EP3724408A1 - Thin stabilized segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methods - Google Patents
Thin stabilized segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methodsInfo
- Publication number
- EP3724408A1 EP3724408A1 EP18888086.8A EP18888086A EP3724408A1 EP 3724408 A1 EP3724408 A1 EP 3724408A1 EP 18888086 A EP18888086 A EP 18888086A EP 3724408 A1 EP3724408 A1 EP 3724408A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- wall
- face
- wall blocks
- wall block
- block
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C1/00—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings
- E04C1/39—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra
- E04C1/395—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra for claustra, fences, planting walls, e.g. sound-absorbing
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0225—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill
- E02D29/0233—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill the retention means being anchors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0225—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill
- E02D29/0241—Retaining or protecting walls comprising retention means in the backfill the retention means being reinforced earth elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/025—Retaining or protecting walls made up of similar modular elements stacked without mortar
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/0258—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features
- E02D29/0266—Retaining or protecting walls characterised by constructional features made up of preformed elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2/42—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities
- E04B2/44—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities using elements having specially-designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls
- E04B2/46—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities using elements having specially-designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls by interlocking of projections or inserts with indentations, e.g. of tongues, grooves, dovetails
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2200/00—Geometrical or physical properties
- E02D2200/13—Geometrical or physical properties having at least a mesh portion
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0004—Synthetics
- E02D2300/0006—Plastics
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0004—Synthetics
- E02D2300/0006—Plastics
- E02D2300/0009—PE
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0004—Synthetics
- E02D2300/0006—Plastics
- E02D2300/0015—HDPE
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0004—Synthetics
- E02D2300/0018—Cement used as binder
- E02D2300/002—Concrete
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0026—Metals
- E02D2300/0029—Steel; Iron
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0079—Granulates
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2300/00—Materials
- E02D2300/0084—Geogrids
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2600/00—Miscellaneous
- E02D2600/30—Miscellaneous comprising anchoring details
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D2600/00—Miscellaneous
- E02D2600/40—Miscellaneous comprising stabilising elements
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0202—Details of connections
- E04B2002/0204—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
- E04B2002/0213—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections of round shape
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0202—Details of connections
- E04B2002/0243—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins or keys
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0256—Special features of building elements
- E04B2002/0269—Building elements with a natural stone facing
Definitions
- the presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to the retention of earthen formations and the field of retaining walls and more particularly to a thin stabilized segmental wall block, a soil reinforcing system, and methods related thereto.
- a preferred form of grid-like tie-back sheet material used to reinforce the soil behind a retaining wall structure is commercially available from The Tensar Corporation of Alpharetta, Georgia (“Tensar”) and is made by the process disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,374,798 (“the '798 patent”).
- Integral geogrid tie-back sheet material may be uniaxially oriented according to the '798 patent to provide grid-like sheets including a plurality of elongated, parallel, molecularly oriented strands with transversely extending bars integrally connected thereto by less oriented or unoriented junctions, the strands, bars and junctions together defining a multiplicity of elongated openings.
- the bars may be oriented into elongated strands. While integral geogrids are preferred as reinforcing materials in the construction of retaining walls, other forms of tie-back sheet materials have been used in a similar manner.
- retaining walls have been formed from modular wall blocks which are typically relatively small cementitious blocks as compared to precast wall panels.
- the assembly of modular wall blocks usually does not require heavy equipment.
- Such modular wall blocks can be handled by a single person and are used to form retaining wall structures by arranging a plurality of blocks in courses superimposed on each other, much like laying of brick or the like.
- Each block includes a body with a front face which forms the exterior surface of the formed retaining wall. Examples of such modular wall block systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,010,707; 5,522,682; 5,568,999; 5,823,709; 5,911,539; 5,934,838; and 6,287,054.
- 4,904,124 also discloses the use of wire“baskets” that are designed to be filled with granular or rock material to define the forward or face of the wall, the elements of which are also reinforced with grid-like reinforcing sheet material to provide stability of the soil mass.
- the block In the case of modular block walls that are typically used for structural earth walls, the block is normally 11 to 12 inches deep and weigh between 75 to 100 pounds (lbs) to provide stability to the facing during wall installation.
- the weight is relatively heavy and would require lifting by two persons or handled with small equipment with a block picking tool since Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limit the maximum weight to be carried by a person to 50 lbs. This typically leads to slower wall installation or increased costs for the wall.
- OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- a thin block would allow for an increase to the loading capacity or area of block onto a truck compared to traditional blocks, thus saving transportation costs and reducing environmental impacts.
- a thin block could be placed faster and requires less costly and environmentally harmful cement during fabrication.
- a thin block must, however, include provisions for block stability during construction and during wall loading.
- a segmental wall block, soil reinforcing system, and method related thereto are disclosed.
- the wall block may be used for constructing retaining walls.
- the segmental wall block includes: a front face; a rear face; a slot disposed along the rear face; a troughed top face; a bottom face; a first and second open core extending from the top face to the bottom face; a first side having a tongue; and an opposing second side having a groove, wherein the tongue is shaped to interlock with the groove.
- a segmental wall block may include a front face that is textured.
- the segmental wall block may have a length from about 10 inches to about 36 inches; a height from about 6 inches to about 12 inches; a depth from about 5 inches to about 12 inches; a tongue length from about 1 inch to about 3 inches; and a weight from about 35 lbs to about 60 lbs.
- segmented wall block may include a top groove along the top face that is adapated to receive a mechanical connector.
- a soil reinforcing system of the present invention may include: a wall block component including a first configuration of interlocked segmented wall blocks, each of the wall blocks including: a front face; a rear face; a slot disposed along the rear face; a troughed top face; a bottom face; a first and second open core extending from the top face to the bottom face; a first side having a tongue; and an opposing second side having a groove, wherein the tongue is shaped to interlock with the groove; and a stabilizing component connected to the wall block component.
- the stabilizing component may include a stabilizing hoop connected intermittently to the slot at the rear face of the configuration of interlocked segmented wall blocks.
- the stabilizing component may further include a fill material in the stabilizing hoop.
- the stabilizing component may further include an anchor connected to the slot or may include a horizontal plate at the rear face. [00018]
- the stabilizing component may include a second configuration of
- segmented wall blocks wherein one of the second configuration of segmented wall blocks is connected to the rear face of one of the first configuration of segmented wall blocks.
- the stabilizing component may include a geogrid structure, or the
- stabilizing component may include a combination of stabilizing hoops and horizontal geogrids connected to the first configuration of wall blocks.
- a method of reinforcing soil may include the steps of: installing a leveling pad of concrete or gravel; providing at least three wall blocks, wherein each wall block has a rear face; a slot disposed along the rear face; a troughed top face; a bottom face; a first and second open core extending from the top face to the bottom face; a first side having a tongue; an opposing second side having a groove, wherein the tongue is shaped to interlock with the groove; forming a first row of the wall blocks by connecting the tongues and grooves of the at least three wall blocks;
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the presently disclosed wall block, wherein the wall block can be used to form retaining walls and/or any other soil reinforcing element;
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a slight variation at the rear to the wall block of the presently disclosed wall block shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front view, a top view, a bottom view, and two end views of the wall block shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of an example of a soil reinforcing system that includes an arrangement of the presently disclosed wall blocks
- FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate various stabilizing systems of the presently disclosed wall blocks
- FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a free-standing gravity wall utilizing stabilizing elements of the present subject matter
- FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another arrangement of the presently disclosed wall blocks
- FIG. 11 illustrate a cross-section view of a soil reinforcing system of the present subject matter
- FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a connection variation to the presently disclosed soil reinforcing system shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another connection variation to the presently disclosed soil reinforcing system shown in FIG 4;
- FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method of using the presently disclosed wall blocks.
- the presently disclosed subject matter provides a thin stabilized segmental wall block, a soil reinforcing system, and methods related thereto.
- the presently disclosed thin stabilized segmental wall block can be, for example, a concrete masonry block used for constructing retaining walls.
- the thin stabilized segmental wall block would typically be fabricated through a dry-cast process but also may be fabricated through a wet-cast process. The wall block would ease lifting and installation with the lightweight nature of the block.
- An aspect of the presently disclosed thin stabilized block would typically have a height of no more than 8 inches, a length less than 18 inches, and depth less than 6 inches.
- the typical weight of the block would be less than 50 lbs.
- the thin and light block would likely not be stable by itself to support the lateral load and vibration during construction of the modular block wall systems.
- the thin and light block will need to be stabilized with other means or methods for stability during construction of the modular block wall systems.
- An aspect of the presently disclosed wall block is that it may include a tongue and groove system for support of the construction of modular block wall systems, wherein wall blocks would interlock side to side to provide rigidity to the facing and improve alignment of the wall system.
- Another aspect of the presently disclosed wall block is that it may include a “behind the face” groove for receiving mechanical connectors for simple connection to adjacent wall blocks and/or to any other soil reinforcing elements, such as, but not limited to, a geogrid.
- Yet another aspect of the presently disclosed wall block is that it may include a slot or groove at the top or at the rear of the wall blocks for receiving a stabilizing element to increase stability of the lightweight stabilized block during construction.
- Still another aspect of the presently disclosed wall block is that it may feature decreased block weight and increased production rate as compared with conventional wall blocks.
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of an example of the presently disclosed wall block 100, wherein the wall block 100 can be used to form free-standing gravity walls, retaining walls and/or any other soil reinforcing structure.
- FIG. 3 shows a front view, a top view, a bottom view, and two end views of the wall block 100 shown in FIG. 1.
- the wall block 100 can be, for example, a concrete masonry block used for constructing retaining walls. That is, the wall block 100 is an example of a modular wall block.
- the wall block 100 typically includes a front face 101, a rear face 102 that has a slot/groove at the center 103, a troughed top face 104, and a flat bottom face 105. Accordingly, the wall block 100 has a tongue 106 on one side and a groove 107 on the other side.
- the wall block 100 can also include top grooves 109 at the top face 104. Additionally, two hollow open cores 108 pass through the wall block 100, extending from the troughed top face 104 to the flat bottom face 105.
- the front face 101 of block 100 can be textured to provide a certain appearance and/or aesthetic feature.
- the wall block 100 has a length L, a height H, a depth D, and extended tongue T.
- the length L of the wall block 100 can generally be from about 10 inches to about 36 inches, and in a preferred embodiment of approximately 16 inches.
- the height H of the wall block 100 can generally be from about 6 inches to about 12 inches, and in a preferred embodiment of approximately 8 inches.
- the depth D of the wall block 100 can generally be from about 5 inches to about 12 inches, and in a preferred embodiment of approximately 5.5 inches.
- the extended tongue T of the wall block 100 can generally be from 1 inch to 3 inches, an in a preferred embodiment of approximately 1.6 inches.
- the wall block 100 is lightweight, and generally can weigh between 35 lbs to 60 lbs, and in a preferred embodiment of approximately 48 lbs.
- the lightweight wall block 100 would be stabilized with various means of stabilizing elements to control alignment and movement during application of construction loads.
- a soil reinforcing system 400 including a configuration of wall blocks 100 that can be stacked in the standard running bond configuration utilizing a combination of one or more connectors, such as mechanical connectors 401, to connect one wall block 100 to another wall block 100 on top and below it and/or to connect the wall block 100 to any other soil reinforcing elements.
- a top groove 109 along the top of wall block 100 is provided to receive the mechanical connector 401; the groove 109 has a certain width and depth.
- the mechanical connectors 401 along with the stabilizing elements provide vertical stability to the thin and lightweight wall blocks 100.
- the tongue 106 of wall block 100 is shaped to fit the side groove 107 to create an interlock mechanism and provide lateral stability between wall blocks 100.
- the shape of the tongue 106 and groove 107 would interlock wall blocks 100 side to side on a straight wall and for a wide range of convex and concave curvatures.
- the soil reinforcing system includes a soil reinforcing element 405 that may be, for example, a synthetic material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyester geogrids, or may be a steel reinforcing mesh, steel strips, or other soil reinforcing elements.
- HDPE high-density polyethylene
- A“geogrid” is a grid whose primary purpose is to strengthen or reinforce soil and has open meshes into which soil particles can lock.
- the soil reinforcing element 405 can generally be a full sheet-like soil reinforcement and in the preferred embodiment a narrow strip reinforcement from about 6 inches to 20 inches, and in a preferred embodiment of approximately 10 inches.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of stabilizing system 500 of an arrangement of presently disclosed wall blocks 100 to provide overturning stability to the thin stabilized wall blocks during construction.
- the wall blocks 100 are interlocked side to side with the tongue 106 and groove 107 while also connected to a stabilizing hoop 501 at the rear face 102 of the wall block 100 at the wall block slot/groove 103 intermittently along the wall.
- the stabilizing hoop 501 may be a synthetic material such as HDPE or PET geogrids, or may be a steel reinforcing mesh or strap or band.
- the hoop 501 is then filled with gravel or stone 503 to complete the stabilizing system.
- the stabilizing hoop is spaced at an interval required to provide adequate overturning stability to the wall blocks 100 during construction. While a stabilizing hoop is discussed herein, it is contemplated that the structure may include any suitable box/frame structure (e.g., rectangular, oval, triangular, etc.), flexible or rigid, for stone retention and block stabilization.
- box/frame structure e.g., rectangular, oval, triangular, etc.
- FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG 8. are perspective views of other examples of wall blocks 100 used in stabilizing systems 600, 700, and 800.
- FIG. 6 shows wall block 100 stabilized with a welded wire anchor 601 connected to slot 603 at the rear of the block.
- the welded wire anchor provides overturning stability through pullout anchorage.
- FIG. 7 shows wall block 100 stabilized with a horizontal plate 701 placed at the rear and bottom of the block but connected to the block through the slot 703.
- the horizontal plate 701 engages the overburden pressure from the backfill behind the reinforced wall and thus increases the overturning stability of the stabilized wall blocks.
- All stabilizing elements are spaced at intervals required to provide adequate overturning stability to the wall blocks 100 during construction.
- FIG. 8 shows wall blocks 100 stabilized with wall block 801 or series of wall blocks 801 by engaging the tongue 806 of wall block 801 through the groove 803 at the rear of the wall block 100 and therefore creates a stabilized system 800.
- the stabilizing wall block 801 which may be of variable height, thickness and depth, acts as an anchor to provide overturning stability to the wall block 100.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a free-standing gravity wall system 900 utilizing wall blocks 100 and a series of stabilizing hoops 901 filled with soil fill 902.
- the soil weight of the confined soil fill 902 in the stabilizing hoop 901 increases the effective depth of the retaining wall to provide sufficient vertical overburden weight to resist the lateral pressure from the soil behind the stabilizing hoop.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another arrangement of wall block 100 in stacked bond configuration 1000.
- half-height block 1001 span between two wall blocks 100 at the first row and the top row of the retaining wall.
- the tongue 1006 and groove 1007 of wall block 1001 and 100 will be stacked on top of one another, creating stacked vertical joints.
- Wall blocks 100 and 1001 are connected to the soil reinforcing 1005 with one or more mechanical connectors 1004.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of soil reinforcing system 1100.
- the first layer of wall block 100 may be placed on a leveling pad 1102 consisting of gravel or concrete.
- the soil reinforcing system 1100 typically includes a first soil reinforcing element 1101 that is integrated at a lower portion of the wall blocks 100 and a second soil reinforcing element 1101 that maybe integrated at an upper portion of the wall blocks.
- the soil reinforcing elements 1 1 01 are geogrid structures.
- A“geogrid” is a grid whose primary purpose is to strengthen or reinforce soil and has open meshes into which soil particles can lock.
- multiple mechanical connectors 1103 may be used to couple one wall block 100 to another and to couple the wall blocks 100 to the soil reinforcing elements 1101.
- the mechanical connectors 1103 are often mechanical block connectors and alignment devices.
- the reinforced soil system 1200 allows for gravity or frictional connection between the wall blocks 100 and the soil reinforcing elements 1204 from the interaction of the stabilizing hoops 1202 filled with gravel-type fill 1203 and the reinforcing geogrid 1204.
- the stabilizing hoops 1202 which are mechanically connected to the wall blocks 100, provide sufficient short-term and long-term facing stability and performance without connecting mechanically the wall blocks 100 to the soil reinforcing elements 1204. Therefore, the connectors 1201 serve as alignment tools for wall system 1200 and connect one wall block 100 to another wall block 100 on top and below it without mechanically connecting them to any soil reinforcing elements 1204.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another soil reinforcing system 1300.
- the stabilizing hoops 1301 are backfilled with soil fill 1303.
- the confined soil fill in the stabilizing hoop 1301 provide stability to the wall blocks 100 while the soil reinforcing elements 1302 provide tensile resistance to stabilize the wall backfill.
- the soil reinforcing elements 1302 may be, for example, discrete strips of a synthetic material such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyester (PET) or other flexible reinforcing elements, and continuous wrap from the bottom of the stabilized hoop 1301 to the top of the stabilized hoop 1301.
- HDPE High Density Polyethylene
- PET Polyester
- the soil reinforcing element 1302 in one embodiment is a narrow strip of reinforcement from about 6 inches to 48 inches, and in a preferred embodiment of approximately 24 inches.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method 1400 of using the presently disclosed wall blocks in a simple configuration of three blocks.
- the method 1400 may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.
- a level pad is to be constructed with gravel or concrete to ensure a level surface or foundation for the presently disclosed wall blocks 100.
- the wall blocks may to be connected to the left and right with the tongue and groove system at step 1403.
- one or more stabilizing elements may be installed through the slot or groove at the rear of wall block 100. Soil backfill is then placed and compacted up to the first row of blocks at step 1405.
- one or more soil reinforcing elements 1101 may be installed and engaged to the grooves of the first row of blocks with one or more mechanical connectors 1103.
- a next row of blocks may be installed with one or more of the mechanical connectors 1103 and/or soil reinforcing 1101 engaged in the grooves of the first row of wall blocks 100.
- the wall blocks of the present invention provide a significant manufacturing improvement over prior art modular wall blocks and soil reinforcing systems. Namely, because the wall blocks of the present invention may be oriented in either the vertical or horizontal directions, the equipment necessary to fabricate the wall blocks of the present invention is minimized. Additionally, the shape and design of the wall blocks of the present invention often provides for reduced materials and ease in manufacturability when compared to prior art modular wall blocks. Finally, the assembly of the wall blocks to create the soil reinforcing system of the present invention represents a significant improvement over prior art because of the simplicity in design, reduced number of distinct components, and ability to modify the components to the desired soil system configuration.
- the term“about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments ⁇ 100%, in some embodiments ⁇ 50%, in some embodiments ⁇ 20%, in some embodiments ⁇ 10%, in some embodiments ⁇ 5%, in some embodiments ⁇ 1%, in some embodiments ⁇ 0.5%, and in some embodiments ⁇ 0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.
- the term“about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth.
- the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Retaining Walls (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762596939P | 2017-12-11 | 2017-12-11 | |
PCT/US2018/064996 WO2019118492A1 (en) | 2017-12-11 | 2018-12-11 | Thin stabilized segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methods |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3724408A1 true EP3724408A1 (en) | 2020-10-21 |
EP3724408A4 EP3724408A4 (en) | 2021-02-10 |
Family
ID=66820650
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18888086.8A Pending EP3724408A4 (en) | 2017-12-11 | 2018-12-11 | Thin stabilized segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methods |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20200308800A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3724408A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111511992A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2018383697A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3084062A1 (en) |
CL (1) | CL2020001537A1 (en) |
DO (1) | DOP2020000122A (en) |
MX (1) | MX2020006049A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019118492A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN111676999A (en) * | 2020-06-03 | 2020-09-18 | 安徽省交通规划设计研究总院股份有限公司 | Pile plate reinforced retaining wall and construction method thereof |
CN113914504B (en) * | 2021-11-22 | 2022-05-17 | 广东思哲设计院有限公司 | Assembled wall body for old city reconstruction |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US964160A (en) * | 1910-03-23 | 1910-07-12 | Charles A Hammett | Building tile or block. |
US4904124A (en) | 1989-06-14 | 1990-02-27 | The Reinforced Earth Company | Constructional work and method of construction of vertical retaining wall |
KR100472394B1 (en) * | 1995-06-02 | 2005-07-01 | 노바브리크 인터내셔날 인코포레이티드 | A block for the mortarless construction of a wall |
CA2290327A1 (en) * | 1999-11-24 | 2001-05-24 | Ernest John Taylor-Smith | Retaining wall construction |
CN2444000Y (en) * | 2000-10-16 | 2001-08-22 | 北京公路学会 | Module special for using geotechnical grid |
US6579038B1 (en) * | 2002-01-10 | 2003-06-17 | Mcallister Kenneth L. | Revetment block |
KR100495782B1 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2005-06-16 | (주)유경기술단 | A Facing panel for reinforced earth wall and its construction method |
AU2003272135A1 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2004-06-30 | Dongbang S & C Co., Ltd. | Block for constructing retaining wall, prefabricated reinforced retaining wall constructed using the block and construction method of the prefabricated reinforced retaining wall |
KR100742658B1 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2007-07-25 | 주식회사 강산산업 | A breast gardening wall block and a breast gardening wall structure |
CN201241336Y (en) * | 2008-06-04 | 2009-05-20 | 福建省闽南建筑工程有限公司 | Novel retaining wall blocking and arranging building blocks |
US7775747B2 (en) * | 2008-11-05 | 2010-08-17 | Allan Block Corporation | Multi-component retaining wall block |
US8430603B2 (en) * | 2009-05-05 | 2013-04-30 | Mortarless Technologies, Llc | Wall block with barrier member |
EP2542724A1 (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2013-01-09 | Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc. | Retaining wall |
CN201687123U (en) * | 2010-04-02 | 2010-12-29 | 黄岳文 | Water-penetrating and soil-retaining humanized ecological brick and soil-retaining wall |
KR20170009571A (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2017-01-25 | 주식회사 에코탑 | Bricks for wall and wall construction method with the bircks |
US10648147B2 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2020-05-12 | Tensar International Corporation | Multi-oriented segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methods |
-
2018
- 2018-12-11 MX MX2020006049A patent/MX2020006049A/en unknown
- 2018-12-11 CA CA3084062A patent/CA3084062A1/en active Pending
- 2018-12-11 US US16/770,284 patent/US20200308800A1/en active Pending
- 2018-12-11 WO PCT/US2018/064996 patent/WO2019118492A1/en unknown
- 2018-12-11 EP EP18888086.8A patent/EP3724408A4/en active Pending
- 2018-12-11 CN CN201880081490.9A patent/CN111511992A/en active Pending
- 2018-12-11 AU AU2018383697A patent/AU2018383697A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-06-09 CL CL2020001537A patent/CL2020001537A1/en unknown
- 2020-06-16 DO DO2020000122A patent/DOP2020000122A/en unknown
-
2024
- 2024-02-27 AU AU2024201313A patent/AU2024201313A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CL2020001537A1 (en) | 2020-11-06 |
AU2024201313A1 (en) | 2024-03-21 |
AU2018383697A1 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
WO2019118492A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 |
CN111511992A (en) | 2020-08-07 |
MX2020006049A (en) | 2020-08-17 |
US20200308800A1 (en) | 2020-10-01 |
CA3084062A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 |
EP3724408A4 (en) | 2021-02-10 |
DOP2020000122A (en) | 2020-09-15 |
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