Patent Application
20240417937
The invention relates to a jersey-wall element with a concrete base element that has a longitudinal extension, two longitudinal sides, two front sides, and a base, wherein on at least one of the front sides, at least one coupling element is arranged for connecting the jersey-wall element to an adjacent jersey-wall element.
Usually, in today's road traffic, jersey walls are used as passive protective systems, which essentially consist of metal or concrete. These systems for resisting vehicle impact are intended to keep motor vehicles from going off the road and crashing or colliding with pedestrians, oncoming motor vehicles, plantings, rocks, buildings, etc.
Especially tall jersey walls that are difficult to move or are even connected securely to the subsurface have sometimes also been arranged in front of objects or installations placed next to a street that are in danger of collapse if a motor vehicle collided with them (for example, sign bridges or bridge pillars) because of their design and their structure.
Such jersey walls, which at least in sections consist of especially tall jersey-wall elements, are intended to prevent parts of a tall motor vehicle, such as, for example, a truck, from colliding with the jersey wall, or to keep parts of its load from projecting laterally over the jersey wall or from being expelled and colliding with the object in danger of collapse or causing the latter to shear off, be severed, and/or collapse.
Currently, where tall jersey walls are necessary in road traffic, especially tall steel crash barriers or steel jersey walls are used. These systems have the drawback that they cannot ensure adequate resistance to vehicle impact because of the flexibility or deformability of the steel. Also, especially tall in-situ concrete jersey walls, with or without mounted rails made of steel or concrete, are already used in many places. The latter, however, are complicated to produce or to install on site. In any case, it is disadvantageous in all of the known systems that it can be very expensive to repair the jersey walls after a collision in which in most cases they sustain serious damage.
Jersey walls made of conventional concrete prefabricated elements with top-mounted steel rails are occasionally used at critical points in the road traffic and offer the significant advantage that they can be repaired comparatively simply and advantageously (by damaged jersey-wall elements being exchanged). The connections between the adjoining jersey-wall elements of such jersey walls are not configured, however, for the special application of a collision of a tall motor vehicle with the jersey wall. In the case of jersey walls made of such jersey-wall elements, there is therefore an increased risk that the connections between the jersey-wall elements will not withstand an impact incident with a high application of load (such as during the impact of a tall motor vehicle against the jersey wall) and consequently the jersey wall is broken.
The object of the invention is to make available a jersey-wall element of the above-mentioned type, which does not have the drawbacks of the state of the art. In particular, a jersey-wall element is to be provided that can be produced, constructed, and replaced easily and advantageously. A jersey wall that consists of such jersey-wall elements is intended to be able to withstand the impact of a tall motor vehicle as well as to reduce significantly in particular vehicle penetration (i.e., resistance to vehicle impact in the event of a crash).
This object is achieved according to the invention with a jersey-wall element as disclosed and claimed.
Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.
According to the invention, it is provided that the jersey-wall element has a minimum height of 1.5 m measured starting from the base, that a projection that protrudes over the central area and runs in the direction of the longitudinal extension is arranged on at least one of the longitudinal sides, via a central area of the base element set back relative to a foot area of the base element, and that the coupling element is arranged at least in sections at the height of the projection.
Since the base element of the jersey-wall element according to the invention already has a minimum height of 1.5 m, preferably 1.7 m, in particular 1.8 m, which is significantly taller than the height of conventional concrete jersey-wall elements, the jersey-wall element according to the invention is also tall enough, even without an additional rail being installed, to stop the lateral overhang of a tall motor vehicle that impacts the jersey-wall element. This minimum height is selected in particular so that the center of gravity of a majority of all conventional road vehicles is below this minimum height. The jersey-wall element has at least the minimum height essentially over its entire length running in the longitudinal extension, wherein in places that are very short compared to the length of the jersey-wall element, the jersey-wall element can also be below the minimum height.
The projection arranged on the base element is especially effective in preventing the overhanging of parts of a tall motor vehicle that impacts the jersey-wall element and in ensuring that parts detached from the motor vehicle in the event of an impact or unsecured parts of the load are not hurled over the jersey-wall element. Within the scope of the invention, the fact that the projection extends over the central area means that the projection extends into the central area at least over the section of the longitudinal side that adjoins the projection.
Because the coupling element is positioned in the area of the projection, i.e., such that at least one section of the coupling is at the height of the projection or extends vertically inward into a vertical area-over which the projection extends-the connection between two adjoining jersey-wall elements of a jersey wall is especially resilient relative to the impact of a tall motor vehicle. Since, as a rule, an impact force that arises during an impact incident hits the jersey-wall element right at the above-mentioned projection, the lever arm between the force contact point and the coupling of two adjacent jersey-wall elements is very short in the case of the arrangement of the coupling element according to the invention. Thus, during impact, a relatively low torque acts on the coupling, thereby significantly reducing the risk that the coupling will fail.
Within the scope of the invention, the jersey-wall element can also have multiple coupling elements, but at least one of them is arranged at the height of the projection. The arrangement of the coupling element at the height of the projection is understood within the scope of the invention to mean that the coupling element extends at least to any height at which the projection is arranged. The coupling element is preferably arranged, however, only at the height of or in the area of the projection. Within the scope of the invention, this means that the coupling element is short in comparison to the minimum height of the base element and that the essential part of the coupling element is arranged above any height from which the projection extends, seen in the vertical direction.
When the jersey-wall element is used as directed, the longitudinal extension of its base element runs essentially in the horizontal direction, its minimum height is extended essentially in the vertical direction, and the projection extends away from the latter essentially horizontally and normally with respect to the longitudinal extension and the minimum height of the base element.
In particular, within the scope of the invention, an embodiment is preferred in which the projection consists of concrete and is molded onto the base element monolithically. Such jersey-wall elements can be produced especially advantageously since they can be cast essentially from one piece. Preferably, in the case of such a jersey-wall element, a reinforcement, connected in particular to a reinforcement of the base element, is arranged in the projection.
Within the scope of the invention, embodiments are also possible in which the projection is connected to the base element, in particular screwed onto the latter. In the case of such embodiments, the projection can be manufactured from, for example, metal, rubber, or plastic, but also from concrete. The projection, which can also consist of multiple short elements, in the case of such embodiments has a flat side, with which it rests on the longitudinal surface and is securely connected to the base element. Preferably, such a projection is connected to the latter only after the base element is manufactured. Within the scope of the invention, however, it is also possible that such a projection is already connected to the latter during the manufacturing of the base element, for example by parts or partial elements of the projection extending into the base element before the latter hardens.
In a preferred embodiment, the projection is arranged on a top end of the base element that is opposite to the base. It is also possible, however, that the projection is arranged at a distance from the top end, so that the longitudinal side extends over the projection in the vertical direction. In the case of jersey-wall elements of the first variant, material can be saved, since the base element needs to reach only up to the desired arrangement height of the projection. In the case of jersey-wall elements of the second variant, the extension of the longitudinal side above the projection offers additional protection from pieces of debris detaching in the event of an impact incident or unsecured cargo.
It is also possible within the scope of the invention that the projection optionally together with the top end of the base element forms a top surface, on which at least one cap is arranged. The top surface can in this case be essentially flat or curved or can fall away on one or both sides. The cap can be a safety element, such as, for example, a rail, lattice, or grid, which is used in particular to stop the fragments flying through the air or parts of the vehicle's load. The cap can also be another design element, however, such as, for example, a lamp post, or a vertical carrier of a sign bridge.
Preferred are embodiments in which an impact edge or impact surface that extends as far as possible from the base element and runs in the direction of the longitudinal extension is designed on the projection. In this connection, extending as far as possible means that the impact edge or impact surface forms the area of the projection that extends the farthest from the base element in the vertical direction. Preferably, however, the impact edge or impact surface does not extend over the entire width of the base element, in particular the maximum width of the base element in the foot area, in order not to widen the jersey-wall element.
An impact edge diverts the part of the motor vehicle that collides with the projection specifically in one direction. In addition, such an impact edge can be reinforced especially simply and economically in order to prevent damage.
An impact surface offers a larger force attack surface for better distribution of the impact force. The impact surface can run essentially vertically but also obliquely and can have an upper edge and/or lower edge. The upper edge or lower edge of an impact surface that runs obliquely can-when it extends as far as possible from the base element, i.e., farther than the impact surface and farther than the other edge-at the same time also be the impact edge.
In particular, within the scope of the invention, it is provided that the impact edge or a lower edge of the impact surface is at least 1.25 m, preferably at least 1.45 m, in particular at least 1.6 m, from the base, i.e., an edge height of at least 1.25 m, preferably at least 1.45 m, in particular at least 1.6 m. The projection extends preferably over a vertical distance of 0.1 to 0.4 m, in particular 0.2 to 0.3 m. The jersey-wall element as a result offers especially effective protection relative to the impact of a tall motor vehicle, such as, for example, a truck. The edge height essentially defines the vertical distance between the impact edge or surface and the base.
In a possible embodiment, the projection is undercut below the impact edge or the impact surface, in the direction toward the central area. As a result, an improved resistance-to-vehicle-impact function is achieved.
Within the scope of the invention, the impact edge or a lower edge or upper edge of the impact surface preferably has a normal distance of at least 0.1 m, preferably at least 0.15 m, in particular at least 0.2 m, from the longitudinal side in the central area. In the case of embodiments in which the projection is molded onto the base element and is connected monolithically to the latter, the shortest distance between the edge and a plane in which the longitudinal surface runs into the central area is considered to be the normal distance.
In addition, it can be provided that a reinforcing element is arranged on the impact edge or the impact surface. Such a reinforcing element can be, for example, an edge, rail, or ridge made of metal (in particular galvanized steel), rubber, or plastic. The reinforcing element can statically reinforce the projection or the entire concrete jersey-wall element, but also can increase the damage resistance of the projection in the area of the impact edge or surface and thus offer protection against chipping, breaking, or erosion of the concrete.
Preferably, the jersey-wall element according to the invention can be connected to a subsurface in the area of the base or can be anchored in a subsurface (i.e., it has means suitable for this purpose). Since the jersey-wall element according to the invention is used primarily in an area in front of an object in danger of collapse located on the edge of the road or median, a lateral movement and a possible collision of the jersey-wall element with the object resulting therefrom can thus be prevented. In order to be able to connect the jersey-wall element to the subsurface, it preferably has vertical through openings in the foot area for passing screws or ground anchors. In particular, the through openings are provided on both longitudinal sides of the base element running in the longitudinal extension.
In another embodiment, another projection that protrudes relative to the central area and that runs in the direction of the longitudinal extension is arranged on the other longitudinal side of the base element. Jersey-wall elements designed in such a way are placed in particular between two roads running in opposite directions in order to offer impact protection on both sides. For example, such a jersey-wall element can be used in an area in which an upright of a sign bridge is connected to the concrete jersey wall that runs between two roads. Preferably, the additional projection is designed symmetrically to the other projection, which projections can, however, also be shaped differently or arranged at differing heights. Within the scope of the invention, a symmetrical design is understood to mean a design that is symmetrical to a vertical plane running through the jersey-wall element.
Preferably, the foot area of the base element is designed in the area of the base in the form of a widened pedestal, and the adjoining longitudinal sides come closer together when the distance from the base increases. In particular, the base element can have the shape of a one-sided or two-sided New Jersey profile. By such a design, the center of gravity of the jersey-wall element is reduced.
Additional details, features, and advantages of the invention follow from the description below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are depicted. Here:
The jersey-wall element 1 has a base element 2, which consists essentially of concrete. The base element 2 has a base 3, with which the jersey-wall element 1 rests on a subsurface 4 in use as directed, two essentially vertical front sides 5, and two longitudinal sides 6 that run in the direction of the longitudinal extension L.
In the area of the base 3, the base element 2 has a foot area 7 that is wider in cross-section, to which a central area 8, more narrow in cross-section, set back at least on one of the longitudinal sides 6, connects. Preferably, the jersey-wall element 1 has the shape of a one-or two-sided New Jersey profile.
The jersey-wall element 1 has a minimum height HM, measured starting from the base, of 1.5 m, preferably 1.7 m, in particular 1.8 m.
A projection 9, which in the depicted embodiment is molded directly onto at least one of the longitudinal sides 6 of the base element 2 and is connected monolithically to the latter, extends above the central area 8, on a top end 11 of the jersey-wall element 1 via the central area 8.
At the height of the projection 9, a coupling element 12 is arranged on at least one of the front sides 5, preferably on each of the front sides 5, which coupling element 12 serves as the connection of the jersey-wall element 1 to an adjoining jersey-wall element 1 of a jersey wall.
Depicted in
Both in the jersey-wall element 1 according to
The jersey-wall element 1 according to
According to
In addition, on a top surface 15 opposite the base 3 formed by the projection 9 and the base element 2, a cap 16, in particular a safety element, such as, for example, a metal rail, or another design element, such as, for example, a lamp post or the like, is mounted, in particular screwed, onto the top end 11 of the jersey-wall element 1.
Depicted in
Both embodiments in each case have two projections 9 arranged on the top end 11 of the base element 2, which projections are arranged on both longitudinal sides 6 and are designed in mirror image. In the case of both embodiments, the coupling element 12 is also arranged at the height of the projections 9.
In addition, in the embodiments according to
In the case of the jersey-wall element 1 according to
The projections 9 of the jersey-wall element 1 depicted in
The projection 9 of the jersey-wall element 1 according to the invention can—as depicted in
Also, the projection 9 of the jersey-wall element 1 according to the invention—as depicted in
Since, in the embodiments according to
It is possible—although not preferred—that in the case of an impact surface 17 that runs obliquely, the lower edge 19 extends farther from the base element 2 than the upper edge 18, wherein in this case, the lower edge 19 forms an impact edge 20.
The lower edge 19 of the projection 9 has—as drawn in
The upper edge 18 and/or the lower edge 19 can have a normal distance AN of at least 0.1 m, preferably at least 0.15 m, in particular at least 0.2 m, from the arranged longitudinal side 6, wherein in the case of a projection 9 embodied monolithically with the base element 2, the normal distance AN is the shortest distance between a plane in which the longitudinal side 6 is arranged in the central area 8 and the edge 18, 19. In the case of embodiments with an impact edge 20, the latter has the normal distance AN of at least 0.1 m, preferably at least 0.15 m, in particular at least 0.2 m, from the arranged longitudinal side 6. In particular, the projection 9, viewed in the horizontal direction, does not extend over the foot area 7 of the base element 2, so that the jersey-wall element 1 is not wider than the base element 2 in the foot area 7.
The impact surface 17 of the projection 9 depicted on the left in
Depicted in
In addition, the jersey-wall element 1 depicted in
Depicted in
The above-described different embodiments of the jersey-wall element 1 can be combined in any way desired within the scope of the invention, in particular with respect to the shape and position of the projection 9 or the projections 9. For example, an embodiment is also conceivable in which only a single projection 9 is present, which is not connected monolithically to the base element 2 but rather is fastened to the base element 2.
Embodiments are also conceivable in which an upper edge 18 and a lower edge 19 do not extend from the base element 2, but rather only a single impact edge 20. In the case of such embodiments, the projection 9 can extend from the longitudinal side 6 or from the base element 2, for example, in the form of beads or wedges. In the case of a bead-like projection 9, the curved area of the projection that extends as far as possible from the base element 2 is defined as an impact edge 20.
In the case of embodiments of the jersey-wall element 1 with projections 9 arranged on both sides, it is also possible that the impact surfaces 17 or impact edges 20 of both projections 9 have a reinforcing element 21 in the form of a rail, edge, ridge, plate, or the like.
The above-described features and feature combinations are not limited to the embodiments of the jersey-wall element 1 with a one-or two-sided New Jersey profile in cross-section, but rather within the scope of the invention can also be carried over to embodiments of the jersey-wall element 1 that have another cross-sectional shape (such as, for example, the embodiment of the jersey-wall element 1 depicted in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 50038/2021 | Jan 2021 | AT | national |
This application is the US national stage of PCT/EP2022/051184, filed Jan. 20, 2022, which claims the priority of AT A 50038/2021, filed Jan. 26, 2021. The entire contents of each foregoing application are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/051184 | 1/20/2022 | WO |
