WO2020254288A1

WO2020254288A1 - Structure comprising an assembly of blocks

Info

Publication number: WO2020254288A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/066559
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julien Lorentz; Jean-Philippe Jarrin; Lucas Meignan
Original assignee: Geolithe Innov
Priority date: 2019-06-17
Filing date: 2020-06-16
Publication date: 2020-12-24
Also published as: FR3097242A1; EP3983613A1; FR3097242B1; EP3983613B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure (10) comprising an assembly of blocks (15), each block (15) having an upper face (35) and a lower face (40), at least two axes (A) and, for each axis (A), a protuberance (60), a duct (50) and a cavity (75), each protuberance (60) being provided on the upper face (35), each cavity (75) being provided on the lower face (40), each duct (50) extending along the corresponding axis (A) and being defined by the block (15), each cavity (75) of a block (15) receiving a protuberance (60) of a block (15) immediately below the block (15) in question. Each protuberance (60) and the corresponding cavity (75) are configured to allow a rotation about the axis (A) between the blocks (15), at least one connecting element (20, 25A, 25B) being received within the two ducts (50) in order to block at least one degree of freedom between the blocks (15).

Description

TITLE: Work comprising a set of blocks

The present invention relates to a structure, in particular a structure for protection against impacts or for support.

Structures are frequently used to stabilize land and protect people and property against possible damage caused by land movements or falling materials. Among these structures, some are fixed to a slope such as a retaining wall or a net to stop falling masses such as rocks detached from a wall and offering good dissipation of kinetic energy. These structures are fixed either by guy ropes or by bolts fixed in the slope. Other structures consist of a stack of blocks, materials or gabions and, by their mass, make it possible to hold back the ground or to stop the course of falling blocks.

However, these works are not optimized. Indeed, anchoring operations, via bolts or shrouds, are long and complex since they require drilling in the slope of holes that will be filled with cement to allow the fixing of the bolts or shrouds. During these operations, the operators working on the installation of the structure are not protected. In addition, gravity structures formed by stacking blocks or materials require a large footprint, which is not always available, and allow little dissipation of the kinetic energy of the falling blocks. In addition, these structures take a long time to produce.

In addition, in many cases it is necessary for the structure to be erected in an area of complex topography, for example along a road which is not straight.

An aim of the invention is therefore to provide a structure which requires a small footprint, while being simple and quick to set up or to dismantle and while allowing good dissipation of kinetic energy.

To this end, a structure is proposed, in particular for protection against impacts or for support, the structure comprising a set of blocks and at least one connecting element, the blocks being distributed in several superimposed levels in a vertical direction, each block having an upper face and a lower face, each block having at least two axes parallel to the vertical direction, each block comprising, for each axis, a protuberance, a duct and a cavity, each protuberance being provided on the upper face, each cavity being provided on the lower face, each cavity having a bottom delimiting the cavity in the vertical direction, each duct extending along the corresponding axis and being delimited by the block, each duct crossing the block in the vertical direction and opening into the first corresponding cavity, each cavity of a block belonging to a level of blocks different from the lowest level accommodating a protuberance of a block of a level of blocks immediately below the block considered, the axis of the cavity being coincident with the axis of the protuberance received in the cavity, each protuberance and the cavity in which said protuberance is received being configured to allow relative rotation around the axis of the protuberance between the block comprising the protuberance and the block comprising the cavity, at least one connecting element being received jointly in the two conduits, the connecting element being configured to block at least one degree of freedom between the blocks in which the connecting element is hosted around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Thanks to the invention, the blocks are joined together quickly and easily to form a structure with great resistance and requiring little footprint. In particular, the possibility of rotation between the blocks 15 in a horizontal plane makes it easy to adapt the shape of the structure to the topography.

According to other advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, the work has one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

- the protuberance is a protrusion in the form of a truncated cone centered on the axis;

- the protrusion has a plurality of protrusions arranged along a circle centered on the axis of the protrusion, each protrusion extending in the vertical direction from the upper face;

- Each projection has an outer face configured to bear against a lateral face of the cavity in which the protuberance is received, the outer face being in the form of a portion of a truncated cone centered on the axis;

- each projection is formed by a portion of a removable lug relative to the corresponding block;

- Each block comprises, for each axis, an annular groove formed in the upper face, a portion of each lug being accommodated in the groove;

- Each cavity has a second lateral face delimiting the cavity in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the second lateral face being a portion of a truncated cone extending along the axis of the cavity;

- at least one connecting element is attached jointly to two of the blocks delimiting the conduits in which the connecting element is accommodated; - at least one connecting element is configured to prevent a relative translation in the vertical direction of the blocks delimiting the conduits in which the connecting element is accommodated;

- at least one connecting element comprises a flexible link such as a cable or a chain;

- at least one connecting element comprises a rigid link such as a bar or a tube;

- at least one connecting element is accommodated in conduits delimited by a plurality of superimposed blocks in the vertical direction, the connecting element being fixed to the lower face of the block belonging to the lowest level and to the upper face of the block belonging to the highest level;

- at least one connecting element, such as a bar or a tube, is configured to bear against the walls of the conduits in which the connecting element is accommodated to exert on these walls a force opposing a translation between the blocks along an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction or to a relative rotation of the blocks in which the connecting element is received around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction;

- each block has a height measured in the vertical direction, at least one connecting element configured to bear against the walls of the conduits in which the connecting element is accommodated in order to exert on these walls a force opposing a translation between the blocks along an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction and / or to a relative rotation of the blocks in which the connecting element is accommodated around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction having a length measured in the vertical direction, the length being greater than or equal to the height of a block;

- each duct has rotational symmetry around the corresponding axis;

- the blocks are arranged vertically in staggered rows;

- each block extends in a main direction in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the axes of the considered block defining a plane parallel to the main direction, a distance measured in the main direction between the axes being in particular greater than or equal to half of a length of the considered block measured along the main direction.

- each block has at least one lateral face delimiting the block in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, each block delimiting, in addition, for each cavity, at least one passage extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and opening out on the cavity and on a lateral face; - the structure comprises at least two blocks joined to one another by a metal element accommodated in a passage of each of the blocks considered; and

- the structure extends in a direction of extension in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, each block extending in a main direction in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, an angle between the direction of extension and the main direction of at least one block being strictly greater than zero, in particular greater than or equal to 15 degrees.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a work according to the invention comprising a set of blocks,

[Fig 2] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a block of Figure 1,

[Fig 3] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the structure of Figure 1, and

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a block of another example of a work according to the invention.

A first example of a book 10 is shown in Figure 1.

Structure 10 is, for example, a retaining structure. In particular, the structure 10 rests against a wall or a slope of land or a cliff that the structure 10 is suitable for supporting. Alternatively, the structure 10 is a protective structure against impacts, in particular caused by falling materials. In this case, the structure 10 is installed at the foot of a slope and is configured to stop material falling, slipping, or tumbling down the slope, such as boulders. According to another variant, the structure 10 is a support structure and protection against falling materials.

The structure 10 comprises a plurality of blocks 15, at least one connecting element 20, 25A, 25B and a set of optional anchoring elements 30. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the structure 10 comprises a set of connecting elements 20, 25A, 25B, and a set of additional elements 25C.

A first direction X, a second direction Y and a vertical direction Z are defined for the structure 10. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y and to the vertical direction Z. The second direction Y is, moreover, perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Thus, the first direction X and the second direction Y define a horizontal plane.

The blocks 15 are distributed in several superimposed levels in the vertical direction Z. The plurality of levels comprises a first level N1 and at least one. second level N2. In Figure 1, four levels N1, N2, N3, N4 are shown. However, the structure 10 is likely to have a variable number of levels, as needed.

Among the levels N1, N2, N3, N4, the first level N1 is the lowest level. For example, the first level N1 is the lowest level of the structure 10 and rests on the ground 17. The second level N2 is immediately higher than the first level N1. It is understood by "immediately higher" that at least one element of the second level N2 is supported by at least one element of the first level N1. The first level N1 is then called “level immediately below” the second level N2.

A third level N3 is immediately higher than the second level N2. A fourth level N4 is immediately higher than the third level N3.

According to the example shown in FIG. 1, the first level N1 comprises four blocks 15, the second level N2 comprises three blocks 15, the third level N3 comprises two blocks 15 and the fourth level N4 comprises a single block 15. However, the number of blocks 15 of each level N1, N2, N3, N4 is liable to vary.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the structure 10 is formed by blocks 15 arranged vertically in staggered rows. It is in particular understood by "staggered" that an offset, measured in the second direction Y, between the blocks of two successive levels N1, N2, N3, N4 is strictly greater than zero.

For example, the offset is equal to half of the first length L1. Thus, each block 15 belonging to a level N2, N3, N4 different from the first level N1 is supported by two blocks 15 of the immediately lower level N1, N2, N3. In particular, each block 15 of a level N1, N2, N3 different from the highest level N4 supports up to two blocks 15 of the immediately higher level N2, N3, N4.

It should be noted that embodiments in which the blocks 15 of different levels N1, N2, N3, N4 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z, in particular in which the offset is substantially equal to zero, are also possible.

The structure 10 extends, for example, in the second direction Y. The second direction Y is then sometimes called the "extension direction". However, embodiments in which the structure 10 is curved or has an angle are also envisaged.

The blocks of each level N1, N2, N3, N4 are, for example, aligned with each other in the second direction Y. Thus, the structure 10 is a wall having a single thickness of blocks in the third direction X. According to one variant, the structure 10 is a wall having two thicknesses of blocks in the first direction X, or more. In this case, the structure 10 can also be considered as the meeting of juxtaposed walls in the first direction X.

An example of block 15 is shown in FIG. 2 in section in a vertical plane formed by the Z and Y directions.

Each block 15 extends horizontally in a main direction of block 15. The main directions of blocks 15 are, for example, coincident. Each main direction is, for example, the second Y direction.

As a variant, an angle between the main directions of two blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2, N3, N4 is different from zero, for example greater than or equal to 15 degrees, in particular greater than or equal to 30 degrees.

According to a variant, at least one block 15 has a main direction forming a non-zero angle with the second direction Y, along which the structure 10 extends. The angle is for example greater than or equal to 15 degrees, in particular greater than or equal to 30 degrees.

Each block 15 has an upper face 35, a lower face 40 and at least a first lateral face 45. Each block 15 is delimited in the vertical direction Z by its upper face 35 and by its lower face 40.

According to a particular embodiment, each block 15 comprises at least one reinforcing element 42, in particular two reinforcing elements 42.

Each block 15 defines at least two conduits 50, an anchor hole 55 and two passages 57. It should be noted that the anchor hole 55 and the passages 57 are optional.

Each block 15 has a first length L1, measured in the second direction Y, between 0.38 meter (m) and 6.2 m.

Each block 15 has a first width 11, measured in the first direction X, between 0.18 m and 3 m.

Each block 15 has a first height H1, measured in the vertical direction Z between the upper face 35 and the lower face 40, between 0.2 m and 3.2 m.

Each block 15 is made of concrete. For example, concrete is lightweight concrete, that is, concrete with inclusions of a material that is lighter than concrete. Inclusions are, for example, balls or aggregates of a material that is lighter than concrete.

Concrete is, for example, reinforced concrete.

Alternatively, block 15 is made from a mixture of concrete and a polymer such as polystyrene. According to another variant, the block 15 comprises a metal box (also called by the English name “container” in certain cases) filled with a filling material. A filling material is a material used to increase the mass of the block 15 relative to the mass of the empty cabinet. The filling material is, for example, a polymer material. For example, the polymeric material is a polymeric foam such as polyurethane foam.

The box then includes a filling member and a vent for injecting the filling material into the box.

Alternatively, the filling material is water. When the filling material is water, the cabinet further includes a clean drain device to allow water to drain out of the cabinet.

Alternatively, the filling material is sand.

As a variant, some blocks 15 include a box containing no filling material.

It should be noted that non-metallic materials are also likely to be used for the cabinet, for example a plastic material.

According to a variant, the box is perforated, for example consisting at least partially of a mesh, in particular of a metal mesh. For example, the cabinet is a gabion.

Each upper face 35 is substantially planar. In particular, each upper face 35 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

At least two protuberances 60 are provided on each upper face 35.

By "protrusion" is meant a portion of the block 15 or an insert extending from the upper face 35 and configured to be engaged in a cavity 75 of another block 15.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, each protrusion forms a single projection 60 extending in the vertical direction Z from the upper face 35 outwardly of the block 15.

Each protuberance 60 has, for example, a rotational symmetry about an axis A, in particular an axis A parallel to the vertical direction Z.

According to a particular embodiment, each protuberance 60 is in the form of a truncated cone.

Each protuberance 60 has an end face 65 and at least one second lateral face 70.

The end face 65 defines the protuberance 60 in the vertical direction Z. Each end face 65 is, for example, perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

Each second lateral face 70 extends between the upper face 35 and the end face 65. The second lateral face 70, or the second lateral faces 70 together, define the protuberance 60 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

When the protuberance 60 is in the form of a truncated cone, the end face 65 is a disc. In this case, the protuberance 60 has a single second lateral face 70, which surrounds the protrusion in a plane intersecting the vertical direction Z. In this case, the second lateral face 70 is in the form of a portion of a truncated cone.

The end face 65 has, for example, an outer radius of between 4.5 centimeters (cm) and 72 cm, for example equal, to within 10%, to 18 cm.

The base of the truncated cone, that is to say the face of the truncated cone opposite the end face 65, has for example a radius of between 5 cm and 84 cm, in particular equal, to within 10%, to 21 cm.

Each axis A is, for example, distant from the other axis A by a distance of between 20 cm and 3.2 meters, for example equal to 80 cm.

The A axes are, for example, aligned with each other in the Y direction. In other words, the A axes define a plane parallel to the Y direction.

The axes A are distant from each other, in the direction Y by a distance greater than or equal to half of the first length L1 of the block 15 considered. Each axis A is, for example, equidistant from the first lateral faces 45 which delimit the block 15 in the direction X.

Alternatively, each protuberance 60 is a cylinder extending along the axis A.

According to another variant, each protuberance 60 has the shape of a portion of a sphere, in particular a hemisphere.

According to another variant, each protuberance 60 has a polyhedral shape, for example in the form of a truncated pyramid extending along the axis A. The pyramid is for example a regular pyramid, the second lateral faces 70 then being identical to each other. other. It should be noted that other polyhedral or non-polyhedral shapes are also possible for the protrusions 60.

In addition, protuberances 60 comprising a plurality of protrusions extending in the vertical direction Z from the upper face 35 are also possible, as will be described below. Each protuberance 60 has a height, measured in the vertical direction Z between the upper face 35 and the end face, less than or equal to 1/3 of the first height H1 of a block 15, in particular between 1 cm and a third of the first height H1, for example equal to 5 cm, to within 10%.

Each lower face 40 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

The lower face 40 of each block 15 of a level of blocks (N2, N3, N4) different from the lowest level (N1) bears against the upper face 35 of a block (15) of the level (N1, N2, N3) immediately below.

Two cavities 75 are formed in each lower face 40.

Each cavity 75 corresponds to a protuberance 60 of the block 15 considered. For example, each cavity 75 is aligned in the vertical direction with the block 15 considered.

Each cavity 75 extends inwardly of block 15 from underside 40. In particular, each cavity 75 extends inwardly of block 15 along the A axis of corresponding protrusion 60.

Each cavity 75 is suitable for accommodating a protuberance 60 of a block 15 supporting the block 15 in which the cavity 75 is provided. In particular, each cavity 75 is configured, with the protuberance 60, to allow relative rotation between the blocks 15 considered around the axis A of the protuberance 60 and the cavity 75.

Each cavity 75 has, for example, a rotational symmetry around the axis A of the corresponding protuberance 60.

According to a particular embodiment, each cavity 75 is in the form of a truncated cone.

Each cavity 75 has a bottom 80 and at least a third lateral face 85.

The bottom 80 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Each third lateral face 85 extends between the lower face 40 and the bottom 80. The third lateral face 85, or the third lateral faces 85 together, define the cavity 75 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

The bottom 80 has, for example, a radius of between 5 centimeters (cm) and 76 cm, for example equal, to within 10%, to 19 cm.

The base of the truncated cone, that is to say the face of the truncated cone opposite the bottom 80, has for example a radius of between 5.5 cm and 88 cm, in particular equal, to within 10%, to 22 cm. This base forms a circular opening opening onto the underside 40.

It should be noted that the shape of each cavity 75 is liable to vary. The cavity 75 has a depth, measured in the vertical direction Z, strictly greater than the height of the corresponding protuberance 60. The depth is, for example, between 1.5 cm and 24 cm, in particular equal to 6 cm.

The first side face or faces 45 delimit the block 15 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

Each first lateral face 45 is, for example, perpendicular either to the first direction X or to the second direction Y. In this case, the block 15 is substantially parallelepiped.

According to a variant shown in Figure 1, the first side faces 45 each have two chamfers 90 and a central part 95 perpendicular to one of the first direction X and of the second direction Y. When the central part 95 is perpendicular to the first direction X, the two chamfers 90 define the central part according to the second direction Y and have a slight angle with the first direction X. When the central part 95 is perpendicular to the second direction Y, the two chamfers 90 define the central part according to the second direction Y and have a slight angle with the first direction X.

As a variant, the block 15 comprises a parallelepipedal central portion, for example delimited by the central parts 90, and two semi-cylindrical end portions 97. The end portions 97 frame the central portion, and can each be centered on a corresponding A axis. However, variants in which the end portions 97 are not each centered on an axis A of a protuberance 60 are also possible.

Each axis A is, for example, equidistant from the first side faces 45 which delimit the block 15 in the direction X.

Each duct 50 extends along the axis A of a protuberance 60. This duct is then said to be "coaxial" with this corresponding protuberance 60.

The duct 50 passes through the block 15 in the vertical direction Z.

It is understood in particular by “passing through” a duct 50 opening out at its two ends.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the conduit 50 opens into the cavity

75 and on the corresponding protuberance 60. In particular, the duct 50 opens out on the end face of the protuberance 60 and on the bottom 80 of the corresponding cavity 75.

A variant in which the duct 50 opens onto the upper face 35 is also possible and is described below. Each duct 50 is, for example, cylindrical with a circular base around the axis A. As a variant, parallelepipedic or polyhedral ducts 50 are also likely to be envisaged.

Each duct 50 has a diameter strictly less than the diameter of the corresponding end face 65, for example between 3 cm and 60 cm, in particular equal to 15 cm.

According to one embodiment, the end of the duct 50 which opens onto the end face 65 has a chamfer. In particular, the diameter of the portion of duct 50 which has the chamfer increases from the diameter of the rest of duct 50 to a value strictly greater than this diameter. A difference between these two values is, for example, between 1 cm and 28 cm, in particular equal to 7 cm. According to one embodiment, a difference between the outside diameter of the end face 65, equal to twice the radius of the end face 65, and the maximum diameter of the chamfer between the duct 50 and the end face 65 is equal to 14 cm.

Each anchoring hole 55 passes through the block 15 from one of the side faces 45 to another side face 45, the two side faces 45 considered delimiting the block 15 in the first direction X. The anchoring hole 55 s 'extends in a direction included in a plane also comprising the X and Z directions. In this plane, an angle between the direction in which the anchor hole 55 extends and the first direction X is between 0 ° and 70 ° .

Each anchoring hole 55 is, for example, cylindrical with a circular base and has a diameter of between 4 cm and 64 cm, in particular equal, to within 10%, to 16 cm.

Each anchor hole 55 is configured to allow passage of a drilling tool and / or an anchor bolt. For example, at least one block 15 is anchored to the ground by an anchor bolt accommodated in an anchor hole 55. In particular, the anchor hole 55 opens onto the two corresponding side faces 45 through two openings.

Each passage 57 extends from a corresponding cavity 75 to a side face 45, into which the passage 57 opens. Each passage 57 extends for example in the first direction X.

Each passage 57 has, for example, a depth, measured in the vertical direction Z, equal to the depth of the corresponding cavity 75. Each passage 57 has a width, measured in the second direction Y, for example between 6 and 100 cm, in particular equal to 25 cm, to within 10%.

The blocks 15 are arranged so that each cavity 75 of a level of blocks N2, N3, N4 different from the lowest level N1 accommodates a protuberance 60 of a block 15 the immediately lower level N1, N2 or N3. In particular, when the blocks 15 are staggered, the cavities 75 of the same block 15 receive protuberances 60 corresponding to two separate blocks 15.

It should be noted that, for each block 15, the number of protuberances 60 of the block 15 considered which are accommodated in cavities 75 of a block 15 of a block level N2, N3, N4 immediately above is likely to vary between zero and two.

For example, if the block 15 in question does not support any other block 15, no protuberance 60 of this block is received in a cavity 75.

If the block 15 supports a single other block 15, when the blocks 15 are staggered, a single protrusion 60 of the block 15 in question is received in a cavity 75 of the block 15 of the immediately higher level. When the blocks 15 are aligned in the vertical direction Z, and are therefore not staggered, the two protrusions 60 are received in cavities 75 of the block 15 of the immediately higher level.

If the block 15 supports two other blocks 15, when the blocks 15 are staggered, a single protuberance 60 of the block 15 considered is received in a cavity 75 of each of the two blocks 15 of the immediately higher level, as visible in FIG. 3. .

The conduits 50 which open out on the bottom 80 of the cavity 75 and on the end face 65 of the projection received in the cavity communicate with each other. In particular, the axes A of the considered cavity 75 and of the protuberance 60 received in the cavity 75 are merged.

Thus, when two blocks 15 or more are superimposed, the conduits 50 communicating with each other form a single channel allowing passage from the upper face 35 of the block 15 belonging to the highest level N2, N3, N4 to the lower face 40 of block 15 belonging to the lowest level N1.

In this case, the term “highest level” is understood to mean the level N1, N2, N3, N4 of blocks to which the highest block 15 belongs among the blocks 15 delimiting the channel. This highest level is likely to vary from one channel to another, especially if the number of blocks 15 varies from one level N1, N2, N3, N4 to another.

Each connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is received jointly in two conduits 50 communicating with each other, in particular in two conduits 50 sharing a common axis A. In particular, each connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is accommodated in a duct 50 coaxial with a protuberance 60 of a block 15 and in the duct 50 opening onto the bottom 80 of the cavity 75 in which the protuberance 60 is received. Each connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is configured to block at least one degree of freedom between the blocks 15 in which the connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is received.

For example, each link member 20, 25A, 25B is configured to prevent translation and / or relative rotation of the blocks 15 in which link member 20, 25A, 25B is accommodated. Each connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is, in particular, configured to prevent translation along an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and / or relative rotation about an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction Z of these two blocks 15.

Each connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is made of a metallic material such as steel, in particular stainless steel or galvanized steel.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the set of connecting elements 20 comprises a set of first connecting elements 20 and a set of second connecting elements 25A, 25B. It should be noted that embodiments in which the set of connecting elements comprises only first connecting elements 20, or on the contrary only second connecting elements 25A, 25B are also possible.

Each first connecting element 20 is configured to prevent relative translation in the vertical direction Z between the blocks 15 in which the first connecting element 20 is accommodated. In particular, the first link member 20 is configured to exert on the blocks 15 in which the first link member 20 is accommodated a force opposing such a translation.

Thus, the first connecting element 20 prevents relative rotation of these blocks 15 around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction Z since such a displacement would necessarily result in a relative displacement of these blocks 15 in the Z direction because the blocks 15 considered are superimposed. Such a rotation would indeed involve a pivoting of the blocks 15 around a point of contact situated at the intersection of a lateral face 45 with a lower face 40 or upper face 35, and therefore a relative displacement of these blocks 15 in the direction Z.

Each first connecting element 20 is attached jointly to at least two of the blocks 15 delimiting the conduits 50 in which the first connecting element 20 is received.

According to one embodiment, each first connecting element 20 is fixed to the lower face 40 of the block 15 of the lowest level N1, N2, N3 among the blocks 15 in which the first connecting element 20 is accommodated and to the face upper 35 of block 15 of level N2, N3, N4 the highest among these blocks. Each first connecting element 20 comprises, for example, a flexible link such as a cable or even a chain. However, other types of first connecting elements 20 can also be envisaged, for example a bar or a tube.

Each first connecting element 20 is, for example, fixed to the corresponding upper face 35, in particular to the end face 65 of the protuberance 60, by a bar or a plate passing through a cable loop and pressed against the upper face 35 or the end face 65 of the protuberance.

Each first connecting element 20 is, for example, fixed to the corresponding lower face 40, in particular to the bottom 80 of the cavity 75, by a bar or a plate passing through a cable loop and pressed against the bottom 80.

According to one embodiment, each first connecting element 20 is received jointly in each of the conduits 50 of a set of conduits 50 communicating with each other. In particular, if at least three conduits 50 communicate with each other, that is to say if a channel is formed by at least three conduits 50 delimited by three or more superimposed blocks 15, the first connecting element 20 is jointly accommodated in each of these conduits 50. The first connecting element 20 is configured to prevent a relative displacement in the vertical direction Z of each of the blocks 15 delimiting the conduits 50 in which the first connecting element 20 is accommodated relative to the other blocks 15 delimiting these conduits.

According to one embodiment, each first connecting element 20 is fixed jointly to the upper face of the block 15 of the level of blocks N2, N3, N4 highest among the blocks 15 delimiting the conduits 50 in which the first connecting element 20 is received and on the lower face 40 of the block 15 of the lowest level N1 among the blocks 15 delimiting the conduits 50 in which the first connecting element 20 is received.

Each second link member 25A, 25B is configured to bear against the walls of the conduits 50 in which the second link member 25A, 25B is received to prevent relative rotation of the blocks 15 in which the second link member 25A, 25B is received around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Thus, if a force tending to rotate a block 15 relative to a block 15 supporting it is applied to this block 15, the second connecting element 25A, 25B s 'Arched against the walls of the conduits 50 of these two blocks to prevent this rotation. In particular, the second connecting element 25A, 25B exerts a force on the walls of the conduits 50 in which the second connecting element 25A, 25B is received, the force opposing said rotation. The force appears in particular when a force tending to generate such a rotation is exerted on the blocks 15 in which the second connecting element 25A, 25B is received. Each second connecting element 25A, 25B is further configured to prevent displacement of a block 15 relative to at least one other block 15 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

Each second connecting element 25A, 25B has a length, measured in the vertical direction Z.

For example, at least one second connecting element 25A, 25B has a length greater than or equal to the first height H1. So that the connecting elements 25A, 25B cross at least 2 blocks vertically, it may be necessary to use an additional element 25C allowing the correct positioning of the connecting elements 25A, 25B.

The set of second link elements 25A, 25B comprises, for example, a first set of second link elements 25A, a second set of second link elements 25B.

Each second connecting element 25A, 25B is, for example, a tube extending along an axis parallel to the vertical direction Z. According to one embodiment, each complementary element 25C is then a tube 25C.

According to another conceivable variant, the tube or tubes 25A, 25B, 25C are replaced by bars. In other words, tubes 25A, 25B, 25C are full. In this embodiment, no connecting element 20 is, for example, present or the connecting element 20 is next to the elements 25A, 25B, 25C.

Each second connecting element 25A of the first set has a length equal, for example, to the height H1 of a block 15, to within 10%. Each second connecting element 25A has an outside diameter that is strictly smaller than the diameter of the conduits 50. For example, the diameter of each second connecting element 25A is greater than or equal to half the diameter of the conduits 50.

Each second connecting element 25A of the first set is received jointly in a duct 50 of a block 15 and in a duct 50 communicating with the duct 50 considered, for example in a duct 50 delimited by a block 15 of an immediately higher level. or immediately below the block 15 delimiting the conduit 50 considered. Thus, the second connecting element 25A prevents relative movement of these two blocks in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

According to one embodiment, each second connecting element 25A at least partially surrounds the first connecting element 20 received in the same conduits 50 as the second connecting element 25A considered. For example, the first connecting element 20 passes through the second connecting element 25A in the vertical direction Z. Each second connecting element 25B of the second set has a length equal, for example, to three halves of the height H1 of a block 15, to within 10%. Each second connecting element 25B has an outside diameter that is strictly less than the diameter of the conduits 50. For example, the diameter of each second connecting element 25B is greater than or equal to half the diameter of the conduits 50.

Each second connecting element 25B of the second set is received jointly in a conduit 50 of a block 15 and in a conduit 50 communicating with the conduit 50 considered, for example in a conduit 50 delimited by a block 15 of an immediately higher level. or immediately below the block 15 delimiting the conduit 50 considered. Thus, the second connecting element 25B prevents a relative displacement of these two blocks 15 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

According to one embodiment, each second connecting element 25B at least partially surrounds the first connecting element 20 received in the same conduits 50 as the second connecting element 25B considered. For example, the first connecting element 20 passes through the second connecting element 25B in the vertical direction Z.

Each additional element 25C has a length equal, for example, to one half of the height H1 of a block 15, to within 10%. Each complementary element 25C has an outside diameter strictly less than the diameter of the conduits 50. For example, the diameter of each complementary element 25C is greater than or equal to half the diameter of the conduits 50.

According to one embodiment, each complementary element 25C at least partially surrounds the first connecting element 20 accommodated in the same conduits 50 as the complementary element 25C considered. For example, the first connecting element 20 passes through the complementary element 25C in the vertical direction Z.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, each channel formed by at least two conduits 50 accommodates at least a second connecting element 25B of the second set and an element 25C.

In particular, the complementary element 25C is arranged in a lower part of the duct 50 of the lowest block 15 among the blocks 15 delimiting the channel in question, this element 25C being in particular in contact with the ground 17, for example supported by the ground 17. This element 25C then extends from the ground 17 to half the height of the block 15 of the lowest level among the blocks 15 delimiting the channel considered.

Thus, the structure 10 comprises a first set of second connecting elements 25A, a second set of second connecting elements 25B and a third set of element 25C, each element 25C and each second connecting element 25A, 25B having a length measured in the vertical direction Z, each block 15 having a height H1 measured in the vertical direction Z, the length of each second connecting element 25A of the first set being equal, to within 10 percent, to the height H1, the length of each second connecting element 25B of the second set being equal , to within 10 percent, to three halves of the height H1, the length of each element 25C of the third set being equal, to within 10 percent, to half of the height H1.

The second connecting element 25B of the second set is arranged in the duct 50 of the block 15 of the highest level among the blocks 15 delimiting the channel considered, as well as in the upper part of the duct 50 delimited by the block 15 of the immediately lower level. at the highest level. Thus the second connecting element 25B extends from half the height of the block of the level immediately below the highest level to the upper face 35 of the block 15 of the highest level. For example, if the channel is delimited by two superimposed blocks 15, the second connecting element 25B is supported by the element 25C.

When three blocks 15 or more delimit conduits 50 communicating with each other, one or more second connecting elements 25A of the first set are interposed between the second connecting element 25B and the element 25C, so that the second connecting element 25B extends in the upper half of the conduit 50 delimited by the block 15 of the level immediately below the highest level among the blocks 15 delimiting these conduits.

It should be noted that embodiments in which the order of the second link elements 25A, 25B and / or the elements 25C differs are also possible. For example, according to a variant, the second connecting element 25B of the second set is arranged in the duct 50 of the block 15 of the lowest level among the blocks 15 delimiting the channel considered, as well as in the lower part of the duct 50 delimited by block 15 of the level immediately above the lowest level.

The connecting element 25A, 25B or the lowest complementary element 25C has openings passing through it in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, at least one opening being, for example, a slot. This allows access to the first connecting element 20 through the connecting element 25A, 25B or the complementary element 25C to fix this first connecting element 20.

According to one embodiment, each anchoring element 30 is interposed between the lowest level N1 of blocks 15 and the ground 17. Each anchoring element 30 is, for example, configured to be anchored in the ground 17 and for be fixed at the end of a first connecting element 20 in order to prevent relative displacement in the Z direction of the blocks 15 in which the first element 20 is received relative to each other and relative to the ground 17.

Optionally, at least one block 15, in particular a block 15 of the first level N1, comprises at least one fixing hole passing through the corresponding block 15 from the upper face 35 to the lower face 40. Each fixing hole extends. in the vertical direction Z. Each fixing hole is separate from the or each duct 50 of the block 15.

Each fixing hole is for example cylindrical, in particular with a circular base.

Each fixing hole is configured for anchoring the block 15 to the ground, for example by means of an anchor bolt or an anchor cable passing through the anchor hole.

Each mounting hole is configured to allow passage, through the anchor hole, of a drilling tool from the upper face 35 to the lower face 40. The drilling tool is, for example, a drill bit. .

For example, each block 15 of the first level N1 is fixed to the ground by an anchor bolt received through the fixing hole.

The reinforcing elements 42 are visible in FIG. 2, but are not shown in FIG. 3 in order not to overload the latter.

Each reinforcing element 42 is configured to join together two second connecting elements 25A, 25B each accommodated in a respective duct 50 of the block 15 considered. In particular, each reinforcing element 42 is configured to join together two second connecting elements 25A, 25B each accommodated in the upper ends of the conduits 50 of the block 15 considered, or to join together two second connecting elements 25A, 25B each accommodated in the ends. lower conduits 50 of block 15 considered.

Each reinforcing element 42 is, in particular, configured to prevent translation in a horizontal plane between the two second connecting elements 25A, 25B joined together.

According to the example of Figure 1, each reinforcing element 42 is a plate pierced with two holes, each hole being traversed by a duct 50 of the block 15 considered. For example, each second connecting element 20, 25A, 25B is surrounded, in a horizontal plane, by each reinforcing element 42 of the block 15 considered.

For example, each reinforcing element 42 jointly surrounds the two upper ends or the two lower ends of the two conduits 50 of the same block 15.

When the reinforcing element 42 is a plate, the reinforcing element 42 is horizontal. It should be noted that other shapes can be envisaged for the reinforcing elements 42, for example a special reinforcement based on shaped strands or based on a cable sling.

Each reinforcing element 42 is made of a metallic material, in particular steel.

During the manufacture of the structure 10, the anchoring elements 30 are first put in place.

The levels N1, N2, N3, N4 of blocks 15 are set up one after the other.

After the establishment of each level N1, N2, N3, N4 of blocks 15, a second connecting element 25A, 25B or an element 25C is inserted in each duct of the blocks 15 put in place.

In the blocks of level N1, elements 25C are inserted. In the blocks of the other levels, second connecting elements 25A or 25B are inserted, depending on whether the duct 50 in which the second connecting element 25A or 25B is inserted is intended to be placed in communication with a duct 50 of a level higher or not.

Finally, the connecting elements 20 are put in place after all the blocks 15 and all the second connecting elements 25A, 25B and the elements 25C have been put in place.

The structure 10 is easy to manufacture and install, since the embedding of the protuberances 60 in the cavities 75 allows the ducts 50 to be precisely positioned relative to each other. In addition, this embedding limits the movements of the blocks 15 relative to each other in a horizontal plane. The connecting elements 20, 25A, 25B then make it possible to effectively join these embedded blocks in a simple manner to form a very resistant structure 10.

When each connecting element 20 is common to all the conduits 50 communicating with each other, and thus a single connecting element 20 is provided for each channel, the manufacture of the structure 10 is particularly simple.

Flexible links such as cables or chains allow easy installation of the structure 10.

The use of second connecting elements 25A, 25B accommodated in the conduits 50 again makes it possible to secure the blocks 15 in the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, in a simple manner and in particular without complicating the installation of the element of connection 20 when these connecting elements 25A, 25B are tubes. The choice of two types of second connecting elements 25A, 25B and elements 25C superimposed in the channels formed by at least three blocks 15 makes it possible in particular to ensure easy installation of these second connecting elements while ensuring that the forces in said plane are well distributed over the entire surface of the conduits 50. When the protuberances 60 have rotational symmetry, the positioning of the blocks 15 is facilitated since a rotation of the blocks 15 relative to one another in a horizontal plane is tolerable during their installation. The truncated cone shape also facilitates the placement of the blocks 15 since a disorientation of the blocks 15 in which the axes A are not confused is then tolerable.

Further, when the protrusions 60 exhibit rotational symmetry, rotation is possible between the blocks 15 about a vertical axis, which allows the shape of the work 10 to be easily adapted to a change in direction.

If the A axes are aligned with each other in the Y direction and the projections have rotational symmetry, the placement of the blocks is also simplified.

When the axes of the conduits 50 coincide with the axes of the corresponding protuberances 60, it is possible to rotate the blocks 15 with respect to each other to form a curved wall in which the blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2, N3, N4 are not aligned, and this has no effect on the second connecting elements 25A, 25B or on the first connecting elements 20. In addition, this also makes it possible to orient blocks 15 so that their main direction is not parallel to the direction of extension of the structure 10.

A staggered arrangement of the blocks 15 makes it possible to form a particularly strong structure 10 very simply, since it is then not necessary to additionally attach neighboring blocks 15 at the same level.

The passages 57 allow access to the cavities 75 after the installation of the blocks 15, and in particular the blocks 15 of the lowest level N1, and therefore to fix the first connecting elements 20 to these blocks 15 or to the elements of anchor 30 after the blocks 15 are in place. The manufacture of the work 10 is then facilitated.

Furthermore, when the structure 10 is a wall having two thicknesses of blocks in the first direction X, or more, the passages 57 also make it possible to join the blocks 15. In particular, these blocks 15 are joined to one another. the other by a metal element received jointly in a passage 57 of each of these two blocks 15. This has the particular effect of easily fixing the two thicknesses of blocks 15 to one another.

In the example above, the structure 10 was described in the role of a support structure or protection against falling materials. However, it should be noted that Book 10 is also suitable for other roles. For example, Book 10 is a perimeter wall of a property.

In addition, it should be noted that embodiments in which the reinforcing elements 42 are not integrated into the blocks 15 are possible. For example, each reinforcing element 42 is interposed between two levels N1, N2, N3, N4 of superimposed blocks 15.

In particular, each reinforcing element 42 is joined together with two second connecting elements 25A, 25B belonging to two neighboring blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2, N3, N4. Such reinforcing elements are particularly suitable for securing neighboring columns of a structure 10 which would not form a staggered arrangement of the blocks 15.

In an exemplary embodiment, the blocks 15 are aligned in the vertical direction Z to form a set of columns. The blocks 15 of the same column are aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z.

In the case of a structure composed of several blocks 15 aligned in the X direction, the columns are for example aligned with each other, each block 15 of a column being located at the level of a block 15 of each other column. adjacent, or alternatively the columns are not aligned with each other, each block 15 of a column being horizontally offset with respect to each adjacent block 15 of an adjacent column.

The columns are interconnected by reinforcing elements 42. The geometry of the reinforcing elements is adapted as appropriate.

The dimensions or shapes of the blocks 15 are liable to vary. For example, the structure comprises two types of blocks 15, one of the two types having a first length L1 equal to half the length L1 of the blocks 15 of the other type. In this case, the smaller blocks 15 each comprise a single duct 50.

Furthermore, the above description has been made in the case where the vertical direction Z is the vertical of the place where the work 10 is placed. It should be noted that the vertical direction Z is likely to differ from the vertical of the place. In all cases, the term "horizontal" is taken to mean a direction or a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide a structure 10 formed of several walls linked together.

In an exemplary embodiment, a structure 10 comprises a first wall and a second wall, the blocks 15 of each level N1, N2, N3, N4 of the first wall being aligned in the second direction Y, the blocks 15 of each level N1, N2, N3, N4 of the second wall being aligned in the third direction X, at least one block 15 of the first wall being secured to a block 15 of the second wall. According to one embodiment, this solidarity can be ensured by a block 15 one and a half times longer than the other blocks 15 and having a third duct 50. In another exemplary embodiment, a structure is formed by the joining of at least two walls parallel to one another, each wall being perpendicular to the third direction X and having a thickness of a single block 15 according to the third direction X, at least one block 15 of one wall being secured to a block 15 of the other wall.

It is also noteworthy that embodiments in which the first connecting elements 20 are not common to all the blocks 15 delimiting the same channel but only to two superimposed blocks are also possible. A first connecting element 20 is then provided for each pair of superposed blocks 15.

A second example of a book 10, shown in Figure 4, will now be described. The elements identical to the first example of book 10 are not described again, only the differences are highlighted.

In Figure 4, a case where each block 15 has a parallelepipedal central portion and two semi-cylindrical end portions 97 is shown. However, other forms of blocks 15 are possible.

The protrusion 60 is formed by a plurality of protrusions 100 separated from each other.

In Fig. 4, a case where the protrusion 60 is formed by two protrusions 100 is shown.

Each projection 100 extends in the vertical direction Z from the upper face 35.

The duct 50 opens onto the bottom 80 of the corresponding cavity 75 and onto the upper face 35.

The protrusions 100 are configured so that the protuberance 60 allows, with the cavity 75 in which the protuberance 60 is received, a rotation between the two corresponding blocks 15 about the axis A common to the protuberance 60 and to the cavity 75.

The protrusions 100 are, in particular, arranged along a circle centered on the axis A of the protuberance 60. The circle notably has a diameter strictly greater than the diameter of the duct 50. Thus, the protrusions 100 surround, in a perpendicular plane at the axis A, the end of the duct 50 which opens onto the upper face 35.

According to the example shown in Figure 4, the two projections 100 are equidistant from the A axis, for example diametrically opposed to each other in the Y direction.

It should be noted that the number of projections 100 is liable to vary. For example, embodiments in which the protrusion has three or more protrusions 100 are contemplated. For example, the protrusions 100 are arranged at the vertices of a regular polygon centered on the axis A, the polygon comprising for example but not exclusively as many vertices as there are protrusions 100 in the protuberance. For example, the protuberance 60 has four protrusions 100 arranged at the four vertices of a square. The sides of the square are, in particular, parallel or perpendicular each to the Y direction.

As a variant, there are three protrusions 100, arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle centered on the A axis, or else 6 in number and arranged at the vertices of a hexagon centered on the A axis.

It is understood by "centered on the A axis" that a distance between each vertex and the A axis is the same for each of the vertices.

According to the example shown in Figure 4, each projection 100 is parallelepipedal.

As a variant, each projection 100 has an outer face configured to bear against the third face 85 of the cavity 75 in which the protrusion 100 is engaged, each outer face being a portion of a surface having a circular symmetry around the axis A, this surface being common to all the projections 100 of the protuberance 60 considered. In particular, this surface is a truncated cone centered on the axis A, and each outer face is then a portion of a truncated cone. According to other possible embodiments, this surface is a portion of a sphere, or else cylindrical.

Said truncated cone is, in particular, identical to the truncated cone mentioned above in the first book example 10.

Each projection 100 is, for example, removable from the block 15. For example, each projection 100 is formed by a lug 100 configured to be inserted into a recess of the upper face 35.

According to the example shown in Figure 4, a single recess in the form of a groove 105 is formed in the upper face 35, and each lug 100 is partially accommodated in the groove 105.

The groove 105 is, for example, an annular groove delimited by two concentric cylindrical surfaces in a plane perpendicular to the axis A. The groove 105 is, in particular, centered on the axis A. However, other forms of groove 105 can be envisaged, for example a polygonal groove 105.

The groove 105 has an internal diameter of between 7.5 cm and 120 cm, for example 30 cm.

The groove 105 has an external diameter of between 9.5 cm and 152 cm, for example 38 cm.

The groove 105 has a depth, measured in the Z direction, of between 1.25 cm and 20 cm, for example 5 cm. As a variant, a plurality of recesses are formed in the upper face 35, the recesses being arranged at the vertices of a regular polygon. For example, six recesses arranged at the tops of a hexagon, two sides of which are parallel to the Y direction, are formed in the upper face 35.

A first portion of each lug 100 is then received in the corresponding recess or in the groove 105, and a second portion of the lug 100 extends from the upper face 35 in the vertical direction Z to form the projection 100. Each recess is configured to maintain the corresponding lug 100 in position relative to the upper face. In particular, the recess is complementary to the corresponding portion of the lug 100.

Each lug 100 is, for example made of a metallic material. For example, each lug 100 is made of steel, in particular stainless steel. Each lug 100 is, for example in the form of wedges, in particular made of wood. This allows for greater flexibility in the assembly of the blocks during assembly.

The first portion has a height, measured in the vertical direction Z, of between 3 cm and 10 cm, for example equal to 5 cm. The first portion is, for example, triangular.

The second portion of each lug 100 has, for example, a height measured in the vertical direction Z greater than or equal to 1 cm, for example greater than or equal to 5 cm.

Each lug 100 is, for example, full. Alternatively, the lug 100 is hollow.

As an optional addition, each groove 105 is connected by a trench 1 10 formed in the upper face 35 to a first lateral face 45. The trench 100 has a depth greater than or equal to the depth of the corresponding groove 105, and is in particular in slope from the groove 105 to the corresponding side face 45 so as to allow the evacuation of rainwater which could enter the groove 105.

It should be noted that embodiments in which a single removable projection 100 is present in some of the blocks can also be envisaged.

When the protuberance 60 has several separate protrusions 100, the structure 10 allows the passage of forks of a lifting device between the protrusions 100, and therefore facilitates the installation of the blocks 15. In addition, such protrusions can be destroyed, deformed or cut in the event of impact against the structure 10, without the structure of the block 15 being damaged.

The rotation between the blocks 15 of different levels N1 to N4 is particularly easy if the external faces of the projections 100 are in the form of a portion of a truncated cone. Protrusions 100 formed by removable lugs allow easy replacement in the event of damage during an impact. Thus, the blocks 15 can be reused even when the protrusions have been damaged, for example during a fall of stones against the structure 10.

The annular groove 105 allows the lugs 100 to be placed freely, and in particular to provide a passage between the protrusions 100 so as to allow the passage of a fork of a lifting device, this passage being oriented freely. Thus, the installation of the structure 10 is made easier, in particular when the structure 10 is curved or disposed at a location in which the lifting devices cannot position themselves freely, since the orientation of the device lifting in relation to the structure can then vary.

It should be noted that the annular groove also makes it possible to position the lugs 100 so that they are not disposed at the vertices of a regular polygon. In fact, the groove 105 allows great freedom in positioning the lugs 100.

Semi-cylindrical end portions 97 make it possible in particular to facilitate the rotation of the blocks 15, and to allow their free orientation with respect to one another in the horizontal plane.

Claims

1. Structure (10), in particular protection against impacts or support, the structure (10) comprising a set of blocks (15) and at least one connecting element (20, 25A, 25B), the blocks (15 ) being distributed in several levels (N1, N2, N3, N4) superimposed in a vertical direction (Z), each block (15) having an upper face (35) and a lower face (40),

each block (15) having at least two axes (A) parallel to the vertical direction (Z), each block (15) comprising, for each axis (A), a protuberance (60), a duct (50) and a cavity (75), each protuberance (60) being formed on the upper face (35), each cavity (75) being formed on the lower face (40), each cavity (75) having a bottom (80) delimiting the cavity (75) ) in the vertical direction (Z), each duct (50) extending along the corresponding axis (A) and being delimited by the block (15), each duct (50) crossing the block 15 in the vertical direction (Z ) and opening into the corresponding first cavity (75), each cavity (75) of a block (15) belonging to a level of blocks (N2, N3, N4) different from the lowest level (N1) accommodating a protuberance ( 60) of a block (15) of a level (N1, N2, N3, N4) of blocks (15) immediately below the block (15) considered, the axis (A) of the cavity (75) being coincident with the axis (A) of the protuberance (60) received in the cavity (75),

the structure (10) being characterized in that each protrusion (60) and the cavity (75) in which said protuberance (60) is received are configured to allow relative rotation around the axis (A) of the protuberance ( 60) between the block (15) comprising the protuberance (60) and the block (15) comprising the cavity (75), at least one connecting element (20, 25A, 25B) being received jointly in the two conduits (50) , the link element (20, 25A, 25B) being configured to block at least one degree of freedom between the blocks (15) in which the link element (20, 25A, 25B) is received.

2. Structure according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (60) is a protrusion (60) in the form of a truncated cone centered on the axis (A).

3. The work of claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusion (60) comprises a plurality of protrusions (100) arranged along a circle centered on the axis (A) of the protrusion (60), each protrusion ( 100) extending in the vertical direction (Z) from the upper face (35).

4. Structure according to claim 3, wherein each projection has an outer face configured to bear against a side face (85) of the cavity (75) in which the protuberance (60) is received, the outer face being shaped. portion of a truncated cone centered on the axis (A)

5. Structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each projection (100) is formed by a portion of a lug (100) removable from the corresponding block (15).

6. Structure according to claim 5, wherein each block (15) comprises, for each axis (A), an annular groove (105) formed in the upper face (35), a portion of each lug (100) being accommodated in bleeding (105).

7. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each cavity (75) has a second side face (85) delimiting the cavity (75) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), the second side face ( 85) being a portion of a truncated cone extending along the axis (A) of the cavity (75).

8. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims at least one connecting element (20) is attached jointly to two of the blocks (15) delimiting the ducts (50) in which the connecting element (20) is accommodated.

9. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting element (20) is configured to prevent a relative translation in the vertical direction (Z) of the blocks (15) delimiting the conduits (50) in which the connecting element (20) is accommodated.

10. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting element (20) comprises a flexible link such as a cable or a chain.

11. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one connecting element (20) comprises a rigid link such as a bar or a tube.

12. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting element (20) is accommodated in conduits (50) delimited by a plurality of blocks (15) superimposed in the vertical direction (Z), the '' connecting element (20) being fixed to the lower face (40) of the block (15) belonging to the lowest level (N1) and to the upper face of the block (15) belonging to the highest level (N2, N3, N4).

13. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting element (25A, 25B), such as a bar or a tube, is configured to bear against the walls of the conduits (50) in which the connecting element (25A, 25B) is accommodated to exert on these walls a force opposing a translation between the blocks along an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) or to a relative rotation of the blocks (15) in which the connecting element (25A, 25B) is received around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z).

14. Structure according to the preceding claim, wherein each block (15) has a height measured in the vertical direction (Z), at least one connecting element (25A, 25B) configured to bear against the walls of the conduits (50 ) in which the connecting element (25A, 25B) is received to exert on these walls a force opposing a translation between the blocks along an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and / or to a relative rotation of the blocks (15) in which the connecting element (25A, 25B) is received around an axis perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) having a length measured in the vertical direction (Z), the length being greater than or equal to the height of a block (15).

15. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each conduit (50) has rotational symmetry about the corresponding axis (A).

16. A structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the blocks (15) are arranged vertically in staggered rows.

17. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each block (15) extends in a main direction (Y) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), the axes (A) of the block (15). ) considered defining a plane parallel to the main direction (Y), a distance measured along the main direction (Y) between the axes (A) being in particular greater than or equal to half of a length of the block (15) considered measured in the main direction (Y).

18. Structure according to the preceding claim, wherein each block (15) has at least one side face (45) delimiting the block (15) in a perpendicular plane. in the vertical direction (Z), each block (15) delimiting, in addition, for each cavity (75), at least one passage (57) extending in a lateral direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and opening onto the cavity (75) and onto a lateral face (45).

19. Structure according to the preceding claim, comprising at least two blocks (15) secured to one another by a metal element received in a passage (57) of each of the blocks (15) considered.

20. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (10) extends in an extension direction (Y) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), each block (15) s 'extending in a main direction in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), an angle between the direction of extension (Y) and the main direction of at least one block (15) being strictly greater than zero, in particular greater or equal to 15 degrees.