BR112016028327B1 - Device for connecting structural elements of ribs and reticular structures, rib to support and consolidate an excavation and method for its installation - Google Patents

Abstract

DEVICE FOR CONNECTING STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF RIBS AND RETICULAR STRUCTURES. The present invention relates to a device for connecting structural elements, particularly rib elements, reticular structures and the like, comprising at least a first housing (4; 44; 403; 411) having a cavity (14; 414; 144) and capable of being associated with a first structural element (2; 20; 200; 121), at least one connecting body (5; 56; 511) having at least one insertion part (119; 58; 591) for insertion into the said cavity (14; 414; 144) of said first housing (4; 44; 403; 411) and capable of being associated with a second structural element (3; 30; 131), and locking means (11, 12, 13). , 15, 17; 60, 61, 62, 63, 47; 621, 623, 653) for locking said insertion part (119; 58; 591) of said connecting body (5; 56; 511) within said cavity (14; 414; 144).

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting structural elements, in particular rib elements, reticular structures and the like. The present invention also relates to a rib for supporting and consolidating an excavation comprising means for connecting said structural elements and a method for installing a supporting rib within an excavation.

[002] In the field of support structures, it is known to use structural elements that are connected to each other in order to create the final shape of said support structure. These structural elements may have an open cross section. For example, double C or T, or a closed cross section. In the case of closed cross-sections, the structural elements are tubular and can have cross-sections of any shape, eg circular, square, rectangular or triangular.

[003] For the support of excavations, such as highway or railway tunnels, it is known to use reinforcing arches called "ribs". In particular, a rib typically comprises several formed steel elements connected together in a "dome" configuration. These elements are formed by "open" profiles with a cross section of H, INP, C or double T, and are made integral with each other by a connecting element known as a connecting plate. In most cases, the profiles are mutually connected at the level of the excavation to be reinforced, after it has been formed by metalworking. After being assembled, each rib is connected to adjacent ribs via connecting chains whose ends are connected to supports welded along the body of the rib profiles. The space between two consecutive ribs and the excavation wall is normally reinforced with sprayed concrete (shot concrete).

[004] In order to connect the two structural elements together and obtain the final shape of the supporting structure, a pair of junction plates are generally used, intended to be mutually connected by means of screws. A joint system is known from EP 2354447, which describes a rib for supporting and consolidating an excavation consisting of multiple structural elements connected to one another. In the joint system, each first joint plate has parts that are welded to a relative structural member at an end section. Each junction plate, normally rectangular in shape, comprises two series of holes for connecting screws that fix the plates together, making the connection between the structural elements so that the structural elements form a continuous structure that develops over the extension. entire structure.

[005] This known joining system has several disadvantages.

[006] In order to make the connection, the structural elements must be precisely positioned with respect to each other so as to align the holes in the plates into which the screws are to be inserted. This is difficult, particularly in the case of very extensive structures, especially those extending vertically, or structures that must assume a particular final configuration, such as ribs in a "vault" configuration.

[007] Furthermore, the connection cannot be made automatically, as the mutual positioning of the plates and the insertion of the screws can only be done manually. This connection process therefore requires a substantial investment of time.

[008] This connection can also be unstable if, for example, the screws are not fixed correctly. In particular, connection instability can increase over time if bolt tightness is not checked periodically.

[009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a quick and safe connection between the structural elements.

[0010] A further objective of the present invention is to make an automatic connection that does not require manual intervention.

[0011] These objects are achieved by means of a device for connecting structural elements, particularly rib elements, reticular structures and the like, comprising at least one housing having a cavity and capable of being associated with a first structural element, at least one connecting body having at least one insertion part for insertion into said cavity of said first housing and capable of being associated with a second structural element, and means for locking said insertion part of said connecting body within said cavity.

[0012] Advantageously, the locking means comprise at least one pin cooperating with elastic means and capable of being inserted into a hole, made in a side wall of said cavity, of said first housing, said pin and said elastic means being disposed in said insertion part of said connecting body.

[0013] Preferably, said insertion part of said connecting body has at least one cavity and at least one hole made in a side wall of said cavity, said pin being inserted into said hole, and said elastic means being disposed within said cavity. In this way, a compact structure is created which makes it possible to automatically and quickly lock the connecting body inside the cavity of the housing.

[0014] Advantageously, the insertion part is oppositely shaped with respect to said first cavity of said first housing, which preferably has an essentially truncated cone shape. This structure makes it easy to insert the connection body into the cavity of the housing.

[0015] According to an advantageous implementation, the device comprises at least a second housing having at least one cavity and capable of being associated with said second structural element, said connecting body comprising a fixing part capable of being arranged and fixed within said cavity of said second housing. Preferably, the cavity of said first housing and the cavity of said second housing are essentially of the same shape. Advantageously, said insertion part and said fixing part of said connecting body have essentially the same shape. In this way, a single type of hollow housing can be provided for associating with each structural element, successively securing the connecting body within one of the housings.

[0016] According to a preferred form of implementation, said first housing and/or said second housing is/are arranged in a cup-shaped element, said cup element having a side wall for fix to a respective structural element. The cup element allows the device to be easily attached to structural elements of different shapes and cross-sections, both open and closed.

[0017] The objects of the present invention are also achieved by means of a rib to support and consolidate an excavation, comprising at least a first rib structural element and at least a second rib structural element, said first rib structural element and said second rib structural element being connected by connecting means, wherein said connecting means comprises at least one hook connecting element associated with said first rib structural element and cooperating with the elastic means, said engaging connecting element being movable between the first locking position and a second locking position with respect to said second rib structural member.

[0018] Advantageously, said first rib structural element and said second rib structural element are rotatably connected to each other so as to move from a first position in which said rib structural elements are essentially folded into each other to a second position in which they are arranged to form at least one substantially continuous portion of the rib. This makes it possible to easily transport all the structural elements of the rib in a closed configuration at the excavation site and to easily install said rib.

[0019] Additional features and advantages will emerge from the following detailed description of a number of preferred implementations of the invention, given purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] - figure 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a first form of implementation of the connection device according to the present invention;

[0021] - figure 2 shows an initial phase of the connection of two structural elements through the device of figure 1;

[0022] - figure 3 shows a successive phase of the connection through the device of figure 1;

[0023] - figure 4 shows a final phase of the connection through the device of figure 1;

[0024] - figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a second implementation of the connection device according to the present invention;

[0025] - figure 6 shows an initial phase of the connection of two structural elements through the device of figure 5;

[0026] - figure 7 shows a successive phase of the connection through the device of figure 5;

[0027] - figure 8 shows a final phase of the connection through the device of figure 5;

[0028] - figure 9 shows a cross section of a cup-shaped element of the connection device of figure 5 associated with a structural element with an open cross section;

[0029] - figure 10 shows a second cross section along the line X-X of the connecting device of figure 9;

[0030] - figure 11 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a further implementation of the connection device according to the present invention;

[0031] - figure 12 shows a perspective view from below of the connecting device of figure 11;

[0032] - figure 13 shows a perspective view from above of the connecting device of figure 11;

[0033] - figure 14 shows an initial phase of connecting two structural elements through the device of figure 11;

[0034] - figure 15 shows a successive phase of the connection through the device of figure 11;

[0035] - figure 16 shows a final phase of the connection through the device of figure 11;

[0036] - figure 17 shows a front view of a preferred way of implementing a rib according to the present invention in the installation configuration;

[0037] - figure 18 shows a longitudinal cross section of a form of implementation of means for connecting two structural elements of the rib of figure 17;

[0038] - figure 19 shows a front view of a preferred way of implementing the rib of figure 17 in a pre-installation configuration;

[0039] - figure 20 shows a first stage of installation of the rib of figure 17, in which the rib is transported into the excavation;

[0040] - figure 21 shows a successive stage of installation of the rib in which the rib is raised in order to start the opening of the structural elements from a folded configuration;

[0041] - figure 22 shows a successive phase of installation of the rib in which the structural elements are moved in an opening configuration;

[0042] - figure 23 shows an additional successive phase of rib installation, in which the support elements are moved in the installation configuration.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a first form of implementation of a device 1 connecting structural elements according to the present invention, in particular a first structural element 2 and a second structural element 3. The device 1 comprises a housing 4 defining a cavity 14, preferably of a truncated cone shape, associated with a plate 6 which is fixed, for example, by welding, in a first structural element 2. In the embodiment of figure 1, the structural element 2 is tubular and has a circular, square or rectangular cross section. The plate 6 is fixed to the tubular structural element 2 in such a way that the housing 4 extends inside said tubular element 2. Preferably, a hinge part 6a is also associated with the plate 6. The side wall 10 of the housing 4 has one or more holes 12, preferably four.

[0044] The connection device 1 of figure 1 also comprises a connection body 5, which has an insertion part 119, preferably of a truncated cone shape and defining a cavity 19. The connection body 5 is associated with a plate 7 which is fixed, for example, by welding, to a second structural element 3. The side wall 9 of the connecting body 5 has one or more holes 11, preferably in a number the same as that of the side wall 10 of the housing. A pin 13 with a head 15 of larger diameter is inserted into each hole 11 of the connection body 5 capable of forming a stop for the translational movement of the pin 13 in said hole 11. With the head 15 there is associated an elastic element 17 that extends into the cavity 19 of the hollow connection body 5 and is fixed to the plate 7. With the plate 7 another hinge part 7a is associated, which with the hinge part 6a forms a hinge 8 in order to create a rotatable connection between structural elements 2, 3.

[0045] In an alternative form not illustrated in the drawings, the pins 13 and corresponding elastic elements 17 are arranged in the housing 4 associated with the first structural element 2.

[0046] As illustrated in figure 2, at the beginning of the connection between the two structural elements 2, 3, advantageously articulated between them, the connection body 5 is rotated so as to be inserted into the cavity 14 of the housing 4. During rotation, a first pin 13, sliding on the side wall 10 of the housing 4, advantageously inclined due to the truncated cone shape, is pushed out of the respective hole 11 against the force exerted by the elastic element 17. As the rotation continues (figure 3), the other pins 13 are also pushed out of the respective holes 11. Upon completion of the rotation (figure 4), the connecting body 5 is completely inserted into the cavity 14 of the housing 4, so that the position of the pins 13 corresponds with that of the holes 12 made in the side wall 10 of the housing 4. In this way, the pins 13 are pushed by the elastic element 17 in the holes 12a to the stop formed by the head 15 of the pins 13, connecting the two structural elements 2, 3.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates a second way of implementing a connecting device 110 according to the present invention. Device 110 comprises a first cup-shaped element 40 capable of being associated with a first structural element 20 and a second cup-shaped element 50 capable of being associated with a second structural element 30.

[0048] The first cup element 40 comprises a side wall 41 and a base 42. The side wall 41 is capable of being fixed to a surface 21 of the relative structural element 20 at one of its ends 22. The base 42 of the cup 40 has a recess 43 which forms a housing 44 defining a cavity 414, a portion 45 preferably having a truncated cone shape. Advantageously, the truncated cone part 45 is joined to the base 42 by means of an inclined section 46. The side wall 41 of the housing 44 has one or more holes 47, preferably four.

[0049] The second cup element 50 comprises a side wall 51 and a base 52. The side wall 51 is capable of being attached to a surface 31 of the relative structural element 30 at one of its ends 32. The base 52 has a recess 53 which forms a housing 54 defining a cavity 514, preferably in a truncated cone shape.

[0050] The side wall 51 of the housing 54 has one or more holes 67, preferably four.

[0051] Inside the cavity 514 of the housing 54 of the second cup element 50, a connecting body 56 is fixed by means of screws 55 inserted in the holes 67. The connecting body 56 has a fixing part 57, preferably hollow in opposite shape with respect to the cavity 514 in the housing 54. In this case, the fixing part 57 has a truncated cone shape. An insertion part 58 with a cavity 581 is associated with the fixing part 57. The insertion part 58, preferably with a truncated cone shape, is arranged symmetrically with respect to the larger base 59 of the truncated cone fixing part 57 , and capable of being inserted into the cavity 414 of the housing 44 of the first cup element 40 of the first structural element 20.

[0052] Also, in the embodiment of figure 5, the side wall 582 of the insert part 58 of the connection body 56 preferably has four holes 60. In each hole 60 is inserted a pin 61 with a head 62 of larger diameter. capable of forming a stop for the translational movement of the pin 61 in said hole 60. With the head 62 there is associated an elastic element 63 which extends and is fixed inside the connecting body 56.

[0053] In the form of implementation of figure 5, each cup element 40, 50 is fixed to a respective tubular structural element 20, 30. According to the cross section of the tubular element 20, 30 (circular, square, rectangular or triangular , etc.), the cup element 40, 50 has a cross section passing through the fixing wall 41, 51 of the corresponding shape. The cup member 40, 50 can be fixed to the respective structural member 20, 30 by welding the fixing wall 41, 51 to said structural member 20, 30 of the fixing wall 41, 51 to said structural member 20, 30 or by means of screws inserted into suitable holes 74, 75 made in the fixing wall 41, 51 and in the structural element 20, 30.

[0054] According to the implementation illustrated in figure 6, each cup element 40, 50 is fixed to the relative structural element 20, 30 by welding the fixing wall 41, 51 on the surface 21, 31, preferably external, of said structural element 20, 30. The fixing part 57 of the connecting element 56 is fixed in the housing 54 arranged in the respective structural element 30 by means of screws 55.

[0055] At the beginning of the connection between the two structural elements 20, 30, preferably hinged between one and the other, a first structural element 20, for example the structural element provided with the single housing 44, is rotated so as to bring it it towards the connecting body 56 associated with the second structural element 30 (Figure 6).

[0056] During rotation, a first pin 61 of the connection body 56, sliding on the side wall 45 of the housing 44, is pushed out of the respective hole 60 against the force exerted by the elastic element 63, as the rotation continues (Figure 7). ), the other pins 61 are also pushed out of the holes 60. Upon completion of the rotation (Figure 8), the insert part 58 of the connection body 56 is completely inserted into the cavity 414 of the housing 44, so that the position of the pins 61 corresponds with that of the holes 47 made in the side wall 41 of the housing 44. In this way, the pins 61 are pushed by the elastic element 63 in the holes 47 to the stop formed by the head 62 of the pins 61, connecting the two structural elements 20, 30 on each other.

[0057] In an alternative form of implementation not illustrated in the drawings, a cup element as illustrated in figure 5 may be associated with a first structural element and be connected to a connecting body with a plate, as illustrated in figure 1, associated with a second structural element. Alternatively, a housing as illustrated in Figure 1 may be associated with a first structural element and be connected to a connecting body inserted into a cup element, as illustrated in Figure 5, associated with a second structural element.

[0058] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a structural element 200 of open cross section, in particular a double T cross section, on which a cup element 400 of the device according to the implementation form of figure 5 is fixed.

[0059] The cup element 400, in this case with a square or rectangular cross section, is arranged at an end 201 of the respective structural element 200 and fixed by means of screws 402 on an external wall 202 of the structural element 200, so that housing 403 of cup element 400 is in proximity to end 201 of structural element 200. Alternatively, the cup element may be welded to an outer wall of the structural element.

[0060] In a form of implementation not illustrated, the reticular structure consists of a truss, for example, of triangular cross-section, and the cup element is fitted to one end of the structural element of the truss and welded to supports of said truss.

[0061] According to a further form of implementation illustrated in figures 11, 12 and 13, the device 111 comprises a housing 411 defining a cavity 144, essentially with a truncated cone shape. Housing 411 is capable of being associated with a first tubular structural element 121 with a circular cross section (Figure 14). Advantageously, the outer wall 411A of the housing 411 has a truncated cone shape, so as to be inserted into one end of the tubular structural element 121, to which it is secured, for example, by welding. A hinge part 60a is also preferably associated with the outer wall 411A of the housing 411. The inner wall 411B of the housing 411 in a circumferential groove 621, capable of receiving an engaging connecting element, preferably an elastic ring 653, to make the connection with the second structural element 131 (FIG. 14).

[0062] The connecting device 111 also comprises a connecting body 511, which has a supporting and fixing part 590 and an inserting part 591. The supporting and fixing part 590 has a first substantially flat surface 590A capable of entering into contact with a base 411C of the housing 411, and a second surface 590B, opposite the first, capable of being fixed to the second structural element 131, for example, by welding. With the support and fixing part 590 it is also preferably associated with a hinge part 60b. The insert part 591 preferably has an essentially truncated cone shape. Advantageously, the insert part 591 is hollow so as to connect the interior of the first structural element 121 and the interior of the second structural element 131 to each other. The inner wall 592 of the insert part 591 has an inclined first section 592A essentially parallel to the truncated cone outer wall 411A of the housing 411 and a second section 592B with an opposite slope.

[0063] The insert part 591 has an essentially flat annular base 595 in which incisions 597 are preferably made. In the outer wall 593 of the insert part 591 a groove 623 is provided for the insertion of the snap ring 653.

[0064] The snap ring 653 can be pre-fitted on the inner wall 411B of the housing 411 and inserted into the groove 623 of the insert part 591 during the connection phase. Alternatively, snap ring 653 can be pre-fitted into groove 623 of insert 591 and inserted into groove 621 made in inner wall 411B of housing 411 during the connection phase.

[0065] Figures 14, 15 and 16 illustrate the phases of the connection between the two structural elements 121, 131, in the manufacture of which the elastic ring 653 is pre-fitted into the groove 623 of the insert part 591 extending radially outwards. of the same.

[0066] As illustrated in figure 4, at the beginning of the connection between the two structural elements 121, 131, advantageously articulated with each other, the connection body 511 is rotated so as to be inserted into the cavity 144 of the housing 411. During rotation, a first circumferential part 643A of the elastic ring 653, sliding on the inner side wall 411B of the housing 411, advantageously inclined due to the truncated cone shape, is compressed into the groove 623.

[0067] As the rotation continues (Figure 15), the remaining circumferential part 653B of the snap ring 653 is also compressed into the groove 623. On completion of the rotation (Figure 16), the insert part 591 of the connection body 511 is completely inserted. in the cavity 144 of the housing 411, so that the part of the snap ring 653 that extends out of the groove 623 of the connecting body 511 is inserted into the corresponding groove 621 of the housing 411, connecting the two structural elements 121, 131 to each other.

[0068] In an alternative form not shown in the drawing, the housing 411 and the insert part 591 of the connecting body 511 have a truncated pyramid cross section. This cross section allows the connection of tubular structural elements with a rectangular or square cross section and structural elements with an open cross section.

[0069] The connection device according to the invention therefore allows quick connection of the structural elements. The device can be associated with structural elements of various shapes, both with an open and closed cross-section, and ensures a stable connection.

[0070] Figure 17 illustrates a possible way of implementing a support and consolidation rib 100 according to the present invention.

[0071] The rib 100 is formed by one or more structural elements 101, 102, 103, made of a metallic material such as construction steel (Fe 430 or other). The rib 100 has a "dome" configuration symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry S. This configuration generally reflects that part of the excavation intended to be reinforced by means of said rib.

[0072] The rib in figure 17 comprises a first structural element 101, a second structural element 102 connected to the first structural element 101 and a third structural element 103 connected to the second structural element 102.

[0073] As illustrated, the first structural element 101 and the third structural element 103 are arranged in an essentially mirror-image position with respect to the plane of symmetry S of the rib 100. The second structural element 102 is preferably developed symmetrically between the first structural element 101 and the third structural element 103 with respect to said plane of symmetry.

[0074] The first structural element 101 is provided with a first end part 151 operatively connected to a first end part 181 of the second element 102 by the first connecting means 161 and a second end part 152 intended to be connected to a support element 190 of rib 100.

[0075] The third structural element 103 has a first end part 171 intended to be connected to a second end part 182 of the second structural element 102 by second connecting means 162, and a second end part 172 intended to be connected to a second element support 191 of the rib 100.

[0076] According to a preferred form of implementation, each structural element 101, 102, 103 is formed by a tubular body. The tubular body has a cross section which defines a respective internal cavity which extends over the length of the body. This internal cavity is intended to be filled with concrete following the installation of the rib 100. The cross section of the tubular body can be square, rectangular or circular.

[0077] According to this form of implementation, the body of the first tubular element 101 is prepared to be associated with a filling device, not illustrated in the drawing, operationally capable of being connected to the means for injecting concrete into the internal cavity of the said body.

[0078] Preferably, the third structural element 103 is also capable of being associated with a filling device associated with the tubular body of said element.

[0079] Advantageously, the connecting means 161, 162 connecting the second structural element 102 with the first structural element 101 and the third structural element 103 are configured so that the internal cavity of the second structural element 102 is in communication with those of the first structural element 101 and the third structural element 103. Through this solution, the concrete injected into the internal cavity of the first structural element 101 and of the third structural element 103 also reaches the internal cavity of the second structural element 102, so as to allow it to be filled.

[0080] In other forms of implementation not illustrated in the drawings, the rib can be formed by one or more structural elements consisting of profiles with an open cross section, for example, an H or C cross section or double T.

[0081] According to the invention, the connecting means 161, 162 for connecting the structural elements 101, 102, 103 comprise at least one engaging element associated with elastic means.

[0082] In an implementation illustrated in figure 18, the rib 100 comprises at least one first tubular structural element 101 and at least one second tubular structural element 102. The connecting means 161 consist of a tubular part 168 with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the structural elements 101, 102. The tubular part 168 is associated, for example, by welding, with an end 151 of the first structural element 101. In the wall 163 of the tubular part 168, one or more holes 164 are drilled into which are pins 165 associated with elastic means 166 are inserted, which secure the respective pin 165 in an insertion position within the hole 164. According to this form of implementation, the second structural element 102 has, at a connecting end 181 with the first structural element 101, a number of holes 167 corresponding to the number of pins 165 inserted in the tubular part 168.

[0083] The tubular part 168 is inserted into the second structural element 102, pushing the pins 165 in the respective holes 16 against the force exerted by the elastic means 166 and then it is fixed in the second structural element 102 when the pins 165 reach the position of the holes 167 of the second structural element 102 and are inserted into said holes.

[0084] In the case of ribs with an open cross section, for example, a C or double T cross section, the tubular part 168 of the connecting means 161 of Figure 12 may be associated with one of the walls of the first structural element 101, so that it can be inserted into a corresponding locking tubular part associated with one of the walls of the second structural element 102. In this case, the locking tubular part is provided with one or more holes for locking the pins.

[0085] In an alternative form of implementation, applicable to ribs with an open or closed cross-section, the connecting means have a projection associated with the elastic means and insertable into a corresponding locking seat provided in the second structural element .

[0086] In an advantageous form of implementation, the structural elements are connected through one of the devices illustrated in figures 1 to 16.

[0087] Advantageously, the structural elements 101, 102, 103 are connected to each other by a rotary connection, for example by hinges, so as to move from a first position in which the structural elements are essentially folded into each other to a second position in which they are arranged to form at least one substantially continuous portion of the rib.

[0088] In Figure 17, the rib 100 consists of three structural elements 101, 102, 103 and two support elements 190, 191. Preferably, the support elements 190, 191 are also rotatably connected to the respective structural elements 101, 103 and may be fixed thereto by the connection means described.

[0089] Figure 19 shows the rib of figure 17 in a configuration before final installation.

[0090] The structural elements of the rib are connected by joints so that they are folded together in order to be easily transported to the excavation site.

[0091] Figures 20 to 23 show the installation stages of the rib of figure 19.

[0092] The rib is transported to the excavation site in the configuration in which the structural elements and the supporting elements are folded together (figure 20). Transport is therefore easily carried out, and the elements comprising the rib are already prepared for correct positioning in the final configuration.

[0093] The element that forms the arch of the rib is then raised so that the structural elements rotate at the joints in order to bring them into an open configuration (figure 21), and then it is arranged on the upper wall of the excavation (0093) figure 22).

[0094] The other structural elements are then arranged on the side wall of the excavation and the supporting elements are then rotated with respect to the respective joints in order to bring them to the final installation position (figure 23).

[0095] At the completion of the relative rotation, the structural elements and the supporting elements are fixed in the installation position by means of the connection devices described above. The installation is therefore carried out quickly and automatically.

Claims (14)

1. Device for connecting structural elements, particularly rib elements, reticular structures and the like, characterized in that it comprises at least one housing (4; 44; 403; 411) having a cavity (14; 414; 144) and capable of be associated with a first structural element (2; 20; 200; 121), at least one connecting body (5; 56; 511) having at least one insertion part (119; 58; 591) for insertion into said cavity ( 14; 414; 144) of said housing (4; 44; 403; 411) and capable of being associated with a second structural element (3; 30; 131), and means for locking (11, 12, 13, 15, 17). ; 60, 61, 62, 63, 47; 621, 623, 653) said insert part (119; 58; 591) of said connecting body (5; 56; 511) within said cavity (14; 414; 144); wherein said means for locking comprises at least one pin (13; 61) cooperating with elastic means (17; 63) and capable of being inserted into a hole (12; 47) made in a side wall (10; 45) of said cavity (14; 414), of said first housing (4; 44), said pin (13; 61) and said elastic means (17; 63) being arranged in said insertion part (119; 58) of the said connecting body (5; 56). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said insertion part (119; 58) of said connecting body (5; 56) has at least one cavity (19; 581) and at least one hole (11; 60) made in a side wall (9; 582) of said cavity (19; 581), said pin (13; 61) being inserted into said hole (11; 60), and said elastic means (11; 60) 17; 63) being disposed within said cavity (19; 581). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means comprise at least one first groove (621) made in an inner wall (411B) of said housing (411), at least one second groove (623) made in an outer wall (593) of said insert part (591) and at least one elastic ring (653) disposed in said first groove (621) or said second groove (623). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said insertion part (119; 58; 591) is essentially opposite in shape with respect to said first cavity (14; 414; 144) of said first housing (4; 44; 411). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cavity (14; 414; 144) of said first housing (4; 44; 411) has an essentially truncated cone shape. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least a second housing (54) with at least one cavity (514) and capable of being associated with said second structural element (30), said connecting body (56) comprising a fixing part (57) capable of being arranged and fixed within said cavity (514) of said second housing (54). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said cavity (414) of said first housing (44) and said cavity (514) of said second housing (54) have essentially the same shape. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said insertion part (58) and said fixing part (57) of said connecting body (56) have essentially the same shape. . Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first housing (44) and/or said second housing (54) is/are arranged in a cup-shaped element (40, 50). ), said cup element (40, 50) having a side wall (41, 51) for attaching to a respective structural element (20, 30). 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first housing (4; 44; 403; 411) and said connecting body (5; 56; 511) are rotatably connected to each other. , preferably by means of at least one hinge (6a, 7a, 8; 60a, 60b). 11. Rib for supporting and consolidating an excavation, comprising at least one first structural rib element (101) and at least one second structural rib element (102), characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting device (110) , as defined in any one of the preceding claims. 12. A rib for supporting and consolidating an excavation, comprising at least one first rib structural element (2; 20; 200; 121) and at least one second rib structural element (3; 30; 131), said first structural element of rib (2; 20; 200; 12) and said second structural rib element (3; 30; 131) being connected by connecting means (11, 12, 13, 15, 17; 60, 61, 62, 63 , 47; 621, 623, 653), characterized in that said connecting means (11, 12, 13, 15, 17; 60, 61, 62, 63, 47; 621, 623, 653) comprise at least an engaging connecting element (13; 61; 653) associated with said first rib structural element (2; 20; 200; 121) and cooperating with elastic means (17; 63; 653), said connecting element (13; 61; 653) being movable between the first unlocking position and a second locking position with respect to said second structural rib element (3; 30; 131), wherein the engaging connecting element (1) 3; 61; 653) is prevented from external access to the first rib structural element (2; 20; 200; 121) or to the second rib structural element (3; 30; 131), when the hook connection element (13; 61; 653 ) is in the second locking position. 13. Rib, according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said first rib structural element (2; 20; 200; 121) and said second rib structural element (3; 30; 131 ) are rotatably connected to each other, preferably by means of at least one hinge, so as to move from a first position in which said structural rib elements are essentially folded together to a second position in which they are arranged so that to form at least an essentially continuous portion of the rib. 14. Method for installing a rib, as defined in any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: transporting the rib into the excavation with the structural elements essentially folded together in accordance with said first position; moving and locking the structural elements of the rib to form an essentially continuous part of the rib in accordance with said second position; position the structural elements of the rib within the excavation.

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