GB2472765A

GB2472765A - Foundation system with interlocking panels

Info

Publication number: GB2472765A
Application number: GB0910277A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Martin Welters
Original assignee: WELTERS ORGANISATION WORLDWIDE
Current assignee: WELTERS ORGANISATION WORLDWIDE
Priority date: 2009-06-15
Filing date: 2009-06-15
Publication date: 2011-02-23
Also published as: GB0910277D0

Abstract

A foundation system is disclosed comprising a plurality of first members 2, each one accurately positioned on the site in relation to a secure substrate and arranged both end to end in lines and in essentially parallel rows spaced apart by a predetermined distance and a plurality of second members 3 which can be secured to the first members 2 and bridge the gap between any two first members in any two adjacent rows of first members, so that the whole forms a continuous platform on what may be unstable ground. The second members 3, when attached to the first members, enclose a void underneath themselves and between the adjacent first members 2. The means of securing the first members may be via ground screws 4. Burial chambers 8 may be placed on the second members 3, with the gaps therebetween filled with soil or infill. The foundation system may be used to stabilize unstable ground for use as a cemetery. A method of creating the foundation system is also disclosed.

Description

FOUNDATION SYSTEM

This specification relates to a means for providing a foundation on marshy, waterlogged or otherwise unstable ground so that building operations may be conducted thereon.

With the pressure for more and more new building and limited land available in the required areas, land which would previously have been considered unsuitable is now being used.

Such land might be flood plains, marsh ground and land previously used for waste disposal or landfill. There are many cases where structures on land, which does not fall into this category, have suffered over the years due to inadequate foundations. For example, a visit to an old cemetery will usually show leaning headstones and lopsided graves, where subsidence over the years (sometimes centuries) has left matters far from perfect.

Due to pressure of land and the requirement for new cemeteries, it is often the poorest quality sites which are designated for this purpose, while the better land is reserved for housing and industrial development. While this might be a commercial necessity, it makes no sense to construct a cemetery on a site, where subsidence and heave are likely to destroy the alignment of graves in a relatively few years. In addition to adding to maintenance costs, this situation would destroy the dignity of those buried there and demean the sense of tranquillity for the relatives who wanted to pay their respects to the departed.

Thus, there is a need for a foundation system to allow civil engineering operations to be conducted on marginal land so that the structures or buildings erected thereon will remain intact and unaffected by the weather for at least the normal period expected of properly constructed structures or buildings.

According to the invention, there is provided a foundation system comprising:-i) a site on which a foundation for a civil engineering operation is required; ii) a plurality of first members, each accurately positioned on the site and arranged both end-to-end in lines and in essentially parallel rows spaced apart by a predetermined distance; iii) a plurality of second members adapted to engage with the first members and bridge the gap between any Iwo first members in any two adjacent rows of first members; iv) means on both first and second members to allow axial interlocking between any two adjacent first members and between any two adjacent second members; and v) means to secure first and second members together at their points of engagement; characterised in that the accurate positioning is obtained by positively locating the first members in relation to a secure substrate underneath the site and further characterised in that fitting the second members encloses a void underneath said second member and between the adjacent first members so that the whole site in covered by first and second members to form a foundation on which civil engineering operations may be undertaken.

According to a first variation of the apparatus of the invention, the topsoil is removed to a given depth and the site levelled or terraced.

According to a second variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of accurately positioning the first members is via ground screws into the secure substrate.

According to a third variation of the apparatus of the invention, a collar is provided fast with the ground screw below the first member to add to the positive locating of the first member.

According to a fourth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the secure substrate is bedrock or an equally secure foundation layer.

According to a fifth variation of the apparatus of the invention, both first and second members are in the form of channel sections.

According to a sixth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the first members are placed with their open channel sections facing upwards.

According to a seventh variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second members are placed with their open channel sections facing downwards.

According to an eighth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of axially interlocking a first member with an adjacent first member and a second member with an adjacent second member is a tongue and grooved interengement.

According to a ninth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the first and second members are made of reinforced concrete.

According to a tenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of engagement of the second members with the first members is by overlapping the sides of the channel sections.

According to an eleventh variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of securing the first and second members together at their points of engagement is via pins in holes.

According to a twelfth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the means of securing the first and second members together at their points of engagement is via nuts and bolts.

According to a thirteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the voids created underneath the second members extend the full length of the rows.

According to a fourteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, all metal components are of materials suitable for indefinite exposure to a wet, underground environment.

According to a fifteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the second members are adapted for items to be placed thereon.

According to a sixteenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, the items placed on the second members are burial chambers.

According to a seventeenth variation of the apparatus of the invention, topsoil or other infihl is placed in the gaps between the burial chambers.

According to the invention, a method of creating a foundation system is taught comprising:-I) providing a site on which a foundation for a civil engineering operation is required; ii) removing a portion of topsoil and levelling, or terracing, the site; iii) providing a plurality of first members, and accurately positioning each on the site and arranging them both end-to-end in lines and in essentially parallel rows spaced apart by a predetermined distance; iv) providing a plurality of second members adapted to engage with the first members and placing them to bridge the gap between any two first members in any two adjacent rows of first members; v) providing a means on both first and second members to allow axial interlocking between any two adjacent first members and between any two adjacent second members; vi) providing a means to secure first and second members together at their points of engagement; and vii) replacing some I all of the topsoil or adding hardcore, concrete etc. to allow the civil engineering operation to be commenced; charactensed in that the accurate positioning is obtained by positively locating the first members in relation to a secure substrate underneath the site and further characterised in that fitting the second members encloses a void underneath said second member and between the adjacent first members so that the whole site in covered by first and second members to form a firm foundation.

According to a first variation of the method of the invention, the first members are made fast with the secure substrate layer via ground screws.

According to a second variation of the method of the invention, the means of securing the second members to the first members is by pinning or bolting.

According to a third variation of the method of the invention, burial chambers are placed on top of the second members.

According to a fourth variation of the method of the invention, the gaps between the burial chambers are filled with topsoil or infill.

According to a fifth variation of the method of the invention, hardcore is placed on the foundation to form the base for paving.

According to a sixth variation of the method of the invention, concrete is placed on the foundation to support a building.

In a preferred application of the invention, a wet, or potentially wet, site is levelled and some I all the topsoil removed. After surveying and marking out, first channel members are laid out in lines and in rows parallel to each other, with the open end upwards, and screwed into the bedrock. Second channel members are placed as bridging members, with the open end downwards, between adjacent rows and secured to the first members, thus forming an extended foundation area. The first and second channel members interengage with each other to form a continuous area. Voids under the second channel members provide egress for water and space to accommodate ground movement.

In one preferred application, burial chambers are placed on the tops of the second members and the gaps between the chambers are filled with topsoil or infihl to form a neatly ordered, cemetery.

For a clearer understanding of the invention and to show how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawing in which:-Figure us a perspective view of two lower channel members of the invention; Figure 2 is an end elevation of the foundation system of the invention used for supporting burial chambers; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the foundation system of Fig. 2 used to support burial chambers; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the foundation system of Fig 2 used to support burial chambers; Figure 5 is a sectional end elevation of the foundation system of the invention in situ but without the burial chambers; Figure 6 is a perspective view of complete graves supported by the foundation system of the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a single burial chamber showing the engagement of the location means; Figure 8 is a sectional elevation of a ground screw and associated equipment; and Figure 9 is a plan view of one design of a locking collar 19.

In the following description, the same reference numeral is used for identical parts or for different parts fulfilling an identical function.

In order to install the foundation 1 of the invention, an appropriate thickness of top soil is removed and stored at a suitable location.

Referring to Figs. 1 -7, the foundation system consists of lower channel members 2, which are carefully positioned and screwed 4 into bedrock 12 or a suitably secure foundation stratum. Channel members 2 have their open sides facing upwards. Screw 4 locates channel 2 in the vertical plane against movement both upwards, via bolt head 16, and downwards, via collar 19. Adjacent channels 2 interengage via means 5. Any means 5 is suitable but a simple tongue and groove arrangement is preferred. Channels 5 are made of precast concrete, with suitable reinforcement. As shown (Fig. 1) channels are arranged end-to-end in parallel lines and spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Channels 2 are now effectively located in each of the X, V and Z planes (Fig. I).

Upper channel members 3 are now placed, with their open sides facing downwards, as bridging members over the gaps between pairs of adjacent lower channels 2, as shown (Figs. 2, 4, 5 and 6). As shown the edges of each of the channels 2 and 3 fit closely together and are secured in position by locking pins 6 in holes 7. Like channels 2, channels 3 are made of reinforced concrete and are provide with interengaging means 5.

Figs. 4 and 7 show how burial chambers 8 are fitted between locating means 15 on channels 3, so that chambers 8 are located an appropriate distance apart for pall bearers to carry a coffin (not shown) over a chamber 8 and inter it. The ground level 9 is shown as it would be after the topsoil 10 had been replaced. The final grave layout (less topsoil) is shown in Fig. 6. Typically, chambers 8 are sized to hold two or three coffins, with internal horizontal dividing panels (not shown), resting on lands (not shown) separating the coffins but the principle of the invention is adaptable to any given requirement.

Fig. 5 shows how screws 4 pass through lower channels 2, through subsoil 11 into bedrock 12. Screws 4 locate channels 2 positively in the vertical (�Z) plane. Though burial chambers 8 are not shown, topsoil 10 up to ground level 9 is shown for completeness.

Though the use for supporting burial chamber 8 has been taught, the foundation system 1 may be used for many other purposes. For example, topsoil 10 could be replaced by a layer of hardcore (not shown) on which paving (not shown) could be laid to create a paved area. Alternatively, a concrete pad (not shown) could be laid down on which a small building (not shown) could be built. In this case, screws 4 would be appropriately sized to carry the weight. Another option is a Garden of Remembrance.

It will be noted that voids 13 are created under upper channels 3. These are very important in that voids 13 act as conduits under foundation 1. In the event that heavy rain saturates subsoil 11, excess water can runaway along conduit 13. Where this was likely to happen, a separate drainage conduit (not shown) would be provided to link the lower ends of all conduits 13 to allow this excess water to run off to a drain or watercourse. If, because of its saturation, subsoil 11 heaved, this movement could be accommodated with some of the subsoil 11 moving into some I all of the voids 13, i.e. these voids 13 would act as safety valves' under foundation 1. If, on the other hand, there was a prolonged drought, subsoil 11 might shrink, crack and pull down from the undersides on channels 2. This would not affect foundation 1 as this relies on screws 4 for its location and load bearing support.

Fig. 8 shows the ground screw 4, with its bolt head 16, pointed end 21 and screw threads 22. Symbol 20 indicates any appropriate length of shaft 4. Shaft 4 is passed through load spreading washer 17, through clearance hole 23 in channel 2 and through load spreading washer 18 before locking collar 19 is fitted. Collar 19 is sized to grip shaft 4 above the screwed portion 22 and is clamped tightly onto shaft 4. An appropriate method of clamping is used, e.g. grub screws or a circumferential clamp 25, similar to that used for drum closures, in which operation 27 of handle 26 of clamp 25 closes radial cut 28, thus gripping shaft 4 (Fig. 9). In the event of a drought and subsoil 11 drying out and pulling away from the underside of channel 2, channel 2 would not sink with it as collar 19 would hold channel 2 in place.

Because screw 4, washers 17 and 18 collar 19 and clamp 25, 26 and 27 would be underground and wet for, perhaps, centuries, appropriately corrosion resistant materials would be used. Because screw 4 and washers 17 and 18 are metal passing through concrete channel 2 and because screw 4 has to be fitted into bedrock 12 a little clearance, e.g. 2-3 mm, is provided between shaft 4 and hole 23 and between washers 17, 18 and the adjacent faces of channel 2 (as shown in Fig. 8); this will allow for any minor misalignment when fixing screw 4, e.g. in case it hits a stone and goes slightly off line, or slight subsequent movements.

To use the foundation system, topsoil 10 is first cleared to give a level site, or series of terraces, as required, and the site is accurately surveyed and marked out. Channel members 2 are laid out in position on subsoil 11 and the depth to bedrock 12 measured by probing with screws 4. Using the appropriate length screw 4, the assembly in Fig. 8 is S fitted to a first channel member 2. Channel 2 is aligned, its position checked and screw 4 driven into bedrock 12, e.g. by using a hammer action device on bolt 16. The next channel 2 is prepared, interlocked 5 and fitted and the process repeated (Fig. 1) until the first row (or line) of channels 2 is complete. The row is checked for horizontalness and any bolts 16 adjusted accordingly, if anything is out of alignment. Second (Fig. 1) and subsequently rows are fitted in the same way.

When a number of rows are in place and checked for alignment, upper channels 3 are fitted and secured in place by pins 6 in holes 7. When the whole foundation 1 is complete, chambers 8 are placed on channels 3 between locating members 15 (Fig. 4). Chambers 8 are covered 14 (Fig. 6 but without headstones 14) and the topsoil 10 replaced (Fig. 5). As the chambers are used, headstones 14 are added.

Though the use of foundation 1 in connection with cemeteries has been taught, there are many other applications of the principle, all falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims: 1. A foundation system comprising:-i) a site on which a foundation for a civil engineering operation is required; ii) a plurality of first members, each accurately positioned on the site and arranged both end-to-end in lines and in essentially parallel rows spaced apart by a predetermined distance; iii) a plurality of second members adapted to engage with the first members and bridge the gap between any two first members in any two adjacent rows of first members; iv) means on both first and second members to allow axial interlocking between any two adjacent first members and between any two adjacent second members; and v) means to secure first and second members together at their points of engagement; * *.I * 15 characterised in that the accurate positioning is obtained by positively locating the first * : * members in relation to a secure substrate underneath the site and further characterised in * *. that fitting the second members encloses a void underneath said second member and between the adjacent first members so that the whole site in covered by first and second *.* members to form a foundation on which civil engineering operations may be undertaken. * 20 * * *

* *
2. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the topsoil is removed to a * given depth and the site levelled or terraced.
3. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means of accurately positioning the first members is via ground screws into the secure substrate.
4. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 3, wherein a collar is provided fast with the ground screw below the first member to add to the positive locating of the first member.
5. A foundation system, as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the secure substrate is bedrock or an equally secure foundation layer.
6. A foundation system, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein both first and second members are in the form of channel sections.
7. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first members are placed with their open channel sections facing upwards.
8. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second members are placed with their open channel sections facing downwards.
9. A foundation system, as claimed in claims 7 and 8, wherein the means of axially interlocking a first member with an adjacent first member and a second member with an adjacent second member is a tongue and grooved interengement.
10. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second members are made of reinforced concrete.
11. A foundation system, as claimed in claims 7-9, wherein the means of engagement of the second members with the first members is by overlapping the sides of the channel sections. *... 15
12. A foundation system, as claimed in claims 9 and / or 11, wherein the means of * : * securing the first and second members together at their points of engagement is via pins in * ** holes. * I I **S. * I..*
13. A foundation system, as claimed in claims 9 and / or 11, wherein the means of *: *.: 20 securing the first and second members together at their points of engagement is via nuts * and bolts. *IS *14. A foundation system, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the voids created underneath the second members extend the full length of the rows.15. A foundation system, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein all metal components are of materials suitable for indefinite exposure to a wet, underground environment.16. A foundation system, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second members are adapted for items to be placed thereon.17. A foundation system, as claimed in claim 16, wherein the items placed on the second members are burial chambers.18. A foundation system, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein topsoil or other infill is placed in the gaps between the burial chambers.19. A method of creating a foundation system comprising:-i) providing a site on which a foundation for a civil engineering operation is required; ii) removing a portion of topsoil and levelling, or terracing, the site; iii) providing a plurality of first members, and accurately positioning each on the site and arranging them both end-to-end in lines and in essentially parallel rows spaced apart by a predetermined distance; iv) providing a plurality of second members adapted to engage with the first members and placing them to bridge the gap between any two first members in any two adjacent rows of first members; v) providing a means on both first and second members to allow axial interlocking between any two adjacent first members and between any two adjacent second members; vi) providing a means to secure first and second members together at their points of engagement; and * vii) replacing some / all of the topsoil or adding hardcore, concrete etc. to allow the * ** civil engineering operation to be commenced; charactensed in that the accurate positioning is obtained by positively locating the *..* first members in relation to a secure substrate underneath the site and further charactensed in that fitting the second members encloses a void underneath said * second member and between the adjacent first members so that the whole site in S..covered by first and second members to form a firm foundation.20. A method of creating a foundation system, as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first members are made fast with the secure substrate layer via ground screws.21. A method of creating a foundation system, as claimed in claim 20, wherein the means of securing the second members to the first members is by pinning or bolting.22. A method of creating a foundation system, as claimed in claim 19, wherein burial chambers are placed on top of the second members.23. A method of creating a foundation system, as claimed in claim 22, wherein the gaps between the burial chambers are fifled with topsoil or infifl.24. A method of creating a foundation system, as claimed in claims 19-23, wherein hardcore is placed on the foundation to form the base for paving.25. A method of creating a foundation system, as claimed in claims 19-24, wherein concrete is placed on the foundation to support a building.26. Apparatus for and method of creating a foundation system as described in and by S the above statement with reference to the accompanying drawings. * * *I.. **SI*.. * I * I. * * * **S. * I.. * *. S * S S * *S * 55.S