EP2732098B1 - Surface-compacting method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the compaction on the surface of floors or materials brought on a floor, for example for the production of roadways or for the maintenance of railways.

It is known that the compaction of soils or granular materials spread in layers on a soil is, in the usual way, carried out by means of compactors circulating on the upper part of the layer. These compactors use rollers to apply to the upper part of the layer a force that will induce pressure within the material and cause irreversible deformation compaction.

The passage of these heavy machines on the ground can cause a surface lamination detrimental to the long-term behavior of the structure, in particular during the compaction of clay or silty soils treated with a hydraulic binder. In addition, it can be difficult to control the constraints applied by this type of compactor, and even more to control the leveling height of compacted soil.

It therefore appears of essential interest to be able to compact the soil surface with maximum compaction efficiency, while controlling the constraints applied by the compaction device. It also appears important to be able to control the adjustment, that is to say the leveling height, of the compacted surface and have a tool that can be used in different terrain configurations, such as a worn device. US2131947 and EP2369058 describe compacting tools according to the prior art.

For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a surface compacting method in which a compacting tool is driven in rotation, along an axis parallel to a surface to be compacted, comprising a driving portion having a lower face and a face. wedge-shaped upper section meeting at a leading edge, the lower face of the leading portion extending towards the rear of the compacting tool by a convex sole developed outside the revolution described by the leading edge during rotation, and that the compaction tool is further displaced in translation, in a direction parallel to the surface to be compacted, so as to advance the compacting tool relative to the surface to be compacted, the compaction tool being oriented and adjusted so that, during the rotational movement, the leading part comes sliding on the surface to be compacted, the sole then sliding on the surface e by pressing on it to compact the surface.

The convexity of the profile of the convex sole is such that the profile of the lower surface of the sole is developed outside the cylinder of revolution described by the leading edge, or in other words, the back of the sole. describes a cylinder of revolution whose diameter is greater than that described by the leading edge. The difference between the diameter of the cylinder described by the back of the sole and that described by the leading edge, also called eccentricity e, is positive.

Advantageously, the speed of rotation is adjusted at the periphery of the compaction tool and / or its speed of rotation. translation so that they remain proportional to each other over time.

It is also possible to roughen the surface to be compacted during compaction by means of texturing means incorporated in the compacting tool, in particular at its sole.

We can compact a soil.

It is also possible to compact a layer of one or more surface treatment and / or coating materials, such as asphalt or gravel, which has been reported and optionally regaled prior to compaction, on a soil or other soil layer. 'a reported material.

The gravel can be compacted with or without the addition of a binder.

It is possible to compact the soil or a layer of added and / or worked material located under a railway track from which the ballast has been previously removed, the compaction being optionally followed by a new ballast feed on the compacted soil.

Advantageously, the sole and / or the attacking portion of the compacting tool are removable.

The sole may in particular comprise means for texturing the surface to be compacted capable of roughening said surface.

These texturing means may for example consist of ribs on the lower surface of the sole or points protruding from the lower surface of the sole.

To better illustrate the object of the present invention, will be described below, by way of indication and not limitation, several particular embodiments for carrying out the compaction process according to the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawing .

• la Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un outil de compactage ;
• la Figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée de l'outil de compactage de la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique latérale de l'outil de compactage de la Figure 1 ;
• La Figure 4 est une vue schématique latérale d'un outil de compactage selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 5 est une vue schématique latérale d'une semelle d'outil de compactage selon un mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective de la partie arrière d'une semelle d'outil de compactage selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 7 est une schématique vue en perspective de la partie arrière d'une semelle d'outil de compactage selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 8a est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'un module de compactage portant, dans une même section transversale, plusieurs outils de compactage ;
• La Figure 8b est une représentation artificielle de la surface périphérique cylindrique d'un module de compactage, vue selon une projection sur un plan.
• La Figure 9a est une vue schématique de face d'un module de compactage selon un mode de réalisation, le module de compactage portant plusieurs outils de compactage répartis selon l'axe du rotor ;
• La figure 9b une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un module de compactage vibrant selon un mode de réalisation, le module de compactage portant plusieurs outils de compactage répartis selon l'axe du rotor ;
• La Figure 10 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage en surface selon un mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 11 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage en surface selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 12 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage en surface selon le mode de réalisation de la Figure 10, utilisé en compactage de talus ;
• la Figure 13 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage en surface selon le mode de réalisation de la Figure 13, utilisé en compactage de talus ;
• Les Figures 14 à 16 sont des vues schématiques latérales d'un engin de compactage en surface et en profondeur selon un mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 17 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de régalage de matériau avec compactage intégré selon un mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 18 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage de régalage de matériau avec compactage intégré selon un autre mode de réalisation;
• La Figure 19 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage de régalage de matériau avec compactage intégré selon encore un autre mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 20 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage de type épandeuse de liant-gravillonneur selon un mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 21 est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage de type gravillonneur selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• Les Figures 22 et 23 sont des vues agrandies, respectivement des Figures 20 et 22 ;
• La Figure 24 est une vue schématique latérale agrandie d'un engin de compactage comprenant un moyen d'amortissement de la force de tassement ;
• La Figure 25 est une vue schématique latérale agrandie d'un engin de compactage comprenant un autre moyen d'amortissement de la force de tassement ;
• La Figure 26a est une vue schématique latérale d'un engin de compactage pour le remblaiement de tranchées selon un mode de réalisation ;
• La Figure 26b est une vue schématique latérale agrandie de la partie de compactage de l'engin de compactage de la figure 26a ;
• La Figure 27 est une vue schématique du dessus d'un wagon de réfection des voies de chemin de fer équipé d'un module de compactage ;
• La Figure 28 est une vue schématique latérale du wagon de la Figure 27 ;
• La Figure 29 est une vue schématique latérale d'un système de dégagement du ballast pouvant être utilisé avant le compactage ;
• La Figure 30 est une vue du dessus schématique du système de la figure 29.
• La Figure 31 est une vue en coupe transversale du wagon de la figure 27, au niveau de sa partie centrale comprenant le module de compactage ;
• La Figure 32 est une vue en coupe transversale d'un wagon-atelier muni de deux modules de compactage ;
• La Figure 33 est une vue latérale d'un wagon muni de deux modules de compactage, agrandie au niveau de sa partie centrale comprenant les modules de compactage.

On this drawing :

• the Figure 1 is a perspective view of a compacting tool;
• the Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the compaction tool of the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the compacting tool of the Figure 1 ;
• The Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a compaction tool according to another embodiment;
• The Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a compaction tool sole according to one embodiment;
• The Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the rear portion of a compaction tool sole according to another embodiment;
• The Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the rear portion of a compaction tool sole according to another embodiment;
• The Figure 8a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a compaction module carrying, in the same cross-section, several compacting tools;
• The Figure 8b is an artificial representation of the cylindrical peripheral surface of a module of compaction, seen according to a projection on a plane.
• The Figure 9a is a schematic front view of a compaction module according to one embodiment, the compaction module carrying a plurality of compaction tools distributed along the axis of the rotor;
• The figure 9b a schematic view in axial section of a vibrating compaction module according to one embodiment, the compaction module carrying a plurality of compaction tools distributed along the axis of the rotor;
• The Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a surface compaction apparatus according to one embodiment;
• The Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a surface compaction machine according to another embodiment;
• The Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a surface compaction machine according to the embodiment of the Figure 10 used in slope compaction;
• the Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a surface compaction machine according to the embodiment of the Figure 13 used in slope compaction;
• The Figures 14 to 16 are schematic side views of a surface and depth compaction apparatus according to one embodiment;
• The Figure 17 is a schematic side view of a compaction machine of material with integrated compaction according to one embodiment;
• The Figure 18 is a schematic side view of a material compacting compacting machine with integrated compaction according to another embodiment;
• The Figure 19 is a schematic side view of a material compacting compacting machine with integrated compaction according to yet another embodiment;
• The Figure 20 is a schematic side view of a compaction machine of the binder-gravel spreader type according to one embodiment;
• The Figure 21 is a schematic side view of a gravel-type compacting machine according to another embodiment;
• The Figures 22 and 23 are enlarged views respectively of Figures 20 and 22 ;
• The Figure 24 is an enlarged schematic side view of a compacting machine comprising a tamping force damping means;
• The Figure 25 is an enlarged schematic side view of a compacting machine comprising another means for damping the settlement force;
• The Figure 26a is a schematic side view of a compacting machine for backfilling trenches according to one embodiment;
• The Figure 26b is an enlarged schematic side view of the compacting part of the compacting machine of the figure 26a ;
• The Figure 27 is a schematic view from above of a railroad rehabilitation car equipped with a compacting module;
• The Figure 28 is a schematic side view of the wagon of the Figure 27 ;
• The Figure 29 is a schematic side view of a ballast release system that can be used prior to compaction;
• The Figure 30 is a schematic top view of the system from the figure 29 .
• The Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the wagon of the figure 27 at its central portion comprising the compaction module;
• The Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of a workshop car with two compaction modules;
• The Figure 33 is a side view of a wagon equipped with two compaction modules, enlarged at its central part comprising the compaction modules.

In a first embodiment, shown in the Figures 1 and 2 , the compacting tool 1 consists of a tooth holder 2 on which are mounted a tooth 3 and a sole 4. The tooth 3 constitutes the leading portion of the compacting tool. It takes the form of a wedge, having a lower face and an upper face 5 which meet at a leading edge 6. The Figure 2 represents an example of how to fix the tooth 3 to the tooth holder 2. In this example, the attachment is made by interlocking a protruding portion 7 of the tooth carrier 2, forming a tenon and here taking the form of a corner, and a hollow portion of the tooth 3, forming a mortise of complementary shape. Fastening is provided by a key 8 which is inserted into through openings 9, 10 provided in the transverse walls of the tooth 3 and the protruding portion 7 of the tooth holder 2. Any other method of attachment known in the art. technique can be envisaged, the tooth 3 and the tooth holder 2 can also be designed in one piece.

The sole 4 of the compacting tool extends the lower face of the tooth 3, these two parts being separated by a base 12 of the tooth holder 2. The sole 4 is a wear sole having rectangular lower and upper faces and having a convex longitudinal profile. When the sole 4 is new, its thickness is constant along its longitudinal profile. The width of the sole 4 defines the compacting width of the tool 1. As this width is generally smaller than the length of the sole 4, a rectangular imprint is obtained on the compacted soil. It is by juxtaposition of several tools 1 of such a moderate width that it will be possible to compact large areas. The sole 4 is engaged on the lower surface of the tooth carrier 2, abutting between the heel 11 of the tooth carrier 2 and a base 12 carrying the projecting portion 7 of the tooth carrier 2. The lower surface of the carrier tooth 2 is itself convex, so as to have a complementary profile to the sole 4. The attachment between the sole 4 and the tooth holder 2 is provided by keys 19 which engage in openings 13,14 formed respectively in the sole 4 and in the tooth-holder 2.

The sole 4 is preferably made of steel, possibly reinforced with tungsten carbide parts, and can be cast or forged.

According to the compacting method of the invention, the compaction tool is rotated along an axis parallel to the surface to be compacted. For this purpose, the tool can be mounted on the branch of a star 32 of a rotor 31, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 and 2 . The axis of rotation of the tool is symbolized in these Figures by a segment shown above the rotor 31.

According to the placement of the compacting tool with respect to the surface to be compacted, the corner formed by the lower face and the upper face 5 of the tooth 3 can come penetrate superficially into the surface to be compacted and separate a superficial layer. According to the compacting method of the invention, the tooth 3 simply slides by its lower face on the surface to be compacted, without detaching material.

On the Figure 1 , it can be seen in dotted line the profile traveled by the rear of the sole 4 and that traveled by the tooth 3 during the rotational movement of the compaction tool. The difference in height between these two profiles, also called eccentricity e, is related to the convex profile of the sole 4. When the compaction tool is placed so that the tooth 3 comes into contact with the surface to be compacted , or comes to slide on this surface in a plane tangential to the surface, the sole 4 comes, for its part, to bear on the surface to be compacted, by applying a compaction force having both a perpendicular component and a component parallel to the surface. The eccentricity defines a theoretical maximum height of leveling, the leveling being generally inferior to this height, in particular because of the reaction of the ground.

At the same time as the rotational movement, the compaction tool 1 is moved in translation. This movement is obtained for example by mounting the tool 1 on a dedicated mobile machine such as a truck, a tractor or a digger or a gear designed specifically for the tool.

In particular, the speed of rotation of the tool will be adjusted to its speed of translation, so that these two speeds are proportional to one another. Thus, an acceleration of the speed of the machine will cause an acceleration of the rotation of the tool 1, to maintain a regular and uniform compaction as the vehicle moves. Both speeds will be preferably adjusted so that the speed of rotation at the periphery of the compaction tool is always greater than or equal to the speed of translation. When the rotational speed at the periphery of the compacting tool is greater than the translational speed, the compacting tool 1 passes several times vertically to the same point of the surface to be compacted, which allows obtain a continuous trace of the sole in the surface to be compacted. The particular case in which the rotational speed at the periphery of the tool 1 is equal to its translational speed can be conceived in particular to embed chippings brought to the ground. In this case, the same tool only passes once under the same point.

• l'excentricité e de l'outil ;
• le rayon R du rotor, qui est le rayon du cylindre de révolution parcouru par l'arête de la dent ; et
• le pas p de translation, qui est la distance de décalage de l'outil en un cycle de rotation, c'est-à-dire entre deux passages successifs dans le même sens de rotation à une hauteur déterminée, par exemple à la hauteur de l'axe du rotor.

When compacting a soil or a material previously added to a soil or other layer of added and optionally treated material, it may be useful to adjust the process parameters to the height of material engaged under the sole of the tool during compaction. These parameters are:

• the eccentricity e of the tool;
• the radius R of the rotor, which is the radius of the cylinder of revolution traversed by the edge of the tooth; and
• the translational pitch p, which is the offset distance of the tool in a rotation cycle, that is to say between two successive passages in the same direction of rotation at a given height, for example at the height of the axis of the rotor.

The pitch is itself a function of the speed of translation of the machine and the speed of rotation of the rotor.

When the tool is rotated while following a translation movement driven by a machine carrier, it makes successive passes vertically above the surface to be compacted, each passage being offset from the previous passage according to the translation pitch p. If we consider the successive passages n and n + 1 of the tool on the surface to be compacted, we can establish a relationship between the process parameters given above and the height of material engaged under the sole of the tool . The height H of material engaged under the sole is defined by the intersection of the cylinder described by the heel of the sole at passage n and the cylinder described by the edge of the tooth at passage n + 1.

$${\left(x-p\right)}^2+y^2=R^2$$

If one places oneself in a vertical plane, this height H is thus defined by the intersection of the circles defined by the equations (1) and (2) (origin of the axes placed in the center of the rotor with the passage n): $$x^2+{\mathrm{there}}^2={\left(R+e\right)}^2$$

$${\left(x-\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="p"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">p</figure-callout>}\right)}^2+{\mathrm{there}}^2={\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="R"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R</figure-callout>}}^2$$

$$y_i=-\sqrt{{\left(R+e\right)}^2-x_i^2}$$

These equations make it possible to calculate the height yi of the intersection plane defined above, according to the equations (3) and (4). $$x_i=\frac{{\left(R+\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="e"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">e</figure-callout>}\right)}^2+p^2-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="R"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R</figure-callout>}}^2}{2p}$$

$${\mathrm{there}}_i=-\sqrt{{\left(R+e\right)}^2-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="x\; i"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">x\; </figure-callout>}}_i^{}}$$

From the height yi of the plane of intersection, that is to say the upper surface of the material engaged under the sole of the tool, it is possible to calculate the height between this plane and the plane of the compacted layer, according to the equation (5). $$H=R+e-{\mathrm{there}}_i$$

A total or partial servo system can therefore continuously adjust the speed of translation of the carrier, the rotational speed of the rotor and / or the position of the compaction tool to optimize the number of passes required for compaction. effective.

If we refer to the Figure 3 , there is shown a schematic view of a compaction tool 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 1 and 2 . The sole 4 of this type of compaction tool 1 will preferably be made of forged steel. On the Figure 4 , the sole 4 is new and has a constant thickness along its length. It should be noted, however, that due to the configuration of the compaction tool 1, the sole 4 undergoes more wear at its heel than at its front. Indeed, the heel is the part of the sole 4 which has the most important support on the surface to be compacted and is subject in return to the most important constraints. For this reason, the thickness of the heel of the sole 4 is brought to decrease faster than that of its front part. The outsole system according to the invention offers the possibility of returning a worn sole 4 to extend its life, placing the most worn part at the front of the sole 4.

The Figure 4 represents a compaction tool 1 according to another embodiment. The sole 4 'is fixed thereto by a system of studs 15 which protrude from the upper surface of the sole 4' and fit into complementary shaped mortises provided in the lower surface of the tooth holder 2. The tenons are maintained by keyways that fit into openings 16 provided in the lateral faces of the tooth holder 2 and tenons 15. This type of sole 4 'is preferably made of cast steel.

The Figures 5 to 7 represent particular embodiments of the flanges 4, 4 '.

If we refer to the Figure 5 , the sole 4 is reinforced by transverse bars 17, made of a material of high mechanical strength, such as tungsten carbide. It is advantageous to provide a bar 17 'heel wider than the other bars, for example 2 to 3 cm, this part of the sole 4 being subjected to greater wear than the rest of the sole 4.

In another embodiment, shown in Figure 6 , the lower surface of the sole 4 'has longitudinal ribs 20. These allow the texturing of the soil during compaction, thus making it more rough. It is thus possible to make a hook layer which will have better bonding properties with the upper layer. The final pavement will therefore have a better deformation behavior, the different layers being better joined together.

In yet another embodiment, the sole 4 is provided with spikes 18 made of a high strength material such as tungsten carbide. These tips 18 are inserted into the thickness of the sole 4, and protrude from the lower surface thereof with a projecting end. This end allows them to texturize the soil during compaction, to make it more rough. The sole may comprise several rows of points 18. These are preferably arranged in staggered rows, that is to say each row laterally offset. compared to the neighboring row. The tips are preferably placed at the heel of the sole 4.

We will now describe compaction modules as represented in Figures 8 and 9 .

If we refer to the Figure 8a there is shown a cross section of a compaction module 30 in a sectional view. It comprises a hollow cylindrical rotor 31 carrying at its periphery several compaction tools 1. As shown in this Figure, the same cross section of the rotor 31 comprises several compacting tools 1 (in the case shown, three compaction tools 1). Each compacting tool 1 is connected to the periphery of the rotor 31 by a connecting star 32. The paths traveled respectively by the tooth 3 of a tool 1 and by the back of the sole 4 of a tool 1 are shown in dashed lines and show the eccentricity e of the compacting tools 1.

The convexity of the sole 4 is defined in relation to the radius of rotation of the compacting tool 1 carried by the rotor 31 so that the sole 4 is developed outside the cylinder of revolution described by the leading edge. of the compacting tool 1 during rotation. The eccentricity e is therefore positive.

If we refer to the figure 8b , there is shown a projected view on a flat surface of a compaction module 30 'made according to another embodiment of the invention. The module of the Figure 8b consists of a cylindrical rotor 31, which has been shown the peripheral surface in a projected view, rotor 31 on which are mounted a plurality of compaction tools 1. The tools 1 are both distributed along the axis of the rotor 31, and according to its circumference. With regard to the circumferential distribution, each cross section of the rotor 31 comprises two compacting tools 1. With regard to the distribution along the axis of the rotor 31, the tools 1 are offset laterally to one another, with no lateral space between them or with minimal overlap so as to cover the compacting surface without discontinuity.

The Figure 9a represents a compaction module 30 "according to another embodiment The module 30" consists of a hollow cylindrical rotor 31 mounted on a shaft 41 driven in rotation by a motor, such as a hydraulic motor 40, represented in a manner schematic in this Figure. The assembly is connected, via a backplate system 61, to an articulated arm 60 connected to a carrier not shown, the arm 60 is also shown schematically. The rotor 31 carries several compaction tools 1, connected to the rotor 31 by connecting stars 32. The compacting tools 1 are offset relative to each other along the axis of the drum 31, each tool 1 being disposed laterally to its neighbor, with no lateral space between them or with a minimal overlap, so that all the 1 covers continuously the width of the rotor 31. This configuration allows to cover a large compaction surface without discontinuity with tools 1 relatively small width. In addition, each tool 1 can be changed independently of the other tools 1. The compaction tools 1 are also offset relative to each other according to the circumference of the drum. In this way, they come in contact successively with the surface to be compacted, and not all at the same time, which distributes in time the stress experienced by the surface. It also avoids the tools 1 do not interfere with each other.

On the Figure 9b is shown in axial section another type of compaction module 30 '', with vibrating rotor 31. The module 30 "'is composed of a hollow cylindrical rotor 31 on which are mounted, offset laterally and circumferentially relative to each other. to others, compaction tools 1 connected to the periphery of the rotor 31 by connecting stars 32. A hydraulic motor 40 (shown schematically) rotates the rotor 31 through a transmission composed of a shaft 41 connected to the motor 40 and mounted on the axis of the rotor 31 at a first end thereof. On the shaft 41 is fixed a rolling bearing system consisting of a cage 42 fixed to the end of the shaft 41 and a transverse flange 44 of the rotor 31. The inside of the cage 42 receives a bearing 43 which serves as a bearing for a long shaft 45 also mounted on the axis of the rotor, at a second end thereof. The second support of the shaft 45 is provided by another transverse flange 44 'of the rotor 31 and the bearing 43'. The rotor thus bears on the shafts 41 and 45 and the shaft 45 can rotate freely relative to the shaft 41. The rotation of the shaft 45, driven by another motor 48, is rapid and is independent of the shaft 41. It generates a vibratory movement of the rotor 31 by means of unbalanced 46. The shaft 45 transmits these vibrations to the rotor by transverse flanges 44 and 44 'of the rotor. Each of the shafts 41, 45 is connected to a support arm 60 by connecting pieces 51 and resilient supports 49 of the "silentbloc" type to absorb the movement of the rotor.

Vibratory rotor compaction superimposes two ground frequency regimes. Low frequencies are transmitted by impact of the tools on the ground, and high frequencies are transmitted by vibration of the rotor. So the soil is subject to both regimes, which makes it allows to fully benefit from the arrangement of grains obtained with high frequencies.

We will now describe several compaction machines as represented in Figures 10 to 33 .

On the Figure 10 is shown, in a side view, a compaction machine, also called surface compactor, according to a first embodiment. The surface compactor consists of a tractor 150 having a cabin 152 placed at the front, and a motor 153 placed at the rear of the tractor 150. The cabin 152 and the engine 153 are supported on a frame 154 forming a neck of swan. Axles support the chassis. The tractor 150 of the Figure 10 is not represented as a limitation of vehicles or machines that can carry a compaction module for carrying out the compaction process according to the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not only many existing public works machinery can be adapted with such a compaction module, but also that it is possible to design gear specifically dedicated to this use.

A compaction module 130 is mounted on the frame 154 of the tractor 150. The compaction module 130 is of the type shown in FIG. Figure 9 , composed of a drum 131 mounted on an axis 168 carried by the end of an articulated arm 160 connected at its other end to the frame 154. The drum rotates several compacting tools 101 mounted at its periphery via The position of the arm 160 can be adjusted by means of a jack 161, one end of which is connected to the frame 154 of the tractor 150, and the other end is connected to the arm 160. This jack 161 serves both as means for positioning the arm 160 and damping means for damping, in response to the ground reaction, the compaction force applied by the compaction tools 101 to the ground or to the materials brought onto the ground. This avoids applying too much stress to the compacted surface. The compaction module 130 is placed inside a bell 162, itself carried by the median arm 154 with a not shown fastener. The bell 162 provides protection against projections of material. Rotational drive means, conventional and known to those skilled in the art, such as a hydraulic motor, are used to drive the compaction module in rotation. They are not represented here. A sliding door 163 on the side wall of the bell 162 gives access to the interior of the bell 162. The tractor 150 is also equipped with a winching device 151, allowing it to be towed, for example for the climb of the bell. an embankment.

On the Figure 10 , the compaction module assembly / protection bell is placed between the two axles of the machine. In other embodiments, it can be placed at the front or rear of the machine.

So, on the Figure 11 , the module 230 is mounted at the rear of a crawler tractor 250, on a shaft 268 mounted at the end of an arm 260 carried by the tractor 250. The module 230 is covered by a bell 262 itself attached to the arm 260. The position of the arm 260 can be adjusted vertically using a jack 261 whose one end is connected to the tractor 250 and whose other end is connected to the arm 260.

The Figures 12 and 13 schematically represent the use in embankment compaction of the machines represented respectively in Figures 10 and 11 . The use, on a slope of steep slope, of the tractor 150 Wheelset requires traction by a winch 155. The crawler tractor 250 is advantageous for this type of compaction since it avoids the use of a winch and can be used on slopes of higher slope . The use of these machines in slope compaction is advantageous because they apply stresses perpendicular and parallel to the surface to be compacted, and not vertical and horizontal stresses, such as a roller compactor. This property makes it possible to obtain a better cohesion between layers and a better holding of the compacted slope.

In another embodiment, the surface compaction module described above is combined with another module of similar design for deep compaction. The corresponding gear is represented in Figures 14 to 16 . It consists of a tractor 350 consisting of a cabin 352 placed at the front of the tractor 350 and connected to a rear engine 353 by a median arm 354. Two compacting modules 330, 370 are mounted on the median arm 350 by the intermediate of a hinged arm in two parts 360, 360 ', the position of each portion 360, 360' being adjustable with a jack 361, 364 whose one end is connected to a portion 360, 360 'of arm and the other end is connected to the median arm 354. The first module 370, for deep compaction is mounted at the end of the first portion 360 of the articulated arm and has a diameter and positioning that allow it to enter the depth of the soil to be compacted, and to compact this soil in depth. The second module 330, intended for surface compaction, is placed at the end of the second part 360 'of the articulated arm, behind the first module 370 in the direction of movement of the machine. Its diameter is smaller than that of the first module 370, which allows it to compact the soil surface, according to the method described above. As in the embodiment described above, the two-module compaction system 330, 370 is placed under a protective bell 362.

On the Figure 14 , the bell 362 is shown without its side plate, in order to view the compaction modules 330, 370 contained inside the bell 362. This representation is artificial and aims only to improve the readability of the representation.

If we refer to Figures 15 and 16 , the bell 362 is shown with its side plate concealing the compaction modules 330, 370. The bell comprises clearance openings 365, 366 in which the axis of the rotor can slide during the rotation of the rotor and according to the position two parts 360, 360 'of the articulated arm. The bell 362 also comprises an access hatch 367 capable of opening to give access to the interior of the bell 362 to the user.

On the Figure 16 , the compaction machine is shown in the stop or maintenance position, the bell 362 and compaction modules 330, 370 being in the raised position and the hatch 367 being open.

In another particular embodiment, the compaction module is integrated with a finisher-type machine. A paver is used to trim and pre-compact the last layers of pavement materials, particularly the tie and roll layers.

In a conventional design paver, a truck feeds a hopper of hot mixes to be applied to the ground. The mixes are fed to the rear of the paver by a feeding system and a distribution screw distributes the mix over the entire width of the strip. The asphalt then engage under a transverse rule and are pre-compacted by smoothing and vibrating plates. With this type of pavers, the compactness gain obtained after precompaction is low. Before being delivered to the circulation, asphalt mixes therefore need to be compacted by compactors with vibrating rollers or tires.

The finisher suitable for use in the compaction process according to the invention is represented on the Figures 17 to 19 . It makes it possible to compact the asphalt without the need to resort to other compactors.

The machine represented in Figure 17 takes the conventional elements of a paver: a 450 crawler tractor, having a hopper 470 placed at the front of the tractor 450, storing the mix 471, a feeding system 472 asphalt 471 system that opens at the rear of the tractor 450. The mixes 471 are here represented in gray. As in a conventional finisher, a dispensing screw 473 distributes the asphalt over the width of the strip, and the mixes then engage under a transverse rule 474, protected by a screen 475 placed in front of the rule 474. The rule is intended to define the thickness of the expanded layer. The position of the ruler is adjustable in height by means of a jack 476. As is known in the art, rule 474 can comprise several parts and / or reproduce an inclined profile. A compaction module 430 for carrying out the compacting process according to the invention is placed behind the rule 474, and compacts the surface mixes 471 regaled on the ground. The module is rotated by a motor not shown. The module 430 is carried by an articulated arm 460, which also supports the ruler and the screen, and whose position is adjustable in height by means of a hydraulic cylinder 461. The cylinder 461 is itself connected to a suspension accumulator 462 mounted on the tractor 450, the rest of the hydraulic circuit being conventional and not shown. The cylinder 461 makes it possible both to adjust the position of the compaction module 430, and to give flexibility to the compaction, thus avoiding deterioration of the layer attached to the ground due to excessive stresses. In this respect, the jack 461 serves as a damping means for the compaction force exerted by the compaction module 430. The compaction is followed by smoothing with the aid of a smoothing device 480, constituted for example by a vibrating plate, which smooths the compacted surface and clipping wavelets that may have been produced by the rotation of the heel of the compaction module 430, and by the movement of the machine. The articulated arm is further provided with a reception antenna 490 of a positioning signal and a sensor-equipped cell 491 mounted on a vertical pole 492 attached to the arm 460 to receive the optical signal emitted by a total station placed at a distance from the craft. The cell 491 makes it possible, with the aid of the total station, to accurately determine the position in x, y and z of the arm 460 and therefore of the compaction module 430. The emission of this position, by the antenna 490, to a computer and remote control system not shown, can be compared to a desired roadway profile. In return, the remote control and calculation system outputs a signal for controlling the adjustment of the arm 460 to adjust the position of the compaction module 430 to the desired pavement profile. This system is particularly advantageous, since it is possible, during compaction, to define the profile of the roadway. This avoids having to rectify the profile by an intervention or prior operation, as is currently done in classical processes. The interest of this finisher lies in the high compactness obtained after the passage of the machine, which makes it possible to avoid the passage of heavy compactors behind the finisher.

The Figure 18 represents a second type of finisher. This finisher is of general design similar to the finisher represented in Figure 17 but it comprises two compaction modules 530, 540: a first module is placed behind the dispensing screw 573 and in front of the screen 575 and the ruler 574, and compacts a first layer of asphalt in the thickness of the material being produced. distribution; a second module 540, placed behind the ruler, compacts a second layer of surface mixes. As in the previous embodiments, the two modules 530, 540 are mounted on an articulated arm 560 mounted on the tractor 550, a slide 563 with a jack 564 being placed between the arm 560 and the second module 540 to adjust the height of the -this. A smoothing device 580 is disposed behind the second compaction module 540. The compaction of two layers of asphalt in a single pass makes it possible to achieve savings of the attachment layer and of implementation.

The Figure 19 represents a third type of finisher. This finisher also comprises a compaction module 630 placed behind the dispensing screw 673, and in front of the screen 675 and the rule 674, in the direction of travel of the tractor 650. It therefore compacts the mixes in the thickness. The advantage of this device lies in the ability to compact the desired density asphalt shortest behind the distribution screw 673, with the minimum heat loss. It is thus possible to use warm mixes or even cold mixes instead of hot mixes, for example at 130 ° C. This This configuration is of great interest for the health of personnel using the machine, by reducing the emanation of bitumen vapors liable to cause cancer. It is also interesting from the point of view of energy savings and the carbon footprint of pavement construction.

If we refer to Figures 20 and 22 it can be seen a compaction machine type spreader binder / gritter / compactor. This machine consists of a truck 750 comprising a reservoir 751 of binder, such as a bitumen emulsion; a gritter part, with a hopper 752 feeding chippings, a metering device 753, shown schematically in this Figure; a compactor part, with a compaction module 730 for carrying out the compaction process according to the invention. The module 730 is mounted at the end of an arm 760 whose position can be adjusted by means of a hydraulic cylinder 761. The upstream hydraulic circuit of the cylinder 761 is not shown. In addition to its arm positioning function, the jack 761 serves as a means of damping the tamping force applied to the ground. In addition, the compaction module is surmounted by a ballast 762, the function of which is to limit the load applied by the hydraulic jack 761.

The machine first performs a spread of binder, represented by the jet 770 binder. This spreading is followed by a distribution, on the pavement, of chippings 771 coming from the hopper 2. Finally, the chippings 771 are compacted in the binder by the compaction module 730.

The Figures 21 and 23 represent another compacting machine. The compacting machine consists of a self-propelled gravel-compactor 850 equipped with a compaction module. In this machine, chippings 871 are loaded with a in a first hopper 880 and then conveyed by a distribution system 881 into a second hopper 882 before being distributed on the road by a metering means 853. They are then compacted using a compaction module 830 allowing the implementation of the compaction method according to the invention, mounted at the end of an arm 860 which is itself articulated to the frame of the machine, and whose position can be adjusted using a jack 861 one end of which is connected to the chip-compactor 850 and the other end is connected to the arm 860. As in the embodiments of the Figures 20 and 22 , the compaction module is surmounted by a ballast 862 intended to reduce the load applied by the jack 861.

The Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the use of hydraulic damping means for damping the compaction force exerted by the compaction module, means some of which have also been described in the embodiments presented above.

If we refer to the Figure 24 , the compaction module 930 is mounted at the end of an articulated arm 960 whose position can be adjusted by means of a hydraulic cylinder 961, one end of which is connected to a carrier 950, and the other of which end is connected to the arm 960. The jack 961 is connected to a suspension accumulator 963, itself connected to a hydraulic circuit of conventional design, and not shown in this Figure. A ballast 962 is placed at the end of the articulated arm, surmounting the compacting module 930. This ballast makes it possible to apply a load on the module 930, thus reducing the load applied by the jack 961. By playing on both the pressure of the suspension accumulator 962 and the additional pressure variations, it is possible to use the jack 961 both as means for positioning the arm 960 (depending on the pressure of the calibration) and as a means of damping the compaction force exerted by the compaction module 930 (as a function of the additional pressure variations), thereby reducing the stress applied to the ground, without weakening it. damping also makes it possible to continuously adapt the compaction force to the characteristics of the soil to be compacted.

If we refer to Figure 25 , the damping and positioning means of the compaction module is in the form of a slide 1070 equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 1071 connected to a suspension accumulator 1072. As in the case described above, the slide 1070 to cylinder 1071 plays both the role of positioning means of the compaction module 1030, and damping means of the settlement force exerted by it, thanks to the respective roles of the calibration pressure of the suspension accumulator 1073 and additional pressure variations.

In addition, the compacting machine may incorporate a total or partial servo system to adapt the compaction force to the nature of the surface to be compacted, whether the surface is a soil or the surface of a reported material.

It is known that the properties of the soil or of a reported material such as its density or its compactness may vary according to its nature. The continuous measurement of the reaction force of the compacted surface on the compaction tool or the power absorbed by maintaining the speed of rotation of the compacting module makes it possible to learn about these properties.

It is thus possible to measure the reaction force of the compacted surface by means of measuring the pressure of the hydraulic cylinders described above. We can also measure this force using strain gauges placed in the mechanical parts holding the rotor in position.

One can also learn about the properties of the compacted surface by measuring the power absorbed by the motor which rotates the compaction module, to maintain the speed of rotation of the module.

In response to any or all of these measurements, a servo system can be used to maintain the reaction module of the compacted surface at a set point. The servo system can for example act on the supply of material when compacting a material added or on the height of the materials engaged under the sole of the compacting tool. The servo system can also act on the means for positioning the height of the compaction arm to modify the height positioning of the compaction arm. It can then be associated with positioning means in x, y and z of the compacting module, such as a total station with GPS, possibly with viewing and recording.

If we refer to Figure 26a and 26b , there can be seen a trench filling machine provided with a compaction module 1130 for carrying out the compaction process according to the invention. The machine consists of a mechanical excavator 1150, provided with an arrow 1151 and a balance 1152 equipped with both a compaction module 1130 and a lime distribution system 1161. The compaction module 1130 is composed of two rotors mounted on either side of a nose 1159 of a motor housing 1158. Depending on the orientation of the motor shaft, the drive shaft may be parallel to the motor shaft. The trees are then connected by direct gears. Alternatively, the drive shaft may be perpendicular to the drive shaft, the shafts then being connected by gear gears. The rotor drive shaft passes through the housing 1158 at the nose 1159 and thus causes both sides of the rotor movement. The housing is mounted at the end of the pendulum 1152 by plates 1153, which can advantageously be replaced by a quick coupler system known in the art, and which allows a few minutes to change equipment. This allows in particular to use the same shovel to open the trench, lay the pipes and backfill with a bucket, then to compact the trench with the compacting module 1130. Cylinders 1154, 1155 allow to respectively to orient the boom 1151 and the balance 1152. Another cylinder 1156 connected to a set of rods 1157 can guide the plates 1153 and therefore the compaction module 1130.

In addition to the compaction module, which also provides mixing, the 1150 mechanical excavator is equipped with a lime distribution system 1161 for low-dose lime treatment of the soil to be compacted. The lime 1161 is stored on the edge of the trench in a tank equipped with a compressor (not shown). It is sent by pulsed air into the pipe 1163 to fill a sealed hopper 1160 mounted at the end of the pipe 1163 and attached laterally to the casing 1158. A pipe 1164 makes it possible to evacuate the air from the hopper 1160 to the tank, for return it to the atmosphere once previously purified by passing through a filter. When filling the hopper 1160, the valves 1165, 1166, respectively mounted on the hoses 1163, 1164 are open to allow filling of the hopper and the escape of the air. Once the hopper filled, the valves 1165, 1166 are closed, and a metering device 1162, consisting of two slotted cylinders and located at the end of the hopper 1160, opens to allow the spreading of lime 1161 Once the hopper emptied, the metering device 1162 closes and the valves 1165, 1166 open to allow filling of the hopper. This cycle can be automated by appropriate control means.

The lime distribution system can of course be used with other materials such as cement.

The machine represented in Figures 26a and 26b saves time and tools by allowing the treatment and compacting of the surface to be compacted in a single pass. It allows the execution of urban works such as sidewalks.

The tools and compaction modules for implementing the compaction method according to the invention may also be useful in applications relating to the rehabilitation of railway tracks.

It is recalled that the ballast acts as a shock absorber to transmit to the ground the forces due to the passage of trains and prevent the sleepers from sinking little by little into the ground.

However, as the trains pass, the pebbles that make up the ballast fragment by attrition, resulting in a settlement of the ballast and therefore a degradation of its performance.

To repair the tracks, a specialized train is used with wagons equipped with a chassis and bogies, which allow to raise the track, to screen the ballast, to reinforce it with new pebbles of good dimensions and to proceed to the calibration of the way.

The Figures 27 and 28 represent a 1250 workshop wagon for the repair of railway tracks, equipped with a compacting module for carrying out the compaction process according to the invention.

The 1250 wagon works in three steps: ballast extraction; compacting and leveling; reconstitution of the ballast.

For the extraction of the ballast, the car 1250 is equipped with a ballast extraction system consisting of two arms 1300 clearance mounted under the wagon and which, by pivoting about a vertical axis, to push the ballast laterally on the side of the railway. On the Figure 27 two extreme positions of movement of each arm 1300 are shown. The repelled ballast 1321 is then loaded onto a set of elevator mats 1253 which bring the ballast onto a platform of car 1250 or another overhead car for storage.

The assembly and operation of the arms 1300 ballast release are represented on the Figures 27 and 28 , and in more detail, on Figures 29 and 30 . Each arm 1300, blade-shaped, is mounted horizontally under the sleepers 1320 of the railway. The arm 1300 is fixed to a vertical axis 1301 interposed between two horizontal plates 1302, 1303, themselves mounted under the cross members 1320. The plates are also secured by vertical struts 1304. The arm pivots about the axis 1301, which which gives it a pendulum or "wiper" movement in a horizontal plane and thus allows it to repel the ballast 1321 on the sides of the railway, outside the rails 1322. The movement is controlled by the using a horizontal jack 1306 whose one end is secured to one end of the arm 1300, and therefore the other end is secured to a vertical brace 1307 connecting the two plates 1302, 1303. The plates 1302, 1303 are mounted under a carriage 1308, fixed thereto by attachment lugs 1309. The carriage 1308 is movable along a horizontal slide 1310 located at the bottom of a vertical plate 1311 connected laterally. to the 1250 workshop car by a system of vertical slides 1313 which allows it to be positioned in height. With respect to the vertical plate 1311, the slide 1310 and the carriage 1308 are positioned towards the inside of the railway. The movement of the carriage 1308 along the horizontal slide 1310 is controlled by means of a jack 1314 whose one end is fixed to the plate and the other end is fixed to the carriage 1308.

A control system, not shown, makes it possible to control the pivoting movement of the arm 1300 and the advancement of the carriage 1308 automatically as a function of the progress of the wagon. This system makes it possible, in particular, to control a progressive advance of the carriage 1308 on its slide 1310 along the plate 1311, then a rapid automatic backward return when the carriage reaches the end of its travel, to start a new cycle of scanning the ballast. The forward speed of the truck can be automatically adjusted according to the forward speed of the car. During the advancement of the carriage on its slide 1310, the arm or arms pivot by pushing the ballast laterally. When the carriage reaches the end of travel and is returned back, the arm or arms fold back so as to start a new ballast release cycle.

As shown on the Figure 27 two arms 1300 can be used, arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry of the railway, each arm 1300 making it possible to disengage a half-track from its ballast.

The ballast clearing system described above has been designed to allow continuous work of the 1250 Workshop Car. Indeed, conventional ballast extraction systems are limited by the time they require to vacuum or extract the ballast. ballast. The car 1250 is therefore forced to advance at a relatively low speed, and the compaction, which could be faster, is itself limited by the step of extracting the ballast. The ballast clearing system described above is faster than conventional ballast extraction systems, and allows the 1250 workshop wagon with a compacting system to move faster on the track.

However, the skilled person can easily adapt the 1250 workshop wagon using other ballast extraction means, such as those described in the state of the art: mechanical extraction, suction extraction for example.

If we refer to Figures 27 and 28 the soil, once the ballast has been removed, is compacted and possibly leveled by a 1230 compaction module, mounted under the 1250 workshop car, behind the ballast extraction system in the forward direction of the 1250 workshop car.

The mounting of the compaction module 1230 is shown in more detail on the Figure 31 . The module 1230 can rotate about an integral axis plates 1251 mounted laterally on each side of the wagon. Each of the plates 1251 is able to slide vertically on a system of slides 1252 mounted on brackets 1253 fixed to the wagon. The two brackets 1253, arranged symmetrically on each side of the car, are held at the head by struts 1254 arranged perpendicular to the wagon.

Soil beneath railway tracks often has a shallow slope perpendicular to the railway line, to allow drainage of rainwater from the ballast to ditches or drainage. It is therefore advantageous to provide a system for compacting such sloping floors.

For this purpose, the wagon can be equipped, as shown on the figure 31 of a system for tilting the compaction module 1230. For this, the axis 1231 of the module 1230 is fixed at each end to a pivot 1255 integrated in a support 1256, 1257 extending the plates 1251 and integral with those this. The pivot 1255 has a degree of freedom to allow inclination of the axis 1231 of the module 1230. In addition, a support 1257 among the two supports 1256, 1257 is articulated to the plate 1251 which overcomes it by an axis 1258. This articulation makes it possible, by a weak pivoting of the support 1257, to adjust the height of the axis 1231 of the module 1230, at one end thereof, to adapt to the inclination of the module 1230.

When the soil has a symmetrical inclination with respect to the axis of the railway, it is possible, as shown in Figures 30 and 31 , to combine two compaction modules 1230, 1270, each mounted with a certain inverse inclination of the other module relative to the horizontal thanks to the pivot and articulation system described above. The modules 1230, 1270 are mounted one behind the other, each module compacting one half of the ground under the railway.

After the passage of the compaction module or modules, the ballast layer is reconstituted. As shown on Figures 27 and 28 , the ballast is brought by 1270 grasshopper type treadmill and then distributed using of a hopper 1271 and compacted by vibrating needles 1272 mounted under the wagon 1250, at the rear thereof. A brush 1273 placed under the wagon 1250 and rotating on its axis, pushes the ballast towards the ground.

It is understood that the embodiments which have been described above have been given as an indication and not limitation and that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (4)

1. A surface compacting method in which a compacting tool (1) is driven in rotation along an axis parallel to a surface to be compacted, comprising a leading part (3) with a lower face and an upper face (5) forming a wedge characterized in that the lower face and the upper face (5) intersect at a leading ridge (6), the lower face of the leading part (3) extending rearwards from the compacting tool (1) through a convex sole (4, 4') expanded outside the revolution cylinder provided by the leading ridge (6) during the rotation, and the compacting tool (1) is further moved in translation, in a direction parallel to the surface to be compacted, so as to advance the compacting tool (1) with respect to the surface to be compacted, the compacting tool (1) being oriented and adjusted such that, during the rotating movement, the leading part (3) slides on the surface to be compacted, the sole (4, 4') then sliding on the surface by abutting thereon so as to compact the surface.
2. The surface compacting method according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation speed at the periphery of the compacting tool (1) and/or its translation speed is adjusted such that they remain proportional to each other over time.
3. The surface compacting method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the surface to be compacted is made rough during the compaction using texturing means (18, 20) embedded in the compacting tool (1).
4. The surface compacting method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a compacting operation is performed on a layer of one or several treating materials and/or surface coatings, such as plant mix (471) or pea gravel (771, 871), which has been applied and optionally provided before compacting, on a floor or another layer of applied material.

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