EP0489054B1 - Cellular structures for sustaining walls - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/CA90/00262 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 21, 1992 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 21, 1992 PCT Filed Aug. 17, 1990 PCT Pub. No. WO91/02851 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 7, 1991.A cellular structure for sustaining an embankment is comprised of a vertical facing structure including generally a lattice (1) connected to an embedding structure (2, 3). The embedding structure (2, 3) is extended from the facing structure (1) into the embankment. In a first embodiment, the embedding structure is configured like two lattice sections (2) vertically mounted at the vertical edges of the facing structure (1) and prolonged generally in parallel to the embankment. The embedding structure may also be comprised of at least one U-shaped stirrup (3) connected at each of its free ends to a respective vertical edge of the facing structure (1). In this case, the stirrup (3) is generally extended horizontally in the embankment. The masonry of the facing structure (1) may be carried out in different ways in order to achieve various finishings. The cellular structure may also include a sunk framework (5) between the embankment and the facing structure (1). The cellular structure may thus be filled with stones of smaller or larger dimensions as well as with earth. The use of a geotextile allows the vegetation to grow through the facing structure (1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to new cellular structures for the realization retaining walls according to claims 1 and 2 and to methods of erecting a retaining wall according to claims 15, 16 and 17.

PRIOR ART

In my Canadian patent 1,186,516, I discloses a cellular structure comprising two straight built-in walls joined by an arched wall which forms the facade of the cellular structure. In this type of module, the lateral pressure of the mass containment between the walls of the cell structure keeps them still. Indeed, the pressure lateral exerted by the retained mass anchors the walls retaining this mass.

In US Patent 4,341,491, we finds a cellular structure comprising solid vertical walls as facing at the front of the cell structure and vertical trellises to the back of the cell structure. The trellises rear are embedded in the mass to be retained and are connected to solid facings by tie rods horizontal retained in position by supports vertical found at intervals between the facing full and the rear trellis and anchored to their base in the ground.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to put to a new realization of structures cellphones for retaining walls that use materials existing on the market.

The present invention also aims to develop a cellular structure which is very simple as much in terms of manufacture of the structural elements constituting it that at the level of its implementation.

The present invention also aims to develop a cellular structure economic.

The present invention also aims to develop a cellular structure whose facing can be built with different elements of finish.

According to previous goals, a form of advantageous embodiment of the invention provides a cell structure supporting an embankment which includes a substantially facing structure vertical and a pair of built-in structures in substantially vertical lattices. Each mounting structure is suitable for mounting to a respective vertical edge of the structure of facing. The facing structure is adapted to to define a facade of the cellular structure. The installation structures are adapted to extend into the embankment.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides a cellular structure of embankment support which includes a structure of substantially vertical facing and a structure mounting formed of at least one bracket. Stirrup is adapted to connect each of its two ends at a respective vertical ledge of the facing structure. The stirrup forms a structure in "U" shape adapted to extend so substantially horizontal in the embankment. The facing structure is adapted to define a facade of the cellular structure.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides a cellular structure rigid backfill support that includes at least a concrete foundation element and an element of precast concrete facing suitable for fixing substantially vertically to the element of foundation using first means of connection. A pair of concrete inserts prefabricated are adapted to be fixed so substantially vertical to the foundation element at using second connection means.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a series of cellular structures according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which the facings and recesses are lattice;

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a series of cellular structures according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the facings are lattice and the recesses are in stirrups;

Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the backfilling of the cellular structures of the figures 1 and 2 by means of a lost formwork, and illustrating also a sprayed concrete facade;

Figure 4 is a plan view similar to Figure 3 but in which the facade is a masonry in concrete blocks;

Figure 5 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, but in which the facing structure consists of bars independent;

Figure 6 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, but in which the facing structure consists of bars independent to receive concrete blocks architectural;

Figure 7 is a horizontal section illustrating the structures described in Figures 5 and 6 adapted from a concrete block facade;

Figure 7a is a section taken along of line 7a-7a in Figure 7 illustrating a mounting concrete blocks to the structure of facing;

Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, but in which the facing structure is designed to receive precast concrete panels;

Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, but in which the facing structure is designed to receive precast concrete panels;

Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a facade of concrete panels adapted to the cell structure of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a facade of concrete panels adapted to the cell structure of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a horizontal section structures described in Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 12a is a section taken along from line 12a-12a of Figure 12;

Figure 13 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, but in which the facing structure includes concrete elements prefabricated defining an openwork structure;

Figure 14 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, but in which the facing structure includes concrete elements prefabricated defining an openwork structure;

Figure 15 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, but in which the facing structure includes concrete blocks architectural;

Figure 16 is a plan view of the structure of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a plan section illustrating a variant of the structure shown in Figures 15 and 16;

Figure 18 is a plan view illustrating the mud trench used to house a structure rigid cell;

Figure 19 is a plan view illustrating the building blocks of cell structure rigid;

Figure 20 is a plan view illustrating a rigid cellular structure adapted to the elements of foundation of figure 19;

Figure 21 is an elevation view based in Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a plan view of a mud trench designed for a cellular structure rigid for building basements;

Figure 23 is a plan view illustrating the building blocks of cell structure rigid;

Figure 24 is a plan view of the rigid cellular structure adapted to the elements of foundation of figure 23;

Figure 25 is an elevational view of cell structure building elements rigid of Figure 24 over the height of a floor;

Figure 26 is a plan view partially broken illustrating the application of rigid cellular structures for a water quay deep;

Figures 27a and 27b are views illustrating the application of cellular structures rigid for building infrastructure;

Figure 28 is a plan view and the Figure 28a is a vertical section taken along line 28a-28a of figure 28 illustrating the infrastructure of a large building located on the Waterside;

Figure 29 is a perspective view a retaining wall using the structures openwork cells of Figures 13 or 14; and

Figure 30 is a perspective view a retaining and elevation wall using the openwork cell structures of Figures 13 and 14.

WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

According to one form of the present invention, cellular structures for retaining walls include basic structural elements which are metallic or synthetic mesh. The trellis can be combined with sheet metal elements, cables or precast concrete. The juxtaposition and the backfill of these cellular structures form retaining walls.

The two basic elements of a structure cell are the facing elements and the mounting elements. By referring more particularly in Figures 1 and 2, the cells in "U" shape are open towards the massifs with the trellis facing 1 and embedding in trellis 2. Cells can also be made fictitiously closed, consisting of facing in trellis 1 and stirrup recesses 3 (figure 2).

As will be described in detail later, the facings can consist of bars or independent metal dishes or even cables. All these facing elements can be put in combination with precast concrete elements. Also, cells with block facing architectural concrete of small or large dimensions can be done.

In the current state of knowledge, these types of structures can be defined as massifs composites, monolithic, produced by the interdependence between an earth massif and a structure.

All the metallic elements forming the cell structure are adequately protected against corrosion. Assembly of facings 1 at recesses 2 or 3 is done via rods, round bars or pipes 4.

The structure illustrated in Figure 1 is executed by the juxtaposition of cells in continuous trellis panels, or in elements independent of facing and embedding in lattice 1 and 2. In the latter case, the elements independent are assembled with rods 4.

The structure of Figure 2 including trellis siding and stirrup recesses is assembled with rods 4.

The structures described above can be backfilled with riprap. In the case of unavailability of riprap, the use of earth is possible with the interposition of a membrane between the embankment and the trellis facing 1. Tel as illustrated in figure 3, this membrane which is a kind of lost formwork 5 can be made of sheet metal metallic, plastic or asbestos-cement. A thick geotextile can also be used.

When the composite structure is erected, the second phase consists in completing the work of the aesthetic point of view. Referring to the figure 3, this facade covering is represented by applying shotcrete 6. This coating can be aesthetic or of resistance.

In Figure 4, the facade cladding is consisting of masonry in concrete blocks architectural or dressed stone 7. These blocks of concrete can be the ones we use for building facades or they can be designed specially for retaining walls. The masonry is reinforced and linked to the structure of facing 1. Optionally, the space between the masonry on facade 7 and the cell structure can be filled with concrete 8.

It is also possible to integrate the cladding elements on siding 1. The cell structures used for these purposes are similar to those described above and generally shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, the structure will be carried out with the facing in horizontal bars or independent plates 9 or vertical 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The placement of these bars or dishes independent 9 and 10 takes place at the same time as the placing concrete blocks and advancing the embankment. Vertical bars 10 are added during execution in the form of studs.

During the execution of the work, this type structure allows insertion into the facing small elements in precast concrete. Concrete blocks for facing are designed to these ends and the erection of facings is carried out according to principles of dry masonry (Figure 7).

The horizontal reinforcement of the facing 9 can be made in round bars or flat metallic. Figures 7 and 7a illustrate the use of metal dishes. The frame vertical 10 can be made in round bars or pipes. The precast concrete blocks 11 are designed for these purposes. The facings produced can thus have the desired aesthetic.

Optional neoprene type seals 12 can be used when the cell structure is subject to significant stress.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate cell structures of the same type as those described respectively in Figures 1 and 2 but in which the facing structure is designed to receive large flat panels. The horizontal bars of the facing 13 have a broken geometry that develops from a rod assembly 4 to another. The changes of direction of the horizontal bars 13 take place at level of vertical bars 14. Cables can replace horizontal bars 13.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the cellular structures described in Figures 8 and 9 additionally comprising precast concrete panels large dimensions 15 which have been inserted into the facade. The precast concrete panels 15 are characterized by the fact that two of their dimensions (width and height) are large compared to the third (depth). These panels 15 are designed to resist the push of the land. The signs 15 are also designed to be able to assemble with lattice recesses 2 or in stirrups 3.

The characteristic of this type of structure composite is that a flat facing is obtained while preserving the cell principle open or fictitiously closed towards the massif at support.

Figure 12 illustrates the details of structures described in Figures 8 to 11. The horizontal reinforcements of the facing are bars round or cables 13. Vertical bars 14 are perforated pipes or not. Type bands neoprene 16 are provided for horizontal joints (Figure 12a).

This type of structure is thus carried out dry with neoprene seals and as studs assembly, perforated pipes or not.

The use of pipe studs allows the retransmission of cable stresses to concrete studs and studs on larger surfaces great.

Perforated pipe studs allow, after the execution of the work, to carry out injections in order to achieve the monolithism of the facing.

Pipe studs also allow carry out post-tensioning of the facade if desired. Also, cables housed inside the pipes can extend to the foundation so that can then be post-tensioned.

In this way, we can make walls very strong support, especially level of dynamic stresses.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate cellular structures having recesses in trellis 2 or in stirrups 3 characterized by facings in precast concrete elements 17 mounted openwork. The facing can also be made of wooden planks.

The assembly elements are bars or pipes 18. Post-tensioned or not, these elements 18 also allow cables to be accommodated of post-tension and also the realization of injection. In the overlapping area of concrete elements prefabricated 17, i.e. at the ends of these last, we can have one or more elements assembly 18.

This type of cell structure can be backfilled with stone of appropriate dimensions or with soil. In the latter case, the voids in the facade are filled with sheet metal, asbestos-cement, geotextile, etc.

One of the peculiarities of this structure lies in the fact that it allows the push of the vegetation through its facade while preserving great stability.

However the spaces between the elements prefabricated 17, ground side, can be partially or completely filled as appropriate whether or not to promote the growth of vegetation. This filling is generally done with architectural concrete blocks.

The precast concrete element 17 of form parallelepiped is characterized in that its dimensions in its cross section are small relative to its length. Opposite faces can be parallel or not. These are designed to take back the thrust of the land, to be able to assemble with the recesses in trellis 2 or in stirrups 3 and to make columns on the area of their overlap.

Note that with the effect of columns, this type of siding can be performed on weak heights without embedding. In the area of overlap, multiple elements or bars assembly 18, post-stressed or not, can then be used.

Figure 29 illustrates the use of openwork cell structures such as described above for the realization of the walls of support 43. In this case, the openings have not been sealed so as to allow the vegetation to grow across the facade of retaining walls 43.

Figure 30 illustrates a wall 44 of support in its lower part and elevation in its upper part on two sides. The wall in elevation primarily serves as a noise barrier; it is why all of its openings were closed.

With open cell structures, so we can make retaining walls of everything like, with or without vegetation, bridge abutments, culvert head walls and even culverts, elevated walls, noise barriers, etc.

Figures 15 to 17 illustrate cellular structures with facing in panels of concrete, small or medium-sized. The same principles of the cellular structures described previously are respected. Figure 15 illustrates a cellular structure with recessing in stirrups 3, although lattice recesses can also be used, and concrete blocks architectural of small or medium dimensions 20. Architectural concrete blocks 20 or blocks in cut stone are masonry using rods vertical or studs 19. These rods 19 have a part a role of resistance and, on the other hand, a role of connection between the facing and the recesses.

The recesses in stirrups 3 are housed in the vertical joints (figure 16) or in the horizontal joints (figure 17).

The stirrup recesses are made in metallic or synthetic dishes (figure 16) or in round or square bars (Figure 17). In the case in Figure 17, where the recesses 3 are housed in horizontal joints, type joints neoprene 12, similar to those of structures cell phones with integrated coating (Figure 7), are planned.

The structures described below are retaining walls made of reinforced concrete elements prefabricated, large, assembled by post-tension in a mud trench or in water, so as to achieve a rigid cellular structure in the shape of a "U" (fig. 18 to 25) using the same theoretical principles as those of the structures described before.

Prefabricated are heavy elements made in the factory, transported and placed in the middle liquid with suitable gear.

The assembly elements, shown generally by perforated pipes or not, are used guide for mounting and ultimately can be tensioned directly or through tie rods anchored in the foundation. The same pipes can be used to inject mortar.

Once the elements are prefabricated assembled by post-tensioning, the structure will be supplemented with concrete poured in place.

Rigid cell structures are made up of facings which are elements which resume the stresses due to the push of the earth and water. The recesses are elements which take up the requests of siding and other structures for forward to the foundation. The assemblies are perforated or non-perforated pipes of appropriate dimensions having the multiple functions described below. Concrete poured on site serves as a foundation on the one hand and completes the structure on the other hand.

These structures can be designed to to be in close interdependence with the mass of earth to support or not. In order to mount these rigid cell structures, a mud trench of bentonite 21 (figure 18) is previously executed with guide walls 22, according to the methods known and proven.

The foundation elements 23 which are then set up (Figure 19) include holes 24 provided for pouring concrete under the foundation elements 23. Foundation elements 23 are an integral part of the recesses and are positioned at the planned depth on a layer of concrete.

The pouring of the foundation concrete can precede the installation of the prefabricated elements or concrete can be poured through holes 24 planned for this operation.

Pipes 25 fixed to the elements of foundation 23 serve for guiding the elements prefabricated and then they are used for the post-tension and for injection.

The first built-in elements 26 descended along the guide elements 25 to their final position. Then follows the bet in place of the facing elements 27 (FIG. 20). The concrete 28 is then poured in place.

The alternating assembly operation of embedding and siding continues until the final rib.

Once the prefabricated units are in place, performs post-tensioning operations and filling the pipes with mortar.

Neoprene bands can be provided to improve the tightness of the structure and also ensure better contact between seals horizontal.

In the last phase, the fresh concrete will be poured between the prefabricated elements and the earth, thus completing the structure.

Figures 18 to 21 illustrate a dock infrastructure. These are structures rigid cell containing earth. The structure-soil interdependence is highlighted. This type of structure can be used for docks of all kinds, whether made using a trench of mud (figure 18), or directly in the water.

The facing elements are continuous in the sense of height while the recesses can be hollowed out to lighten the prefabricated and to get better monolithism with concrete poured in place or with the fill (Figure 21). The recesses can be realized in elements of metal frame and concrete poured in place.

Figures 22 to 25 illustrate a building infrastructure. The erection stages are similar to those found in Figures 18 to 21. In this case, these are cellular structures rigid with cleared recesses. This structure will be used especially for the realization large buildings with multiple basements.

The realization is identical to the case previous but the structural behavior is different. There is no soil-structure interaction since the embedding will remain free at the interior of the building forming an integral part of its structure. In this case, the recesses become buttresses (Figure 24).

The prefabricated elements of facing and buttresses can have their height equal to the distance between floors (figure 25).

Once the support structure assembled and the concrete poured in place sufficiently hardened, we can start the excavation work. The perpendicular shoring on the buttresses can be felt in the case of depths important.

The buttress ends can be seating points for the columns of the building superstructure. The elements of buttresses can be more or less hollowed out, depending on their degree of stress (figure 25).

The floors that are executed represent good horizontal bracing, results in an increase in stability.

If necessary for overall stability, anchors are installed inside assembly pipes (Figure 25).

More specifically, Figure 22 illustrates a mud trench 29 with low walls guide 30 which are designed to house the structure rigid cell for basements buildings.

Figure 23 illustrates the installation of foundation elements 31 which include holes 34 in order to pour the concrete under the foundations. Of guide pipes 35 are fixed on the elements of foundation 31.

In Figure 24, the structure in cleared rigid sail is illustrated with its elements 32 and its facing elements 33. Between the structure and the earth, there is concrete filling 36.

Figure 25 is an elevational view of mounting elements 32 over the height of a storey. It includes the floor 38 and the structure of a floor 39. Optionally, tie rods post-tension 37 are arranged inside the guide pipes 35.

Rigid cell structures can be made perfectly waterproof. An advantage very important for the use of this type of structure resides in the total absence of tie rods anchor outside the boundary of the construction, what we find at the walls classics made in a mud trench.

Some practical examples of structures in rigid veil are illustrated in Figures 26 to 28. Figure 26 illustrates a platform in deep water 40 using several of the structures rigid cells described in Figures 18 to 21. Figures 27a and 27b illustrate an infrastructure of buildings 41 using cellular structures Figures 22 to 25. Figures 28 and 28a illustrate the infrastructure of a building 42 (the large basements) located at the edge of the water. In this case, the rigid cell structure is solicited by earth or water.

One of the great advantages of using cellular structures with lattice facing and lattice or stirrup installation and also other cellular structures described above lies in the fact that the necessary materials for their erection exists on the market.

These structures are very large simplicity through the manufacturing of the elements structural and by their implementation. They can accommodate several types of facade, therefore allowing to give the aesthetic desired to the retaining wall thus erected. Under their different forms, these cellular structures have multiple applications.

Claims (24)

1. A cellular structure for sustaining an embankment, comprising a substantially vertical facing element (1), a pair of substantially vertical embedding elements, said facing element (1) defining a facade of said cellular structure, each embedding element extending from a respective lateral end of said facing element (1) towards the embankment; characterized in that said cellular structure, when installed, has substantially the shape of a "U" and is open towards the embankment, said embedding elements comprising lattice elements (2) which extend separately from each other from said facing element (1) and which are held in place rearwardly of said facing element (1) by the embankment.
2. A cellular structure for sustaining an embankment comprising a substantially vertical facing element (1), said facing element (1) defining a facade of said cellular structure, an embedding element substantially in the shape of "U" and having each of its two extremities connected to a respective lateral end of said facing element (1); characterized in that said embedding element comprises at least one stirrup (3), each stirrup (3) extending rearwardly from said facing element (1) in a free and substantially horizontal manner, being only supported by the embankment itself.
3. A cellular structure according to Claim 2 wherein said embedding element (3) is constituted of at least two stirrups depending on the height of the cellular structure, said stirrups (3) being mounted to said facing element (1) in a spaced apart way along a vertical plane and extending in the embankment in a substantially parallel and horizontal way.
4. A cellular structure according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein said facing element (1) is a metallic or synthetic lattice.
5. A cellular structure according to Claim 1 wherein said embedding element (2) is a metallic or synthetic lattice.
6. A cellular structure according to Claim 2 wherein said embedding element (3) is constituted of metallic or synthetic stirrups.
7. A cellular structure according to Claim 2 wherein said stirrups (3) are flat strips or round or square bars.
8. A cellular structure according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein said facing element (1) comprises a sunk framework (5) and a facade of cast concrete (6).
9. A cellular structure according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein said cellular structure comprises a sunk framework (5) and a masonry facade of concrete blocks (7) or cuts stone, said masonry facade (7) being reinforced and joined to said facing element (1), a space between the facing element (1) and the masonry facade (7) being filled with concrete (8).
10. A cellular structure according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein vertical rods (4) connect the embedding elements (2,3) to lateral edges of the facing elements (1).
11. A sustaining wall comprising many similar cellular structures according to Claim 1, each cellular structure containing an embankment, the embedding elements (2) extending from said facing element (1) in the embankment, each embedding element (2) being applied against a similar embedding element (2) of an adjacent cellular structure.
12. A sustaining wall comprising many cellular structures according to Claim 1, each cellular structure containing an embankment, each embedding element (2) being common to two adjacent similar cellular structures, the embedding elements (2) extending from said facing element (1) in the embankment.
13. A sustaining wall comprising many cellular structures according to Claim 2, each stirrup (3) extending in an embankment contained in a respective cellular structure.
14. A sustaining wall according to Claim 11 wherein the facing elements (1) each comprise a lattice, and in which, for each cellular structure, said embedding elements (2) are integral to their respective facing element (1).
15. A method for erecting a sustaining wall comprising the following steps:

    a) positioning many similar cellular structures each including a substantially vertical facing element (1) connected at each of its lateral ends to a substantially vertical embedding element in such a way that the embedding elements extend from the facing elements (1) substantially towards the embankment, said positioning being effected in such a way that each embedding element is either applied against an embedding element of an adjacent similar cellular structure or is common to two adjacent cellular structures; and

    b) filling each of said cellular structures;

       characterized in that said embedding elements comprise lattice elements (2) which extend separately in the embankment from the facing elements (1) and which are supported rearwardly of said facing element (1) by the embankment, each cellular structure having the shape of a "U" open towards the embankment.
16. A method for erecting a sustaining wall comprising the following steps:

    a) positioning in a generally parallel way many substantially vertical embedding elements, said positioning being effected generally substantially perpendicularly to a facade of said sustaining wall;

    b) connecting each of the outer vertical edges of each adjacent pair of embedding elements to a respective vertical end of a substantially vertical facing element (1); and

    c) filling each of the cellular structures defined by each adjacent pair of embedding elements and by the facing element (1) connected therebetween;

       characterized in that said embedding elements comprise lattice elements (2) which are spaced from one another and which are supported rearwardly of said facing element (1) by the embankment, each cellular structure having the shape of a "U" open towards the embankment.
17. A method for erecting a sustaining wall comprising the following steps:

    a) aligning many similar cellular structures each including a substantially vertical facing element (1) and an embedding element connected to each of its two ends to a respective lateral end of said facing element (1) in order to form a "U" extending substantially opposite said facing element (1) and thus substantially towards the embankment; and

    b) filling each of said cellular structures;

       characterized in that each embedding element is formed of at least one stirrup (3) which is supported rearwardly of said facing element (1) only by the embankment itself.
18. A cellular structure according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein said facing element comprises many elongated elements (17) made of prefabricated concrete horizontally mounted as an openwork on a vertical plane, said elongated elements (17) overlapping at their ends with similar elongated elements (17) of adjacent cellular structures.
19. A cellular structure according to Claim 18 wherein said facing element (17) comprises vertical rods for maintaining in position and adjusting the overlapping elongated elements (17) of two adjacent cellular structures, said vertical rods (18) extending through the ends of said elongated elements (17).
20. A cellula structure according to Claim 18 wherein a geotextile is positioned in a substantially vertical way between the facing element (17) and the embankment in order to allow for a soil embankment and to allow vegetation to extend through said facing element (17) at openings defined between said prefabricated concrete elements (17).
21. A cellular structure according to Claim 18 wherein architectural concrete elements are positioned in openings defined between said prefabricated concrete elements (17).
22. A sustaining wall comprising many cellular structures according to Claim 18, each cellular structure containing an embankment, and the embedding elements (2,3) of a cellular structure extending from a respective facing element (17) in a respective embankment.
23. A sustaining wall according to Claim 22 wherein each facing element (17) comprises vertical rods (18) which extend through the ends of overlapping elongated elements (17) of two adjacent cellular structures to maintain them in position.
24. A sustaining wall according to Claim 22 wherein the facing elements (17) and the rods (18) extend vertically above said sustaining wall in order to form an elevation wall, the openings defined between said prefabricated concrete elements (17) of said elevation wall being closed by elements made of architectural concrete, said elevation wall being used as a soundproof wall.

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