EP0707117A1 - Construction de murs soutènement en blocs modulaires et blocs pour cette construction - Google Patents

Construction de murs soutènement en blocs modulaires et blocs pour cette construction Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0707117A1
EP0707117A1 EP95117143A EP95117143A EP0707117A1 EP 0707117 A1 EP0707117 A1 EP 0707117A1 EP 95117143 A EP95117143 A EP 95117143A EP 95117143 A EP95117143 A EP 95117143A EP 0707117 A1 EP0707117 A1 EP 0707117A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
block
blocks
wall construction
facing
stabilizing
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP95117143A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0707117B1 (fr
Inventor
Peter L. Anderson
Michael L. Cowell
Dan J. Hotek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe Civile des Brevets Henri Vidal
Original Assignee
Reinforced Earth Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/040,904 external-priority patent/US5507599A/en
Priority claimed from US08/192,801 external-priority patent/US5624211A/en
Application filed by Reinforced Earth Co filed Critical Reinforced Earth Co
Publication of EP0707117A1 publication Critical patent/EP0707117A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0707117B1 publication Critical patent/EP0707117B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • E02D29/0225—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill
    • E02D29/0241—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill the retention means being reinforced earth elements
    • 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
    • E02D29/0225—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill
    • 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
    • E02D29/025—Retaining or protecting walls made up of similar modular elements stacked without mortar
    • 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
    • E04B2002/0256—Special features of building elements
    • E04B2002/026—Splittable building elements

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an improved retaining wall construction and, more particularly, to a retaining wall construction comprised of modular blocks, in combination with tie-back and/or mechanically stabilized earth elements and compacted particulate or soil.
  • Henri Vidal discloses a constructional work now often referred to as a mechanically stabilized earth structure.
  • the referenced patents also disclose methods for construction of mechanically stabilized earth structures such as retaining walls, embankment walls, platforms; foundations, etc.
  • particulate earthen material interacts with longitudinal elements such as elongated steel strips positioned at appropriately spaced intervals in the earthen material.
  • the elements are generally arrayed for attachment to reinforced precast concrete wall panels and, the combination forms a cohesive embankment and wall construction.
  • the longitudinal elements which extend into the earthen work, interact with compacted soil particles principally by frictional interaction and thus mechanically stabilize the earthen work.
  • the longitudinal elements may also perform a tie-back or anchor function.
  • Vidal, Hilfiker and others generally disclose large precast, reinforced concrete wall panel members cooperative with strips, mats, etc. to provide a mechanically stabilized earth construction.
  • Vidal, Hilfiker and others also disclose or use various shapes of wall panel members. It is also noted that in constructions disclosed by Vidal and Hilfiker, the elements interactive with the compacted earth or particulate behind the wall panels or blocks, are typically rigid steel strips or mats which rely upon friction and/or anchoring interaction with the particulate, although ultimately, all interaction between such elements and the earth or particulate is dependent upon friction.
  • the present invention comprises an improved combination of elements of this general nature and provides enhanced versatility in the erection of retaining walls and embankments, as well as in the maintenance and cost of such structures.
  • the present invention comprises a combination of components to provide an improved retaining wall system or construction.
  • the invention also comprises components or elements from which the improved retaining wall is fabricated.
  • An important feature of the invention is a modular wall block which is used as a facing component for the retaining wall construction.
  • the modular wall block may be unreinforced and dry cast.
  • the block includes a front face which is generally planar, but may be configured in almost any desired finish and shape.
  • the wall block also includes generally converging side walls, generally parallel top and bottom surfaces, a back wall, vertical throughbores or passages through the block specially positioned to enhance the modular character of the block, and counterbores associated with the throughbores having a particular shape and configuration which permit the block to be integrated with and cooperative with various types of anchoring and/or earth stabilizing elements. Special corner block and cap block constructions are also disclosed.
  • a preferred embodiment of the earth stabilizing and/or anchoring elements includes first and second generally parallel tensile rods which are designed to extend longitudinally from the modular wall block into compacted soil or an earthen work. The ends of the tensile rods are configured to fit within the counterbores defined in the top or bottom surface of the modular wall or facing block. Angled or transverse cross members connect the parallel tensile rods and are arrayed not only to enhance the anchoring characteristics, but also the frictional characteristics of interaction of the tensile rods with earth or particulate material comprising the embankment.
  • the described wall construction further includes generally vertical anchoring rods that interact both with the stabilizing elements and also with the described modular blocks by extending vertically through the throughbores in those blocks while simultaneously engaging the stabilizing elements.
  • An alternative stabilizing element cooperative with the modular blocks comprises a harness which includes generally parallel tension arms that fit into the counterbores in the blocks and which cooperate with the vertical anchoring rods so as to attach the tension arms to the blocks.
  • the harness includes a cross member connecting the opposite tension arms adjacent the back face outside of the modular block.
  • the cross member of the harness may be cooperative with a geotextile strip, for example, which extends into the earthen work behind the modular wall block.
  • the harness cooperates with vertical anchoring rods which extend into the passages or throughbores defined in the modular blocks.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide a modular block construction which may be easily fabricated utilizing known casting or molding techniques.
  • Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a substantially universal modular wall block which is useful in combination with earth retaining or stabilizing elements as well as anchoring elements.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide unique earth anchoring and/or stabilizing elements that are cooperative with a modular wall or facing block.
  • Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a combination of components for manufacture of a retaining wall system or construction which is inexpensive, efficient, easy to use and which may be used in designs susceptible to conventional design or engineering techniques.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a design for a modular block which may be used in a mechanically stabilized earth construction or an anchor wall construction wherein the block may be unreinforced and/or manufactured by dry cast or pre-cast methods, and/or interactive with rigid, metal stabilizing elements as well as flexible stabilizing elements such as geotextiles.
  • Figure 1 generally depicts the combination of components or elements which define the modular block retaining wall construction of the invention.
  • Modular blocks 40 are arranged in courses one upon the other in an overlapping array.
  • rigid earth retaining or stabilizing elements 42 and/or flexible stabilizing elements 44 are cooperative with or interact with the blocks 40.
  • anchoring elements such as tie back elements may be utilized in cooperation with blocks 40.
  • the stabilizing or anchoring elements 42, 44 are attached to blocks 40 by means of vertical anchoring rods 46.
  • the elements 42 and/or 44 project from the back face of blocks 40 into compacted soil 48 and interact with the soil 48 as anchors and/or frictionally.
  • interaction between the elements 42 and 44 and soil or particulate 48 depends ultimately upon frictional interaction of particulate material comprising the soil 48 with itself and with elements, such as elements 42 and 44.
  • that interaction may be viewed as an anchoring interaction in many instances rather than a frictional interaction.
  • both frictional and anchoring types of interaction of compacted soil 48 with stabilizing and/or anchor elements are considered to be generally within the scope of the invention.
  • the invention comprises a combination of the described components including the blocks 40, stabilizing elements 42 and/or 44, anchoring rods 46 and soil 48 as well as the separate described components themselves, the method of assembly thereof, the method of manufacture of the separate components and various ancillary or alternative elements and their combination. Following is a description of these various components, combinations and methods.
  • Figure 2 as well as Figures 5 through 13, 13A, 30 through 36A, 44 and 45 illustrate in greater detail the construction of standard modular or facing blocks 40 and various other blocks.
  • Figure 2 depict the basic modular block 40 which is associated with the invention.
  • Figures 30 and 31 are also associated with the basic or standard modular block 40 in Figure 2. The remaining figures relate to other block constructions.
  • the standard modular block 40 includes a generally planar front face 50.
  • the front face 50 in its preferred embodiment, is typically aesthetically textured as a result of the manufacturing process. Texturing is, however, not a limiting characteristic of the front face 50.
  • the front face 50 may include a precast pattern. It may be convex or concave or some other desired cast or molded shape. Because the block 40 is manufactured principally by casting techniques, the variety of shapes and configurations, surface textures and the like for the front face 50 is not generally a limiting feature of the invention.
  • the front face 50 does define the outline of the modular blocks comprising the wall as shown in Figure 1.
  • the front face 50 defines a generally rectangular front elevation configuration, and because the blocks 40 are typically manufactured by means of casting techniques, the dimensions of the perimeter of front face 50 are typically those associated with a standard concrete block construction. The size or dimension, however, is not a limiting feature of the invention.
  • a back face 52 Spaced from and generally parallel to the front face 50 is a back face 52.
  • the back face 52 is connected to the front face 50 by means of side walls 54 and 56 which generally converge towards one another from the front face 50.
  • the convergence is generally uniform and equal on both sides of the block 40.
  • Convergence may commence from front edges 51, 53, or may commence a distance from front face 50 toward back face 52.
  • Convergence may be defined by a single flat side surface or multiple flat or curved side surfaces.
  • the convergence angle is generally in the range of 7° to 15°, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, though, a range of convergence of 0° to about 30° is useful.
  • the thickness of the block 40 may be varied in accord with engineering and structural considerations. Again, typical dimensions associated with concrete block constructions are often relied upon by casters and those involved in precast or dry cast operations of block 40. Thus, for example, if the dimensions of the front face 50 are 16 inches wide by 8 inches high, the width of the back face would be approximately 12 inches and the depth or distance between the faces 50, 52 would be approximately 8, 10 or 12 inches.
  • the side walls 54 and 56 are also rectangular as is the back face 52.
  • Parallel top and bottom surfaces 58 and 60 each have a trapezoidal configuration and intersect the faces 50, 52 and walls 54, 56.
  • the surfaces 58, 60 are congruent and parallel to each other and are also at generally right angles with respect to the front face 50 and back face 52.
  • the block 40 includes a first vertical passage or throughbore 62 and a second vertical passage or throughbore 64.
  • Throughbores 62, 64 are generally parallel to one another and extend between surfaces 58, 60. As depicted in Figure 5 the cross-sectional configurations of the throughbores 62 and 64 are preferably uniform along their length.
  • the throughbores 62, 64 each include a centerline axis 66 and 68, respectively.
  • the cross-sectional shape of each of the throughbores 62 and 64 is substantially identical and comprises an elongated or elliptical configuration or shape.
  • Each of the throughbores 62 and 64 and, more particularly, the axis 66 and 68 thereof, is precisely positioned relative to the side edges 51 and 53 of the front face 50.
  • the side edges 51 and 53 are defined by the intersection respectively of the side wall 54 and front face 50 and side wall 56 and front face 50.
  • the axis 66 is one-quarter of the distance between the side edge 53 and the side edge 51.
  • the axis 68 is one-quarter of the distance between the side edge 51 and the side edge 53.
  • the axes 66 and 68 are arrayed or spaced one from the other by a distance equal to the sum of the distances that the axes 66, 68 are spaced from the side edges 51 and 53.
  • the throughbores 62 and 64 are positioned intermediate the front face 50 and back face 52 approximately one-quarter of the distance from the front face 50 toward the back face 52, although this distance may be varied depending upon engineering and other structural considerations associated with the block 40.
  • compressive forces on the block 40 result when an anchoring rod 46, which fits within each one of the throughbores 62 and 64, engages against a surface of each throughbore 62 or 64 most nearly adjacent the back face 52.
  • the force is generally a compressive force on the material comprising the block 40.
  • a counterbore 70 is provided with the throughbore 62.
  • a counterbore 72 is provided with the throughbore 64.
  • the counterbore 70 is defined in the surface 58 and extends from back face 52 over and around the throughbore 62.
  • the counterbore 70 defines a pathway between the throughbore 62 and the back face 52 wherein a tensile member (described below) may be placed in a manner such that the tensile member may remain generally perpendicular to an element, such as rod 46, positioned in the throughbore 62.
  • the counterbore 72 extends from the back face 52 in the surface 58 and around the throughbore 64.
  • the counterbores 70 and 72 are provided in the top face 58 uniformly for all of the blocks 40. However, it is possible to provide the counterbores in the bottom face 60 or in both faces 58 and 60. Note that since the blocks 40 may be inverted, the faces 58 and 60 may be inverted between a top and bottom position. In sum, the counterbores 70 and 72 are aligned with and constitute counterbores for the throughbores 62 and 64, respectively.
  • a rectangular cross-section passage 74 extends parallel to the throughbores 62 and 64 through the block 40 from the top surface 58 to the bottom surface 60.
  • the passage 74 is provided to eliminate weight and bulk of the block 40 without reducing the structural integrity of the block. It also provides a transverse counterbore connecting counterbores 70 and 72.
  • the passage 74 is not necessarily required in the block 40. The particular configuration and orientation, shape and extent of the passage 74 may be varied considerably in order to eliminate bulk and material from the block 40.
  • the general cross-section of the throughbores 62 and 64 may be varied. Importantly, it is appropriate and preferred that the cross-sectional shape of the throughbores 62 and 64 permits lateral movement of the block 40 relative to anchoring rods 46, for example, which are inserted in the throughbores 62 and 64.
  • the dimension of the throughbores 62 and 64 in the direction parallel to the back face 52 in the embodiment shown is chosen so as to be greater than the diameter of a rod 46.
  • the transverse (or front to back) dimension of the throughbores 62 and 64 more closely approximates the diameter of the rod 46 so that the blocks 40 will not be movable from front to back into and out of a position.
  • the blocks 40 can be preferably adjusted from side to side as one builds a wall of the type depicted in Figure 1, though the blocks 40 are not adjustable inwardly or outwardly to any great extent. This maintains the planar integrity of the assembly comprising the retaining wall so that the blocks 40 will be maintained in a desired and generally planar array. Side to side adjustment insures that any gap between the blocks 40 is maintained at a minimum and also permits, as will be explained below, various adjustments such as required for formation of inside and outside curvature of the wall construction.
  • the depth of the counterbores 70 and 72 is variable. It is preferred that the depth be at least adequate to permit the elements 42 and/or 44 to be maintained below or no higher than the level of surface 58, so that when an additional course of blocks 40 is laid upon a lower course of blocks 40, the elements 42 and/or 44 are appropriately and properly recessed so as not to interfere with an upper course of blocks 40.
  • FIGs 30 and 31 there is illustrated a manner in which the standard modular blocks of Figures 2 and 5 can be manufactured.
  • such blocks may be cast in pairs using dry casting techniques with the front face of the blocks 40 cast in opposition to each other with a split line such as split line 75 as depicted in Figure 30.
  • a wedge or shear may be utilized to split or separate blocks 40 one from the other revealing a textured face such as illustrated in Figure 31.
  • Appropriate drag and draft angles are incorporated in the molds with respect to such a casting operation as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the dry cast blocks 40 are not typically reinforced. However, the dry cast blocks may include reinforcing fibers. Lack of reinforcement and manufacture by dry casting techniques of a block 40 for use with metallic and/or generally rigid stabilizing elements is not known to be depicted or used in the prior art.
  • Figures 8 through 13A, and 32 through 36A depict blocks that are used to form corners and/or caps of the improved retaining wall construction of the invention or to define a boundary or split face in such a retaining wall.
  • Figures 8, 9 and 10 disclose a first corner block 80 which is similar to, but dimensionally different from the corner blocks of Figures 11, 12 and 13 and the corner block 110 of Figure 13A.
  • corner block 80 comprises a front face 82, a back face 84, a finished side surface 86 and a unfinished side surface 88.
  • a top surface 90 is parallel to a bottom surface 92.
  • the surfaces and faces generally define a rectangular parallelpiped.
  • the front face 82 and the finished side surface 86 are generally planar and may be finished with a texture, color, composition and configuration which is compatible with or identical to the surface treatment of blocks 40.
  • the corner block 80 includes a first throughbore 94 which extends from the top surface 90 through the bottom surface 92.
  • the throughbore 94 is generally cylindrical in shape; however, the throughbore 94 may include a funnel shaped or frusto-conical section 96 which facilitates cooperation with a rod, such as rod 46, as will be explained below.
  • the cross-sectional area of the throughbore 94 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area and configuration of a compatible rod, such as rod 46, which is designed to fit through the throughbore 94.
  • a compatible rod such as rod 46
  • the cross-sectional shape of the throughbore 94 and the associated rod, such as rod 46 are generally congruent to preclude any significant alteration and orientation of a positioned corner block 80 once a rod 46 is inserted through a throughbore 94.
  • the corner block 80 further includes a second throughbore 100 which extends from the top surface 90 through the bottom surface 92.
  • the second throughbore 100 may also include a funnel shaped or frusto-conical section 104.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the throughbore 100 generally has an elongated or elliptical form and has a generally central axis 102 which is parallel to the surfaces 82, 84, 86 and 88.
  • the longitudinal dimension of the cross-sectional configuration of the second throughbore 100 is generally parallel to the front face 82.
  • the axis 102 is specially positioned relative to the side surface 88 and the front face 82.
  • corner block 80 of Figures 8, 9 and 10 is a corner block 80 wherein the perimeter of the front face 82 is dimensionally substantially equal to the front face 50 of the block 40.
  • Figures 11, 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative corner block construction wherein the front face and finished side face or surface are different dimensionally from that of the corner block 80 in Figures 8, 9 and 10.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a component of a further alternative stabilizing element 44.
  • the element depicted includes a harness or connector 160 which includes a first tension bar or arm 162 and a second bar or arm 164. Arms 162 and 164 are generally parallel to one another and are connected by a cross member 166, which in this case also includes a cylindrical, tubular member 168 retained thereon. Alternatively, as depicted in Figure 15A, a C-shaped clamp member 167 may be fitted over the cross member 166.
  • Each of the parallel tension arms 162 and 164 terminate with a loop 170 and 172.
  • the loops 170 and 172 are arranged in opposed relationship and aligned with one another as depicted in Figure 15.
  • the ends of the loops 170 and 172 are welded at welds 174 and 176, respectively to the arms 162 and 164, respectively.
  • a course of blocks 40 are initially positioned in a line on a desired footing 200, which may consist of granular fill, earthen fill, concrete or other leveling material.
  • Earthen backfill material 202 is then placed behind the blocks 40.
  • An element, such as stabilizing element 42, may then be positioned in the special counterbores 70, 72 in a manner previously described and defined in the blocks 40, 80.
  • Rods 46 may then be inserted to maintain the elements 42 in position with respect to the blocks 40.
  • the rods 46 should, as previously described, interact with at least two adjacent courses of blocks 40.
  • a layer of sealant, fabric or other material may be placed on the blocks.
  • a further layer of blocks 40 is positioned onto the rods 46. Additional soil or backfill 202 is placed behind the blocks 40, and the process continues as the wall is erected.
  • the throughbores 62, 64 in the blocks 40 have an elongated cross-sectional configuration. Such elongation permits a slight adjustable movement of the blocks 40 laterally with respect to each other to ensure that any tolerances associated with the manufacture of the blocks 40 are accommodated.
  • the blocks 40 are defined to include converging side surfaces 54, 56. Because the side surfaces 54, 56 are converging, it is possible to form a wall having an outside curve as depicted in Figure 24 or an inside curve as depicted in Figure 25. In each instance, the mode of assembly and the cooperative interaction of the stabilizing elements 42, 44 and rods 46 as well as blocks 40 are substantially as previously described with respect to a wall having a flat front surface.
  • the stabilizing elements 42, 44 may also be cooperative with the counterbores 103, 131 of the corner blocks 80, 110. In practice, such construction is suggested to stabilize corners of a wall. The elements 42, 44 would thus simultaneously cooperate with counterbores 103, 131 of a corner block 80, 110 and counterbores 70 or 72 of a modular block 40.
  • FIG. 37 Another alternative construction for a stabilizing element is illustrated in Figure 37.
  • tension arms 260, 262 and cross members 264 cooperate with a clamp 266 which receives a bolt 268 to retain a metal strip 270.
  • Strip 270 is designed to act as a friction strip or connect to an anchor (not shown).
  • Figures 42, 43 and 44 illustrate further alternative constructions for a stabilizing element 302 and a connection thereof to block 40.
  • a block 40 with a stabilizing element 302 comprised of first and second parallel arms 304 and 305 which are formed from a continuous reinforcing bar to thereby define an end loop 306 which fits over a formed rib 308 defined between the connected counterbores 70 and 72.
  • a stabilizing element 302 comprised of first and second parallel arms 304 and 305 which are formed from a continuous reinforcing bar to thereby define an end loop 306 which fits over a formed rib 308 defined between the connected counterbores 70 and 72.
  • Figure 44 illustrates a variation on the theme of Figure 43 wherein a stabilizing element 324 is comprised of arms 326 and 327 which cooperate with reinforcing bars 46 positioned in block 40 in the manner previously described.
  • Crossing members 329 are again configured to define a generally truss shaped pattern analogous to the construction shown in Figures 42 and 43.
  • the construction of the stabilizing element may be varied significantly while still providing a rather rigid stabilizing element cooperative with blocks 40 and corner blocks as previously described.
  • facing blocks 400 include a front face 402 converging side walls 404 and 406 and a back face 408.
  • the front face 402 may be textured, etc. in the manner previously described.
  • a series of counterbores 410, 411 and 412 are arranged in parallel array and extend from adjacent the front face 402 and project through the back face 408.
  • the counterbores 410, 411 and 412 are parallel and are defined in a bottom surface 414 in Figure 48 or a top surface 416 in Figure 48.
  • Figures 52, 53, 54 and 55 illustrate another variation of the wall construction utilizing horizontal rows of facing blocks 550 which are offset inwardly one with respect to the other.
  • blocks 550 include a lower depending lip 552 adjacent to the back face or wall 553 of the block 550.
  • the blocks 550 also include a first set of vertical throughbores 554 and a second set of vertical throughbores 555 behind the first set 554.
  • the throughbores 554 and 555 are arranged in position within counterbores 556 and are arranged one behind the other between the front wall 551 and the back wall 553.
  • a throughbore or core 558 may be provided to reduce the weight of the block.
  • the lip 552 associated with the blocks 550 necessitates offsetting the horizontal rows of blocks 550 as the horizontal courses are laid one upon the other.
  • the offset associated with the lip 552 equals to the offset of the centers of the vertical throughbores 554 and 555.
  • vertical pins or rods 562 may be inserted through the first throughbore 554 of a block 550 and downwardly into the second throughbore 555 of the next lower block 550. This will lock the blocks 550 together and also hold a horizontal stabilizing element, such as element 564, in position.
  • the stabilizing element 564 is similar to that depicted in Figure 14, for example, although numerous types of stabilizing elements as described herein may be utilized in combination with the block 550.
  • Fill material may be used such as sand or gravel.
  • concrete or mortar may be inserted into the throughbores 492 and 494.
  • the bars 500 capture or retain the cross bars 498.
  • the adjacent horizontal rows of blocks 480 are typically separated by a mortar joint so as to provide spacing for receipt of members 496.
  • FIG. 59 illustrates various alternative constructions for connection of the wire grid to the blocks 480.
  • the upper part of Figure 59 has the construction described and depicted by Figure 58.
  • tension members 496 have loop ends 504.
  • the loop ends 504 coact with cross bars 505.
  • a stabilizing element 506 in Figure 59 is depicted in greater detail in Figure 60 and is actually the same as the stabilizing element depicted in Figure 14.
  • stabilizing elements may be used in combination with the block 480 arrangement depicted in Figures 58 and 59 including an arrangement as depicted in Figure 60 wherein the block 480 cooperates with the stabilizing element 506 and vertical reinforcing bars 500 which are imbedded preferably in concrete which fills the throughbores such as throughbore 492 in the block 480.
  • a ladder reinforcing element 640 may include tension rods 642 and cross members 644 which extend laterally beyond the generally parallel tension rods 642.
  • the stabilizing member may also be, as depicted in Figure 61, a member 650 which includes a single tension arm 652 having cross members 654 attached thereto.
  • FIG. 61 Still another form of stabilizing element used in combination with blocks 620 is depicted in Figure 61. Specifically, one or more concrete blocks 658 are connected, end to end, to the back side of a facing block 620. Metal clips or other fasteners 660 connect the blocks 658 together as depicted.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Retaining Walls (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
EP95117143A 1993-03-31 1994-03-21 Construction de murs soutènement en blocs modulaires Expired - Lifetime EP0707117B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/040,904 US5507599A (en) 1993-03-31 1993-03-31 Modular block retaining wall construction and components
US40904 1993-03-31
US08/108,933 US5487623A (en) 1993-03-31 1993-08-18 Modular block retaining wall construction and components
US108933 1993-08-18
US192801 1994-02-14
US08/192,801 US5624211A (en) 1993-03-31 1994-02-14 Modular block retaining wall construction and components
EP94913930A EP0692047A1 (fr) 1993-03-31 1994-03-21 Construction a murs de retenue en blocs modulaires et elements constitutifs

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94913930.7 Division 1994-10-13

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0707117A1 true EP0707117A1 (fr) 1996-04-17
EP0707117B1 EP0707117B1 (fr) 2002-07-10

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EP95117143A Expired - Lifetime EP0707117B1 (fr) 1993-03-31 1994-03-21 Construction de murs soutènement en blocs modulaires

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EP (1) EP0707117B1 (fr)
MY (1) MY131935A (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997039195A1 (fr) * 1996-04-18 1997-10-23 Screg Remblai allege
FR2870267A1 (fr) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-18 Joseph Golcheh Un nouveau concept d'accrochage de renforts en treillis soude au parement d'un mur de soutenement moyennant une boite de connexion
GB2501942A (en) * 2012-05-11 2013-11-13 Christopher Martin Segmental retaining wall block with cavity
FR3068995A1 (fr) * 2017-07-17 2019-01-18 Geolithe Innov Ouvrage comprenant un ensemble de blocs et une armature

Families Citing this family (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106522269A (zh) * 2016-12-22 2017-03-22 盐城工学院 一种挡土墙及边坡支护系统

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US1762343A (en) * 1925-12-14 1930-06-10 Munster Andreas Retaining wall
US3421326A (en) 1963-03-27 1969-01-14 Vidal Henri C Constructional works
US3686873A (en) 1969-08-14 1972-08-29 Henri C Vidal Constructional works
EP0002216A1 (fr) * 1977-11-29 1979-06-13 Bayer Ag Armature pour ouvrages en terre armée
US4324508A (en) 1980-01-09 1982-04-13 Hilfiker Pipe Co. Retaining and reinforcement system method and apparatus for earthen formations
EP0351229A2 (fr) * 1988-07-15 1990-01-17 Helix Reinforcements Limited Renforcement des sols
US4914876A (en) 1986-09-15 1990-04-10 Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc. Retaining wall with flexible mechanical soil stabilizing sheet
EP0427221A1 (fr) * 1989-11-10 1991-05-15 Impresa Concari Prefabbricati Di P. Concari Elément de construction préfabriqué avec support de végétation, en particulier pour murs de parement ou murs de soutènement

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US1762343A (en) * 1925-12-14 1930-06-10 Munster Andreas Retaining wall
US3421326A (en) 1963-03-27 1969-01-14 Vidal Henri C Constructional works
US3686873A (en) 1969-08-14 1972-08-29 Henri C Vidal Constructional works
EP0002216A1 (fr) * 1977-11-29 1979-06-13 Bayer Ag Armature pour ouvrages en terre armée
US4324508A (en) 1980-01-09 1982-04-13 Hilfiker Pipe Co. Retaining and reinforcement system method and apparatus for earthen formations
US4914876A (en) 1986-09-15 1990-04-10 Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc. Retaining wall with flexible mechanical soil stabilizing sheet
EP0351229A2 (fr) * 1988-07-15 1990-01-17 Helix Reinforcements Limited Renforcement des sols
EP0427221A1 (fr) * 1989-11-10 1991-05-15 Impresa Concari Prefabbricati Di P. Concari Elément de construction préfabriqué avec support de végétation, en particulier pour murs de parement ou murs de soutènement

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997039195A1 (fr) * 1996-04-18 1997-10-23 Screg Remblai allege
FR2747705A1 (fr) * 1996-04-18 1997-10-24 Screg Remblai allege
FR2870267A1 (fr) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-18 Joseph Golcheh Un nouveau concept d'accrochage de renforts en treillis soude au parement d'un mur de soutenement moyennant une boite de connexion
GB2501942A (en) * 2012-05-11 2013-11-13 Christopher Martin Segmental retaining wall block with cavity
FR3068995A1 (fr) * 2017-07-17 2019-01-18 Geolithe Innov Ouvrage comprenant un ensemble de blocs et une armature
WO2019016122A1 (fr) * 2017-07-17 2019-01-24 Geolithe Innov Ouvrage comprenant un ensemble de blocs et une armature

Also Published As

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MY131935A (en) 2007-09-28
EP0707117B1 (fr) 2002-07-10

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