EP2256252B1 - Trench protection method, in particular with a pillow preventing landslide - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for securing an excavation using an excavation protection device, more particularly an anti-landslide cushion.

In many construction sites, whether for road works, laying pipes or repairing buried elements, trenches and excavations of various sizes are made in the ground. The earth is evacuated by means of construction equipment and personnel intervene for the repair or the work to be done.

The space of intervention in which the personnel are brought to intervene, can fall down and put the life in danger. For this reason, the excavations must be secured and, for this purpose, it is usually used metal or wooden plates driven into the ground and shored, so as to form a palisade around the hole made to thereby retain the land.

The heaviness of these securing elements and the time and equipment needed to implement the protection, most of the time, incite the users to not install the security elements and then the personnel incur significant risks.

The object of the invention is therefore to solve these main difficulties by proposing a method using a light safety structure in the form of an anti-landslide cushion.

Document is known JP 7 011698 securing an excavation by means of air bags suspended in said excavation. In this document, several air bags are used on the height of the excavation, subject to each other.

The described method makes it possible to lower a conduit, but in no case to secure an excavation by leaving a space of intervention for the personnel in said excavation. Indeed, in this document JP 7 011698 , the airbags occupy the available volume of said excavation.

Document is known US-3,864,921 a method for securing two opposite side walls of an excavation, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The device of the document US 3864921 comprises two grid support walls, intended to be placed respectively vis-à-vis the two side walls of the excavation to be supported. These support walls are held together by means of a telescopic bracing structure, allowing adjustment of the spacing between the support walls. Once the gap is set, the position is locked by means of pins. A mattress formed of a plurality of inflatable envelopes is provided between each support wall and said corresponding side wall of the excavation.

Document is known US 2674206 an airbag having a particular application to support the goods during their transport. This airbag has in the inflated state a generally parallelepiped shape having two flat faces and rounded edges. This airbag has in addition, on its rounded edges, projecting elements in the form of legs each having an eyelet.

The present invention relates to a method for securing an excavation in a soil according to claim 1.

• on prévoit au moins une barre de renfort assujettie sur la face intérieure dudit dispositif de protection par l'intermédiaire de passants, ladite barre de renfort courant selon une direction horizontale le long de ladite face intérieure,
• ladite au moins une barre de renfort maintien plusieurs structures gonflables sur une même paroi latérale de ladite excavation,
• on bloque les extrémités de ladite au moins une barre de renfort coincées en butée contre les chants de structures gonflables de deux dispositif de protection,
• une valve et un clapet de surpression peuvent être prévus sur la partie haute du ou de chaque dispositif de protection,
• la structure gonflable du ou de chaque dispositif de protection présente dans la partie supérieure dudit dispositif des visuels de sécurité comprenant des bandes réfléchissantes et/ou luminescentes,
• la structure gonflable du ou de chaque dispositif de protection présente des pattes pour la manutention placée sur la partie supérieure dudit dispositif de protection.

According to optional features of the method according to the invention, the inflatable structures of the protective devices can be connected together by means of straps,

• there is provided at least one reinforcing bar secured on the inner face of said protection device via loops, said reinforcing bar running in a horizontal direction along said inner face,
• said at least one reinforcing bar holds several inflatable structures on the same side wall of said excavation,
• blocking the ends of said at least one reinforcing bar stuck in abutment against the singing of inflatable structures of two protection device,
• a valve and a pressure relief valve may be provided on the upper part of the or each protection device,
• the inflatable structure of the or each protective device has, in the upper part of said device, security visuals comprising reflective and / or luminescent strips,
• the inflatable structure of the or each protective device has lugs for handling placed on the upper part of said protective device.

• Le dispositif de protection est constitué avec une structure gonflable se présentant sous la forme d'une poche souple, permettant d'une part un stockage plié à plat, ou enroulé du dispositif, et d'autre part un gonflage en forme globalement de forme parallélépipède, ledit dispositif présentant, à l'état gonflé, deux faces planes et des bords arrondis, ladite structure gonflable comportant des moyens de maintien avec d'autres dispositifs de protection équivalents constitués par des sangles de liaison, réparties sur la hauteur de ladite structure gonflable et sur au moins une face du dispositif de protection.

An excavation protection device suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention is described below:

• The protective device is constituted by an inflatable structure in the form of a flexible pouch, allowing on the one hand a folded storage flat, or wound the device, and on the other hand an inflation shaped generally parallelepiped shape , said device having, in the inflated state, two flat faces and rounded edges, said inflatable structure comprising holding means with other equivalent protective devices consisting of connecting straps, distributed over the height of said inflatable structure and on at least one face of the protection device.

• ledit dispositif de protection présente, outre ladite structure gonflable au moins une barre de renfort, ladite structure gonflable présentant, sur au moins une de ses faces, des passants au travers desquels ladite barre de renfort peut être introduite le long de ladite face,
• ladite poche souple est renforcée par des tissus résistants, du caoutchouc, des plastiques épais,
• la structure gonflable comporte une valve et un clapet de surpression placé sur une partie dudit dispositif destiné à être la partie haute du dispositif, et de préférence sur une face du dispositif destinée à constituer la face intérieure orientée vers l'excavation,
• la structure gonflable comporte des pattes pour la manutention placées sur une partie destinée à constituer la partie supérieure du dispositif de protection,
• la structure gonflable comprend des visuels de sécurité tels que des bandes réfléchissantes et/ou luminescentes placées sur une partie destinée à constituer la partie haute dudit dispositif.

According to optional features of the protection device:

• said protection device has, in addition to said inflatable structure at least one reinforcing bar, said inflatable structure having, on at least one of its faces, loops through which said reinforcing bar can be introduced along said face,
• said flexible pouch is reinforced by resistant fabrics, rubber, thick plastics,
• the inflatable structure comprises a valve and a relief valve placed on a part of said device intended to be the upper part of the device, and preferably on one side of the device intended to constitute the inner face facing towards the excavation,
• the inflatable structure comprises handling tabs placed on a part intended to constitute the upper part of the protection device,
• the inflatable structure comprises security visuals such as reflective and / or luminescent strips placed on a portion intended to constitute the upper part of said device.

• la structure de sécurité est légère et de mise en place aisée,
• le dispositif peut être installé sans équipement lourd,
• différentes dimensions et tailles de coussins peuvent être réalisées pour s'adapter à tous les types d'excavations,
• la structure, lors de l'utilisation, peut s'adapter à la conformation de l'excavation à protéger,
• la structure, après utilisation, peut être démontée rapidement et sans matériel, pour un emploi sur un autre chantier,
• le coût du système de protection est relativement réduit et le système globalement économiquement intéressant en considérant le gain de temps réalisé lors de l'installation et lors du démontage, voire du transport.

The advantages of the anti-landslide device that can be used in the process according to the invention are multiple:

• the security structure is light and easy to set up,
• the device can be installed without heavy equipment,
• different sizes and sizes of cushions can be made to fit all types of excavations,
• the structure, in use, can adapt to the conformation of the excavation to be protected,
• the structure, after use, can be dismantled quickly and without material, for a job on another site,
• the cost of the protection system is relatively small and the overall system economically attractive considering the time saved during installation and during disassembly or transport.

• La figure 1 est une vue de la face intérieure du dispositif de protection, en forme de coussin anti- éboulement utilisable dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de protection, illustré figure 1.
• La figure 3 illustre en perspective le dispositif de protection sous deux angles de vue différents.
• La figure 4 illustre schématiquement une mise en oeuvre de l'invention pour la protection d'un individu lors d'un chantier.
• La figure 5 est une vue de la face intérieure d'un dispositif de protection, en forme de coussin anti éboulement, utilisable dans un second mode de réalisation, comprenant, outre le coussin, des barres de renfort.
• La figure 6 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de protection illustré à la figure 5.
• La figure 7 illustre schématiquement une mise en oeuvre de l'invention pour la protection d'un individu lors d'un chantier, selon un second mode de réalisation.
• La figure 8 illustre schématiquement une mise en oeuvre de l'invention pour la protection d'un individu lors d'un chantier, selon un troisième mode de réalisation.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of non-limiting examples.

• The figure 1 is a view of the inner face of the protection device, shaped anti-landslide usable in an embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 2 is a top view of the protection device, illustrated figure 1 .
• The figure 3 illustrates in perspective the protection device from two different angles of view.
• The figure 4 schematically illustrates an implementation of the invention for the protection of an individual during a construction site.
• The figure 5 is a view of the inner face of a protection device, in the form of anti-landslide cushion, used in a second embodiment, comprising, in addition to the cushion, reinforcing bars.
• The figure 6 is a top view of the protection device shown in FIG. figure 5 .
• The figure 7 schematically illustrates an implementation of the invention for the protection of an individual during a construction site, according to a second embodiment.
• The figure 8 schematically illustrates an implementation of the invention for the protection of an individual during a construction site, according to a third embodiment.

The protection device, which can also be called a roll-over cushion, is formed of an air-tight inflatable structure S, in particular from a flexible pouch allowing folded storage flat or rollable for storage and storage .

As this is represented on the different Figures 1 to 3 , the excavation protection device, and in particular said flexible bag, is, when inflated, with a generally parallelepiped shape, with rounded edges.

The airtight structure S may consist of several sheets or a single film. Advantageously, the structure S forming a pocket is reinforced by resistant fabrics, rubber or thick plastics that prevent the drilling of the structure by metal rods, spikes, cut tubes or any other element that may be in the ground and may damage the inflatable structure.

The anti-landslide protection device, shown in the figures, has an inner face 1, able to be arranged facing the inside of the excavation, an outer face 7, adapted to be arranged in contact with the ground and the earth. , a lower portion 8, which can rest on the bottom of the hole, and an upper portion 9, terminating at ground level.

It may be noted here that it is not mandatory that the device rests on the bottom of the hole because one of the advantages of the invention lies in the support during inflation on the edges of the excavation.

Apart from the two flat faces forming the anti-landslide panels, the other lateral sides 10, 11 of the protection device are advantageously with rounded shapes.

The inner face 1, as illustrated on the figure 1 comprises holding means with other equivalent protection devices S. Advantageously, the holding means are connecting straps 2 distributed over the height of the airbag.

Advantageously, the connecting straps 2 are distributed over the height of the inflatable structure S and on at least one face 1 or 7 of the device.

Advantageously, the connecting straps 2 are distributed over the height, on both faces 1 and 7, and spaced apart on the lateral portions of said two faces.

The excavation protection device is stored deflated flat, for example folded, or rolled up.

On-site installation consists of positioning the structure along the wall, then by means of an inflator to introduce air into the sealing portion and bring to a sufficient pressure the cushion so as to form a rigid overall parallelepiped structure.

Advantageously, the inflatable structure comprises a valve 3 and a relief valve 4. The air intake is effected by a traditional power supply, a protective cap may be installed so as to secure the valve.

Advantageously, the valve 3 and the overpressure valve are placed in the upper part of the device, preferably on the inner face 1, facing towards the excavation, as illustrated on the drawings. Figures 1 and 2 .

To secure the excavation, several airbags are installed and can be interconnected by means of the connecting straps so as to form a complete rigid structure, adapted to the forms of said excavation, in which the devices are supported the on each other and kept together.

The figure 4 shows an example of implementation of four inflatable structures S, respectively labeled S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ and S ₄ , to ensure the four faces of the excavation.

However, it can be noted here that in the case of numerous excavations, in compact soils, a single inflatable structure S placed opposite one face of the trench, and in abutment between two other contiguous faces , may be sufficient.

In order to achieve the best adjustment in the excavation, and to allow inflation without difficulty of the structure, it is provided, in the sense of the invention, that the inflatable structure is flexible before inflation and partially deformable once inflated.

In order to facilitate the installation of the protective device, and the removal after use, the inflatable structure comprises lugs for handling placed in the upper part 9 of the anti-landslide cushion.

In addition, most construction sites must be reported to the public in a variety of ways to avoid accidents, including falling people in the excavations. In order to promote the visibility of the building site at night, the inflatable structure may comprise security visuals 6, such as, in particular, reflective and / or luminescent strips.

This signage 6 is placed in the upper part 9 of the protection device either on the top or on the sides, as is illustrated on the Figures 1 and 3 , so as to be visible at ground level.

According to an advantageous embodiment shown, on the figure 1 , the anti-landslip cushion has a height of 1.7 m and a width of 1 m, has ten connecting straps fixed on each face, five on each lateral part of the faces of the protection device, which further comprises two handling lugs in part higher.

Several variants are possible for the protection device. In particular, it is possible to envisage different structures for forming the airtight walls of the inflatable structure. It is possible to strengthen the entire anti-landslide cushion or only the outer face in contact with the earth, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the protective device used in the method of the invention is provided with a standard size that can accommodate multiple excavations and situations encountered on construction sites. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, it can be envisaged varying sizes of airbags, or even modular elements allowing precise adjustments both in height and width, so as to better cover the periphery of different volumes excavations.

In the foregoing description, the inner face of the anti-landslide cushion comprises only the connecting straps. However, it may be envisaged to affix other elements on the flat surface. For example, it can be added advertisements, marking elements, or elements information on the nature of the site, and possibly means for various features, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The shape of the protective device is advantageously parallelepipedic. However, other forms can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention, for example including cushions with multiple internal pockets or segmented.

The protection device described above has connecting straps to maintain the anti-landslide cushions between them in the excavation. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, it may be envisaged other holding means, for example in the form of hooks connecting the sides of the parallelepipeds with each other or hinge means, and more generally, any device capable of to connect two independent elements together along their height.

According to an embodiment illustrated according to an example in Figures 5 to 8 at least one reinforcing bar 13, 14 may be provided, which is secured on the inside face 1 of the protective device.

For this purpose, said inflatable structure S may have on at least one of its faces passers 12. As illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , said reinforcing bar 13, 14 is introduced through the loops 12 along and against the inner face 1.

The protective device may in particular have a reinforcing bar 13, upper and a reinforcing bar 14, lower (see figure 5 ).

These reinforcement bars 13, 14 make it possible to reinforce the securing of the excavation.

According to the non-limitative implementation of the figure 7 , the reinforcement bars 13 and 14 are directed horizontally, of length corresponding to the width of the inflatable structures S ₂ and S ₄ . The ends 16, 17 of said reinforcing bars 13, 14 may advantageously be wedged in abutment against the chants 26, 27 of inflatable structure S ₁ , S ₃ of two protective devices disposed on two other side walls of said excavation.

According to the method, inflatable structures S ₂ , S ₄ equipped with reinforcement bars 13, 14 are initially available, and then, in a second step, the inflatable structures S ₁ , S ₃ . The subsequent inflation of the structures S ₁ , S ₃ makes it possible to block the ends 16, 17 of the reinforcement bars 13, 14 by wedging. In this configuration, the structures S1 and S3 serve as struts to maintain the structures S2 and S4 via the bars 13, 14.

According to the non-limitative implementation of the figure 8 said at least one reinforcing bar 13, 14 maintains several inflatable structures S ₅ , S ₆ , S ₇ or S ₈ , S ₉ , S ₁₀ on the same side wall of said excavation.

The reinforcement bars 13, 14 are directed horizontally, of length corresponding to the sum of the lengths of the inflatable structures S ₅ , S ₆ , S ₇ or S ₈ , S ₉ , S ₁₀ applied on the same wall.

The ends 16, 17 of said reinforcement bars may advantageously be wedged in abutment against the edges 26; 27 inflatable structures S ₁₁ , S ₁₂ protective devices disposed on two other side walls of said excavation. In this configuration, the structures S11 and S12 serve as struts for holding the assembly S5, S6, S7 with respect to the assembly S8, S9, S10 via the bars 13, 14. This implementation makes it possible to protect excavations of great length by combining several device (2, 3 or more) of standard size on the same side wall of said excavation.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown by way of examples, but it also includes all the technical equivalents and their combinations, within the limits set by the claims.

Claims (9)

1. A method for securing a trench in the ground using at least one trench protection device, said trench having a bottom and side walls, said protection device being a pillow preventing landslides formed from an inflatable flexible pouch, on the one hand allowing said protection device to be stored flat or wound, and on the other hand, allowing the inflation of said protection device in a globally parallelepiped shape, and wherein at least one of the walls of said trench is protected from landslide using a landslide prevention pillow positioned, in the inflated state, on said wall, an outer face (7) of said landslide prevention pillow being positioned in contact with the dirt of said trench wall, an inner face (1) of said landslide prevention pillow being positioned across from the inside of the trench, the upper part of said landslide prevention pillow reaching the ground level, the lower part reaching the bottom of the trench, the attached landslide prevention pillow being such that it leaves an operating space for the personnel in the trench, and characterized in that:

   - a single landslide prevention pillow is used, placed across from one of the faces of the trench and buttressed between two other adjacent faces of said trench, or alternatively

   - at least four landslide prevention pillows are used, placed across from one another, each of the outer faces of the landslide prevention pillows being in contact with only one of the four side walls of the trench, the inflatable pillows being pressed on one another, kept together, to protect all four faces of the trench, so as to form a complete rigid structure adapted to the shape of said trench.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable pouches are connected to one another by maintaining means fixed on the inner face (1) of the landslide prevention pillows.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the maintaining means are made up of straps (2).
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one reinforcing bar (13, 14) is provided, enslaved on the inner face (1) of said landslide prevention pillow by means of loops (12), said reinforcing bar (13, 14) running in a horizontal direction along said inner face.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said at least one reinforcing bar (13, 14) maintains several landslide prevention pillows on a same side wall of said trench.
6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ends (16, 17) of said at least one reinforcing bar (13, 14) are blocked jammed abutting against the edges (26, 27) of two landslide prevention pillows.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protection device is placed on the wall by positioning the landslide prevention pillow along said wall, then pressurizing the flexible pouch using a pump so as to form a globally parallelepiped rigid structure.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the positioning of the landslide prevention pillow in the trench is adjusted in the partially inflated state.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the or each landslide prevention pillow is handled using handling tabs (5) placed on the upper part (9) of said landslide prevention pillow.

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