GB2598911A

GB2598911A - A cable trough

Info

Publication number: GB2598911A
Application number: GB2014664.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Forrester Shaun; Fields Tim; Vallender Mark; Sayle Matt; Tench Dave; Dodd Jonathan
Original assignee: Anderton Concrete Products Ltd
Current assignee: Anderton Concrete Products Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-17
Filing date: 2020-09-17
Publication date: 2022-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-17
Also published as: GB2598911B; GB202014664D0

Abstract

A cementitious cable trough 12 suitable for housing a cable comprises a body comprising with a base wall 14 and a first and second side walls 16, 18 extending from the base wall 14. The body defines a channel to receive a cable. The body comprises a cementitious material. At least one of the base wall 14, first side wall 16 and second side wall 18 comprises a basalt reinforcing arrangement (see figure 3) therein. The basalt arrangement may comprise a basalt mesh. The basalt mesh may extend over the base wall 14. The basalt mesh may comprise a recess (figure 4a, 50) and projection (figure 4a, 52). A fence post comprising a cementitious material reinforced with a basalt reinforcing arrangement is also taught (see figures 6 and 7, 210). A gravel board comprising a cementitious material reinforced with a basalt reinforcing arrangement is also taught (see figure 8, 212).

Description

A Cable Trough

FIELD

The present teachings relate to a cable trough for housing a cable, a cable trough assembly, and a fence post and gravel board of a fence assembly.

BACKGROUND

Cementitious products, such as precast concrete products, are those that are prepared, cast and cured off-site, using moulds. These precast concrete products may then be joined together or to other products to form a structure. Such precast concrete may be used for a range of products, such as; railway cable troughs, structural beams, fence posts, gravel boards etc. In order to achieve a desired structural strength required for the application the amount of concrete used in the product may be increased and/or steel rods, wires, mesh or cables can be embedded in the concrete.

For precast concrete electrical cable troughs for the transportation network such as in railway infrastructures, for example, the most common cable trough assemblies are provided in the form of a series of pre-cast concrete cable troughs and associated concrete lids extending alongside a railway track. The weight of these traditional concrete cable troughs means that they sit stably on the track ballast and are relatively difficult to move once arranged in place. However, this means that the cable troughs are difficult heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to transport by construction works on site, and during the manufacturing process. Additionally, there are concerns that the manual transportation of heavy precast concrete products, such as these cable troughs, poses a health and safety threat to construction workers.

The present teachings seek to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the teachings provides a cable trough for housing a cable, the cable trough comprising: a body comprising a base wall and first and second side walls extending from said base wall so as to define an elongate channel for receiving a cable; wherein the base wall, first side wall and second side wall comprise a cementitious material; and wherein at least one of the base wall, first side wall and second side wall comprises a reinforcing arrangement, the reinforcing arrangement comprising a basalt reinforcing arrangement.

Advantageously, the reinforcing arrangement improves the structural strength of the cable trough. Providing a basalt reinforcement has been found to reduce oxidation of the reinforcing arrangement, providing increased corrosion resistance in the cable trough. The increase in corrosion resistance means that the cable trough is less likely to crack, and the lifetime of the cable trough therefore increases.

Additionally, this increased corrosion resistance provided by the reinforcing arrangement enables the thickness of the cementitious product, i.e. the thickness of the base and side walls, to be reduced whilst providing a required structural strength, thus reducing the volume of cementitious material required to form a cable trough.

The basalt reinforcing arrangement may comprise a plurality of elongate basalt members. The elongate basalt members may be arranged into an overlapping array to form a basalt mesh.

The basalt reinforcing arrangement may comprise a basalt mesh.

Advantageously, the basalt mesh has been found to provide increased structural support to the cable trough.

The basalt mesh may comprise a base mesh that extends over the base wall. The base mesh may extend substantially over an entirety of the base wall.

Advantageously, this arrangement has been found to increase the structural strength of the base wall, and so of the cable trough as a whole.

The base wall may comprise an alignment arrangement in the form of a projection at a first elongate end thereof and a recess at a second elongate end thereof. The base mesh may conform to the shape of the base wall. The base mesh may comprise a recess and a projection corresponding to the projection and recess of the alignment arrangement of the base wall.

Providing a base mesh that conforms to the shape of the base wall has been found to improve the structural reinforcement provided by the basalt mesh.

The basalt mesh may comprise a side mesh that extends over the first side wall and/or a side mesh that extends over the second side wall. The basalt mesh may extend substantially over an entirety of the respective first side wall and/or second side wall.

Advantageously, having a reinforcing arrangement extending over the entirety of a side wall increases the strength of said side wall.

The side mesh may be arranged in the side wall so as to define a region of the side wall without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement. The side mesh may be arranged in the side wall so as to define a region of the side wall that does not include a basalt mesh.

The side mesh may comprise a cut-out section defining a region of the side wall without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement.

Providing a region on the side wall that does not include a basalt mesh provides a weakened region that an operator may be able to break through to form an inlet/outlet for cables.

The basalt mesh in the base wall may be separate from the basalt mesh in the first and/or second side wall.

Providing separate base mesh and side wall mesh sections has been found to facilitate manufacturing of the cable trough.

The basalt mesh in the base wall, first side wall and/or second side wall may be substantially planar.

Providing a planar mesh decreases the wall thickness necessary to embed the reinforcement therein.

The basalt mesh in the first and/or second side wall may be connected to the basalt mesh in the base wall via a plurality of connectors.

Advantageously, manufacturing the walls separately and assembling the basalt mesh using connectors has been found to facilitate manufacturing the cable trough.

The connectors may be provided as female-female connectors configured to connect to the base mesh and the side mesh.

The connectors may comprise a plastics material.

The basalt mesh may comprise an array of overlapping elongate basalt members, e.g. basalt rods.

Each elongate basalt member may comprise a diameter in the range lmm to 5mm, e.g. in the range 2mm to 3mm.

Adjacent elongate basalt members may be spaced apart by a distance in the range 40mm-60mm, for example approximately 50mm.

Advantageously, the diameter of the rods being within this range provides the strength requirements for the structure, whilst minimising the wall thickness and therefore maximising possible weight savings.

The reinforcing arrangement may comprise fibre reinforcement suspended in the cementitious material.

Advantageously, including fibre reinforcement reduces cracking and abrasion and increases the shear strength of the composite structure. Additionally, fibre reinforcement has been found to increase the tensile strength compared to normal cement. This enables the walls of the cable trough to be thinner.

One or more of the base wall, first side wall and/or second side wall may comprise fibre reinforcement.

The fibre reinforcement may extend over an entirety of the base wall, first side wall and second side wall.

Advantageously, incorporating fibre reinforcement over an entirety of the base wall and side walls improves the strength, and enables more uniform strength properties throughout the cable trough.

The concentration by weight of the fibre reinforcement in the cementitious material may be in the range 0.6kg/m3-10kg/m3.

The concentration by volume of the fibre reinforcement in the cementitious material may be in the range 0.1% to 0.3%.

Advantageously, having a fibre content in this range has been found to increase the tensile strength of the cementitious material.

The fibre reinforcement may comprise glass fibre reinforcement.

The length of each fibre may be in the range of 5mm to 20mm, for example approximately 12mm.

The fibre reinforcement may comprise an alkali resistant fibre reinforcement, for example alkali resistant glass fibre reinforcement.

The fibre reinforcement may comprise basalt fibres and/or carbon fibres and/or glass fibres.

The first side wall and/or second side wall may comprise a castellated surface arranged along an elongate length thereof.

Advantageously, incorporating castellations reduces the volume of cementitious material in the wall of the cable trough.

The castellated surface may extend along an external surface of the first side wall and/or second side wall.

Advantageously, positioning the castellations on the outer surfaces of the side walls means they do not obstruct the intersections of the inner side walls and the base wall. Additionally, there is greater space available around the outer walls meaning the castellations may be easier to manufacture.

The castellated surface(s) may comprise an array of stiffening ribs arranged along an elongate length of the respective side wall.

The stiffening ribs may be tapered in a direction away from the respective side wall.

According to a second aspect of the teachings, there is provided a cable trough assembly for housing a cable, the cable trough assembly comprising: a cable trough according to the first aspect, and a trough lid defining a body having an underside for positioning on the first and second side walls to enclose the elongate channel.

According to a third aspect of the teachings, there is provided a fence post of the kind intended to be upright in use for use in a fence assembly, the fence post comprising: an elongate body defining a front face, a rear face and two side faces; wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinally extending channel on the front face and/or the rear face; wherein a cross-sectional profile of the body defines first and second opposing side regions and a central web extending there between defining front and rear faces thereof, such that the body defines a substantially H-shaped, I-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional profile; wherein the fence post comprises cementitious material; and wherein at fence post comprises a reinforcing arrangement, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt reinforcing arrangement.

The basalt reinforcing arrangement may comprise a plurality of elongate basalt members.

The reinforcing arrangement may comprise an array of elongate basalt reinforcing members, e.g. basalt rods, extending along a longitudinal axis of the fence post.

The elongate basalt members may comprise a diameter in the range 4mm to 8mm, e.g. in the range 5mm to 7mm.

The array of elongate basalt members may be equally spaced about a substantially central elongate axis of the body.

The fibre reinforcement may comprise glass fibre reinforcement.

The fibre reinforcement may comprise an alkali resistant fibre reinforcement, for example an alkali resistant glass fibre reinforcement.

The cross-sectional profile of the body may comprises two opposing faces that are tapered. The side faces of the cross-sectional profile of the body may be tapered in a direction towards the front face of the body. The front face and rear face may be tapered in a direction towards a side face of the body.

According to a fourth aspect of the teachings, there is provided a gravel board for use in a fence assembly, the gravel board comprising: a substantially rectangular body comprising a front face and a rear face; wherein the front face and/or the rear face comprise at least one recessed section thereon, wherein the gravel board comprises a cementitious material, and wherein the gravel board comprises a reinforcing arrangement, and wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt reinforcing arrangement.

The reinforcing arrangement may comprise a basalt mesh extending over the body of the gravel board.

The basalt mesh may substantially extend over an entirety of the body.

Adjacent elongate basalt members may be spaced apart by a distance in the range 30 40mm-60mm, for example approximately 50mm.

The basalt mesh may be arranged in the side wall so as to define a region of the body without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement.

The basalt mesh may be arranged in the side wall so as to define a region of the body without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement. The basalt mesh may be arranged in the body so as to define a region of the body that does not include a basalt mesh.

The basalt mesh may comprise a cut-out section defining a region of the body without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a cable trough according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a top view of the cable trough of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of a reinforcing arrangement of the cable trough of Figure 1; Figures 4A and 4B are schematic views of a side mesh and a base mesh of the reinforcing arrangement of Figure 3, respectively; Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of a cable trough according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is a schematic isometric view of a fence assembly according to an embodiment; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fence post of the fence assembly of Figure 6; 30 and Figure 8 is a schematic isometric view of a gravel board of the fence assembly of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to Figure 1, a cable trough is illustrated and indicated generally at 12. The cable trough 12 is arranged so as to house electrical cables (not shown) therein. The cable trough 12 includes a base wall 14 and first and second side walls 16, 18 extending from said base wall 14 so as to define an elongate channel for receiving the electrical cable. A series of cable troughs 12 are intended to be arranged endto-end so as to extend alongside a railway track. This creates a channel of adjustable length along which the electrical cable can extend.

The first and second side walls 16, 18 extend perpendicularly from opposing sides of the base wall 14. The first and second side walls 16, 18 are substantially planar and rectangular. The base wall 14, first side wall 16 and second side wall 18 are arranged so as to define a substantially U-shaped channel.

The cable trough 12 is formed from a cementitious material, for example concrete. The cable trough 12 is pre-cast prior to transportation to the railway track. In order to increase the structural strength of the cable trough 12, the cable trough 12 is provided with a reinforcing arrangement. The reinforcing arrangement is formed from basalt, which helps to improve the corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The cable trough 12 must enable the electrical cables to be accessed within the cable trough 12 for maintenance purposes, whilst being structurally strong enough to protect the electrical cables from both thieves and environmental conditions. Although not illustrated, the cable trough 12 is releasably secured to a trough lid to form a cable trough assembly. The trough lid has an underside that is supported on the first and second side walls 16, 18 (i.e. on upper edges of the first and second side walls 16, 18) of the cable trough 12. When the trough lid is positioned on the first and second side walls 16, 18 the trough lid encloses an elongate channel. The trough lid may be secured onto the cable trough 12 via a fastener assembly (not shown). The fastener assembly may form part of the cable trough assembly. The fastener assembly may be secured to the first side wall 16 and/or the second side wall 18. In use, the first and second side walls 16, 18 each have a part of a fastener assembly, e.g. a mounting clip, secured thereto for securing the trough lid to the first and second walls 16, 18. It will be appreciated that a fastener assembly may be secured at any position of the first and second side walls 16, 18.

The cable trough 12 includes first and second regions 20, 22 having a reduced structural strength relative to the first and second side wall 16, 18, respectively.

The weakened regions 20, 22 are provided on the first and second side walls 16, 18. In the illustrated arrangement, the regions 20, 22 are provided on the first and second side walls 16, 18 as regions of reduced wall thickness.

The first and second regions 20, 22 are provided as weakened regions that may be broken and removed by an operator so as to provide an inlet/outlet for cables contained within the trough 12. The regions 20, 22 may be substantially trapezoidal as illustrated, but it will be appreciated that any suitably shaped region may be used in alternative arrangements.

The weakened regions 20, 22 are positioned proximate to first 24, and second 26 ends of the cable trough 12, respectively. As is illustrated, the regions 20, 22 are spaced apart from the first 24 and second 26 end of the cable trough 12, respectively. Put another way, the regions 20, 22 are provided in opposing corner regions of the cable trough 12. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the weakened regions 20, 22 may be provided at any suitable location on the cable trough 12, or may be omitted.

Referring now to Figure 2, the cable trough 12 is arrangeable end-to-end in a series of cable troughs 12 such that an end of a first cable trough 12 abuts against or is adjacent to an end of a second cable trough 12. The base wall 14 is substantially rectangular in shape. The base wall 14 defines a substantially planar lower part of the cable trough 12. In the illustrated arrangement, the base wall 14 of the cable trough is approximately 100mmX600mm, although it will be appreciated that the size of the cable trough 12 may be varied to suit the application.

The cable trough 12 includes an alignment arrangement for aligning the cable trough 12 with a further cable trough end-to-end. The alignment arrangement is provided in the form of corresponding projections and recesses arranged to engage when the cable trough are arranged end-to-end. The base wall 14 has a recess 28 at the first end 24 of the cable trough 12. The base wall 14 has a protrusion 30 at the second end 26 of the cable trough 12. The recess 28 is configured to receive the protrusion 30 of a second cable trough therein so as to align the first and second cable troughs. In the illustrated embodiment, each recess and each protrusion forms a trapezoid shape, however any suitable shape may be used to align the cable troughs in series.

The base wall 14 has a series of slots 32 arranged therealong. The slots 32 are arranged so as to receive a securing arrangement (not shown) for securing the electrical cables within the cable trough 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the base wall 14 of the cable trough 12 has two rectangular slots 32, however it shall be appreciated that any suitable number of slots 32 may be provided.

The cable trough 12 includes at least one castellated surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side walls 16, 18 are castellated. It will be appreciated that in some arrangements, only one of the first and second side walls 16, 18 may be castellated. Although not illustrated, in some arrangements, the base wall 14, e.g. an upper and/or lower surface of the base wall 14, may be castellated.

The castellated surface of the side walls 16, 18 is provided in the form of an array of stiffening ribs 34 extending along elongate length of the side walls 16, 18. The stiffening ribs 34 are provided along an external surface of the side walls 16, 18, but may be provided internally in alternative arrangements. In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffening ribs 34 are substantially rectangular in cross-section, but may be trapezoidal, triangular, curved or any suitable arrangement in alternative embodiments.

Extending between adjacent stiffening ribs 34 are narrow side wall sections 36. The narrow side wall sections 36 are provided in the form of recesses in the external surfaces of the first and second side walls 16, 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the narrow side wall sections 36 have a thickness that is approximately is half of the thickness of the stiffening ribs 34. The castellated side wall surfaces reduces the thickness of sections of the side walls 16, 18, which reduces the volume of cementitious material used to make the cable trough 12.

The width, i.e. thickness, of each stiffening rib 34 is at least twice that of the rest of the side wall 16, 18 (i.e. the narrow wall sections 36). In the illustrated arrangement, the thickness of each stiffening rib 34 is approximately three times the thickness of the rest of the side wall 16, 18 (i.e. of the narrow wall sections 36). This arrangement has been found to provide optimum weight reduction of the cable trough 12, whilst maintaining the required structural strength. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the thickness of the stiffening ribs 34 relative to the narrow side wall sections 36 may vary depending on the structural strength requirements of the cable trough 12.

Referring now to Figure 3, a reinforcing arrangement is illustrated and is indicated generally at 38. The reinforcing arrangement is formed from basalt. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing arrangement 38 includes a basalt mesh.

The incorporation of a basalt reinforcing arrangement 38 has been found to increase the structural strength of the cable trough 12 whilst providing an improved corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement. This helps to reduce stresses and cracking of the cable trough 12, which in turn enables the volume of concrete used in the cable trough to be reduced.

This improved corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement enables the thickness of the base wall 14 and side walls 16, 18 to be reduced whilst maintaining the required structural strength. This reduction in thickness of the walls 14, 16, 18 has been found to provide a weight reduction for the cable trough 12 by at least 10%, such as by at least 20%, or by at least 30%. In the exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the cable trough 12 discussed above produces a weight reduction of approximately a third.

A base mesh 40 is provided in the base wall 14. Put another way, a base mesh 40 is embedded in the base wall 14. The base mesh 40 is substantially planar to conform to the base wall 14. The base mesh extends over the base wall 14, for example substantially extends over an entirety of the base wall 14. Put another way, the base mesh 40 is substantially the same size as the base wall 14, i.e. approximately 100mmX600mm in the illustrated embodiment.

A side mesh 42 is provided in a side wall. Put another way, a side mesh 42 is embedded in a side wall. In the illustrated arrangement, a side mesh 42 is provided in the first and second side walls 16, 18. The side mesh 42 is substantially planar to conform the respective side wall. The side mesh 42 extends over the respective side wall, for example substantially extends over an entirety of the respective side wall.

In the illustrated embodiments, the base mesh 40 and the side meshes 42 are provided as separate components. This has been found to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process of the cable trough 12. The base mesh 40 is releasably connected to the side meshes 42. The base mesh 40 is connected to the side mesh sections 42 via a plurality of connectors 44. The connectors 44 are provided at a series of connection points between the base mesh section 40 and the side mesh sections 42 The connectors 44 are formed from a plastics material, but it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. The connectors 44 are substantially L-shaped. The connectors 44 provide substantially perpendicular connections between the base mesh section 40 and the side mesh sections 42. This arranges the basalt reinforcing arrangement to be substantially U-shaped so as to conform to the shape of the cable trough 12. The cross-sectional shape corresponds to the cross-section of the cable trough 12. This ensures the basalt mesh 38 can be easily embedded in the cable trough walls 14, 16, 18 during the casting process.

Referring now to Figures 4A and 46, the base mesh 40 and side mesh 42 are illustrated.

The basalt mesh 40, 42 is formed from an array of overlapping elongate basalt reinforcement members 46. The elongate basalt reinforcing members 46 may be provided in the form of basalt rods 46.

The basalt members are arranged to intersect substantially perpendicularly at intersections 48 and from a rectangular or square mesh grid configuration. The rectangular grid sections are approximately 50X5Omm. However, it shall be appreciated that any suitable sized mesh may be used in alternative arrangements. For example, a smaller mesh size, e.g. 20X2Omm, 30X3Omm, or 40X4Omm, may be used as this has been found to further increase the structural strength of the cable trough.

The basalt reinforcing members 46 each have a diameter in the range lmm to 5mm, for example in the range 2mm to 3mm. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the basalt reinforcing members are approximately 2.2mm in diameter.

The base mesh 40 is configured to conform to the shape of the base wall 14. The base mesh 40 is substantially rectangular. The base mesh 40 includes a recess 50 and a protrusion 52 at opposing ends thereof. The recess 50 and protrusion 52 of the base mesh 40 correspond to the alignment features (i.e. the recess 40 and the protrusion 42 of the base wall 18). It will be appreciated that in some alternative arrangements, the base mesh 40 may be substantially rectangular and may not include the recess 50 and/or the protrusion 52.

The side mesh 42 is configured to conform to the shape of the respective side wall 16, 18. Each side mesh 42 is substantially rectangular. Each side mesh section 42 has a cut out 54 that corresponds to the locations of the weakened regions 20, 22. Omitting the basalt mesh from this mounting location 20, 22 facilitates the breaking of the regions 20, 22 so as to form an inlet/outlet into/out of the cable trough 12.

It will be appreciated that in some alternative arrangements, the side mesh 42 may be substantially rectangular and may not include the cut out 54, and the side mesh 42 may be arranged within the side wall 16, 18 so as to define a region of the side wall 16, 18 that does not contain the basalt mesh 42.

Although not illustrated, the reinforcing arrangement may also include a fibre reinforcement (not shown). The fibre reinforcement may be used in combination with one or more of the base mesh 40 and the side mesh 42 described above, or may partially or entirely replace the base mesh 40 and/or the side mesh 42.

In this embodiment, the reinforcing arrangement of the cable trough 12 incorporates the fibre reinforcement in combination with the base mesh 40 and side mesh 42. The fibre reinforcement is provided in the form of glass fibres, i.e. it is a fibreglass reinforcement. The fibres may be alkali resistant fibres for providing resistance to the high levels of alkalinity in the cementitious material. The fibre reinforcement adds strength and flexibility to the cementitious material.

The glass fibres are suspended in the cementitious material of the cable trough 12. The fibre content of the fibres by weight is in the range of 0.6kg/m3-10kg/m3, or by volume in the range of 0.1% to 0.3%. The length of the glass fibres is in the range of 5mm to 20mm. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that basalt fibres or carbon fibres may be used either instead of the glass fibres, or in combination with the glass fibres.

The fibre reinforcement may extend partially over or over an entirety of any one of the base wall 14 and the first and second side walls 16, 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the fibre reinforcement may extend substantially over an entirety of the first and second side walls 16, 18. The fibre reinforcement may be dispersed throughout the concrete material of the cable trough 12. Put another way, the fibre reinforcement may extend over an entirety of the base wall 14 and the first and second side walls 16, 18. This results in a reinforcing arrangement that include base mesh 40, first and second side meshes 42 and fibre reinforcement provided in the base wall, first side wall and second side wall, i.e. suspended throughout the entirety of the cable trough.

In an exemplary arrangement, the reinforcing arrangement may include base mesh 40, and fibre reinforcement may be provided in the first and second side walls 16, 18 replacing the side mesh 42.

The fibre reinforcement in the first and second side walls 16, 18 may be arranged to extend over a junction between the base wall 14 and respective side wall. Put another way, the fibre reinforcement may be arranged in the cable trough 12 so as to extend over the connectors 44. This has been found to provide an increased corrosion resistance of at the corner regions of the cable trough 12.

Although not illustrated, it will be understood that the connectors 44 are attached to the basalt reinforcement members 46 along the lateral edges of the base mesh 40 and to the basalt reinforcing member 46 along the lower edge of the respective side mesh 42.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is illustrated a cable trough 112 according to an embodiment. Like features with respect to Figures 1 to 4 are labelled with the prefix "1", and only differences are discussed.

The cable trough 112 includes a base wall 114 and first and second side walls 116, 118 extending from said base wall 114 so as to define an elongate channel for receiving the electrical cable. A series of cable troughs 112 are intended to be arranged end-to-end so as to extend alongside a railway track. This creates a channel of adjustable length along which the electrical cable can extend.

The first and second side walls 116, 118 extend perpendicularly from opposing sides of the base wall 114. The first and second side walls 116, 118 are substantially planar and rectangular. The base wall 114, first side wall 116 and second side wall 118 are arranged so as to define a substantially U-shaped channel.

The cable trough 112 is formed from a cementitious material, for example concrete. The cable trough 112 is pre-cast prior to transportation to the railway track. In order to increase the structural strength of the cable trough 112, the cable trough 112 is provided with a reinforcing arrangement. The reinforcing arrangement is formed from basalt, which helps to improve the corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement, as will be discussed in more detail below. It is to be understood that the cable trough 112 includes a reinforcing arrangement that is substantially the same as has been discussed with reference to Figure 1 to 4.

The cable trough 112 must enable the electrical cables to be accessed within the cable trough 112 for maintenance purposes, whilst being structurally strong enough to protect the electrical cables from both thieves and environmental conditions. Although not illustrated, the cable trough 112 is releasably secured to a trough lid to form a cable trough assembly. The trough lid has an underside that is supported on the first and second side walls 116, 118 (i.e. on upper edges of the first and second side walls 116, 118) of the cable trough 112. When the trough lid is positioned on the first and second side walls 116, 118 the trough lid encloses an elongate channel. The trough lid may be secured onto the cable trough 112 via a fastener assembly (not shown). The fastener assembly may form part of the cable trough assembly. The fastener assembly may be secured to the first side wall 116 and/or the second side wall 118. In use, the first and second side walls 116, 118 each have a part of a fastener assembly, e.g. a mounting clip, secured thereto for securing the trough lid to the first and second walls 116, 118. It will be appreciated that a fastener assembly may be secured at any position of the first and second side walls 116, 118.

The cable trough 112 includes first and second regions 120, 122 having a reduced structural strength relative to the first and second side wall 116, 118, respectively. The weakened regions 120, 122 are provided on the first and second side walls 116, 118. In the illustrated arrangement, the regions 120, 122 have substantially the same wall thickness as the rest of the side walls 116, 118. The weakened regions 120, 122 of the cable trough 112 are provided by regions of the side walls 116, 118 that do not include side mesh 142 therein. Put another way, the weakened regions 120, 122 of the trough 112 are provided by the cut out 154 in the side mesh 142. In alternative arrangements, the side mesh 142 may not include the cut out 154 and the side mesh 142 may be arranged within the side wall 116, 118 so as to define a region of the side wall 116, 118 that does not contain the basalt mesh 142.

The first and second regions 120, 122 are provided as weakened regions that may be broken and removed by an operator so as to provide an inlet/outlet for cables contained within the trough 112. The regions 120, 122 may be substantially trapezoidal as illustrated, but it will be appreciated that any suitably shaped region may be used in alternative arrangements.

The weakened regions 120, 122 are positioned proximate to first 124, and second 126 ends of the cable trough 112, respectively. As is illustrated, the regions 120, 122 are spaced apart from the first 124 and second 126 end of the cable trough 112, respectively. Put another way, the regions 120, 122 are provided in opposing corner regions of the cable trough 112. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the weakened regions 120, 122 may be provided at any suitable location on the cable trough 112, or may be omitted.

The cable trough 112 includes at least one castellated surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side walls 116, 118 are castellated. It will be appreciated that in some arrangements, only one of the first and second side walls 116, 118 may be castellated. Although not illustrated, in some arrangements, the base wall 114, e.g. an upper and/or lower surface of the base wall 114, may be castellated.

The castellated surface of the side walls 116, 118 is provided in the form of an array of stiffening ribs 134 extending along elongate length of the side walls 116, 118.

The stiffening ribs 134 are provided along an external surface of the side walls 116, 118, but may be provided internally in alternative arrangements.

Each stiffening rib 134 is tapered in a direction away from the respective side wall 116, 118 of the cable trough 112. This helps to reduce the volume of cementitious material in each rib 134 whilst provided sufficient structural strength the cable trough 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffening ribs 134 are substantially trapezoidal in cross-section, but may be triangular, curved or any suitable arrangement in alternative embodiments.

Extending between adjacent stiffening ribs 134 are narrow side wall sections 136.

The narrow side wall sections 136 are provided in the form of recesses in the external surfaces of the first and second side walls 116, 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the narrow side wall sections 136 have a thickness that is approximately is half of the thickness of the stiffening ribs 134. The castellated side wall surfaces reduces the thickness of sections of the side walls 116, 118, which reduces the volume of cementitious material used to make the cable trough 112.

The width, i.e. thickness, of each stiffening rib 134 is at least twice that of the rest of the side wall 116, 118 (i.e. the narrow wall sections 136). In the illustrated arrangement, the thickness of each stiffening rib 134 is approximately three times the thickness of the rest of the side wall 116, 118 (i.e. of the narrow wall sections 136). This arrangement has been found to provide optimum weight reduction of the cable trough 112, whilst maintaining the required structural strength. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the thickness of the stiffening ribs 134 relative to the narrow side wall sections 136 may vary depending on the structural strength requirements of the cable trough 112.

Referring now to Figure 6, a fence assembly is illustrated and is indicated generally at 200. The fence assembly 200 includes a pair of spaced apart fence posts 210 and a gravel board 212 positioned there between.

The fence post 210 is in the form of an elongate body that is intended to be upright in use. The length of the elongate body may be varied to the suit the application, and typically may be in the range of 1.5m and 3m. It will be appreciated that the elongate body, and so the fence post 210, may be provided in any suitable length.

The fence post 210 is manufactured from a cementitious material, for example concrete. The fence post 210 may be pre-cast prior to transportation to a site for installation.

The gravel board 212 is installed between two adjacent fence posts 210 and is intended to be positioned underneath a fence panel (not shown) in use. This has been found to increase the durability of the fence assembly 200 and provides a protective barrier between the fence panel and the ground.

The fence post 210, illustrated in Figure 7, has a body that is generally rectangular in cross section and defines a front face 214, a rear face 216, and two side faces 218, 220.

The side faces 218, 220 of the body may be tapered towards the front face 214. The side faces 218, 220 are tapered such that the width of the body (i.e. the distance between the side faces 18, 20) reduces from a maximum at the rear face 216 to a minimum at the front face 214. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the front face 214 and rear face 216 may be tapered towards one of the two side faces.

The front and rear faces 214, 216 of the elongate body each define a longitudinally extending channel 222, 224 therein. The width of the channels 222, 224 (i.e. in a direction between the side faces 218, 220 of the body) is dimensioned so as to be able to receive a side edge of a fence panel therein. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the width of the channels 222, 224 tapers from 54mm at the respective front and rear faces 214, 216, down to 50mm at the central web 226 (i.e. at the base of the respective channel 222, 224). It will be appreciated that the width of the channels may vary to accommodate differently sized fence panels, as required. Additionally, it will also be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the channels 222, 224 may not be tapered.

The provision of the front and rear channels 222, 224 results in the body defining two side regions 228, 230 which extend between the front and rear faces 214, 216 of the body. A central web 226 having a reduced depth (i.e. in a direction extending between the front and rear faces of the body) extends between the two opposing side regions 228, 230. This configuration is such that the cross-sectional profile of the body defines a substantially 'H'-shaped or 'I'-shaped. A front face 234 of the central web 226 defines the base of the front channel 222, and a rear face 236 of the central web 226 defines the base of the rear channel 224.

In order to increase the structural strength of the fence post 210, the elongate body includes a reinforcing arrangement. The reinforcing arrangement is formed from basalt. The reinforcing arrangement includes a basalt reinforcement member 225 extending along the longitudinal length of the fence post. The reinforcing member 225 may be provided as a basalt rod. The basalt member 225 may have a diameter in the range 4mm to 8mm, for example in the range 5mm to 7mm. In the exemplary illustrated arrangement, the basalt members have a diameter of approximately 6mm. The basalt reinforcing members 225 may extend partially, or substantially through the entirety of the elongate body. In the illustrated arrangement, four basalt reinforcing members 225 are provided. The four basalt reinforcing members 225 are equally spaced apart from a central axis of the body.

The incorporation of a basalt reinforcing arrangement 225 has been found to increase the structural strength of the fence post 210 whilst providing an improved corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement. This helps to reduce stresses and cracking of the fence post 210, which in turn enables the volume of concrete used in the body to be reduced. This improved corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement enables the thickness of the two side regions 228, 230 and the central web 226 to be reduced whilst maintaining the required structural strength.

In alternative arrangements, the reinforcing arrangement may also include fibre reinforcement. The fibre reinforcement may be suspended in the cementitious material of the fence post 210. The fibre reinforcement may be used in combination with the basalt rod.

The fibre reinforcement may be glass fibre reinforcement, i.e. the fibres are fibreglass. The glass fibres may be suspended in the cementitious material of the fence post 210. The fibres may be alkali resistant fibres for providing resistance to the high levels of alkalinity in the cementitious material. The fibre reinforcement adds strength and flexibility to the cementitious material.

The fibre content of the fibres by weight is in the range of 0.6kg/m3-10kg/m3, or by volume in the range of 0.1% to 0.3%. The length of the glass fibres is in the range of 5mm to 20mm. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that basalt fibres or carbon fibres may be used either instead of the glass fibres, or in combination with the glass fibres.

Referring to Figure 8, the gravel board 212 is illustrated. The gravel board 212 is provided in the form of a substantially rectangular panel member 238. The panel member 238 is substantially planar. The panel member 238 is dimensioned to securely fit within the channels 222, 224 of the fence post 210. The panel member 238 defines a front face 240 and a rear face 242 and four edge faces extending there between. The lateral edge faces are configured to be received in the channels 222, 224 of the fence post 210.

The front face 240 of the panel member 238 has a plurality of recessed sections 244. The recessed sections 244 are substantially rectangular, but any suitable shaped recess may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, four recessed sections 244 are provided. Although not illustrated, the rear face 242 includes similar recesses as described for the front face 240.

It will be appreciated that in alternate arrangements, any suitable number of recesses 244 may be provided, or that the recessed sections 244 may be omitted.

The gravel board 212 includes a reinforcing arrangement therein. The incorporation of a basalt reinforcing arrangement has been found to increase the structural strength of the gravel board 212 whilst providing an improved corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement. This helps to reduce stresses and cracking of the gravel board 212, which in turn enables the volume of concrete used in the panel member 238 to be reduced.

The reinforcing arrangement includes a basalt mesh. The incorporation of a basalt reinforcing arrangement has been found to increase the corrosion resistance of the reinforcing arrangement, which helps to reduce cracking of the gravel board 212.

The basalt mesh is formed from an array of elongate basalt members (not shown). The elongate basalt members may be provided in the form of basalt rods. The basalt reinforcing members have a diameter in the range lmm to 9mm, for example in the range 3mm to 7mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the basalt reinforcing members are approximately 5mm in diameter.

The basalt members are arranged to intersect substantially perpendicularly at intersections and from a rectangular or square mesh grid configuration. The rectangular grid sections are approximately 50X5Omm. However, it shall be appreciated that any suitable sized mesh may be used in alternative arrangements.

For example, a smaller mesh size, e.g. 20X2Omm, 30X3Omm, or 40X4Omm, may be used as this has been found to further increase the structural strength of the gravel board 212.

The basalt mesh conforms to the shape of the panel member 238. The basalt mesh may extend partially over the panel member 238. In some arrangements, the basalt mesh may extend over the entirety of the panel member 238. The basalt mesh is substantially planar and rectangular, and corresponds to the elongate rectangular shape of the panel member 238.

In an exemplary arrangement, the reinforcing arrangement may include fibre reinforcement suspended in the cementitious material of the gravel board 212. The fibre reinforcement may be glass fibre reinforcement, i.e. the fibres are fibreglass. The fibres may be alkali resistant fibres for providing resistance to the high levels of alkalinity in the cementitious material. The fibre reinforcement adds strength and flexibility to the cementitious material.

The glass fibres may be suspended in the cementitious material of the gravel board 212. The fibre content of the fibres by weight is in the range of 0.6kg/m3-10kg/m3, or by volume in the range of 0.1% to 0.3%. The length of the glass fibres is in the range of 5mm to 20mm. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that basalt fibres or carbon fibres may be used either instead of the glass fibres, or in combination with the glass fibres.

Although the teachings have been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A cable trough for housing a cable, the cable trough comprising: a body comprising a base wall and first and second side walls extending from said base wall so as to define an elongate channel for receiving a cable; wherein the base wall, first side wall and second side wall comprise a cementitious material; and wherein at least one of the base wall, first side wall and second side wall comprises a reinforcing arrangement, the reinforcing arrangement comprising a basalt reinforcing arrangement.
2. The cable trough of claim 1, wherein the basalt reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt mesh.
3. The cable trough of claim 2, wherein the basalt mesh comprises a base mesh that extends over the base wall, e.g. wherein the base mesh extends substantially over an entirety of the base wall.
4. The cable trough of claim 3, wherein the base wall comprises an alignment arrangement in the form of a projection at a first elongate end thereof and a recess at a second elongate end thereof, and wherein the base mesh comprises a recess and a projection corresponding to the projection and recess of the alignment arrangement of the base wall.
5. The cable trough of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the basalt mesh comprises a side mesh that extends over the first side wall and/or a side mesh that extends over the second side wall, optionally wherein the basalt mesh extends substantially over an entirety of the respective first side wall and/or second side wall.
6. The cable trough of claim 5, wherein the side mesh is arranged in the side wall so as to define a region of the side wall without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement, optionally wherein the side mesh comprises a cut-out section defining a region of the side wall without a basalt mesh reinforcing arrangement.
7. The cable trough of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the basalt mesh in the base wall is separate from the basalt mesh in the first and/or second side wall, optionally wherein the basalt mesh in the base wall, first side wall and/or second side wall is substantially planar.
8. The cable trough of claim 7, wherein the basalt mesh in the first and/or second side wall is connected to the basalt mesh in the base wall via a plurality of connectors.
9. The cable trough of claim 8, wherein the connectors are provided as female-female connectors configured to connect to the base mesh and the side mesh, optionally, wherein the connectors comprise a plastics material.
10.The cable trough of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the basalt mesh comprises an array of overlapping elongate basalt members, e.g. basalt rods, optionally wherein each elongate basalt member comprises a diameter in the range lmm to 5mm, e.g. in the range 2mm to 3mm, optionally wherein adjacent elongate basalt members are spaced apart by a distance in the range 40mm-60mm, for example approximately 50mm.
11.The cable trough of any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises fibre reinforcement suspended in the cementitious material.
12.The cable trough of claim 11, wherein one or more of the base wall, first side wall and/or second side wall comprises fibre reinforcement, optionally wherein the fibre reinforcement extends over an entirety of the base wall, first side wall and second side wall.
13.The cable trough of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the concentration by weight of the fibre reinforcement in the cementitious material is in the range 0.6kg/m3-10kg/m3 and/or wherein the concentration by volume of the fibre reinforcement in the cementitious material is in the range 0.1°/0 to 0.3%.
14.The cable trough of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the fibre reinforcement comprises glass fibre reinforcement, optionally wherein the length of each fibre is in the range of 5mm to 20mm, for example approximately 12mm.
15.The cable trough of claim 14, wherein the fibre reinforcement comprises an alkali resistant fibre reinforcement, for example an alkali resistant glass fibre reinforcement.
16.The cable trough of any preceding claim, wherein the first side wall and/or second side wall comprise a castellated surface arranged along an elongate length thereof.
17.The cable trough of claim 16, wherein the castellated surface extends along an external surface of the first side wall and/or second side wall.
18.The cable trough of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the castellated surfaces comprise an array of stiffening ribs arranged along an elongate length of the respective side wall, optionally wherein the stiffening ribs are tapered in a direction away from the respective side wall.
19.A cable trough assembly for housing a cable, the cable trough assembly comprising: a cable trough comprising a base wall and first and second side walls extending from said base wall so as to define an elongate channel for receiving a cable; a trough lid defining a body having an underside for positioning on the first and second side walls to enclose the elongate channel; and wherein the base wall, first side wall and second side wall comprise a cementitious material; and wherein at least one of the base wall, first side wall and second side wall comprises a reinforcing arrangement, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt reinforcing arrangement.
20.A fence post of the kind intended to be upright in use for use in a fence assembly, the fence post comprising: an elongate body defining a front face, a rear face and two side faces; wherein the elongate body defines a longitudinally extending channel on the front face and/or the rear face; wherein a cross-sectional profile of the body defines first and second opposing side regions and a central web extending there between defining front and rear faces thereof, such that the body defines a substantially H-shaped, I-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional profile; wherein the fence post comprises cementitious material; and wherein at fence post comprises a reinforcing arrangement, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt reinforcing arrangement.
21.The fence post of claim 20, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises an array of elongate basalt reinforcing members, e.g. basalt rods, extending along a longitudinal axis of the fence post, optionally wherein the elongate basalt members comprise a diameter in the range 4mm to 8mm, e.g. in the range 5mm to 7mm, optionally wherein the array is equally spaced about a substantially central elongate axis of the body.
22.The fence post of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises fibre reinforcement suspended in the cementitious material.
23.The fence post of claim 22, wherein the fibre reinforcement comprises glass fibre reinforcement, optionally wherein the fibre reinforcement comprises an alkali resistant fibre reinforcement, for example an alkali resistant glass fibre reinforcement, optionally wherein the length of each fibre is in the range of 5mm to 20mm, for example approximately 12mm.
24.A gravel board for use in a fence assembly, the gravel board comprising: a substantially rectangular body comprising a front face and a rear face; wherein the front face and/or the rear face comprise at least one recessed section thereon, wherein the gravel board comprises a cementitious material, and wherein the gravel board comprises a reinforcing arrangement, and wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt reinforcing arrangement.
25.The gravel board of claim 24, wherein the reinforcing arrangement comprises a basalt mesh extending over the body of the gravel board, optionally wherein the basalt mesh substantially extends over an entirety of the body, optionally wherein the basalt mesh comprises an array of overlapping elongate basalt members, e.g. basalt rods, optionally wherein each elongate basalt member comprises a diameter in the range lmm to 5mm, e.g. in the range 2mm to 3mm, optionally wherein adjacent elongate basalt members are spaced apart by a distance in the range 40mm-60mm, for example approximately 50mm.