ES2550189T3 - Structure comprising a gabion wall - Google Patents

Abstract

Structure (3; 39) comprising a core (9) formed by a mixture of earth and stones and a gabion wall (7a, 7b) attached to this core (9), characterized in that said gabions (7a, 7b) they are partly filled with culture cylinders (19), each culture cylinder comprising a retention napkin (21) filled with a culture substrate (23), the retention nappa (21) being arranged so that, on the one hand, emerge on the visible face of the gabions (7a, 7b) and, on the other hand, ensure the continuity of the substrate (23) with the core (9).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Structure comprising a gabion wall.

The present invention relates to a structure comprising a gabion wall.

It is known from the prior art, the use of gabions to make walls, for support, separation or even essentially decorative purposes.

As is known in itself, a gabion comprises a cage, preferably metal, filled with materials such as stones, bricks, or any other heavy material. If the function is supportive, the filling materials meet precise technical criteria.

Gabions, stacked on top of each other, and arranged according to the desired geometry and technical imperatives related to their destination function, allow the creation of walls whose appearance is adaptable to the work environment: in fact, it is enough to select the material of filling, within the technical limits corresponding to the final destination of the work, presenting the visual characteristics that are appropriate.

When the gabion wall plays a role in supporting ground works, it is attached with a suitable filler material and sized for use according to the regulations in force. Due to its highly heavy characteristics, the gabion wall ensures the stability of the work to which it is attached.

In the case of an embankment, this makes it possible in particular to consider supporting infrastructures such as pedestrian, cyclic, automobile traffic routes.

In the railway environment, support by means of gabions is restricted according to the technical reference systems in force and the procedures for possible derogations that refer to their use.

For some years now, we have sought to diversify the appearance of gabion support walls by fixing plants on them, which are supposed to grow on the visible face of these walls.

It is known in particular, from patent applications EP 2 050 331 and KR 2003-0080711, gabions comprising, on the side of their visible face, a layer of topsoil enclosed in a retention structure (formed for example by coconut fibers).

Plants or herbs that then develop on the visible face of the gabions can take root in the topsoil.

Although the placement of such gabions has an aspect with very satisfactory vegetation, with the use it is shown that the plants wilt quite quickly, unless they are subject to very continuous maintenance, and a rigorously controlled and constant irrigation over time.

The present invention thus has in particular the objective of providing a structure comprising a gabion wall that can be filled with plants without the obligation of specific irrigation at the end or once the plants are installed.

This objective of the invention is achieved with a structure comprising a particular embankment, called "earth / stone core" that may be contained in one or more gabion boxes, and a gabion wall attached to this core, significant because said gabions they are partly filled with culture cylinders, each culture cylinder comprising a retention pad filled with culture substrate, the retention pad being arranged so as to, on the one hand, emerge on the visible face of the gabions and, on the other on the other hand, ensure the continuity of the substrate with said core.

This structure can be combined on the opposite side to the gabion wall with vegetation with another structure that ensures a decorative or support function of any kind (concrete wall, gabion wall, reinforced ground, metal panels, acoustic screen, boarding wood, etc.) This opposite face may also be another gabion wall with vegetation of the same type and that remains visible.

Thanks to these characteristics, plants that will take root in the cultivation substrate can be planted in the culture cylinders, on the side of the visible side of the gabions: holes are made in the cylinders to root the appropriate plants .

Then, due to the communication of the cylinders with the core that also acts as a complementary culture substrate, the water feeding of the plants is carried out in particular by rainwater that crosses the nucleus and diffuses by capillarity: it can be thus dispense with a repetitive watering.

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According to other optional features of the structure according to the invention:

- said core also includes elements that form a culture substrate: this allows plants planted on the visible face of the gabion walls to get their nutritive reserves not only in the culture cylinders, but also in the nucleus behind. The roots therefore preferentially explore the earthy pockets within the compartments containing the culture substrate (19 & 9) and are oriented by thigmotropism in contact with the granules. The roots will be directed towards the nucleus 9 under the effect of a positive hygrotropism. This core 9 is, in effect, a less dry medium than the assembly 7, less protected from the action of the outer atmosphere and more draining.

On the other hand, in the installation phase, this contrast will be reinforced by the preferred water supply of this set 9 to help this orientation. Once installed within this nucleus 9, the roots of the plants increase their survival potentials: the nucleus 9 offers better soil and soil-climatic conditions for the plants, than the drier paramento areas, and more directly subjected to climatic vicissitudes (temperature differences, etc.).

This is also why the adventitious ones will have more difficulties than in a conventional soil to be established within the set 7, this property of the invention not being associated with the presence of retention naps in the facade favorable to its appearance, although it cannot be Exclude.

Thus, very perennial plantations are obtained;

-the retention sheets are formed by a material selected from the group comprising geotextiles, non-woven fabrics, natural fiber fibers geotherras: these porous materials, usually used in the horticultural field, allow to retain the fine particles of the cultivation substrate (plant soil in general), while allowing the respiration of this substrate and exchanges with the external elements;

-the core is contained by a material selected from the group comprising the geotextiles and notejidos, applied against the gabion metal panel before filling;

- said structure can comprise an acoustic screen, said core being then trapped between this screen and said gabion wall: this type of arrangement is suitable, for example, at the edge of a road or railroad where radiation is sought to be attenuated acoustics;

- said core can be associated with a different element of an acoustic screen, which has or does not have a support function and / or a function that can be decorative, selected for example from the group of concrete walls, of the walls of gabions, of the walls that use the so-called reinforced earth technique, wooden planks (or other suitable material), said structure may be associated with a support structure of any type suitable for the use of desired support;

- This structure does not ensure the support function itself;

- said structure may be associated with a structure specifically intended for a support function, the days may eventually be physically linked by means suitable for the two structures;

-This structure is self-stable.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear in the light of the following description, and of the examination of the attached figures, in which:

-Figure 1 is a cross-sectional profile of a circulation road bordered by a structure according to the invention, -Figure 2 is a detail view of the gabion wall with vegetation 7 and of the core 9 of Figure 1, and -Figure 3 is a perspective view of a structure according to the invention, which borders a railway track.

With reference now to Figure 1, on which a traffic lane 1, pedestrian, for bicycles or for vehicles, bordered on the left side of a structure 3 according to the invention, and on the right side of a wall of 5 traditional gabions.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the structure 3 according to the invention comprises a gabion wall 7 with vegetation, attached to a core 9 formed by an association of earth and stones, called "earth / stone core", which can be contained in one or several boxes of gabions, although this is not in any way limiting, itself attached to an acoustic screen 11 also fixed in a gabion construction 13 that serves as support and crowned by the self-supporting structure 3.

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The acoustic screen 11 can be made, for example, of wood concrete, without this being limiting. It can also be replaced by any decorative wall structure or that ensures other functions, or also by a support or architectural structure, on which structure 3 will be supported, whether solidary or not, depending on the particular technical limitations of the situation.

The core 9 is a mixture consisting of a suitable substrate that allows the growth of the plants to be installed (15 and 25) and granules of crushed stones. This nucleus also participates in the self-stability function of structure 3.

It now refers more particularly to Figure 2, in which the wall with vegetation has been depicted in detail

7.

As can be seen in this figure 2, this wall is formed by a stack of gabions type 7a and 7b.

As it is known in itself, a gabion is formed by a metal cage consisting of twisted galvanized steel wires coated or not, or electro-welded galvanized steel rods, filled with a heavy material 17 such as stones or bricks, to be defined according to its final use in particular, from the technical point of view.

When sound absorption characteristics are sought, this heavy material can comprise elements of a particular nature, and which have a geometry suitable for its purpose, such as tripods or cones made of wood concrete.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the lower gabion 7a is filled only in part with stones 17, and comprises in its upper part a culture cylinder 19.

More precisely, this cylinder 19 is formed by a holding sheet 21, filled by a culture substrate

2. 3.

The sheet 21 is formed by a geotextile, a draining non-woven fabric, or a geostera of naturally occurring fibers, such as coconut fibers, and the cultivation substrate 23, which essentially comprises plant soil, is suitable to allow planting and plant growth 25.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the sheet 21 is arranged to emerge on the facade 27 of the gabion 7a, and to allow the communication of the culture substrate 23 with the core 9.

In other words, the holding sheet 21 is closed on the side of the visible face of the gabion 7a, except for the passage of the plant stem, and opened on the side of the hidden face of this gabion.

It should be noted that the culture cylinder 19 can extend over the entire length of the gabion 7a, or only in a part of this length.

The metal elements of the cages of the gabions must remain constantly intact.

On the other side of the traffic lane 1 of Figure 1, the gabion wall 5 is conventional, that is to say without plants, and for this purpose comprises a stack of two gabions 5a, 5b each filled according to the rules of the prior art For final use.

It should be noted that the support structures 13 and 5 are each placed in the present case on concrete screeds 29 and 33, with drains 35, 37 being provided to recover rainwater in particular. These screeds can be of a different nature from concrete according to the required technical dimensions. The floor 31 that supports the structure 3 may be constituted of a gravel adapted to the technical limitations related to the structure supported above.

A structure 39 according to the invention, shown along a railroad track, is shown in Figure 3, the latter not being visible, and forming an effective sound protection.

As can be seen in this figure 3, three rows 19a, 19b, 19c of culture cylinder are arranged in alternation with rows of stones 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, the assembly being arranged inside the modular metal cages that They define the gabions.

The plants 25 that take root inside the cultivation cylinders 19 bloom on the visible facade of the support wall thus made, giving rise to a more or less covering aesthetic decoration, according to the species and the density of plantation chosen.

Regarding this, perennial deciduous plants can be selected indifferently, as well as shrubs or plants that retain a persistent aerial part at rest. The different types can be

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mixed or not, depending on the aesthetic objectives sought. On the contrary, species that are perfectly suited to local climatic conditions and to edaphological and edaphoclimatic conditions of the substrate placed for cultivation will always be placed. In particular, the elongation capacity of the root system of the selected plants is an essential factor, as well as its ability to dryness related to the draining character of the substrate of the crop grown.

Therefore, plants that need a low water supply will be selected. You can also use geophite plants (suitable for dry situations), that is to say perennials capable of passing the cold seasons in a buried way, in the form of rhizomes, bulbs or others. These choices require a good level of knowledge of the media and the biology of plants.

The realization of a structure according to the invention and its advantages derive directly from the above description.

When it is desired to make a wall of gabions with vegetation according to, for example, figure 2, the lower row of gabions 7a is started to work. It is then partially filled with stones 17.

It should be noted that the structure according to the invention can be prefabricated outside the work (in a quarry for example, or another place) and transported to its site for placement.

The culture cylinder 19 is then positioned at the top of these gabions, inside which the substrate 23 is placed.

The retention sheet 21 is then folded on this substrate, so that this sheet opens on the non-visible face of the gabion.

The upper part of the metal cage that forms the gabions 7a is then closed, and the top row of gabions 7b is placed on these gabions 7a.

The process continues according to the design pattern that determines the position of the bags of future plantations (retention sheets).

Once the gabion wall has been made, the filling of the core 9 is carried out, so that this embankment comes into contact with this gabion wall, and communicates in particular with the substrate 23 found in the cylinder 19.

On the side of the element 7, the parts of the core 9 that are not in contact with the rear part of the retention napkin 21 will be, as the filling takes place, isolated from the wall with vegetation, by placing a material 42 selected from the group comprising the geotextiles and the non-woven applied against the metal element of the gabion cage. This will prevent future migrations of terrestrial materials in the meatballs between the filling elements of the cages.

It will be on the same opposite side of the element 7 in which a retention nap 43 will be applied on the inner side of the cage before filling in order to contain it.

However, the sides in contact with other cages filled with embankment will be free of any presence of retention nappa in order to allow the longitudinal continuity of the embankment.

Nor shall any retention nap be placed either inside or at the top of the core 9.

As regards the base, if the construction is granulated, no retention nap is applied, in order to allow contact with the ground.

On the contrary, in the case where the structure 3 exceeds a support structure of the gabion or other type, or a concrete slab, a retaining sheet will also be applied on the bottom panel of the cage on the inner side before of filling.

Then, notches can be made in the part of the napa 21 that emerges in the visible part 27 of the gabions 7a, and insert the desired plants, in the form of small blocks. In the field of realization, planting operations can also be carried out as the construction of the structure according to the invention takes place, at the time of making the culture cylinders 19. In the latter case, they can be used some more important blocks or small pots.

In the first months after planting, it is preferable to water these plants, which can be obtained through a drip irrigation network, or any means that ensures regularity in the first season of vegetation.

In the case of the use of drip, the network may be reactivated as many times as necessary, particularly in

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case of very marked atmospheric drought and / or until the roots have reached the nucleus 9.

Then, thanks in particular to the precipitation that falls in the core 9, and that irrigates the substrate 23 in particular by capillarity, the plants 25 can live thanks to the rainwater.

5 In the case where element 7 was used only in the lining of an architectural support structure or not, and whatever the type, a drip net will necessarily be placed and should operate regularly according to the requirements of the plants used , in order to provide them with a sufficient water supply. It is observed in this case that the frugality of the selected plants leads to low water consumption, even in this case.

10 The installation of the drip or any other means of water supply must be done without any attack on the integrity of the metal elements of the gabion cages.

The irrigation network, if chosen, can be placed as the construction of the element 7 that crosses the 15 culture cylinders takes place 19. It can be complemented by a network in the upper part of the core 9 and / or also placed in the part high of item 7.

Water can be fed manually at regular intervals.

20 In order to favor the migration of the roots of the plants to the core 9, the latter's water feed will preferably be made and maintained for a few months while that of the whole 7 will be progressively reduced and then canceled.

A water withdrawal phase must be planned and planned.

25 It should be noted that the absence of compartmentalization between the culture cylinder 19 and the core 9 allows the roots of these plants to extend not only inside the substrate 23, but also inside the core assembly 9, where they find the nutritive matter necessary for its perenniality.

30 This communication of the culture cylinders 19 with the core 9 that rests on the gabion wall constitutes an essential difference of the present invention with respect to the system that existed in the prior art.

Advantageously, in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1, it is of course also possible to grow plants 15 directly on the core 9, in addition to the 25 that grow in the visible part of the wall of 35 gabions 7.

As can be understood in the light of the above description, the present invention provides a structure that allows to make gabion walls that can be perennially vegetarian, with a minimum of maintenance for the desired purpose.

40 This structure may be associated with support structures or have an absorbent or reflective acoustic screen, alone or associated with other material of wood concrete panels.

This opens a new field of exploration for landscape designers, who frequently have the concern of tempering the mineral aspect of the works, in particular the type of gabions, by placing plants whose maintenance is compatible with the operating limitations.

Its modularity in itself, or in association with other structures that guarantee other functions, opens an almost infinite field of creativity and adaptability to different environments and situations.

50 Modularity is also dimensional, taking into account the wide range of dimensions of gabion cages. It is also related to the variety of its appearance and the structures that exist in the market.

Of course, the present invention is not at all limited to the described and represented embodiments, provided by way of simple examples.

Thus, for example, that the gabion walls with vegetation described above could be used in combination with other supporting elements, such as concrete, gabion, reinforced earth walls, etc.

60 That is also why gabion walls with vegetation 3 could be used to perform other types of works in association with support devices (a row of support gabions on the opposite side of the set 7 and solidarity of 9 for example) or only, in particular for edges of water courses, or of hydraulic works (storm tanks, etc.) or also as elements of urban furniture (benches of gabions with vegetation of this type and crowned with a wooden seat or other, etc.

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Claims (7)

1. Structure (3; 39) comprising a core (9) formed by a mixture of earth and stones and a gabion wall (7a, 7b) attached to this core (9), characterized in that said gabions (7a, 7b) are filled in 5 part with culture cylinders (19), each culture cylinder comprising a retention napkin (21) filled with culture substrate (23), the retention nappa (21) being arranged so that, on the one hand, it emerges on the visible face of the gabions (7a, 7b) and, on the other hand, ensure the continuity of the substrate (23) with the core (9). 2. Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said core (9) is part of the elements that form the culture substrate. 3. Structure according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the retention naps (21) are made of a material selected from the group comprising geotextiles, non-woven fabrics and geosers of fibers of natural origin. fifteen 4. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (9) is contained by a material selected from the group comprising the geotextiles and nonwovens, applied on the side of the embankment against the gabion metal panel before filling. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an acoustic screen (11), said core (9) being then trapped between this screen (11) and said gabion wall (7). 6. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the core (9) is associated with a structure different from an acoustic screen, which has or does not have a support function and / or a decorative function, 25 selected from the group of concrete walls, gabion walls, works using the so-called reinforced earth technique, wood planks or other materials adapted to the boarding. 7. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be associated with a structure specifically intended for a support function, but to which it can be physically attached by means suitable for both structures. 8. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is self-stable. 7