CA1324266C - Concrete slabs for construction of retaining walls - Google Patents
Concrete slabs for construction of retaining wallsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1324266C CA1324266C CA000609986A CA609986A CA1324266C CA 1324266 C CA1324266 C CA 1324266C CA 000609986 A CA000609986 A CA 000609986A CA 609986 A CA609986 A CA 609986A CA 1324266 C CA1324266 C CA 1324266C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- elements
- blocks
- grooves
- cast slab
- retaining
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0258—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features
- E02D29/0266—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features made up of preformed elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2/04—Walls having neither cavities between, nor in, the solid elements
- E04B2/06—Walls having neither cavities between, nor in, the solid elements using elements having specially-designed means for stabilising the position
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C1/00—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings
- E04C1/39—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra
- E04C1/395—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra for claustra, fences, planting walls, e.g. sound-absorbing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0202—Details of connections
- E04B2002/0204—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
- E04B2002/0208—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections of trapezoidal shape
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0202—Details of connections
- E04B2002/0204—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
- E04B2002/0215—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with separate protrusions
- E04B2002/0223—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with separate protrusions of cylindrical shape
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0256—Special features of building elements
- E04B2002/026—Splittable building elements
Abstract
CONCRETE SLABS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS
ABSTRACT
Concrete slabs for building retaining walls each concrete slab comprising at least two generally equal length and equal width elements. The elements are defined by dummy grooves, allowing, but not necessitating, breakage of the elements into separate blocks. Some of the dummy grooves allow the creation of at least two (2) retaining wall blocks having half the length of the remaining elements.
ABSTRACT
Concrete slabs for building retaining walls each concrete slab comprising at least two generally equal length and equal width elements. The elements are defined by dummy grooves, allowing, but not necessitating, breakage of the elements into separate blocks. Some of the dummy grooves allow the creation of at least two (2) retaining wall blocks having half the length of the remaining elements.
Description
~ 1~2~266 FIELD OF TH~ PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to retaining wall blocks and more particularly to pre-cast slabs which can be divided into a plurality of blocks of different sizes, depending on the needs during the construction of the retaining wall.
The construction of retaining walls with pre-cast interlocking concrete blocks is well known. For example, see Canadian Industrial Design 44,696 (Thomas), U.S. Patent 468,838 (Steiger), Canadian Patent 941,626 (Risi), U.S. Patents 3,488,964 (Kubo), 4,193,718 (Wahrendorf et al) and 4,372,091 (Toffolon, Brown).
However, when constructing retaining walls using such blocks, it is necessary to have a plurality of different blocks in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. To this end, full-length blocks and half-length blocks are required. The half-length blocks are used in making the ends of the walls and/or corners. Furthermore, in the case of retaining walls having more than a nominal height, it is preferable to provide blocks having different widths in order to provide a greater mass in the lower portion of the wall to increase the stability of the wall.
30Finally, headers are required to provide a more aesthetically pleasing top or finishing row of blocks.
This requirement for a plurality of different blocks, each having a different configuration requires a plurality of different moulds which increases the cost of producing such blocks, thus increasing the cost of a retaining wall built with such blocks. In addition, careful planning is required when ordering the various types of blocks necessary to construct a ", .,.,. ~ :
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, ogiven retaining wall. Indeed, if a given block is not provided in sufficient quantity, costly delays may be incurred.
.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a retaining wall construction system which will substantially lessen the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a pre-cast slab comprising a plurality of elements 10 which can be divided into a plurality of blocks having the required configuration during the construction of a given retaining wall.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a pre-cast slab which can be divided in blocks of different widths and lengths.
¦ An object of the present invention to provide such a pre-cast slab for the construction of retaining walls that will 20 not require mortar or any other binder to form a solid and sturdy wall.
J Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pre-cast slab for the construction of retaining walls 25 which allows but does not require the addition of tie backs or other similar horizontal retention means.
Another object of the present invention is to provide i a pre-cast slab for the construction of retaining walls which is 30 inexpensive to manufacture, simple to use and effective in its operation.
Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, a pre-cast slab for use in the construction of retaining walls 35 comprises an upper face and a lower face, at least said upper face comprising a plurality of grooves defining at least two (2) ,.,: ~ ~ ~ , - :
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- 13242~
elements allowing, but not necessitating, breakage of said elements into separate blocks along said dummy grooves, each said element having generally the same length and the same width and - comprising:
- an upper face on which are disposed a plurality of retaining pins extending axially of said element;
- a lower face having recess means extending axially of said element, having a configuration so as to matingly interlock when such elements are broken into blocks which are disposed in horizontal courses one upon the other;
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wherein at least one (l) of said elements comprises further groove~ defining at least two substantially equal sub-~ elements in said element.
.
~i 20 Such recess means may comprise a trapezoidal groove throughout substantially the length of said element and such pins may be shaped like a truncated cone.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed ~ description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
t3 30 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present , invention, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the hereinbelow-described figures of the accompanying drawings and is described in detail hereinafter.
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Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a concrete slab made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the concrete slab of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the concrete slab of figure 1 which has been broken into four (4) separate blocks;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a retaining wall constructed with blocks which were broken off concrete slabs similar to the one shown in Figure l;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of another concr te slab from which header blocks may be broken off;
Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a retaining wall constructed with blocks broken off concrete slabs similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 5.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In figures 1 and 2, a concrete slab is shown and is generally referred to as numeral 5.
The slab 5 is pre-cast, that is cast before arrival at the building site. If made of concrete, the slab may have embedded therein suitable reinforcing elements (not shown) to give additional strength to the resulting blocks when such is .-. . . . ~ . - .
,~ . . .
- " 1324266 ~ required. These reinforcing elements may comprise a steel grid or s the like (not shown). since the method of obtaining those pre-cast slabs or blocks is well-known in the art, same will not be described any further.
' Each of said slab 5 has a generally rectangular top face lo, i a bottom face 15 and side faces 20, 21, 22, and 23. The top face of slab 5 comprises grooves 31, 32, and 33 while the bottom face 15 comprises grooves 34, 35, and 36 which are located in overlying 0relationship with respect to grooves 31, 32, and 33 respectively.
, . . .
~ Grooves 31/34 and 32/35 define three elements 60, 61, and 62 3 while grooves 33/36 divide element 62 in two further elements 62A
and 62B.
A plurality of protrusions 50 extend upwardly from the upper ~ face 10. Each protrusion has the shape of a shallow cylinder or '~, preferably of a truncated cone and are placed in line near the longitudinal axis of the upper face 10 of each element.
Each of these elements may form a separate block by breaking the slab along the groove6 separating it from its neighbouring element.
25A block may also comprise two elements, for example elements 60 and 61 form a wide block when elements 62A and 62B are broken ~: ' . . - .
- 132~2~
off slab 5. Another example is illustrated in figure 4 where a block 60 was broken off three slabs 5. The three wide blocks 61/62 form the three lowermost rows, the three broken off blocks 60 form the next three rows while header block 71 was broken off header slab 70 or is a block 61 from which the pins 50 have been removed by a chisel or the like.
When an element is broken off to form a separate block, the portion of the grooves remaining on the severed block forms a chamfer which provides a mortar joint look when courses of severed blocks are placed one over the other to form the retaining wall.
~ The under face 15 of each of the elements 60, 61, 62A, and 62B
i is provided with a longitudinal trapezoidal slot 55, which is ~ 15 capable of engagingly receiving the upper protrusions 50, when the 7 blocks are piled one on top of the other (in staggered or aligned relationship) during the erection of a retaining wall.
For each particular element such as element 60, the 20 ~protrusions 50 are preferably slightly rearwardly offset with respect to the corresponding slot 55 so that upon the erection of the retaining wall, each row of same will be automatically set back a predetermined distance D from the row underneath. Typically, this distance D from the center of the protrusion 50 in upper face 10 to the center of the corresponding slot 55, in underface 15 is such that an inclination of the retaining wall to the vertical of ~, .
. . .
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about 5 to 15 is provided. However, D may be adjusted to provide any other desired inclination. In addition, the width of the slot 55 should slightly exceed the width or diameter of the protrusions 50 to allow ade~uate fitting.
It should be noted that the slots 55 extend along the longitudinal axis of each element but end at a certain distance from the side faces of each element. Element 62, as explained above, can be divided into two half elements 62A and 62B along the dummy grooves 33l36. Therefore the slot in each half element 62A
and 62B similarly does not extend the way to the end walls.
Alternatively, however, the slots 55 may, if desired, extend the full length of each block element as do the slots 31 and 32, for example. Additionally, the grooves 33/36 may, if desired, end at a certain distance from the groove 32 in a manner similar to slots 55 as seen in figure 2, ie. the grooves 33/36 may be blocked off adjacent grooves 32 and 35.
As it will be appreciated, one of the elements, for example element 61 is provided with only two protrusions 50. By so doing, the block placed in the row above the element 61 can be placed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of element 61 without interfering with the interlocking of the other blocks, for example when forming a corner. Furthermore, element 61 may be used as a header block by simply removing the two protrusions.
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. -8a-- Alternatively, however, the element 61 may, if desired, have . the same numbered protrusions 50 as shown for element 60, the four protrusions being disposed the same as for element 60.
SThe manner of constructing a retaining wall with the use of slabs made in accordance with the present invention is described hereinafter.
For the particular embodiment illustrated in the enclosed 10figures, each or a group of said elements 61, 62, or 63 may sonstitute a distinct block for the construction of the retaining ` wall. Thus, if a two-element block is necessary (usually for one or more of the lower courses), the pre-cast slab S is broken along the dummy grooves 31/34 or 32/35. If only one-element blocks are ; lS required, said pre-cast slab 5 is broken along both dummy grooves ;i 31/34 and 32/35. Finally, when half-element blocks are required (at the ends or when making a corner), the slab 5 is broken along grooves 32/35 and then again along grooves 33/36. The breakage of the slab along the dummy grooves will create a rough surface 90 in q~ .20 the plane perpendicular to said dummy grooves lines which will provide a cut stone look.
Horizontal retention means 80 can be attached on the element 60 as shown in figures 1 and 4. These retention means 80 may be ~ 25 made of any appropriate material and are adapted to be attached to jconnection pins 75 placed on the top face of element 60 and act as ,, :
.
132~26~
-8b-tie backs when buried into the soil as shown in figure 4. However, it is to be understood that any other type of retention means can be used for the same purpose.
Pre-cast slabs made in accordance with the present invention are useful for building retaining walls of up to 1.35 meter under normal soil conditions in the case such blocks are 813mm x 610mm x 76mm. For higher walls or abnormal soil conditions, an engineer should be consulted.
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:, As with any retaining walls structure, it is important that the wall rest on an appropriate foundation and that adequate drainage be provided behind the wall.
The first step consists in excavating a trench in which q the foundation material and one or more rows of blocks will be placed. For example, the following trench characteristics may be use in most normal situations:
WALL HEIGHT TRENCH DIMENSION NUMBER OF ROWS
D W OF BURIED BLOCKS
up to 750mm 225mm x 550mm ;ll 15 750 to 1350mm 300mm x 750mm 2 ,, .
The trench and the excavated embankment are then preferably covered with an appropriate geotextile to prevent the ~, smaller particles of soil from infiltrating and blocking the drainage system.
Crushed stone (20mm or 0-20mm) is placed in the trench ` and compacted to act as a foundation for the retaining wall. A
drain is then placed in the rear portion of the trench and J 25 connected to an existing drainage system.
:..
In order to increase the stability of the wall, it is preferable that the lowermost course be made of a block comprising two elements. However, for wall heights of up to 750mm, this is not an absolute requirement for most normal soil conditions. The blocks should be staggered as any normal brick work to increase the strength of the wall.
., 3 The subsequent courses of the retaining wall may be ' 35 single-element blocks.
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-10- ' ' SI~B CUTTING CHART
TY~ES OF ELEMENTS ALONG DUMMY GROOVE
lxlW + lx2W 31/34 32/35 - 5 3xlW 31/34 and 32/35 2xlW + 2 half element 31/34 32/35 and 33/36 The corners are constructed using half-element blocks 62A or 62B (see figure 6) obtained by breaking element 62 along grooves 33/36.
After the last row of blocks 60, 61, or 62 has been erected, a top block on header 71 is placed on said last row. However, alternatively, the elements 60 or 61 can also be used as a header by removing the protrusions 55 with a chisel.
~î 1 5 While specific embodiments of this invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove, it will be evident to those skilled in art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
' For example, in the preferred embodiment, the concrete slab was designed to be divided into four (4) elements. However, it has to be understood that said slab may comprise 3, 5 ~ 6 or more sub-. elements depending on the needs.
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The present invention relates to retaining wall blocks and more particularly to pre-cast slabs which can be divided into a plurality of blocks of different sizes, depending on the needs during the construction of the retaining wall.
The construction of retaining walls with pre-cast interlocking concrete blocks is well known. For example, see Canadian Industrial Design 44,696 (Thomas), U.S. Patent 468,838 (Steiger), Canadian Patent 941,626 (Risi), U.S. Patents 3,488,964 (Kubo), 4,193,718 (Wahrendorf et al) and 4,372,091 (Toffolon, Brown).
However, when constructing retaining walls using such blocks, it is necessary to have a plurality of different blocks in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. To this end, full-length blocks and half-length blocks are required. The half-length blocks are used in making the ends of the walls and/or corners. Furthermore, in the case of retaining walls having more than a nominal height, it is preferable to provide blocks having different widths in order to provide a greater mass in the lower portion of the wall to increase the stability of the wall.
30Finally, headers are required to provide a more aesthetically pleasing top or finishing row of blocks.
This requirement for a plurality of different blocks, each having a different configuration requires a plurality of different moulds which increases the cost of producing such blocks, thus increasing the cost of a retaining wall built with such blocks. In addition, careful planning is required when ordering the various types of blocks necessary to construct a ", .,.,. ~ :
:- . r ,~
-- 132~26~
, ogiven retaining wall. Indeed, if a given block is not provided in sufficient quantity, costly delays may be incurred.
.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a retaining wall construction system which will substantially lessen the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a pre-cast slab comprising a plurality of elements 10 which can be divided into a plurality of blocks having the required configuration during the construction of a given retaining wall.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a pre-cast slab which can be divided in blocks of different widths and lengths.
¦ An object of the present invention to provide such a pre-cast slab for the construction of retaining walls that will 20 not require mortar or any other binder to form a solid and sturdy wall.
J Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pre-cast slab for the construction of retaining walls 25 which allows but does not require the addition of tie backs or other similar horizontal retention means.
Another object of the present invention is to provide i a pre-cast slab for the construction of retaining walls which is 30 inexpensive to manufacture, simple to use and effective in its operation.
Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, a pre-cast slab for use in the construction of retaining walls 35 comprises an upper face and a lower face, at least said upper face comprising a plurality of grooves defining at least two (2) ,.,: ~ ~ ~ , - :
: :: , .
- 13242~
elements allowing, but not necessitating, breakage of said elements into separate blocks along said dummy grooves, each said element having generally the same length and the same width and - comprising:
- an upper face on which are disposed a plurality of retaining pins extending axially of said element;
- a lower face having recess means extending axially of said element, having a configuration so as to matingly interlock when such elements are broken into blocks which are disposed in horizontal courses one upon the other;
il ~
wherein at least one (l) of said elements comprises further groove~ defining at least two substantially equal sub-~ elements in said element.
.
~i 20 Such recess means may comprise a trapezoidal groove throughout substantially the length of said element and such pins may be shaped like a truncated cone.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed ~ description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
t3 30 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present , invention, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the hereinbelow-described figures of the accompanying drawings and is described in detail hereinafter.
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Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a concrete slab made in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the concrete slab of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the concrete slab of figure 1 which has been broken into four (4) separate blocks;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a retaining wall constructed with blocks which were broken off concrete slabs similar to the one shown in Figure l;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of another concr te slab from which header blocks may be broken off;
Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a retaining wall constructed with blocks broken off concrete slabs similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 5.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In figures 1 and 2, a concrete slab is shown and is generally referred to as numeral 5.
The slab 5 is pre-cast, that is cast before arrival at the building site. If made of concrete, the slab may have embedded therein suitable reinforcing elements (not shown) to give additional strength to the resulting blocks when such is .-. . . . ~ . - .
,~ . . .
- " 1324266 ~ required. These reinforcing elements may comprise a steel grid or s the like (not shown). since the method of obtaining those pre-cast slabs or blocks is well-known in the art, same will not be described any further.
' Each of said slab 5 has a generally rectangular top face lo, i a bottom face 15 and side faces 20, 21, 22, and 23. The top face of slab 5 comprises grooves 31, 32, and 33 while the bottom face 15 comprises grooves 34, 35, and 36 which are located in overlying 0relationship with respect to grooves 31, 32, and 33 respectively.
, . . .
~ Grooves 31/34 and 32/35 define three elements 60, 61, and 62 3 while grooves 33/36 divide element 62 in two further elements 62A
and 62B.
A plurality of protrusions 50 extend upwardly from the upper ~ face 10. Each protrusion has the shape of a shallow cylinder or '~, preferably of a truncated cone and are placed in line near the longitudinal axis of the upper face 10 of each element.
Each of these elements may form a separate block by breaking the slab along the groove6 separating it from its neighbouring element.
25A block may also comprise two elements, for example elements 60 and 61 form a wide block when elements 62A and 62B are broken ~: ' . . - .
- 132~2~
off slab 5. Another example is illustrated in figure 4 where a block 60 was broken off three slabs 5. The three wide blocks 61/62 form the three lowermost rows, the three broken off blocks 60 form the next three rows while header block 71 was broken off header slab 70 or is a block 61 from which the pins 50 have been removed by a chisel or the like.
When an element is broken off to form a separate block, the portion of the grooves remaining on the severed block forms a chamfer which provides a mortar joint look when courses of severed blocks are placed one over the other to form the retaining wall.
~ The under face 15 of each of the elements 60, 61, 62A, and 62B
i is provided with a longitudinal trapezoidal slot 55, which is ~ 15 capable of engagingly receiving the upper protrusions 50, when the 7 blocks are piled one on top of the other (in staggered or aligned relationship) during the erection of a retaining wall.
For each particular element such as element 60, the 20 ~protrusions 50 are preferably slightly rearwardly offset with respect to the corresponding slot 55 so that upon the erection of the retaining wall, each row of same will be automatically set back a predetermined distance D from the row underneath. Typically, this distance D from the center of the protrusion 50 in upper face 10 to the center of the corresponding slot 55, in underface 15 is such that an inclination of the retaining wall to the vertical of ~, .
. . .
"``` ~32~2~
about 5 to 15 is provided. However, D may be adjusted to provide any other desired inclination. In addition, the width of the slot 55 should slightly exceed the width or diameter of the protrusions 50 to allow ade~uate fitting.
It should be noted that the slots 55 extend along the longitudinal axis of each element but end at a certain distance from the side faces of each element. Element 62, as explained above, can be divided into two half elements 62A and 62B along the dummy grooves 33l36. Therefore the slot in each half element 62A
and 62B similarly does not extend the way to the end walls.
Alternatively, however, the slots 55 may, if desired, extend the full length of each block element as do the slots 31 and 32, for example. Additionally, the grooves 33/36 may, if desired, end at a certain distance from the groove 32 in a manner similar to slots 55 as seen in figure 2, ie. the grooves 33/36 may be blocked off adjacent grooves 32 and 35.
As it will be appreciated, one of the elements, for example element 61 is provided with only two protrusions 50. By so doing, the block placed in the row above the element 61 can be placed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of element 61 without interfering with the interlocking of the other blocks, for example when forming a corner. Furthermore, element 61 may be used as a header block by simply removing the two protrusions.
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. -8a-- Alternatively, however, the element 61 may, if desired, have . the same numbered protrusions 50 as shown for element 60, the four protrusions being disposed the same as for element 60.
SThe manner of constructing a retaining wall with the use of slabs made in accordance with the present invention is described hereinafter.
For the particular embodiment illustrated in the enclosed 10figures, each or a group of said elements 61, 62, or 63 may sonstitute a distinct block for the construction of the retaining ` wall. Thus, if a two-element block is necessary (usually for one or more of the lower courses), the pre-cast slab S is broken along the dummy grooves 31/34 or 32/35. If only one-element blocks are ; lS required, said pre-cast slab 5 is broken along both dummy grooves ;i 31/34 and 32/35. Finally, when half-element blocks are required (at the ends or when making a corner), the slab 5 is broken along grooves 32/35 and then again along grooves 33/36. The breakage of the slab along the dummy grooves will create a rough surface 90 in q~ .20 the plane perpendicular to said dummy grooves lines which will provide a cut stone look.
Horizontal retention means 80 can be attached on the element 60 as shown in figures 1 and 4. These retention means 80 may be ~ 25 made of any appropriate material and are adapted to be attached to jconnection pins 75 placed on the top face of element 60 and act as ,, :
.
132~26~
-8b-tie backs when buried into the soil as shown in figure 4. However, it is to be understood that any other type of retention means can be used for the same purpose.
Pre-cast slabs made in accordance with the present invention are useful for building retaining walls of up to 1.35 meter under normal soil conditions in the case such blocks are 813mm x 610mm x 76mm. For higher walls or abnormal soil conditions, an engineer should be consulted.
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:, As with any retaining walls structure, it is important that the wall rest on an appropriate foundation and that adequate drainage be provided behind the wall.
The first step consists in excavating a trench in which q the foundation material and one or more rows of blocks will be placed. For example, the following trench characteristics may be use in most normal situations:
WALL HEIGHT TRENCH DIMENSION NUMBER OF ROWS
D W OF BURIED BLOCKS
up to 750mm 225mm x 550mm ;ll 15 750 to 1350mm 300mm x 750mm 2 ,, .
The trench and the excavated embankment are then preferably covered with an appropriate geotextile to prevent the ~, smaller particles of soil from infiltrating and blocking the drainage system.
Crushed stone (20mm or 0-20mm) is placed in the trench ` and compacted to act as a foundation for the retaining wall. A
drain is then placed in the rear portion of the trench and J 25 connected to an existing drainage system.
:..
In order to increase the stability of the wall, it is preferable that the lowermost course be made of a block comprising two elements. However, for wall heights of up to 750mm, this is not an absolute requirement for most normal soil conditions. The blocks should be staggered as any normal brick work to increase the strength of the wall.
., 3 The subsequent courses of the retaining wall may be ' 35 single-element blocks.
:. . . ~ .. - :.: .
:~, . . - . -... ~................................... . .
: . . , ,~'`',. ; ' ' '' . , 1~2~6~
-10- ' ' SI~B CUTTING CHART
TY~ES OF ELEMENTS ALONG DUMMY GROOVE
lxlW + lx2W 31/34 32/35 - 5 3xlW 31/34 and 32/35 2xlW + 2 half element 31/34 32/35 and 33/36 The corners are constructed using half-element blocks 62A or 62B (see figure 6) obtained by breaking element 62 along grooves 33/36.
After the last row of blocks 60, 61, or 62 has been erected, a top block on header 71 is placed on said last row. However, alternatively, the elements 60 or 61 can also be used as a header by removing the protrusions 55 with a chisel.
~î 1 5 While specific embodiments of this invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove, it will be evident to those skilled in art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of this invention, as set forth in the appended claims.
' For example, in the preferred embodiment, the concrete slab was designed to be divided into four (4) elements. However, it has to be understood that said slab may comprise 3, 5 ~ 6 or more sub-. elements depending on the needs.
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Claims (6)
1. A pre-cast slab for use in the construction of retaining walls comprising an upper face and a lower face, at least said upper face comprising a plurality of grooves defining at least two (2) elements allowing, but not necessitating, breakage of said elements into separate blocks along said grooves, each said element having generally the same length and the same width and comprising:
- a plurality of retaining pins disposed in parallel to the longitudinal axis of said element on its upper face;
- recess means disposed in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower face of said element, said recess means and retaining pins having a configuration so as to matingly interlock when such elements are broken into blocks which are disposed in horizontal courses one upon the other;
wherein at least one (1) of said elements further comprises additional grooves defining at least two substantially equal sub-elements in said element.
- a plurality of retaining pins disposed in parallel to the longitudinal axis of said element on its upper face;
- recess means disposed in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower face of said element, said recess means and retaining pins having a configuration so as to matingly interlock when such elements are broken into blocks which are disposed in horizontal courses one upon the other;
wherein at least one (1) of said elements further comprises additional grooves defining at least two substantially equal sub-elements in said element.
2. A pre-cast slab according to claim 1, wherein said recess means comprise a trapezoidal groove throughout a major portion but not all the length of said element.
3. A pre-cast slab according to claim 1, wherein said pins are shaped like a shallow cylinder.
4. A pre-cast slab according to claim 1, wherein said pins are shaped like a truncated cone.
5. A pre-cast slab according to claim 1, wherein said lower face comprises grooves and additional grooves located in overlying relationship with said grooves and additional grooves located on said upper face.
6. A pre-cast slab according to claim 2, 4 or 5, comprising three elements, two of which comprise four (4) retaining pins, whereas the remaining element comprises two (2) retaining pins each located adjacent one end thereof.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609986A CA1324266C (en) | 1989-08-31 | 1989-08-31 | Concrete slabs for construction of retaining walls |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609986A CA1324266C (en) | 1989-08-31 | 1989-08-31 | Concrete slabs for construction of retaining walls |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1324266C true CA1324266C (en) | 1993-11-16 |
Family
ID=4140534
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609986A Expired - Lifetime CA1324266C (en) | 1989-08-31 | 1989-08-31 | Concrete slabs for construction of retaining walls |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1324266C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7712281B2 (en) | 2003-01-09 | 2010-05-11 | Allan Block Corporation | Interlocking building block |
-
1989
- 1989-08-31 CA CA000609986A patent/CA1324266C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7712281B2 (en) | 2003-01-09 | 2010-05-11 | Allan Block Corporation | Interlocking building block |
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| MKEX | Expiry |
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