MODULES USED FOR RETAINING WALLS AND THE LIKE

Abstract: An assembly for prefabricated cellular modules (11) wherein the modules comprises a front (1) and rear (2) panel (generally rectangular), joined by at least one connection element (3), the longitudinal distance from a connecting element to the edge of the front panel is less than half the distance between adjacent connecting elements. By spacing these modules so that their front panels (1) are longitudinally spaced apart, drop-in panels (36, 51, 102) are able to be inserted, and more economical wall structure can be assembled.

Description: MODULES USED FOR RETAINING WALLS AND THE LIKE Background of the Invention The improvements described in this invention are adaptabl for use with various types o-f cellular wall systems in use at o this time, as well as others under development. All these walls are o-f the gravity type, wherein the mass o-f the wall- structure and that of the fill material contained within its cells impart the stability to resist the overturning forces from the retained soil embankment. More particularly the present invention relates to an improvement to pre abricated structural modules of the general type which, when assembled in combination laterally and vertically to form a wall structure, create cellular cavities to contain fill material which acts in consort with the wall modules to form a gravity wall. An object of the present invention is to provide an improvement to prefabricated modules presently used for wall structures of this type, since the modules described in this invention are configured in such a manner as provide the necessary stability, while, at the same time requiring the use of considerably less concrete per unit of wall area. This results in a much more economical structure, and in addition allows much more variation in surface treatments for an improved aesthetic appearance. Summary of the Invention This invention describes a method of altering structural wall modules in a way which increases the face area each module supports, by allowing these modules to be spaced apart so that fewer modules are required per given wall area. The module's details and internal dimensions are revised in such a way that ordinary flat panels can be inserted between laterally adjacent modules. This greatly reduces the cost of the wall, and is accomplished while retaining the continuous vertical contiguity of the elements which connect front faces with rear faces. This invention also preserves the advantages of a running bond pattern and provides the additional advantage of a large _» variety of aesthetic improvements to the appearance of the finished structure. Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 and 3 are front elevational views of modified forms of retaining wall assembly or the like incorporating filler panels between adjacent, spaced cellular modules. Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of a retaining wall or the like constructed with cellular modules in the conventional manner, not according to the invention. Fig. -4 is a perspective view of an advantageous form of drop—in panel, which may be used at the back of the assembly or, as an intermediate vertical panel. Figs. 5—7 illustrate various views of an arrangement for mounting of the drop—in panel in an assembly of modules. Figs. 8—11 are fragmentary cross sectional and top plan views illustrating various arrangements for the mounting and retention of filler panels in a wall assembly of the type shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a conventional cellular module not made in accordance with the invention, but with an inclined rear panel, module is provided with an inclined rear panel . Preferred Embodiments This invention relates generally to specially configured pre abricated structural modules for employment in the construction of walls. More particularly this invention relates solely to that class of gravity type retaining walls, and the like, wherein the structural modules are those intended to be used in combination with other similar modules arranged in horizontal rows, and in additional superposed horizontal rows, to form an assembled structure, and wherein the structural elements of the module form interior cavities or cells in which .granular material is deposited and imparts its own mass to that of the structural shell. This invention specifically does not relate to walls which are anchored or tied back by tension members, nor does it relate to walls constructed by embedding cantilevered piles or other canti— levered flexural members into the underlying strata of soil. A typical type of structural wall module adaptable for improvement by the present invention, is a precast cellular module 11 configured as follows: a front panel 1 is provided which typically is of generally rectangular configur tion when viewed in front elevation. A rear panel 2, 10 is typically located with its longitudinal axis parallel to that of said front panel, and one or a plurality of connecting elements 63 join said front panel with said rear panel. When said modules are placed in lateral contiguity, the lateral edges of adjacent front panels are essentially touching, as sire adjacent rear panels, and form two opposite longitudinal sides of a cellular chamber, with each connecting element serving to connect the front panel with the rear panel, and further serving to transversely divide the chamber into smaller individual cells. The present invention is not restricted to the use of any particular material of construction, but concrete, either plain or reinforced by metal embeded therein in the usual way, is very suitable and advantageous. For reasons of improved strength and lateral stability, it is customary to set such modules in a running band pattern, as shown in Fig. 2, wherein each module 11 is supported by two lower modules 11. Since soil is contained within the cells formed by the modules, the front faces 1 of the modules must be in close lateral proximity, almost touching. When stacked in such a pattern, and when the elements which connect the front faces to the rear faces must be placed one above another, as required in the cases where such elements also act as shear- transfer members carrying the lateral forces from the retained soil, these connecting elements 63 must be properly spaced apart. This distance is dependent upon the width of the face 1, and the number of connecting elements 63. In a module with two connecting elements 63, the connecting elements must be spaced apart at virtually twice the distance as measured from the connecting element 63 to the lateral edge of the front panel 1. Figure 2 shows a front elevation of a wall assembly using modules 11 and special top panels 17. The modules are arranged to stagger the vertical joints so that each superposed module, where possible, is supported by two different modules in the course below it. To accomplish this preferred interlocking pattern in wall systems which require each superposed connect— ing element to be in alignment vertically above a connecting element of the supporting module, each pair of. connecting elements is spaced apart at virtually twice the distance from a connecting element to the lateral edge of the front panel 1 of modules 11. The center lines 35 of a few adjacent connecting elements are shown. As can be seen, this spacing allows all the connecting elements to occur in continuous planes from top to base as required in the invention, and also allows the lateral edges of the front panels essentially to touch. Figure 1 shows a new and improved arrangement in the assembly of cellular modules IIS modified according to this invention. Connecting elements are spaced as shown by center lines 35, except that in the arrangement in Figure 1, the spacing between the connecting elements is substantially greater than twice the distance from the connecting elements t the lateral edge of the front panels IS. This pattern results in significant benefits. When the connecting elements are erected in vertical alignment with the left connecting element of each superposed module IIS supported by the right connectin element of the module below it, and the right connecting element supported by the left connecting element below it, a substantial space is left between adjacent front panels IS and adjacent rear panels. This space is filled by a drop—in face panel 36 between front panels and a drop—in panel 51 at the rear of the space between modules. Panel 51 may be parallel t the front panels or set at an angle thereto. The rear drop-in panel may be secured by a device such as the detail of bearing surface and ribs shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7. The ribs 54 shown in Figure 6 may be tilted to acco odate an inclined drop in panel 51. This unique arraπgmeπt increases the face area of the wall approximately 50 percent per module. Since it is more economical to fabricate and place the planar panels 36, and to strengthen the modules for the additional loading, than it is to construct additional modules for the equivalent area, the cost savings realized are substantial. Planar panels have an additional advantage in that they may be cast flat and therefore are less expensive to mold, easier to cast with textured surface 36T or in bas-relief as are panels IT of modules IIS. The panels may be recessed behind the front panels IS as are drop—in panels 36R or may protrude forward of the front panels IS as do drop—in panels 36P. These treatments produce decorative shadows on the face of the wall and improve the appearance of the structure, especially in the case of large face areas. The pattern of front panels shown in Figure 1 may be changed in various other ways to improve appearance. One such method, shown in Fig. 3, would be to to cast the front panels 101 in the form of parallelograms (as seen when viewed in front elevation) preserving horizontal top and bottom edges. If alternate front panels 101 were first right—leaning and then left—leaning, the space created between them would be in the form of a trapezoid in the plane of the front panels. Figure 3 shows a front elevation of a wall with parallelogram—shaped front panels 101 and trapezoidal filler panels 102 secured in a manner similar to that holding drop—in panels 36F, 36P, 36R and 36T in Figures 1 and S through 11. Methods of securing the drop—in panels are shown in Figures 8 through 11. A recessed drop—in panel 36R is shown in cross sectional view in Figure 8 and in sectional plan view Figure 9. It is supported vertically on the top surface of front panel IS, is restrained from moving rearvtarύ during erecti.oπ by lugs 37, and is further supported laterally before and after the fill is placed inside the cell, by the shear— transfer joints 50. Figures 10 and 11 show a similar method of securing a drop—in panel. In the example shown a flush drop—in panel 36F, is temporarily secured rearwardly by loose dowels 38 placed in matching holes cast in the connecting elements. In certain large modules, it may be desirable to include one or more dividing intermediate panels behind the front panel to improve the ability of the cellular structure to capture the weight of the fill material. Such panels may be either parallel to or inclined with respect to the front panel and may be either cast integrally with the modules or of drop—in design. An improved -form of drop—in panel 51 is shown in Fig. 4 and is provided with tapered bearing surfaces 52 which rest on matching tapered bearing surfaces 53 located in notched brackets on the sides of the connecting elements of selected modules. The panel 51 is restrained laterally by the ribs 54 which extend almost the full height of the panels. The detai shown provides for efficient lateral restraint and transfer- o vertical loading. Drop—in panel 51 may also be used as a dro in rear panel in walls assembled as shown in Figure 1. It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, as many modi ications thereof may be made without departing from the clear teaching of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims: AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 24 June 1985 (24.06.85); original claims 1-6 replaced by amended claims 1-7 (2 pages)] 1. A prefabricated cellular module comprising front and rear panels and a plurality of substantiaEy vertically-oriented connecting elements joining said panels wherein said connecting elements are spaced apart creating a vertical through-opening between said connecting elements such that, in an assembly of said modules, at least one module lies a substantial distance away from a module laterally adjacent to it, creating an open area between laterally adjacent front panels of said modules, said open area lying between two of the partition means of a single module located above or below, a front filler panel inserted between two laterally adjacent modules in said open area, at least one connecting element of each of said lateraEy adjacent modules being in vertical alignment with a connecting element of a single verticaEy adjacent module, there being a positive means of transferring lateral forces between the verticaEy aligned superposed connecting elements. 2. An assembly of prefabricated ceEular modules as set forth in claim 1, further including (a) a pluraEty of fϊEer panels, and (b) said open areas between front panels are fiEed by inserting said fiEer panels, (c) said filler panels being held in place by adjacent modules. 3. An assembly of prefabricated ceEular modules as set forth in claim 2, wherein said filler panels are fabricated and placed so that the outer surfaces thereof lie in the same plane as the outer surfaces of the front panels of adjacent modules. 4. An assembly of prefabricated ceEular modules as set forth in claim 2, wherein said fiEer panels are fabricated and placed so that the outer surfaces thereof lie in a plane offset toward the rear of the module, resulting in an area recessed from the outer surfaces of the front panels of adjacent modules. 5. A prefabricated ceEular module as set forth in claim 2, wherein said fiEer panels are fabricated and placed so that the outer surfaces thereof lie in a plane offset forward of the plane of the front panels, creating an area which pro rudes forward of the outer surfaces of the front panels of adjacent modules. 6. A prefabricated ceEular module as set forth in claim 1, wherein said connecting elements are proportioned such that the height and geometry of said connecting elements is such in relation to the height and geomety of the front and rear panels that, in a vertical stack of modules, the loads borne by superposed modules are supported by said connecting elements. 7. A prefabricated ceEular module as set forth in claim 1, wherein, in an assembly of said modules, (a) like open areas between adjacent rear panels are fiUed by inserting separate fiEer panels which are held in place by the adjacent modules. STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 New claims 1-7, substituted hereby for original claims 1-7, are intended to improve the terminology and definition of the claimed invention, taking into consideration the prior art referred to in the International Search Report. In particular, independent claim 1 has been drafted to require that, in an assembly of ceEular modules, one module is spaced lateraEy a substantial distance away from the module lateraEy adjacent to it, creating an open area. The modules are specified as having connecting elements arranged to be in vertical aEgnment with connecting elements of verticaEy adjacent modules, in conjunction with positive means of transferring lateral forces between the verticaEy aEgned, superposed connecting elements. This structure, which is of course present in aE of the dependent claims, is believed to be both unique and uniquely advantageous.

Inventors: CRINNION EDWARD V, CRINNION JAMES S, CRINNION, EDWARD, V., CRINNION, JAMES, S.
Applicants: CRINNION EDWARD V, CRINNION JAMES S, CRINNION, EDWARD, V., CRINNION, JAMES, S.
Application year: 1985
Main classification: E02B3
IPC codes: E02B3, E02D29