FR3106601A1 - Road surface covering slab - Google Patents

Abstract

Road surface covering slab (1), comprising a substantially flat plate (2) and stiffeners (3), arranged on the same face of the plate (2), substantially perpendicular to the plate (2). Abstract figure: Figure 7

Description

Road surface slab

The invention relates to the field of surface covering for roads: road, path, sidewalk, etc.

It is known to make a floor covering to use concrete or bituminous or granular products, most often deposited continuously on the road to be coated. A continuous coating has the disadvantage of having to be opened, then closed, by means of heavy public works machinery, which produces certain disadvantages such as carbon impact, noise pollution and inconvenience caused by urban works, during each modification of the network infrastructures located under the coating. These coatings are most often impermeable to rainwater. They have gentle slopes, limited by the standards of access for people with reduced mobility. They lead rainwater to grids and drains collecting them in territorial retention and infiltration networks. However, faced with a strong increase, sanitation regulations are increasingly limiting the discharge of rainwater into these territorial networks. In addition, the materials traditionally used, concrete or bituminous or granular products, require sand, which suffers from a global deficit, and oil, whose resources are running out.

Also, a new paradigm is sought in order to respond to all or part of these drawbacks and to propose an economical, ecological, modular and sustainable replacement solution. Indeed, this allows the recycling of certain products which can constitute significant savings.

In order to solve this problem, the invention proposes a modular road flooring, in the form of slabs, simple to produce, simple to lay, in a sustainable and economical way.

For this, the subject of the invention is a road surface covering slab comprising a substantially flat plate and stiffeners, arranged on the same face of the plate, substantially perpendicular to the plate. The surface of the slab is not necessarily flat and regular and can be of totally irregular shape to generate noise or annoyance or a feeling of discomfort for the motorist and thus act on the speed reduction when entering the street For example.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are:
- the plate has a shape capable of producing a paving, preferably hexagonal,
- the stiffeners have a substantially constant height, perpendicular to the plate, and form emerging cells, preferably hexagonal and again preferably adjacent in a honeycomb network,

- the stiffeners have a height allowing contact with the ground, for a better distribution of the load supported by the plate, this leads to greater stability of the slab,
- the plate comprises at least one hole, preferably circular, still preferably of dimensions between 5 and 20 mm,
- at least one stiffener comprises at least one hole,

- the position of the slab gives the holes in the stiffeners the regulation of harvested water,
- the plate comprises, at its periphery, at least one substantially semi-annular cavity in order to allow a connection with an adjacent slab by means of a substantially annular bracelet made of elastomeric material, the bracelet allows the distribution of the tangential forces of traction and intra-slab compression.
- one face of the plate, on the side opposite the stiffeners, has significant roughness, obtained by conformation or by inclusion,
- The tray further comprises, in its center, an insert, preferably circular and preferably removable, this insert is not systematic.
- the plate also includes a heating cord capable of de-icing the plate,
- the plate and stiffeners still include at least one embrittlement, in order to be able to bend the plate along a straight line and break the underlying stiffeners,
- the slab is made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, preferably filled with fibers.

In a second aspect of the invention, an assembly stud 9 for assembling at least two slabs, comprising at least one finger of complementary shape to the stiffeners so as to engage the stiffeners to assemble said at least two adjacent slabs.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are:
- the assembly stud is made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, rigid or flexible preferably loaded with fibers.

In a third aspect of the invention, a riser substantially stackable with a slab and comprises stiffeners, parallel to each other, of substantially constant height, preferably forming open cells, preferably hexagonal and even preferably adjacent in a honeycomb network and stackable with the stiffeners of a slab or another extension.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are:
- the riser is made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, rigid or flexible, preferably filled with fibers.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:

presents in perspective view from above an embodiment of a slab according to the invention,

shows in perspective view from below the slab of figure 1,

illustrates the assembly of the slabs by means of assembly studs,

illustrates the assembly of the tiles using elastomer bracelets,

presents in detail the slab / assembly pad interface,

presents in perspective view an embodiment of a riser,

presents in perspective view an equipped road,

shows in cut perspective view the interface between a slab and an insert.

Referring to Figure 1, a slab 1 of road surface covering, comprises a plate 2 substantially planar. As more particularly visible in FIG. 2, a slab 1 also comprises stiffeners 3, arranged on one and the same face of the plate 2, fixed to the plate 2 substantially perpendicularly.

According to another characteristic, the external shape of the slab 1 and therefore the shape of the plate 2 have a shape capable of producing a paving. Here we mean a paving in the mathematical sense, i.e. a complete covering of a surface, here the surface of a road, without space. This implies in particular that the type or types of slabs (the tiling may include more than one type of slab) have certain geometric characteristics (connectivity, complementarity, symmetry(ies), etc.) allowing this tiling. A paving with one type of slab can, for example, comprise slabs according to a regular polyhedron: triangle, square, hexagon. According to a preferred characteristic, in that it makes it possible to better distribute the forces, a slab 1 has a regular hexagonal shape.

Given the intended use of such a slab 1 in road covering, its size must be large enough to quickly cover a road surface. Conversely, its size must remain quite limited to allow easy handling, advantageously by a single person. Also the “diametrical” dimension of a slab 1 is between 30 cm and 200 cm, with two preferred embodiments: a small one of 50 cm and a large one of 100 cm.

According to another characteristic, the stiffeners 3 have a height, perpendicular to the plate 2, which is substantially constant. This height determines the height of the slab 1. This height is between 5 and 20 cm, with a preferential value of 8 cm. The stiffeners 3 advantageously form a peripheral contour resuming the shape, for example hexagonal, of the plate 2. The stiffeners 3 are again arranged under the surface of the plate 2, advantageously in a distributed manner. They can be of any shape. Advantageously, they are flat in order to simplify their manufacture.

According to another characteristic, the stiffeners 3 join together, in order to mutually reinforce each other and form cells. These cells can be of any shape, in a plane parallel to the plate 2, but are preferably hexagonal. Thus these cells are still preferentially adjacent to form a honeycomb network.

According to another characteristic, the stiffeners 3 only comprise faces perpendicular to the plate 2. Thus any cells formed are open downwards, in order to promote the vertical flow of rainwater.

A slab 1 is intended to cover a road. It must be able to support a pedestrian and/or a rolling vehicle. For this, depending on the constituent material of the slab 1, and the final destination: sidewalk, roadway, its dimensions may vary. Thus the plate 2 has a thickness of between 5 and 30 mm. The stiffeners 3 have a thickness of between 5 and 30 mm. It is possible to distinguish 3 peripheral stiffeners whose thickness is between 5 and 30 mm and internal 3 stiffeners which may have a lower thickness, typically between 2 and 10 mm.

Similarly, any cells may be more or less dense depending on the loads. Also the size of the cells is advantageously between 30 and 100 mm.

One of the functions of a slab 1 is to help treat rainwater. For this, according to another characteristic, the plate 2 comprises at least one hole 4. Such a hole 4 can be of any shape. A circular shape is however preferred. The dimensions of hole 4 are less than 20 mm to meet a standard for people with reduced mobility. It is also advisable not to have a dimension that is too small leading to a risk of clogging. Also, the dimensions of the hole 4 are advantageously greater than 5 mm. The dimensions of the hole 4 are still preferably less than 10 mm so as not to risk retaining the thinnest heels.

The holes 4 are advantageously evenly distributed over the surface of the plate 2. In the example shown, the holes 4 are made around a central circle and along the 6 “spokes” of the hexagon. The number of holes 4 can be adapted to the rainfall.

As an indication, the slab 1 illustrated, for a diameter of 1 m, has a percolation capacity of around 70 m ³ /h.

This at least one hole 4 allows the water present on the plate 2 to percolate under the plate 2. Once under the plate 2, it can reach the ground and infiltrate there to the right of the slab 1, thanks to the downward opening of the stiffeners 3 / open cells. If the infiltration is insufficient, the slab 1, by means of the stiffeners 3/cells provides temporary storage of rainwater awaiting its flow/infiltration.

According to another characteristic, at least one stiffener 3 comprises at least one hole 5. Such a hole 5, drilled in a vertical stiffener 3 when the slab 1 is operational, allows lateral flow of rainwater for collection by a network or infiltration under another slab 1. The orientation of the slabs according to the slope or perpendicular to the slope allows an acceleration or a slowing down of the flow of water.

As an indication, the slab 1 illustrated, for a height of 8 cm offers a storage volume of approximately 75 l/m². Thus a slab 1 with a diameter of 1 m offers a storage volume of around 50 l.

As seen in Figures 1 and 3 and more particularly in Figure 4, the plate 2 comprises, at its periphery, at least one substantially semi-annular cavity 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each slab 1 comprises 2 such semi-annular cavities 10 per side, ie 6 cavities 10. Two identical slabs 1, arranged side by side, have their cavities 10 facing each other. Two facing cavities 10 then form an annular cavity capable of receiving a bracelet 11 that is substantially annular. A bracelet 11 is flexible, for example made of elastomeric material. This makes it possible to create a connection between adjacent slabs 1. According to a preferred characteristic, the semi-annular cavities 10 are arranged in an evenly distributed manner on the periphery/on each side of the plate 2.

It has been seen that the stiffeners 3 are found under the slab 1 in use. Also the other face 6 of the plate 2, on the side opposite the stiffeners 3, is the upper surface, visible. As a visible face, it can have any aesthetic or decorative finish. Face 6 is the face supporting trampling and/or rolling. As a wear face, it may comprise a surface wear layer, for example added. In order to still provide good grip, including in wet or icy conditions, this face 6 has significant roughness. This roughness can be obtained by shaping the surface of this face 6. It can be machined. It is still possible to imitate, for example, by molding, any surface condition. It is thus possible to reproduce the roughness of a concrete, granular or bituminous coating. This roughness can also be obtained, alternatively or additionally, by inclusion. It is thus possible to include grains of sand or other equivalent hard bodies on the surface.

The plate 2 of Figure 1 is in one piece. According to an alternative characteristic, visible in Figures 3, 4 and in more detail in Figure 8, the plate 2 further comprises, preferably in its center, an insert 7. This insert 7 can have any shape, with a preference for a shape having a central symmetry, in order to allow several orientations. Thus a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc. allows 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, etc. respectively. different directions. According to another preferred characteristic, this shape is circular in order to allow all orientations indiscriminately. Said insert 7 is advantageously removable.

Such an insert 7 can be used to produce signage. Thus, as shown, insert 7 includes an “information office” pictogram accompanied by an arrow indicating the direction to get there. Insert 7 can still include functional elements: such as solar collectors, lighting, etc. This makes it possible to create dynamic signage, in that it includes, for example, flashing.

The size/proportion of the insert 7 can be any. The model shown has a dimension/diameter of approximately 20 cm.

According to another characteristic, the plate 2 also comprises a heating cord capable of de-icing the plate 2. This heating cord can be integrated in the thickness or advantageously at the periphery of the plate 2.

A slab 1 is most often arranged flat and substantially horizontally. It may still happen that the coating produced with the tiles 1 has differences in level. It is also possible to bend a slab 1. This folding is carried out along a straight line, according to an angle, positive or negative, of amplitude at most equal to 15°. To achieve such a folding it is necessary to break the stiffeners 4 present at the right of the folding line. In order to facilitate the folding operation, the plate 2 and/or stiffeners 4 advantageously further comprise at least one embrittlement. This embrittlement makes it possible to simplify the operation of breaking the stiffeners 4 underlying the bend line and the bending operation of the plate 2. This embrittlement is achieved for example by local reduction in the thickness of material.

A slab 1 can be made of any material. Preferably, it can be made of plastic material, concrete, composite material or any equivalent material. It is possible to load said concrete with reinforcing materials, such as fibers. Even more preferably, in order to propose an ecological, economical and sustainable alternative, a slab 1 can be made of plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material: polyethylene, polyolefin, etc. It is still possible to reinforce the plastic matrix by inserting fibers, such as glass or other. It is possible and advantageous to use recycled plastic. Thus, while concrete, granular or bituminous materials are suffering from a scarcity, the invention offers an outlet for the very demanding sector of plastic recycling. Advantageously, a slab 1 is recyclable.

It is still possible to include in the composition of the material of a slab 1, other components: adjuvant, tint, UV protection, etc.

A slab 1 can be made by any means. Preferably, it can be made by molding. This technique is classic and simple to implement, both for concrete and for plastic and allows large series. Alternatively a slab 1 can be produced by 3D printing. This technique is operational for plastic and emerging for concrete.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the invention also relates to an assembly stud 9. Such an assembly stud 9 is shaped to allow the assembly of at least two adjacent slabs. For this, an assembly stud 9 comprises at least one finger 14, of complementary shape to the stiffeners 3. Thus, said at least one finger 14 is able to engage the stiffeners 3. Such an assembly stud 9 is advantageously arranged at the border between at least two slabs 1, or at the border between two or preferably three hexagonal slabs. An assembly stud 9 comprises at least one finger 14 capable of engaging the stiffeners of each of the adjacent slabs to assemble them. As shown in Figure 5, the assembly studs 9 are arranged under the slabs 1, i.e. against the underlying ground. An assembly stud 9 can be fixed to the ground by at least one screw 15. It is likewise possible to fix the slabs 1 on the assembly studs 9 by at least one screw 15. According to a preferred embodiment, a screw 15 is arranged at the border between two or preferably three slabs 1 and is screwed into an assembly stud 9, preferably at its center.

Like a slab 1, an assembly stud 9 can advantageously be made by molding or by 3D printing, in plastic material or concrete, preferably loaded with fibers.

The invention also relates to a riser 12. Such a riser 12 is illustrated in Figure 6. It is substantially superimposable with a slab 1, in that it has substantially the shape of a slab 1. It advantageously comprises stiffeners 13 , parallel to each other, vertical, of substantially constant height, preferentially forming open-ended cells, preferentially hexagonal and even preferentially adjacent in a honeycomb network.

According to an important feature, the stiffeners 13 are shaped so that a slab 1 is stackable on a riser 12 and more so that a riser 12 is stackable on another riser 12.

The stiffeners 13 are uncorked so as not to oppose a vertical flow of liquid. In addition, the stiffeners 13 advantageously include holes 17 in their walls, all vertical, in order to allow lateral/horizontal circulation of rainwater.

As shown in Figure 7, it is possible to stack at least one riser 12 and, if necessary, up to four risers 12, or even more. Such a stack can accommodate an irregularity in the underlying ground. It can still allow for an increase in liquid storage capacity. Thus an extension 12, as illustrated, with a height of 12 cm, adds a storage capacity of 120 l/m², i.e. 80 l for a 1 m extension. Thus, even more risers 12 can be added if the underlying soil is not very absorbent, or if the rainwater flows are high.

Like the slabs 1 and the assembly studs 9, a riser 12 is advantageously made by molding, injection or 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, preferably loaded with fibers.

As an indication, for a plastic construction, a 1 m slab 1 has a weight of approximately 11 kg. An extension of the same material and size has a weight of approximately 12 kg. The weight is indicative and may vary depending on the material and dimensions. This allows easy handling by a single operator.

As shown in Figure 7, a coating made of slabs 1 allows integration of the technical shafts of the various networks 18 that may be present under a road. The invention provides ease of access to these networks 18. It is indeed easy to dismantle one or more slabs 1 and then reassemble them, without requiring a public works machine and its operator. This is to be compared to the bleeding of a concrete or bitumen coating, and its subsequent repair. The ease of assembly / disassembly is still advantageous for replacing a slab 1, for changing its color or its appearance or for renovating it. An old slab 1 removed can advantageously be recycled.

The use of slabs 1, which crisscross the road surface, further facilitates the identification of the position of the networks 18. The identification can be obtained by “counting” the slabs 1 or even be written on the slabs 1 themselves.

The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description. This must be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Many variant embodiments are possible.

1: slab,
2: tray,
3: stiffener,
4: hole (tray),
5: hole (stiffener),
6: wear face,
7: insert,
8: heating cord,
9: assembly stud,
10: semi-annular cavity,
11: ring bracelet,
12: riser,
13: stiffener (raise)
14: finger,
15: screw,
16: raised body,
17: riser hole,
18: networks.

Claims (15)

Slab (1) for road surface covering, characterized in that it comprises a substantially flat plate (2) and stiffeners (3), arranged on the same face of the plate (2), substantially perpendicular to the plate (2) . Slab (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plate (2) has a shape capable of producing a paving, preferably hexagonal. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stiffeners (3) have a substantially constant height, perpendicular to the plate (2), and form emerging cells, preferably hexagonal and even more preferably adjacent in a honeycomb network . Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (2) comprises at least one hole (4), preferably circular, more preferably of dimensions between 5 and 20 mm. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one stiffener (3) comprises at least one hole (5). Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (2) comprises, at its periphery, at least one substantially semi-annular cavity (10) in order to allow a connection with an adjacent slab by means of a strap (11) substantially annular in elastomeric material. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where one face (6) of the plate (2), on the side opposite the stiffeners (3), has a high roughness, obtained by conformation or by inclusion. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (2) further comprises, preferably in its center, an insert (7), preferably circular and preferably removable. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plate (2) further comprises a heating cord capable of de-icing the plate (2). Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (2) and stiffeners (4) further comprise at least one embrittlement, in order to be able to bend the plate (2) along a straight line and break the stiffeners ( 4) underlyings. Slab (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, produced by molding or by 3D printing, in plastic material or concrete, preferably filled with fibres. Assembly block (9) for assembling at least two slabs (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, adjacent, characterized in that it comprises at least one finger (14) of complementary shape to the stiffeners ( 3) so as to engage the stiffeners (3) to assemble said at least two adjacent slabs (1). Assembly block (9) according to the preceding claim, made by molding or by 3D printing, in plastic material or concrete, preferably filled with fibers. Extension (12) characterized in that it is substantially superimposable with a slab (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and in that it comprises stiffeners (13), parallel to each other, of height substantially constant, preferably forming emerging cells, preferably hexagonal and again preferably adjacent in a honeycomb network and stackable with the stiffeners of a slab (1) or another riser (12). Riser (12) according to the preceding claim, produced by injection molding or by 3D printing, in plastic material, concrete or composite material, preferably filled with fibers.