases the risk of deformation and structural failure due to the pullout or detachment of the reinforcement elements of the anchoring system.

[0010] Therefore, currently in the state of the art there is still no known anchoring system for mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSE) that can be: used in soils with dynamic or variable loads, that prevents structural failure generated by the pulling or detachment of the reinforcement elements of said anchoring system, that improves the distribution of forces and reduces the concentration of stresses at specific points supporting the movements and displacements of the soil. Objects of the invention

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that allows a more efficient and uniform distribution of stresses along the reinforcing element.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that allows for a significant reduction in the concentration of loads at specific points.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that allows increasing the system's capacity to absorb stresses from the reinforcing element and improves adhesion within the reinforced soil.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that prevents structural failure caused by the pulling or detachment of the reinforcement elements of said anchoring system.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that improves the distribution of forces and reduces the concentration of stresses at specific points, supporting ground movements and displacements with greater structural robustness.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that allows for increased structural stability of the anchoring system, especially under dynamic loading conditions.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (MSE) that allows increasing the durability of the system by better supporting movements and displacements of the ground or subsoil. Brief description of the invention

[0018] These and other objects are achieved through an anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls, characterized in that it comprises a front panel consisting of a front face of the panel which is visible and exposed to the environment for aesthetic purposes, an inner face of the panel oriented towards the interior of the reinforced fill, and a plurality of discontinuous anchors partially integrated into the inner face of the panel and projecting into the interior of the reinforced fill, each formed from a single piece of bent rod comprising side fixing wings embedded in the inner face of the panel and an inclined anchoring end section;a reinforcement structure that is oriented towards the interior of the reinforced fill and is made up of a plurality of V-bars each having a V-section and a straight section, wherein the V-section is coupled to the inclined anchorage end section of the discontinuous anchors, a capping bar arranged transversely behind the end of the V-section of each V-bar, a locking bar arranged transversely below the inclined anchorage end section and over the inside of the V-section of each V-bar, and a plurality of reinforcing bars positioned below and along the straight section of each V-bar, limiting the downward vertical displacement of said V-bars. Fig.1

[0019] It is a disassembled perspective view of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention.

[0020] It is an assembled perspective view of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention.

[0021] It is a side view assembled with cross-section cut of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention.

[0022] It is a top view assembled with cross-section cut of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention.

[0023] It is a disassembled perspective view of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention in a modality of the reinforcement structure with a smooth surface.

[0024] It is an assembled perspective view of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention in a modality of the reinforcement structure with a smooth surface.

[0025] It is a side view assembled with cross-section cut of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention in a modality of the reinforcement structure with a smooth surface.

[0026] It is a top view assembled with cross-section cut of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System of the present invention in a modality of the reinforcement structure with a smooth surface. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The present invention relates to an Anchoring System for Mechanically Stabilized Walls which allows preventing structural failure caused by the pulling out or detachment of the reinforcement elements of said anchoring system, improves the distribution of forces and reduces the concentration of stresses at specific points, supporting the movements and displacements of the ground.

[0028] With regard to figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the Anchoring System for Mechanically Stabilized Walls, generally numbered 1000, is shown, which consists of a front panel 1100 of a wall connected to a reinforcement structure 1200.

[0029] The front panel 1100 also comprises a front face of panel 1110 which is visible and exposed to the environment for aesthetic purposes, an inner face of panel 1120 facing the interior of the reinforced fill (not shown), and a plurality of discontinuous anchors 1130 facing the interior of the reinforced fill (not shown) which are partially integrated into the interior of the inner face of panel 1120, serve as a connection point between the front panel 1100 and the reinforcement structure 1200, add tensile capacity to the entire reinforced fill, and allow stabilization of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchor System 1000.Each of the discontinuous anchors of the plurality of discontinuous anchors 1130 is formed from a single piece of rod bent in a particular way such that it allows forming a section with lateral fixing wings 1131 integrated into the inner face of the panel 1120 and an inclined end section of anchor 1132 that is oriented towards the inside of the reinforced fill (not shown).

[0030] The reinforcement structure 1200 is also oriented towards the interior of the reinforced fill (not shown) and is made up of a plurality of V-shaped bars 1210 which have at one end a straight section 1212 and a V-shaped section 1211 which allows the coupling of each of the V-shaped bars of said plurality of V-shaped bars 1210 with the interior of each inclined end section of anchorage 1132 of each of the discontinuous anchorages of the plurality of discontinuous anchorages 1130,

[0031] a capping rod 1220 extending transversely along the plurality of discontinuous anchors 1130 and positioned behind the end of the V-section 1211 of each of the V-rods of said plurality of V-rods 1210,

[0032] a locking rod 1230 that also extends transversely along the plurality of discontinuous anchors 1130 and is positioned below the inclined anchor end section 1132 of each of the anchors of the plurality of discontinuous anchors 1130 and over the inner part of the end section 1211 of each of said V-rods 1210, and

[0033] a plurality of reinforcing rods 1240 positioned below and along the straight section 1212 of each of the V-rods of said plurality of V-rods 1210.

[0034] Likewise, all elements of the 1200 reinforcement structure—namely, the plurality of V-shaped bars 1210, the capping bar 1220, the locking bar 1230, and the plurality of reinforcing bars 1240—are each made from a single piece of bent rebar with a corrugated surface. These corrugations increase the grip between the pieces, preventing slippage and allowing for better resistance to stress, resulting in a more robust Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchor System 1000. The corrugations on elements 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 increase friction, optimizing the structural performance of the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchor System 1000.

[0035] The novel arrangement resulting from the positioning below and along the straight section 1212 of each of the V-shaped rods of said plurality of V-shaped rods 1210 allows for better load transmission, as it limits the downward vertical displacement of the plurality of V-shaped rods 1210, optimizing the transfer of loads to each of the discontinuous anchors of the plurality of discontinuous anchors 1130 and ultimately to the front panel 1100, as it prevents unwanted deformations of each of the V-shaped rods of the plurality of V-shaped rods 1210, maintaining their ideal alignment so that greater stability of the entire Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System 1000 is achieved.

[0036] This description details the improved Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System 1000, in which the placement of the plurality of reinforcing bars 1240 below and along the straight section 1212 of each of the V-shaped bars of said plurality of V-shaped bars 1210, and the introduction of corrugated surfaces of the elements 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 in one of their configurations, provide greater stability, better load transfer, and a stronger and more durable bond between the Front Panel 1100 and the reinforcement structure 1200. These improvements result in a safer, stronger, and more reliable mechanically stabilized wall throughout its service life.

[0037] Reinforcement structure modality with smooth surface.

[0038] With reference to Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System is shown in a reinforcement structure modality with a smooth surface, numbered in 2000, where the elements of the reinforcement structure 2200, i.e. the plurality of V-shaped rods 2210, the capping rod 2220, the locking rod 2230 and the plurality of reinforcing rods 2240, can also each be constituted from a single piece of bent rod with a smooth surface, maintaining the same arrangement mentioned above, allowing the prevention of slippage as well as resisting tensions throughout the Mechanically Stabilized Wall Anchoring System 2000.

[0039] Since several aspects of this invention have been described, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various alterations, modifications, and improvements. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to form part of this description and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

Anchoring System for Mechanically Stabilized Walls (1000), characterized in that it comprises: a Front Panel (1100) consisting of a front face of the panel (1110) which is visible and exposed to the environment for aesthetic purposes, an inner face of the panel (1120) oriented towards the interior of the reinforced fill, and a plurality of discontinuous anchors (1130) partially integrated into the inner face of the panel (1120) and projecting towards the interior of the reinforced fill, each formed from a single piece of bent rod comprising side fixing wings (1131) embedded in the inner face of the panel (1120) and an inclined anchor end section (1132);a reinforcement structure (1200) that is oriented towards the interior of the reinforced fill and is constituted from a plurality of V-bars (1210) each having a V-section (1211) and a straight section (1212), wherein the V-section (1211) is coupled to the inclined anchorage end section (1132) of the discontinuous anchors (1130), a capping bar (1220) arranged transversely behind the end of the V-section (1211) of each V-bar (1210), a locking bar (1230) arranged transversely below the inclined anchorage end section (1132) and over the inside of the V-section (1211) of each V-bar (1210), and a plurality of reinforcing bars (1240) positioned below and along the straight section (1212) of each V-bar (1210), limiting the downward vertical displacement of said V-shaped rods (1210).; The anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (1000), according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plurality of V-shaped rods (1210), the capping rod (1220), the locking rod (1230) and the plurality of reinforcing rods (1240) are made from a single piece of bent rod with a corrugated or smooth surface. The anchoring system for mechanically stabilized walls (1000), according to claim 1, further characterized in that it adapts to different geometric configurations of the wall and different types of filling.

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