ISOLATION ELEMENT AND THE USE THEREOF AT AN ISOLATION ARRANGEMENT

Abstract: The present invention concerns an isolation element for the isolation of vibrations and/or heat, which propagate/s in a medium such as soil, as well as the application of isolation element in an isolation arrangement. The isolation element is characterized by a rectangular plate-shaped block (1) with one or several on one or both of the two side surfaces attached cushion-shaped bodies (2). The isolation arrangement is characterized by a trench (7) in the ground, in the bottom of the trench preferably vertically anchored guide rods (8) placed in a row, in the trench poured stabilizing slurry (10) as well as on the guide rods (8) threaded and from the bottom of the trench (7) to the orifice and preferably along the whole length of the trench on top of each other and/or next to each other stacked isolation elements (9) placed on their edges.

Description: ISOLATION ELEMENT AND THE USE THEREOF AT AN ISOLATION ARRANGEMENT . The invention concerns an isolation element for the isolatio of vibrations and/or heat , which are propagated in a medium such as soil , as well as the application of such isolation elements in connection with vibration isolation measures . TECHNICAL SPHERE Vibrations, which are generated in a medium such as soil or water, and which are propagated through this medium, can cause damage to structures, which are located on or ->.n this medium. Vibrations can be generated by a variety of sources, for example by vehicles, machines, blasting or earthquakes. Many attempts have been made to eliminate the propagation of vibrations, in order to protect structures, machines or installations. As a result of such measures, as a secondary effect it is also possible to isolate the propagation of heat. STATE OF THE ART Open trenches in the soil are effective measures to protect buildings and other structures in the ground against oscil¬ lations and vibrations. Another common method of vibration isolation is to arrange concrete or steel barriers in the ground. Their vibration efficiency, however, is signif icantlv lower than that of open trenches. SE, B, 430.620 shows a method fcr vibration isolation with the aid of one or several membranes, which are installed in the ground, and an arrange¬ ment for the implementation of this method. This method is characterized bv a membrane or connected membranes , SUBSTITUTE SHEET which contain a medium such as air, water or similar agents, and which are made of plastic or similar material, and which are installed in the ground vertically or inclined for instance by means of pressing, vibrating, driving, jetting or a combination of these methods, with the aim of absorbing the vibration energy and to reduce the oscillation energy. The membrane is provided at the upper end with a valve bodv, through which the pressure in the membrane can be varied before, during or after installation. The membrane can at 0 the lower end be provided with for example a beam-like arrangement, which during the installation phase creates an opening in the soil of required width. The membrane or membranes can, for example, be installed using a fork-like tool. The described method is expensive and there exists a 5 risk that one or several receptacles are damaged by a sharp article located in the ground. SE, E, 460.062 shows an arrangement for vibration isolation and/or heat isolation. The arrangement comprises membranes o which can be installed in a medium such as soil or water. The membranes consist of a flexible, external, relatively stiff covering membrane, which is impermeable with respect to the mentioned medium, and at least one additional flex¬ ible inner membrane element consisting of a diffusion-tight 5 material. The inner membrane surrounds a closed space con¬ sisting of a double-folded foil, which is welded together to form a receptacle and cells or channels filled with air, gas, liquid or foam or a combination thereof on the side surfaces of the receptacle. The cells or channels of one Q side of the foil are separated from the cells and channels of the other side of the foil, whereby one (or several) chambers are created between them which can either be filled with air, gas, liquid or foam. A valve can be arranged at th inner membrane in order to make it possible to fill the spac 5 with an appropriate material and with desired pressure. The risk of puncturing of the multi-layered membrane is thereby reduce . Damages to one or several chambers do not affect the vibration isolation effectiveness of the membrane. The covering envelope is so stiff that it can distribute variations of the earth pressure. The above mentioned disadvantage of high installation cost remains, however. In built-up areas it is common to first excavate a trench in the ground, which is filled with a suitable stabilizing liquid in order to assure the stability of the trench during installation. For the installation of the above mentioned vibration isolation arrangement in a liquid-filled trench, the isolation elements must be provided with special anchors at the bottom of the excavated trench, as the buoyancy of the gas-filled cushions can be considerable. The anchoring can be provided by heavy concrete blocks which are attached in advance to the lower end of the cushions. Alternatively, the cushions can be connected to ground anchors which are installed at the bottom of the trench. The installation of concrete blocks requires the lifting of heavy loads. In addition, the trench must be excavated to greater depth in order to provide space for the anchoring weights. The isolation elements must be installed accurately in the trench in order to achieve a continuous isolation barrier. In practice it can be difficult to place the flexible cushions with sufficient precision, in order to assure vertical and laterial continuity of the isolation barrier. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention combines the vibration isolation effect of an open trench with that of a stiff wall, and offers in addition a solution to the above described installation problems. The invention comprises an isolation element in the shape of a generally rectangular, plate-shaped block with one or several cushion-shaped bodies attached to one of its two largest surfaces, i.e. the side surfaces. The block is made of a material with high density and high stiffness such as concrete, iron or steel. The cushion-shaped bodies can either be hollow or consist of plastic foil or other material with low density and low stiffness, such as styrofoa or plastic material. This material combination produces a high isolation effect, because it achieves a sharp change of the dynamic stiffness (impedance) . The invention further comprises the use of isolation elements in an isolation arrangement for the isolation of vibrations and/or heat, preferablv in soil or water. The isolation arrangement comprises a trench in the ground, and at the bottom of the trench, preferablv vertically anchored quide rods which are placed in a row. The trench is filled with a stabilizing liquid and the isolation elements are threaded, one on top of the other and/or next to each other, with the aid of the quiding rods, from the bottom of the trench upwards and preferably in its whole longitudinal length. The elements are erected on the edge sides and can be connected with each other vertically and laterally with the aid of coupling arrangements similar to those of sheet pile locks or wedge locks . The rectangular, plate-shaped isolation elements are manufactured in blocks consisting of a material with high density, preferably concrete, which makes it possible to place the elements simply and with great accuracy, without requiring any special anchoring weights at the lower end of the elements. The guide rods make it possible to construct large isolation barriers in a simple manner and with high precision. It is thus not necessary to excavate the trench deeper. With the aid of the guide rods it is possible to assemble the isolation elements in such a way that a stiff wall is created. If required, the guide rods can be pre-stressed, whereby a high strength is achieved in order to resist earth pressures or dynamic forces. The vertical wall can also be used to support horizontal isolation elements v/hich are fixed to its upper end. Their function is to protect the isolation elements from e.g. traffic loads, infiltration of polluted substances or against temperature variations. The present invention is characterized by the following patent claims . Some embodiments of the invention will be described in details with reference to the enclosed figures. LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 shows in perspective an isolation element according to the invention. Figure 2 shows in perspective part of an isolation element according to the invention. Figure 3 shows in perspective an alternative concerning the attachment of the cushion-shaped bodies to each other. Figures 4a and b show isolation elements according to the invention with horizontal (a) and vertical (b) pre-stressing strips, respectively. Figure 5 shows in perspective part of an isolation arrangement, composed of isolation elements according to Figure 3. Figure 6 shows a section through a block, which forms part of the isolation element according to the invention. Figure 7 shows in perspective an isolation arrangement in the ground according to the invention. Figure 8a shows in section an isolation arrangement according to the invention. Figure 8b shows the same isolation arrangement from above. Figure 9 shows in section the cover of the isolation wall in the surface of the ground according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The implementation of the isolation element is shown in Figure 1. The isolation element consists of an essentially rectangular, plate-shaped block 1. To one of the two sides of the block two layers of cushion-shaped bodies 2 are attached. As can be seen from the figure, the two layers of the cushion-shaped bodies are placed with displacement in relation to each other, i.e. overlapping each other, with the aim to avoid vibration or heat bridges which are created by the edges of the cushion-shaped bodies. The cushion- shaped bodies can be of any size within the lateral surface boundaries of the plate-shaped block but the cushion-shaped bodies are preferably rectangular with a length corresponding approximately to the length of the block, i.e. the lengths of the side surfaces of the block. If several blocks are placed side by side it may be appropriate to give the bodies such a length that they can bridge joints between the block elements. The cushion-shaped bodies are attached to the block with straps 3 of e.g. plastic or equivalent extending around the block and the cushion-shaped bodies. The cushions can also be attached with the aid of a foil 4 of plastic or equivalent as is shown in Figure 2, which in turn is attached to the lower edge of the block with the aid of an attachment bar 5. In this way the buoyancy forces acting at the cushions during the installation phase are also counter-acted without the need of straps 3. The foil can also be attached to the upper edge of the block in a similar way. It is also possible to arrange the cushions 2 in two lavers on both sides of a foil 6, cf. Figure 3. The cushions are also in this case preferably arranged with displacement (in the perpendicular direction of the block) in such a way that joints between cushion-shaped bodies in one layer perferably are located between the joints of the cushion-shaped bodies in the other layer. Whether the individual cushions are attached to the block edge to edge or they are connected in one or several layers with some kind of foil, they can also be fixed to the block with pre-stressing straps 7 running in the lateral direction of the block, cf. Figure 4a, or with straps 8 running in the vertical direction of the block. The pre-stressing straps 7,8 make it possible to increase, by tightening their tension, the pressure in the cushions during a desirable instance of the installation phase. The rectangular, plate-shaped block is provided v/ith guiding arrangements on the side surface without cushions, cf. Figure 5. They are preferably archwise loop-like organs 9, extending from the block which are interacting with the rods 10, as will be discussed below. Each block suitably contains four or more such organs which are placed in a rectangle with the openings facing the edges of the long sides of the block. The organs are preferably placed at such a distance from each other that the side length of the rectangle corresponds to half the side length of the isolation elements. The rectangular plate-shaped block has in addi¬ tion prepared coupling arrangements 11 at the ends of the edge surfaces of the long sides . The guiding organs can, as is shown in Figure 6, also have the form of circular channels 12, passing through the block into which the guiding rods 10 can be introduced. Each block suitably contains two channels which are arranged perpen¬ dicular to the longitudinal direction of the blocks. The embodiment with continuous channels makes it possible to use both side surfaces of the block for the attachment of cushion-shaped bodies. In order to achieve the channels 12 in a simple way, it is possible to use prefabricated concrete elements with holes, or similar. The plate-shaped block is, as described above, suitablv manufactured out of a material with high density such as concrete, iron or steel. The cushion-shaped bodies can be void and manufactured of a foil, preferablv of plastic. The voids of the cushion-shaped bodies can be filled with gas, such as air, liquid or foam. The cushion-shaped bodies can also be massively made of a material with low density, such as styrofoam, cellular plastic etc. The invention also concerns the use of isolation elements according to the above in an isolation arrangment for the isolation of vibrations and/or heat preferably in the ground. The basic composition of the isolation arrangement is shown in Figures 7 and 8. The isolation arrangement comprises an excavated trench 13 in the ground. In the trench are placed preferably vertical guide rods of iron or similar. The guide rods are arranged in a row and anchored into a steel or concrete beam 14, located at the bottom of the trench. The whole isolation installation arrangement is composed of a number of blocks 1 comprising guiding channels 12 according to Figure 6, whereby the blocks are threaded on to the guide rods and stacked from the bottom of the trench to the orifice and preferably continuously in the longitudinal direction of the trench one on top of the other and/or next to each other placed on their sides. As the blocks consist partially of very stiff material, they can take high static or dynamic forces, e.g. high earth pressures from adjacent buildings, railway lines, heavy machines etc. The isolation arrangement also comprises a suitable stabilizing liquid, which is poured into the trench before the placement of the isolation cushions. The isolation elements which are placed one on top cf the other can be tied together v/ith the aid of pre- stressing tool 16, cf. Figure 8a. When the isolation wall is to be located in a road, the isolation v/all can be provided v/ith a lid-like arrangement. This can consist of a plate or a beam 17 resting at the top element and covering the width of the trench at the level o the road surface, cf. Figure 9. In connection with the execution of an isolation arrange¬ ment as described above, the execution of the work can be facilitated if the distance between two next to each other located guide rods 10 approximately corresponds to about ha the length of the isolation elements, provided that also th respective guide organs 9 or channels 12 are placed at this distance with respect to each other. In this way a constant distance is achieved between all adjacent guide rods, which facilitates the execution of the construction work. The isolation arrangement can also include joining elements 31, as discussed above, between the isolation elements at the top. Below the beam 17 an isolation block 18 can be placed i order to achieve insulation against for example frost action The stabilizing liσuid can consist of water, a suspension of water and bentonite, polymers, water and cement/bentonite or ether tixotrcpic materials as well as suitable chemical additives . The conception of the isolation elements and the construc¬ tion of the isolation arrangement results in significant advantages compared to previously knov/n arrangements. The isolation elements can be manufactured relatively cheaply. They can easily be made effective as a result of the cushion shaped bodies which can be placed in several layers one on top of the other with displacement. Mo sophisticated manu¬ facturing methods are required. The cushion-shaped bodies can be manufactured for example by pressure extrusion, a method which is v/idely used for example for the manu¬ facturing of plastic bags for coffee packaging etc. he cushion-shaped bodies can, when they are manufactured cf plastic foil, be attached to one another or to an eventual plastic foil holding the layer together bv simple welding of the plastic material. The foil can in turn be attached to the block in a variety of well-known ways . The consumption of plastic material is relativelv low. The installation of the isolation elements in connection with the implementation of the isolation arrangement offers significant simplifications compared to previously known methods and reduces thus the cost. Because the blocks are heavv and balance the buoyancy forces resulting from the insertion of the gas-filled cushion-shaped bodies into the slurry-filled trench well, no stabilizing v/eight is reσuired at the bottom of the trench. Therefore the trench does not have to be digged as deeply as before and the installation of the isolation elements in the trench is facilitated significantly. The precision is also very high because of the interaction between the guiding rods and the guiding organs. This results in a high σualitv of execution of the finished isolation arrangement. m he vibration-damping effect is also very high because of the intimate combination of heavy stiff plate and flexible cushions. The abrupt change of impedance results from the fact that the vibrations must pass through a layer plate/cushion with an unusually high drop of density. Isolation elements can to advantage be used in the case of vibration problems in water, because the elements can be made negatively buoyant. Specially in the case of deep trenches it may be preferable to replace the guiding organs 9, which have the form of loops attached to the side of the block, bv con¬ tinuous tubes, thus creating rim guiding channels. The invention i s not limited to the embodiments shown above but can be varied within the framework of the following υatent claims .

Claims: C L A I M S 1. Isolation element for isolation of vibrations and/or heat v/hich are/is propagating in a medium such as soil or water, c h a r a c t e r i z e d bv a plate-shaped block (1) with one or several on one or both side surfaces attached cushion-shaped bodies (2). 2. Isolation element according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodies (2) are of rectangular shape with a length approxi- mately equal to that of the block (1) and a width somewhat smaller than that of the side surfaces of the block (1) . 3. Isolation element according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodies (2) are attached edge to edge to each other to the block. 4. Isolation element according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodies (2) are attached in two layers to the block, whereby one layer is located immediately upon the other layer with a displacement in the lateral direction of the block in such a way that the joints between the cushion-shaped bodies (2) in the one layer are located preferably in the middle between the joints between the cushion-shaped bodies (2) of the other layer. 5. Isolation element according to any of the previous claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d ->n that the cushion- shaped bodies (2) are attached to the block (1) with the aid of straps (3) passing around the block and the cushions. 6. Isolation element according to claims 3-3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodies (2) are attached to a foil (4), for example made of plastic or equivalent, which in turn is attached to the block (1) . 7. Isolation element according to claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodies (2) in one layer are attached to one side of a foil (6) and the cushion-shaped bodies (2) in the other layer are attached to the other side of the same foil (6) with a displacement in the lateral direction, whereby the foil (6) is attached in turn to the block (1). 8. Isolation element according to any of the above claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by guiding organ/organs (9) on one of the two side surfaces of the block (1). 9. Isolation element according to claim 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by guiding organ/organs in the shape of archwise loop-like organs (9) extending from the block (1) . 10. Isolation element according to claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by four or more organs placed in a rectangle v/ith the openings facing the long sides of the block (1) . 11. Isolation element according to claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the long side of the rectangle has a length v/hich corresponds to about half the length of the isolation element. 12. Isolation element according to any of the above claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by prepared coupling arrangement (11) preferably located at the ends of the edge surfaces of the long sides. 13. Isolation element according to any of the above claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the block (1) is manufactured of a material with high density such as concrete, iron or steel. 14. Isolation element according to any of the above claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodie (2) are hollow and manufactured of a foil preferably of plastic. 15. Isolation element according to claims 1-13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodie (2) are manufactured of a massive material with low density, for example styrofoam or plastic. 16. Isolation element according to claim 14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cushion-shaped bodies (2) are filled with gas, such as air, liσuid or foam. 17. Isolation arrangement for solation of vibrations and/or heat preferably in the ground and based on isolation elements according to any of the above claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by a trench (13) in the ground, at the bottom of the trench preferably vertically anchored (14) guide rods (10) placed in a row, in the trench poured stabilizing slurry (15) as well as on the guide rods (10) threaded and from the bottom of the trench to the orifice and preferably over the whole length on top of each other and/or next to each other stacked isolation elements, v/hich are placed on their edges. 18. Isolation arrangement according to claim 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the distance between two next to each other located guide rods (10) corresponds to about half the length of the isolation element. 19. Isolation arrangement according to claim 17 or 18, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the stabilizing liquid (15) consists of water, a suspension of water and bentonite or/and polymer, water and cement/bentonite or any other o tixotropic material . 20. Isolation arrangement according to claims 17-19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by couplings (11) between the next to the orifice of the trench located isolation elements

Inventors: MASSARSCH KARL RAINER, MASSARSCH, KARL, RAINER
Applicants: MASSARSCH KARL RAINER, MASSARSCH, KARL, RAINER
Application year: 1991
Main classification: E02D31
IPC codes: E02D31