GB2602144A

GB2602144A - A ground surface access assembly installation system

Info

Publication number: GB2602144A
Application number: GB2020218.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Gibson Simon; Turner Barry; Scott White David; Neil Pickavance John
Original assignee: Wrekin Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Wrekin Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-21
Filing date: 2020-12-21
Publication date: 2022-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-21
Also published as: GB2602144B; GB202020218D0

Abstract

A ground surface access frame 12 comprising a flange 16 extending inwardly from a lower portion of sidewalls 14 wherein the flange comprises a plurality of apertures 18 for receiving a bonding material (S, fig.4) such as cement and spacing members 20 coupled to the underside of the flange and maintaining a void into which bonding material is received. Spacing members may be adjustable levelling member and sealing members. Apertures may comprise cups (126, fig.8) to facilitate pouring of bonding material. The disclosure aims to reduce cracking of a road surface surrounding the support frame following installation or replacement.

Description

A Ground Surface Access Assembly Installation System Technical Field This invention relates to a system for installing or replacing a support/mounting frame, forming part of a ground surface access assembly.

Background Art

Ground surface access assemblies (GSAA) normally comprise a support/mounting frame that defines an aperture sized to accommodate an assembly cover. Such assemblies are typically installed in roadways by bedding the flange of the support frame with mortar on the upper surface of an underground brickwork and mortar chamber, or a concrete chamber. Such chambers, and therefore supported GSAA frames/flanges are very rigid relative to the surrounding road substrate. Thus, there is a rigidity discontinuity between an installed GSAA frame and the surrounding road substrate.

In replacements it is usual to cut out the minimum road surfacing material necessary to expose the support/mounting frame to be changed, and so the bitumen-based road surfacing material is cut around the line of the (rigidity) discontinuity. Subsequently, when the replacement is fitted a fresh layer of bitumen-based road surfacing material is added, which typically only barely covers this rigidity discontinuity, which increases its propensity to fail (crack) again.

Further, installed GSSA systems with support frames, having externally extending flanges, are prone to failure (cracking and bitumen-based road surfacing material breakup) where the top road surfacing course is either jointed or crosses over both the edge of the outwardly extending frame flange and the edge of the "rigid" support chamber.

Summary of Invention

An aim of the present invention is to provide a GSAA system that avoids the disadvantages of conventional systems by greatly reducing the propensity of the upper roadway surface surrounding the support frame to crack when subjected to load/stress, particularly by vehicles passing thereover.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a GSSA support frame that can be bonded to a chamber more effectively, using a fluid bonding composition that subsequently sets hard.

Another aim is to provide means of "levelling" a GSSA support frame upon a chamber prior to bonding to the chamber upper surface.

A further aim is to provide an improved method of replacing a damaged GSSA assembly or support frame.

In one aspect the invention comprises a ground surface access assembly frame (12, 112) forming part of a ground surface access assembly, said frame (12, 112) surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising sidewall(s) (14, 114) and a flange (16, 116) that extends from the lower portion of said sidewall(s) (14, 114) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A); said inwardly extending flange (16, 116) having a plurality of apertures (18, 118), through which in use bonding material can be poured; and wherein the underside of said inwardly extending flange (16, 116) has at least one attachable and/or integrally formed spacing member (20, 120).

Preferably, said spacing member (20, 120) is adjustable and comprises a plurality of adjustable levelling members (152) that pass through apertures (118) in said inwardly extending flange (116) and in use protrude beyond the underside of said inwardly extending flange (116).

Optionally, said spacing member (20,120) is located proximal the inner periphery, and on the underside of said inwardly extending flange (116), and extends substantially all of the way around the inwardly extending flange (116) forming a barrier between the space/void (V) under said flange and the chamber upon which, in use, it is supported.

Preferably, said spacing member (20,120) is attached to the underside of said inwardly extending flange (16,116) and comprises a resilient material, such as fibre or dense foam. Preferably, said resilient spacing member (120) is held/attached, through being a tight fit, in a channel/groove (136) that extends substantially all of the way around the underside of the inwardly extending flange (116).

Preferably, the inwardly extending flange (116) apertures further comprise cups (126) that facilitate pouring of bonding material through pouring holes (118) that pass through the floor (130) of said pouring cups (126) Preferably, the inwardly extending flange (116) comprises corrugated portions, preferably defined by the lower surface of adjacent pouring cups (126) and intermediate recesses (142), that increase the underside surface area and so enhance bonding by said bonding material, and also reduce any tendency for movement of the frame (112) relative to the support chamber (C). Said pouring holes (118) are preferably defined by an annular wall (132), extending upwardly from the floor (130), the top portion of which, has an approximately semi-circular cross section forming a lip that helps prevent crack initiation under stress.

Preferably, said inwardly extending flange (16, 116) has one or more grooves (136) located on the underside provided to snugly hold/attach said attachable spacing member (20, 120).

The ground surface access assembly frame (12, 112) may further comprising integrally formed lifting points/members (156, 158) located on the inside of the frame (12, 112), and configured to allow engagement of a lifting key.

Preferably, there is a rim/bead (134) around the lower exterior portion of the frame walls (16,116) which help bonding material (s) adhere to the frame The ground surface access assembly frame (12, 112) may have spacing members that also serve to allow the frame to be levelled with the road surface; said frame levelling means (148); comprising a plurality of levelling members (156, 158) that pass through apertures in said inwardly extending flange (116) and in use protrude beyond the underside of said inwardly extending flange (116). The levelling members may comprise °^'d levelling means may comprise a levelling member sleeve (150) that passes through said pouring hole (118), and also may comprise a threaded sleeve (144) that engages said pouring hole.

Preferably, the ground surface access assembly further comprises a rim (154) along the inside edge of the inwardly extending flange (116).

In another aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a ground surface access assembly frame (12, 112) according to the present invention comprising the following steps: (a) Placing said frame (12, 112) on the upper surface of an underground chamber wall (C); and (b) Pouring bonding material (S) through said plurality of apertures (18, 118) so as to displace air within the void (V) between underside of the inwardly extending flange (16, 116) and chamber (C) upper surface and thereby substantially fill said void (V) with bonding material, prior to it setting hard.

Where the spacing members (20, 120) do not provide a full/partial seal an attachable sealing member (24) or sealing substance may bridge the underside of the flange (16, 116) or lower portion of the flange sidewalls (14, 114) and the chamber (C) to prevent ingress of bonding material (S) within said chamber.

Preferably, during replacement of a frame (12, 112) the method comprises the additional step: (c) Road surfacing substrate is cut-back to form an aperture such that when said frame is placed according to step (a) there is a small gap between the outside wall(s) of said frame (12, 112) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate which is sub subsequently filled with road surfacing material (F).

Preferably, the poured bonding material (S) is either bitumen-based, resin-based or cementitious. Preferably, standard lifting keys are used to engage lifting points/members (156, 158) located within the frame during installation or subsequent replacement of the frame (112).

In another aspect the invention comprises a ground surface access assembly frame (112) forming part of a ground surface access assembly, said frame (112) surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising sidewall(s) (114) and a flange (116) that extends from the bottom of said sidewall(s) (114) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A); and further comprising integrally formed lifting engagement members (156,158) located on the inside of the frame (112), and configured to allow engagement of a lifting key.

In another aspect the invention comprises a ground surface access assembly frame (112) forming part of a ground surface access assembly, said frame (112) surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising sidewall(s) (114) and a flange (116) that extends from the bottom of said sidewall(s) (114) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A); having frame levelling means (148); comprising a plurality of levelling members (150, 152) that pass through apertures in said inwardly extending flange (116) and in use protrude beyond the underside of said inwardly extending flange (116). The levelling members may comprise threaded bolts (152). Said levelling means may comprise a levelling member sleeve (150) that passes through said pouring hole (118) and further comprises a threaded sleeve (144) that engages said pouring hole.

In another aspect the invention comprises a system for installing or replacing a ground surface access assembly frame (12) forming part of a ground surface access assembly, said frame (12) surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising sidewall(s) (14) and a flange (16) that extends from the bottom of said sidewall(s) (14) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A); said inwardly extending flange (16) having a plurality of apertures (18), through which in use bonding material can be poured; and wherein the underside of said inwardly extending flange (16) has an attachable and/or integrally formed sealing member (24).

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by the following diagrammatic figures in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a GSAA support frame according to a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the support frame of Figure 1, cross-sectioned along the line A-A'; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a circular support frame according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the support frame of Figure 3, cross-sectioned along the line B-B'; Figure 5 shows an upside perspective view of a support frame according to a preferred aspect of the present invention; Figure 6 shows an underside (plan) view of the support frame of Figure 5: Figure 7 shows a top-side perspective view of a corner portion of the support frame of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows an top-side perspective view of a corner portion of the support frame of Figure 5, sectioned along the line C-C' (as shown in Figure 6); Figure 9 shows a top-side perspective view of an inside corner portion of the support frame of Figure 5, sectioned along the line D-D' (as shown in Figure 6); and Figure 10 shows a top-side perspective view of another inside corner portion of the support frame shown in Figure 5, sectioned along the line E-E' (as shown in Figure 6).

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a ground surface access assembly support frame, according to a first aspect of the present invention.

In particular, Figures 1-2 illustrate a ground surface access assembly comprising a rectangular frame (12) surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising sidewall(s) (14) and a flange (16) that extends from the bottom of said sidewall(s) (14) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A). The underside of said inwardly extending flange (16) has an attachable or integrally formed spacing member (20) that extends downwardly, the bottom of which in use rests on the top surface of said underground chamber (C) thereby maintaining a void (V) of appropriate volume to be subsequently filled with said bonding material (S). The inwardly extending flange (16) has a plurality of apertures (18), through which in use a bonding material (S) can be poured into the void (V) formed between the underside of said flange (16) and the top surface of an underground chamber (C) wall, or the like.

Preferably, an attachable spacing member (20) is provided and is located near the inner underside edge of said inwardly extending flange (16). Preferably, the spacing member (20) or members also perform the function of at least partly sealing the void (V) during installation, to prevent ingress of bonding material from the void into the chamber (C). Preferably, the attachable spacing member(s) (20) comprises a resilient material, and is attached to the underside of the inwardly extending flange (16). Preferably, the attachable spacing member(s) (20) is held in place by tightly fitting within a groove or grooves located on the underside of the inwardly extending flange (16).

Alternatively, the spacing member(s) (20) may be integrally formed with the flange (16), extending downwardly from the underside of the flange (16), and may comprise a plurality of individual members or may comprise a single member that encircles the aperture (A). Where an integral spacing member (20) also performs the function of at least partly sealing the void (V) during installation said part sealing of the void may be improved by inserting a layer of adhesive or resilient adhesive strip, or the like, between the underside of the integral spacing member (20) and the chamber (C) surface.

Figures 3-4 illustrate a ground surface access assembly flange similar in cross section to that shown in Figures 1-2 but where the frame (14) and aperture are circular (plan view).

During installation of either a rectangular or circular ground surface access assembly frame (12) the road surfacing substrate (T) is cut-back to form an aperture such that when the frame (12) spacing member(s) (20) are placed on the upper surface of said chamber wall (C) there is a small gap between the outside of the sidewalls (14) of said frame (12) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate (T). The void (V) is at least partly sealed either by the member (20) or by a separate sealing member (24), prior to pouring the bonding material (S) through the plurality of apertures (18) so as to displace air within the void (V) between underside of flange (16) and chamber (C) upper surface and substantially fill the void (V) with said bonding material. Preferably, this bonding material (S) is either bitumen-based, resin-based or cementitious. Finally, after the bonding material has set, a layer bitumen-based filler (F) is poured to fill the gap between the flange walls (14) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate (T), which is typically is also bitumen-based.

Preferably, the inwardly extending flange (16) has an upstanding inner rim (22) so that during installation bonding material (S) is poured through the plurality of apertures (18) until the bonding material (S) reaches near the upper lip of the rim (22), as illustrated in Figure 4. This ensures that the interface between the bonding material (S) and a subsequently added bitumen-based/bituminous filler (F) is positioned at an appropriate height above the chamber (C) upper surface. Thus, Figure 4 shows the location and levels of bonding material (S) and filler (F) following installation of a new frame, or replacement of a frame.

The function of sealing the void (V), to prevent leakage of bonding material within the inner portions of the chamber (C) may be provided by a separate sealing member (24). For example, this separate sealing member (24) may be annular (in plan view) and bridge the gap between the underside inner edge of the flange (16) and the chamber top surface or the inner surface area close to the top of the chamber, as illustrated in Figures 3-4.

In this case, during installation of either a rectangular or circular ground surface access assembly frame (12) the road surfacing substrate (T) is cut-back to form an aperture such that when the frame (12) is placed on the upper surface of a chamber wall (C) there is a small gap between the outside of the sidewalls (14) of said frame (12) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate (T), prior to pouring the bonding material (S) through the plurality of apertures (18) so as to displace air within void (V) between underside of flange (16) and chamber (C) upper surface and substantially fill said void (V) with said bonding material. Preferably this bonding material (S) is either bitumen-based, resin-based or cementitious. Finally, after the bonding material has set, a layer bitumen-based filler (F) is poured to fill the gap between the flange walls (14) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate (T), which is typically is also bitumen-based.

Figures 5-10 illustrate a rectangular ground surface access assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows an upside perspective view of the support frame.

Figure 6 shows an underside view of the ground surface access assembly support frame (112), surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising four adjoining sidewall(s) (114) with rounded corners and a flange (116) that extends from the bottom of said sidewall(s) (114) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A). The inwardly extending flange (116) has 24 pouring apertures (118), comprising six evenly spaced apertures on each of the four sides of the square/rectangular frame.

Figure 7 shows an underside perspective view of a corner portion of the support frame shown in Figure 5; and Figure 8 shows a top-side perspective view of a corner portion of the support frame of Figure 5, sectioned along the line C-C' (as shown in Figure 6).

As illustrated in Figure 8, the inwardly extending flange (116) further comprises a plurality/series of downwardly extending pouring recesses (126) which surround the apertures (118), wherein said apertures (118) are defined by a annular pouring lip (132), extending upwardly from the floor (130) of each pouring recess (126), and having an upper portion with a semi-circular cross section that forms said lip. Individual pouring recesses (126) are separated from each other by upstanding portions (142), that form part of a flat upper surface portion (144) of the inwardly extending flange (116). When viewed from the underside, this series of pouring recesses (126) and intermediate flange portions (142) define a partly corrugated underside surface with an increased surface area, compared to a standard flat flange, and so advantageously enhances bonding by the bonding material (S). This (partly corrugated) underside surface is illustrated in Figure 7, which also shows a channel/groove (136) that extends substantially all of the way around the inner edge of the underside of the flange (116). This peripheral channel groove (136) is provided to snugly hold/attach an attachable spacing member (120) and also advantageously further increases the underside surface area of the flange (116).

Figure 9 shows a top-side perspective view of an inside corner portion of the support frame of Figure 5, sectioned along the line D-D' (as shown in Figure 6) and in particular the resilient spacing member (120) that is held tightly in channel/groove 136. Figure 9 also shows levelling means (148); comprising a levelling member (152) that passes through a pouring aperture (118) in said inwardly extending flange (116), and in use protrudes beyond the underside of said inwardly extending flange (116). Preferably, the levelling member (152) comprises a threaded bolt (152). Levelling means (148) further comprises a sleeve (150) that tightly engages said pouring aperture (118): that has an internal thread sized to accept said threaded bolt (152) and thereby allow adjustment of the degree (depth) to which the threaded bolt (152) extends/protrudes below the inner flange (116). Typically, several such adjustment means would be provided spaced around the flange (116) to allow levelling of the frame (112), and also optionally act as spacing members. Preferably, at least three such adjustment means are used.

Figure 10 shows a top-side perspective view of another inside corner portion of a support frame, sectioned along the line E-E' (as shown in Figure 6), and in particular a sectioned view of the channel/groove (136) that tightly holds the resilient spacer(s) (120) that extend substantially all of the way around the inner edge of the underside of the flange (116).

Figures 9 and 10 further show lifting points/members (156,158) located on the inside corners of the frame (112), and configured to allow engagement of a lifting key. These lifting points/members (156, 158) are integrally formed with and extend from the inner surfaces of the frame (112) sidewalls (114). Advantageously, they allow the frame to be supported by conventional lifting gear during initial placement within a prepared road surface (T).

The ground surface access assembly frame (12, 112) according to the present invention may be installed by a method with the following steps: (a) Cutting back (or preparing) road surfacing substrate to form an aperture such that when said frame is placed according to step there is a small gap between the outside wall(s) of said frame (12, 112) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate; (b) Placing the frame (12, 112) with an integrally formed or attached spacing member (20, 120) on the upper surface of a chamber wall (C); (c) Where the spacing members (20, 120) do not provide said partial/adequate seal further providing an attachable sealing member (24) to bridge the underside of the flange (16, 116) or lower portion of the flange sidewalls (14, 114) and the chamber (C) to prevent ingress of bonding material (S) within said chamber; (d) Pouring bonding material (S) through said plurality of apertures (18, 118) so as to displace air within the void (V) between underside of flange (16, 116) and chamber (C) upper surface thereby allowing the bonding material to flow into and substantially fill the void (V) beneath the flange (12, 112), and after the bonding material has set; (e) Filling said small gap between the outside wall(s) of said frame (12, 112) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate which is sub subsequently filled with road surfacing material (F).

Typically, the poured bonding material (S) is either bitumen-based, resin-based or cementitious, and the replacement surface material (F) is bitumen-based. Optionally, during step (b), standard lifting keys are used to engage the lifting points/members (156,158) during installation or subsequent replacement of a frame (12, 112).

Using known replacement systems, following replacement, the replaced top wearing course, usually bitumen-based road surfacing material, has to pass over the upper surface of the externally extending flange, located between the rigidly supported frame sidewalls and the less rigid surrounding road construction substrate. Typically, as there is a small gap between the outside edge of the frame flange and the undisturbed road surface, replaced top wearing course barely covers the rigidity-discontinuity and Jr^ r'rwnrd4'* fr) fail again.

The present invention advantageously avoids the problem (cracking and bitumen-based road surfacing material breakup) associated with known systems by using a frame with an internally extending flange, and so the outer wall of the frame is located vertically above the rigidity-discontinuity between the rigid chamber (C) and the much less rigid road substrate. Advantageously, this significantly reduces the likelihood of failure of the replacement road surface material (F) (typically bitumen-based), which no longer covers part of the support frame, but merely adjoins the sidewalls.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ground surface access assembly frame (12, 112) forming part of a ground surface access assembly, said frame (12, 112) surrounding and defining an aperture (A) and comprising sidewall(s) (14, 114) and a flange (16, 116) that extends from the lower portion of said sidewall(s) (14, 114) inwardly towards the centre of said aperture (A); said inwardly extending flange (16, 116) having a plurality of apertures (18, 118), through which in use bonding material can be poured; and wherein the underside of said inwardly extending flange (16, 116) has at least one attachable and/or integrally formed spacing member (20, 120).
2. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to Claim 1 wherein said spacing member (20, 120) is adjustable and comprises a plurality of adjustable levelling members (152) that pass through apertures in said inwardly extending flange (116) and in use protrude beyond the underside of said inwardly extending flange (116).
3. A ground surface access assembly according to Claim 1 wherein said spacing member (20, 120) is located proximal the inner periphery, and on the underside of said inwardly extending flange (16, 116), and extends substantially all of the way around the flange (16, 116) forming a barrier between the space/void (V) under said flange and the chamber upon which, in use, it is supported.
4. A ground surface access assembly according to Claim 1 or 3 wherein said spacing member (20, 120) is attached and comprises a resilient material.
5. A ground surface access assembly according to Claim 4 wherein said resilient spacing member (20, 120) is held, through being a tight fit, in a channel/groove (136) that extends substantially all of the way around the underside of the flange (16, 116).
6. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to any preceding claim wherein the inwardly extending flange (116) apertures (118) further comprise cups (126) that facilitate pouring of bonding material through pouring holes (118) that pass through the floor (130) of said cups (126).
7. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to any preceding claim wherein the underside of the inwardly extending flange (116) has a plurality of integrally formed downwardly protruding members that increase the underside surface area and so enhance bonding by said bonding material.
8. A ground surface access assembly frame (12) according to Claim 7 where said downwardly protruding members comprise the underside of pouring cups (126).
9. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to any of Claims 6 to 8 where said pouring holes (118) are defiled by a wall of annular cross section that extends upwardly from the floor (130) to a lip (132) that is approximately semi-circular cross section.
10. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to any preceding claim wherein said inwardly extending flange (116) has one or more grooves (136) located on the underside provided to snugly hold/attach an attachable spacing member (20, 120).
11. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to any preceding claim further comprising integrally formed lifting points/members (156, 158) located on the inside of the frame (112), and configured to allow engagement of a lifting key.
12. A ground surface access assembly frame (112) according to Claim 2 wherein said adjustable levelling members (148) comprise threaded bolts (152).
13. A ground surface access assembly according to Claim 12 wherein said levelling members (148) comprises a bolt (152) that passes through said pouring hole (118) and further comprises a threaded sleeve (150) that engages said pouring hole.
14. A ground surface access assembly according to any proceeding claim further comprising a rim (146) along the inside edge of the inwardly extending flange (116).
15. A method of installing a ground surface access assembly frame (12,112) according to any preceding claim comprising the following steps: (a) Placing frame (12, 112) on the upper surface of a chamber wall (C), and (b) Pouring bonding material (S) through said plurality of apertures (18, 118) so as to displace air within the void (V) between underside of flange (16, 116) and chamber upper surface and thereby substantially fill said void (V) with bonding material, prior to it setting hard.
16. A method according to Claim 15 where the spacing members (20, 120) do not provide an adequate seal further comprising: prior to step (b), providing an attachable sealing member (24) to bridge the underside of the flange (16) or lower portion of the flange sidewalls (114) and the chamber (C) to prevent ingress of bonding material (S) within said chamber.
17. A method according to claim 15 or 16 wherein during replacement of a frame (12, 112): (c) Road surfacing substrate is cut-back to form an aperture such that when said frame is placed according to step (a) there is a small gap between the outside wall(s) of said frame (12, 112) and the surrounding road surfacing substrate which is subsequently filled with a road surfacing material (F).
18. A method according to any of Claims 15 to 17 wherein poured bonding material (S) is either bitumen-based/ resin-based or cementitious.
19. A method according to any of Claims 15 to 18 wherein lifting keys are used to engage said lifting points/members (156, 158) during installation or subsequent replacement of the frame (12).
20. A method according to any of Claims 15 to 19 wherein the frame is levelled, relative to the road surface, by adjusting the levelling members (152).