Retaining Wall Panel Flexible Geogrid Mechanical Interlock

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective method using flexible polymer geogrids to mechanically interlock reinforced earthwork with panel faces or other solid structures, as well as two-staged concrete panel systems with reinforced welded wire-mesh subsystems.

Innovation Solution

A retaining-wall panel system comprising a rigid load-retention panel with anchor rods and a flexible sheet that wraps around the anchor and securing rods, providing pressurized contact and mechanical interlock, allowing the flexible sheet to extend into the landfilling material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid wall structures are used to stabilize earth structures, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining wall system is divided into modular precast panels that can be configured in different arrangements to adapt to various earth structure conditions while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates flexible elements that allow dynamic adjustment and movement between rigid panels and earth structures, enabling the system to adapt to differential settlement and varying load conditions while preserving overall stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible polymer geogrids are used to mechanically interlock reinforced earthwork with panel faces, then adaptability is improved, but connection strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system combines rigid structural elements (anchor rods, securing rods) with flexible polymer geogrids to create a composite connection mechanism that achieves both adaptability through the flexible sheet and connection strength through the rigid reinforcement elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible polymer geogrid sheets are used as thin film elements that wrap around and secure to rigid anchor rods, providing adaptability through their flexibility while the rigid anchoring mechanism ensures sufficient connection strength to resist tensile loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If precast concrete panels are used with reinforcement structures, then strength is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining wall is constructed from standardized precast concrete panels of fixed dimensions that are manufactured independently and then assembled on-site, improving ease of manufacture through modular production while maintaining strength through the panel configuration and reinforcement structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcement structures such as anchor rods and geogrids are pre-installed into the precast concrete panels during manufacturing, allowing the panels to be strengthened in advance while simplifying on-site construction to merely assembly and backfilling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively stabilizes the earth structure by mechanically interlocking the flexible sheet with the rigid panel, enhancing the stability and retention of landfilling materials.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible sheet is wrapped around the anchor rod and securing rod, providing pressurized contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

mechanically interlocking the flexible sheet with the rigid panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

transfer tensile loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 4

stabilizing the earth structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250043529A1Retaining-wall panel system and flexible reinforcement mechanical connection method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 ZHENS CORP

AI summary

A retaining-wall panel system has a rigid load-retention panel having an anchor rod coupled to a load-bearing side thereof and forming a horizontal slot therebetween, a flexible sheet, and a securing rod seated against the anchor rod on a first side of the slot; a first section of the flexible sheet extends between the anchor rod and the securing rod and wraps about the anchor rod and the securing rod on opposite sides thereof. The distal end of the flexible sheet extends away from the rigid load-retention panel into and within a landfilling material. In some embodiments, the flexible sheet further wraps about a combination of the anchor rod, the securing rod, and the first section of the flexible sheet with its proximal and distal ends extending through the slot from the first side thereof, and out of the slot from a second side opposite to the first side.