U.S. patent application number 14/255689 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oldcastle Precast, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Oldcastle Precast, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robinson Usagani.
Application Number | 20140314501 14/255689 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51729126 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140314501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Usagani; Robinson |
October 23, 2014 |
MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH RETAINING WALL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF
USE
Abstract
A retaining wall system is provided for mechanically stabilizing
an earthen wall. The system comprises anchor receiving channels,
anchoring tie back strips, and a plurality of connecting anchors. A
face panel comprises at least one fastener receiving channel and a
prefabricated wall fascia panel. Tie back members extend from the
wall panels and are to be embedded within the earthen soil or
backfill material thereby securing the tie backs and the wall
panels in a fixed assembled, position.
Inventors: |
Usagani; Robinson;
(Littleton, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oldcastle Precast, Inc. |
Auburn |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
Auburn
WA
|
Family ID: |
51729126 |
Appl. No.: |
14/255689 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61813043 |
Apr 17, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/284 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 29/0266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/284 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/02 20060101
E02D029/02 |
Claims
1. A retaining wall system for securing and retaining an earthen
fill, comprising: a wall panel comprising an inner face adapted for
retaining a fill material, an outer face, an upper end, a lower end
and a predetermined thickness between said inner and outer face;
the inner face comprising an elongate recess; an elongate channel
provided at least partially within the elongate recess, the
elongate channel comprising a substantially rigid material; an
anchor member secured to and extending outwardly from the elongate
channel; a reinforcing member secured to the anchor member and
extending away from the wall panel, wherein the reinforcing member,
the anchor member, the elongate channel, and the wall panel are
provided in force transmitting communication.
2. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the anchor member
comprises a plurality of extension members, the reinforcing member
comprises a plurality of elongate recesses, and wherein at least
one of the extension members is provided through at least one of
the elongate recesses.
3. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing
member comprises a substantially planar member.
4. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing
member extends substantially perpendicular from the inner face of
the wall panel.
5. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the elongate
recess comprises a preformed recess extending along a width of the
inner face of the wall panel.
6. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of
elongate recess are provided.
7. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing
member is secured to the anchor member by at least one of
compression, welding, bonding, and fastening.
8. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the anchor member
comprises a flexible extension for insertion into the elongate
channel, the flexible extension comprising a contact surface for
transmitting a force to the elongate channel.
9. A retaining wall system for securing and retaining an earthen
fill, comprising: a prefabricated wall panel comprising a width, a
height, an inner face adapted for retaining a fill material and an
outer face; the inner face comprising a plurality of elongate
recesses extending along at least one of a width and the height of
the wall panel; the plurality of elongate recesses comprising
elongate channels provided at least partially within the elongate
recesses, the elongate channel comprising a substantially rigid
material; an anchor member secured to and extending from the
elongate channel, the anchor member comprising a flexible extension
adapted for substantially elastic deformation between at least a
first state and a second state; wherein the first state of the
flexible extension comprises a deflected state that allows for
insertion of the anchor member into the elongate channel, and the
second state comprises an expanded state wherein the anchor member
is substantially secured within the elongate channel; a
substantially planar reinforcing member extending from the anchor
member inwardly from the inner face, the substantially planar
member adapted to receive the anchor member and convey a tension
force to the wall panel.
10. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing
member comprises a substantially planar sheet member extending
along the width of the wall panel.
11. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing
member extends substantially perpendicular from the inner face of
the wall panel.
12. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the elongate
recess comprises a preformed recess extending along a height of the
inner face of the wall panel.
13. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing
member is secured to the anchor member by at least one of
compression, welding, bonding, and fastening.
14. The retaining wall system of claim 9, wherein the anchor member
comprises a flexible extension, the flexible extension comprising a
contact surface for transmitting a force to the elongate
channel.
15. A method for providing a mechanically stabilized retaining wall
comprising the steps of: providing a wall panel in the form of a
rectilinear cube, the wall panel comprising an outer face, an inner
face, an upper end, a lower end, and a width defined by said inner
face and said outer face; forming an elongate recess extending
along at least one of a height and a width on the inner face;
providing a channel at least partially within the elongate recess
such that the channel is securely fixed at least in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of the elongate
recess; providing an anchor comprises a plurality of extension
members in force-transmitting communication with the channel by
deflecting at least one extension member of the anchor such that
said portion is provided in a compressed state and inserting at
least said portion into a lateral terminus of the channel;
providing a reinforcing element in connection with the anchor by
inserting at least one extension member through an opening in the
reinforcing element such that the soil reinforcing element extends
from the inner face of the wall panel.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing at least
one of an earthen soil and a backfill material proximal at least
one of the soil reinforcing element and the inner face of the wall
panel.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the reinforcing element is
positioned as extending substantially perpendicularly to the inner
face.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the reinforcing element is
provided as a substantially planar sheet.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein a plurality of elongate
recesses are formed in the inner face.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of elongate
recesses extend along at least a portion of the width of the inner
face.
Description
[0001] This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the
benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/813,043 filed Apr. 17, 2013, the entire disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to retaining walls.
More specifically, it pertains to a mechanically stabilized earth
retaining wall and a system and method of using the mechanically
stabilized earth retaining wall.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Known retaining wall structures, including those disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,293 to Brown et al., which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety, fail to disclose various
features of the present invention. Brown et al. provide an
elongated slit on one side of a panel, but fail to disclose various
features of the present invention as shown and described herein,
including members, anchor members, and attachment means of the
present invention.
[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,668,129 to Babcock et al., 5,308,195 to
Hotek, and 6,652,196 to Rainey, which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties, similarly fail to disclose various
novel features, devices, and methods of the present invention. For
example, known devices and systems fail to provide methods and
systems for fast and secure connection of tiebacks to a wall panel
while reducing risk of damaging or spalling or damaging the
panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the limitations in the prior art methods and
systems for mechanically stabilized earthen retaining walls, the
present disclosure provides a new and useful mechanically
stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of use thereof
which is simpler in fabrication, more universally functional and
more versatile in application and operation than known prior art
methods or devices.
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a new
mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of
use thereof that may be used as a retaining wall to stabilize
unstable slopes and retain the soil on steep slopes.
[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a new
mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method of
use thereof that has many novel features not offered by the prior
art.
[0008] In one embodiment, a system for securing a facing comprises
at least one face panel in a substantially vertical position to
create a retaining wall; at least one channel interconnected to the
face panel in a substantially horizontal position; at least one
face panel anchor inserted into and interconnected to the at least
one channel; and at least one soil reinforcing element embedded
within a earthen formation and coupled to the at least one face
panel anchor, the soil reinforcing element extending horizontally
outward from the backside of the wall panel and are embedded within
the earthen soil or backfill material thereby securing the soil
reinforcing element, and thereby the wall panels, in a fixed,
assembled, position.
[0009] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as
used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive
and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions
"at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one
or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B,
and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and
C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.
[0010] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the
specification, drawings, and claims are to be understood as being
modified in all instances by the term "about."
[0011] The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one
or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or
more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.
[0012] The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and
variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Accordingly, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.
[0013] It shall be understood that the term "means" as used herein
shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance
with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim
incorporating the term "means" shall cover all structures,
materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents
thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts, and the
equivalents thereof, shall include all those described in the
summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings,
detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The
above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are
neither complete nor exhaustive. The Summary of the Invention is
neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative
of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover,
references made herein to "the present invention" or aspects
thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the
present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed as
limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present
disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary
of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and Detailed
Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present
disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
[0015] The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or
characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and
in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed
herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of
the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in
combination, as set forth above and/or described in the
accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below.
Further details and other features will become apparent after
review of the following Detailed Description and accompanying
drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the drawings given below,
serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional perspective view of a mechanical
stabilizing and retaining wall system according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical stabilizing
and retaining wall system according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connection anchor
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the connection anchor of FIG.
3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the connection anchor of FIG.
3.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the connection anchor of
FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the connection anchor of
FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connection anchor
receiving channel according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a connection anchor
receiving channel according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connection anchor
receiving channel according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connection anchor
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connection anchor
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a retaining
wall support system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In
certain instances, details that are not necessary for an
understanding of the invention or that render other details
difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be
understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily
limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] As described in detail below, various embodiments of the
present disclosure provide a retaining wall system for mechanically
stabilizing an earthen wall. The present disclosure has significant
benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the
applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended
hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit
of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be
limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the
specific examples disclosed.
[0032] In various embodiments, the present invention provides for
one or more face panels with anchor receiving channels. As shown in
FIG. 1, the wall panel 20 generally comprises a height H, a length
L, and a width W. The panel 20 of FIG. 1, however, is provided for
illustrative purposes only and is not limited with respect to
specific heights, length, or widths or relative proportions of the
same as provided. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of the
present invention comprises at least one face panel 20, the face
panel 20 comprising at least one receiving channel 20. As shown in
FIGS. 1-2, receiving channels 20 are provided as transversely
extending channels which are substantially parallel to one another
and extend into a depth or volume of the face panel 20. However, in
alternative embodiments, various channel shapes, sizes and
positions are contemplated. It will be recognized that the present
invention is not limited to the transversely extending parallel
channels of FIGS. 1-2. In certain embodiments, channels 22 may
extend in various directions and orientation, and need not extend
along an entire width or length of the panel 20. It is also
contemplated that the channels 22 may be provided as outwardly
extending members, as opposed to recessed channels as shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-2. A unique aspect of the present invention
lays in that a front or outer face 10 of the panel 20 may be
provided as a flush surface wherein securing members for the
tiebacks 40 are provided solely on an opposing side of the panel.
In contrast with known device and systems which provide a tieback
or reinforcing member through the width of the panel and thus
require anchor plates, bolts, rivets etc. on the front face, the
present invention allows for a front face 10 devoid of such
features wherein the reinforcing members in the form of tiebacks 40
are secured to the internal or soil-facing side of the panel 20.
The present invention therefore provides for enhanced aesthetic
options and appeal without sacrificing structural integrity.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the tieback member 40 of the depicted
embodiment comprises a grid-like mesh with substantially parallel
voids or channels 41 extending along a length of the member 40.
Such a member, which may be described or provided as a "uniaxial
geogrid", comprises a plurality of elongate channels 41. These
elongate channels receive components and features of certain
embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein.
The elongate channels or openings 41 provided in connection with
the anchor(s) 50 of FIG. 1 create an interconnection with the
anchor(s) 50 and the wall panel 20 as shown and described
herein.
[0034] As further shown in FIGS. 1-2, a plurality of reinforcing
members or tieback members 40 are provided. The tieback members 40
of FIGS. 1-2 are depicted as substantially planar grid elements
that extend substantially perpendicular to the panel 20. It will be
recognized, however, that tieback members 40 are not limited to
this particular arrangement. Indeed, various alternative tieback
members are contemplated, including helical tiebacks, beam-shaped
tiebacks, and various tiebacks as recognized by one of ordinary
skill in the art. Furthermore, tiebacks 40 may extend at various
angles with respect to the wall panel, including angles ranging
between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 150 degrees.
Tieback members 40 are interconnected with connecting anchors 50.
The face panels 20 each comprise at least one connecting anchor 50
and receiving channel 30, wherein the receiving channel 30 is
provided within a channel 22 of the wall panel 20.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the receiving channels 30 are
comprised of a Unistrut.RTM. "C" channel that is embedded within
the wall channel 22. The tieback members 40 are looped over and
thereby interconnected with respective connecting anchors 50. The
connecting anchor 50 and associated tieback member 40 is then
inserted into a receiving channel 30, thereby securing the tie back
strip 40 to the wall panel 20. The tieback members 40 extend
horizontally outward from a first side of the wall panel 20 and are
thus adapted to be embedded within the earthen soil or backfill
material thereby securing the tie backs 40, and thereby securing
the wall panel 20, in a fixed, assembled, position.
[0036] It is to be understood that the connecting anchor receiving
channel 30, while in one embodiment is an extruded piece of
Unistrut "C" channel, in alternate embodiments is provided in
different shapes of extruded channel specifically designed to
interconnect with, and retain, the corresponding shape of the
connecting anchors, examples of which are illustrated herein.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
connecting anchor 50. As shown, the connecting anchor 50 generally
comprises a plurality of upper extensions 51a, 51b, 51c, and lower
extensions 52a, 52b, 53c. The extensions are spaced apart by
lateral gaps 57 and a longitudinal gap 56. As shown in FIG. 4, the
longitudinal gap 56 is greater at a first end of the anchor 50 than
at a second end. The gap 56 and extensions are compressible and act
as leaf springs when a force is applied. For example, in order to
insert a first end of the anchor 50 into a channel 30, the distal
ends of the extensions 51, 52 may be compressed or contracted, the
anchor 50 slid into the channel 30, and the extensions 51, 52
allowed to expand and be positioned in a force-transmitting
communication with the channel 30 and associated wall panel 20. A
second end of the anchor 50 comprises a weld 58 joining the upper
51 and lower 52 extensions, and a flange 54.
[0038] In order to engage a tieback member 40, lower extension
members 52a, 52b, 52c are threaded or inserted through slots 41 in
the grid 40. This is, in certain embodiments, each of the lower
extension members 52 are provided through a respective void 41 in
the grid 40. The grid is thus disposed between the upper 51 and
lower 52 extensions, and provided in force-transmitting
communication with an intermediate portion 58 of the anchor 50. The
intermediate portion 58 joins the upper 51 and lower 52 extensions,
and provides contact surfaces for engaging the grid. Preferably,
and referring to FIGS. 5-6 where the intermediate portion is shown
in phantom, the intermediate portion 58 comprises a plurality of
the arcuate portions 59a, 59b, 59c. The arcuate portions 59a, 59b,
59c are provided to contact a distal end of a slot 41 of the grid
40 to provide the arrangement depicted in FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of an anchor 50, with the
intermediate portion 58 shown in phantom. As shown, the
intermediate portion 58 comprises a plurality of arcuate portions
59a, 59b, 59c, each of the arcuate portions 59 adapted to contact a
preferably arcuate terminus of a slot 41 in a mesh tieback member
40. The arcuate portions 59 are preferably sized and shaped to
generally conform to an interior shape or contour of a slot 41 of
the tieback 40.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of an anchor 50 according to
the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6. As shown, a rear portion of the anchor
50 comprises a generally solid member such that an associated mesh
tieback member 40 is not translatable through or out of the rear
portion of the anchor 50. In certain embodiments, the intermediate
portion 58 forms a flush rear wall in combination with the
remainder of the anchor member 50.
[0041] In certain embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3-5, distal
ends of the extensions 51, 52 comprise a barbed or hooked portion
55, the hooked portion 55 adapted for receiving and applying force
to a channel member 30 (See FIG. 2). It will be recognized that the
hooked portion 55 of the extensions 51, 52 may be provided in a
variety of different shapes and such shapes are within the scope
and spirit of the present invention. For example, various flanged
members, right-angled portions, spherical protrusions, and other
arrangements may be provided, so long as the extensions is adapted
for communicating a force to a portion of the channel 30 and/or
wall panel 20.
[0042] In FIG. 1, a plurality of anchor members 50 are provided in
series and/or adjacent to one another to form an anchor extending
along a length L of the wall panel 20. FIGS. 3-7 depict an
according to certain embodiments of the present invention wherein
the anchor member 50 comprises a relatively small or discrete
element. It is contemplated that a plurality of anchors 50 as
depicted in FIGS. 3-7 may be provided to form the elongate
connection provided in FIG. 1. It will be further recognized,
however, that anchors 50 of the present invention are not limited
to any particular size, dimension, or proportion.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a channel
member 30. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the
channel member 30 of FIG. 8. As shown, the channel member 30
comprises a plurality of sidewalls 31, 32, 33. In the depicted
embodiment, upper and lower sidewalls 32, 33 are provided
substantially parallel to one another and are interconnected by
substantially perpendicular rear sidewall 31. A proximal end of the
upper and lower sidewalls 32, 33 comprise curvilinear portions 34,
35 respectively, about which the sidewall is folded or bent
approximately 180 degrees. An interior space or channel 36 is
provided, which is open at lateral ends of the channel member 30
and on at least one side. The curvilinear portion 34, 35 provide
slots 37, 38 for receiving and/or communicating with anchors 50 as
shown and described herein. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9
provide for c-shaped curvilinear portions 34, 35 and corresponding
slots 37, 38, it will be expressly recognized that the present
invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Indeed, various
alternative arrangements suitable for providing an interface with
force transmission with various anchor members 50 are contemplated.
Such embodiments and arrangements include, but are not limited,
various angled walls, flanges, posts, and extensions from the
channel member 30 that are capable of receiving and conveying a
force (e.g. a force of tension applied by a tieback 40 and/or wall
panel 20).
[0044] FIG. 10 depicts a channel member 60 according to an
alternative embodiment. As shown, the channel member 60 comprises a
substantially rectangular member with rectangular openings 62a,
62b, 62c. One or more anchor members 50 as shown and described
herein interface with and connect with the rectangular openings
62a, 62b, 62c. Associated tieback members 40 are provided in
connection with the anchor members 50. The tieback members 40 are
provided in communication with an associated wall panel via anchor
member(s) 50 and channel 60.
[0045] FIG. 11 depicts an anchor member 70 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the anchor member 70
comprises a plurality of extensions, including substantially
parallel upper extension members 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d and
substantially parallel lower extension members 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d.
The extensions 71, 72 in certain embodiments comprise leaf-spring
like members adapted to be bent or strained into a position wherein
they may be inserted into a channel, and securely received within
the channel when released. Distal ends of the extensions 71, 72
comprise angled members with a flange 75, the flange 75 comprising
an interface between the anchor 70 and an associated channel. Upper
and lower extensions 71, 72 are interconnected by connection member
78. The connection member 78 further comprises a ramped flange
portion 74.
[0046] FIG. 12 depicts an anchor member 80 according to another
embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the anchor member 80
comprises a plurality of extensions, including substantially
parallel upper extension members 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d and
substantially parallel lower extension members 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d.
The extensions 81, 82 in certain embodiments comprise leaf-spring
like members adapted to be bent or strained into a position wherein
they may be inserted into a channel, and securely received within
the channel when released. Distal ends of the extensions 81, 82
comprise angled members with a flange 85, the flange 85 comprising
an interface between the anchor 80 and an associated channel. Upper
and lower extensions 81, 82 are interconnected by connection member
88. The connection member 88 further comprises a ramped flange
portion 84.
[0047] FIGS. 11-12 depict anchors of alternative embodiments, the
anchors 70, 80 adapted to contact a grid-like tieback member. For
example, anchors of the present invention are contemplated as
securing various different tieback members including, but not
limited to, various "geogrid" tieback members as will be recognized
by one of skill in the art. Anchors of various embodiments of the
present invention provide a connection system for such members. The
embodiment of FIG. 12, for example, may be employed in combination
with a square-grid rebar tieback to secure the tieback to a channel
and/or wall structure. Additionally, distal ends 75, 85 of the
extension members may be provided to conform to and be received by
various shaped channel members. Thus, no limitation with respect to
channel members or distal ends of the extensions is expressed
herein.
[0048] In various embodiments, methods of providing tieback members
40 in connection with a wall panel 20 are provided. In one
embodiment, a method of preparing a mechanically stabilized earth
retaining wall is provided wherein a precast wall panel is formed
with a plurality of slots 20, the slots comprising laterally
extending voids in the panel. An elongate channel 30 is provided
within each of the slots 22, the channels 30 comprising an
interface for force-transmitting communication with an anchor
member. A plurality of anchor members 50 are provided within the
channels 30, wherein the anchor members 50 are adapted to receive
and secure at least one tieback member. Tieback members are secured
to the anchor members 50, either before or after securing of the
anchor members 50 with the channel 30. Fill and/or soil are
provided. The fill may be provided in stages, wherein the provision
of fill and tieback members 40 is sequentially alternated. In an
alternative embodiment, tieback members 40 are provided and fill is
provided around the tiebacks. In various embodiments, the anchor
members 50 comprise elastic extension members that may be
compressed to facilitate insertion into the channel member 30 and
comprise a restoring force that biases the extension members into a
secured position with respect to the channel 30 and/or wall 20.
[0049] In various embodiments, methods of installing the panel and
associated tiebacks contemplate sliding the anchor members into the
connecting anchor receiving channel 30, such as through the open
ends of the channel. In various embodiments, the anchor is
compressed sufficiently to provide the distal ends of the extension
members of the anchor within the channel. The anchor is then
provided in its desired position and released into secure
engagement with the channel.
[0050] In an alternate embodiment, the connecting anchors 50 may be
inserted into the connecting anchor receiving channel 30 from the
front through the open face of the channel by means of compressing
the connecting anchor 50, which expands after it is inside the
channel. In alternative embodiments, the connecting anchors are
inserted through an opening in the face of the channel that allows
for passage of the connecting anchor body.
[0051] It is anticipated that alternate embodiments of the
invention may be used for retaining interior wall or ceiling panels
in vertical or horizontal positions, and that such panels may
embody a connecting anchor receiving channel that is either
embedded in or mounted to the surface of said panels.
[0052] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a geogrid
product manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins.
It is to be understood that the anchor tie back strips can be
manufactured from a variety of materials including welded wire
mesh, steel strand or cable, plastic, polymer, other materials or
other materials used in MSE wall systems known in the art.
[0053] The prefabricated wall fascia panel 22 may be manufactured
in a variety of shapes within the scope and intent of the invention
disclosed herein including but not limited to parallelogram,
rectangle, rhombus, square, and trapezoid, as well as these shapes
having curved ends such as cylindrical, or oval.
[0054] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be
fabricated to include a variety of simulated material patterns on
the front face of the panels including but not limited to simulated
block, brick, stone, cut stone, stone block, flagstone, granite,
sandstone, as well as other material and patterns known in the
art.
[0055] In one embodiment, the wall panel may be manufactured from
precast concrete. In some embodiments, other materials may be used
including, but not limited to, plastic, polymer concrete, or
similar materials that may be represented in a variety of types and
composition mixes having various combinations of ingredients such
as those found in the manufacture of concrete, plastics, polymers,
cement, water, cementitious materials, and chemical and or mineral
admixtures, coloring agents which, when combined, will create a
concrete material.
[0056] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view depicting a
retaining wall 20 with associated connecting anchors 50 and tieback
members 40. The retaining wall 20 contains, supports, or retains an
earthen or fill material 90. As shown, the contained fill material
90 provides compression on upper and lower surfaces of at least one
tieback member 40, such that an outward force provided to the wall
by the fill material is opposed by the tieback members 40 in
tension, and connection of the tieback members 40 to the wall by
the connecting anchors 50 and receiving channel 30. It will be
expressly recognized that the tieback members 40 may extend into
the retaining wall by any number of distances. No limitation is
provided herein with respect to the overall dimensions of the
tieback members 40 or the relative dimensions of the tieback
members 40 and the wall 20.
[0057] The foregoing has outlined, in general, the intended use and
function as well as the physical aspects of the invention and is to
serve as an aid to better understanding the invention disclosed
herein. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding
that the present disclosure is not limited to the method or detail
of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use
described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of
fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as
an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. The
foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or
forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in
one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the
disclosure.
[0059] Moreover, though the present disclosure has included
description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and
modifications, other variations and modifications are within the
scope of the disclosure, e.g. the use of a certain component
described above alone or in conjunction with other components may
comprise a system, while in other aspects the system may be the
combination of all of the components described herein, and in
different order than that employed for the purpose of communicating
the novel aspects of the present disclosure. Other variations and
modifications may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the
art, after understanding the present disclosure. This method of
disclosure is intended to obtain rights which include alternative
embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
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