Gabion Retaining Wall with Concrete Anchor Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gabion wall constructions lack stability and durability, particularly in retaining walls and embankments, and require improvements for long-term stability and reduced thickness.

Innovation Solution

A support wall construction incorporating an internal gabion wall section and an external intent wall section with a space between them, anchored to the building ground using an anchor section filled with hardening materials, such as lean or mineral concrete, and optionally including a micropile or earth nail for enhanced stability and corrosion protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional gabion wall construction is used, then the structure is simple to build, but the stability and durability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and durabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining wall is divided into multiple distinct components: gabion wall sections, facing wall sections, and anchor sections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor sections are inserted through the gabion wall sections into the subsoil, creating a nested configuration where the anchor section is positioned within the overall wall structure. This nesting provides reliable anchoring while maintaining a compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the wall thickness is increased to improve stability, then the strength increases, but the space requirement and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall strengthVSAvoidwall thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing wall thickness in one dimension, the invention achieves enhanced strength by adding anchor sections that extend into the subsoil in a different dimension. This provides stabilizing anchoring force without significantly increasing the wall's footprint or material requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the anchor section is exposed to the environment, then the construction is simpler, but the anchor section corrodes over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidconstruction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A protective coating or cladding is applied to the anchor section, creating a protective barrier against environmental corrosion. This thin protective layer maintains the anchor's structural integrity over time while requiring minimal additional construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If a facing wall section is added to improve appearance and stability, then the durability increases, but the construction effort and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidconstruction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The facing wall section can be manufactured with varying thicknesses (typically 15-30 cm) and material properties to balance durability requirements with construction efficiency. This parameter optimization allows for improved durability while controlling construction time and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a stable and durable support wall construction with reduced thickness, improved strength, and increased application range, while allowing for varied visual appearances and reduced construction effort and costs, ensuring reliable anchoring in the ground.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor section is at least partially surrounded by a hardening second material that is different from the first material, for example in-situ concrete or similar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid-tight encapsulation:

Implementation Method 2

After inserting the anchor section into this hole, it can be grouted with a cement slurry, for example, which expands upon hardening. This allows the anchor section to be reliably anchored in the subsoil.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCement hardening and expansion:

Data Source

PatentEP4497874A1Retaining wall construction, in particular for fastening a slope or the like, and method for the production thereof

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 GLATTHAAR STARWALLS GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1

AI summary

A retaining wall structure (10) for securing a slope (18) comprises at least one inner gabion wall section (12) and at least one outer facing wall section (20). It is proposed that at least in some areas there is a gap (22) between the gabion wall section (12) and the facing wall section (20), that the facing wall section (20) is anchored in a subsoil (16) (24) by means of at least one anchor section penetrating the gabion wall section (12), that the gap (22) is filled at least in some areas with a first material (26), and that the anchor section (24) in the gap (22) between the gabion wall section (12) and the facing wall section (20) is surrounded at least in some areas by a hardening second material (40) that differs from the first material.