FR3057585A1 - WORK OF SUPPORT OR PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS OF MATERIALS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure of support or protection against falling materials, comprising a plurality of blocks (15) distributed in a first level and at least a second level superimposed in a vertical direction (Z). The structure comprises a metallic connecting element (20) for each block (15), each connecting element (20) comprising a plate (65) and two tubes (70) fixed to the plate (65), the plate (65) ) of each connecting element (45) bearing against the block (15) corresponding, each tube (70) passing through the block (15) corresponding in the vertical direction (Z), a portion (Ed) of each tube (70) ) of the first level through the plate (65) of a connecting element (20) of the second level and being plugged into one of the tubes (70) of the connecting element (20) of the second level (N2).

Description

Support structure or protection against falling materials

The present invention relates to a retaining or protective structure against falling materials.

Structures are frequently used to stabilize land and protect people and property from damage caused by movement of the land or falling materials.

It is frequently necessary to reinforce the slopes of steep terrain, for example the sides of trenches made in the ground, with retaining structures. Such structures are, for example, weight structures, consisting of a stack of blocks which retain the earth thanks to their large mass but require a large quantity of materials and a large footprint, or anchored structures in which a wall, is fixed to the slope by bolts anchored in the ground and exerting a traction force pressing the wall against the slope.

It is also sometimes necessary to provide works allowing to stop downward-moving materials such as rocky blocks which would have detached from a wall. In these cases, it is often the case that gravity dams formed of a stack of materials or gabions are used to stop or deflect these downward materials. Deformable screens made of metal nets supported by poles are also sometimes put in place, the poles being anchored to the ground and fixed by guy lines. Such deformable screens allow good dissipation of the kinetic energy of the stopped blocks.

However, conventional retaining structures or protection against falling materials are complex to install or are only suitable for certain conditions of use. For example, structures made up of a stack of materials held in place by their weight either are not very resistant and therefore only allow a low energy dissipation or require a significant hold on a ground which must therefore be able to support their heavy weight and therefore require a large amount of material which can be difficult to collect and transport. In addition, these structures take time to achieve.

When anchors are necessary to stabilize structures, for example in the case of metal nets, it is necessary to drill holes in the ground which, filled with cement, will serve as an anchor point. However, the drilling and drying stages of the cement are long and the workers are not protected during this time against possible falling rocks or against ground movements.

An object of the invention is therefore to propose a support or protection structure against the downward masses which requires a small footprint, while being simple and quick to set up and allowing good dissipation of kinetic energy. .

For this purpose, it is proposed a support structure or a protection against falling materials, the structure comprising a plurality of blocks distributed in several levels including a first level and at least a second level superimposed in a vertical direction, each block having an upper face and a lower face parallel to each other and opposite in the vertical direction, the structure further comprising at least one metal connecting element for each block, each block having two through-connecting holes the block in the vertical direction from a first face among the lower face and the upper face to a second face among the lower face and the upper face, each connecting element comprising a plate and two tubes fixed to the plate, the plate of each connecting element being pressed against the first face of the corresponding block, the plate of each connecting element its second level sound being interposed between a block of the first level and the corresponding block of the second level, each tube extending along a vertical axis from the same face of the plate and having a proximal end fixed to the plate and a distal end opposite to the proximal end in the vertical direction, each tube delimiting a conduit, the conduit further passing through the plate in the vertical direction, each tube passing through one of the connecting block's holes from the first face to on the second face, the distal end of each tube of the first level passing through the plate of a connecting element of the second level and being inserted in the duct of one of the tubes of the connecting element of the second level.

According to other advantageous but not compulsory aspects of the invention, the work comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or according to all technically possible combinations:

each tube has a first locking hole and a second locking hole, each locking hole extending along a substantially horizontal axis and the axes of the two locking holes being parallel to each other, the first locking hole being located at- above the second locking hole, at least one tube of the first level and the corresponding second level tube being secured by a key passing through the first locking hole of the first level tube and the second locking hole of the corresponding second level tube.

- a first height measured in the vertical direction is defined for each block, a second height being measured between the underside and a second axis of a horizontal hole passing through the block, a third height measured in the vertical direction being defined for each plate , a distance measured in the vertical direction, between the axis of the first locking hole and an upper face of the plate is less than or equal to the sum of the first height, the second height and the third height, and the key has a transverse dimension, measured in the vertical direction when the key is inserted in the horizontal hole, which is variable.

each block has a width measured in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the key being in the form of a truncated cone and having a length strictly greater than the width of the blocks.

each block is parallelepipedic and has a length measured in a second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a width strictly less than the length, a first distance between the axes of the two connecting holes of the block being equal to half the length and a second distance between the axes of the two tubes of each connecting element being equal to the first distance.

the blocks of each level are aligned in the second direction, the blocks forming a staggered structure in which an offset, measured in the second direction, between the blocks of two successive levels is equal to half the length of the blocks.

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

- the columns are not aligned with each other.

- The book also comprises at least one metal plate perpendicular to the vertical direction, each plate having a first opening and a second opening, each opening passing through the plate in the vertical direction, the plate surrounding each opening in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and being interposed between the first level of blocks and the second level of blocks, a tube of a connecting element of a first block being inserted in the first opening and a tube of a connecting element of a second block next to the first block being inserted in the second opening, the first block and the second block belonging to the first level.

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 vertical direction and in the second direction, at least one block of the first wall being secured by a plate to a block of the second wall.

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

- at least one block of the first level has an anchor hole passing through the block from the second face to the first face in the vertical direction, this block being fixed to the ground by a bolt received in the anchor hole and passing through the plate of the corresponding connecting element in the vertical direction.

- each block includes a metal box filled with ballast material.

- Each block has, in addition, an additional substantially horizontal hole, at least one block being anchored by an anchor bolt received in the additional hole.

- the structure is guyed around the distal part of a tube of a connecting element of the highest level.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retaining or protective structure against falling materials according to the invention, comprising a set of blocks and connecting elements secured by keys and plates,

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a block, of a connecting element, of a plate and of a key of the structure of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a view in axial section of the connecting element in the direction Y in FIG. 2, and

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of another example of a work according to the invention.

A first example of structure 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Structure 10 is, for example, a retaining structure. In particular, the structure 10 is in abutment against a wall or a slope of a terrain or a cliff that the structure 10 is able to support. As a variant, the structure 10 is a structure for protection against falling materials. In this case, the structure 10 is installed on 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 supporting and protecting against falling materials.

The structure 10 comprises a plurality of blocks 15 of a first type, a plurality of connection elements 20 and at least one key 22. In particular, the structure 10 comprises a connection element 20 for each block of the first type 15. One of these connecting elements 20 is visible by transparency of a block 15 in FIG. 1.

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 also perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Thus, the first direction X and the second direction Y define a horizontal plane.

All the blocks of the first type 15 are distributed in several superposed levels in the vertical direction Z. According to the example in FIG. 1, the structure 10 has four levels N1, N2, N3, N4. The plurality of levels includes a first level N1 and at least a second level N2.

Among 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 is in contact with the ground. The second level N2 is immediately higher 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” than the second level N2.

The blocks of the first type 15 of each level N1, N2, N3, N4 are aligned with each other in the second direction Y. Thus, the structure 10 is a wall having a single thickness of blocks of the first type 15 according to the third direction X.

A block of the first type 15, a connecting element 20 and a key 22 are shown in FIG. 2.

The block of the first type 15 is parallelepiped. In particular, the block of the first type 15 has a lower face 25, an upper face 30, two small side faces 35 and two large side faces 40. The block of the first type 15 further delimits two connecting holes 45, two keyholes 50, one anchor hole 55 and at least one additional hole 60.

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

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

According to another variant, the block of the first type 15 comprises a metal box filled with a ballast material. A ballast material is a material used to increase the mass of the block of the first type 15 relative to the mass of the empty box. 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 includes a filling member and a vent allowing the ballast material to be injected into the box.

Alternatively, the ballast material is water. When the ballast material is water, the cabinet also includes a drainage device suitable for allowing the evacuation of water from the cabinet.

As a variant, certain blocks of the first type 15 include a box not containing ballast material.

Each block of the first type 15 has a first height H1, a first length L1 and a first width 11.

The first height H1 is measured in the vertical direction Z. The first height H1 is measured between a point on the lower face 25 and a point on the upper face 30. The first height H1 is between 0.5 meters (m) and 1 m.

The first length L1 is measured in the second direction Y. The length L1 is measured between the two small lateral faces 35. The first length L1 is between 1 m and 2 m.

The first width 11 is measured in the first direction X. The first width 11 is measured between the two large lateral faces 40. The first width 11 is strictly less than the first length L1. For example, the first width 11 is equal to half of the first length L1.

The blocks of the first type 15 form a staggered structure. It is understood by "staggered structure" that a shift, 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 of the first type 15 belonging to a level N2, N3, N4 different from the first level N1 is supported by two blocks of the lower level N1, N2 or N3.

The lower face 25 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The upper face 30 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The upper face 30 and the lower face 25 are opposite to each other in the vertical direction Z. In particular , the lower face 25 and the upper face 30 delimit the block of the first type 15 in the vertical direction Z.

Each small side face 35 is perpendicular to the second direction Y. The two small side faces 35 delimit the block of the first corresponding type 15 in the second direction Y. For example, each small side face 35 of a block of the first type 15 is opposite a small side face 35 of another block of the first type 15 of the same level N1, N2, N3, N4.

Each large lateral face 40 is perpendicular to the first direction X. The two large lateral faces 40 delimit the block of the first type 15 in the first direction X.

Each connection hole 45 crosses the block of the first type 15 from the lower face 25 to the upper face 30 in the vertical direction Z. Thus, each connection hole 45 opens on the lower face 25 and on the upper face 30 of the block of the first corresponding type 15.

Each connecting hole 45 is cylindrical around a first axis A1. For example, each connecting hole 45 is cylindrical with a circular base around the first axis A1. Each connection hole 45 then has a first diameter D1. The first diameter D1 is between one tenth of the first width 11 and one third of the first width 11. Each first axis A1 is parallel to the vertical direction Z.

A distance, measured in the second direction Y, between each first axis A1 and the nearest small side face 35 is equal to a quarter of the first length L1. Thus, the first two axes A1 are separated from each other by a distance equal to half of the first length L1.

Each first axis A1 of a block of the first type 15 belonging to a level N1, N2, N3 or N4 is confused with a first axis A1 of a block of the first type 15 of the higher level N1, N2, N3 or N4 and with a first axis A1 of a block of the first type 15 of the lower level N1, N2, N3 or N4, if these levels exist. Thus, the connection holes 45 of the blocks of the first type 15 considered are aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z.

A distance, measured in the first direction X, between each first axis A1 and the nearest large side face 40 is equal to half of the first width

11.

Each keyhole 50 passes through the block of the first type 15 from a large lateral face 40 to the other large lateral face 40. Each keyhole 50 thus opens onto each large lateral face 40.

Each keyhole 50 is cylindrical around a second axis A2. Each second axis A2 is horizontal.

Each keyhole 50 is, for example, cylindrical with a circular base around the second axis A2. Each second axis A2 is concurrent with a first axis A1 of a corresponding connection hole 45. In particular, each first axis A1 is concurrent with a single second axis A2. Thus, each connecting hole 45 communicates with a single keying hole 50.

Each keyhole 50 has a second diameter D2. The second diameter D2 is between 3 centimeters (cm) and 10 cm. A second height H2, measured in the vertical direction Z, between each second axis A2 and the lower face 25 is between 5 cm and half of the first height H1.

Each anchor hole 55 passes through the block of the first corresponding type 15 from the lower face 25 to the upper face 30. Each anchor hole 55 is cylindrical around a third axis A3. For example, each anchoring hole 55 is cylindrical with a circular base around the third axis A3. Each anchor hole 55 has a third diameter D3. The third diameter D3 is between 5 cm and a third of the first width 11. Each anchor hole 55 is configured to allow the passage, through the anchor hole 55, of a drilling tool from the upper face 30 to the underside 25. The drilling tool is, for example, a drill. Each anchor hole 55 is further configured to accommodate an anchor bolt. For example, each block of the first type 15 of the first level N1 is fixed to the ground by an anchor bolt received at least partially in the anchor hole 55.

Each third axis A3 is parallel to the vertical direction Z. Preferably, a distance between each third axis A3 and a small lateral face 35, measured in the second direction Y, is equal to half of the first length L1. A distance, measured in the first direction X, between the third axis A3 and a large lateral face 40 is equal to half of the first width 11.

A distance between each third axis A3 and the nearest first axis A1 is strictly greater than half the sum of the first diameter D1 and the third diameter D3. Thus, the anchor hole 55 does not communicate with the connection holes 45.

Each additional hole 60 passes through the block of the first type 15 from a large lateral face 40 to the other large lateral face 40. Each additional hole 60 is substantially horizontal. In particular, each additional hole 60 extends along a fourth axis A4 substantially parallel to the first direction X. It is understood by "substantially horizontal" that an angular difference between each fourth axis A4 and a horizontal direction is less than or equal at 10 °. For example, an angular difference between each fourth axis A4 and the first direction X is strictly less than 10 °, preferably strictly less than 5 °.

Each additional hole 60 is cylindrical around the fourth axis A4.

A distance between each fourth axis A4 and the lower face 25 of the block of the first type 15 is equal to half of the first height H1.

A distance between each fourth axis A4 and the nearest side face 35 is equal to one third of the first length L1.

A fourth diameter D4 is defined for each additional hole 60. The fourth diameter D4 is between 5 cm and one third of the first height H1 Each additional hole 60 is configured to allow the passage of a drilling tool and / or an anchor bolt. For example, at least one block of the first type 15 is anchored to the ground by an anchor bolt received in an additional hole 60.

A distance between each fourth axis A4 and the nearest first axis A1 is strictly greater than half the sum of the first diameter D1 and the fourth diameter D4. Thus, the additional holes 60 do not communicate with the connection holes 45.

A distance between each fourth axis A4 and the third axis A3 is strictly greater than half the sum of the third diameter D3 and the fourth diameter D4. Thus, the additional holes 60 do not communicate with the anchor holes 55.

As an optional supplement, each block of the first type 15 has a lifting ring fixed to the upper face 30.

As a variant or in addition, each block of the first type 15 of the highest level N1, N2, N3 or N4 comprises a point of attachment of a mesh screen fixed above the structure 10.

Each connecting element 20 is associated with a block of the first type 15. Each connecting element 20 is configured to secure the block of the first type 15 corresponding to another block of the first type 15 superimposed.

Each connecting element 20 comprises a plate 65, two tubes 70 and at least four supports 72A, 72B.

Each connecting element 20 is made, for example, of a metallic material. The metallic material is, for example, chosen from the group formed by stainless steel, raw steel and galvanized steel.

The plate 65 is parallelepiped. In particular, the plate 65 has six faces, each face of the plate 65 being perpendicular to one of the first direction X, of the second direction Y or of the third direction Z. The plate 65 is delimited in the vertical direction Z by a support face 75 and a support face 80.

The plate 65 has a thickness, measured in the direction Z between the support face 75 and the support face 80, and between 2 millimeters (mm) and 3 cm.

The plate 65 also has a through hole 82 of an anchor bolt. The through hole 82 is cylindrical around the third axis A3.

The support face 75 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

The support face 75 is in abutment against the lower face 25 of the block of the first corresponding type 15, that is to say that the support face 75 of the plate 65 is in abutment against the lower face 25 of the block of the first type 15 corresponding. In this case, the plate 65 supports the block of the first type 15 corresponding, that is to say that the plate 65 exerts on the block of the first type 15 corresponding a force counterbalancing the weight of said block of the first type 15. The plate 65 of each block of the first type 15 is then interposed between the lower face 25 of said block 15 and the upper face 30 of a block of the first type 15 of a neighboring level N1, N2, N3 or N4. In particular, the plate 65 of each connecting element 20 of the second level N2 is interposed between the lower face 25 of the block of the corresponding second level N2 and the upper face 30 of a block 15 of the first level N1.

As a variant, the support face 75 is in abutment against the upper face 30.

Each support face 75 is flat.

Each support face 80 is parallel to the support face 75. Each support face 80 is planar.

Each tube 70 is fixed to the corresponding plate 65. For example, each tube 70 is welded to the corresponding plate 65. As a variant, each tube 70 came integrally with the plate 65.

Each tube 70 extends along a fifth axis A5 corresponding from the support face 75. Each fifth axis A5 is parallel to the vertical direction Z. A distance between the two fifth fifth axes A5 of the same connecting element 20 is equal at the distance between the first two axes A1 of the block of the first corresponding type 15.

Each fifth axis A5 is merged with a single first axis A1 of the block of the corresponding first type 15.

A second length L2 is defined for each tube 70. The second length L2 is strictly greater than the first height H1. The second length L2 is 1.5 times the first height H1.

Each tube 70 is received in a connection hole 45 of the block of the first corresponding type 15. Each tube 70 passes through the corresponding connection hole 45 from the lower face 25 to the upper face 30.

For example, the two tubes 70 of the same connection element 45 are received in the connection holes 45 of the same block of the first type 15. As a variant, the two tubes 70 of the same connection element 45 are received in the connection holes 45 of two separate and adjacent blocks of the first type 15, the two blocks of the first type 15 belonging to the same level N1, N2, N3, N4.

Each tube 70 has a proximal part Ep and a distal part Ed.

The proximal part Ep is fixed to the plate 65. The proximal part Ep is therefore received at least partially in the corresponding connection hole 45 of the block of the first type 15 against which the support face 75 of the connection element 20 considered is in support.

The proximal part Ep is cylindrical around the fifth axis A5. In particular, the proximal part Ep is in the form of a hollow cylinder. For example, the proximal part Ep is delimited by two coaxial cylinders, the axis of which is the fifth axis A5, each of these cylinders being of circular base.

The proximal part Ep is delimited by the plate 65 and by the distal part Ed in the vertical direction Z.

The proximal part Ep has a first outer diameter Del. The first outside diameter Del is strictly less than the first diameter D1. In particular, a difference, in absolute value, between the first outside diameter Del and the first diameter D1 is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

The proximal part Ep has a first internal diameter Di1. The first internal diameter Di1 is strictly less than the first external diameter Del. In particular, a difference, in absolute value, between the first outside diameter Del and the first inside diameter Di 1 is between 2 mm and 8 cm.

The proximal part Ep defines a cylindrical conduit 82 around the fifth axis A5. The conduit 82 is cylindrical with a circular base and has the first internal diameter Di 1. The conduit 82 opens onto the bearing face 80. The conduit 82 is therefore provided to allow the introduction, into the conduit 82, through the plate 65, from the distal Ed portion of another tube 70.

The proximal part Ep has a third length L3. The third length L3 is, for example, equal to nine tenths of the first height H1. The third length L3 is measured in the vertical direction Z.

The distal part Ed is cylindrical around the fifth axis A5. For example, the distal end Ed is a hollow cylinder with a circular base. In particular, the distal part Ed has a cylindrical outer surface with a circular base around the fifth axis A5, and having a second outer diameter De2. The second outside diameter De2 is strictly less than the first inside diameter Di1. The second outside diameter De2 is, for example equal to the first inside diameter Di1 reduced from 0.5 mm to 4mm.

The distal part Ed has a fourth length L4 measured in the vertical direction Z. The fourth length L4 is equal to six tenths of the first height H1.

The distal part Ed of each tube 70 belonging to a level N1, N2, N3 or N4 crosses the plate 65 of a connecting element 20 belonging to the level N1, N2, N3 or N4 immediately above, if this level exists. In particular, the distal part Ed of each tube 70 belonging to the first level N1 passes through the plate 65 of a connecting element 20 belonging to the second level N2. The blocks of the first type 15 being arranged in a staggered structure, the distal parts Ed of the two tubes 70 of the same connecting element 20 belonging to the first level N1 each pass through the plate 65 of a different connecting element 20 belonging to the second level N2.

The distal part Ed of each tube 70 of a level N1, N2, N3, N4 is inserted into the conduit 82 delimited by the proximal part Ep of a tube 70 of the level N1, N2, N3, N4 immediately above. For example, the distal part Ed of each tube 70 of the first level N1 is plugged into the proximal part Ep of a tube 70 corresponding to the second level N2. The distal part Ed is then surrounded in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z by the proximal part Ep of the tube 70 in which it is inserted.

Each tube 70 further has a first locking hole 85 and a second locking hole 90. Each locking hole 85, 90 is provided to at least partially accommodate a corresponding key 22.

The first locking hole 85 crosses the distal part Ed along a sixth axis A6. Each sixth axis A6 is concurrent with a corresponding fifth axis A5. Each second axis A6 is substantially horizontal. In particular, the sixth axis A6 coincides with the second axis A2 which is concurrent with the first corresponding axis A1. In other words, each first locking hole 85 is aligned with a keying hole 50 of the corresponding first type block 15. Each first locking hole 90 is then suitable for allowing the block of the first type 15 and the connecting element 20 to be secured by insertion of a key 22 through the first locking hole 90 and the corresponding keying hole 50.

Each first locking hole 85 has a sixth diameter D6. The sixth diameter D6 is equal to the second diameter D2. Among the first locking hole 85 and the second locking hole 90, the first locking hole 85 is the highest.

The second locking hole 90 is, for example, cylindrical with a circular base around a seventh axis A7. The seventh axis A7 is concurrent with the fifth axis

A5 of the tube 70. The seventh axis A7 is substantially horizontal. The seventh axis A7 is, for example, parallel to the first direction X.

The second locking hole 90 has a seventh diameter D7. The seventh diameter D7 is equal to the sixth diameter D6.

A distance, measured in the vertical direction Z, between the sixth axis A6 and the corresponding support face 75 is less than or equal to the sum of the first height H1, the second height H2 and a third height H3 of the assembly formed by the plate 65 and the supports 72A, 72B. In particular, to allow the keying of the assembly, this distance is strictly less than the sum of the first height H1, the second height H2 and the third height H3.

A distance, measured in the vertical direction Z, between the seventh axis A7 and the corresponding support face 75 is equal to the second height H2.

When two blocks of the first type 15 are superimposed belonging to two neighboring levels N1, N2, N3 or N4, a connecting element 20 being associated with each block of the first type 15, the first locking hole 85 of the block 15 of the level N1, N2, N3 or N4, lowest among the two levels N1, N2, N3 or N4 considered, the second locking hole 90 of block 15 of level N1, N2, N3 or N4 highest and the keying hole 50 of block 15 of the highest level N1, N2, N3 or N4 are then aligned. In particular, these three holes 50, 85 and 90 are coaxial.

Each connecting element 20 has at least four supports 72A, 72B. According to the example of FIG. 3, the connecting element 20 comprises six supports 72A, 72B.

Each support 72A, 72B is parallelepiped. Each support 72A, 72B is formed on the support face 80. For example, each support 72A, 72B came integrally with the plate 65, or even attached and welded to the plate 65. At least one face of each support 72A , 72B is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Each support 72A, 72B bears against the upper face 30 of a block of the first type 15 belonging to a lower level N1, N2, N3, N4, if this level N1, N2 , N3, N4 exists.

Preferably, each face of each support 72A, 72B is perpendicular to the first direction X, to the second direction Y or to the vertical direction Z. In this case, a distance, measured between the two closest points of two neighboring supports of the same connecting element 20 is greater than or equal to one third of the first width 11.

Each support 72A, 72B has a thickness, measured in the vertical direction Z, of between 5 mm and 10 cm.

The third height H3 is defined for each plate 65 as being the sum of the thickness of the plate 65 and the thickness of the supports 72A, 72B carried by the plate 65. Thus, the third height H3 is the distance, measured according to the vertical direction Z, between a point on a lower face 25 of a block of the first type 15 belonging to a level N2 to N4 and a point of an upper face 30 of another block of the first type 15 belonging to the level N1 to N3 immediately below.

Each support 72A, 72B has a width, measured in the first direction X, less than or equal to 1/3 of the first width 11 and greater than or equal to 2 cm.

According to the example of Figures 2 and 3, each connecting element 20 has six supports 72A, 72B, including four first supports 72A and two second supports 72B. The first supports 72A are each located at an angle to the plate 65. The second supports 72B are each inserted, in the second direction Y, between two corresponding first supports 72A.

Each key 22 is designed to be received simultaneously in the keying hole 50 of a block of the first type 15 belonging to a level N2, N3, N4 different from the first level N1, in a second locking hole 90 of the element of 20 corresponding connection and in a first locking hole 85 of a connecting element 20 of the level N1, N2, N3 lower than the level N2, N3, N4 considered. In particular, at least one tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of the first level N1 and a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of the second level N2 are secured by a key 22 passing through a first locking hole 85 of the tube 70 of the first level N1, a second locking hole 90 of the tube 70 of the second level N2 and the keying hole 50 of the block of the first type 15 associated with the connecting element 20 of the second level N2. Each key 22 extends along an eighth axis A8 merged with the fifth axis A5, the sixth axis A6 and the seventh axis A7 of the three holes 50, 85 and 90 in which the key 22 is received.

The key 22 has a length, measured along the eighth axis A8, strictly greater than the first width 11. The length of the key 22 is, for example, equal to 110 percent of the first width 11.

Key 22 has a transverse dimension, measured in a plane perpendicular to the eighth axis A8. In particular, the transverse dimension is measured in the vertical direction Z when the key 22 is inserted into the keying hole 50 of the block of the first type 15 associated with the connecting element 20 of the second level N2.

The transverse dimension of the key 22 is variable. In particular, the transverse dimension 22 varies along the eighth axis A8.

For example, each key 22 is in the form of a truncated cone. Preferably, the key is in the form of a truncated cone with a circular base. The transverse dimension of the key 22 is then a diameter of the key 22. The key 22 has a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter different from each other. Each of the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter of the key 22 is measured in a plane perpendicular to the eighth axis A8 at a respective end of the key 22. The minimum diameter of the key 22 is between 2 cm and 8 cm. The maximum diameter of the key 22 is between 4 cm and 10 cm.

As a variant, at least one key 22 is in the shape of a pyramid, the height of which extends along the eighth axis A8.

Each key 22 is preferably inserted by force into the three corresponding holes 50, 85 and 90.

As an optional addition, the structure 10 also includes blocks of a second type. Each block of a second type is, for example, located at one end of a level N1, N2, N3 or N4. For example, a level N1, N2, N3 or N4 comprises at least one block of the first type 15 and two blocks of the second type, all the blocks of the first type or of the second type of the same level being aligned in the second direction Y and the blocks of the second type framing, in the second direction Y, the blocks of the first type.

As a variant, a block of the second type is placed at one end of each level N1, N2, N3, N4.

The blocks of the second type will now be described. The elements identical to the blocks of the first type 15 are not described again. Only the differences are highlighted.

The length of each block of the second type is equal to half the first length L1 of the blocks of the first type 15. Each block of the second type has a single connecting hole 45, a single keying hole 50, a single connecting hole anchor 55 and a single additional hole 60.

The first axis A1 of the connection hole 45 of each block of the second type is distant from each of the side faces 35, 40 by a distance equal to half the length L of the block of the second type considered. Thus, each block of the second type is designed to be traversed by a tube 70 of a connecting element 20, the second tube of which is received in a connection hole 45 of a block of the first type 15 belonging to the same level as the block of the second type considered.

Thanks to the invention, blocks 15 are easily joined together by the connecting elements 20 to form a structure 10 for support or protection against falling materials. In particular, the structure 10 is then quick and easy to produce.

In addition, the metal connecting elements 20 are fixed to each other, which gives a good capacity for lateral diffusion of the stresses between the different blocks 15 and therefore for dissipating kinetic energy in the structure 10.

In addition, structure 10 has a reduced footprint. In particular, the structure 10 is easy to anchor to the ground thanks to the anchoring holes 55, which makes it possible to ensure good stability of the structure 10 despite the small footprint.

In addition, if the structure 10 is anchored to a slope through the additional holes 60, an operator is able to make an anchor bolt through these additional holes. During these steps, the operator is therefore protected against falling materials, which is not the case with the screens of the state of the art.

In the case where the blocks of the first type 15 and of the second type comprise a box filled with a ballast material, the mass of the structure 10 is reduced while retaining good rigidity and a good capacity for dissipating energy.

Thanks to the use of blocks of the second type, the structure has vertical ends despite the staggered structure of the blocks of the first type 15.

The use of tapered keys 22 makes it possible to prestress the connecting elements 20, which reinforces the rigidity of the structure 10.

A second example of structure 10 is shown in FIG. 4. The elements identical to the first example of structure 10 are not described again. Only the differences are highlighted. Book 10 has three levels N1, N2, N3.

The blocks of the first type 15 are arranged in a plurality of columns C1, C2, C3, C4. The blocks of the first type 15 belonging to the same column C1, C2, C3 or C4 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z.

According to the example in FIG. 4, the columns C1, C2, C3 or C4 are aligned with each other in the second direction Y.

The book 10 further comprises a plurality of plates 95. A plate 95 is shown in FIG. 2.

The two tubes 70 of each connecting element 45 are received in the connecting holes 45 of the same block of the first type 15.

Each plate 95 secures two neighboring connecting elements 20 belonging to the same level N1, N2 or N3.

Each plate 95 is made of a metallic material, such as steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel.

Each plate 95 is parallelepiped. Each plate 95 is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. Preferably, each plate 95 has six faces, each face of the plate 95 being perpendicular to the first direction X, to the second direction Y or to the vertical direction Z.

Each plate 95 has a thickness, measured in the vertical direction Z, strictly less than the thickness of the supports 72A, 72B.

Each plate 95 also has a length called the fifth length L5 and a width called the second width I2. The fifth length L5 is measured in the second direction Y. The fifth length L5 is, for example, equal to the first length L1. The second width I2 is measured in the first direction X. The second width I2 is strictly less than the distance separating two supports 72A, 72B.

Each plate 95 delimits two openings 100 passing through the plate 95 in the vertical direction Z. In particular, each opening 100 is surrounded, in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, by the plate 95.

Each opening 100 is cylindrical with a circular base around a ninth axis A9. Each opening 100 has an eighth diameter D8 strictly greater than the second outside diameter De2.

Each ninth axis A9 is vertical. Preferably, the ninth axes A9 of the two openings 100 of the same wafer 95 are each merged with a fifth axis A5 of a tube 70, the two tubes 70 belonging to two separate connecting elements 20. The two connecting elements 20 considered belong to the same level N1, N2 or N3 and are adjacent to each other in the second direction Y.

Each plate 95 is interposed between two successive levels of blocks of the first type 15. For example, at least one plate 95 is interposed between the first level N1 and the second level N2. Preferably, at least one plate 95 is interposed between the upper face 30 of a block of the first type 15 belonging to the first level N1 and the bearing face 80 of a connecting element 20 belonging to the second level N2, the supports 72A, 72B of the connecting element 20 being in abutment against the upper face 30 of the block 15 of the first level N1. The plate 95 is interposed between two supports 72A, 72B of the connecting element 20.

In addition, each opening 100 of the wafer 95 considered is traversed, in the vertical direction 20, by the distal part Ed of a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of the first level N1.

More specifically, a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of a first block 15 is inserted into an opening 100 of the wafer 95 and a tube 70 of a connecting element of a second block 15 adjacent to the first block 15 is plugged into the other opening

The first block 15 and the second block 15 belong to the same level N1, N2, N3, N4.

The tubes 70 passing through the same plate 95 belong to two columns C1, C2, C3 or C4 distinct from one another. In other words, a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of a column C1, C2, C3 or C4 is inserted into an opening 100 of the wafer 95 and a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of another column C1, C2, C3 or C4 is inserted in the other opening 100 of the wafer 95 considered.

The tube 70 of a level N1, N2 or N3 therefore passes successively, in the vertical direction Z, a block of the first type 15 belonging to the same level, the plate 95 and the plate 65 of a connecting element 20 of a upper level N1, N2 or N3, the distal part Ed of the tube 70 considered being plugged into the proximal part Ep of a tube 70 of the upper level N1, N2 or N3.

With constant stress, the second example of structure 10 is more deformable than the first example of structure 10.

The use of plates 95 also offers greater flexibility in the arrangement of blocks of the first type 15 of the same level N1, N2, N3 or N4 relative to each other.

For example, item 10 is a curved wall. In this case, the blocks of the first type 15 are arranged in a plurality of columns C1, C2, C3, C4, but the columns C1, C2, C3, C4, are not aligned with each other. The small lateral faces 35 of the blocks of the first type 15 of at least two adjacent columns C1, C2, C3 or C4 are not parallel to each other.

The fifth length L5 of a plate 95 connecting two blocks of the first type 15 of the two columns C1, C2, C3 or C4 considered is, for example, strictly greater than the first length L1.

According to one embodiment, at least one plate 95 is curved. For example, the plate 95 is in the form of an annular section in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

Book 10 can then be adapted to a wider variety of situations.

According to a variant not shown, the works can be guyed around the distal part Ed of a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of the highest level, for example at the level of the locking hole passing through the distal part Ed.

According to a variant not shown, the plate 65 of each connecting element 20 is arranged above the block of the first corresponding type 15. The support face 75 is then in abutment against the upper face 30. Each tube 70 then passes through the block of the first type 15 corresponding from the upper face 30 to the lower face 25. This variant is applicable to all embodiments.

According to another variant not shown, several connecting elements 20 of a second type are provided for each block of the first type 15. For example, each connecting element 20 of the second type has only one tube 70, and two elements 20 of the second type are then used for each block of the first type 15.

According to another variant, at least one block of the second type is secured to a block of the first type 15 or of the second type with a connecting element 20 of the second type.

According to another variant, the structure 10 comprises at least one second split wall, perpendicular to the first wall. The blocks of the first type 15 of each level of the second wall are then aligned with each other in the third direction X. The two walls are then secured by plates 95. For example, at least one block 15 of the first wall is secured with a block 15 of the second wall by a plate 95, the two openings 100 of the plate 95 then receiving respectively a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of the first wall and a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of the second wall .

According to another example, the structure 10 has a thickness of at least two blocks of the first type 15 in the third direction X. In other words, the structure is formed by the union of at least two parallel walls l to one another, each wall being perpendicular to the third direction X and having a thickness of a single block of the first type 15 in the third direction X. The walls are then secured by plates 95, the two openings 100 of each plate 95 then each accommodating a tube 70 of a connecting element 20 of a corresponding wall. Each of the walls has, for example, a staggered structure. As a variant, each of the walls comprises a plurality of columns of blocks of the first type 15.

The different examples can be combined with one another to generate new embodiments of the invention. For example, the plates 95 are described in the case of a structure 10 in which the blocks of the first type 15 form a plurality of columns, but plates 95 can also be used to secure connection elements 20 in the case of a staggered structure.

Claims (15)

1. - Work (10) for supporting or protecting against falling materials, the work (10) comprising a plurality of blocks (15) distributed in several levels including a first level (N1) and at least a second level ( N2) superimposed in a vertical direction (Z), each block (15) having an upper face (30) and a lower face (25) parallel to each other and opposite in the vertical direction (Z), the work (10) being characterized: - in that it further comprises at least one metallic connecting element (20) for each block (15), each block (15) having two connecting holes (45) passing through the block (15) in the direction vertical (Z) from a first face among the lower face (25) and the upper face (30) to a second face among the lower face (25) and the upper face (30), each connecting element (20) comprising a plate (65) and two tubes (70) fixed to the plate (65), the plate (65) of each connecting element (45) being pressed against the first face of the corresponding block (15), the plate ( 65) of each connecting element (45) of the second level (N2) being interposed between a block (15) of the first level (N1) and the corresponding block (15) of the second level (N2), each tube (70) s extending along a vertical axis (Z) from the same face of the plate (65) and having a proximal part (Ep) fixed to the plate (65) and a part d istale (Ed) opposite the proximal part (Ep) in the vertical direction (Z), each tube (70) delimiting a conduit (82), the conduit (82) further passing through the plate (65) in the vertical direction ( Z), and - in that each tube (70) passes through one of the connecting holes (45) of the corresponding block (15) from the first face to the second face, the distal part (Ed) of each tube (70) of the first level (N1) passing through the plate (65) of a connecting element (20) of the second level (N2) and being inserted in the duct (82) of one of the tubes (70) of the connecting element ( 20) of the second level (N2). 2, - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to claim 1, wherein each tube (70) has a first locking hole (85) and a second locking hole (90), each hole locking (85, 90) extending along a substantially horizontal axis (A6, A7) and the axes (A6, A7) of the two locking holes (85, 90) being parallel to each other, the first locking hole (85 ) being located above the second locking hole (90), at least one tube (70) of the first level (N1) and the corresponding tube (70) of the second level (N2) being secured by a through key (22) the first locking hole (85) of the tube (70) of the first level (N1) and the second locking hole (90) of the tube (70) of the second level (N2) corresponding. 3.- Work (10) for supporting or protecting against falling materials according to claim 2, in which: - a first height (H1) measured in the vertical direction (Z) is defined for each block (15), a second height (H2) being measured between the lower face (25) and a second axis (A2) of a hole horizontal (50) passing through the block (15), a third height (H3) measured in the vertical direction (Z) being defined for each plate (65), - a distance measured in the vertical direction (Z), between the axis (A6) of the first locking hole (85) and an upper face (75) of the plate (65) is less than or equal to the sum of the first height (H1), second height (H2) and third height (H3), and - The key (22) has a transverse dimension, measured in the vertical direction (Z) when the key (22) is inserted in the horizontal hole (50), which is variable. 4. - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein each block (15) has a width (11) measured in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction , the key (22) being in the form of a truncated cone and having a length strictly greater than the width (11) of the blocks (15). 5. - Work (10) for supporting or protecting against falling materials according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which each block (15) is parallelepiped and has a length (L1) measured in a second direction ( Y) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and a width (11) strictly less than the length (L1), a first distance between the axes (A1) of the two connecting holes (45) of the block (15) being equal to half the length (L1) and a second distance between the axes (A5) of the two tubes (70) of each connecting element (20) being equal to the first distance. 6. - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to claim 5, wherein the blocks (15) of each level (N1, N2, N3, N4) are aligned in the second direction (Y) , the blocks (15) forming a staggered structure in which an offset, measured in the second direction (Y), between the blocks (15) of two successive levels (N1, N2, N3, N4) is equal to half of the length (L1) of the blocks (15). 7. - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to claim 5, wherein the blocks (15) form a set of columns (C1, C2, C3, C4), the blocks (15) d 'the same column (C1, C2, C3, C4) being aligned with each other in the vertical direction (Z). 8. - Book (10) according to claim 7, wherein the columns (C1, C2, C3, C4) are not aligned with each other. 9. - Book (10) for supporting or protecting against falling materials according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one metal plate (95) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), each plate (95) having a first opening (100) and a second opening (100), each opening (100) passing through the plate (95) in the vertical direction (Z), the plate (95) surrounding each opening (100) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and being interposed between the first level (N1) of blocks (15) and the second level (N2) of blocks (15), a tube (70) of a connecting element (20 ) of a first block (15) being inserted in the first opening (100) and a tube (70) of a connecting element (20) of a second block (15) adjacent to the first block (15) being inserted in the second opening (100), the first block (15) and the second block (15) belonging to the same level (N1) . 10. - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to claim 9, comprising a first wall and a second wall, the blocks (15) of each level (N1, N2, N3, N4) of the first wall being aligned in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), the blocks (15) of each level (N1, N2, N3, N4) 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 by a plate (95) to a block (15) of the second wall. 11, - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to claim 9 wherein the work (10) is formed by the union of at least two walls parallel to each other, each wall being perpendicular to a third direction (X) and having a thickness of a single block (15) in the third direction (X), at least one block (15) of a wall being secured by a plate (95) to a block (15) from another wall. 12, - Work (10) for supporting or protecting against falling materials according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which at least one block (15) of the first level (N1) has an anchoring hole ( 55) passing through the block (15) from the second face to the first face in the vertical direction (Z), this block (15) being fixed to the ground by a bolt received in the anchoring hole (55) and passing through the plate (65) of the connecting element (20) corresponding in the vertical direction (Z). 13. - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each block (15) comprises a metal box filled with a ballast material. 14, - Work (10) for supporting or protecting against falling materials according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which at least one block (15) has, in addition, an additional hole (60) substantially horizontal , at least one block (15) being anchored by an anchor bolt received in the additional hole (60). 15. - Work (10) of support or protection against falling materials according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the work (10) is guyed around the distal part (Ed) of a tube (70) of a connecting element (20) of the highest level (N4).