EP3655592A1

EP3655592A1 - Structure comprising an assembly of blocks and a frame

Info

Publication number: EP3655592A1
Application number: EP18742768.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julien Lorentz; Jean-Philippe Jarrin; Lucas Meignan
Original assignee: Geolithe Innov
Current assignee: Geolithe Innov
Priority date: 2017-07-17
Filing date: 2018-07-16
Publication date: 2020-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-16
Also published as: WO2019016122A1; MA49622A; EP3655592B1; FR3068995A1; FR3068995B1

Abstract

The structure comprises a plurality of blocks (15) spread over several superimposed levels (N1, N2), each block having at least one upper cavity (70) and at least one lower cavity (55), each upper cavity being connected to a lower cavity of a same block by a duct (37) and a metallic frame comprising an assembly of blocking elements and an assembly of connecting elements (80). Each blocking element is received jointly in the upper cavity of a block and in a corresponding lower cavity of a block of the level immediately above to prevent a horizontal translation relative to such blocks, two blocking elements received in the upper and lower cavities of a same block, being simultaneously attached to a same connecting element in the duct and exerting a force on the two blocking elements in question tending to move the blocking elements closer together.

Description

Work comprising a set of blocks and a frame

The present invention relates to a structure, including a structure for retaining or protection against falling rocks.

Structures are frequently used to stabilize land and protect people and property from possible damage from land movements or falling materials. Among these structures, some are attached to a slope such as a retaining wall or a net to stop downwash masses such as rocks detached from a wall and providing good dissipation of kinetic energy. These structures are fixed either by stays or by bolts fixed in the slope. Other works consist of a stack of blocks, materials or gabions and allow their mass to hold the ground or to stop the running of falling blocks.

However, these books are not optimized. Indeed, the anchoring operations, via bolts or shrouds, are long and complex since they require drilling in the slope of the holes which will be filled with cement to allow the fixing of bolts or shrouds. During these operations, the operators working on the implementation of the structure are not protected. In addition, structures- weights formed by the stack of blocks or materials require a large footprint on the ground, which is not always available, and allow a low dissipation of the kinetic energy of the falling blocks. In addition, these structures are long to achieve.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide a structure that requires a low footprint, while being simple and quick to set up or disassemble and allowing good dissipation of kinetic energy.

For this purpose, it is proposed a structure, including support or protection against falling materials, the structure comprising a metal frame and a plurality of blocks distributed in several levels superimposed in a vertical direction, each block having an upper face and a lower face, each block having at least one upper cavity formed in the upper face and at least one lower cavity formed in the lower face, each upper cavity being connected to a lower cavity of the same block by a conduit formed in the block, and the metal armature comprising a set of locking elements and a set of connecting elements, each locking element being jointly received in the upper cavity of a block and in a corresponding lower cavity of a block of level immediately greater than the block considered to prevent a relative horizontal translation of two blocks, two blocking elements accommodated in upper and lower cavities of the same block, being simultaneously fixed to the same connecting element received in the conduit and exerting on the two locking elements considered a force tending to bring the locking elements to one another.

Thanks to the invention, the blocks are effectively secured to form a work with great strength, and requiring little grip on the ground.

According to other advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, the structure comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

- Each connecting element is a metal bar or a cable.

Each blocking element comprises a fixing member fastened together with a connecting element of each of the two blocks in the cavities of which the blocking element is received.

The fixing member is a threaded sleeve in which is screwed one end of each of the two connecting elements to which the sleeve is fixed. Each blocking element comprises a tube surrounding the fixing member in a horizontal plane, the tube bearing against the peripheral walls of the upper and lower cavities in which the tube is received to prevent a relative translation of the two blocks in which the tube is accommodated in a horizontal plane.

- Each cavity is defined in the vertical direction by an end wall formed in the corresponding block, each locking element further comprising a plate interposed between the fixing member and the end wall of the corresponding upper cavity.

The metal reinforcement further comprises holding elements connecting two locking elements inserted in the same block or in two contiguous blocks of the same level and suitable for removing at least one degree of freedom between the two blocking elements considered. .

- Each holding element is a horizontal plate and interposed between two levels of blocks, the plate being pierced with two holes each receiving one of the two locking elements connected by the plate.

- Each holding element comprises a cable.

- At least one holding element is at least partially integrated in a block.

- Each block comprises at least two upper cavities and two lower cavities connected two by two by corresponding conduits. The blocks of each level are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the blocks forming a staggered structure in which, preferably, an offset, measured along the second direction, between the blocks of two successive levels is equal to half a length of blocks taken in the second direction.

The blocks form a set of columns, the blocks of the same column being aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

Blocks at the same level are not aligned with each other. The structure comprises a first wall and a second wall, the blocks of each level of the first wall being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the blocks of each level of the second wall being aligned in a third direction perpendicular to the direction. vertical and in the second direction, at least one block of the first wall being secured to a block of the second wall.

- The structure is formed by the joining of at least two walls parallel to each other, each wall being perpendicular to a third direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and having a thickness of a single block in the third direction at least one block of a wall being secured to a block of the other wall.

At least one block of the first level has an anchor hole passing through the block from the upper face to the lower face in the vertical direction, this block being configured to be fixed to the ground by a bolt received in the hole; anchorage.

Each block comprises a box, in particular metal or plastic, filled with a ballast material.

At least one block has, in addition, an anchor hole passing through the block from a side face of the block to an opposite side face of the block. The work is guyed around a piece of metal frame.

The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a structure according to the invention comprising a set of blocks and locking elements connected to one another by holding elements and connecting elements,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a block of FIG. 1 represented in transparency, and - Figure 3 is a sectional view of the zone III of Figure 1, on which a blocking element has been shown in detail.

An example of a structure 10 is shown in FIG.

The work 10 is, for example, a retaining structure. In particular, the structure 10 bears against a wall or slope of a terrain or cliff that the structure 10 is able to support. Alternatively, the structure 10 is a protective work against falling materials. In this case, the work 10 is installed at the foot of a slope and is configured to stop materials falling, sliding, or rolling down the slope, such as blocks of stone. According to another variant, the structure 10 is a structure for retaining and protecting against falling materials.

The structure 10 comprises a plurality of blocks 15 and a metal armature 20. 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 in the vertical direction Z. The second direction Y is, furthermore, perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Thus, the first direction X and the second direction Y define a horizontal plane.

The blocks 15 are divided into several levels superimposed in the vertical direction Z. The plurality of levels comprises a first level N1 and at least a second level N2. In Figure 1, two levels N1, N2 are shown. However, the book 10 is likely to have a number of levels greater than two, depending on the needs.

Of the first level N1 and the second level N2, the first level N1 is the lowest level. For example, the first level N1 is the lowest level of the structure 10 and bears on the ground 17. The second level N2 is immediately greater than the first level N1. It is understood by "immediately superior" 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 "lower level" at the second level N2.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the structure 10 may be formed by staggered blocks 15. It is understood by "staggered" that an offset, measured along the second direction Y, between the blocks of two successive levels N1, N2 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 different from the first level N1 is supported by two blocks 15 of the next lower level N1. The blocks of each level N1, N2 are aligned with each other in the second direction Y. Thus, the structure 10 is a wall having a single block thickness 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 work 10 can also be considered as the meeting of walls juxtaposed in the first direction X.

An example of block 15 is shown in detail in FIG.

Each block 15 is substantially parallelepipedic. In particular, each block 15 has lateral faces 25, a lower face 30 and an upper face 35.

In addition, at least one duct 37 is provided in each block 15. In the figure

1, two ducts 37 are formed in each block 15.

In addition, an anchoring hole 38, visible in FIG. 2, is formed in each block 15.

Each block 15 has a first length L1, measured along the second direction Y, of between 0.3 meters (m) and 4 m.

Each block 15 has a first width 11, measured along the first direction X, of between 10 centimeters (cm) and 2.5 m.

Each block 15 has a first height H1, measured in the vertical direction Z, between 0.2 m and 2.5 m.

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

Concrete is, for example, reinforced concrete.

Alternatively, the block 15 is made of a mixture of concrete and a polymer such as polystyrene.

According to another variant, the block 15 comprises a metal casing filled with a ballast material. A ballast material is a material used to increase the mass of the block relative to the mass of the empty cabinet. The ballast material is, for example, a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material is a polymeric foam such as polyurethane foam.

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

Alternatively, the ballast material is water. When the ballast material is water, the box further includes a drain device adapted to allow the evacuation of water out of the box. Alternatively, the ballast material is sand.

Alternatively, some blocks 15 comprise a box containing no ballast material.

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

The lateral faces 25 delimit the block 15 in a horizontal plane. The lateral faces 25 are, for example, each perpendicular to the second direction Y or the first direction X.

In FIG. 2, the lateral faces 25 each have two chamfers 40 and a central portion 45 perpendicular to one of the first direction X and the second direction Y. When the central portion 45 is perpendicular to the first direction X, the two chamfers 40 delimit the central part in the second direction Y and have a slight angle with the first direction X. When the central portion 45 is perpendicular to the second direction Y, the two chamfers 40 delimit the central portion along the second direction Y and have a slight angle with the first direction X.

Each side face 25 is vertical.

The upper face 35 and the lower face 30 of each block 15 are parallel to each other. In particular, the upper face 35 and the lower face 30 of each block 15 are both horizontal when the block 15 is integrated in the structure 10 resting on a horizontal floor 17.

The upper face 35 and the lower face 30 of each block 15 delimit the block 15 in the vertical direction Z.

The lower face 30 has a set of feet comprising several feet 50.

Each foot 50 is a protrusion formed on the lower face 30, so that when the lower face 30 of a block 15 of the second level N2 rests on the upper face of a block 15 of the first level N1, the feet 50 are in abutment against the upper face 30 of the block 15 of the first level but the portions of the lower face 30 other than the feet are not supported.

Each foot 50 has a thickness measured in the vertical direction Z. The thickness is for example between 5 millimeters (mm) and 100mm.

The feet 50 of the lower face 30 are distributed thereon so as to allow the passage of the metal elements of the metal frame 20, including the connecting elements which will be described below. The feet 50 also have a geometry allowing the passage of such metal elements. The lower face 30 may comprise four of the feet 50 arranged at the four corners of the lower face 30.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower face 30 comprises six feet 50, including four feet 50 arranged at the four corners of the lower face 30, the two other feet 50 being each interposed, in the second direction Y, between two feet 50 arranged at the corners.

In a variant, the lower face 30 has no feet.

At least one lower cavity 55 is formed in the lower face 30 of each block 15. For example, two lower cavities 55 are formed in the lower face 30 of each block 15.

Each lower cavity 55 is, for example, equidistant in the first direction X of the two lateral faces 25 which delimit the block 15 in this direction.

An axis is defined for each lower cavity 55. The axes of the two lower cavities 55 are spaced from each other, along the second direction Y, by a distance greater than or equal to half the first length of the blocks L1 between 0.1 m and 2.5 m.

Each lower cavity 55 extends in the vertical direction Z.

Each lower cavity 55 is delimited in the vertical direction Z by an end wall 60 and in a horizontal plane by one or more peripheral walls 65. Each lower cavity 55 opens out, in addition, onto the lower face 30 to form a lower opening 67.

Each lower cavity 55 has, in a horizontal plane, a polygonal section. For example, the section of the lower cavity 55 is square. In a variant, this section is hexagonal.

In particular, the lower cavity 55 is in the form of a truncated pyramid. In this case, the end wall 60 and the lower opening 67 are square and a straight line connecting the center of the end wall 60 to the center of the lower opening 67 is parallel to the vertical direction Z. The lower opening 67 has a length of upper side strictly at the length of the sides of the end wall 60.

According to FIG. 3, a chamfer is formed in the peripheral walls 65 near the lower opening 67. The lower cavity 55 is therefore more flared near the lower opening 67 than near the end wall 60.

In a variant, each lower cavity 55 is in the form of a prism. A prism is a geometric solid delimited by two polygons, called the bases of the prism, images of one another by a translation. These bases are connected to each other by parallelograms. In particular, the bases of each lower cavity 55 are images of each other by translation in the vertical direction.

According to one embodiment, the bases of each lower cavity 55 are square, so the lower cavity 55 is parallelepipedal.

It should be noted that other forms are possible for the bases of the lower cavity 55, for example hexagonal. According to another variant, the lower cavity 55 is cylindrical with a circular base.

Each lower cavity 55 has a depth, measured in the vertical direction Z, of between 5 cm and 100 cm.

Each lower cavity 55 has a minimum lateral dimension. The minimum lateral dimension is the diameter of the largest circle inscribed in the end wall 60 of the lower cavity 55. When the lower cavity 55 has a square base, the minimum lateral dimension is then the length of one side of the end wall 60 .

The minimum lateral dimension of each lower cavity 55 is between

20 mm and 500 mm.

At least one upper cavity 70 is formed in each upper face 35. For example, two upper cavities 70 are formed in the upper face 35 of each block 15.

Each upper cavity 70 is, for example, equidistant in the first direction X of the two lateral faces 25 which delimit the block 15 in this direction.

Each upper cavity 70 of a level N1, N2 which is not the highest level of the structure 10 is facing a lower cavity 55 of a block 15 of the next higher level. Similarly, each lower cavity 55 of a level N1, N2 which is not the lowest level of the structure 10 is opposite an upper cavity 70 of a block 15 of the next lower level.

Each upper cavity 70 extends in the vertical direction Z.

For example, each upper cavity 70 is in the form of a truncated cone.

In a variant, each upper cavity 70 is cylindrical with a circular base.

It should be noted that other shapes can be envisaged for the upper cavity 70, for example a prism or a truncated pyramid extending in the vertical direction Z.

An axis is defined for each upper cavity 70. The axes of the two cavities 70 are spaced from each other, in the second direction Y, by a distance greater than or equal to half the first length of the blocks L1, between 0.1 m and 2.5 m. Each upper cavity 70 is delimited in the vertical direction by an end wall 60 and in a horizontal plane by one or more peripheral walls 65. Each upper cavity 70 opens on the upper face 35 to form an upper opening 72.

Each upper cavity 70 has a depth, measured in the vertical direction Z, of between 30 mm and 1000 mm.

Each upper cavity 70 has a minimum lateral dimension. The minimum lateral dimension is the diameter of the largest circle inscribed in the end wall 60 of the upper cavity 70. When the upper cavity 70 is cylindrical, the minimum lateral dimension is then the diameter of the upper cavity 70.

The minimum lateral dimension of each upper cavity 70 is between 20 mm and 500 mm.

The upper cavity 70 can be flared from the end wall 60 towards the upper opening 72. Thus, the upper opening 72 can have a diameter strictly greater than the minimum lateral dimension of the upper cavity 70.

Each duct 37 connects an upper cavity 70 and a lower cavity 55. For example, each duct 37 opens onto the end wall 60 of the upper cavity 70 and the corresponding lower cavity 55. According to one embodiment, each duct 37 opens into the center of the end walls 60.

In particular, each duct 37 connects two by two an upper cavity 70 to a lower cavity 55. In other words, each duct 37 connects a single upper cavity 70 among the two upper cavities 70 to a single lower cavity 55 of the two lower cavities 55.

Each duct 37 is cylindrical with a circular base. The duct 37 has a diameter of between 20 mm and 240 mm.

Each duct 37 extends in the vertical direction. In this case, the upper and lower cavities 70 connected by the same duct 37 are aligned in the vertical direction Z. In particular, the upper cavity 70, the lower cavity 55 and the duct 37 are coaxial.

An anchoring hole 38 passes through the block 15 from one of the lateral faces 25 to another lateral face 25, the two lateral faces 25 considered delimiting the block 15 in the first direction X. The anchor hole 38 s extends in a direction included in a plane also comprising the directions X and Z. In this plane, an angle between the direction in which the anchor hole 38 extends and the first direction X is between 0 ° and 70 ° . Each anchor hole 38 is, for example, cylindrical with a circular base and has a diameter of between 2 cm and 40 cm.

Each anchor hole 38 is configured to allow passage of a drill bit and / or anchor bolt. For example, at least one block 15 is anchored to the ground by an anchor bolt received in an anchor hole 38. In particular, the anchor hole 38 opens on the two corresponding lateral faces 25 by two openings, the most low of the two openings being planned to be opposite a slope of the ground or a cliff.

According to a variant, each block 15 is also traversed, in the first direction X, by a fixing conduit allowing the connection of two blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2 belonging to two walls juxtaposed in the first direction X.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the metal armature 20 is configured to fix the blocks 15 between them.

The metal armature 20 is, for example, made of raw steel, galvanized or stainless steel.

The metal frame 20 comprises a set of locking elements 75, a set of connecting elements 80, a set of holding elements 85 and a set of anchoring elements 90.

Each locking element 75 is co-hosted in an upper cavity 70 of a block 15 and in the corresponding lower cavity 55 of a block 15 of the level immediately above the block 15 in question. For example, the blocking element 75 has an upper end accommodated in the lower cavity 55 and a lower end accommodated in the upper cavity 70, the two ends being integral with one another.

Each blocking member 75 is configured to prevent horizontal translation between the two blocks 15 in which the blocking member 75 is accommodated. In particular, each locking element 75 is configured to bear against the peripheral walls 65 which delimit in a horizontal plane the cavities 55, 70 in which the locking element 75 is accommodated when a force tending to generate a horizontal translation between the two corresponding blocks 15 is applied to these blocks 15. For example, each locking element 75 is remote from the peripheral walls 65 so as to define between the blocking element 75 and the peripheral walls 65 a horizontal mechanical clearance between 0 mm and 50 mm.

In addition, each blocking element 75 is configured to prevent vertical translation between the two blocks 15 in which the blocking element 75 is accommodated. Each blocking element 75 is at least partly linked together with two connecting elements 80. In particular, each blocking element 75 is at least partially linked together with a connecting element 80 accommodated in the conduit 37 opening into the upper cavity 70 and a connecting element 80 received in the conduit 37 opening into the corresponding lower cavity 55.

Each locking element 75 comprises a fixing member 95, a plate 100 and a tube 105.

The fastener 95 is configured to be secured together with the two connecting members 80 to which the locking member 75 is attached. For example, the fastener 95 is a sleeve. A sleeve is a hollow tube.

The fixing member 95 extends in the vertical direction Z.

The fixing member 95 is threaded. In particular, the fixing member 95 is threaded on its inner surface to allow fixing, in the fixing member 95, one end of each connecting element 80.

It should be noted that other forms of fixing members 95 are conceivable. For example, the fastener 95 may be threaded rather than threaded, or threaded on its outer surface. Embodiments in which the connecting elements 80 are attached to the fastener by clamping or by keying are also conceivable.

Fasteners 95 extending in a direction different from the vertical direction Z, or having a bend are also conceivable. According to one embodiment, the fixing member 95 comprises two threaded sleeves connected by one or two ball joints.

The plate 100 is interposed between the fixing member 95 and the end wall 60 of the upper cavity 70 in which the blocking element 75 is received. The plate 100 is configured to be pressed by the fixing member 95 against the end wall 60 when a downward force is exerted by the connecting member 80 received in the conduit of the block 15 in which the upper cavity 70 is provided on the fixing member 95.

The plate 100 is traversed by the connecting element 80 received in the conduit of the block 15 in which the upper cavity 70 is formed. More specifically, the plate 100 has a cylindrical opening whose diameter is insufficient to allow the passage of the fixing member 95.

The plate 100 is, for example, disk-shaped. The opening in the plate 100 is then concentric with the plate 100. Alternatively, the plate 100 is hexagonal, or square. The plate 100 is configured to distribute on the end wall 60 of the corresponding upper cavity 70 the force exerted on the fixing element 95 by the connecting element 80. In particular, the plate 100 has a surface strictly greater than the surface. For example, the plate 100 has a diameter strictly greater than the outer diameter of the fixing member 95 when the latter is a sleeve.

The plate 100 has, for example, a surface area of between 3 and 2000 cm ² . When the plate 100 is circular, it has for example a diameter is between 20 and 500 mm.

The tube 105 surrounds the fastener 95 in a horizontal plane. For example, the tube 105 is a cylindrical hollow tube. In a variant, the tube 105 has two portions of different shapes that are integral, each portion being accommodated in a respective cavity 55, 70 and having an outer shape complementary to the cavity 55, 70 in which it is accommodated.

When the fastener 95 is a sleeve, the fastener 95 and the tube 105 are coaxial.

The tube 105 is configured to prevent horizontal translation between the two blocks 15 in which the tube 105 is accommodated. For example, the tube 105 bears against one or more peripheral walls 65 of the cavities 55, 70 in which the tube 105 is received. The mechanical clearance between the peripheral walls 65 and the blocking assembly 75 is measured between the peripheral walls 65 and the tube 105.

The tube 105 has a length of between 200 mm and 2200 mm.

The tube 105 has an outer diameter of between 20 mm and 500 mm.

The tube 105 has an internal diameter of between 5 mm and 450 mm.

According to one embodiment, the inside diameter of the tube 105 is strictly greater than the outside diameter of the plate 100, which is thus accommodated in the tube 105.

The tube 105 is not necessarily connected to the fixing element 95 and / or to the plate 100.

In particular, in the example shown, the tube 105 is not connected to the fixing element 95 and the plate 100. Only the fixing element 95 of the locking element 75 is fixed to the connecting elements 80. The fixing element 95 is placed on the plate 100. The tube 105 surrounds the fixing element 95 and the plate 100 with a radial clearance allowing a radial clearance of the tube 105 relative to the fixing element 95 and at the plate 100.

In a variant, the tube 105 is fixed rigidly to the fixing element 95 and / or to the plate 100. The blocking element 75 is for example made up of several distinct parts, here of the fixing element 95, the plate 100 and the tube 105.

Alternatively, the blocking member 75 is made of a single piece configured to prevent horizontal translation between the two blocks 15 in which the member 75 is accommodated, configured to be secured together with the two connecting members 80 to which the blocking member 75 is fixed, and configured to be pressed against the end wall 60 when a downward force is exerted by the connecting member 80 received in the conduit of the block 15 in which the upper cavity 70 is formed on the blocking element 75. Such a part may consist of a tube, plates and nuts or welded sleeves. In addition, such a piece is further configured to prevent vertical translation between the two blocks 15 in which the locking member 75 is accommodated.

Each connecting element 80 is accommodated in a duct 37 of a block 15. Each connecting element 80 is fixed together with the locking elements 75 accommodated in the lower cavities 55 and upper 70 in which the duct 37 opens.

Each connecting element 80 is configured to exert on the locking elements 75 to which it is attached a force tending to bring these two blocking elements 75 closer to each other. In particular, this force tends to ensure that the fixing element 95 of the locking element 75 received in the upper cavity 70 plate against the corresponding end wall 60 the plate 100 of the blocking element 75 considered.

Each connecting element 80 is, for example, a metal bar. The bar has a diameter of between 6 mm and 75 mm. The two ends of the bar are then screwed into the fixing element 95. The force bringing the two blocking elements 75 closer to one another is then generated by screwing the fixing elements 95 at both ends of the bar. .

In a variant, the connecting element is a flexible link such as a metal cable.

Each holding element 85 is interposed between two levels N1, N2 of blocks

15.

Each holding element 85 connects two blocking elements 75 inserted in two blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2. For example, the two locking elements 75 closest to each other among the locking elements 75 accommodated in two consecutive blocks 15 of the same level are also connected to one another by the same element keeping 85.

In optional complement, two locking elements 75 inserted in the same block 15 are connected by a same holding element 85. Thus, each element of blocking 75 is connected to the two locking elements 75 closest to the same level N1, N2.

Each holding element 85 is able to remove at least one degree of freedom between the two blocking elements 75 that it connects. For example, the holding element 85 is able to prevent a translation along the second direction Y between the two blocking elements 75 considered.

According to the example of Figure 3, each holding member 85 is a horizontal plate, for example rectangular. The plate is pierced with two holes in each of which is accommodated a blocking element 75. In this case, each hole is cylindrical with a circular base and has a diameter greater than or equal to the outside diameter of the tube 105. Each hole is coaxial with the tube 105 that he welcomes.

It should be noted that other types of holding elements 85 are possible, for example bars fixed to the corresponding locking elements 75, or cables. For example, the holding member 85 comprises a cable provided at its two ends with rings adapted to be fixed to the corresponding blocking elements 75.

When the holding elements 85 are plates, each locking element 75 is co-hosted in a hole in each of these two holding elements 85. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the holding elements 85 in which these holes are formed are cover each other in the vertical direction Z so that their holes are aligned for the passage of the locking element 75, here more particularly for the passage of the tube 105.

A second width 12, in the first direction X, of each holding element 85 is between 50 mm and 800 mm. In particular, the second width 12 is strictly less than the distance between the feet 50 in the first direction X.

Each holding element 85 has a second length L2, measured along the second direction Y and between 0.2 m and 4 m.

Each holding element 85 has a thickness measured in the vertical direction Z. This thickness is strictly less than the thickness of the feet 50, for example less than half the thickness of the feet 50.

Thus, each holding element 85 is interposed, in the first direction X, between the feet 50.

According to one embodiment, at least one holding element 85 is integrated in a corresponding block 15. For example, a holding member 85 is cast in the block 15. This element may then consist of a plate or a welded mesh. When a holding element 85 is integrated in a block 15, the two ends of the holding element 85 surround the two attachment elements 75 received in the block 15. According to one embodiment, at least one holding element 85 is partially integrated in a corresponding block 15. For example, one end of the holding member 85 is cast in the block 15.

This element can then consist of a plate.

When a holding member 85 is partially integrated with a block 15, one end of the holding member 85 surrounds the attachment member 75 received in the block 15 in which the end is integrated and the other end, which protrudes out of the block 15, surrounds the other corresponding fastening element 75.

Each holding element 85 may be integrated in the block 15 near the upper face 35 or the lower face 30. For example, each block 15 comprises a holding element 85 integrated in the block 15 in the vicinity of the upper face 35 and a holding element 85 integrated in the block 15 near the lower face 30.

The anchoring elements 90 are interposed between the lowest level N1 of blocks 15 and the ground 17. Each anchoring element 90 is configured to be anchored in the ground 17 and to be fixed at the end opening into a cavity lower 55 of a connecting element 80 of a block 15 of the lowest level N1. Thus, each anchoring element 90 is configured to anchor the metal reinforcement 20 to the ground.

For example, each anchoring element 90 comprises an anchor 1 10 and a head 120 fixed to the anchor 1 10.

The anchor 1 10 is anchored in the ground 17.

The head 120 is accommodated in a lower cavity 55 of a block 15 of the first level N1. The head 120 has, for example, an outer shape complementary to the cavity 55 to prevent rotation of the block 15 relative to the anchor 1 10 in a horizontal plane. The head 120 is fixed to the end of the connecting element 80 which opens into the cavity 55 in question.

This anchoring mode uses the connecting elements 80 passing through the blocks 15 of the lowest level N1 via the ducts 37.

Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, at least one block 15, in particular a block 15 of the first level N1, comprises at least one anchor hole 125 passing through the corresponding block 15 from the upper face 35 to the lower face. 30. Each anchor hole 125 extends in the vertical direction Z. Each anchor hole 125 is distinct from the or each conduit 37 of the block 15.

Each anchor hole 125 is for example cylindrical, in particular with a circular base. Each anchor hole 125 is configured for anchoring the block 15 to the ground, for example using an anchor bolt or anchor cable passing through the anchor hole 125.

Each anchor hole 125 is configured to allow the passage, through the anchor hole 125, of a drilling tool from the upper face 35 to the lower face 30. The drilling tool is, for example , a forest.

For example, each block of the first type 15 of the first level N1 is fixed to the ground by a welcome anchor bolt passing through the anchor hole 125.

Thanks to the invention, the blocks 15 are effectively bonded to each other to form a resistant structure and simple manufacturing. In particular, the metal armature 20 allows good dissipation of the kinetic energy of any masses abutting the structure 10. In addition, the structure 10 has a low footprint.

When anchoring the structure 10 to the ground through the anchoring holes 38, the operators who carry out these operations are protected against any falling of materials.

The locking elements 75 allow good resistance to shear forces between the blocks 15 of different levels N1, N2.

The connecting elements 80 ensure a good bonding of the blocks 15 of the different levels N1, N2. In particular, since they exert a force bringing the two blocking elements 75 to which they are connected closer together, the structure 10 is prestressed, which strengthens its resistance.

Thanks to the holding elements 85, the blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2 are integral with each other, which gives a good capacity for lateral diffusion of the stresses between the different blocks 15 and thus of dissipation of kinetic energy at the book 10.

When the holding elements 85 are integrated in the blocks 15, the resistance of the holding elements 85 to corrosion is improved.

In the example above, the structure 10 has been described in a role of retaining structure or protection against falling materials. However, it should be noted that the book 10 is also adapted to other roles. For example, the book 10 is a boundary wall of a property.

In addition, the structure 10 has been described in an example in which the blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2 are aligned in the second direction Y and the structure 10 thus forms a rectilinear wall. However, the structure 10 is also capable, as required, of forming a curved wall in which the blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2 do not are not aligned. In addition, the small width of the holding elements 85 relative to the distance between the feet 50 in the X direction, associated with the presence of the chamfers 40, allows an offset between the blocks 15 of the same level N1, N2.

In addition, the structure 10 is likely to have a structure other than a staggered structure.

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 aligned in the X direction, the columns are for example aligned with each other, each block of a column being situated at a block of each other adjacent column, or, alternatively, the columns are not aligned with each other, each block of a column being offset horizontally with respect to each adjacent block of an adjacent column.

The columns are interconnected by holding elements 85. The geometry of the holding elements is adapted to the case.

Embodiments in which the blocking element 75 is integral, or in which the locking element 75 is integral with one of the connecting elements 80 are also conceivable.

The dimensions or shapes of the blocks 15 are likely to vary, as is the number of cavities 55, 70. For example, the structure comprises two types of blocks 15, one of which has a length L1 equal to the first length. at half the length L1 of the blocks 15 of the other type. In this case, the smaller blocks 15 each comprise a single upper cavity 70 and a single lower cavity 70 connected by a single duct 37.

In addition, the above description was 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.

Moreover, it is possible to provide a structure consisting of several interconnected walls.

In an exemplary embodiment, a structure comprises a first wall and a second wall, the blocks 15 of each level N1, N2 of the first wall being aligned in the second direction Y, the blocks 15 of each level N1, N2 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.

In another embodiment, a structure is formed by joining at least two walls parallel to each other, 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 a wall being secured to a block (15) of the other wall.

The joining of two blocks 15 each belonging to a respective wall is carried out for example by the holding elements 85 or by means of tie rods inserted into anchoring holes 38 of these blocks 15.

It is also possible to guy a structure made of blocks. The bracing is made for example around at least one element of the metal frame coming out of an upper cavity 70 of a block 15 of the highest level. The element of the metal reinforcement is for example a blocking element 75, in particular a connecting element 95 or a tube 105.

Alternatively, the guying can be made around another metal element of the frame 20.

Each shroud is then attached simultaneously at one of its ends to the structure 10 and at the other of its ends on the ground, to an anchoring element, or to another structure to stabilize the structure 10.

Advantageously, the structure may be curved, for example, when the blocks 15 of the same level are not aligned with each other.

Claims

1. - Work (10), including support or protection against falling materials, the structure (10) comprising a metal armature (20) and a plurality of blocks (15) distributed in several levels (N1, N2) superimposed according to a vertical direction (Z), each block (15) having an upper face (35) and a lower face (30), wherein:

each block (15) has at least one upper cavity (70) formed in the upper face (35) and at least one lower cavity (55) formed in the lower face (30), each upper cavity (70) being connected to a lower cavity (55) of the same block (15) via a conduit (37) formed in the block (15), and

the metal armature (20) comprises a set of locking elements (75) and a set of connecting elements (80), each locking element (75) being co-hosted in the upper cavity (70) of a block (15) and in a corresponding lower cavity (55) of a block (15) of the level immediately higher than the block (15) considered to prevent relative horizontal translation of these two blocks (15), two blocking elements ( 75) accommodated in upper (70) and lower (55) cavities of one and the same block (15) being simultaneously attached to one and the same connecting element (80) accommodated in the conduit and exerting on the two locking elements (75) considered to be a force tending to bring the locking elements (75) closer to one another,

the structure (10) being characterized in that each locking element (75) comprises a fastening member (95) secured together with a connecting element (80) of each of the two blocks (15) in the cavities (55, 70) from which the locking element (75) is received.

2. - Work according to claim 1, wherein each connecting element (80) is a metal bar or a cable.

3. - A work according to claim 2, wherein the fastener (95) is a threaded sleeve in which is screwed one end of each of the two connecting elements (80) to which the sleeve (95) is fixed.

4. - A work according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each locking element (75) comprises a tube (105) surrounding the fixing member (80) in a horizontal plane, the tube (105) coming from in abutment against peripheral walls (65) of the upper (70) and lower (55) cavities in which the tube (105) is received for prevent a relative translation of the two blocks (15) in which the tube (105) is accommodated in a horizontal plane.

5.- A work according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each cavity (55, 70) is delimited in the vertical direction by an end wall (60) formed in the block (15) corresponding, each locking element (75) further comprising a plate (100) interposed between the fastener (95) and the end wall (60) of the corresponding upper cavity (70).

6. Work according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the metal armature (20) further comprises holding elements (85) connecting two locking elements (75) inserted in the same block ( 15) or in two contiguous blocks (15) of the same level and adapted to remove at least one degree of freedom between the two blocking elements (75) considered.

7. - A work according to claim 6, wherein each holding element (85) is a horizontal plate and interposed between two levels of blocks (15), the plate being pierced with two holes each accommodating one of the two locking elements. (75) connected by the plate.

8. - Work according to claim 6, wherein each holding member (85) comprises a cable.

9. - Work according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one holding element (85) is at least partially integrated in a block (15).

10. - Work according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each block (15) comprises at least two upper cavities (70) and two lower cavities (55) connected in pairs by corresponding conduits (37).

1 1. - Work according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the blocks (15) of each level (N1, N2) are aligned in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), the blocks (15). ) forming a staggered structure in which, preferably, an offset, measured along the second direction (Y), between the blocks (15) of two successive levels (N1, N2) is equal to half a length (L1 ) blocks (15) taken in the second direction (Y).

12. - Work according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the blocks (15) form a set of columns, the blocks (15) of the same column being aligned with each other in the vertical direction ( Z).

13. - Work according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 12, wherein the blocks (15) of the same level are not aligned with each other.

14. - A work according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a first wall and a second wall, the blocks (15) of each level (N1, N2) of the first wall being aligned in a second direction (Y) perpendicular in the vertical direction (Z), the blocks (15) of each level (N1, N2) of the second wall being aligned in a third direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and the second direction (Y), at least one block (15) of the first wall being secured to a block (15) of the second wall.

15. - A work according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the work is formed by the meeting of at least two walls parallel to each other, each wall being perpendicular to a third direction (X perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and having a thickness of a single block (15) in the third direction (X), at least one block (15) of a wall being secured to a block (15) of the other wall.

16. - A work according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one block (15) of the first level (N1) has an anchor hole (125) passing through the block (15) from the upper face until to the lower face in the vertical direction (Z), this block (15) being configured to be fixed to the ground by a bolt received in the anchor hole (125).

17. - A work according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each block (15) comprises a cabinet, in particular metal or plastic, filled with a ballast material.

18. - A work according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least one block (15) has, in addition, an anchor hole (38) passing through the block (15) from a side face of the block ( 15) to an opposite side face of the block (15).

19.- A work according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the structure is guyed around a piece of the metal frame (20).