EP0910702A1

EP0910702A1 - Method for assembling slabs to form a floor covering and slabs for implementing the method

Info

Publication number: EP0910702A1
Application number: EP97933728A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jack Rampignon; Bernard Agier
Original assignee: COMMUNAUTE URBAINE DE LYON; Composants Tarnais Beton Sa
Current assignee: COMMUNAUTE URBAINE DE LYON; Composants Tarnais Beton Sa
Priority date: 1996-07-12
Filing date: 1997-07-11
Publication date: 1999-04-28
Also published as: FR2751004B1; FR2751004A1; WO1998002614A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for assembling slabs (3) of large dimensions on a setting bed (11), to form a floor covering (2), each slab (3) comprising at least two opposite grooves (5), the method consists in the following steps: arranging the slabs (3), such that the slab grooves (5) juxtaposed leave between them a separating channel (14); and casting in the separating channel (14), a blocking grout (17), so as to form a moulded wedge (18). The method of the invention consists in: before casting the blocking grout (17), setting a sealing joint (23) at the base of the separating channel; casting, inside the separating channel (14) up to an intermediate level between the grooves (5) and the external surfaces (31) of the slabs, a blocking grout (17) consisting of a liquid mixture with quick solidification; filling up the remaining space of the channel with a finishing sealing joint (20).

Description

METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SLABS TO CONSTITUTE FLOOR COVERING AND SLABS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the technical field of covering a floor in the general sense, using slabs in order to constitute a covering adapted to withstand stresses or forces having high values.

The object of the invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of paving a roadway or a traffic lane for vehicles.

In the field of road improvement, especially in cities, the need appeared to differentiate certain areas of the roadway, the use of which is reserved for a specific category of vehicles. Thus, it is planned to distinguish on a carriageway, the circulation corridor reserved for public transport compared to the traffic lanes. In the same direction, it was envisaged to highlight on the roadways, specific areas, such as the temporary parking areas of public transport vehicles.

PRIOR ART

To satisfy the need expressed above, it is known in the state of the art to differentiate a traffic area for vehicles by the installation of a covering formed from paving stones or slabs. This solution, which allows good differentiation of the tracks, also offers the advantage of relatively easy access to the underground network compared to a conventional coating solution of the bitumen type for example.

However, this technical solution has a major drawback linked to the instability of the coating which leads to inconvenience or even danger for the users. It appears, in fact, over time, a slight tilting of the tiles. The slab removal is due to high loads that they suffer from heavy vehicles, such as buses or trucks. This phenomenon is all the more accentuated when cornering or on areas of the roadway undergoing frequent braking.

It is also known, in particular from US Pat. No. 1,643,879, a method of assembling small slabs consisting in making grooves on the edges of the slabs in a direction substantially parallel to their external face. The method consists in arranging spaced apart by spacers, such tiles on a laying bed, so that they define between their edges opposite, a separation channel. The method then consists in filling the channel with a plastic material making it possible to produce a molded key for joining the slabs together.

Such a technique is not suitable for ensuring the assembly of slabs of large dimensions and liable to undergo high values of stresses or forces. In fact, it must be considered that the plastic filling material does not make it possible to obtain an effective joining between the slabs and a transmission of the forces to the slabs, in particular in hot weather. Furthermore, the slabs are not suitable for the recovery of forces transmitted by the plastic material. In addition, the implementation of wooden spacers between the slabs is a relatively long and costly operation to carry it out and presents a risk of disorder of the structure.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a method for assembling large slabs on a laying bed, with a view to constituting a floor covering having and retaining a flatness and a integrity, even for high values of stresses or forces exerted on the slabs.

To achieve this objective, the method according to the invention consists in carrying out the following steps:

- arrange the tiles on the laying bed, so that the tile grooves juxtaposed are placed opposite, leaving between their corresponding edges a separation channel, - and to flow into the separation channel, a blocking grout, so as to form a molded key for securing for each couple of neighboring slab gorges.

According to the invention, the method consists:

- before the operation of casting the blocking grout, to ensure the installation of a tight seal in the bottom of the separation channel, between the laying bed and the grooves of the slabs, - to ensure the casting, inside the separation channel up to an intermediate level between the grooves and the external faces of the slabs, of a blocking grout formed of a liquid mixture with rapid solidification,

- and to fill the remaining space of the separation channel with a waterproof finishing seal.

Another object of the invention is to propose a panel adapted to allow easy installation while being likely to collect significant forces exerted on it.

To achieve such an objective, the slab according to the invention is of the type comprising at least two opposite grooves formed on its edge and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the external face of the slab and having a profile suitable for receiving a key. molded.

According to the invention, the slab comprises a molded support block in which the grooves are arranged to be distant from each of the faces of the molded block, of a measure adapted to authorize the installation of a reinforcement adapted to extend in correspondence of the grooves, in order to ensure the recovery in the support block, of the forces transmitted by the key.

Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments and implementation of the subject of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of application of the subject of the invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a slab according to the invention.

Figs. 3 and 4 are plan views showing two exemplary embodiments of a slab according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a paving stone according to the invention, illustrated in an intermediate assembly step.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a paving according to the invention and illustrated in a final assembly phase.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 illustrates a ground or a pavement 1 in the general sense, a part of which is equipped with a covering 2 formed from tiles 3 placed side by side. The floor covering 2 makes it possible to delimit an area on a traffic lane for vehicles in the general sense. The floor covering 2 is therefore particularly suitable for withstanding heavy stresses caused by the rolling or braking of vehicles, such as buses or trucks.

As shown more precisely in FIG. 2, each slab 3 is in the form of a solid having two main faces called external 3, and internal 3 ₂ , mutually parallel and connected by a transverse face, a slice or a edge 3 ₃ . In the examples illustrated more particularly in FIGS. 3 and 4, each slab 3 has a base in the form of a parallelogram delimiting four sides 3a to 3d. Of course, the slabs 3 may have different shapes, for example with a polygonal, circular or pseudo-circular base. In addition, the slabs 3 have large surface dimensions, for example equal to approximately 1 m ² up to several m ² . According to the invention, each slab 3 comprises, at least two indentations or grooves 5 formed on the edge 3, and each extending in a direction substantially parallel to the external face 3, of the slab. The grooves 5 are arranged to extend in opposition two by two. In the example illustrated in fig. 3, a groove 5 is formed on the edge of each side 3a to 3d extending over their entire length, thus constituting a hollow peripheral imprint. Of course, the groove 5 can be provided only on two opposite sides of the slab, for example, 3a-3c or 3b-3d. In the same direction, each side 3a to 3d can be provided with one or more grooves 5 each having a length less than the length of the corresponding side. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the edge on each side 3a to 3d of the slab is provided with a groove 5 of reduced length compared to the length of each side of the slab.

Each groove 5 has a cross section or a profile adapted to provide a function which will be better understood in the following description. Preferably, each groove 5 is produced in the space of the central core of the slab. In the example illustrated in fig. 2, the groove 5 has a semi-circular cross section. Of course, the groove 5 may have a different profile, for example triangular, as shown more precisely in FIG. 5. According to this variant, the top of the isosceles triangle is turned towards the center of the slab 3.

In the example illustrated in fig. 5, the slab 3 located on the left side of the drawing, constitutes a solid block of reinforced or unarmoured material. This slab 3 is formed from a reinforced molded block 6. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each slab 3 comprises a molded support block 6 on which is mounted a facing 7, as is clear from the fig. 2. According to this preferred variant, each slab 3 is formed from the manufacturing process as described in patent application FR 2 720 416. Each slab 3 thus comprises a block 6 of molded material, such as concrete, on which is adapted a facing plate 7 made for example of a natural material. According to such a method, the grooves 5 are obtained during the molding operation of the support block 6 by providing for the installation of inserts or cores of complementary shape to the desired profile for the grooves 5. Of course, the grooves 5 can be produced in a different way, for example, by machining the transverse faces 3 ₃ of the slabs. According to the preferred embodiment, each groove 5 has a height h considered along the edge 3 ₃ of the slab, less than or equal to 3/5 of the total height H of the support block 6. In addition, each groove 5 is arranged to be distant from the faces 3 ₂ and 6, from the molded block 6, by a measure e ,, e ₂ adapted to authorize the installation of a reinforcement 8 for resumption of forces, between the profile of the groove and the faces molded block, that is to say between these faces and the planes passing through the top and bottom points of the groove. For example, the distance e ,, e ₂ is fixed at least 2.5 cm to allow suitable coating of the reinforcement 8 with concrete. As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the reinforcement 8 is also shaped to extend in correspondence with the grooves 5, in order to ensure the resumption of forces in the support block 6. The reinforcement 8 is thus arranged in two planes being established between the external faces of the molded block 6 and the planes passing through the top and bottom points of the groove, and being extended to present a profile substantially similar to that of the surface of the edge 3 ₃ . Thus, the reinforcement 8 extends inside the molded block 6 over the major part of the height of the edges of the slab and, in particular, in the central region where the groove 5 is produced by surrounding it or in the enveloping.

According to another characteristic of the invention, each slab 3 also comprises a chamfer 10 formed between the external face 3, of the slab and its edge 3 ₃ . In the preferred embodiment, the chamfer 10 is arranged on the facing 7. The function of the chamfer 10 will appear more particularly in the following description of the assembly process according to the invention.

The slabs 3, as described above, are intended to be assembled according to the following method, with a view to constituting a paved covering 2. In accordance with FIGS. 5 and 6, the method consists in arranging the floor for receiving the slabs using all known techniques, with a view to constituting a laying bed 11 made for example of sand, mortar or grout, on a rigid foundation , semi-rigid or flexible 12. Advantageously, the area to be paved 2 is delimited by a border 13 forming a support or stop frame for the slabs 3 placed inside the frame (fig. 1). For example, the support edge 13 can be produced by stringers or flanges allowing the abutment of the edge slabs 3. The method according to the invention consists in placing slabs 3 on the laying bed 11, so that the grooves 5 of neighboring slabs are placed facing each other, leaving a channel 14 of separation between their corresponding edges 3 ₃ . For example, each channel 14 has a width 1 of between 1 and 3 cm and, preferably, of the order of 1.5 cm. The slabs 3 are thus arranged one beside the other, delimiting, between each transverse face 3 ₃ facing each other, a separation channel 14 opening into a central housing 15 formed by two grooves 5 belonging to neighboring slabs (fig. 5) . Each separation channel 14 opens onto the external face 3, slabs by a filling chute 16 formed by two chamfers 10 belonging to neighboring slabs. Similarly, the edge slabs 3 are arranged so as to leave a separation channel 14 with their edges 3 ₃ placed opposite the support edge 13 (fig. 6). The positioning of the slabs 3 can be carried out manually or by means of a handling device for heavy slabs. The laying and adjustment of the level of the slabs are carried out according to techniques known to those skilled in the art.

According to an advantageous characteristic, provision is made for setting up a tight seal 23 in the separation channel 14 between the laying bed 11 and the grooves 5 of the slabs. This tight seal 23 prevents the flow inside the laying bed 11 of a liquid grout 17 intended to be poured into the channel 14 as will be explained in the following description. Advantageously, the waterproof seal 23, which has a weakly compressible nature, also performs a function of bracing the slabs therebetween making it possible to define the width of the separation channel 14. The waterproof seal 23 can be constituted by a tongue, in particular made of felt. or rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the waterproof seal 23 is fixed, for example, by a self-adhesive film, on the edges 3 ₃ of the tiles, from their internal face 3 ₂ , prior to the operation of laying the tiles . It turns out that the tiles are laid on the laying bed 11, being fitted with watertight seals 23. The seals 23 are located in contact with the seat 11 after the laying of the tiles.

The installation of the slabs 3 is preferably carried out after the completion of the stop border 13 making it possible to avoid any disorder of the seat of the edge slabs, linked to the construction of the stop border . Compliance with the dimensions of the separation channels 14 located between the slabs 3 and between the edge slabs 3 and the stop edge 13, is ensured by varying the dimensions of the slabs 3 and / or the internal dimensions delimited by the edge 13. Of course, provision may be made to cut the edge slabs, in order to respect the dimensions of the separation channels 14. The method according to the invention then consists of pouring into the separation channels 14, from the filling spout 16, a blocking grout 17 formed by a rapidly solidifying mixture of liquid or pasty nature, such as adjuvant cement, mortar or synthetic resin. The blocking grout 17 comes into contact with the waterproof seal 23 without being able to reach the laying bed 11. The blocking grout 17 is poured so as to form, in particular, at each central housing 15, a molded key 18 (fig . 6). The blocking grout is poured to allow at least the complete filling of the grooves 5. This operation can be controlled by means of rods. Prior to pouring the grout 17, a reinforcement can be placed inside the separation channel 14 and / or the central housing 15. In the same direction, the grout 17 can include an addition of reinforcing fibers. Preferably, the grout 17 is poured so that the latter is established at an intermediate level between the groove 5 and the external face 3, of the slab (FIG. 6). More preferably, the grout 17 is established at a level lower than the upper face 6, of the molded block. According to this preferred alternative embodiment, the rest of the separation channel 14 is filled by means of a waterproof finishing grout 20. This waterproof grout 20 preferably has an elastic and wear-resistant character, as well as '' an aesthetic appearance obtained by mass coloring.

It should be noted that the blocking grout 17 can also line the channels 14 separating the bearing edge 13 from the edge slabs 3. However, these separation channels 14 from the edge are preferably treated as gaskets expansion 21 with a compressible elastic material. Preferably, the edge slabs 3 are in abutment on the stop edge 13 also through one or more support pieces 22 fixed on the edge 3 ₃ of the slabs, facing the edge d 'stop 13. Each support piece 22, which has a compressibility character, is adapted to allow an adjustment of its protruding length relative to the edges 3 ₃ .

After the blocking grout 17 has solidified, an effective assembly of the slabs 3 is obtained with the aid of molded keys 18 forming a connecting element engaged in the thickness of the slabs and at least on part of their periphery. . It must be considered that the molded keys 18 are adapted to collect the vertical dynamic loads applied to the external face 3 ,, in order to avoid a "strumming" effect between the slabs. In addition, the molded keys 18, by their shape, ensure a transfer of the horizontal dynamic loads applied to the external face 3, from a slab either to the neighboring slab (s), advantageously along their central part, or to the edge d 'stop 13. The result of dynamic loads both horizontal and vertical, are consecutive, for example, when braking a heavy vehicle on the external face 3, slabs. For example, each molded key 18 must have the following minimum resistances: - in simple compression, of 35 MPa,

- in tensile-flexion, 3.5 MPa,

- and a shear stress of 1.2 MPa.

The assembly method according to the invention makes it possible to control the transfer of horizontal and vertical forces. Such a method has a relatively simple and inexpensive implementation. In addition, this method offers the advantage of facilitating access to the laying bed and, in particular, to buried networks by neutralizing only the molded keys 18, for example, by sawing, while not damaging the slabs 3. It can thus be provided to reuse the removed tiles 3 by removing grooves, the cut keys and by again pouring the keys 18. Such a technique allows the removal and installation of tiles without affecting the aesthetics of the surface of the coating 2 It should be noted that the grip between the molded keys and the slabs is adapted to ensure a transfer of the loads between the slabs, while allowing easy detachment of the key from the slab, when the key must be removed.

The object of the invention can also be adapted to limit the deformations of the slabs laid one against the other, during the appearance of seismic phenomena. To this end, it is provided that the grooves 5 of the slabs are adapted to avoid adhesion of the molded keys 18 relative to the slabs, in order to allow rotation of the plates relative to the molded keys. In this form of application, the molded keys 18 have a circular cross section in order to react like a ball joint, while the surface of the grooves 5 is smooth or glazed to limit adhesion of the blocking or keying material. In this example, each groove 5 thus has a semicircular cross section.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The object of the invention finds a particularly advantageous application for constituting floor coverings, such as the paving of a roadway or a traffic lane for vehicles. The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown, since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 - Method for assembling slabs (3) of large dimensions on a laying bed (11), in order to constitute a floor covering (2), each slab (3) comprising at least two opposite grooves (5) s' each extending in a direction substantially parallel to the external face (3,) of the slabs, the method consisting in carrying out the following steps:

- arrange the slabs (3) on the laying bed (11), so that the grooves (5) of juxtaposed slabs are placed opposite, leaving between their corresponding edges a separation channel (14 ), - and to flow into the separation channel (14), a blocking grout (17), so as to form a molded key (18) for attachment for each pair of grooves in neighboring slabs, characterized in that consists of:

- before the operation of casting the blocking grout (17), ensuring the installation of a tight seal (23) in the bottom of the separation channel, between the laying bed (11) and the grooves (5 ) slabs,

- ensuring the casting, inside the separation channel (14) up to an intermediate level between the grooves (5) and the external faces (3,) of the slabs, of a blocking grout (17) formed a fast solidifying liquid mixture,

- And to fill the remaining space of the separation channel using a waterproof finishing seal (20).

2 - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in ensuring the casting of the blocking grout (17) to a level below the upper face (6,) of a molded block (6) in which are formed the grooves (5) and on which is mounted a facing (7) which form, with the molded block, a slab (3).

3 - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in placing the tiles (3) on the laying bed (11), so that they define a separation channel (14) whose bottom has a width between 1 and 3 cm and, preferably, of the order of 1.5 cm.

4 - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of producing on the edges (3 ₃ ) slabs, grooves (5) of semicircular cross section and adapted to limit an adhesion of the molded keys relative to the grooves of the slabs, in order to allow a rotation of the plates relative to the molded keys. 5 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it consists in producing an edge (13) on which the edge slabs (3) of the floor covering (2) come to bear via joints (21, 22) interposed between the edges (3 ₃ ) of the slabs and the edge (13).

6 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it consists:

- for the removal of a slab assembled by keys to juxtaposed slabs:. cutting the finishing joint (20) and the molded keys (18) surrounding said slab,. to remove the slab to access the laying bed, - for refitting said slab:

. to remove the cut keys from the grooves,

. to replace a slab, leaving a joint with the neighboring slabs to pour a blocking grout and a finishing joint.

7 - Slab for constituting a floor covering, of the type comprising at least two opposite grooves (5) formed on its edge (3 ₃ ) and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the external face (3,) of the slab and having a profile adapted to receive a molded key (18), characterized in that it comprises a molded support block (6) in which the grooves (5) are arranged to be distant from each of the faces (3,) and (6 ,) of the molded block (6), of a measure (e ,, e ₂ ) adapted to authorize the installation of a reinforcement (8) adapted to extend in correspondence of the grooves, in order to ensure the taken up in the support block, of the forces transmitted by the key.

8 - Slab according to claim 7, characterized in that each groove (5) has a height (h) taken according to the edge of the slab, less than or equal to 3/5 of the total height (H) of the support block ( 6).

9 - Slab according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each groove (5) has a triangular or semi-circular profile.

10 - Slab according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each groove (5) is machined or molded on the edge (3 ₃ ) of the slabs.

11 - Slab according to claim 7, characterized in that the molded support block (6) is equipped with a facing (7).

12 - Slab according to one of claims 7 to 1 1, characterized in that it comprises a chamfer (10) formed between the outer face (3,) of the slab and each edge (3 ₃ ).