EP2530202A1 - Structure comprising a gabion wall - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure (3) has a core (9) formed from a mixture of soil and stones, and a wall formed of gabions (7a, 7b) leaning against the core. The gabions are partially filled with growing beads (19), where each bead includes a retention sheet (21) filled with growing medium (23). The sheet is arranged such that the sheet is shown on a visible face of the gabions to assure a continuity of the medium with the core. The core is confined between an acoustic screen and the wall. The sheet is made of a material chosen among geotextile, non-woven textile and geomeshes made of natural fibers.

Description

The present invention relates to a structure comprising a gabion wall.

It is known from the prior art the use of gabions for making walls, for purposes of support, separation or for essentially decorative purposes.

As is known per se, a gabion comprises a preferably metal cage, filled with materials such as stones, bricks, or other heavy material. In case of support function, the filling materials meet specific technical criteria.

The gabions, stacked on top of one another and arranged according to the desired geometry and the technical requirements linked to their destination function, make it possible to form walls whose appearance is adaptable to the environment of the structure: effect of choosing the filling material, within the technical limits corresponding to the final destination of the structure, having the appropriate visual characteristics.

When the gabion wall fulfills a function of retaining the earthwork, it is leaned against a backfill material adapted and dimensioned for its use according to the standards in force. Due to its heavy weight characteristics, the gabion wall ensures the stability of the structure to which it is attached.

In the case of an embankment, this makes it possible, in particular, to consider supporting infrastructure such as pedestrian, bicycle and automobile traffic routes.

In the railway sector, support by means of gabions is restricted according to the technical standards in force and the procedures for possible derogations concerning its use.

For some time, we have sought to diversify the appearance of gabion retaining walls by fixing plants, supposed to grow on the visible face of these walls.

In particular, patent applications are known EP2050331 and KR2003-0080711 , gabions comprising, on the side of their visible face, a topsoil layer trapped in a retention structure (formed for example of coconut fibers).

In the topsoil can take roots from plants or herbs that then grow on the visible side of the gabions.

Although in their establishment of such gabions have a very satisfactory vegetal aspect, it turns out that plants lose their life rather quickly, unless they are the object of a very careful interview, and of watering rigorously controlled and constant over time.

The present invention is thus particularly intended to provide a structure comprising a gabion wall that can be vegetated without obligation of specific watering term or once established plants.

This object of the invention is achieved with a structure comprising a particular embankment, called "earth / stone core", which may be contained in one or more boxes of gabions, and a gabion wall leaning against this core, remarkable in that said gabions are filled in part with culture flasks, each culture flange comprising a retention ply filled with culture substrate, the retention ply being arranged so as, on the one hand, to be flush with the visible face of the gabions, and on the other hand to ensure continuity of the substrate with said core.

This structure can be combined on the opposite side to the wall of gabions planted with another structure providing a decorative function or support of any type (concrete wall, gabion wall, reinforced ground, metal panels, acoustic screen, decking wood ... etc ...). This opposite face may also be another green wall of Gabion of the same type and remaining visible.

Thanks to these characteristics, plants can be planted in the cultivars, on the side of the visible face of the gabions, plants that will take root in the culture substrate: holes are made in the sausages to root appropriate plants.

Subsequently, because of the communication of the strands with the core also serving as a complementary crop substrate, the water supply of the plants is carried out in particular by the rainwater which flows through the core and diffuses by capillarity: in this way we can get rid of a tedious watering.

• ledit noyau comporte lui aussi des éléments formant substrat de culture : ceci permet au végétaux plantés sur la face visible des murs en gabions d'aller puiser leurs réserves nutritives non seulement dans les boudins de culture, mais également dans le noyau qui se trouve derrière. Les racines de fait explorent préférentiellement les poches terreuses au sein des compartiments contenant le substrat de culture (19 & 9) et s'orientent par thigmotropisme au contact des granulats. Les racines se dirigeront vers le noyau 9 sous l'effet d'un hygrotropisme positif. Ce noyau 9 est en effet un milieu moins sec que l'ensemble 7, moins protégé de l'action de l'atmosphère extérieure et plus drainant.

According to other optional characteristics of the structure according to the invention:

• said nucleus also comprises culture substrate elements: this allows the plants planted on the visible side of the gabionic walls to draw their nutritive reserves not only in the culture puddles, but also in the nucleus behind it. Roots de facto preferentially explore the earthy pockets within the compartments containing the culture substrate (19 & 9) and are oriented by thigmotropism in contact with the aggregates. The roots will go to the core 9 under the effect of a positive hygrotropism. This core 9 is indeed a less dry medium than the assembly 7, less protected from the action of the outside atmosphere and more draining.

Furthermore, in the installation phase this contrast will be enhanced by preferential water supply of this set 9 to help this orientation. Once installed within this nucleus 9, the roots of the plants increase their potential for survival: the core 9 offers better soil and pedo-climatic conditions to the plants, than the drier facing zones, and subjected more directly to the hazards. climatic conditions (temperature differences, etc.).

This is also why weeds will have more difficulty than on a conventional soil to be established within the assembly 7, this property of the invention associated with the presence of retention plies on the facade not being favorable to their coming, even if it can not be excluded.

• les nappes de rétention sont formées dans un matériau choisi dans le groupe comprenant les géotextiles, les non-tissés, les géonattes en fibres d'origine naturelle : ces matériaux poreux, couramment utilisés dans le domaine horticole, permettent de retenir les fines du substrat de culture (terre végétale en général), tout en autorisant la respiration de ce substrat et les échanges avec des éléments extérieurs ;
• le noyau est contenu par un matériau choisi dans le groupe comprenant les géotextiles et non-tissés, plaqué contre le panneau métal gabion avant le remplissage ;
• ladite structure peut comprendre un écran acoustique, ledit noyau étant alors emprisonné entre cet écran et ledit mur en gabions : ce type d'agencement convient par exemple en bordure d'une route ou de voie ferrée dont on cherche à atténuer le rayonnement acoustique ;
• ledit noyau peut être associé à un élément autre qu'un écran acoustique, ayant ou non une fonction de soutènement et/ou une fonction qui peut être décorative, sélectionnée par exemple dans le groupe des murs béton, des murs en gabions, des murs utilisant la technique dite de la terre armée, des platelages en bois (ou autre matériaux adaptés) ; ladite structure peut être associée à une structure de soutènement de tout type adaptée à l'usage de soutènement visé ;
• ladite structure n'assure pas en soi de fonction de soutènement ;
• ladite structure peut être associée à une structure spécifiquement dévolue à une fonction de soutènement, les deux pouvant éventuellement être liées physiquement par un moyen adapté aux deux structures ;
• ladite structure est auto-stable.

In this way we obtain very perennial plantations;

• the retention plies are formed in a material chosen from the group comprising geotextiles, nonwovens, geonattes made of fibers of natural origin: these porous materials, commonly used in the horticultural field, make it possible to retain the fines from the substrate of cultivation (topsoil in general), while allowing the respiration of this substrate and exchanges with external elements;
• the core is contained by a material selected from the group consisting of geotextiles and nonwovens, pressed against the gabion metal panel prior to filling;
• said structure may comprise an acoustic screen, said core then being trapped between this screen and said gabion wall: this type of arrangement is suitable for example at the edge of a road or railroad whose attenuation of acoustic radiation is sought;
• said core may be associated with an element other than an acoustic screen, with or without a supporting function and / or a function that may be decorative, selected for example from the group of concrete walls, gabion walls, walls using the so-called reinforced earth technique, wooden decks (or other suitable materials); said structure can be associated with a support structure of any type suitable for the intended support purpose;
• said structure does not provide support function per se;
• said structure may be associated with a structure specifically devoted to a support function, both of which may possibly be physically linked by a means adapted to the two structures;
• said structure is self-stable.

• la figure 1 est un profil en travers d'une voie de circulation bordée d'une structure selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de détail du mur en gabions végétalisé 7 et du noyau 9 de la figure 1, et
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une structure selon l'invention, longeant une voie ferrée.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge in the light of the description which follows, and on examining the appended figures, in which:

• the figure 1 is a profile across a traffic lane lined with a structure according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a detail view of the vegetated gabion wall 7 and the core 9 of the figure 1 , and
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of a structure according to the invention, along a railway track.

We are now going back to figure 1 , on which there is shown a traffic lane 1, pedestrian, cycle or for vehicles, bordered on the left side of a structure 3 according to the invention, and on the right side of a traditional gabion wall 5.

As can be seen on the figure 1 , the structure 3 according to the invention comprises a vegetated gabion wall 7, leaned against a core 9 formed of a combination of earth and stones, called "earth / stone core", which can be contained in one or more boxes of gabions , although this is in no way limiting, itself backed by an acoustic screen 11 1 also fixed on a gabion foundation 13 serving as a support and surmounted by the structure 3 freestanding.

The acoustic screen 11 may for example be made of wood concrete, without this being limiting. It may equally well be replaced by any decorative facing structure or providing other functions, or by a support structure or architecture on which will support the structure 3 that is secured or not according to the particular technical constraints to the situation.

The core 9 is a mixture consisting of a suitable substrate for the growth of plants to be installed (15 & 25) and aggregates in crushed stones. This nucleus also participates in the auto-stability function of structure 3.

We are now referring more specifically to figure 2 , on which is represented in detail the green wall 7.

As we can see on this figure 2 , this wall is formed of a stack of gabions type 7a and 7b.

As is known per se, a gabion is formed by a metal cage consisting of coated or uncoated galvanized double twisted steel wires or electro-welded galvanized steel rods, filled with a heavy material 17 such as stones. or bricks to be defined according to its use of destination, particularly from the technical point of view.

When acoustic absorption characteristics are sought, this heavy material may comprise elements of a particular nature and having a geometry appropriate to its destination, such as tripods or cones made of wood concrete.

As can be seen on the figure 2 , the lower gabion 7a is filled only in part with stones 17, and comprises on its upper part a sausage culture 19.

More precisely, this bead 19 is formed by a retention ply 21 filled with a culture substrate 23.

The sheet 21 is formed by a geotextile, a draining nonwoven, or a geonatte of fibers of natural origin such as coconut fibers, and the culture substrate 23, essentially comprising topsoil, is adapted to allow the planting and growing plants 25.

As is visible on the figure 2 , the sheet 21 is arranged to be flush with the facade 27 of the gabion 7a, and to allow the communication of the culture substrate 23 with the core 9.

In other words, the retention ply 21 is closed on the side of the visible face of the gabion 7a except for the passage of the collar of the plant, and open on the side of the hidden face of this gabion.

Note that the culture bead 19 may extend over the entire length of the gabion 7a, or only a part of this length.

The metal elements of the gabion cages must constantly remain intact.

On the other side of Taxiway 1 of the figure 1 , the gabion wall 5 is traditional, that is to say not green, and has for this purpose a stack of two gabions 5a, 5b each filled according to the rules of the art for destination use.

Note that the retaining structures 13 and 5 are each placed in the present case on concrete soles 29 & 33, drains 35, 37 are also provided to recover including rainwater. These soles may be of other nature than concrete according to the technical dimensions required. The sole 31 supporting the structure 3 may consist of a serious adapted to the technical constraints related to the structure carried on it.

We have shown on the figure 3 , a structure 39 according to the invention, arranged along a railway track, the latter being not visible, and forming an effective sound protection.

As we can see on this figure 3 three rows 19a, 19b, 19c of culture flanges are arranged alternately with rows of stones 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, the assembly being arranged inside the modular metal cages defining the gabions.

The plants 25 rooted inside the culture tubes 19 bloom on the visible facade of the retaining wall thus produced, achieving an aesthetic decoration more or less covering depending on the species and planting density chosen.

It should be noted here that deciduous perennials can be chosen as well as shrubs or plants that retain a persistent aerial part during the resting season. The different types can be mixed or not, depending on the desired aesthetic objectives. On the other hand, species will always be established that are perfectly adapted to the local climatic conditions and to the pedological and pedoclimatic conditions of the substrate set up for their culture. In particular, the elongation capacity of the root system of the selected plants is an essential factor, as well as their ability to withstand drought linked to the draining nature of the culture substrate produced.

We will therefore choose plants requiring a low water intake. Geophyte plants (adapted to dry situations), that is to say, perennials able to spend the bad season buried, in the form of rhizomes, bulbs or others may also be used. These choices require a good level of expertise on knowledge of plant environments and biology.

The implementation of a structure according to the invention and its advantages derive directly from the foregoing description.

When one wishes to realize a wall in vegetated gabion conforms for example to the figure 2 we start by bringing back to the site the lower row of gabions 7a. It is then partially filled with stones.

It should be noted that the structure according to the invention can be prefabricated off the site (career for example or other place) and transported to the site for its implementation.

Then placed in the upper part of these gabions culture rod 19, inside which the substrate 23 is placed.

The retention ply 21 is then folded onto this substrate, so that this ply is open on the non-visible face of the gabion.

The upper part of the metal cage forming the gabions 7a is then closed, and the upper row of the gabions 7b is placed on these gabions 7a.

The process thus continues according to the design layout determining the position of future plantation pockets (retention plies).

Once the gabion wall thus produced, the filling of the core 9 is performed, so that this embankment comes into contact against this wall of gabions, and communicates in particular with the substrate 23 located in the coil 19.

On the element side 7, the parts of the core 9 which are not in contact with the back of the retention ply 21 will, as and when filling, isolated from the green wall, by placing a selected material 42 in the group comprising geotextiles and nonwovens pressed against the metal element of the gabion cage. This will prevent future migrations of earth materials into the existing meatus between the cage fillers.

It will be the same side opposite to the element 7 where a retention ply 43 will be plated on the inner side of the cage before filling with the in order to contain it.

On the other hand, the sides in contact with other cages filled with embankment, will remain free of any presence of retention ply to allow the longitudinal continuation of the embankment.

There will also be no retention ply in the breast or in the upper part of the nucleus 9.

As for the base, if the foundation is granular type, it will not be implemented retention ply to allow contact with the ground.

On the other hand, in the case where the structure 3 would overcome a gabion or other type of support structure, or a concrete footing, a retention ply will also be pressed against the bottom panel of the inner side cage before filling.

It is then possible to cut the part of the sheet 21 which is flush with the visible part 27 of the gabions 7a, and to insert the desired plants, in the form of mini-clumps. In the context of the implementation, the planting operations can also be carried out as and when the construction of the structure according to the invention, at the time of making the culture rods 19. In the latter case, larger clumps or buckets may be used.

In the first months after planting, it is best to water these plants, which can be achieved by means of a drip irrigation system or any other means ensuring a regular first growing season.

In the case of the use of drip, the network can be reactivated as needed, especially in case of very marked atmospheric dryness and / or until the roots have reached the core 9.

Subsequently, thanks in particular to the precipitation which falls on core 9, and which irrigate the substrate 23 in particular by capillarity, the plants 25 can live thanks to the rainwater.

In the case where the element 7 alone would be used in plating of an architectural structure of retaining or not and of whatever type, a drip network will imperatively be laid and will have to operate regularly according to the requirements of the plants used. to provide them with sufficient water supply. It is observed here that the frugality of the selected plants leads to a low consumption of water even in this case.

The installation of drip or any other means of water supply must be done without any damage to the integrity of the metal elements of the gabion cages.

The watering network, if it is retained, can be placed as the element 7 is being constructed by passing through the culture flanges 19. It can be completed by a network at the top of the core 9 and also laid down. at the top of element 7.

The water supply can be done manually at regular intervals.

To promote the migration of plant roots to the core 9, the water supply of the latter will be preferentially and will be maintained for a few months even though that of the assembly 7 will be gradually reduced and canceled.

A phase of weaning in water is to be envisaged and to plan.

It should be noted that the absence of subdivision between the culture pudding 19 and the core 9 allows the roots of these plants to extend not only inside the substrate 23, but also within the entire core. 9, in which they find the nutritive material necessary for their durability.

This communication of the culture rods 19 with the core 9 which leans against the wall of gabions is an essential difference from the present invention compared to the system that existed in the prior art.

Advantageously, in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. figure 1 Of course, it is also possible to grow plants directly on the core 9, in addition to those which grow on the visible part of the gabion wall 7.

As can be understood from the foregoing description, the present invention provides a structure for making gabion walls that can be planted sustainably, with minimal maintenance for the intended purpose.

This structure can be associated with supporting structures or declined in absorbing or reflecting acoustic screen, alone or in combination with another material such as wood concrete panels.

This opens up a new field of exploration for landscape architects, who are very often concerned with tempering the mineral aspect of structures, especially of the Gabion type, by the establishment of plants whose maintenance is compatible with the constraints of exploitation.

Its modularity in itself, or in combination with other structures providing other functions, opens an almost infinite field of creativity and adaptability to various environments and situations.

The modularity is also dimensional considering the wide range of dimensions of gabion cages. It is also linked to the variety of their appearance and existing structures on the market.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, provided as simple examples.

For example, the vegetated gabion walls described above could be used in combination with other supporting elements, such as concrete walls, gabions, reinforced earth, etc.

Thus, it is also possible to use vegetated gabion walls 3 to make other types of structures in association with support devices (a row of support gabions opposite to the assembly 7 and secured to 9 for example) or alone, especially for river bank edges, or hydraulic structures (storm basins, etc.) or as urban furniture elements (vegetated Gabion benches). sort and surmounted by a wooden seat or the like, etc.

Claims (8)

Structure (3; 39) comprising a core (9) formed of a mixture of earth and stones and a gabion wall (7a, 7b) resting against said core (9), characterized in that said gabions (7a, 7b ) are partially filled with culture flanges (19), each culture flange comprising a retention ply (21) filled with culture substrate (23), the retention ply (21) being arranged on the one hand to flush on the visible face of the gabions (7a, 7b), and on the other hand to ensure the continuity of the substrate (23) with the core (9). Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said core (9) is part of the culture substrate elements. Structure according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the retention plies (21) are formed in a material selected from the group consisting of geotextiles, nonwovens, fiber geonattes of natural origin. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core (9) is contained by a material selected from the group consisting of geotextiles and nonwovens, plated back side against the gabion metal panel before filling. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an acoustic screen (11), said core (9) then being trapped between this screen (11) and said gabion wall (7). Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the core (9) is associated with a structure other than an acoustic screen, with or without a support function and / or a decorative function, selected in the group of concrete walls, gabion walls, structures using the so-called reinforced earth technique, wooden decking or other material adapted to decking. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be associated with a structure specifically devoted to a support function, but to which it can be physically linked by means adapted to the two structures. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is self-stable.

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