MXPA00006355A - Revetment block - Google Patents

Abstract

A block (11) for use in a revetment system comprising a plurality of the blocks arranged to form a mat. The block has a top (11), bottom (12) and first and second opposed side surfaces (14, 15) extending between the top and bottom surfaces (11, 12) and thirdand fourth opposed side surfaces (16, 17) extending between the top, bottom, first and second side surfaces. The first and second side surfaces (14, 15) have a recess (20) on the first side surface (14) and a mating projection (23) on a second side surface (15) to mate adjacent blocks in a revetment system. On each of the third and fourth side surfaces (16, 17) is a channel (30) and two interlocking tips (32, 34) disposed on both side of the channel (30). The interlocking tips (32, 34) of the third and fourth side of one block are adapted to fit into the channel (30) of the third or fourth side of another block.

Description

COVER BLOCK Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved cladding block for use in a system of linked modular concrete blocks used in a matrix to control soil erosion in applications where water is present in motion. The system could be used to control erosion in a variety of positions where water moves through or against the sides or bottom of a channel, dike or shoreline. The system could be installed above or below the water level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of articulated block matrices for the prevention of soil erosion is known in the art. Typically, such systems involve the leveling of a dike or shoreline at a given slope, the installation of a highly water-permeable geosynthetic fabric on the soil substrate, and then the placement on the fabric of a block matrix. A typical block matrix is comprised of pre-molded concrete blocks. Such blocks could be fastened together in grilles with REF.121014 cables usually comprised of high resistance polyester or galvanized steel. Alternatively, the formation of the matrix could have only the link provided by the block design. Wired grids are typically assembled off-site in a block pre-smelling facility. After the blocks are molded, the cables are stretched through tunnels in the blocks, typically producing gratings that are approximately 8 feet wide and 40 feet long. Grills of this size have been proven suitable for handling and transportation to the job site. The assembled gratings are lifted in trucks or barges for transport to the work site using a crane or fork-lift truck equipped with a separator bar assembly, which suspends the gratings in a horizontal orientation in general. At the installation site, the gratings are placed side by side by means of a crane using separator bar assembly. The cables of the adjacent gratings are joined together so that the finished installation contains a continuous matrix of concrete blocks. Alternatively, the blocks could be placed individually and, if desired, wired together after they are placed in a matrix.

The resulting surface could have openings between the blocks and / or blocks that could be filled with soil and planted to produce vegetation. The presence of vegetation produces a coastline that draws attention aesthetically and also provides greater resistance to erosion.

A coating system constructed in this way has the combination of the permeable fabric and the articulated concrete block surface to overcome the erosive effects of the flowing water or waves, to maintain the underlying soil. Such systems have been widely used, and there are numerous examples of coating systems operating in a general manner to that described above, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,829 (Landry), U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,075 (Scales) and systems such as that sold on the market by Petratech, Inc. under the trade name of PETRAFLEX ™ Revetment Systems and that sold on the market by Nicolon Corporation under the trade designation of ARMORLOC.

The coating system described in the Landry patent is referred to as a "double cable system" because one set of wires passes through the full transverse dimension of the die and another set passes through the full length dimension of the die. matrix. The blocks have angled tapered sides, such that the upper surface of the block has less surface area than the lower surface, to facilitate the articulation of the die on non-planar and curved surfaces of the die when suspended from a spacer bar assembly.

The coating system described in Scales is also a matrix of blocks placed in parallel transverse rows, with cable interconnections. The blocks also have angled tapered sides to facilitate articulation. Unlike Landry, the coating system described in Scales uses cables that run only in the longitudinal direction and each block has two longitudinal tunnels for the cables. This system is typically referred to as a "one cable system". The Scales blocks are generally rectangular in shape, with grooves and protrusions in the side walls configured so that the longitudinally adjacent blocks are bonded when placed in a "rope rigging" pattern in the matrix, by resting position of the adjacent transverse courses in the transverse direction.

In the PETRAFLEX ™ System, the blocks are generally square, and are placed in parallel columns and rows with a double cable system. Two tunnels, each one accepts a cable, are used in the longitudinal direction, and a tunnel, which accepts a cable, is oriented in the cross section. Unlike Landry, the PETRAFLEX ™ system block has, for each pair of side walls, a male appendage on one side opposite a female appendage on the other side to link adjacent blocks when placed in a matrix with rows and columns parallel of similar blocks.

In the ARMORLOC system, the blocks could be generally rectangular or square and placed in rows and lowered columns. A block in this system can be kept in place by linking with as many as four adjacent blocks.

Another important design consideration for coating systems is their ability to allow water to flow through the surface of the voids to be allocated to minimize the disruptive effect of the hydrodynamic forces, as they provide sufficient open area to allow the release of the water that could accumulate below the surface of the matrix.

The way in which blocks are placed in the matrix is an important design feature of articulated block cladding systems. The art indicates the use of cables that connect the blocks and that provide a block to link the block by means of the shape given to the block, so that they are established together when they are placed in a matrix. The art also includes blocks that are placed without using interconnection cables and that have the link of the block with the adjacent blocks in the matrix. The dual cable system works well, but requires additional cable over that required by the system of a cable. Systems in the art that do not use any cables have not worked as well as wired systems, but could be more cost-effective for certain applications. Since the use of cables is desirable for force system and to avoid vandal removal, the blocks without cable can be placed by hand, which has advantages in certain applications. For example, for small areas, it would be advantageous to avoid the use of heavy mobile equipment, by simply moving the necessary blocks by hand. For larger areas where there is no need to install under water, a block placed by hand could be more cost effective than the placement of wired grids.

However, hand placement of the blocks is an advantage if there is sufficient link between the blocks to keep them in place. In this way, there is a need for a useful block in a coating system with good bond between adjacent blocks. Such a block would provide optimum resistance to erosion and displacement due to its link design. Such a block would also be able to meet the design requirements of varying site conditions, including those that have the necessary hydrodynamic efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a block for use in a coating system comprising a plurality of blocks arranged to form a grid. The block comprises a top surface, a lower surface, and first and second opposed side faces extending between the upper and lower surfaces, and third and fourth opposed side faces extending between the upper and lower surfaces and the first and second side faces. The block is symmetrical on a mirror plane of symmetry that bisects the block through the center of the first and second faces. In each of the third and fourth faces is a channel and two link points disposed on each side of the channel. Preferably, at least a portion of the linking tips are tapering inwards to allow the articulation of the block when it is in a covering grid. The binding tips of a third or fourth side of a block are adapted to fit in the channel of the third or fourth side of another block. The channel is configured so that there is the possibility of lateral movement when the blocks are configured in a grid.

The first and second opposite side surfaces have a slot and coupling projection, so that a slot in a first side surface engages a projection on a second side surface of an adjacent block in a coating system, which comprises a plurality of blocks arranged to form a grid. The blocks could be arranged either in rows and parallel columns or rows and lowered columns. When arranged in lowered columns, at least one of the connecting points of a third and fourth side couples with the channel of a third or fourth side of another block, thus linking the blocks when placing them.

The block could have at least one tunnel extending between either the first and second opposite side surfaces or the third and fourth opposite side surfaces. This allows the block to connect to other blocks in the grid using cabling inserted through the tunnel. In some variations two or more tunnels could be provided between each of the opposing side surfaces.

The slot and projection of the first and second side surfaces extend between the upper and lower surfaces of the block. The first and second side surfaces could extend vertically or could taper inwardly. The side surfaces of the block intersect to form corners that could be truncated between the upper and lower surfaces.

Each block preferably includes at least one opening between the upper and lower surfaces. The openings could be in the form of one or more elongated notches or could consist of a series of holes or holes placed linearly arranged in a linear array. In a preferred embodiment, the block comprises two elongated slots.

The upper and lower surfaces of the block are substantially flat and parallel with respect to each other.

In another embodiment, the invention is a coating system that includes a sheet of fabric and a plurality of blocks arranged to form a grid. The cloth sheet is placed between the bottom surface of the blocks in the grid and a soil substrate, in order to control soil erosion. Each block has an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second opposing side surfaces that extend between the upper and lower surfaces, and third and fourth opposed lateral surfaces that extend between the upper and lower surfaces and the first and second side surfaces . The first side surface has a groove and the second side surface has a projection, sized and configured so that the groove engages with a projection of an adjacent block in the grid. The third and fourth opposite side surfaces have link tips and a channel adapted to couple at least one link tip of an adjacent block in the grid.

In another embodiment, the bottom surface of each block has projections extending away from the bottom surface such that when the block is used in the coating system the projections extend into the fabric sheet to increase frictional stability of the coating system. The projections could be of various suitable shapes, such as cones, truncated cones or elongated crest.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the drawings, the detailed description and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a coating block according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show the top view and two side views of the block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a coating block according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the top view of the block of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view of a grate according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention The Cladding Block Referring now to the Figures, a precast concrete block according to the invention is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 1, and the top and side views in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. In a preferred embodiment, generally shown at 1, the block has substantially flat upper and lower surfaces 11 and 12, each one spaced apart and parallel to the other. The upper 11 and lower 12 are generally rectangular, but could have truncated corners 13. The block 1 has four lateral surfaces extending from the lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces in two pairs of the opposite side surfaces. The height of the lateral surfaces varies depending on the requirements of the site. A height of 4 inches is commonly used, but in conditions involving larger hydrodynamic forces, the height could be increased to more than 12 inches.

FIG. 2A illustrates that the opposite lateral surfaces 14 and 15 are generally parallel with respect to each other. The opposite lateral surfaces 16 and 17 are mirror images of one another. That is, the side surfaces 16 and 17 are symmetrical about a vertical plane of symmetry, which bisects the block through the opposite side surfaces 14 and 15. The first side surface 14 has the slot 20. The second side surface 15 has the projection 23. The slot 20 is opposite to and of equal proportions to the projection 23. The opposing side surfaces 14 and 15 are typically vertical but could taper inwardly.

The third side surface 16 has a central channel 25 and two linking tips 26 and 28. Similarly, the fourth side surface 17 is substantially identical to the side surface 16, which has a central channel 30 and two connecting points 32 and 34. The link tips are preferably formed and configured to fit within a channel of an adjacent block, such as the array illustrated in FIG. 5. The size and shape of the tip with respect to the channel preferably allows some displacement of a block in the X direction, as indicated in FIG. 5. Preferably the bonding tip is angled but could be curvilinear.

Preferably, the block 1 has one or more holes, voids or continuous grooves 40 that open from the upper surface 11 to the lower surface 12. More preferably, the block 1 has two elongated grooves, the length dimension of these runs parallel to the third and fourth side surfaces 16 and 17, as shown in FIGS. - 1 and 2. The notch is then preferred to run parallel to the third and fourth side surfaces. Such notches or empty spaces allow water to flow and vegetation to grow through the blocks. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the coating block can be a solid block.

The groove or recess, 2n0 and projection "23" may extend vertically between the upper and lower surfaces or may taper inward. They are of equal proportions. This configuration allows the projection 23 on one surface to engage with the slot 20 on the opposite side surface of an adjacent block in the lining grid. Additionally, this configuration allows maximum design flexibility since the blocks will be bonded when the lining grid is formed into blocks in either a parallel row and column configuration or a rope-to-rope configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, and discussed later. The slot 20 and projection 23 could be curvilinear, angled, "u" shaped, "v" shaped or otherwise configured to be symmetrical about a central vertical plane perpendicular to the lateral surfaces 14 and 15. This vertical plane is a mirror plane that bisects the block through the midpoint of the side surfaces 14 and 15 The sides 16 and 17 have channels 25 and 30, respectively, and link tips 26 and 28, 32 and 34 respectively. The channels and 30 typically extend vertically between the upper and lower surfaces. The linking tips 26 and 28 could extend vertically between the upper and lower surfaces, but are preferably tapering inwardly as illustrated by the taper 45 in FIG. 1. The taper is configured in such a way that the lower surface of the block has a smaller surface area than the upper surface of the block. The taper could be a curve that has a single radius, a curve that has multiple radii, or a logarithmic curve. These tapered portions allow some movement of the grid when placed on non-flat surfaces. The tapered portions can also help prevent breakage in the blocks if there is movement or surface change after the grate is placed.

The channels 25 and 30 are typically curvilinear, but could have other shapes suitable for adapting to couple the attachment tips in an adjacent block, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The link arrangement shown in FIG. 5 is a preferred embodiment for the coating grid of this invention. The 'blocks are held in place by the coupling of the groove and projection of the first and second sides of the blocks, as well as by the linking tips that couple the channels of the third and fourth sides. In this way, each block is linked with adjacent blocks of side surfaces 14 and 15 and with two blocks in each adjacent row. Therefore, each block is linked to each of the six blocks adjacent to it. In this arrangement, there is sufficient space in channel 25 or 30 to allow lateral movement of the blocks (i.e., movement in the X direction, as shown in FIG.5). The movement in the Y direction is restricted, due to the link of the blocks. Thus, the design allows sufficient connection so that a cable connection is not necessary and the blocks can be put in position by hand. The lack of the need for a cable connection is particularly desirable for situations in which the blocks are placed more effectively one at a time.

One or more cables could be used with the blocks to provide one or a plurality of passages or tunnels through the block through which the cable can be threaded. Such cables serve to hold the blocks in position when forming a coating grate, and can be useful in forming sections of the grate that are then placed in place.

The blocks of the present invention could use several dimensions, but a side length L, as shown in FIG. 2B, of approximately 17 inches and side length L ', as shown in FIG. 2C, approximately 15 inches have been found convenient to optimize manufacturing and installation efficiencies.

FIG. 3 shows alternate variations of some of the characteristics of the block of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the block is solid, that is, without notches 40 as shown in FIG. 1. This block also does not show tapers 45 in the connection tips. FIG. 3 shows tunnels for laying cables. The use of cables with these blocks is optional.

If the cables are used, they are put into position after the blocks are placed in place. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the blocks could have tunnels 50, 52, and 54 that penetrate the side surfaces and pass horizontally through the blocks in loving directions, to allow the blocks to connect by passing one or more cables 55 through them. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a block having two tunnels 50 and 52 between the first and second opposite side surfaces. The third tunnel 54 is shown located at the midpoint of the channel 30a. The location and number of cables could be altered depending on the desired arrangement. That is, the third and fourth opposing side surfaces may have two or three channels. Cable tunnels are typically located at a height close to halfway between the top and bottom, although the height of the tunnels may vary. Transverse and longitudinal tunnels are located vertically one with respect, the other in such a way that they do not intersect.

In the blocks of this invention, it may be desirable to place projections or ridges in the lower part of the block (i.e., surface 12). The projections could be in the form of cones, truncated cones, or ridges, such as elongated ridges. The projections are with the intention of increasing the stability of the coating grid by highlighting the sheet of fabric covering the soil substrate. The projections increase the shear strength of the system allowing it to remain in the proper position even when there could be substantial shear forces at the interface of the system with the soil substrate, due to water and gravity forces.

The Figures illustrate that these features could be presented in various combinations or, could be omitted, all within the scope of the present invention.

Cladding Brick Joints One advantage of the cladding blocks of this invention is that they could be placed by hand at the job site. They could also be connected together by one or more cables on the site.

FIG. 5 illustrates how a grid is ensarfolacb in the field. FIG. 5 shows a lowered pattern or rope rigging. In this configuration, the blocks in each column are aligned so that the projections in the side wall facing the adjacent blocks in the column engage with the grooves of the adjacent blocks in the column. Since the blocks in the column are recessed, the connecting tips of the third and fourth side walls couple the channel of a block in an adjacent row.

If cables are used to join blocks together when making a grate, it may be desirable to employ a cable tunnel sleeve insert having a circumferential bore. Such is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,391 (Knight), incorporated herein by reference. The sleeve is inserted at each end of each tunnel, which is to receive a cable. The inserts could be comprised of a rigid material such as metal, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, nylon or plastic. The sleeves serve to protect the cable from abrasion and consequent breaking that tends to occur in areas where the cable exits the tunnels. The sleeve could be sized so that it is inserted into the tunnel at each end of the block at a distance of at least 3/4 inch and not more than half the length of the tunnel.

Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described here in detail, this has been done for purposes of illustration only, and no attempt is made to limit it with respect to the scope of the appended claims. It is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations and modifications could be made to the embodiment of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A block for use in a coating system including a plurality of blocks arranged to form a grid, characterized in that the block comprises: a top surface; a lower surface; first and second opposite side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the first side surface has a slot or recess and the second side surface has a projection, such that the slot is sized and configured to engage with the projection of an adjacent block in the grid; and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces and the first and second side surfaces, each of the third and fourth side surfaces has two link tips and a channel adapted to engage at least one link tip of an adjacent block in the grid.

2. The block of claim 1, characterized in that it also includes at least one opening between the upper and lower surfaces.

3. The block of claim 2, characterized in that at least the opening is in the form of an elongated groove.

4. The block of claim 3, characterized in that the elongated notch is parallel to the third and fourth side surfaces and perpendicular to the first and second side surfaces.

5. The block of claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one tunnel extending between the first and second opposite side surfaces.

6. The block of claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a plurality of tunnels that include at least one tunnel extending between the first and second opposite side surfaces and at least one tunnel extending between the third and fourth opposite side surfaces.

7. The block of claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of tunnels includes a plurality of tunnels extending between the first and second opposed side surfaces and a plurality of tunnels extending between the third and fourth opposite side surfaces.

8. The block of claim 1, characterized in that the linking tips include a tapering portion toward the bottom surface, such that the area of the bottom surface is less than the area of the top surface.

9. The block of claim 8, characterized in that the tapered portion comprises one of a curve having a single radius, a curve having multiple radii and a logarithmic curve.

10. The block of claim 1, characterized in that the grooves and projections extend vertically between the upper and lower surfaces.

11. The block of claim 1, characterized in that the linking tips and channels extend vertically between the upper and lower surfaces.

12. The block of claim 1, characterized in that the lateral surfaces intersect to form corners and because each of the corners is truncated between the upper and lower surfaces.

13. The block of claim 1, characterized in that the lower surface is provided with a plurality of projections to increase the frictional stability of the block.

14. The block of claim 13, characterized in that the projections are in the form of cones.

15. The block of claim 13, characterized in that the projections are in the form of elongated ridges.

16. A coating system, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of blocks arranged to form a grid, each block having an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second opposite and substantially parallel side faces extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the first side face has a groove and the second side face has a projection, the projection and groove are sized and configured so that the groove engages with the projection of an adjacent block in the grid, and third and fourth opposite side surfaces that are extending between the upper and lower surfaces and the first and second side surfaces, each of the third and fourth side surfaces has two connecting points and a channel adapted to couple at least one connecting point of an adjacent block in the grid.