Self-locking clamp for engaging soil-reinforcing sheet in earth retaining wall and method
US6443663B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02D29/0241
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall, made of at least two stacked tiers of blocks placed side-by-side. Each block defines a channel extending between opposing sides with at least two adjacent bearing surfaces and an opening between the bearing surfaces to a slot extending laterally from the channel to a back side of the block. An elongate clamping bar conforming in cross-sectional shape at least relative to the pair of adjacent bearing surfaces defined in the channel, is received within the channel. A reinforcement sheet wrapped around the elongate clamping bar extends through the slot laterally of the tiers of blocks. The clamping bar mechanically engages the bearing surfaces of the channel such that the tensile loading by backfill covering the reinforcement sheet is distributed across the block. A method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall is disclosed as well as a clamping bar and blocks useful with such methods and walls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.