WO2016004196A1

WO2016004196A1 - Retaining assembly for a retaining wall

Info

Publication number: WO2016004196A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/038818
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey L. HEAVNER; Jason B. SMITH
Original assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, Llc
Priority date: 2014-07-01
Filing date: 2015-07-01
Publication date: 2016-01-07

Abstract

A retaining wall system includes a retaining wall and a retaining assembly secured to the retaining wall and anchored in the ground medium. The retaining assembly includes a reinforcing member and corrosion resistant covering material in which the reinforcing member is embedded. The retaining assembly is configured to provide resistance against pull through the ground medium in which the retaining wall system is installed.

Description

RETAINING ASSEMBLY FOR A RETAINING WAT J, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present retaining assembly relates to retaining walls, and, more particularly, to techniques and structures for anchoring a retaining wall to the ground.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Retaining walls are used as barriers and for supporting ground medium. Retaining walls are implemented alongside numerous locations, such as, for example, roadways, pedestrian walkways, river embankments, and the like. Retaining walls generally include a vertical wall of concrete or the like, which is reinforced by rebar or some other kind of reinforcement material within the wall structure. Generally, the walls are made of precast concrete subsections or panels that are stacked one on top of the other and/or adjacent to one another to erect the wall at the worksite. Some retaining walls, instead of using precast subsections, may be built as a unitary wall, such as by mixing and pouring the concrete at the worksite, or by laying bricks or stones with mortar at the worksite. After many years of use, retaining walls tend to shift or break away from the ground medium as a result of latent pressure forces within the ground medium. In order for retaining walls to effectively provide a barrier and to maintain the wall's substantially vertical position over many years of use, retaining walls must be properly supported and/or anchored within the adjacent ground medium.

[0003] Known structures, techniques and procedures to support retaining walls, thereby counteracting the ground medium pressure forces, may include tapering the retaining wall to form a wide base, creating a cantilevered section at the base of the wall and extending the cantilevered section into the ground medium, and/or driving a long piling deep into the ground medium. Another form of support is an anchor connected to the retaining wall and buried into the ground medium.

[0004] Current supporting anchors may include cables or long rectangular metal strips. The cables or metal strips are attached at selected locations along the retaining wall, preferably at the point which counteracts the greatest ground pressure force. The anchors are generally positioned at a downward angle relative to a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the retaining wall. Depending on the ground medium in which the anchor ultimately is embedded, it may be advantageous to insert the anchors without a downward angle, directly perpendicular into the ground medium. Generally anchors are driven into the existing ground medium, yet they may also be buried by placing ground medium overtop of the anchors. Overtime, the cable or metal strip can corrode and weaken. Due to corrosion and/or shifting of the ground medium, anchors can be pulled through the ground medium, which looses the anchors hold, and can allow the retaining wall to shift.

[0005] What is needed in the art is an anchoring system that better supports a retaining wall for an extended period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The retaining assembly disclosed herein provides a reinforcing member with anchor straps and a corrosion resistant material protecting the anchor straps, to support retaining walls and maintain ground medium integrity.

[0007] The present disclosure in one form is directed to a retaining wall system, including a retaining wall with a bottom region configured for being embedded in a ground medium, and a retaining assembly associated with the retaining wall. The retaining assembly includes a reinforcing member connected to the bottom region of the retaining wall, and a covering substantially encasing the reinforcing member. The covering is comprised of a corrosion resistant material.

[0008] The present disclosure, in another form thereof, is directed to a retaining assembly in a retaining wall system including a retaining wall having a bottom region configured for being embedded in a ground medium. The retaining assembly includes a reinforcing member configured for connection to the retaining wall, and a covering substantially encasing the reinforcing member, the covering including a corrosion resistant material configured for resistance to being pulled through a ground medium in which it is embedded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective illustration of a retaining wall system including a retaining assembly as disclosed herein, the system being shown during installation; [0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the retaining assembly;

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective illustration of another retaining wall system including a retaining assembly as disclosed herein, the retaining wall system again being shown during installation; [0013] Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the retaining wall system shown in Fig. 3; and

[0014] Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the retaining assembly shown in Fig. 4 and 5. [0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of a retaining wall system 10 including a retaining assembly 20, a retaining wall 12, and a ground medium 14 provided at a worksite 40. The retaining wall 12 has a bottom region

16 that is configured to be partially embedded in the ground medium 14. Retaining wall 12 may be formed of a plurality of similarly constructed panels erected adjacent one another to form a continuous wall structure, or can be a monolithic structure formed on site. The exemplary retaining wall 12 shown and described is suitable for use alongside a roadway. However, it should be understood that the retaining assembly disclosed herein may be used also for anchoring other structures for other purposes, and the exemplary use alongside a roadway does not limit the scope of the invention. By way of further example, a retaining wall system including a retaining assembly here of may be used alongside numerous different pathways or embankments for both function and appearance.

[0017] Once the retaining wall 12 is set in place at the worksite 40, the retaining wall can be supported by retaining assembly 20. Retaining assembly 20 can be rolled out in precut sections of a required length, can be cut to length as installation proceeds, and/or may be assembled at the worksite 40 as part of the erection and installation of retaining wall system 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, retaining assembly 20 is a continuous mat-like structure extending along the length of retaining wall 12 and extending away from retaining wall 12 a sufficient distance for anchoring in ground medium 14. It should be understood that retaining assembly 20 also can be provided as a plurality of individual segments connected at spaced locations along the length of retaining wall 12. Further, the distance that retaining assembly 20 extends away from retaining wall 12 can vary depending on the size of retaining wall 12, the characteristics of ground medium 14 in which it is anchored and other factors.

[0018] Retaining assembly 20 includes a reinforcing member 22 substantially encased inside a covering 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown, reinforcing member 22 includes at least one anchor strap 28, and in the exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of anchor straps 28, which may be made of steel, stainless steel, rubber and/or an aramid or the like. In the exemplary embodiment shown, anchor straps 28 are elongated structures that are rectangular in cross-sectional shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of an anchor strap 28 is not limited to a rectangular shape; it may be formed in any advantageous shape (such as, for further example, the cross-sectional shape maybe trapezoidal, circular or other). Further, not all anchor straps 28 of a retaining assembly 20 need be of the same shape, and reinforcing member 22 may include anchor straps of different shapes. Anchor strap 28 may be a single layer or multiple layers as needed. Anchor strap 28 is attached to the bottom region 16 of the retaining wall 12 and is aligned so that its greatest strength is substantially perpendicular to the retaining wall 12 (Fig. 1). If formed as a metal anchor strap, the end of the strap can simply be bent and attached to the retaining wall 12, or a separate mounting bracket can be used. Anchor strap 28 also can be connected to retaining wall 12 by other means including adhesive, physical connectors, welding or other bonding techniques, or any suitable manner for the materials of retaining wall 12 and anchor strap 28.

[0019] Anchor straps 28 are protected and substantially encased by covering 24, which is made of a corrosion resistant material 26. The covering 24 includes a blanket 30 encasing each anchor strap 28 (Fig. 2) and extending between anchor straps 28 to unite a plurality of anchor straps 28 in a continuous structure. The blanket 30 may include a lattice, a lacework, a mesh and/or a web layering configured to encase the reinforcing member 22 and reinforce corrosion resistant material 26. Blanket 30 may be made of any suitable corrosion resistant material (for example and not limitation, a plastic, a polyurethane, a rubber, and/or a silicone). Blanket 30 can also include a surface configuration 34 such as, for example, a texture applied to or formed in the material of blanket 30, perforations through or partially through the thickness of the material, or pattern or shape of the blanket to provide sufficient friction against the ground medium 14 so as to resist being pulled through the ground medium 14. Blanket 30 can extend generally perpendicular to the bottom region 16 of the retaining wall 12, or at some other desirable angle to the bottom region 16. Blanket 30 is designed to keep the anchor strap 28 from corroding. The blanket 30 is also designed to hold the ground medium 14 in place and counteract the pressure forces of the ground medium 14 acting on the retaining wall 12.

[0020] After retaining assembly 20 is attached to the bottom region 16 of the retaining wall 12 and positioned at a desired angle relative to retaining wall 12, additional ground medium 14 may be compacted on top of the retaining assembly 20. The retaining assembly 20 anchors the retaining wall 12, provides structural integrity for the ground medium 14, and counteracts the pressure forces against the retaining wall 12. Retaining wall system 10 is built to withstand years of use, with retaining assembly 20 providing support to retaining wall 12 and ground medium 14, thereby stabilizing the ground medium adjacent retaining wall 12 and stabilizing the position of retaining wall 12.

[0021] Referring now to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, there is shown a second embodiment of a retaining wall system 50 in accordance herewith. In this exemplary embodiment, retaining wall system 50 includes a retaining wall 52 and a retaining assembly 60. Retaining wall 52 has a bottom region 56 configured to be partially embedded in a ground medium 14. Retaining assembly 60 includes an attachment bar 54 that is positioned at and attached to the bottom region 56 of the retaining wall 52. Attachment bar 54 is a connection or link for attaching retaining assembly 60 to retaining wall 52.

[0022] Retaining assembly 60 further includes a reinforcing member 62, a covering 64 made of a corrosion resistant material 66, and anchor straps 68 (Fig. 5). Reinforcing member 62 is depicted as a belt in an area above the dashed reference line 70 (Fig. 5). Reinforcing member 62 includes cords 72, which can be made of steel, stainless steel, and/or an aramid or the like. Reinforcing member 62 stretches the distance of the covering 64 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the anchor straps 68. Covering 64 may be made of any suitable corrosion resistant material 66 (such as, for example, a plastic, a polyurethane, a rubber, and/or silicone). Fig. 5 shows the dashed reference line 70 marking the distinction between the reinforcement member 62 and the anchor straps 68. The anchor straps 68 are defined by surface configurations in the form of ribs 74 extending transverse to a length of the anchoring straps extending away from retaining 52. Ribs 74 also may be made of polyurethane, rubber or silicone, and may be formed as a monolithic body with covering 64. Ribs 74 are trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape and are spaced out sequentially to define gaps therebetween to provide increased frictional resistance with the ground medium 14 in which it is embedded, and to inhibit pull through the ground medium 14. The ribs 74 may include any shape or configuration to advantageously contact the ground medium 14. The anchor straps 68 are incorporated to provide sufficient contact and friction with the ground medium 14.

[0023] As best seen in Fig. 4, attachment bar 54 can be generally U-shaped, with spaced end segments embedded in retaining wall 52 and a central portion spaced from retaining wall 52. Retaining assembly 60 connects to retaining wall 52 by extending an end portion of the retaining assembly 60 through the space to wrap around attachment bar 54, with the end portion of the retaining assembly 60 overlapped back on itself to form a loop. A clamp 58 can be used to secure the position of the loop as the anchor straps 68 interlace in the overlapped portion. Alternatively, the loop formed in the retaining assembly 60 can be fixed in position using any suitable joining technique such as fasteners, adhesive bonding, thermal or sonic welding, etc. Further, retaining assembly 60 also can be attached in other ways, such as by clamping, fastening, adhering or otherwise connecting or securing the retaining assembly to attachment bar 54 or some other structure or formation directly or indirectly, with or without forming a loop. Retaining assembly 60 may be used in multiple iterations along the distance of retaining wall 50 and/or may be arranged one above another to better support the retaining wall 50. Retaining wall assembly 60 can be precut and shipped to the worksite 40 ready to be installed and to provide years of support to the ground medium 14 and the retaining wall 50.

[0024] While this disclosure has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A retaining wall system, comprising:

a retaining wall including a bottom region configured for being embedded in a ground medium; and

a retaining assembly associated with the retaining wall, said retaining assembly including:

a reinforcing member; and

a covering substantially encasing the reinforcing member, said covering being comprised of a corrosion resistant material.

2. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member includes an anchor strap, and the covering includes a blanket encasing the anchor strap, the anchor strap being attached to the bottom region of the retaining wall.

3. The retaining wall system of claim 2, wherein the blanket extends generally perpendicular to the bottom region of the retaining wall.

4. The retaining wall system of claim 2, wherein the anchor strap is made of at least one of a steel, a stainless steel or an aramid.

5. The retaining wall system of claim 2, wherein said anchor strap includes a single layer.

6. The retaining wall system of claim 2, wherein the blanket is comprised of at least one of a plastic, a polyurethane, a rubber or a silicone.

7. The retaining wall system of claim 2, wherein said blanket includes at least one of a texture, perforations, and pattern to provide sufficient contact and friction to said ground medium so as to resist being pulled through it.

8. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein said covering includes at least one of a texture, perforations, and pattern to provide friction against being pulled through said ground medium.

9. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein said retaining wall includes an attachment bar and said reinforcing member is attached to said attachment bar.

10. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein said attachment bar includes a portion spaced from said retaining wall; an end portion of said reinforcing member extends through said space and is overlapped on itself to form a loop, and the overlapped portion is secured in position.

11. The retaining wall system of claim 10, wherein the overlapped portion is secured by a clamp.

12. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein said reinforcing member includes a plurality of cords.

13. A retaining assembly in a retaining wall system including a retaining wall having a bottom region configured for being embedded in a ground medium, said retaining assembly comprising:

a reinforcing member configured for connection to the retaining wall; and

a covering substantially encasing the reinforcing member, said covering being comprised of a corrosion resistant material configured for resistance to being pulled through a ground medium in which it is embedded.

14. The retaining assembly of claim 13, wherein said reinforcing member includes a plurality of anchor straps, and said covering forms a blanket encasing said plurality of anchor strips and extending between adjacent anchor straps to form a mat having a plurality of connections to the retaining wall.

15. The retaining assembly of claim 13, wherein a plurality of reinforcing members are separately connected to the retaining wall, and each of the reinforcing members has a separate covering of corrosion resistant material.

16. The retaining assembly of claim 13, said covering including cords embedded therein.

17. The retaining assembly of claim 13, said covering defining a plurality of transverse ribs.

18. The retaining assembly of claim 13, including a bracket connected to the retaining wall, and said reinforcing member forming a loop engaging said bracket.

19. The retaining assembly of claim 18, said reinforcing member having a length extending away from said bracket and said covering forming a plurality of ribs transverse to said length.

20. The retaining assembly of claim 18, including a clamp securing said loop.