WO2008012803A2

WO2008012803A2 - Support structure

Info

Publication number: WO2008012803A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000913
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Katz
Original assignee: David Katz
Priority date: 2006-07-27
Filing date: 2007-07-19
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: IL177116A0; WO2008012803A3; IL177116A

Abstract

A method for supporting mass to prevent potential failure mass from collapsing is disclosed. The method comprises setting up at least one support element rigidly anchored to the mass, arranged in one or more convex modules, wherein a ratio between an arrowhead distance defined as the distance between an imaginary line connecting opposite ends of a module and a point on the module that is furthest from the imaginary line and the vertical height of a portion of the module that is exposed over the mass ranges between 1:10 to 1:1.

Description

SUPPORT STRUCTURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting system, more specifically to a supporting structure designated to retain substantial mass of matter, especially, but not limited to, earth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A known obstacle in many engineering projects is the problem of retaining earth. The need for earth retention emerges from the need to support earth in cases such as paving roads through mountains and hill slopes, or constructing houses or other infrastructures on slopes.

[0003] There are several solutions for the earth retention problem, but every solution has its limitations, whether operational, financial or functional. Therefore, there are cases where an acceptable solution does not exist at all. In addition, there are many cases where the cost of the acceptable solution is too high with respect to the engineering problem needed to be solved.

[0004] There are two substantial categories of earth retention methods: externally stabilized systems and internally stabilized systems. Externally stabilized systems use an external structural wall, for providing stabilizing forces against the mass to be supported. Internally stabilized systems involve reinforcements installed within the mass to be supported and extending beyond the potential failure mass.

[0005] In the last twenty years, all types of retention systems have enjoyed extensive development. Nevertheless, it has been in the area of internally stabilized systems that a fundamentally new concept has been introduced. Shear transfer to mobilize the tensile capacity of closely spaced reinforcing elements has freed retaining structures from the need for a structural wall, and has substituted it with a composite system of reinforcing elements and soil as the primary structural entity. A facing is required on an internally stabilized system, but its role is to prevent local raveling and deterioration rather than to provide primary structural support. [0006] Virtually, all traditional walls may be regarded as externally stabilized systems. Gravity walls, in the form of a cantilever structure or gravity elements (e.g., bins, cribs and gabions), support the soil though weight and stiffness to resist sliding, overturning, and excessive shear and moments. Bracing, in the form of cross-lot struts and rakers, provides temporary support for in-situ walls. Tiebacks provide support through the pullout capacity of anchors established in stable soil outside of the zone of potential failure. Cellular cofferdams provide support primarily through the gravity force mobilized by each cell, but they also depend on the tensile and shear capacity of sheet pile interlocks to sustain internal stability.

[0007] Internally stabilized walls may be represented by reinforced soil with horizontally layered elements, such as metallic strips or polymeric grids, and soil nailing in which metallic bars or dowels are installed during in-situ construction. A key aspect of an internally stabilized system is its incremental form of construction. In effect, the soil mass is partitioned so that each partition receives support from a locally inserted reinforcing element. This process is just the opposite of what occurs in a conventional backfilled wall where earth pressures are integrated to produce an overall force resisted by the structure. The overall earth pressure is reinforced by soil, for example, and is actually differentiated by the multiple layers of reinforcement. In soil nailing, multiple levels of bars or dowels interconnect the soil mass so that each potential failure surface is crossed by enough reinforcing elements to maintain stability.

[0008] Hybrid systems combine elements of both internally and externally supported soil retention systems. They include tailed gabions. In these systems, geogrids substitute for wire baskets conventionally employed in gabion structures, and geogrids tails are extended behind the gabion elements for supplemental tensile reinforcement of the soil. Another example of combining conventional retaining wall construction with the concept of reinforced soil is the use of concrete blocks or geogrids.

[0009] Given the variety of reinforcing components and the possibilities of combining elements of externally and internally stabilized systems, there has been no shortage in the types of reinforcing schemes proposed and applied in the field. Anchored earth systems, for example, have been developed, which involve aspects of reinforced soil and soil anchoring. Anchored earth concepts have been extended even to waste automobile tires. The tires may be tied together with metal bars or polymer strips.

[0010] Two applications, originating from Austrian and Japanese practitioners (Design and performance of earth retaining structures, Geotechnical special publication no. 25 edited by Philip C. Lambe and Lawrence A. Hanson published by the American Society of Civil Engineers p. 27), utilize multiple layers of closely spaced reinforcement and thus are similar in construction to the method employed for reinforced soil. The Austrian application involves strips connecting concrete wall blocks and semicircular anchors, while the Japanese application exploits the local passive resistance of small rectangular anchor plates.

[0011] A scheme developed in Britain (Jones, C.I.F.P., R.T. MURJAAY, J. Temporal, and RJ. Meir, "First Applications of Anchored Earth", Proceedings, 11^th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundations Engineering, Vol. 3, San Francisco, CA, 1985, pp. 1709-1712) employs reinforcing steel bent into triangular anchors. Pullout resistance is mobilized by friction along the straight portion of the steel and by passive pressure mobilized at the triangular anchor.

[0012] The development of earth retention systems can be viewed as an evolutionary process, in which methods for supporting soil have involved progressively more alterations and insertions of reinforcing elements. One of the goals has been to transform soil into an engineered medium, which is less soil-like because of enhanced mechanical properties.

[0013] Both externally and internally stabilized systems use variety of reinforcing elements, such as anchors, struts, rakers or cantilevers (in externally stabilized walls), or bars, dowels or grids (in internally stabilized walls) or additional construction material that is used in order to acquire adequate weight and stiffness. The need for reinforcement elements in order to resist sliding, overturning, and excessive shear and moments, increases the cost of the support systems and make them more complex to design and construct.

[0014] It should be noted that the severity of the need for reinforcement elements in a support system depends on the intensity of the forces, shear and moments that the support system is to withstand. The stronger the forces and moments, the more reinforcements, or stronger reinforcements, the support system needs. [0015] One of the goals of the present invention is to provide, for a given potential failure mass, a more simple system, which comprises a support structure with no substantial need for other reinforcing elements, therefore substantially self-supportive, and which uses construction materials more effectively. Thus the present invention may also reduce the costs of constructing the support system in comparison to prior art support systems.

[0016] In order to achieve the goals stated hereinabove, the present invention provides a structure with a special geometric shape, which renders the structure extra stiffness and stability.

[0017] It is known that a planar sheet of paper cannot be stabilized to remain upright and collapses instantly. However, if folded into a convex or concave structure (for example a harmonica structure), it is capable of remaining standing, and even supporting side loads (up to a certain calculable force).

[0018] A simple utterance of the aforementioned convex or concave shape has been used in the field of architecture and civil engineering since ancient times and is known as arching. Arching, in the discussed context, refers to creating a support structure in a shape of an arch and by that forming a compression force line. The compression force line is aimed at resisting the bending moment of the material the arch is made from. It should be noted that compression force line is mainly obtained by keeping a certain proportion between the length of a straight line stretched between the two far ends of the arch (hereinafter noted "L", see Fig. 1) and the distance from that line to the most protruding point of the arch (hereinafter noted "f" , see Fig. 1).

[0019] Thus, shaping a support structure in a shape which forms a suitable compression force line, renders the support structure extra resistance to pressures. A classic example of arching is the arched ceiling support walls used in many ancient structures. Another example is arched facing plates, which are used to support wall systems. FR2194205 (HELD &FRANCKE BAU AG (DE)) also uses arching in order to achieve extra stability. [0020] Another advantage of shaping a support structure in a convex shape is rendering a greater inertia to the cross section of the support structure. Greater inertia of cross section allows the support structure to stand against greater loads. An example for using that advantage is sheet piles.

[0021] The present invention is a substantial improvement of prior art support structures. Thus, in addition to creating compression force lines and greater inertia of cross sections, the present invention mobilizes vertical forces to create moments, which resist the capsizing moments developing in typical supporting systems.

[0022] JP2000096584 (Sano Kiyoshi et al) provides steel-made earth retaining wall. The invention comprises cylindrical concrete columns made of a plurality of circular arc liner plates and circular arc wall face materials, which are spanned between the adjacent concrete columns. Thus the invention uses arching in order to further stabilize the earth retaining system. This invention is aimed at easy construction with no need for large scaled excavation or heavy equipment or for skilled workers. Thus, the invention is made of light weighted materials and the cylindrical columns are assembled by bolts.

[0023] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a self-supportive and highly stable supporting structure, which uses construction materials more effectively while utilizing a spatial geometric structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] There is thus provided, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method for supporting mass to prevent potential failure mass from collapsing, the method comprising:

[0025] setting up at least one of a plurality of support elements rigidly anchored to the mass, arranged in one or more convex modules, wherein a ratio between an arrowhead distance defined as the distance between an imaginary line connecting opposite ends of a module and a point on the module that is furthest from the imaginary line and the vertical height of a portion of the module that is exposed over the mass ranges between l:10 to 1:1. [0026] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each module to present a single support structure. [0027] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, setting up of said at least one of a plurality of support elements comprises inserting at least a portion of the elements into the mass.

[0028] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises filling up mass behind said structure.

[0029] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, setting up of said at least one of a plurality of support elements comprises inserting at least most of each of the elements into the mass, and removing mass from one side of said at least one module.

[0030] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each modules to present a single support structure comprises casting a cover plate on an exposed side of the modules which is coupled to the support elements.

[0031] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each modules to present a single support structure comprises casting a concrete wall.

[0032] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, said at least one support element comprises a concrete wall. [0033] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each modules to present a single support structure comprises connecting the support elements by connecting components.

[0034] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the convex modules are arranged continuously.

[0035] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mass comprises soil. [0036] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises providing roofing over the support structure.

[0037] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a support structure comprising:

[0038] at least one of a plurality of support elements arranged in one or more convex modules, wherein a ratio between an arrowhead distance defined as the distance between an imaginary line connecting opposite ends of a module and a point on the module that is furthest from the imaginary line and the vertical height of a portion of the module that is exposed over the mass ranges between 1:10 to 1:1.

[0039] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each module being integrated to present a single support structure.

[0040] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a cover plate is provided on an exposed side of the modules which is coupled to the support elements.

[0041] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the structure comprises a concrete plate.

[0042] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, support elements of each module are connected by connecting components.

[0043] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the convex modules are arranged continuously.

[0044] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the structure further comprises roofing over the support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals. [0046] Fig. 1 illustrates a view of an arched support structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 2 illustrates a view, partially transparent, of the arched support structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 1.

[0048] Fig. 3 illustrates a diagram of the loads, forces and moments exerted on each module of the arched support structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 1.

[0049] Fig. 4a to 4e illustrate different stages in constructing an arched support structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 1. Fig. 4a illustrates support elements. Fig. 4b illustrates digging and exposing the support elements. Fig. 4c illustrates casting an integration element. Fig. 4d illustrates further digging and exposing more of the support elements. Fig. 4e illustrates completing the casting of the integration element.

[0050] Fig. 5 illustrates a view of two opposing arched support structures with a head beam, roofing and horizontal top level in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 6 illustrates a view of two opposing arched support structures with roofing and horizontal support beams, while one of the arches support structures is with horizontal top level and the other is with inclined top level, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 7 illustrates different module embodiments of support elements in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The present invention is aimed at providing a self-support structure for supporting mass of different materials, especially earth.. Effectively no additional supporting measures are required (although they may be used too) to facilitate successful retaining of a potential failure mass.

[0054] This aim is fulfilled by providing a support structure, which has self-supportive nature, that is obtained by utilizing self-supportive structural features. [0055] The self-supportive structural features are obtained by utilizing a convex shape. By "convex" is meant, in the context of the present invention, a curved structure or a polygonal structure or a combination thereof, convex or concave or a combination thereof, and with open or closed outlines, so that the structure is deployed spatially in three-dimensional manner (as opposed to a planar wall that deploys two-dimensionally, neglecting, of course its width).

[0056] The support structure of the present invention mobilizes vertical shear endurance in addition to horizontal endurance, which exists in the conventional retaining walls or structures. In addition, the support structure of the present invention uses the properties of the material, of which the structure is made, more effectively.

[0057] The support structure of the present invention involves fewer construction stages than in existing support solutions, leading to a significant reduction in erection times. In addition, in some cases, the present invention is a low cost solution in comparison with other existing solutions. Furthermore, in order to construct a support structure according to the present invention , there is no need for any special professional knowledge but the common and conventional knowledge, which is needed for building supporting walls and supporting structures.

[0058] The support structure uses reduced earth resources (as far as earth is concerned) as it requires occupying of smaller areas. Further more, architecturally, the structure is more aesthetic than conventional solutions.

[0059] More specifically, an arched support structure designated for retaining earth (21) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 1 and 2.

[0060] A support structure according to the present invention comprises a plurality of modules engaged continuously. Each module comprises one or more support elements (23). It is optional to add, and recommended in the case of more than one support element, an integration element (25), which is built over and between the support elements.

[0061] The arched support structure (21) according to the specific embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 is aimed at solving the engineering problem of earth level difference between adjacent areas. Two such adjacent areas are illustrated in fig. 1 and 2 and indicated as area A and area B, where the level of area A is higher than the level of area B. The arched support structure separates area A from area B. The level difference between the areas and therefore the height of the exposed module is indicated in fig. 1 as H .

[0062] The support structure comprises a series of modules (27). The modules can be placed adjacent or separated from each other.

[0063] Each module comprises at least one support element (23). The module can be comprised of one continuous support element or a plurality of discrete support elements. A support element is an elongated element, which is aimed at supporting the potential failure mass. In this specific embodiment, a portion of the support element indicated in fig. 1 as d, is inserted into the mass (earth in this specific embodiment) in order to render the support structure a horizontal stability. The length d is referred hereinafter as the depth of the module. The sum of the level difference and the depth of the module (27) are indicated as H+d and would be referred hereinafter as the total height of the module. Each support element can be comprised of numerous joints as well. The support elements are comprised of material, which is firm and durable to its surrounding mass influence and such as corrosion or water and pests, if earth is the mass to be concerned. The material should withstand the stress, which the concerned mass imposes. As far as earth, one of the most common and suitable materials for these purposes is reinforced concrete. Other materials, which support elements can be made of are materials such as: concrete, wood, steel and composite materials. The dimensions of the support elements should be determined accordin g to the specific designing requirements and the specific mass concerned. In case of plurality of support elements, the elements can be placed adjacent to each other or separated from each other.

[0064] Fig. 1 also indicates the dimensions of a module (27). As mentioned hereinabove, the height of the exposed portion of the module (the distance from the anchoring mass to the end of the module) is referred as the height of the exposed module and indicated as "H". The length of the module or support elements, which are anchored to a mass, is referred as the depth of the module and indicated as "d". H+d is referred as the total height of the module. The distance between the two most outer support elements of each module would be hereinafter called the module length and is indicated as "L". The distance between L to the most protruding support element or the most protruding point of a module would be hereinafter called the module arrowhead and is indicated as "f" .

[0065] The support elements (23) are arranged and placed in a form or a shape that is convex or concave, curved or polygonal, with an open or closed outline, or a combination thereof. Such shape, which creates a spatial self-supportive structure, forms a friction force parallel to the support structure in the contact area of the support structure and the potential failure mass. This friction force resists compression forces, which act on the support elements and creates moment, which resists the capsizing moment acting on the support structure.

[0066] In order for a module with a convex shape according to the present invention to create the hereinabove described friction force and moment, it should substantially keep to the following proportion: the length of f should be between 0.1 of the length of H to the length of H.

[0067] The specific embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in fig. 1 and 2, comprises modules (27) formed in a shape of an arch. The arched modules are comprised of a plurality of support elements (23) in the form of concrete piles. A transparent view of some modules showing the support elements, which comprise these modules, is illustrated in fig. 2.

[0068] As the module is in a shape of an arch, the support elements are arranged and placed next to each other in a shape of an arch. In this specific embodiment, the protruding center of each module faces the area with the higher level of earth -which is indicated as area A.. The support elements may also be arranged facing the other way around, that is to say, the protruding center of a module may as well face the area with the lower level of earth (indicated as area B in this specific embodiment). [0069] Each module further comprises an integration element (25). The integration element is aimed at binding all of the module support elements (23) and at creating a homogeneous form of each module (27). In some cases, continuous support elements may already include the integration element and such as cast concrete. The integration element may be a single element such as a plate or comprised of several elements such as stripes, which are separated or connected to each other. In the specific embodiment shown in fig. 1, the integration element is a cover plate, which can be made of materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, wood and composite materials. In this specific embodiment, it is recommended to construct a cover plate with thickness of at least 10 cm. It is also recommended to use reinforced steel in the construction of the cover plate, as the reinforced steel couples the support elements (23) to the cover plate. Fig. 2 illustrates a view of a support structure, presenting modules with a cover plate in only a portion of the modules leaving bare support element in the other portion of the modules.

[0070] Support structure according to the present invention is comprised of a plurality of modules (27) continuously engaged to each other. The number of the modules, the length (L), the thickness, the total height (H+d) and the length of the arrow head (f) of each module are determined in accordance with the specific design requirements, which depend in the mass type and characteristics and other constraints, and subjected to the hereinabove mentioned proportion in order to obtain the desired support features. It should be noted that the depth of a module (d) influences the scope of the module movement.

[0071] Fig. 3 illustrates the action of typical forces, such as active pressure and live loads, on each module of an arched support structure designated to retain earth as illustrated in fig.s 1 and 2, and the module reactions to these forces. [0072] Retained earth and live loads activate external forces on the structural system of the support structure (21). The equivalent of these forces is indicated as Fa. [0073] As a result of the action of active forces generated by the earth, the system of the support elements (23) stimulates a passive reaction of the earth, which would be referred as the passive forces and is indicated as Fp. For a system to be in equilibrium state, the following is required: Fa=Fp.

[0074] . The couple of forces Fp and Fa generate a moment called capsizing moment in the structural system of the support structure. This moment is indicated as Ma. The capsizing moment stimulates reactions in the support elements (23) system. These reactions are compression forces originated in the frontal part of the support elements, indicated as Fc, and tension forces originated in the back part of the support elements. Since the earth is able to receive only compression forces, tension force is received by friction forces between the support elements system and the earth, and is indicated as Ff. The coupled forces Ff and Fc create moment, indicated Mr, which resists the capsizing moment (Ma) and by that equilibrium of the support structure is achieved (or in other words: Mr=Ma).

[0075] Thus, the present invention provides more effective, easy to implement, and in some cases, low cost solution for the problem of capsizing moment. By using a specific spatial geometric shape, the present invention provides, and in contrast with the prior art, a support structure in which the influence of the capsizing moment is annulled by a couple of perpendicular forces (compression and friction forces), in addition to the couple of horizontal forces which exist in some other supporting systems.

[0076] Constructing a support structure in accordance with the present invention is comprised of a few stages. Principle stages of a preferred method for constructing an arched support structure designated to retain earth as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, are illustrated in fig. 4a to 4e.

[0077] Rendering of each constructing stage does not require any special knowledge from the constructer but the knowledge of common and typical procedures in constructing supporting systems.

[0078] On the first stage, which is illustrated in fig. 4a, boring of support elements (23) of total height H+d is accomplished. That according to a convex shape, such as arch, parabola, ellipse (convex curves) and such as triangle and trapeze (close outlined convex polygons). Fig. 4a illustrates boring of support elements in the form of an arch.

[0079] The second stage comprises first digging according to a designed setting and as illustrated in fig. 4b, where area B is the excavated area, therefore the area with the lower level. The digging exposes some portion of the support elements (23).

[0080] The third stage comprises adding of an integration element (25) and in this specific embodiment casting a cover plate in at least some of the exposed portion of the support elements (23) and until the bottom level of the specific design (the point where the support elements meet the earth), as illustrated in fig. 4c.

[0081] Fig. 4c illustrates a mid-stage, which shows two modules after adding an integration element (25) by casting a cover plate and the other modules before adding that element. [0082] The forth stage, which is illustrated in fig. 4d, comprises digging of the earth according to the specific design requirements and similarly to the second stage. [0083] The fifth stages comprise repetition of the third and forth stages until receiving desired difference of levels (H) and as illustrated in fig. 4e.

[0084] The specific method described hereinabove is one of several options for constructing a support structure according to the present invention . The method of constructing the support structure also depends on the type of the potential failure mass, the design requirements and other local circumstances and conditions. Thus, the construction of the support structure can be comprised instead of boring support elements, digging and exposing them, as described hereinabove, rather of establishing support elements and piling mass, or of any combination of these operations.

[0085] Fig. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment comprises two opposing support structures. One support structure comprises modules with head beams (29) and the other comprises modules with horizontal top level and roofing (33). Fig. 5 specifically illustrates arched support structures (21), however head beams and roofing can be added to other support structures in accordance with the present invention A support structure may comprise a top level, which can be horizontal, inclined or a combination of both. The roofing above the support structure can be made of concrete or any other desired material. The roofing enables utilization of the area on top of the support structure. The roofing may protrude the front of the support structure. In this specific embodiment the support structure comprises a horizontal top with concrete roofing creating a road. Addition of a head beam (29) is aimed at receiving a more uniform behavior of the modules (27). [0086] Fig. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the support structure in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 6 illustrates two opposing support structures comprising additional support elements (31). Moreover, one support structure comprises horizontal top level and roofing (33) and the other comprises inclined top level and roofing (35). Additional support element (31) is an element aimed at providing extra supporting and such as: beams, plates and encores. In some cases, such as: very high support structures, potential failure mass which activates extremely high active pressures and when a reduction of the arrowhead size (f) or the thickness of the module are desired, an extra support is needed. The additional supporting elements are preferably located in the link points of the modules (27). Such supporting can be, but not limited to, pressure beams between opposite support structures as illustrated in fig. 6. Another additional support element, which is also more aesthetic, is a closing plate, which would add stability to the support system and render the arched modules, for example, an appearance of flat continuous wall.

[0087] Fig. 7 illustrates different module embodiments of support structures according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention. The illustrated modules indicated as A, B and C are built in different ways, when the potential failure mass is earth, and the modules indicated as D, E, F, and G present some additional different shapes of modules,

[0088] Support structure A comprises an arched support structure as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2. The support elements are piles established by boring bores in the earth and inserting the piles into the bores. Support structure B comprises an arched support structure, while each module comprises one continuous support element. The support element is set up by excavating a ditch in an arch shape and by casting the support element in the ditch. Support structure C comprises an arched support structure, where the support elements are slurry piles. The support elements are set up by boring and casting the slurry piles in the bores.

[0089] The shape of a module or a portion of it can be an open polygonal shape or open curved shape such as: arch shape, V shape, parabola shape, S shape, or closed polygonal or closed curved shape such as: circle or ellipse like shape, triangle and trapeze shapes, or any combination of the aforementioned shapes. The advantage of closed shapes is of being more stable and of enabling, therefore, construction of higher support structures designated to support higher levels difference, for instance. The closed shape support structures can be filled with the concerned mass.

[0090] Thus , support structure D comprises modules in a shape of a closed ellipse. Support structure E comprises modules with a shape of an open curve ("S" like shape).. Support structure F comprises modules with an open "V" or open triangle shapes (open polygonal shapes). Support structure G comprises modules with an open trapeze shape. [0091] A support structure according to the present invention may be constructed in an upright or inclined or bent manner. The support elements of different modules or of the same module can be of different shapes and sizes. The total height (H+d) of a module can differ between different modules of the same support structure or in a single module by comprising support elements of different heights.

[0092] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention with out limiting its scope.

[0093] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for supporting mass to prevent potential failure mass from collapsing, the method comprising: setting up at least one of a plurality of support elements rigidly anchored to the mass, arranged in one or more convex modules, wherein a ratio between an arrowhead distance defined as the distance between an imaginary line connecting opposite ends of a module and a point on the module that is furthest from the imaginary line and the vertical height of a portion of the module that is exposed over the mass ranges between l:10 to 1:1.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each module to present a single support structure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein setting up of said at least one of a plurality of support elements comprises inserting at least a portion of the elements into the mass.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising filling up mass behind said structure.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein setting up of said at least one of a plurality of support elements comprises inserting at least most of each of the elements into the mass, and removing mass from one side of said at least one module.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each modules to present a single support structure comprises casting a cover plate on an exposed side of the modules which is coupled to the support elements.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each modules to present a single support structure comprises casting a concrete wall.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one support element comprises a concrete wall.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein integrating said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each modules to present a single support structure comprises connecting the support elements by connecting components.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the convex modules are arranged continuously.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mass comprises soil.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing roofing over the support structure.

13. A support structure comprising: at least one of a plurality of support elements arranged in one or more convex modules, wherein a ratio between an arrowhead distance defined as the distance between an imaginary line connecting opposite ends of a module and a point on the module that is furthest from the imaginary line and the vertical height of a portion of the module that is exposed over the mass rnages between 1 : 10 to 1:1.

14. The structure of claim 13, wherein said at least one of the plurality of support elements of each module being integrated to present a single support structure.

15. The structure of claim 14, wherein a cover plate is provided on an exposed side of the modules which is coupled to the support elements.

16. The structure of claim 14, comprising a concrete plate.

17. The structure of claim 14, wherein support elements of each module are connected by connecting components.

18. The structure of claim 13, wherein the convex modules are arranged continuously.

19. The structure of claim 13, further comprising roofing over the support structure.