Abstract: The mast (2) of the wind turbine is formed by at least two segments (13, 15) articulated to one another so as to pivot between a straightened position and a folded position. The pivoting of the two segments (13, 15) is coordinated in such a way that they always form the same angle (a1) with the vertical, making it possible to maintain the centre of gravity of the wind turbine in vertical alignment with the lower segment (11). Consequently the wind turbine can be folded down in the case of high winds under optimum safety conditions and with reduced space occupied.

Abstract: The mast (2) of the wind turbine is formed by at least two segments (13, 15) articulated to one another so as to pivot between a straightened position and a folded position. The pivoting of the two segments (13, 15) is coordinated in such a way that they always form the same angle (a1) with the vertical, making it possible to maintain the centre of gravity of the wind turbine in vertical alignment with the lower segment (11). Consequently the wind turbine can be folded down in the case of high winds under optimum safety conditions and with reduced space occupied.

Abstract: A facing element (2), for use in a stabilized earth structure (1), comprises a reinforcing portion (60) extending substantially across the facing element, the reinforcing portion having at an end thereof a connection point for connection to an earth stabilizing member (4) and/or an adjacent facing element.

Abstract: An earth structure comprises a plurality of facing panels, a stabilized earth mass behind the facing panels and a plurality of supports for supporting the facing panels. The supports have rearwardly located portions and rest on their rearwardly located portions to support the facing panels during construction.

Abstract: A strip for use in a stabilized earth structure has a tensile portion in the form of an elongate core which supports lateral friction wings and optional ribs. The elongate core may be steel or a polymer material and the wings are fabricated from a plastic material. Alternatively, the strip may be made from a single material (e.g., plastic) with a thickened region defining the core and thinner regions providing the friction wings.

Abstract: A facing element 20 is formed from cast concrete and provided with a connecting member 23 located in a recess 22. The element is particularly appropriate for use in combination with flexible reinforcing strips. The connecting member may be a simple molded cylinder of plastics or alternatively it may be partly or wholly formed of concrete and be cast integrally with the rest of the facing element. The casting may be facilitated by means of a plastic shell which is set into the concrete and defines the connecting member and recess. To strengthen the connecting member, a reinforcing bar passes through its center.

Abstract: A facing panel (1) is provided for assembly with like facing panels to form a facing of a stabilized earth structure. The facing panel has two opposed side edges (2) for arrangement edge-to-edge with the side edges of laterally adjacent facing panels, each side edge having a front portion (5) which is straight over substantially the full height of the facing panel, and a rear portion comprising a lateral projection (8) over part of its length and an abutment (6, 7) over another part of its length, the lateral projection being provided for engagement behind a respective abutment on the side edge of a laterally adjacent facing panel to restrain forward movement of the facing panel, and the abutment being provided for engagement in front of a respective lateral projection of said laterally adjacent facing panel or of another laterally adjacent facing panel to restrain rearward movement of the facing panel.

Abstract: An earth structure includes a plurality of elongated stabilizing elements in an earth mass behind a facing made up of facing panels. A plurality of connectors behind the facing connects the facing to the stabilizing elements. Each connector has a rear attachment portion attached to a respective stabilizing element, and each connector also has at least two spaced apart front attachment portions attached to a facing panel. The earth mass includes a first region of soil suitable for plant growth which also defines the region in which the connectors are located. A second region of structural back fill is provided which includes the stabilizing elements.