RETAINING WALL POST AND RETAINING WALL USING THE SAME

Abstract

A pre-cast post with a widened spade foot which resists lateral forces transferred from the upper segment loaded by the retaining panel. The angle of the foot transfers the load by driving the foot more firmly into the ground for more stability. The taper of the footing section causes the adjacent soil to be further compacted for more stability. The thickening of the taper at the junction of the upper and lower section provide perfect size to facilitate perfect ratio of concrete for compressive strength and embedment space for steel which provides tensile strength. The upper section tapers down as the lateral forces decrease. Panels are affixed to the pre-cast posts for the soil retention and can be stacked for higher soil retention applications. The panels also decrease in thickness as the lateral forces diminish.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

The presently claimed invention relates to soil retention and more particularly to a retaining wall post and a retaining wall using the new retaining wall post and methods for constructing the same.

2. Background Art

Differing systems and methods have been used for soil retention, including concrete masonry units (CMU), more commonly known as cinder block retaining walls, poured concrete walls, and stackable tie back wall units. Each of these types of systems has shortcomings that are overcome by the presently claimed invention.

Typical concrete or CMU's or cinder block retaining walls utilize inefficient concrete footings for anchoring the wall to the ground. Further, this system is labor intensive, requiring laborers to stack and apply masonry to each CMU in place and fill in the apertures in the stacked CMU's with rebar and concrete. The addition of stackable tie back units is also labor intensive, inefficient and is not as structurally sound as walls composed on larger solid members. Another system used includes stacking precast concrete (PCC) unit walls. These designs are complicated to cast, do not provide for reinforcement, and interrupt backfill and compacting efforts. Poured in place concrete (PIPC) walls also utilize an inefficient footing method.

Some of the prior art systems include U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,097 which describes a poured in place and injection (pump) process with a face that inclines from a top of a wall into the slope. This is not a modular precast concrete product. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,050,254, 5,697,736, 4,668,129, 4,572,711 and 7,044,687B1 all rely on an “L” shaped tie-back design. This is a poor choice for a steel reinforced concrete fixture. In addition, these systems are overdesigned, offer weak reinforcement, and are inefficient because they are stacked or terraced. One allows adjustability for bad planning, but is labor intensive. The other wastes room at every terrace and both methods necessitate interruptions during the back-fill and compaction phase.

The presently claimed invention simplifies the process and provides for maximum soil retention. The holes are dug or drilled, retaining wall posts are installed, and panels are put in place. Back-fill and compaction may begin and continue uninterrupted to the top of the wall. The angled design of the posts takes full advantage of the compressive strength of the concrete and the tensile strength of the steel with a long embedment distance and extra concrete thickness in the areas of the greatest load.

The invention has an advanced anchoring method; it saves time by being precast, is more versatile and adjustable, uses less space and time to install, and may be back filled and compacted immediately without interruption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosure of the Invention

The presently claimed invention solves the problems discussed above and overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art with the unique features provided in the appended claims.

In a first embodiment, a retaining wall post is introduced. The retaining wall post is preferably a casted one piece unit. The posts can be pre-casted or casted in situ. Each post is configured with an angle so the posts are “L” shaped. This shape along with a buried widened spade foot enhances the stability of the retaining wall post and also transfers the horizontal load to a semi horizontal and vertical load while compressing the soil beneath the widened spade foot. The preferred retaining wall post is tapered with the top portion narrower than the bottom portion which corresponds to the amount of horizontal forces applied by the soil to be retained. Additionally, rebar can be added to the post for added strength.

The second embodiment is for a retaining wall system using the retaining wall posts of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, panels are constructed by casting. The panels are preferably rectangular in shape and have one or more raised ridges disposed vertically for added strength. Rebar can be added to the raised ridge and to the body of the panels. Included is a mating system for mating the panels to the posts. These include mounting the posts at a slight angle towards the front so the panels lay on the posts and are held in place by the weight of the panels or by methods well known in the art for affixing panels to the posts. The ends of the panels where they intersect with the posts can be overlapped for added strength or butted together for a more aesthetic appearance.

The third embodiment is a method of constructing a retaining wall using the retaining wall posts of the first embodiment and the system of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the retaining wall posts are buried in the ground by digging a hole and placing the bottom end of the post in the hole. Alternatively the post can be driven further into the ground by driving it into the ground. This is enhanced by the knife end configuration of the widened spade foot. The hole is filled and the soil is compressed to firmly plant the retaining wall posts in the ground. When the retaining wall posts are inserted into the ground, they can be positioned with a slight angle towards the front to hold the panels in place until the soil comprising the backfill is dumped or pushed against the back sides of the panels. Alternatively, the panels can be affixed to the posts using methods well known in the art. When the panels are being mated to the posts, the side ends of the panels can be overlapped for added strength or butted together. For added height, panels can be stacked.

In any of the embodiments, the retaining wall posts and panels can be pre-casted or casted in situ. Further, the retaining wall posts can be configured in height and widths for differing heights, types of soil to be retained and varying moisture conditions of the soil.

An object of the presently claimed invention is to provide a retaining wall post and system that provides for additional strength due to the “L” shape to withstand the horizontal forces placed on retaining walls instead of the prior art systems that merely transfer the horizontal forces to pure vertical forces by merely driving or burying a straight post into the ground.

The advantages of the presently claimed invention are that the post, system, and method are versatile, efficient, and cost effective. Further, the system and method do not require special tool or directions and can easily be installed.

Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the presently claimed invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the claimed invention. The objects and advantages of the claimed invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the presently claimed invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the claimed invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the claimed invention and are not to be construed as limiting the claimed invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred retaining wall post.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the retaining wall post of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the retaining wall post of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B is a cutout view along A-A of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the preferred panel.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a cutout view along B-B of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second embodiment of the preferred panel.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B is a cutout view along C-C of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the retaining wall system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the retaining wall system.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the installed retaining wall system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

This presently claimed invention is a retaining wall post, a system for providing a retaining wall, and a method for retaining soil using the system.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred retaining wall post, FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3A is a perspective view and 3B is a cutout view of 3A of the same. As shown in the figures, retaining wall post 10 is preferably a precast, one piece unit. Retaining wall post is preferably constructed from concrete or the like and poured into a mold. Retaining wall post 10 can also be cast on-site. Rebar 12 is preferably inserted as shown. The size of rebar 12 to be used is dependent on the amount of soil to be retained and the size of the retaining wall post 10. Although only one rebar piece is shown, the number of rebar pieces can be increased depending on the soil conditions, such as the amount of soil to be retained and the height of the retained soil. Rebar 12 is preferably centered in the front dimension 14 and offset to the rear or back portion 16 of retaining wall post 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, for increased stability. FIG. 3B shows a cutout view along A-A, showing the placement of rebar 12 within concrete 28. Retaining wall post 10 is configured as an “L” shaped member with a top portion 18 and a widened spade foot portion 20, with a predetermined angle 22 between the two. Top portion 18 is longer in height than bottom 20; however bottom 20 is dependent on the soil conditions, such as the height of the soil to be retained. Angle 22 in conjunction with of widened spade foot 24 on bottom portion 20, resists lateral forces transferred from upper portion 18 loaded by retaining panel 30. Angle 22 is preferably around one hundred and forty degrees (140°); however, it can be optimized for individual use. A range between ninety degrees (90°) to one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) can be implemented. Widened spade foot 24 is configured with a taper at tip 32 for driving retaining wall post 10 into the ground. The taper is preferably angled and oriented to encourage retaining wall post 10 to maintain the proper embedment. As more clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, retaining wall post 10 is tapered, with the widest dimension at widened spade foot 24. This increases the surface area for maintaining the stability of retaining wall post 10 when buried in the ground and provides for increased horizontal force retention where the loads are greatest. Angle 22 in conjunction with widened spade foot 24 effectively transfers the horizontal load of the soil being retained to compress the soil beneath widened spade foot, thus increasing the stability of the retaining wall. This system is more efficient and effective than a retaining wall post that is placed perpendicular to the ground. Angle 22 of retaining wall post 10 is the transfer point for the aforementioned forces, so the tensile strength at this area is enhanced by rebar 12, the size and placement of rebar 12, and the compression strength of the concrete. Again, these components can be optimized for the amount, size and type of soil to be retained.

FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B show one embodiment of a retaining wall panel 30. Retaining wall panel 30 is also preferably a one-piece unit that can be precast for delivery and installation on site. Alternatively, it can also be casted on-site. Retaining wall panel 30 can be constructed by using a mold and can be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to, concrete, fiberglass, plastic, metal, or the like. For this discussion, a concrete unit is described. Retaining wall panel 30 is preferably a rectangle, elongated in width 32 and shorter in length 34, as shown in FIG. 4. The dimensions can be tailored for the specific use. To enhance the strength of retaining wall panel 30 a raised ridge 54 can be included on a back side 50. Raised ridge 54 is indented on each end 56 of panel 30 to allow for attachment or mating to retaining wall post as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Mating to retaining wall posts can include buffers, adhesives, clamps, pins, interlocking ridges or mating teeth or any other well known method can be used. This will counter horizontal force 36 of the soil to be retained. Raised ridge 54 preferably includes ridge rebar 38 encased in concrete 58 as shown in FIG. 5B, which is cutout along B-B of FIG. 5A. Again, depending on the soil conditions additional pieces of rebar can be used in both a horizontal and vertical orientations at spaced intervals to provide additional strength. Since horizontal forces 36 are more pronounced towards bottom 40 of raised ridge 54, it is preferably offset and located near bottom 40.

For increased strength, two or more raised ridges 54′ can be disposed on retaining wall panel 30′ as shown in FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B. These panels can be similarly constructed using ridge rebar 38′ is each raised ridge 54′. Again, for stability raised ridges 54′ can be offset towards bottom 40′ of retaining wall panel 30′. Additional rebar can be added to raised ridge 54′ in both the horizontal and vertical direction to enhance or augment the holding strength, as needed. In either of the embodiments, front side 52 can be colored or contain ornamentation for aesthetic purposes.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show the preferred retaining wall installations. FIG. 8 shows an overlapping embodiment whereby a first panel 40 is attached to retaining wall post 10 and a second panel 42 overlaps 44 a first panel end 46 of over a second panel end 48, as shown. Overlap 44 should preferably be at least the width of top portion 18. This system should be used for maximum retention, for example for systems with more than two stacked panels. For installations that do not require as much horizontal force retention or for aesthetic purposes, the system of FIG. 9 can be used. In this system, first panel end 46 abuts 50 second panel end 48, with each end evenly contacting top portion 18.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the preferred installation. First, a hole 60 is dug to a predetermined depth. Retaining wall post 10 is then inserted into hole 60, burying widened spade foot 20, as shown. Alternatively, retaining wall post can be driven into ground 62, or inserted into hole 60 and driven the rest of the way into ground 62 to the desired depth. This is accomplished due to knife end 64 of widened spade foot 20. Preferably, widened spade foot 20 is totally below the ground surface or up to crease 66. For best results and easy installation of panels, a slight tilt of two to three degrees (2-3°) 68 towards a front can be implemented. Retaining wall post 10 is then held in place and hole 60 is filled and compacted. A measurement is made to set the next retaining wall post 10 and this same procedure is repeated for the remaining posts. Once all the retaining wall posts are placed, panels 40 are then mated to them, either as shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9. Panels 40 are secured using methods well known in the art or due to the slight tilt of two to three degrees (2-3°) 68, panels 40 rest against retaining wall posts. Once all of the panels are in place, soil 72 can be packed on back face of panels 74 to the desired height. As shown, horizontal force 70 by retained soil is transferred to an angle of partial horizontal and vertical forces, causing compaction of the soil 76 below widened spade foot 24, thereby increasing the stability of the retaining wall system. This significantly increases the amount of force that can be retained by the claimed system.

Although the claimed invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the presently claimed invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above, are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A retaining wall post comprising:

a top portion for receiving panels;

a bottom portion comprising a widened spade foot for insertion into the ground, wherein the top portion and bottom portion are “L” shaped comprising a predetermined angle and wherein the retaining wall post is tapered towards the widened spade foot.

2. The retaining wall post of claim 1 wherein the retaining wall post is a casted one piece unit.

3. The retaining wall post of claim 1 further comprising reinforcing rebar.

4. The retaining wall post of claim 1 wherein the widened spade foot comprises a tapered tip.

5. The retaining wall post of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion is configured to have a width that resists lateral forces transferred from the upper portion and the receiving panels.

6. The retaining wall post of claim 1 wherein the upper portion is configured to have a predetermined height comprising a height of at least a soil to be retained height.

7. The retaining wall post of claim 1 wherein the predetermined angle comprises an angle configured to transfer a horizontal force to an angled vertical and horizontal force and compress soil beneath the widened spade foot.

8. The retaining wall post of claim 1 wherein the predetermined angle comprises a range between ninety degrees (90°) and one hundred and eighty degrees)(180°).

9. A retaining wall system comprising:

at least two retaining wall posts, each retaining wall post comprising a top portion for receiving panels, a bottom portion comprising a widened spade foot for insertion into the ground, wherein the top portion and bottom portion are “L” shaped comprising a predetermined angle and wherein the retaining wall post is tapered towards the widened spade foot;

at least one panel, each panel comprising at least one raised ridge and each panel configured to retain soil; and

a mating structure to mate a first end of each panel to a first retaining wall post and to mate a second end of each panel to a second retaining wall post.

10. The retaining wall system of claim 9 wherein the mating structure comprises a predetermined tilt towards a front of the at least two retaining wall posts.

11. The retaining wall system of claim 9 wherein the first end of a first panel overlaps a first end of a second panel at each retaining wall post.

12. The retaining wall system of claim 9 wherein the first end of a first panel abuts a first end of a second panel at each retaining wall post.

13. The retaining wall system of claim 9 further comprising a first panel with at least one stacked second panel.

14. A method of installing a retaining wall, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting at least two retaining wall posts into the ground, each retaining wall post comprising a top portion for receiving panels, a bottom portion comprising a widened spade foot for insertion into the ground, wherein the top portion and bottom portion are “L” shaped comprising a predetermined angle and wherein the retaining wall post is tapered towards the widened spade foot;

(b) filling and compacting the soil around each retaining wall post;

(c) mating at least one panel to the at least two retaining wall posts;

(d) packing the soil to be retained on a back face of the at least one panel to a desired height.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of inserting comprises burying the bottom portion by digging a hole or by driving the spade foot into the ground.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of mating comprises inserting the at least two retaining wall posts into the ground whereby the top portion of each post is tilted towards a front.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of reinforcing the at least one panel with at least one raised ridge.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of overlapping a first end of a first panel with a first end of a second panel at each retaining wall post.

19. The method of claim 14 further comprising abutting a first end of a first panel with a first end of a second panel at each retaining wall post.

20. The method of claim 14 stacking at least one panel on a first installed panel.