AU784415B2

AU784415B2 - Retaining wall block

Info

Publication number: AU784415B2
Application number: AU57818/01A
Authority: AU
Inventors: William J. Fawdry
Original assignee: ISLAND BLOCK AND PAVING Pty LT
Current assignee: BAINES MASONARY BLOCKS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-08-07
Filing date: 2001-08-06
Publication date: 2006-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-06
Also published as: AU5781801A

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: RETAINING WALL BLOCK ISLAND BLOCK AND PAVING PTY LTD Applicant: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 W SH*pRO.NAnO 'PCTCOMP.FORMSpCTFORMSI DOC 2 RETAINING WALL BLOCK The present invention relates to a retaining wall block, in particular a masonry or concrete block, that is employed in the erection of earth retaining walls and a retaining wall formed of a plurality of such blocks.

Retaining walls are employed to retain earth against movement and in particular are used in landscaped areas, to permit steps in the ground level to be created, or in excavated areas, such as in road cuttings, or to prevent erosion, such as for sea walls. Such walls can be created by various means but the invention relates to the particular use of blocks, which are laid in vertically adjacent courses to create the retaining wall.

Masonry blocks for retaining walls preferably nest together to resist displacement under pressure from the earth being retained. Australian Patent No. 684211 discloses such a masonry block which includes a flange depending from the bottom rear edge thereof, which is arranged to nest adjacent the rear face of a lower block, so as to resist displacement perpendicular to the general plane of the retaining wall being created. This arrangement provides for simple erection, but does not necessarily provide a particularly stable retaining wall, as the blocks only have one degree of restraint. That is, shifting movement of 20 blocks in the general plane of the retaining wall is not resisted by the depending *flange.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved retaining wall block. It is a further object of the invention to provide a retaining block that can be fixed more securely in a retaining wall. It is still a further object of the S. 25 invention to provide a retaining wall block that preferably is of reduced weight compared to similar style blocks, to facilitate ease in shipping and handling.

The present invention provides a block for use in a retaining wall of the kind which includes two or more stacked courses of blocks and each course including two or more adjacent blocks, said block including front, side and rear walls, and top and bottom faces, a pair of pins projecting from one of said top and bottom faces and opening means formed in the other of said top and bottom faces, said opening means being arranged for receipt of one of said pair of pins of each of a pair of adjacent blocks of an immediately vertically adjacent course of a retaining wall, the relationship between said opening means and 3 said pins when received therein, being such as to resist movement of said blocks in a retaining wall formed therefrom in each of two directions substantially perpendicular to and in the general plane of the retaining wall and to cause the front walls of the blocks of an upper course of blocks to be set back from the front walls of the blocks of an immediately vertically adjacent lower course of blocks.

The invention will hereinafter be described in relation to retaining wall blocks in which the opening is provided in the top face and the pins project from the bottom face, which is the preferred arrangement. However, the arrangement of the opening and the pins of each block could of course be arranged in the reverse and operate equally as well. What is required, is that each block include an opening and a pair of pins, while the face from which they respectively depend, being either the top or bottom face, is optional.

According to the present invention there is further provided a retaining wall 15 formed from blocks of the above described kind, said wall comprising at least two stacked courses of said blocks, said respective courses being displaced in the general plane of the wall, so that a said block in an upper course of said wall Sbridges the junction between a pair of adjacent blocks in the immediate lower course, whereby said opening means of one of said blocks in one of said upper 20 or lower courses receives a pin of each of a pair of adjacent said blocks in the other of the upper and lower courses and the relationship between said opening Smeans and said pair of pins is such as to resist movement of said blocks in a direction substantially perpendicular to and in the general plane of said wall and to cause the front walls of the blocks of an upper course of blocks to be set

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25 back from the front walls of the blocks of an immediately vertically adjacent lower course of blocks.

Accordingly, the arrangement is such as to provide pin/opening nesting engagement between vertically adjacent courses of blocks which resists block movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to, and in the general plane of the retaining wall.

In a retaining block according to the invention, the opening provided in the top surface can have any suitable configuration, but preferably it is of rectangular configuration, extending lengthwise between opposite side walls of the block. Preferably the length of the opening is such that the pins of the 3a blocks laid in an upper block course, engage the walls of the openings of the lower block course to provide the resistance to movement in at least one of the directions described above. In the preferred arrangement pin engagement with the walls of the upper surface openings provides resistance to movement in each of the above described directions. While it is preferred that a single *o* opening be provided in the top surface, it is equally acceptable that a pair of openings be provided, each for separate receipt of a pin of adjacent overlying blocks.

The opening provided in the top surface may extend through to the bottom surface in order to minimise the weight of the block. Alternatively the opening may extend toward the bottom surface, but not open into that surface.

Preferably, the opening widens towards the bottom surface to increase the weight saving such that a tapered or stepped opening is provided.

Advantageously, the opening, if extended through to the bottom surface, can comprise a significant portion of the bottom surface, such that the bottom surface is constituted mainly by an edge region only. This does not affect the provision of the projecting pins, as these can project from the side edge region.

The pins of a retaining wall block may also have any suitable configuration, but preferably these are generally square, rectangular, or circular.

In one arrangement, in which the side walls of the retaining block are disposed at an angle to the front and rear walls of the block (as opposed from extending perpendicular thereto), the pins may extend from the bottom surface contiguously with the side walls and may include a wall disposed at the same angle as the side wall. The pins preferably are integral with the block, and in a 20 concrete block, the pins are preferably moulded at the time the block is formed.

The pins could alternatively be separately connected to the block, such as by a spigot connection, particularly if the characteristics of the pins are not met by the material of which the main portion of the block is formed.

The pins may also include tapered walls to which narrow toward the 25 outward end thereof, to facilitate insertion thereof into the upper surface opening of a lower course block. Circular pins may be formed in a conical cross-section.

**The attached drawings show an example embodiment of the invention of the foregoing kind. The particularity of those drawings and the associated description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of one section of a retaining wall according to the invention.

Figures 2 to 6 show side, front, plan, rear and inverted plan views respectively of a retaining wall block according to the invention.

Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a retaining wall according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a small section of a retaining wall which utilises retaining wall blocks according to the invention. The retaining wall section 10 shown, includes four retaining blocks 11 which are nested together. As shown, the retaining blocks 11 of the upper course are displaced approximately a half width W relative to the blocks 11 of the lower course in the general plane of the retaining wall section Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, these show side, front and plan views respectively. Figures 5 and 6 show rear and inverted plan views. With reference to Figure 4, the retaining block 11 includes a front face 12, a rear face 13 and side faces 14. The front and rear faces 12 and 13 are generally parallel, while the side faces 14 are each formed of two mutually intersecting sub-faces and 16, which extend respectively from the rear face 13 and the front face 12 respectively. The sub-faces 15 and 16 of adjacent blocks 11 are therefore spaced apart in a retaining wall, as shown in Figure 1. The side faces 14 may engage at the apex A at the junction between the sub-faces 15 and 16, 20 although it is preferred that there be a slight spacing between adjacent blocks 11, so that there is no side face contact between adjacent blocks 11.

The blocks 11 also include top and bottom faces 17 and 18 and these respective faces are generally planar and substantially parallel. As shown in Figure 4, the top face 17 includes an opening 19 which is of generally 25 rectangular configuration, having a pair of parallel, elongate side walls 20 and parallel end walls 21. The opening 19 is set toward the rear face 13 of the block 11.

As shown in Figure 3, a pair of pins 22 extends downwardly from the bottom face 18 of the block 11. A single pin is also shown in the side view of Figure 2 and from each of Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the pins are generally rectangular, but include tapered side walls 23 and shown in Figure 2.

The pins 22 are also shown in Figure 1 and from that figure, it can be readily appreciated that the pins extend contiguously down from the side wall 14 such that the end wall 24 of a pin 22 is disposed at the same angle as the subface 15 of the block 11. This arrangement is also seen in Figure 6 which is an inverted plan view of the block 11. In the view of Figure 6, the tapered side walls 23 of the pin 22 are also shown.

With further reference to Figure 6, it can be seen that the opening 19 opens into the bottom face 18 in an expanded condition as shown, compared to the size it takes at the top face 17. The opening in the bottom face 18 shown in Figure 6 is identified as opening 19a and this is also shown more clearly in Figure 1 where the enlarged size of the opening is clearly apparent. The configuration of the opening 19, 19a is such as to reduce the content of solid material in the retaining block 11. Thus, in a block 11 formed of concrete, the amount of concrete is reduced, so that weight of the block is less than it would otherwise be if the opening did not extend through the bottom face 18 and was not enlarged compared to the opening 19 in the top face 17 as shown in Figure 4. The reduction in weight facilitates a reduction in the cost of each block, as well as facilitating greater ease in handling and transport. The size of the enlargement of the opening 19 and its extent towards the bottom face 18, is generally dictated by the forces the blocks 11 are to withstand. Thus, the opening 19 may be enlarged to a greater extent if it is to be exposed to low loading.

The pins 22 of adjacent blocks 11, such as blocks 11a and 11c of Figure 1 are arranged for receipt within the opening 19 of a lower course block, such as the block 11b shown in Figure 1. The arrangement is such, that the S" pins 22 of the adjacent blocks 11a and 11c engage respectively in the right hand end and the left hand end of the opening 19 in the block 11b. The pins o 25 engage against both the side walls 20 and the end walls 21 at opposite ends of the opening 19 and by that engagement, the pins 22 are securely captured within the opening 19 so that relative movement between the blocks 1 la to 1 ic is largely eliminated. That is, movement of the blocks 11a and 11c towards each other is terminated when the respective side faces of those blocks engage, while movement of those blocks away from each other, in the general plane of the retaining wall is resisted by engagement between the pins 22 and the end walls 21 of the opening 19 in the block 11 b. Likewise, movement of the blocks perpendicular to the general plane of the retaining wall is resisted by pin engagement with the side walls 20 of the opening 19.

The arrangement of the blocks 11 as shown in the accompanying figures, also facilitates positive location of mesh fabric which is generally employed in retaining wall construction. The retaining wall 25 illustrated in Figure 7 is comprised of a series of vertically adjacent courses of blocks 11 according to the invention. In accordance with known retaining wall construction, a reinforcing fabric is disposed between vertically adjacent courses of a blocks 11 to extend rearwardly from the rear faces of the blocks 11 and into the earth that the retaining wall is retaining. In accordance with normal construction, a short sheet 26 extends from between a pair of blocks 11 and that sheet is connected to a longer sheet 27 for the distance rearward of the retaining wall that is required. By this construction, the sheets 26 and 27 are sandwiched between layers of soil and the sheets apply a force to the retaining wall 25 against movement away from the soil 28. Alternatively, a single sheet may be employed, if the lateral extent of the sheet away from the wall is not great. If the sheet length is required to be say lm, then a single sheet can be employed. If the sheet length is required to be say 3m then the two sheet arrangement shown in Figure 7 would be required. By employing blocks 11 "'*according to the invention, the mesh of the sheet 26 can be of a size which readily accepts a pin 22 so that the sheet 26 is firmly anchored between 20 vertically adjacent blocks 11. For example, a sheet mesh of approximately 25mm x 25mm can be employed and that will permit extension therethrough of pins of slightly smaller dimensions. The pins will therefore positively connect the sheet to the retaining wall. In previous arrangements, and in particular in the arrangement shown in Australian patent 684211, reinforcing sheet is simply 25 jammed between vertically adjacent blocks and the sheet can then slip, or apply a lifting force to the block against the rear flange thereof and thus disrupt the integrity of the retaining wall.

A retaining wall block according to the invention has been found to provide an extremely positive fit with other such blocks forming a retaining wall.

The blocks are restrained against movement in several directions and this is the case even when the retaining wall formed is curved, or includes a bend or corner. For this, the pins of each block may be formed to permit rotation within the opening of a lower course block into which they fit. This may be achieved during the moulding stage, although it is also appropriate that shaping of the 8 pins may take place on site. That is, the pins 22 as shown in Figure 6 would not fit into the opening 19 of Figure 4, if the respective blocks were arranged perpendicular to each other. However, in a concrete block, it is a simple exercise to remove part of the pins, such as by hammer blows or by grinding wheel, and that will facilitate perpendicular orientation of the blocks. Curved walls may or may not require reshaping of the pins, depending on the severity of the curve and the snugness of fit between the pins and the opening.

The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the above description.

DATED: 6 August 2001 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: ISLAND BOCK AND PAVING PTY LTD V SHARON A, lrIPCTCOMP Z268mmp doC

Claims

1. A block for use in a retaining wall of the kind which includes two or more stacked courses of blocks and each course including two or more adjacent blocks, said block including front, side and rear walls, and top and bottom faces, a pair of pins projecting from one of said top and bottom faces and opening means formed in the other of said top and bottom faces, said opening means being arranged for receipt of one of said pair of pins of each of a pair of adjacent blocks of an immediately vertically adjacent course of a retaining wall, the relationship between said opening means and said pins when received therein, being such as to resist movement of said blocks in a retaining wall formed therefrom in each of two directions substantially perpendicular to and in the general plane of the retaining wall and to cause the front walls of the blocks of an upper course of blocks to be set back from the front walls of the blocks of So 15 an immediately vertically adjacent lower course of blocks. c co*

2. A block according to claim 1, said pair of pins projecting from said bottom surface. 20

3. A block according to claim 1 or 2, said front and rear walls being substantially parallel.

4. A block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said top and bottom surfaces being substantially parallel.

A block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said opening means comprising a pair of openings each of which is arranged for receipt of one of said pair of pins of said pair of adjacent blocks.

6. A block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said opening means comprising an elongate opening for receipt of each of said pair of pins of said pair of adjacent blocks.

7. A block according to claim 6, said elongate opening being generally rectangular and extending lengthwise between said side walls.

8. A block according to claim 6 or 7, said opening extending through a major portion of the depth of said block between said top and bottom faces.

9. A block according to claim 7 said opening extending through the full depth of said block between said top and bottom faces.

10. A block according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said pair of pins of said hlock being disposed adjacent said side walls and each being spaced the same distance from said front wall.

11. A block according to claim 10, a wall of each of said pair of pins 15 extending contiguously with a respective said side wall and being disposed at the same angle as the portion of said side wall from which it extends. ao.

12. A block according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said pins being formed integrally with said block.

13. A block according to any one of claims 1 to 12 said pins being generally square, rectangular or circular.

14. A block according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said pins tapering from S 25 said top or bottom face from which they extend, so as to narrow toward an outward end thereof.

A retaining wall formed from blocks according to any one of the preceding claims, said wall comprising at least two stacked courses of said blocks, said respective courses being displaced in the general plane of the wall, so that a said block in an upper course of said wall bridges the junction between a pair of adjacent blocks in the immediate lower course, whereby said opening means of one of said blocks in one of said upper or lower courses receives a pin of each of a pair of adjacent said blocks in the other of the upper and lower 11 courses and the relationship between said opening means and said pair of pins is such as to resist movement of said blocks in a direction substantially perpendicular to and in the general plane of said wall and to cause the front walls of the blocks of an upper course of blocks to be set back from the front walls of the blocks of an immediately vertically adjacent lower course of blocks.

16. A retaining wall according to claim 15, said upper course being displaced in the general plane of said wall approximately half the width of a said block measured in the general plane of said wall relative to said lower course.

17. A retaining wall according to claim 15 or 16, including reinforcing fabric disposed between one or more vertically adjacent courses of said blocks to extend rearwardly from said wall into the earth being retained thereby, said fabric being sandwiched between said vertically adjacent courses and said pins 15 extending through said fabric to anchor said fabric relative to said wall. a

18. A retaining wall according to claim 17, said fabric being a mesh fabric and said mesh being sized complementary to the cross-sectional size of said pins, to accept a said pin to extend therethrough. S. S

19. A block substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the S° accompanying drawings. A retaining wall substantially as herein described with reference to either one of Figures 1 or 6. one of Figures 1 or 6.