RETAINING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a retaining device, in particular to a device able to be used for retaining earth, avalanches, embankments, seabeds or the like, i.e. so-called rockfall protection, avalanche protection or snow protection devices or barriers.

[0002] Retaining devices for protection against avalanches or rockfall or for stabilization purposes, such as those for example described in Italian patent IT1288181 and European patent application EP1921210A1, are known.

[0003] In particular, a known retaining device comprises a support frame formed by iron or steel beams which are arranged intersecting so as to form an X-like structure to which a retaining mesh is fixed. The frame is arranged inclined and supported at the intersection point of the beams on a strut or leg which is secured to the ground, so as to form an inclined T-shaped structure.

[0004] Although advantageous in many respects, the known device still has a number of drawbacks which are yet to be remedied.

[0005] One of the main drawbacks consists in the fact that the known protection devices, once installed for example as a rockfall protection device, have the appearance of a metal body which does not blend in with the natural surroundings where installed, for example on a mountainside or on a rock face, or when fixed to the seabed.

[0006] Another drawback consists in the fact that with the known protection devices only a very small of number of variations to the structure and the technical and aesthetic features is possible, these being mainly associated with and dependent on the presence of the metal beams and the mesh.

[0007] Finally, the manufacture of the known retaining device and its subsequent installation result in high costs both due to the materials used and to the labour required.

[0008] In fact, for example, the known protection devices must be usually made of protected (i.e. galvanized, painted or stainless) metal so as to withstand the corrosive action of the atmospheric agents in particularly aggressive environments, increasing still further the manufacturing costs. Moreover, installation of the device requires numerous assembly operations, which therefore result in the employment of a certain amount of labour.

[0009] The technical problem providing the starting point for the present disclosure is therefore that of providing a retaining device which is able to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art and/or which is able to achieve further advantages.

[0010] This is obtained by providing a retaining device as defined in the independent claim 1. Secondary characteristic features of the subject of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0011] A first advantage consists in the fact that the retaining device according to the present disclosure allows installation in the surrounding environment in an aesthetically more harmonious manner, owing to the fact that it comprises a slab-like block, or in another words a slab, which may be made in numerous forms and with different shades of colour, according to requirements, as well as with openings which, among other things, allow grass to grow.

[0012] Another advantage consists in the fact that the retaining device may be of the prefabricated type and manufactured using methods which are implemented easily and are less costly compared to the devices of the known art, also using less expensive materials.

[0013] Yet another advantage consists in the fact the retaining device is suitable for use in different environmental conditions, including installation underwater (for example in order to prevent erosion of the coasts or physically delimit part of the seabed). In fact, said slab-like block has a greater resistance to the aggressive action of the seawater compared to the metal frame of the known art, reducing to a minimum the problems of rust formation and deterioration over time.

[0014] Further advantages, characteristic features and the modes of use of the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, provided solely by way of a non-limiting example.

[0015] It is clear, however, that each embodiment of the subject of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed. Reference shall be made to the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to the present disclosure;
• Figure 2 is a side view of the retaining device according to Figure 1;
• Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of certain details of the retaining device according to Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the protection devices according to Figure 1 when installed in position;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a retaining device according to the present disclosure; and
• Figure 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a retaining device according to the present disclosure.

[0016] A first embodiment, which is indicated by the reference number 1, of a retaining device according to the present disclosure is shown in a perspective view and in a side view in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.

[0017] Said retaining device 1 may be used in different areas: it may be used for example to stabilize or retain earth, for protection against falling rocks (so-called rockfall protection device), for protection against avalanches (avalanche protection structure), or to retain a seabed underwater (for example to protect against erosion a coastline or a quay or to delimit physically part of the seabed) or for other similar uses.

[0018] The retaining device 1 comprises a support strut 3 and a retaining slab-like block 2 supported by said strut 3. The slab-like block 2 and the support strut 3 are arranged in a substantially T-shaped configuration in which the support strut 3 forms the central arm of the "T" and the slab-like block 2 forms the end arm of the "T". Even more particularly, the support strut 3 is connected to the slab-like block 2 in a central zone of the latter. In the example, the retaining device 1 is arranged in position on the ground 9 in the configuration of an overturned "T" so that one side of the slab-like block 2 rests on the ground 9 and forms an angle of about 30° with the ground 9.

[0019] In the example, the strut 3 is a post or rod which is preferably made of metal. The strut 3 is a substantially rigid and undeformable body, apart from the limited elastic deformations which affect a rigid body under load.

[0020] The slab-like block 2 has a predefined thickness S between a first face 211 and a second face 212. The thickness may vary depending on the operational requirements, for example between 5 cm and 30 cm. The support strut 3 in the example is connected to the face 211 of the slab-like block 2.

[0021] The slab-like block 2, which in the example is quadrangular, may be made of different materials, such as cement, concrete, resin, plastic, wood or a combination thereof. In the example, the slab-like block 2 is made of concrete. In particular, the slab-like block 2 comprises a slab 21 which is formed as a single monolithic body. According to the present disclosure, the slab 21 may be designed with a shape which can be greatly varied in accordance with requirements, and in particular so as to have a pleasing environmental impact.

[0022] In fact, the slab 21 shown in the figures has a substantially flat shape, but slabs 21 with a curved shape are also possible, whereby this latter shape may be more advantageous in specific applications. Similarly, the quadrangular shape shown in the figures is in no way limiting, since any other shape may be used according to the requirements of the specific application. The person skilled in the art will be able to choose the shape which is best suited for a specific application of interest.

[0023] In the example, the slab-like block 2 is situated on a first end portion 31 of said strut 3 and is connected thereto via connecting means 4.

[0024] Even more particularly the strut 3 forms an angle with the face 211 of the slab-like block 2, substantially a right-angle, and is connected to the slab-like block 2 substantially, as mentioned, in a central zone of the slab 21, so as to form said substantially T-shaped configuration.

[0025] In other words, the strut 3 is substantially perpendicular (or in any case inclined) with respect to the slab-like block 2; preferably in the example this inclination may be modified; the inclination is rendered modifiable by providing, as connecting means 4, an articulated joint between strut 3 and slab-like block 2.

[0026] In the example, the connecting means 4 for connecting the slab-like block 2 and the strut 3, fixing them together, comprise at least one joint 41 which has a portion incorporated inside said slab 21, thus being firmly fastened to the slab 21 itself.

[0027] In particular said connecting means 4 comprise an articulated joint, such as a simple hinge, a ball joint or a cardan joint. An articulated joint is advantageous because it allows a certain degree of variation in the form and therefore adaptation of the retaining device 1 to the load exerted on it. This allows improved balancing of the stresses and the tensions which are generated in the device 1 and therefore the risk of damage to the device 1 itself is minimized.

[0028] It should be noted moreover that the slab-like block 2 rests on the strut 3 in a single region, i.e. only in the region of the connecting means 4 and the joint 41. As a result, it is simple to ensure the degree of relative movement between the slab-like block 2 and the strut 3, so that the slab-like block 2 may vary its inclination with respect to the ground 9 when it is subject to a load. This would in fact not be possible if the slab-like block 2 were supported by a plurality of brackets or by a support framework.

[0029] Figure 3A shows an embodiment of said joint 41, comprising a substantially spherical member 42 and a cylindrical body, not visible in the drawings, projecting as one piece from said substantially spherical member 42, being fixed inside a matching recess formed in the slab 21 on the first face 211. The joint 41 also comprises a cross-head 43 integral with the strut 3 and having two prongs between which a cavity for housing the spherical member 42 is defined. A bolt 44 is also provided, being inserted transversely between the two prongs of the cross-head 43 and passing at a tangent to the cylindrical body so as to prevent extraction of the strut 3.

[0030] A joint 41 forming a ball joint with various degrees of freedom is thus obtained.

[0031] The joint 41 may also comprise a through-bolt 45 for converting the ball joint into a simple hinge with one degree of freedom.

[0032] The slab-like block 2 is also connected to the strut 3 at a second portion 32 of the strut 3 by means of the members 5, for example metal cables. The tie members 5 are long and flexible members able to withstand tensile forces.

[0033] The end 33 of the strut 3 opposite to the slab-like block 2 can be connected to the ground 9 via suitable fixing means 91, for example comprising a cable, inserted transversely into the end 33 of the strut 3 and able to be buried in the ground 9 so as to keep the retaining device 1 in a chosen position. These fixing means 91 may be formed in ways known to the person skilled in the art and consequently will not be further described.

[0034] Said end 33 may in particular coincide with said second portion 32 to which the tie members 5 are connected. Fixing of the tie members to the end of the strut may also be performed in a manner known per se by means of screws, bolts or similar fixing members.

[0035] In this way, the retaining device 1 has, in addition to the T-shaped configuration, a substantially pyramid-like configuration, where the base of the pyramid consists of the slab-like block 2, while the vertex of the pyramid consists of the end 33 of the strut 3. The tie members 5 are the sides of the pyramid which connect the base to the vertex.

[0036] The same tie members 5 are connected to the slab-like block 2 by means of fixing members 51 which have at least one portion incorporated in the slab 21 on the first face 211 and which are therefore firmly fastened to the slab-like block 2.

[0037] Said members 51 may be, for example, rings, hooks, female screws, tubular portions and/or any other suitable fixing member.

[0038] In the example, the retaining device 1 is arranged so that the first face 211 is directed towards a region 911 where the material to be retained is located, while the second face 212 is directed towards a region 912 which is protected by the retaining device 1. In other words, when the retaining device 1 is installed in position, a region 911 situated ahead of the device 1 and a region 912 situated after said device are spatially defined.

[0039] In order to increase the mechanical strength thereof, in the example the slab-like block 2 is reinforced, and in particular comprises a reinforcement 6 which is at least partly incorporated in the thickness S of slab-like block 2 itself, so that the latter is able to withstand the stresses. This reinforcement 6, for example metal bars 61, is arranged embedded in the material forming the slab-like block 2 in a suitable manner. The reinforcement 6 may be made of metal, steel, carbon, fibreglass, plastic, or a combination of these materials, depending on the load resistance which the slab-like block 2 must have.

[0040] Alternatively, the reinforcement 6 may consist of a metal mesh 23, with bars of suitable dimensions and a mesh opening of suitable size for withstanding the loads, the choice of these dimensions and mesh opening being within the technical competence of a person skilled in the art.

[0041] Said joint 41 and/or said fixing members 51 may in turn be fixed also to the reinforcement 6 in order to ensure a more solid connection of the members 41 and 51 to the structure of the slab-like block 2.

[0042] A retaining mesh 23 is associated with the slab-like block 2. As an alternative to the retaining mesh 23 not being part of the invention, another type of retaining element may be associated with the slab-like block 2, for example a canvas or a cloth or a nonwoven fabric.

[0043] Moreover, as shown in the figures, the slab-like block 2 is lattice-shaped and has a plurality of openings or windows 22 passing through the thickness S between the first face 211 and the second face 212. Preferably the openings or windows 22 are distributed within the slab-like block 2 substantially in a matrix arrangement of rows and columns.

[0044] For example, the openings or windows 22 have a square, rectangular, quadrangular, polygonal, circular or irregular shape. The shape of the openings 22 may be chosen as required, i.e. their shape and arrangement is determined according to the technical and aesthetic requirements defined by the design engineer.

[0045] Preferably, the openings 22 have a shape and size which differ in each case.

[0046] As shown in the figures, the slab-like block 2 has a continuous perimetral surrounding edge 221, i.e. its perimeter is without interruptions or openings and therefore defines a structurally strong peripheral ribbing.

[0047] The surface of the slab-like block 2 delimited by said perimetral surrounding edge 221 has a plurality of openings 22, each of which connects together the first face 211 and the second face 212. Each opening 22 is entirely contained within the slab 21, i.e. it does not extend to the perimeter thereof. Two adjacent openings 22 define, between them, a ribbing 222, which is interposed therebetween.

[0048] Preferably, the overall surface area of the openings 22 is greater than 40% of the surface area of the slab-like block 2; in other words, a significant part of the slab-like block 2 is open, creating an evident solid/void effect.

[0049] The openings 22 are distributed in a substantially regular manner in the slab-like block 2, i.e. the first face 211 and the second face 212 have a uniform arrangement of said openings 22.

[0050] The openings 22 are further provided with portions of retaining mesh 23, each of said portions being arranged substantially parallel to said first face 211 and second face 212 of the slab-like block 2, in a substantially transverse manner relative to a respective opening 22, so as to occupy the entire opening 22. Essentially, the slab-like block 2 forms a support frame for the retaining mesh 23.

[0051] For example, the mesh 23 may extend over the entire surface of the slab 21 so as to have portions thereof situated at all the openings 22. Alternatively, the mesh 23 may consist of a plurality of mesh-like members, each fixed at an opening 22. It is also clear that only some of the openings 22 could be provided with said mesh portion: some of them could in fact be simple through-openings.

[0052] The mesh 23 (or said plurality of mesh-like members) may be fixed to the surface of the slab-like block 2 or may be housed inside the individual openings 22.

[0053] Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the mesh 23 is embedded at least partially in the thickness of the slab-like block 2 and is therefore incorporated in the material from which the slab-like block 2 is made. In this case the mesh 23 may also have the function of a reinforcement. In the case where metal reinforcing bars 61 are provided, the mesh 23 itself may be fixed to the reinforcement 6.

[0054] The mesh-like structure 23 may extend beyond the dimensions of the slab-like block 2, i.e. it could project from at least one side edge 24 of the slab 21 and extend on the outside thereof over a more or less long portion (as shown in Figure 5), according to requirements.

[0055] The mesh 23 may consist of a metal (for example steel) mesh or a plastic (for example polyester) mesh.

[0056] Preferably the openings 22 are distributed within the slab-like block 2 in a predetermined pattern or order: in the example, as mentioned above, a matrix of rows and columns, which is defined beforehand or during the manufacture of the slab-like block 2 in order to achieve the objects illustrated further below.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, according to another embodiment, the retaining device 1 comprises a rod 7 which extends from the opposite side of the slab-like block 2 to the support strut 3, i.e. from the face 212 of the slab 21 which is opposite the face 211 onto which the strut 3 is fixed. In particular, the rod 7 is fixed to the slab-like block 2 using methods similar to those which can be used to fix the strut 3 to the same slab-like block 2, i.e. for example by means of the abovementioned substantially spherical member 42 and the cross-head 43 associated with it; moreover it is adapted to support second tie members 71 which are connected to the slab-like block 2, for example using the same methods which can be used for fixing the first tie members 5 to the slab 21. This rod 7 and associated second tie members 71 provide the retaining device 1 with further stability.

[0058] An example of application of a retaining device 1 according to the present disclosure, when applied as an earth stabilization device, is shown in Figure 4. The slab-like block 2, which is secured to the ground 9 by means of the strut 3 and the fixing means 91, is designed to restrain/retain a given quantity 92 of earth and stones situated against the face 211 and, in particular, between the face 211 and the ground 9 on which the device 1 rests, preventing the ground 9 from slipping. It should be noted that it is possible to arrange a certain number of retaining devices 1 alongside each other so as to form a barrier and protect a portion of ground greater than that which can be protected by a single retaining device 1.

[0059] The edge of the slab-like block 2 resting on the ground, along the aforementioned side, may comprise suitable support feet (not shown, but within the technical competence of a person skilled in the art) if necessary provided with an articulation for adaptation to the roughness of the ground 9.

[0060] It should be noted that the rigid strut 3 ensures that there is a high structural strength, so that the forces are transmitted from the slab-like block 2 to the ground 9 in the region of the fixing means 91, and moreover prevents the slab-like block 2 from overturning towards the region 912 situated after it or towards the region 911 situated ahead of it.

[0061] It may also be advantageous to envisage that a portion 25 of the mesh 23 projects from said side and extends over the ground 9 towards the end 33 of the strut 3 so as to be situated underneath said quantity 92 of earth and stones, such that the weight of the earth or the material acting on this mesh portion increases the stability of the retaining device 1.

[0062] It should be noted that the fact of using a slab-like block 2 made mainly of cement or concrete (or resin or plastic) solves the problems associated with the formation of rust and the deterioration over time, which instead occur in the retaining devices of the known art; amongst other things, this allows the use of the retaining device 1 in sectors which hitherto have been excluded, such as, for example, underwater installations.

[0063] Moreover, the use of less expensive materials allows a considerable reduction in costs, without influencing, however, the strength of the structure: said strength is in fact in any case ensured by the slab-like form and the presence, where applicable, of the reinforcement 6 and preferably also the mesh 23 incorporated in the slab-like block 2.

[0064] Owing to the slab-like form and the choice of material used for the slab-like block, the latter may be easily made in numerous shapes and even with different shades of colour (for example by adding coloured pigments to the cement or painting it subsequently).

[0065] As a result of the further possibility of providing openings 22 in a predetermined arrangement or order and designing them with different shapes, it is also possible to obtain particular aesthetic effects and therefore insert the retaining device 1 in a more harmonious manner in the environment. By means of the openings 22 it is in fact possible to obtain solid/void and light/dark visual effects, in addition to a "soft" effect, which may be usefully used for the purpose mentioned above.

[0066] Moreover, the irregular shape and size of the openings 22 (as mentioned, preferably, the openings are not identical to each other) reproduces the intrinsic irregularity of a natural object; in other words, as a result of the openings which are different from each other, the appearance of an industrial article is reduced to a minimum, and this appearance is particularly suitable for ensuring harmonious integration of the retaining device 1 in a natural environment.

[0067] The openings 22 may also have the function of allowing the material (for example earth) to escape partially, should the pressure exerted on the slab-like block 2 become excessive (for example during a landslide), so as to prevent collapse of the structure. Owing to the presence of the mesh 23 (the size of the mesh openings of which may be suitably chosen), it is possible to determine a limit value for the dimensions of the material which is able to pass through the slab 21.

[0068] Finally, the openings 22 allow any grass growing in the stabilized ground 92 to pass out and project towards the front of the slab-like block 2, in this way further lessening the aesthetic impact of the retaining device 1 on the surrounding environment.

[0069] In other words, the openings 22 constitute communication passages or windows between one side and another of the slab-like block 2, i.e. between the first face 211 and the second face 212. The openings 22 allow the passage of material (be it earth, snow, rock or also grass) between a region 911 ahead of the retaining device 1 and a region 912 situated after the device 1 itself. The extent of said permitted passage of material is determined in advance by suitably determining the number, size and arrangement of the openings 22 and if necessary the size of the mesh openings in the mesh 23.

[0070] In addition to the technical function, the openings 22 may also have an aesthetic function, as already discussed above.

[0071] Moreover, the openings 22 also constitute weight-lessening openings for the slab 21, so as to reduce the overall weight thereof, without adversely affecting the retaining capacity of the device 1. This is because the openings 22, which correspond to voids in the slab 21 and therefore to the absence of material, result in the slab 21 being substantially lighter than a slab without openings; at the same time, the uniform distribution of the openings 22, the alternating arrangement of openings 22 and intermediate ribbing 222, and the presence of the mesh 23 inside the openings 22 ensure that the slab 21 is still able to retain rock, stones, sand and other materials.

[0072] The present disclosure has been described hitherto with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are provided hereinbelow.

Claims

1. A retaining device (1) for retaining earth, avalanches, embankments, seabeds or the like, i.e. so-called rockfall protection, snow protection or avalanche protection device or similar device, comprising a rigid support strut (3) and a retaining slab-like block (2) supported by said support strut (3), said retaining slab-like block (2) having a predefined thickness (S) comprised between a first face (211) and a second face (212) opposite thereto, said retaining slab-like block (2) and said support strut (3) being arranged in a substantially T-shaped configuration, wherein a first end portion (31) of the support strut (3) is connected to the first face (211) of the retaining slab-like block (2) via connecting means (4) comprising an articulated joint (41, 42, 43) having a portion firmly incorporated in said retaining slab-like block (2), and wherein a second portion (32) of the support strut (3) is connected to the retaining slab-like block (2) by flexible tie members (5);
wherein
said retaining slab-like block (2) comprises a slab (21) which is formed as a single monolithic body;
said retaining slab-like block (2) is lattice-shaped and has a plurality of through-openings (22) extending through the thickness (S) between the first face (211) and the second face (212);
and in that a retaining mesh (23) is associated with said retaining slab-like block (2) and said openings (22) are provided with portions of said retaining mesh (23), each of said portions of mesh (23) being arranged substantially parallel to said first face (211) and second face (212) of the retaining slab-like block (2) such as to occupy the respective opening (22).

2. The retaining device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said openings (22) are distributed in said retaining slab-like block (2) according to a predetermined pattern.

3. The retaining device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said openings (22) are distributed within said retaining slab-like block (2) in a matrix arrangement of rows and columns.

4. The retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said mesh (23) is at least partially incorporated in the thickness (S) of said retaining slab-like block (2).

5. The retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the overall surface area of the through-openings (22) is greater than 40% of the surface area of the retaining slab-like block (2).

6. The retaining device (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein said support strut (3) is connected to said retaining slab-like block (2) substantially in a central zone of the retaining slab-like block (2) itself.

7. The retaining device (1) according to claim 6, having a substantially pyramid-like configuration, wherein the base of the pyramid consists of the retaining slab-like block (2), the vertex of the pyramid consists of a second end portion (33) of the support strut (3), and the tie members (5) are the sides of the pyramid which connect the base (2) to the vertex (33).

8. The retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said retaining slab-like block (2) is made of at least one material selected from a group comprising: cement, concrete, resin, plastic material, wood.

9. The retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said tie members (5) are connected to said retaining slab-like block (2) by means of fixing members (51) having at least one portion incorporated in said retaining slab-like block (2).

10. The retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said retaining slab-like block (2) comprises a reinforcement (6, 23) at least partially incorporated in the thickness (S) of the retaining slab-like block (2).

11. The retaining device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said reinforcement comprises bars (61) embedded in said retaining slab-like block (2).

12. The retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a rod (7) extending from one face (212) of said retaining slab-like block (2) on one side opposite to said support strut (3), said rod (7) being adapted to support second tie members (71) connected to said retaining slab-like block (2).

Ansprüche

1. Haltevorrichtung zum Zurückhalten von Erde, Lawinen, Böschungen, Meeresboden oder dergleichen, z. B. sog. Steinfallschutz, Schneeschutz oder Lawinenschutz, Einrichtungen oder ähnliche Einrichtungen, umfassend eine feste Stützstrebe (3) und einen plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2), der durch die Stützstrebe gestützt ist, wobei der plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) eine vorbestimmte Dicke (S) aufweist, die zwischen einer ersten Seite (211) und einer davon gegenüberliegenden zweiten Seite (212) umfasst ist, wobei der plattenförmige Rückhalteblock (2) und die Stützstrebe (3) in einer im Wesentlichen T-förmigen Struktur angeordnet sind, wobei ein erster Endabschnitt (31) der Stützstrebe (3) mit der ersten Seite (211) des plattenförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) über Verbindungsmittel, umfassend eine Gelenkverbindung (41, 42, 43) verbunden ist, aufweisend einen Abschnitt, der fest in dem plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) aufgenommen ist, und wobei ein zweiter Abschnitt (32) der Stützstrebe mit den plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) mittels flexibler Verbindungsmittel (5) verbunden ist,
wobei der plattenförmige Rückhalteblock (2) eine Platte (21) umfasst, die als ein einzelmonolithischer Körper ausgebildet ist, und, wobei der plattenförmige Rückhalteblock (2) gitterförmig ausgebildet ist und mehrere Durchgangsöffnungen (22) aufweist, die sich durch die Dicke (S) zwischen der ersten Seite (211) und der zweiten Seite (212) erstrecken, und, wobei ein Rückhaltenetz (23) mit dem stabförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) verbunden ist und die Öffnungen (22) mit Abschnitten des Rückhaltenetzes (23) versehen sind, wobei jeder der Abschnitte des Netzes (323) im Wesentlichen parallel zu der ersten Seite 211 und der zweiten Seite 212 des stabförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) derart angeordnet ist, dass sie die entsprechenden Öffnungen (22) einnehmen.

2. Haltevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Öffnungen (22) gemäß einem vorbestimmten Muster in dem plattenförmigen Halteblock (2) verteilt sind.

3. Haltevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Öffnungen (22) in einer Matrixanordnung aus Reihen und Spalten innerhalb des plattenförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) verteilt sind.

4. Haltevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das Netz (23) zumindest teilweise in der Dicke (S) des plattenförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) aufgenommen ist.

5. Haltevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei der gesamte Oberflächenbereich der Durchgangsöffnungen (22) größer als 40% des Oberflächenbereichs des plattenförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) ist.

6. Haltevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die Stützstrebe (3) mit dem plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) im Wesentlichen in einem zentralen Bereich des plattenförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) selbst verbunden ist.

7. Haltevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 6, aufweisend eine im Wesentlichen pyramidenförmige Struktur, wobei die Basis der Pyramide aus dem plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) besteht, und die Eckpunkte der Pyramide aus einem zweiten Endabschnitt (33) der Stützstrebe (3) bestehen und die Verbindungsmittel (5) die Seiten der Pyramide sind, die die Basis mit dem Scheitelpunkt (33) verbinden.

8. Haltevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei der stabförmige Rückhalteblock (2) zumindest aus einem Material ausgebildet ist, ausgewählt aus einer Gruppe umfassend Zement, Beton, Harz, Kunststoffmaterial, Holz.

9. Haltevorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei die Verbindungsmittel (5) mit dem plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) mittels Befestigungsmittel (51) verbunden sind, aufweisend zumindest einen Abschnitt, der in dem plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock (2) aufgenommen ist.

10. Haltevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei der plattenförmige Rückhalteblock (2) eine Verstärkung (6, 23) umfasst, die zumindest teilweise in der Dicke (S) des plattenförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) aufgenommen ist.

11. Haltevorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei die Verstärkung Stäbe (61) umfasst, die in den plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock eingebettet sind.

12. Haltevorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, des Weiteren umfassend einen Stab (7) der sich von einer Seite (212) des stabförmigen Rückhalteblocks (2) von einer der Stützstrebe (3) gegenüberliegenden Seite erstreckt, wobei der Stab (7) angepasst ist, um die zweiten Verbindungsmittel (71), die mit dem plattenförmigen Rückhalteblock verbunden sind, zu stützen.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de retenue (1) pour retenir la terre, les avalanches, les talus, les lits marins ou similaires, c'est-à-dire un dispositif de protection contre les chutes de pierres, contre la neige ou les avalanches ou un dispositif similaire, comprenant une entretoise de support rigide (3) et un bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) supporté par ladite entretoise de support (3), ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) ayant une épaisseur (S) prédéfinie comprise entre une première face (211) et une seconde face (212) opposée à cette dernière, ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) et ladite entretoise de support (3) étant agencés selon une configuration sensiblement en forme de T, dans lequel une première partie d'extrémité (31) de l'entretoise de support (3) est raccordée à la première face (211) du bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) via des moyens de raccordement (4) comprenant un joint articulé (41, 42, 43) ayant une partie fermement incorporée dans ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2), et dans lequel une seconde partie (32) de l'entretoise de support (3) est raccordée au bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) par des éléments de tirant flexibles (5) ;
dans lequel :

ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) comprend une plaque (21) qui est formée comme un corps monolithique unique ;

ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) est en forme de treillis et a une pluralité d'ouvertures débouchantes (22) s'étendant à travers l'épaisseur (S) entre la première face (211) et la seconde face (212) ;

et en ce qu'une maille de retenue (23) est associée audit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) et lesdites ouvertures (22) sont prévues avec des parties de ladite maille de retenue (23), chacune desdites parties de maille (23) étant agencée sensiblement parallèlement à ladite première face (211) et à la seconde face (212) du bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) afin d'occuper l'ouverture (22) respective.

2. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdites ouvertures (22) sont réparties dans ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) selon un motif prédéterminé.

3. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel lesdites ouvertures (22) sont réparties à l'intérieur dudit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) dans un agencement matriciel de rangées et de colonnes.

4. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel ladite maille (23) est au moins partiellement incorporée dans l'épaisseur (S) dudit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2).

5. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la surface globale des ouvertures débouchantes (22) est supérieure à 40% de la surface du bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2).

6. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel ladite entretoise de support (3) est raccordée audit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) sensiblement dans une zone centrale du bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) lui-même.

7. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon la revendication 6, ayant une configuration sensiblement en forme de pyramide, dans lequel la base de la pyramide se compose du bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2), le sommet de la pyramide se compose d'une seconde partie d'extrémité (33) de l'entretoise de support (3) et les éléments de tirant (5) sont les côtés de la pyramide qui raccordent la base (2) au sommet (33).

8. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) est réalisé avec au moins l'un des matériaux choisis dans le groupe comprenant : le ciment, le béton, la résine, une matière plastique, le bois.

9. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel lesdits éléments de tirant (5) sont raccordés audit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) au moyen des éléments de fixation (51) ayant au moins une partie incorporée dans ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2).

10. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) comprend un renforcement (6, 23) incorporé au moins partiellement dans l'épaisseur (S) du bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2).

11. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit renforcement comprend des barres (61) encastrées dans ledit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2).

12. Dispositif de retenue (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, comprenant en outre une tige (7) s'étendant à partir d'une face (212) dudit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2) sur un côté opposé à ladite entretoise de support (3), ladite tige (7) étant adaptée pour supporter des seconds éléments de tirant (71) raccordés audit bloc de retenue en forme de plaque (2).

Drawing