EP2483476B1 - Transverse junction comprising two facing transverse ends of two successive pre-fabricated carriageway elements, and connecting system therefor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transverse junction between two successive flat prefabricated elements to be assembled on the ground in linear and substantially coplanar succession comprising the two ends facing each other of the two prefabricated successive elements and its connecting system. More particularly, the invention relates to a connecting system comprising a transverse insert and reconciliation means for prefabricated pavement elements to be assembled on the ground.

The invention aims to provide a means for connecting prefabricated flat elements so that they can be assembled on the ground one after the other and keep in time a coplanar continuity. These prefabricated flat elements are preferably prefabricated concrete pavement elements, but it may be any other prefabricated flat element, whether concrete, metal, wood, glass, plastic or other.

Prefabricated concrete pavement elements are subject to heavy demands due to the passage of vehicles, they expand and contract depending on the outside temperature and are generally laid on soft ground that evolves over time according to the climatic conditions ( frost, rain, etc.) and various vibrations and trepidations. Thus, this soil undergoes different settlements depending on the location. Therefore, precast concrete pavement elements must be connected by a connecting system that must take these parameters into account and that must prevent the appearance of "steps" that impede the movement of vehicles.

Currently, the connection system for prefabricated flat elements consists of providing studs mounted in orifices provided for this purpose on the transverse end edges of the prefabricated flat elements that must end up next to and in the immediate vicinity after assembly on the ground. Generally, according to this technique, each prefabricated flat element receives fixing studs on one of its transverse end edges, but no stud is housed in the holes on the other end transverse edge. Thus, each prefabricated flat element has an end having male connection means and another end having free female receiving orifices. During the assembly of two prefabricated flat elements in succession to the ground, a first prefabricated flat element is placed on a compacted backfill floor plan, for example by means of a crane. Then the second prefabricated flat element is placed on the ground nearby and following the first, for example by means of the same crane, the transverse end edges of the two prefabricated flat elements facing each other. Then, always by means of the crane, a longitudinal translation of the second element to the previous one so as to penetrate the male connecting means of one into the female receiving ports of the other. The cooperation of the male connection means with the female receiving orifices ensures the connection between the two prefabricated flat elements.

This prior system of connection for prefabricated flat elements has many disadvantages.

First, a very high precision is necessary to fit the male connection means of a prefabricated flat element in the female receiving orifices of another prefabricated flat element, which makes the maneuvering extremely difficult, especially during handling. prefabricated flat elements extremely heavy by means of the crane.

Then, this nesting is done by translating a prefabricated flat element on the ground to another. This movement of movement on the ground generally creates a mound of sand or earth between the two elements, which hinders their interlocking and is likely to locally distort the flatness of the ground.

In order to prevent water from seeping between two prefabricated flat elements and to remove the sand by runoff at the junction between the two elements, this gap is usually closed by a flexible seal between the two flat elements. prefabricated. This seal is usually made by pouring a liquid polymer between the adjacent end edges of the two successive prefabricated flat elements. This is a delicate step, which must be carried out by a body of work different from that which carries out the laying of prefabricated flat elements and which requires a drying time before handling which can delay the overall progress of the site.

Finally, the presence of connecting studs between two prefabricated flat elements creates a stress concentration localized in the area surrounding each stud, which may be responsible for cracks and then breaks of prefabricated flat elements at this level.

Similarly, the rigidity of this connection system allows only a very small clearance in case of movement or expansion of prefabricated flat elements, which can be an additional source of breakage for these elements. In addition, reference is made to US 2723607 .

Therefore, there is a need for a connection system between two prefabricated flat elements to be assembled on the ground which is easy and quick to implement immediately after the installation of prefabricated flat elements and by the same body of work, which requires no translational movement to the ground thereof, which is sufficiently flexible to allow the floor to evolve over time and assembled prefabricated flat elements to expand and contract freely, which seals between the elements Assembled prefabricated dishes that limit the risk of breakage of prefabricated flat elements.

To provide a global solution to these technical problems, the junction with its connecting system of the present invention is intended to maintain the assembly of two prefabricated flat elements to be assembled on the ground in linear succession and substantially coplanar to achieve a floor and more generally a taxiway for land vehicles.

The prefabricated flat elements to be assembled each have at least one transverse edge corresponding to its transverse end and two lateral faces, the at least one transverse end edge of one of the successive prefabricated flat elements being found after assembly in front of that of the prefabricated element that succeeds him.

• au moins un logement transversal formé par la jonction de deux gorges transversales ménagées chacune dans l'au moins un chant transversal d'extrémité des éléments plats préfabriqués successifs ;
• au moins un conduit de passage formé par l'association en prolongation de deux conduits réalisés chacun dans l'un des éléments plats préfabriqués successifs et débouchant chacun d'une part au niveau du chant transversal d'extrémité et d'autre part au niveau de l'une des faces latérales, supérieure ou inférieure de l'élément préfabriqué ;
• au moins un insert transversal élastique,
  • étant destiné à être placé dans l'au moins un logement transversal,
  • s'étendant sur sensiblement toute la largeur de l'au moins un logement transversal, et
• au moins un moyen de rapprochement destiné à être disposé dans l'au moins un des conduits de passage ;
• des moyens de mise en tension du ou des moyens de rapprochement ; et
• des moyens de maintien de l'assemblage des deux éléments plats préfabriqués successifs.

The junction with its binding system of the present invention comprises:

• at least one transverse housing formed by the junction of two transverse grooves each formed in the at least one transverse end edge of successive prefabricated flat elements;
• at least one passage duct formed by the association in extension of two ducts each formed in one of the successive prefabricated flat elements and opening each on the one hand at the level of the transverse edge end and secondly at the level of one of the side faces, upper or lower of the prefabricated element;
• at least one elastic transverse insert,
  • being intended to be placed in the at least one transverse housing,
  • extending substantially the entire width of the at least one transverse housing, and
• at least one approximation means intended to be arranged in the at least one of the passage ducts;
• means for tensioning the one or more means of bringing together; and
• means for maintaining the assembly of the two successive prefabricated flat elements.

The tensioning means can also be means for maintaining the tension and the assembly of the two successive prefabricated flat elements in the manner of a locking.

According to one variant, the elastic transverse insert has at least one passage duct which passes through it and opens out on one side at the transverse end edge of one of the prefabricated flat elements and on the other at the transverse end edge of the other prefabricated flat element to be assembled, opposite the passage ducts made in the prefabricated flat elements and opening on the one hand at their transverse end edge and on the other hand at the level of one of their side faces, upper or lower.

Each prefabricated flat element is placed vertically following another facing next to its neighbor, for example by means of a crane, this maneuver can be facilitated by means of a vertical guide means. The transverse insert is then introduced horizontally into the housing formed between two successive prefabricated flat elements by the horizontal grooves facing each other. The approximation means are then introduced into the passage ducts. In the case where the approximation means are diagonal tie rods, the passage ducts intersect, without cutting, for example substantially in the middle of the housing formed by the junction of two horizontal grooves vis-à-vis. The means of approach are provided of sufficient length so that their ends protrude out of the prefabricated flat elements on one side at one of the lateral faces, upper or lower, of one of the prefabricated flat elements and the other at one of the side faces, upper or lower, of the other prefabricated flat element. These prefabricated flat elements may comprise lateral recesses allowing the ends of the means of approach to be left free. The approximation means are then tensioned by turning nuts mounted on each of their ends, thereby maintaining tension and assembly between the prefabricated flat elements. It is preferable that a washer is placed before the nut on the ends of the means of bringing together to better carry the nut on the concrete and avoid bursting during tightening and in order to maintain an elastic clamping force of maintaining tension.

The transverse insert is made of a waterproof material and relatively elastic, which after a slight compression to ensure sealing between two prefabricated flat elements while allowing expansion without deterioration. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transverse insert can be made of rubber, polyurethane resin or recycled tire.

Present throughout the width of prefabricated flat elements, this insert does not concentrate constraints and therefore does not risk causing any deterioration of prefabricated flat elements.

Likewise, the elasticity or the shape of the transverse insert allows a certain flexibility of connection which makes it possible to lay prefabricated flat elements on a slightly curved or hollow ground and which allows the prefabricated flat elements to move with the ground without break when it changes in time.

It can be considered as an articulation of low-clearance pivoting that absorbs the various movements of two prefabricated elements thus connected.

The tensioning of the approximation means also makes it possible to precisely adjust the position of a prefabricated flat element with respect to its neighbor, which makes it possible, for example, to make up for a slight offset if the prefabricated flat elements to be assembled are not exactly the same. one in front of the other.

Similarly, in the case of two tie rods, by putting more stress on the means of approach on one side than the other, it is possible to assemble two prefabricated flat elements forming a slight broken line angle between both, which makes it possible to create a succession of prefabricated flat elements forming a curve over a great distance. If the tie rods are not horizontal, but inclined, it is also possible to adjust the height of the ends of the prefabricated flat elements relative to each other by adjusting the tension of a closer means more strongly.

In addition, the prefabricated flat elements are assembled by placing them vertically, without translating them horizontally, which is much easier for handling them, and does not require the intervention of another trade to achieve joints.

Finally, in case of deterioration of a prefabricated flat element, it is very easy to replace it without the need to move the other prefabricated flat elements, which was impossible with the prior art.

• les figures 1 à 4 représentent les étapes de positionnement d'un élément plat préfabriqué à la suite d'un autre selon le procédé de l'invention ;
• les figures 5 à 8 représentent les étapes d'assemblage de deux éléments plats préfabriqués positionnés l'un à la suite de l'autre au moyen du système de liaison faisant partie de l'invention ;
• la figure 9 est une vue agrandie du détail encerclé sur la figure 8 ;
• les figures 10 à 14 représentent différents exemples de forme de section pour l'insert transversal ;
• la figure 15 est une vue de profil de deux éléments plats préfabriqués assemblés au moyen du système de liaison faisant partie de l'invention comprenant des tirants rectilignes ;
• la figure 16 est une vue de dessus de deux éléments plats préfabriqués assemblés au moyen du système de liaison faisant partie de l'invention comprenant des tirants rectilignes ;
• la figure 17 est une vue de profil de deux éléments plats préfabriqués assemblés au moyen du système de liaison faisant partie de l'invention comprenant des tirants courbes en forme d'arc ;
• la figure 18 est une vue de dessus de deux éléments plats préfabriqués assemblés au moyen du système de liaison faisant partie de l'invention comprenant des tirants courbes en forme d'arc ; et
• les figures 19 à 22 sont des vues en perspective représentant l'assemblage au moyen du système de liaison faisant partie de l'invention de trois types différents de tronçons de voie préfabriqués.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the Figures 1 to 4 represent the steps of positioning a prefabricated flat element following another according to the method of the invention;
• the Figures 5 to 8 represent the assembly steps of two prefabricated flat elements positioned one after the other by means of the connection system forming part of the invention;
• the figure 9 is an enlarged view of the circled detail on the figure 8 ;
• the Figures 10 to 14 represent different examples of sectional shape for the transverse insert;
• the figure 15 is a profile view of two prefabricated flat elements assembled by means of the connection system forming part of the invention comprising rectilinear tie rods;
• the figure 16 is a top view of two prefabricated flat elements assembled by means of the connecting system forming part of the invention comprising rectilinear tie rods;
• the figure 17 is a profile view of two prefabricated flat elements assembled by means of the connecting system forming part of the invention comprising arcuate arcuate tie rods;
• the figure 18 is a top view of two prefabricated flat elements assembled by means of the connecting system forming part of the invention comprising arcuate arcuate tie rods; and
• the Figures 19 to 22 are perspective views showing the assembly by means of the connecting system forming part of the invention of three different types of prefabricated track sections.

The junction with its linking system will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 22 . The equivalent elements represented in the different figures will bear the same numerical references.

In the remainder of this description, the notions of top and bottom, bottom and top will be defined according to the orientation adopted by the prefabricated flat elements once placed on the ground.

The connection system 1 forming part of the present invention is intended to be used to assemble prefabricated flat elements 2 on the ground in linear succession.

According to a preferred use of the invention, these prefabricated flat elements 2 are prefabricated pavement elements. On the figures 19 and 22 By way of example, there is shown the use of the connection system 1 of the invention for two prefabricated pavement elements for a centrally guided rail tire.

In the variant shown on the figure 19 , the prefabricated elements 2, 20 of pavement each comprise two parallel concrete rolling tracks 21 separated by a longitudinal central rail housing. The prefabricated elements 2, 20 each have passage ducts 7 for approach means 10 and a transverse horizontal groove of trough profile 3 in which are respectively accommodated two approximation means 10 in the form of curved rods 24 and a transverse insert 9.

According to this variant, each prefabricated flat element 2 has at least four passage ducts 7 serving as a housing for approaching means 10, at the rate of at least two passage ducts 7 oriented towards the front end transverse edge 4 and at least two passage ducts 7 oriented towards the transverse edge of the rear end 5.

In the variant shown on the figure 20 , the prefabricated elements 2, 20 of pavement each comprise two parallel concrete rolling tracks 21 mounted at a distance from a central support 22 on which is subsequently fixed a guide rail. Each of the two concrete rolling tracks 21 is connected to the central support 22 by transverse crosspieces 26. Each concrete raceway 21 has passage ducts 7 for approach means 10 and a horizontal transverse trough 3 in which are respectively accommodated two means of approach 10 in the form of diagonal tie rods 23 and a transverse insert 9.

In the variant shown on the Figures 21 and 22 , the prefabricated elements 2, 20 of pavement each comprise two parallel tracks of concrete bearing 21 arranged at a distance from each other and interconnected by transverse crosspieces 26. Each prefabricated element 2, 20 has at least one duct passage 7 for approximation means 10 in each of its transverse cross members 26 in which is housed a means of approach 10 in the form of a right longitudinal tie rod 23.

According to this variant, the approximation means 10 in the form of a right longitudinal tie rod 23 makes it possible to hold and bring together two prefabricated flat elements 2 by means of their transverse crosspieces 26, which makes it very easy to assemble on the ground two prefabricated flat elements in linear succession and substantially coplanar. Indeed, during the installation of the prefabricated flat elements 2 the access to the transverse crosspieces 26 is released, it is therefore extremely easy to introduce a right longitudinal tie rod 23 in at least one of the passage ducts 7 present in each cross ties 26, then put them in tension.

Each prefabricated flat element 2 has a transverse groove 3 of trough profile or other profile (round, polygonal, oval, square, etc.) on its front end edge 4 and on its rear end edge 5. It s' two transverse end edges 4, 5 which must be facing each other in the immediate vicinity of a transverse end-like edge 5, 4 of the neighboring prefabricated flat element 2 after assembly of these to the ground. one after another. When two prefabricated flat elements 2 are positioned end-to-end, their transverse grooves 3 facing each other are preferably horizontal and form in each case a transverse housing 6 preferably horizontal.

In the variant shown on the Figures 21 and 22 each concrete raceway 21 has a trough-shaped transverse groove 3 on each of its oblique front end 4 and rear 5 edges in which is housed a transverse insert 9.

The passage ducts 7 are preferably diagonal or arc-shaped. Preferably, they start on a lateral face 8 and end on the transverse end edge respectively front 4 or rear 5 so as to form passage ducts 7 coaxial with those located vis-à-vis in the prefabricated flat element next. The passage ducts 7 for approaching means 10 terminate substantially in the middle of the transverse edge end respectively before 4 or rear 5, but without cutting. The passage ducts 7 are preferably very slightly inclined upwards relative to the horizontal and are preferably vertically offset relative to each other so as to cross two by two without cutting.

When two prefabricated flat elements 2 are positioned end-to-end, a passage duct 27 is formed by the combination in extension of two facing ducts 7 each made in one of the successive prefabricated flat elements 2 and opening each of them. a part at the transverse end edge 4, 5 and secondly at one of the side faces 8, upper or lower of the prefabricated element 2.

The junction according to the present invention comprising the linking system 1 consists of a transverse insert 9 and at least one approach means 10, but two in the variant shown by way of example.

The transverse insert 9 is provided to be introduced into the transverse groove 3 on the transverse end edges 4, 5 which must be found in close proximity after assembly on the ground. It has at least two passage ducts 11 for tie rods, preferably diagonal and cylindrical, to allow the approach means 10 to cross the transverse insert 9 when introduced into the prefabricated flat elements 2. As in the prefabricated flat elements 2 , the two passage ducts 11 of the transverse insert 9 are preferably diagonal and intersect substantially in the middle of the transverse insert 9, but without cutting.

The transverse insert 9 is preferably made of elastic and waterproof polymer material.

It preferably has a section of hexagonal shape (see figure 12 ) or otherwise polygonal, although several other forms for its section are possible. As shown on the Figures 10 to 14 it is thus possible, for example, to envisage a transverse insert 9 of square, trapezoidal, round or oval section.

Due to the shape of its section, the orientation of the transverse insert 9 in the transverse groove 3 can be precisely defined, which makes it possible to ensure that the two passage ducts 11 for the means of approach 10 transverse insert 9 are positioned opposite and in line with those of the prefabricated flat elements 2 in order to allow the introduction of the approach means 10 through the prefabricated flat elements 2 and the transverse insert 9. be marked for the user by a marking on at least one of the end faces of the transverse insert 9, this marking may for example be in the form of a marker which coincides with a corresponding reference on the lateral faces 8 prefabricated flat elements 2 when the transverse insert 9 is introduced into the transverse groove 3 in the correct orientation.

The transverse insert 9 forms a connection between two successive prefabricated flat elements 2. It is preferably adapted to the shape of the transverse groove 3 preferably horizontal, with a diameter substantially equal to it, or slightly lower, to ensure sealing in all conditions between the prefabricated flat elements 2.

In the case where the prefabricated flat elements 2 are assembled on a bed of compacted backfill, as is generally done, the transverse insert 9 forms a barrier which prevents the water from passing between two prefabricated flat elements 2 and to flush the sand. embankment, which could eventually cause a vacuum in the ground under prefabricated flat elements 2.

The transverse insert 9 preferably has a length substantially equal to or slightly less than that of the transverse grooves 3, namely the width of the prefabricated flat elements 2 if the grooves 3 are horizontal. Because of its length, the transverse insert 9 does not locally concentrate the stresses in the prefabricated flat elements 2, and therefore does not bring a risk of rupture for them.

Manufactured in elastic material, the transverse insert 9 also produces a deformable articulation between two successive prefabricated flat elements 2, which enables them, for example, to adapt to the curvature of the ground and its possible evolutions or curvature. that we want to give the path consisting of the succession of prefabricated flat elements 2, without creating constraints likely to cause breaks.

According to a preferred embodiment, the approximation means 10 are tie rods 23 with a threaded end each receiving a nut and can be in various forms.

According to a first variant of the invention, the approximation means 10 are in the form of conventional rods 23 metal, for example straight metal rods each having a threaded portion 12 at each end. These tie rods 23 are intended to be introduced into passage ducts 7, 11, 27 straight diagonal. They are preferably made of elastic metal to resume their original shape after possible deformation. They ensure the maintenance of the assembly by natural or forced immobilization of each nut.

According to a first variant of the invention, the tie rods 23 are are in the form of arcuate metal rods having for example a threaded portion 12 at each end. These tie rods 23 are intended to be introduced into passage ducts 7, 11, 27 curves, for example arc-shaped. They are preferably made of elastic metal to resume their original shape after possible deformation and allow tensioning with elastic stress.

According to a third and a fourth variant of the invention, the approximation means 10 are in the form of flexible links 24 intended to take a rectilinear or curved shape, like the previous tie rods. Each flexible connection 24 is for example in the form of a metal braid having a solid portion threaded at each end.

The approximation means 10 have a diameter sufficient to withstand the forces and mechanical stresses they must undergo. Their diameter must not be excessive either because it would impose a large diameter for the various passage ducts 7, 11, 27 which could weaken the prefabricated flat elements 2 and / or the transverse insert 9.

Because of their generally large length, substantially of the order of twice the width of the prefabricated flat elements 2 in the case of diagonal approach means 10, the stiffening means 10 may have a certain flexibility which advantageously provides a certain degree of freedom of deformation for the connection between two prefabricated flat elements 2 and for its constituent means.

This freedom of deformation, obtained regardless of the type of approximation means 10 retained, represents a considerable advantage of the invention, because it allows, among other things, to achieve a deformable articulation between the prefabricated flat elements 2 as previously indicated, and it also makes it possible to expand or contract during changes in temperature and to flex without breaking when stresses are exerted on the prefabricated flat elements 2. The connection system 1 is therefore intended to last and to "live" with the elements prefabricated dishes 2 that it serves to assemble.

Other means of approximation are possible other than those with connection, for example by catch or lever or by a tool outside. Then a bond is provided by any means providing a slight compression of the insert. The maintenance of the latter resulting from a blocking to achieve the locking of the assembly. It may be a rigid or flexible connection with immobilized ends by broaching.

A preferred method of implementation of a preferred link system 1 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 8 . By way of example, it is a connection system 1 comprising a transverse insert 9 with hexagonal section, two tie-rods 23 constituting means of approaching 10 in the form of straight metal rods with threaded ends and means for setting in tension in the form of nuts screwed at the ends of the tie rods 23.

For reasons of space saving in the drawings, the prefabricated flat elements 2 are not represented in full, the cross lines in phantom lines representing a cut of indefinite length.

Firstly, a guiding means 13, for example in the form of a sheet 14 of predefined thickness, is plate vertically against the free end transverse edge of a prefabricated flat element already placed on the ground (see FIG. figure 1 ). This guide means 13, 14 has, for example, an inclined upper portion 15 towards the prefabricated flat element 2 already placed on the ground, so that its free face 16 serves as a vertical guide when laying the prefabricated flat element 2 next. The thickness of the vertical guide plate 14 is chosen according to the desired spacing between the two prefabricated flat elements 2 when they are assembled on the ground. This spacing is necessary in particular to allow the expansion of prefabricated flat elements 2 during temperature changes. It is preferably between 1 and 20 millimeters, and more preferably between 3 and 5 millimeters. Thus, preferably, the two end transverse edges 4, 5 facing two successive prefabricated flat elements 2 are not in direct contact after assembly, but in close proximity to one another.

On the figure 2 is shown the establishment of the prefabricated flat element 2 next against the previous one already on the ground, by translating it vertically against the outer face 16 of the means of vertical guidance 13. This implementation of the prefabricated flat element 2 following, which is generally as heavy as the previous, is preferably carried out by means of a crane (not shown).

Once this flat prefabricated element 2 is positioned on the ground, the vertical guide means 13 can be removed, as shown in FIG. figure 3 . We then obtain two prefabricated flat elements 2 positioned on the ground as shown in FIG. figure 4 , and ready to be assembled using the linking system 1.

A transverse insert 9 is then introduced into the transverse housing 6 formed by the junction of two transverse grooves 3 vis-à-vis the prefabricated flat elements 2, as shown in FIG. figure 5 .

An approximation means 10 in the form of a tie rod 23 is then introduced into each of the passage ducts 27 formed by the association in extension of two passage ducts 7 for means of bringing together 10 one of the prefabricated flat elements 2 to to emerge on the other side of each passage duct 7 for means of bringing the prefabricated flat element 2 closer together. As shown on the figure 6 it is also possible to engage the two tie-rods 23 on the same side, by introducing them on the same side into the passage ducts 27 of the two prefabricated flat elements 2, which amounts to the same, but may be more practical if one of the lateral faces 8 of a prefabricated flat elements 2 is difficult to access.

Once introduced into their respective passage ducts 27, the approach means 10 in the form of tie rods 23 have ends that protrude from the passage ducts 27. If it is not desired that the ends of the tie rods 23 protrude apart from the side faces 8 of the prefabricated flat elements 2, the latter may comprise a withdrawal 17 at the ends of each passage conduit 27 as shown in the various figures. The ends of the tie rods 23 are thus unexploded and do not protrude prefabricated flat elements 2 so that they do not present any danger to people nearby.

Once the approximation means 10 in the form of rods 23 put in place, the latter are then tensioned by tensioning means arranged at the ends of the tie rods 23 and these are immobilized, opposing the removal of tie rods 23 out of the passage ducts 7, 11, 27 in which they are mounted and thus maintain the assembly between the two prefabricated flat elements 2 in the manner of a lock.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for tensioning and holding the assembly are in the form of nuts 19, a nut 19 being screwed onto each of the threaded ends 12 of the tie rods 23. preferably introduces a washer 18 at each of their ends before screwing a nut 19, as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

By bringing the tensioning means 10 into tension in the form of tie-rods 23, the screwing of the nuts 19 compresses the transverse insert 9 and then holds the two prefabricated flat elements 2 together in the manner of locking. By tightening some nuts 19 more than others, it is possible to slightly adjust the position of a prefabricated flat element 2 with respect to another, as already mentioned above.

On the Figures 15 and 16 the prefabricated flat elements 2 assembled according to the method shown in the drawings are shown respectively in profile and from above. Figures 1 to 8 . In these figures, some hidden elements are represented in transparency in broken lines.

On the Figures 17 and 18 , there is shown respectively in profile and from above, prefabricated flat elements 2 assembled by means of the connecting system 1 of the invention in which the straight rods 23 of the Figures 15 and 16 are replaced by tie rods 23 arc-shaped curves.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above and shown in the various figures, the skilled person can make many modifications and imagine other variants without departing from the scope and of the scope of the invention.

Thus, although for reasons of simplification of the drawings we have represented prefabricated flat elements of substantially parallelepipedal shape, the invention can be applied and adapt to any other form of prefabricated flat elements.

Similarly, the tensioning means in the form nuts adapted to be screwed onto threaded ends of the connecting means could be replaced by any other similar means.

In addition, although the invention advantageously uses the same transverse insert providing both a seal and a deformable connection, it is conceivable to separate these two functions by using separate transverse elements to be inserted in the housing provided for transverse insert. Finally, the transverse insert is not necessarily in a single piece, although this is advantageous especially for reasons of tightness and speed of implementation, but can be in two pieces or more.

Claims (17)

1. Junction between two successive prefabricated elements which enable a roadway to be produced, and more generally a traffic route for land vehicles, the junction comprising at least one connection system (1) and two successive prefabricated flat elements (2) to be assembled on the ground in linear succession and so as to be substantially coplanar, the successive prefabricated flat elements (2) to be assembled each having at least one transverse end edge (4, 5) and two longitudinal lateral faces (8), the at least one transverse end edge (4, 5) of one of the successive prefabricated flat elements (2) being located after assembly opposite that of the prefabricated element (2) which follows it, characterised in that the junction of successive elements comprises:

   - at least one transverse housing (6) formed by the junction of two transverse grooves (3) which are each provided in the at least one transverse end edge (4, 5) of the successive prefabricated flat elements (2);

   - at least one passage conduit (27) formed by the association in extension of two conduits (7) which are each produced in one of the successive prefabricated flat elements (2) and which each open, on the one hand, in the region of the transverse end edge (4, 5) and, on the other hand, in the region of one of the upper or lower longitudinal lateral faces (8) of the prefabricated element (2);

   - at least one resilient transverse insert (9),

   • being intended to be placed in the at least one transverse housing (6),

   • extending over substantially the entire width of the at least one transverse housing (6), and

   - at least one approach means (10) which is intended to be arranged in the at least one of the passage conduits (27);

   - means for tensioning the approach means (10); and

   - means for maintaining the assembly of the two successive prefabricated flat elements (2).
2. Junction of elements according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the tensioning means are also means for maintaining the tension and the assembly of the two successive prefabricated flat elements (2) in the manner of a lock.
3. Junction of elements according to claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterised in that the resilient transverse insert (9) has at least one passage conduit (11) which extends through it and which opens, at one side, in the region of the transverse end edge (4, 5) of one of the prefabricated flat elements (2), and, at the other side, in the region of the transverse end edge (5, 4) of the other prefabricated flat element (2) to be assembled, opposite the conduits (7).
4. Junction of elements according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the approach means (10) extends through the at least one of the passage conduits (11) of the transverse insert (9).
5. Junction of elements according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the approach means (10) has a sufficient length for each of the approach means (10) to extend beyond the prefabricated flat elements (2) at one side in the region of one of the upper or lower longitudinal lateral faces (8) of one of the prefabricated flat elements (2) and, at the other side, in the region of one of the upper or lower longitudinal lateral faces (8) of the other prefabricated flat element (2).
6. Junction of elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the tensioning means are arranged in the region of the ends of the approach means (10) and counteract the removal of the approach means (10) from the passage conduits (7, 27) in which they are mounted.
7. Connection system according to claim 1, characterised in that the passage conduits (11) of the transverse insert (9) are diagonal conduits.
8. Junction of elements according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the passage conduits (11) extend through the transverse insert (9) and pass each other substantially at the centre thereof, but without intersecting.
9. Junction of elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the approach means (10) have threaded ends (12) which cooperate with nuts (19) and washers (18) and in that they are provided to be tensioned by turning nuts (19) in the region of each of the ends (12) thereof.
10. Junction of elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the approach means (10) are tie rods (23) which are each in the form of a straight metal rod or in the form of a curved metal rod in the form of an arc.
11. Junction of elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the approach means (10) are produced from resilient metal or in the form of a metal braid.
12. Junction of elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the transverse insert (9) has a hexagonal, square, trapezoidal, round or oval cross-section.
13. Junction of elements according to claim 1, characterised in that the transverse insert (9) is produced from a polymer material which is resilient and fluid-tight.
14. Junction of elements according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the transverse insert (9) is produced from rubber, polyurethane resin or from a recycled tyre.
15. Use of the junction of elements according to any one of the preceding claims for the assembly of prefabricated roadway elements (2, 20), characterised in that the prefabricated roadway elements (2, 20) are prefabricated elements (2, 20) which form a roadway or a traffic route for land vehicles.
16. Assembly method for two prefabricated flat elements (2) on the ground in linear succession, characterised in that it carries out the junction of elements according to any one of the preceding claims, in accordance with the following successive steps:

    • placing a first prefabricated flat element (2) on the ground;

    • placing a second prefabricated flat element (2) on the ground following the first so that the two transverse end edges (4, 5) opposite the two prefabricated flat elements (2) are in immediate proximity to each other;

    • introducing the transverse insert (9) into the transverse housing (6) formed by the junction of two transverse grooves (3) opposite the prefabricated flat elements (2);

    • introducing the approach means (10) into each of the passage conduits (7, 11) opposite;

    • positioning the tensioning means and tensioning the approach means (10).
17. Assembly method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that, during the step of positioning a second prefabricated flat element (2) on the ground, there is used a vertical guiding means (13) which has a predefined thickness and which is pressed vertically against a transverse end edge (5) of the first prefabricated flat element which has already been positioned on the ground in order to vertically guide the positioning of the second prefabricated flat element (2) on the ground following the first, at a predefined distance therefrom corresponding to the thickness of the vertical guiding means (13), this vertical guiding means (13) being removed after the second prefabricated flat element (2) has been positioned on the ground, and in that the vertical guiding means (13) is a metal sheet (14) having a predefined thickness having an upper portion (15) which is inclined towards the prefabricated flat element (2) which has already been positioned on the ground so that the outer face (16) thereof acts as a vertical guide when the following prefabricated flat element (2) is positioned.

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