CA2515863C - Retaining wall construction and construction elements - Google Patents
Retaining wall construction and construction elements Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2515863C CA2515863C CA 2515863 CA2515863A CA2515863C CA 2515863 C CA2515863 C CA 2515863C CA 2515863 CA2515863 CA 2515863 CA 2515863 A CA2515863 A CA 2515863A CA 2515863 C CA2515863 C CA 2515863C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wall
- face panel
- integral stem
- stem
- feet
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Retaining Walls (AREA)
Abstract
A precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass in a railway installation or the like includes an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron where a rectangular front wall and an integral stem. The front wall defines an area of between about 18.75 and 75 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to its height is between about 0.75 to about 3Ø A reinforced element including an upward extension, an improved shear key, and stacked arrangement are also disclosed.
Description
RETAINING WALL CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a precast concrete retaining wall construction element and more particularly to a precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION
Precast concrete retaining wall construction elements are known. For example, a U.S.
Patent of O'Neill, No. 4,684,294, discloses a retaining wall construction element having a forwardly disposed rectangular face panel and an integral embedment beam which extends into and is anchored by the soil mass. The embedment beam includes upper and lower walls, side walls and a sloping rear wall. In addition, the embedment beam includes notches for engagement which transverse support beams which form a soil interruption system to reduce internal pressure and which serve to lock the embedment beams together. The embedment beams further include pan inserts and a V-shaped groove disposed in the sloping rear wall to increase the frictional engagement between the embedment beam and the soil mass. The construction elements in accordance with the O'Neill patent have been widely used for many applications.
However, it is presently believed that there is a large commercial market for an improved precast concrete retaining wall construction element in accordance with the present invention. There should be a large commercial market for such elements because they are particularly applicable for railroad embankments and other large installations that may be repeatedly subjected to significant forces and/or vibrations.
The improved precast concrete retaining wall construction elements in accordance with the present invention fully meet the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA) requirements for railroad installations. Further, such elements are economical to manufacture, ship and to install in a safe manner which reduces the risk for employees working on such installations. Further, the precast concrete retaining wall construction element in accordance with the present invention, are sized for efficient shipment by truck and have a pleasing appearance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In essence, the present invention contemplates a precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass. The element includes an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron with front and rear walls, a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall. An important feature of the present invention resides in the area of the front wall which is between about 18.75 and about 75 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to the height of the face panel is between about 0.75 to about 3Ø
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a "standard unit" includes a front wall having an area of between about 30 square feet and about 40 square feet, preferably about 37 1/2 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to the height of the face panel is between about 0.75 to about 3.0, and preferably between about 1.2 to about 1.6.
The element also includes an integral stem or embedment member extending rearwardly from the rear wall of the face panel in a generally T-shaped construction. The integral stem has an upper wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a rear wall and with one or more notches defined in the upper and bottom wall. Further, each of the side walls of the integral stem includes one or more pan inserts therein. A shear key is constructed and dimensioned to fit within one of the notches in one of the upper and bottom walls of the stem and is adapted to fit within a corresponding notch in an abutting stem of a second element which is placed on top of or below the retaining wall construction element.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the precast concrete retaining wall construction element wherein each of the elements set forth in the previous paragraph includes steel reinforcing rods extending through and encased by the integral stem and the face panel with one of the reinforcing bars extending outwardly in a first direction of the face
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a precast concrete retaining wall construction element and more particularly to a precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION
Precast concrete retaining wall construction elements are known. For example, a U.S.
Patent of O'Neill, No. 4,684,294, discloses a retaining wall construction element having a forwardly disposed rectangular face panel and an integral embedment beam which extends into and is anchored by the soil mass. The embedment beam includes upper and lower walls, side walls and a sloping rear wall. In addition, the embedment beam includes notches for engagement which transverse support beams which form a soil interruption system to reduce internal pressure and which serve to lock the embedment beams together. The embedment beams further include pan inserts and a V-shaped groove disposed in the sloping rear wall to increase the frictional engagement between the embedment beam and the soil mass. The construction elements in accordance with the O'Neill patent have been widely used for many applications.
However, it is presently believed that there is a large commercial market for an improved precast concrete retaining wall construction element in accordance with the present invention. There should be a large commercial market for such elements because they are particularly applicable for railroad embankments and other large installations that may be repeatedly subjected to significant forces and/or vibrations.
The improved precast concrete retaining wall construction elements in accordance with the present invention fully meet the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA) requirements for railroad installations. Further, such elements are economical to manufacture, ship and to install in a safe manner which reduces the risk for employees working on such installations. Further, the precast concrete retaining wall construction element in accordance with the present invention, are sized for efficient shipment by truck and have a pleasing appearance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In essence, the present invention contemplates a precast concrete retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass. The element includes an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron with front and rear walls, a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall. An important feature of the present invention resides in the area of the front wall which is between about 18.75 and about 75 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to the height of the face panel is between about 0.75 to about 3Ø
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a "standard unit" includes a front wall having an area of between about 30 square feet and about 40 square feet, preferably about 37 1/2 square feet and wherein the ratio of the width of the face panel to the height of the face panel is between about 0.75 to about 3.0, and preferably between about 1.2 to about 1.6.
The element also includes an integral stem or embedment member extending rearwardly from the rear wall of the face panel in a generally T-shaped construction. The integral stem has an upper wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a rear wall and with one or more notches defined in the upper and bottom wall. Further, each of the side walls of the integral stem includes one or more pan inserts therein. A shear key is constructed and dimensioned to fit within one of the notches in one of the upper and bottom walls of the stem and is adapted to fit within a corresponding notch in an abutting stem of a second element which is placed on top of or below the retaining wall construction element.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the precast concrete retaining wall construction element wherein each of the elements set forth in the previous paragraph includes steel reinforcing rods extending through and encased by the integral stem and the face panel with one of the reinforcing bars extending outwardly in a first direction of the face
-2-panel and the other of the reinforcing bars extending outwardly in an opposite direction into the face panel.
In a third embodiment of the invention, the precast retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass includes the elements of the first embodiment of the invention and also includes one or more shear keys which fit within one of the notches in one of the upper or bottom walls and is adapted to fit within a corresponding notch in an abutting stem of a second element placed on top of or below the retaining wall construction element.
In this embodiment of the invention, the shear key includes a face having a cross sectional area of about one square foot.
A fourth embodiment of the invention includes all of the elements of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment the face panel includes an extension extending upwardly above the integral stem by distance of up to about 5 feet. A 5 foot extension on top of a 5 foot height of a standard unit gives a total height of 10 feet which is the limit due to shipping and results in a face panel having a cross sectional area of about 75 square feet. In this example, the area of the upper extension and the portion of the front wall below the extensions are each about 37 1/2 square feet.
A fifth embodiment of the invention contemplates a plurality of stacked elements wherein a first element as defined in the first embodiment of the invention is stacked on top of an element in an aligned and abutting relationship. In this embodiment of the invention, a retaining wall construction element in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention may be used as an upper or top element in the stacked array of such elements.
Further, the shear key is constructed and dimensioned to fit within one of the notches in an upper wall of one stem and within a corresponding notch in a bottom wall of the stem of the second element.
The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like parts.
In a third embodiment of the invention, the precast retaining wall construction element for retaining a soil mass includes the elements of the first embodiment of the invention and also includes one or more shear keys which fit within one of the notches in one of the upper or bottom walls and is adapted to fit within a corresponding notch in an abutting stem of a second element placed on top of or below the retaining wall construction element.
In this embodiment of the invention, the shear key includes a face having a cross sectional area of about one square foot.
A fourth embodiment of the invention includes all of the elements of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment the face panel includes an extension extending upwardly above the integral stem by distance of up to about 5 feet. A 5 foot extension on top of a 5 foot height of a standard unit gives a total height of 10 feet which is the limit due to shipping and results in a face panel having a cross sectional area of about 75 square feet. In this example, the area of the upper extension and the portion of the front wall below the extensions are each about 37 1/2 square feet.
A fifth embodiment of the invention contemplates a plurality of stacked elements wherein a first element as defined in the first embodiment of the invention is stacked on top of an element in an aligned and abutting relationship. In this embodiment of the invention, a retaining wall construction element in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention may be used as an upper or top element in the stacked array of such elements.
Further, the shear key is constructed and dimensioned to fit within one of the notches in an upper wall of one stem and within a corresponding notch in a bottom wall of the stem of the second element.
The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to designate like parts.
-3-DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retaining wall construction element in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the retaining wall construction element shown in Figure 1;
Figure 2A is a sectional view of the element shown in Figure 2 and taken along the line A-A in Figure 2;
Figure 2B is a sectional view of the element shown in Figure 2 and taken along the line B-B in Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a top view of the element shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a front view of a retaining wall construction element in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the elements shown in Figure 4;
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 5;
Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure 5;
Figure 6 is a top view of the element shown in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 7 is a side view of a stem portion of an element in accordance with the present invention and including two pair of corresponding notches and a shear key in one pair of corresponding notches;
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retaining wall construction element in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the retaining wall construction element shown in Figure 1;
Figure 2A is a sectional view of the element shown in Figure 2 and taken along the line A-A in Figure 2;
Figure 2B is a sectional view of the element shown in Figure 2 and taken along the line B-B in Figure 2;
Figure 3 is a top view of the element shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a front view of a retaining wall construction element in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the elements shown in Figure 4;
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 5;
Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure 5;
Figure 6 is a top view of the element shown in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 7 is a side view of a stem portion of an element in accordance with the present invention and including two pair of corresponding notches and a shear key in one pair of corresponding notches;
-4-Figure 8 is a side view of a shear-key in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is a front view of the shear key shown in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the shear key shown in Figures 8 and 9;
Figure 11 is a side view in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12A is a side elevational view of a retaining wall construction element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12B is a front view of the retaining wall construction element shown in Figure 12A;
Figure 13 is a top view of the elements shown in Figure 12;
Figure 13A is a sectional side view illustrating the steel bar reinforcement as used in one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13B is a sectional front view illustrating the steel bar reinforcement as used in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 13A;
Figure 14 is a side view of a retaining wall construction in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14A is a side sectional view which illustrates the steel reinforcing rods in another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14B is a front sectional view which illustrates the steel reinforcing rods in a face panel in accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 14A;
Figure 15 is a side view of a retaining wall construction element according to a further embodiment of the invention which shows the steel reinforcing elements;
Figure 9 is a front view of the shear key shown in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the shear key shown in Figures 8 and 9;
Figure 11 is a side view in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12A is a side elevational view of a retaining wall construction element in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12B is a front view of the retaining wall construction element shown in Figure 12A;
Figure 13 is a top view of the elements shown in Figure 12;
Figure 13A is a sectional side view illustrating the steel bar reinforcement as used in one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13B is a sectional front view illustrating the steel bar reinforcement as used in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 13A;
Figure 14 is a side view of a retaining wall construction in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14A is a side sectional view which illustrates the steel reinforcing rods in another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14B is a front sectional view which illustrates the steel reinforcing rods in a face panel in accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 14A;
Figure 15 is a side view of a retaining wall construction element according to a further embodiment of the invention which shows the steel reinforcing elements;
-5-Figure 16 is a front view of the elements shown in Figure 15 and which shows the steel reinforcing rods disposed therein;
Figure 17A is a side view of a shear key which includes a pair of U-shaped reinforcing bars;
Figure 17B is a schematic illustration of the front view of a pair of U-shaped reinforcing rods as used in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 15;
Figure 18 is a load diagram which illustrates typical lateral earth pressures from two railroad tracks adjacent to a retaining wall construction in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 19 is a side view of a typical rail facility application; and Figure 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1, 2, 2A, 2B and 3 show a precast concrete retaining wall construction element 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. As shown, the element 2 includes a face panel 12 having a height of about 5 feet and a width of about 7 1 /2 feet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the face panel defines a front face having an area of between about 30 and 40 square feet and preferably about 37 1/2 square feet.
The dimensions are based on various considerations including the requirements of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA). For example, the lateral pressure required for various installations must be met. In the present case i.e., one that is used for rail facility applications such as grade separation structures, bridge approaches and abutments, slope stabilization etc. each installation must comply with the AREMA
requirements and at the same time optimize the value of the installation. For example, dimensions are also based
Figure 17A is a side view of a shear key which includes a pair of U-shaped reinforcing bars;
Figure 17B is a schematic illustration of the front view of a pair of U-shaped reinforcing rods as used in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 15;
Figure 18 is a load diagram which illustrates typical lateral earth pressures from two railroad tracks adjacent to a retaining wall construction in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 19 is a side view of a typical rail facility application; and Figure 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1, 2, 2A, 2B and 3 show a precast concrete retaining wall construction element 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. As shown, the element 2 includes a face panel 12 having a height of about 5 feet and a width of about 7 1 /2 feet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the face panel defines a front face having an area of between about 30 and 40 square feet and preferably about 37 1/2 square feet.
The dimensions are based on various considerations including the requirements of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA). For example, the lateral pressure required for various installations must be met. In the present case i.e., one that is used for rail facility applications such as grade separation structures, bridge approaches and abutments, slope stabilization etc. each installation must comply with the AREMA
requirements and at the same time optimize the value of the installation. For example, dimensions are also based
-6-on various considerations including the safety of workers, transportation and manufacturing costs, raw material costs, appearance and loading.
As illustrated, the element 2 includes an integral stem 14 or embedment beam member which is formed in a generally T-shaped arrangement. The face panel 12 and integral stem 14 which are integrally cast from concrete at a manufacturing site. The face panel 12 also includes a forward wall 16, a rear wall 18, side walls 20, a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22.
An integral cast concrete trapezoidal support member 23 extends rearwardly from the rear wall 18 with its base or widest portion adjacent to the rear wall and its top portion extending into the integral stem 14. As illustrated, the top wall 21 defines a flat surface. Also in this embodiment of the invention, the face panel 12 includes an upper extension above the stem 14 which retains additional fill on the top of an installation.
For railroad applications, a number of considerations call for an upward extension of the face panel as for example, as required to allow an overburden of 2 to 3 feet of soil to provide an obstacle free layer of soil below the tracks and above the integral stems. This 1 to 3 feet layer also accommodates for a 1 to 2 percent grade and for electrical cable for signals.
As shown in the figures, the integral stem 14 is joined to the rear wall 18 of the face panel 12 by means of the trapezoidal support member 23 which reduces stress at the juncture.
The integral stem 14 includes an upper wall 25, a bottom wall 26 and side walls 27 and 28.
The upper wall 25 and lower wall 26 each define one or more notches 30 and 32 for engagement with a shear key (not shown in Figures 1 and 2). The side walls 27 and 28 each include a series of pan inserts 33 or indentations which become filled with compacted soil to help hold the element 2 in place within a soil mass.
Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of steel reinforcing bars, rods or rebars are used to reinforce the front panel 12 and integral stem 14. As illustrated, the integral stem 14 includes a plurality of pan inserts 33 which are disposed in a plurality of parallel rows and columns. As illustrated, a plurality of completely encased reinforcing sets of rebars 35 extend parallel along the integral stem 14 in
As illustrated, the element 2 includes an integral stem 14 or embedment beam member which is formed in a generally T-shaped arrangement. The face panel 12 and integral stem 14 which are integrally cast from concrete at a manufacturing site. The face panel 12 also includes a forward wall 16, a rear wall 18, side walls 20, a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22.
An integral cast concrete trapezoidal support member 23 extends rearwardly from the rear wall 18 with its base or widest portion adjacent to the rear wall and its top portion extending into the integral stem 14. As illustrated, the top wall 21 defines a flat surface. Also in this embodiment of the invention, the face panel 12 includes an upper extension above the stem 14 which retains additional fill on the top of an installation.
For railroad applications, a number of considerations call for an upward extension of the face panel as for example, as required to allow an overburden of 2 to 3 feet of soil to provide an obstacle free layer of soil below the tracks and above the integral stems. This 1 to 3 feet layer also accommodates for a 1 to 2 percent grade and for electrical cable for signals.
As shown in the figures, the integral stem 14 is joined to the rear wall 18 of the face panel 12 by means of the trapezoidal support member 23 which reduces stress at the juncture.
The integral stem 14 includes an upper wall 25, a bottom wall 26 and side walls 27 and 28.
The upper wall 25 and lower wall 26 each define one or more notches 30 and 32 for engagement with a shear key (not shown in Figures 1 and 2). The side walls 27 and 28 each include a series of pan inserts 33 or indentations which become filled with compacted soil to help hold the element 2 in place within a soil mass.
Figures 2, 2A, 2B and 3 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of steel reinforcing bars, rods or rebars are used to reinforce the front panel 12 and integral stem 14. As illustrated, the integral stem 14 includes a plurality of pan inserts 33 which are disposed in a plurality of parallel rows and columns. As illustrated, a plurality of completely encased reinforcing sets of rebars 35 extend parallel along the integral stem 14 in
-7-an upper and lower portion thereof and in between the horizontal rows of pan inserts 33. The rebars 35 also extend into the front face panel 12. As illustrated, each of the rebar sets include two rebars with one of the rebars extending into the face panel 12 in a first direction and a second of the rebars extending in an opposite direction within the front panel 12. The front panel 12 also includes a plurality of vertically and horizontally disposed rods 36 and 37 respectively. As shown, the rebars 36 and 37 also extend into an upper extension 40 of the face panel 12. A plurality of vertically disposed rebar pairs 38 are disposed in the integral stem 14 with one pair disposed between each column of pan inserts 33 with one of said pair disposed on one side of the rebar 35 and a second of the pairs on an opposite side as shown in Figure 2A. The arrangement of the horizontal rebars 35 is shown more clearly in Figure 2B
wherein six rebars are shown two in each set of three in the horizontally disposed reinforcing rods.
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 5A, 5B
and 6. As shown therein the element 2 includes a face panel 12 having a forward wall 16, a rear wall 18, side walls 20, a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The element 2 also includes an integral stem 14 which extends rearwardly from the rear wall 18 to define a T-shaped construction.
As illustrated, the stem 14 has the same height as the front panel 12 i.e., about 5 feet and as shown as a length of 12 feet which maybe reduced in successive layers from the bottom of a stacked array to the top thereof. Such lengths can go to 30 feet.
As illustrated in Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 6, the integral stem 14 includes a plurality of pan inserts 33 arranged in two parallel rows and five parallel columns. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pan inserts 33 have a height of about 1 foot, 5 inches and a width of about 1 foot but may vary from about 1 foot to 1.5 feet in height and from about 0.5 feet to 1.0 feet in width. In addition, there are corresponding and aligned pan inserts 33 on each side of the integral stem 14 each of which constitutes a recess of about two inches. In this embodiment of the invention, the integral stem has a height of about 5 feet which is equal to the height of the face panel 12 and a width of about 7 inches which is slightly less than a thickness of about 8 inches for the face panel.
wherein six rebars are shown two in each set of three in the horizontally disposed reinforcing rods.
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 5A, 5B
and 6. As shown therein the element 2 includes a face panel 12 having a forward wall 16, a rear wall 18, side walls 20, a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The element 2 also includes an integral stem 14 which extends rearwardly from the rear wall 18 to define a T-shaped construction.
As illustrated, the stem 14 has the same height as the front panel 12 i.e., about 5 feet and as shown as a length of 12 feet which maybe reduced in successive layers from the bottom of a stacked array to the top thereof. Such lengths can go to 30 feet.
As illustrated in Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 6, the integral stem 14 includes a plurality of pan inserts 33 arranged in two parallel rows and five parallel columns. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pan inserts 33 have a height of about 1 foot, 5 inches and a width of about 1 foot but may vary from about 1 foot to 1.5 feet in height and from about 0.5 feet to 1.0 feet in width. In addition, there are corresponding and aligned pan inserts 33 on each side of the integral stem 14 each of which constitutes a recess of about two inches. In this embodiment of the invention, the integral stem has a height of about 5 feet which is equal to the height of the face panel 12 and a width of about 7 inches which is slightly less than a thickness of about 8 inches for the face panel.
-8-A further embodiment of the present invention relates to a shear key as illustrated in Figures 7-11, 17A and 17B. As illustrated, a shear key 37 is constructed and dimensioned to fit within the notches 30 or 32 and adapted to fit within a corresponding notch in an abutting stem 14 when placed on top of or below another retaining wall element. As illustrated, the shear key 37 is in the form of a polyhedron having eight sides with two opposite sides (a cross section) defining a hexagon. The key 37 is preferably about eight inches between opposite sides i.e., slightly larger than the seven inch width of the integral stem 14 so that it extends outwardly by about 1 /2 inch on each side of the integral stem to facilitate handling of the shear key 37. Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a shear key 37 which has a height of about 7 1/2 inches and a width of about 11 inches from opposite sides of the hexagonal face and about 9 inches along the top and bottom thereof.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a shear key 38 includes a circular passage way 39 extending through the key from one hexagonal face side to the other to lighten the key and further facilitate handling.
In another embodiment of the invention (see for example, Figures 17A and 17B) the shear key 37 includes fully encased steel reinforcing rods 40 and 41. In this embodiment each of the reinforcing rods 40 and 41 are U-shaped with two legs and a connecting member. In this embodiment, the shear key includes a first portion adjacent to one of the hexagonal sides and a second portion adjacent to an opposite hexagonal side. A connecting member of a first U-shaped reinforcing rod 40 is disposed in and fully encased by the first portion of the shear key 37 with its leg portions extending into the shear key. Further, the connecting member of the second U-shaped reinforcing rod 41 is disposed in and fully encased by the second portion of the shear key 37 with its legs extending inwardly into the key 37. As illustrated, the connecting members of the reinforcing rods 40 and 41 are disposed in a crossed-relationship as illustrated in Figure 17B.
A still further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 12A, 12B and 13 and is generally similar to the elements shown in Figures 1-3. For example, the precast concrete retaining wall construction element in accordance with this embodiment of the invention
In a further embodiment of the invention, a shear key 38 includes a circular passage way 39 extending through the key from one hexagonal face side to the other to lighten the key and further facilitate handling.
In another embodiment of the invention (see for example, Figures 17A and 17B) the shear key 37 includes fully encased steel reinforcing rods 40 and 41. In this embodiment each of the reinforcing rods 40 and 41 are U-shaped with two legs and a connecting member. In this embodiment, the shear key includes a first portion adjacent to one of the hexagonal sides and a second portion adjacent to an opposite hexagonal side. A connecting member of a first U-shaped reinforcing rod 40 is disposed in and fully encased by the first portion of the shear key 37 with its leg portions extending into the shear key. Further, the connecting member of the second U-shaped reinforcing rod 41 is disposed in and fully encased by the second portion of the shear key 37 with its legs extending inwardly into the key 37. As illustrated, the connecting members of the reinforcing rods 40 and 41 are disposed in a crossed-relationship as illustrated in Figure 17B.
A still further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 12A, 12B and 13 and is generally similar to the elements shown in Figures 1-3. For example, the precast concrete retaining wall construction element in accordance with this embodiment of the invention
-9-includes a face panel 12 having a width of 7 1/2 feet and a height of about 5 to 10 feet. The additional height i.e., above 5 feet, is used in an uppermost element to resist movement of a top layer of soil in a railroad installation. The element also includes an integral stem 14, pan inserts 33 and notches 30 but does not include notches 32 in an upper wall 25 of the integral stem 14. A key feature in this embodiment of the invention resides in one or two integral reinforcing elements 45.
This integral reinforcing element may take the form of a single wall or pair of walls as shown in Figure 12B and extends above the integral stem by about 2/3's of the distance to the top of the front wall 12. The reinforcing elements 45 may take the form of a pair of support walls 45 as shown in Figure 12B.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 14, 14A and 14B.
As shown in Figure 14, a precast concrete retaining wall construction element is generally similar to the element shown in Figures 12A, 12B and 13 and includes a face panel 12, an integral stem 14 and a pair of integral reinforcing elements 45. However, as shown in Figure 14, the element 2 also includes one or two buttresses 47 between the integral stem 14 and integral reinforcing element 45 to provide further support for an extending front panel 12. The buttresses 47 are used to provide further support for a front panel that extends upwardly from the upper wall of the integral stem 14 by between about 3 to 5 feet so that the front panel may have a height of between 8 to 10 feet.
In the aforementioned embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, it may also be desirable to provide further reinforcement with rebars or other steel reinforcing rods as shown in Figures 14A
and 14B. As shown in Figures 14A, a pair of rebars pass through and are encased by the panel 12, reinforcing elements 45 and buttresses 47 and extend down into the integral stem 14. In addition, the integral stem 14 includes a plurality of U-shaped reinforcing rods between columns of pan inserts as well as a plurality of rebars above, between and below the rows of pan inserts.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 14, 14A
and 14B. In Figures 15 and 16, the face panel 12 has a height of between about 5 feet, 6 inches to about 7 feet, 6 inches and integral stem 14 of about 2 feet, 6 inch height.
The
This integral reinforcing element may take the form of a single wall or pair of walls as shown in Figure 12B and extends above the integral stem by about 2/3's of the distance to the top of the front wall 12. The reinforcing elements 45 may take the form of a pair of support walls 45 as shown in Figure 12B.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 14, 14A and 14B.
As shown in Figure 14, a precast concrete retaining wall construction element is generally similar to the element shown in Figures 12A, 12B and 13 and includes a face panel 12, an integral stem 14 and a pair of integral reinforcing elements 45. However, as shown in Figure 14, the element 2 also includes one or two buttresses 47 between the integral stem 14 and integral reinforcing element 45 to provide further support for an extending front panel 12. The buttresses 47 are used to provide further support for a front panel that extends upwardly from the upper wall of the integral stem 14 by between about 3 to 5 feet so that the front panel may have a height of between 8 to 10 feet.
In the aforementioned embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, it may also be desirable to provide further reinforcement with rebars or other steel reinforcing rods as shown in Figures 14A
and 14B. As shown in Figures 14A, a pair of rebars pass through and are encased by the panel 12, reinforcing elements 45 and buttresses 47 and extend down into the integral stem 14. In addition, the integral stem 14 includes a plurality of U-shaped reinforcing rods between columns of pan inserts as well as a plurality of rebars above, between and below the rows of pan inserts.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 14, 14A
and 14B. In Figures 15 and 16, the face panel 12 has a height of between about 5 feet, 6 inches to about 7 feet, 6 inches and integral stem 14 of about 2 feet, 6 inch height.
The
-10-integral stem 14 includes a single row of pan inserts 33 with a pair of rebars above the pan inserts and a pair of rebars below the inserts. Reinforcing rods extend from an upper portion of the face panel through the buttresses and into the integral stem 14. The configuration of reinforcing rods of the face panel is shown in Figure 16.
Figure 18 is a load diagram that shows typical lateral earth pressures from two railroad tracks adjacent to a retaining wall construction in accordance with the present invention. The standard heavy rail (Cooper E-80) load applied for the present invention is 1,882 pounds per square foot of track and is based on AREMA, Section 2.2.3C. The retaining wall construction is designed for the sum of the lateral earth pressure plus the surcharge loads from the adjacent tracks. The lateral earth pressure from the train surcharge was calculated as a strip load based on a Boussinesq distribution as provided in AREMA, Section 20.3.2.2.
Other consideration in developing precast concrete retaining wall construction elements in accordance with the present invention include manufacturing and raw material costs, shipping costs, safety of the workers, labor costs, etc.
A typical railroad application is illustrated in Figure 19. Such applications may be applicable for grade separation structures, bridge approaches and abutments, track widening, slope stabilization, railroad yard improvements, platforms, service and access roads, loading and unloading facilities and wing walls.
Figure 20 illustrates one form of the invention, which is particularly applicable for railroad installation. As shown, a precast concrete retaining wall construction element 2' includes a face wall 16' having an upper extension 20', a support member or haunch 23' and a buttress 47' which connects the upper extension 20' and integral stem 14'.
It should also be recognized that at times the upper extension may be added to any of the standard units which presently include half units having a face panel with a height of 2 1/2 feet and width of 7 1/2 feet, a 3/4 unit wherein the face panel is 3.75 feet by 7 1/2 feet and a full unit which is 5 feet by 7 1/2 feet and wherein the maximum height of a unit is 10 feet.
Figure 18 is a load diagram that shows typical lateral earth pressures from two railroad tracks adjacent to a retaining wall construction in accordance with the present invention. The standard heavy rail (Cooper E-80) load applied for the present invention is 1,882 pounds per square foot of track and is based on AREMA, Section 2.2.3C. The retaining wall construction is designed for the sum of the lateral earth pressure plus the surcharge loads from the adjacent tracks. The lateral earth pressure from the train surcharge was calculated as a strip load based on a Boussinesq distribution as provided in AREMA, Section 20.3.2.2.
Other consideration in developing precast concrete retaining wall construction elements in accordance with the present invention include manufacturing and raw material costs, shipping costs, safety of the workers, labor costs, etc.
A typical railroad application is illustrated in Figure 19. Such applications may be applicable for grade separation structures, bridge approaches and abutments, track widening, slope stabilization, railroad yard improvements, platforms, service and access roads, loading and unloading facilities and wing walls.
Figure 20 illustrates one form of the invention, which is particularly applicable for railroad installation. As shown, a precast concrete retaining wall construction element 2' includes a face wall 16' having an upper extension 20', a support member or haunch 23' and a buttress 47' which connects the upper extension 20' and integral stem 14'.
It should also be recognized that at times the upper extension may be added to any of the standard units which presently include half units having a face panel with a height of 2 1/2 feet and width of 7 1/2 feet, a 3/4 unit wherein the face panel is 3.75 feet by 7 1/2 feet and a full unit which is 5 feet by 7 1/2 feet and wherein the maximum height of a unit is 10 feet.
-11-While the invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments, changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
-12-
Claims (4)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A precast concrete retaining wall construction including a plurality of stacked elements for retaining a soil mass said construction comprising:
a first element including an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron with front and rear walls, a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall and wherein the area of said front wall is between 30 and 40 square feet, an integral stem extending rearwardly from said face panel in a generally T-shaped arrangement for embedment in a soil mass, said integral stem having an upper wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a rear wall and said upper and bottom walls each defining a notch therein and each of said side walls including a pan insert therein;
a second element including an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron with front and rear walls, a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall and wherein the area of said first wall is between 30 and 40 square feet, an integral stem extending rearwardly from said face panel in a generally T-shaped arrangement for embedment in a soil mass, said integral stem having an upper wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a rear wall and said upper and bottom walls each defining a notch therein and each of said side walls including a pan insert therein;
said second element disposed on top of said first element in an aligned and abutting relationship;
a shear key constructed and dimensioned to fit within one of said notches in an upper wall of said stem in said first element and within a corresponding notch in a bottom wall of said stem in said second element and in which the face panel in each of said elements has a ratio of the width of said face panel to the height of said panel of between about 1.2 to about 1.6 and which includes an additional element with an upper extension of its face panel extending upwardly for a distance of between about 1 to 5 feet above said upper wall of its integral stem; and a reinforcing element and a buttress extending upwardly between said reinforcing element and said integral stem with a reinforcing rod passing through and incased by said panel, said reinforcing element and said buttress and said reinforcing rod extending down into said integral stem.
a first element including an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron with front and rear walls, a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall and wherein the area of said front wall is between 30 and 40 square feet, an integral stem extending rearwardly from said face panel in a generally T-shaped arrangement for embedment in a soil mass, said integral stem having an upper wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a rear wall and said upper and bottom walls each defining a notch therein and each of said side walls including a pan insert therein;
a second element including an upstanding solid face panel having the shape of a hexahedron with front and rear walls, a top wall, two side walls and a bottom wall and wherein the area of said first wall is between 30 and 40 square feet, an integral stem extending rearwardly from said face panel in a generally T-shaped arrangement for embedment in a soil mass, said integral stem having an upper wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a rear wall and said upper and bottom walls each defining a notch therein and each of said side walls including a pan insert therein;
said second element disposed on top of said first element in an aligned and abutting relationship;
a shear key constructed and dimensioned to fit within one of said notches in an upper wall of said stem in said first element and within a corresponding notch in a bottom wall of said stem in said second element and in which the face panel in each of said elements has a ratio of the width of said face panel to the height of said panel of between about 1.2 to about 1.6 and which includes an additional element with an upper extension of its face panel extending upwardly for a distance of between about 1 to 5 feet above said upper wall of its integral stem; and a reinforcing element and a buttress extending upwardly between said reinforcing element and said integral stem with a reinforcing rod passing through and incased by said panel, said reinforcing element and said buttress and said reinforcing rod extending down into said integral stem.
2. A precast concrete retaining wall construction including a plurality of stacked elements for retaining a soil mass according to claim 1 in which said face panel of said additional element extends upwardly by a distance of about 3 feet above said upper wall of its integral stem.
3. A precast concrete retaining wall construction including a plurality of stacked elements for retaining a soil mass according to claim 2 in which said face panel of said additional element extends upwardly by a distance of about 5 feet above said upper wall of its integral stem and which includes a reinforcing rod which extends upwardly into said upper extension of said additional element above the upper surface of its integral stem.
4. A precast concrete retaining wall construction including a plurality of stacked elements for retaining a soil mass according to claims 1, 2 or 3 which includes a buttress between said integral stem and said upper extension.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2738535A CA2738535C (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-08-12 | Retaining wall construction and construction elements |
Applications Claiming Priority (10)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/989,283 | 2004-11-17 | ||
| US10/989,437 US7073984B2 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Retaining wall construction element and shear key |
| US10/989,414 | 2004-11-17 | ||
| US10/989,283 US7044687B1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Retaining wall construction including precast elements |
| US10/989,301 US20060104725A1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Retaining wall construction element |
| US10/989,414 US6994495B1 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2004-11-17 | Reinforced retaining wall construction element |
| US10/989,437 | 2004-11-17 | ||
| US10/989,301 | 2004-11-17 | ||
| US10/989,415 | 2005-02-09 | ||
| US10/989,415 US7090439B1 (en) | 2005-02-09 | 2005-02-09 | Retaining wall construction element for railway installations |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2738535A Division CA2738535C (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-08-12 | Retaining wall construction and construction elements |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2515863A1 CA2515863A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
| CA2515863C true CA2515863C (en) | 2011-06-28 |
Family
ID=36406149
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2515863 Expired - Fee Related CA2515863C (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-08-12 | Retaining wall construction and construction elements |
| CA2738535A Expired - Fee Related CA2738535C (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-08-12 | Retaining wall construction and construction elements |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2738535A Expired - Fee Related CA2738535C (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-08-12 | Retaining wall construction and construction elements |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2515863C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111310265B (en) * | 2020-02-13 | 2022-03-25 | 中铁二院工程集团有限责任公司 | Method for improving shear-resisting bearing capacity of balance weight type retaining wall |
-
2005
- 2005-08-12 CA CA 2515863 patent/CA2515863C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-08-12 CA CA2738535A patent/CA2738535C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2515863A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
| CA2738535C (en) | 2012-05-22 |
| CA2738535A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US7090439B1 (en) | Retaining wall construction element for railway installations | |
| US4572711A (en) | Prestressed component retaining wall system | |
| CA2314133C (en) | Retaining wall block | |
| US5163261A (en) | Retaining wall and soil reinforcement subsystems and construction elements for use therein | |
| US5921715A (en) | Retaining wall and method | |
| CN101952514B (en) | Fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body | |
| US6574818B1 (en) | Provisional bridge of prefabricated elements | |
| AU3888185A (en) | Structural module for retaining walls and the like | |
| CN1014919B (en) | Storey-adding constructure for low-storey building | |
| US6994495B1 (en) | Reinforced retaining wall construction element | |
| US6250038B1 (en) | Block for retaining wall and method for the construction of retaining wall using the same | |
| EP0429637A4 (en) | Pre-cast, reinforced concrete retaining wall system | |
| US7073984B2 (en) | Retaining wall construction element and shear key | |
| US7044687B1 (en) | Retaining wall construction including precast elements | |
| US4936713A (en) | Earth retaining system | |
| CA2515863C (en) | Retaining wall construction and construction elements | |
| KR970011188A (en) | Prefabricated Overpass and Construction Method | |
| US20060104725A1 (en) | Retaining wall construction element | |
| CN109403202B (en) | Multi-stop capping beam and construction method thereof | |
| KR102681281B1 (en) | masonry block | |
| RU2307212C2 (en) | Pile foundation for seismic territories | |
| CN210194650U (en) | Assembled cross anchor pier | |
| CA1296916C (en) | Structural panel and method of forming same | |
| JP2509162B2 (en) | Slope stable structure as in-plane structure | |
| JP7284617B2 (en) | foundation structure |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20200831 |