EMBANKMENT WALL STRUCTURE OF MONOLITHIC FACING PANELS, CHANGER PANELS, STANDARD FACING PANELS AND SAID PANELS THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention provides an embankment wall structure (1000) comprising a plurality of facing panels (100) extending upwardly from a support surface and adapted to be stacked alongside in a horizontal as well as vertical direction. The plurality of facing panels (100) includes a plurality of monolithic facing panels (120), a plurality of first changer panels (140), a plurality of second changer panels (160), and a plurality of standard facing panels (180). Each monolithic facing panel (120) is stacked side by side with each first changer panel (140) at a desired stretch, and each second changer panel (160) is stacked adjacent to one monolithic facing panel (120) and opposite to one first changer panel (140), at a desired position in a top layer (200) of the wall (1000). Further, each of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) is in contact with either of the panels or combinations thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of retaining or protecting walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to an embankment wall structure with various facing panels which aid to counter top panel movements and rotations thus, allows speedy execution and saves cost in terms of manpower, diesel, machineries etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Facing panels are generally used on wall facing of retaining walls, particularly, Reinforced Soil Wall and Slopes associated structures, which are structures for holding, in place, a mass of earth by reinforcement with elements in form of strips, grids or mesh. These facing panels prevent deterioration or failure of reinforced and backfill soil. These facing panels are generally comprised of concrete or other materials such as metal or wood and such facing panels can be of different shapes or sizes.

Conventionally, the wall facing comprises of interlocking facing panels or elements secured to the reinforcement at the face of a Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall (RSR wall) structure which serves the purpose to restrain soil and resists pressure of the soil that is being held back. The facing panels or elements are prefabricated or precast reinforced panels of quadrilateral shape, cross-shape, cruciform shape or T-shape which create a continuous covering of the retaining wall structures. Further, in some of the conventional retaining wall structures, small facing panels are used for easy transportation and handling method during construction. Also, in conventional retaining wall structures symmetric shaped facing panels are arranged in different ways to cover the facing of the retaining wall structures.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,313A discloses improvements in a stackable interlocking concrete block for incorporation into a facing wall of a retaining wall system for facilitating and preserving the tie or connection to be established between the facing wall and the respective sheets or strips of soil reinforcing mesh or grid.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,272A discloses retaining wall comprised of a combination of precast wall panels of modified cruciform shape that are interconnected in a pattern to form a planar vertical wall structure for supporting fill.

US2002/0094241A1 discloses a modular earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of similarly configured wall blocks that have lock channels and lock flanges which provide a locking mechanism for resisting leaning or toppling of the blocks.

US2017355108A1 discloses a system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mould for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations. Further, in an embodiment the blocks are disclosed as H-shaped, wherein each block include engagement cavities on a top surface and engagement protrusions on a bottom surface that can interlock with the engagement cavities at the top of underlying blocks.

There are number of problems associated with the conventional retaining wall structures such as segmental panel system in RSR walls wherein the facing panels are of different shapes or patterns other than the square or rectangular shapes which creates hindrance while inserting and aligning the facing panels, in case of topmost panels wherein heights of the panels keep varying to maintain the desired level of the wall. These RSR walls are mostly subjected to very high pressures exerted by lateral movements of the soil which result in retaining wall failures including, but not limited to, overturning, internal sliding, column shear failure, or toppling of the facing of the wall.

Further, in conventional retaining wall structures the topmost line of small sized facing panels is prone to movement or rotations due to compaction of backfill behind the retaining wall or due to vehicle movements. The facing panels used at the topmost line of the retaining wall being light in weight tend to move or rotate outside very frequently. Therefore, such top panel movement is difficult to control and needs lot of attention and reworks.

Furthermore, in conventional retaining wall structures the facing panels used at the topmost line of wall facing are required to be of varying heights in order to achieve the desired profile at the top and geogrids in a bottom portion of bigger size panels do not allow movement of these panels. Accordingly, the problem exists in providing different adjacent panel combinations for the topmost line of the wall facing to arrest the movement of the facing panels at the top. Further, the conventional retaining wall structures include the facing panels having symmetric shapes which make it difficult to use these facing panels beyond a certain height.

Therefore, in view of the above limitations of the conventional approaches and assemblies/retaining wall structures/facing panels, there exists a need to develop an improved approach and assembly/retaining wall structures/facing panels which would in turn address a variety of issues including, but not limited to, toppling or overturning of the topmost line of facing panels in the retaining wall structures, and in which wall alignment, failure of topmost line of facing panels, cracks in the crash barrier lip or cracks in topmost line of facing panels can be arrested. Moreover, it is desired to develop an embankment wall structure and facing panels where no rework is required to realign the topmost line of small panels before laying/erection of crash barrier.

Thus, the above-described deficiencies of conventional approaches and assemblies/retaining wall structures/facing panels, are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional approaches and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with conventional approaches and assemblies/retaining wall structures/facing panels and their corresponding benefits of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein may become further apparent upon review of the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an embankment wall structure for avoiding top facing panels movement or rotation. The embankment wall structure in view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior-art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an embankment wall structure that is capable of including all advantages of the prior art and also overcomes the drawbacks inherent in the prior art offering some added advantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an embankment wall structure having a plurality of monolithic facing panels, plurality of changer panels and plurality of standard facing panels which facilitates proper alignment of the facing panels at a top layer of the embankment wall structure and thus, avoids the risk of problems including, but not limited to, overturning, internal sliding, column shear failure, or toppling of the embankment wall structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an embankment wall structure which avoids the issues of hindrance while inserting and aligning the plurality of facing panels with each other.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an embankment wall structure which does not require any rework to realign the topmost line of small panels before laying/erection of crash barrier and allows cracks in the crash barrier lip or cracks in topmost line of facing panels to be arrested.

Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention provides an embankment wall structure comprising a plurality of facing panels extending upwardly from a support surface and adapted to be stacked alongside in a horizontal as well as vertical direction. The plurality of facing panels have a plurality of monolithic facing panels, a plurality of first changer panels, a plurality of second changer panels, and a plurality of standard facing panels. Each of the monolithic facing panel is configured to be stacked side by side with each of the first changer panel at a desired stretch of a top layer of the wall structure. At least one of the second changer panels is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of the monolithic facing panel and opposite to the first changer panel, at a desired position in the top layer of the wall structure. Further, the plurality of standard facing panels are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that uppermost standard facing panels are in contact with the monolithic facing panel, first changer panel, second changer panel or combinations thereof at the desired stretch of the top layer of the wall structure.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a monolithic facing panel to be assembled in the embankment wall structure.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a first changer panel to be assembled in the embankment wall structure.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a second changer panel to be assembled in the embankment wall structure.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, details the invention in different embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description of expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings and detailed description which follow are intended to be merely illustrative of the expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embankment wall structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2(a) illustrates a monolithic facing panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2(b) illustrates a monolithic facing panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3(a) illustrates a first changer panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3(b) illustrates a first changer panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4(a) illustrates a second changer panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4(b) illustrates a second changer panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5(a) illustrates a standard facing panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5(b) illustrates a standard facing panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5(c) illustrates a standard facing panel in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embankment wall structure in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embankment wall structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8(a) illustrates a perspective view of the monolithic facing panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8(b) illustrates a perspective view of the monolithic facing panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9(a) illustrates a perspective view of the first changer panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9(b) illustrates a perspective view of the first changer panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10(a) illustrates a perspective view of the second changer panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10(b) illustrates a perspective view of the second changer panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Call Out List

• 1000 Embankment wall structure
• 100 plurality of facing panels
• 120 plurality of monolithic facing panels
• 122 top portion
• 124 lower portion
• 126 top surface
• 128 bottom surface
• 130 at least a pair of opposed side surfaces
• 140 plurality of first changer panels
• 142 top surface
• 144 bottom surface
• 146 at least a pair of opposed side surfaces
• 160 plurality of second changer panels
• 162 one side
• 164 other side
• 166 top surface
• 168 bottom surface
• 170 at least a pair of opposed side surfaces
• 180 plurality of standard facing panels
• 200 top layer

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in the structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular embankment wall structure as shown and described herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The use of terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Further, the terms, “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Further, the expression ‘desired stretch’ herein refers to a specific stretch in an embankment wall structure where the issues relating to overturning, internal sliding, column shear failure, toppling or the like of the embankment wall structure are required to be avoided.

Further, the expression ‘desired position’ herein refers to a specific position in the embankment wall structure where the issues relating to insertion of standard panels adjacent to monolithic facing panels, or where the issues relating to insertion of smaller and bigger standard panels adjacent to the monolithic facing panels are required to be avoided in order to make the continuous wall structure.

Referring to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. An embankment wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a plurality of facing panels (100). Further, the embankment wall structure (1000) may be used to prevent an earthen wall construction, or to make waterway, canal or channel construction which can be used for erosion control, irrigation or other water supply, flood control, drainage, or the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of facing panels (100) has a plurality of monolithic facing panels (120), a plurality of first changer panels (140), a plurality of second changer panels (160), and a plurality of standard facing panels (180), as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the plurality of facing panels (100), namely, monolithic facing panels (120), first changer panels (140), second changer panels (160), and standard facing panels (180) are defined as the panels having specific shapes and configurations (as discussed below in detail) which are positioned with each other to form the embankment wall structure (1000). The plurality of facing panels (100) are configured to be extending upwardly from a support surface and are adapted to be stacked alongside in a horizontal as well as vertical direction to form the embankment wall structure (1000).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the monolithic facing panels (120), as shown in FIG. 1, is configured to be stacked side by side with each of the first changer panels (140) at a desired stretch of a top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). In other words, each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is positioned in an alternate and side by side fashion with each of the first changer panels (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is a cuboidal or a cubical panel which is configured to have a cruciform shape, as shown in FIG. 2(a). Further, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is an irregular octagonal panel with a tubular top portion (122) such that each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is configured to have a tubular shape at a top portion (122) and a hexagonal shape at a lower portion (124) extending from end portions of the tubular shape, as shown in FIG. 2(b). Further, the plurality of monolithic facing panels (120) may be configured in the cruciform shape, or the tubular shape at the top portion (122) and the hexagonal shape at the lower portion (124) extending from end portions of the tubular shape, with varying heights as per the requirement.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of first changer panels (140) is a cuboidal or a cubical panel which is configured to have a T-shape, as shown in FIG. 3(a). The T-shape is defined as a shape with a higher length at a top surface (142) than at a bottom surface (144) of the first changer panel (140). Further, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each of the first changer panels (140) is an irregular hexagonal panel which is configured to have a non-symmetric hexagonal shape, as shown in FIG. 3(b). Furthermore, the plurality of first changer panels (140) may be configured in the T-shape or the non-symmetric hexagonal shape, with varying heights as per the requirement.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the second changer panels (160) is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of the monolithic facing panels (120) and opposite to one of the first changer panels (140), at a desired position in the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, each of the second changer panels (160) may also be configured to be stacked adjacent to the monolithic facing panels (120) on one side and adjacent to the standard facing panels (180) on the other side. For example, one of the second changer panels (160) may be configured to have one monolithic facing panel (120) on left and the standard facing panels (180) on right side at the desired position in the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, each of the second changer panels (160) is configured in such a manner that when the second changer panel (160) is vertically cut, the two planes obtained are of non-symmetric shapes. In other words, the two planes obtained are of different shapes and angles. Furthermore, the second changer panel (160) allows connection of different shapes or patterns of adjacent panels on both sides (162, 164) of the second changer panel (160).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the second changer panels (160) is a cuboidal or a cubical panel which is configured to have a T-shape at one side (162) and a cruciform shape on the other side (164) of the second changer panels (130), as shown in FIG. 4(a). The T-shape is defined as a shape with a higher length at a top surface (166) than at a bottom surface (168) of the second changer panel (130). Further, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each of the second changer panels (160) is an irregular hexagonal panel which is configured to have a non-symmetric hexagonal shape wherein at least one of the sides of the second changer panels (160) is different from the first changer panel (140), as shown in FIG. 4(b). Furthermore, the plurality of second changer panels (160) may be configured in the T-shape at one side (162) and the cruciform shape on the other side (164), or the non-symmetric hexagonal shape with at least one side different from that of the first changer panel (140), with varying heights as per the requirement.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of standard facing panels (180) are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) is in contact with either of the monolithic facing panel (120), first changer panel (140), second changer panel (160) or combinations thereof at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). For example, one of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) may be in contact with the two of the monolithic facing panels (120) and one of the first changer panels (140); or one of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) may be in contact with one of the monolithic facing panels (120), one of the second changer panels (160) and one of the standard facing panels (180); or one of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) may be in contact with one of the monolithic facing panels (120) and other standard facing panels (180), at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the standard facing panels (180) is a cuboidal or a cubical panel which is configured to have a cruciform shape, as shown FIG. 5(a). In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each of the standard facing panels (180) is a cuboidal or a cubical panel configured to have a T-shape, as shown FIG. 5(b). The T-shape is defined as a shape with a higher length at a top surface than at a bottom surface of the standard facing panel (180). Further, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, each of the standard facing panels (180) is a hexagonal panel which is configured to have a hexagonal shape, as shown in FIG. 5(c). Each of the standard facing panels (180) may also be configured in the cruciform shape, T-shape or hexagonal shape with varying heights as per the requirement. Further, each of the standard facing panels (180) is known in the art and therefore, has not been defined here in detail for the sake of brevity.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000) is formed wherein the cruciform shaped monolithic facing panels (120) are arranged or positioned in combination with the T-shaped first changer panels (140), the second changer panels (160) having the T-shape at one side (162) and the cruciform shape on the other side (164), and the cruciform shaped standard facing panels (180), as shown in FIG. 1. These panels are positioned with each other such that each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is configured to be stacked side by side with each of the first changer panel (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, each of the second changer panels (160) is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of the monolithic facing panels (120) and opposite to one of the first changer panels (140), at the desired position in the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Furthermore, the plurality of standard facing panels (180) are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) is in contact with either of the monolithic facing panel (120), first changer panel (140), second changer panel (160) or combinations thereof at this desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000) is formed wherein the cruciform shaped monolithic facing panels (120) are arranged or positioned in combination with the T-shaped first changer panels (140), the second changer panels (160) having the T-shape at one side (162) and the cruciform shape on the other side (164), and the T-shaped standard facing panels (180), as shown in FIG. 6. These panels are positioned with each other such that each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is configured to be stacked side by side with each of the first changer panel (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, each of the second changer panels (160) is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of the monolithic facing panels (120) and opposite to one of the first changer panels (140), at the desired position in the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Furthermore, the plurality of standard facing panels (180) are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) is in contact with either of the monolithic facing panel (120), first changer panel (140), second changer panel (160) or combinations thereof at this desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000) is formed wherein the monolithic facing panels (120) having a tubular shape at the top portion (122) and the hexagonal shape at a lower portion (124) extending from the end portions of the tubular shape, are arranged in combination with the non-symmetric hexagonal shaped first changer panels (140), second changer panels (160) having the non-symmetric hexagonal shape wherein at least one of the sides of the second changer panels (160) is different from the first changer panel (140), and the hexagonal shaped standard facing panels (180), as shown in FIG. 7. These panels are positioned with each other such that each of the monolithic facing panels (120) is configured to be stacked side by side with each of the first changer panel (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, each of the second changer panels (160) is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of the monolithic facing panels (120) and opposite to one of the first changer panels (140), at the desired position in the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Furthermore, the plurality of standard facing panels (180) are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels (180) is in contact with either of the monolithic facing panel (120), first changer panel (140), second changer panel (160) or combinations thereof at this desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, one of the monolithic facing panels (120), as shown in FIG. 8(a) has been described in detail. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the monolithic facing panel (120) comprises a top surface (126), a bottom surface (128), and at least a pair of opposed side surfaces (130). The top surface (126) and the bottom surface (128) are vertically spaced apart from each other. Further, the top surface (126) is configured to be in contact with a road ramp. The bottom surface (128) is configured to be in contact with a top surface of the standard facing panel (180) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, at least one of the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) is configured to be in contact with at least one of the first changer panels (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). For example, a pair of the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) is in contact with two of the first changer panels (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. Furthermore, at least one of the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) is configured to be in contact with one of the first changer panel (140) and at least one other opposed side surface (130) is configured to be in contact with the second changer panel (160) at the desired position of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface (126), bottom surface (128) and the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) are configured to form the cuboidal or the cubical panel in which one of the pair of opposed side surfaces (130) is configured to have a protruded cruciform shape. Further, the other pair of opposed side surfaces (130) is configured in such a manner that the cruciform shape is visible from the other pair of opposed side surfaces (130), as shown in FIG. 8(a).

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the top surface (126), bottom surface (128) and the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) are configured to form the irregular octagonal panel in which one of the opposed side surfaces (130) is configured to have a tubular shape at the top portion (122) and a hexagonal shape at the lower portion (124) extending from the end portions of the tubular shape which thereby configures the irregular octagonal shaped monolithic facing panel (120), as shown in FIG. 8(b). For example, in this embodiment, two pairs of the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) are in contact with two of the first changer panels (140) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 7. Further, for example, in this embodiment, two of the opposed side surfaces (130) of the monolithic facing panel (120) are in contact with one of the first changer panel (140) and two of the other opposed side surfaces (130) are configured to be in contact with the second changer panel (160) at the desired position of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 7.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, one of the first changer panels (140), as shown in FIG. 9(a) has been described in detail. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the first changer panel (140) comprises a top surface (142), a bottom surface (144), and at least a pair of opposed side surfaces (146). The top surface (142) and the bottom surface (144) are vertically spaced apart from each other. Further, the top surface (142) is configured to be in contact with a road ramp. The bottom surface (144) is configured to be in contact with the top surface of the standard facing panel (180) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, at least one of the opposed side surfaces (146) is configured to be in contact with a monolithic facing panel (120) and at least one other opposed side surface (146) is configured to be in contact with other monolithic facing panel (120) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000). For example, a pair of the opposed side surfaces (146) of the first changer panel (140) is in contact with two of the monolithic facing panels (120) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface (142), bottom surface (144) and the pair of opposed side surfaces (146) of the first changer panel (140) are configured to form the cuboidal or the cubical panel in which one of the pair of opposed side surfaces (146) is configured to have a protruded T-shape with a higher length at a top surface (142) than at a bottom surface (144). Further, the other pair of opposed side surfaces (146) is configured in such a manner that the T-shape is visible from the other pair of opposed side surfaces (146), as shown in FIG. 9(a).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface (142), bottom surface (144) and the pair of opposed side surfaces (146) of the first changer panel (140) are configured to form an irregular hexagonal panel having a non-symmetric hexagonal shape, as shown in FIG. 9(b). Further, the irregular hexagonal panel may have one of the pair of opposed side surfaces (146) having different length than the other pair of opposed side surfaces (146) thereby forming the non-symmetric hexagonal shape. For example, in this embodiment, two pairs of the opposed side surfaces (146) of the first changer panel (140) are in contact with two of the monolithic facing panels (120) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 7.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, one of the second changer panels (160), as shown in FIG. 10(a) has been described in detail. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the second changer panel (160) comprises a top surface (166), a bottom surface (168), and at least a pair of opposed side surfaces (170). The top surface (166) and the bottom surface (168) are vertically spaced apart from each other. Further, the top surface (166) is configured to be in contact with a road ramp. The bottom surface (168) is configured to be in contact with the top surface of the standard facing panel (180) at the desired stretch of the top layer (200) of the wall structure (1000). Further, at least one of the opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panel (160) is configured to be in contact with a monolithic facing panel (120) and at least one other opposed side surface (170) is configured to be in contact with other standard facing panels (180) at the desired position of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. Furthermore, at least one of the opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panel (160) is configured to be in contact with at least one of the monolithic facing panels (120) at the desired position of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000). For example, a pair of the opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panel (160) is configured to be in contact with two of the monolithic facing panels (120) at the desired position of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 6.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface (166), bottom surface (168), and the pair of opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panel (160) are configured to form the cuboidal or the cubical panel in which one of the opposed side surfaces (170) is configured to have a protruded T-shape and one of the other opposed side surfaces (170) is configured to have a protruded cruciform shape. Further, the other opposed side surfaces (170) are configured in such a manner that the T-shape and the cruciform shape, respectively are visible from the other opposed side surfaces (170), as shown in FIG. 10(a).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface (166), bottom surface (168) and the pair of opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panels (160) are configured to form the irregular hexagonal panel having a non-symmetric hexagonal shape in which at least one of the opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panel (160) is of different length from the first changer panel (140), as shown in FIG. 10(b). For example, in this embodiment, two of the opposed side surfaces (170) of the second changer panel (160) are in contact with one of the monolithic facing panel (120) and two of the other opposed side surfaces (170) are configured to be in contact with the other standard facing panels (180) at the desired position of the top layer (200) of the embankment wall structure (1000), as shown in FIG. 7.

Apart from what is disclosed above, the present invention also includes some additional benefits and advantages. Few of the additional benefits are mentioned below:

• • The present invention provides the embankment wall structure for avoiding movement or rotation of the top facing panels by positioning the plurality of monolithic facing panels, plurality of first changer panels and plurality of second changer panels in combination with each other at the desired stretch and desired position in the top layer of the wall embankment structure.
  • The embankment wall structure having the plurality of monolithic facing panels, changer panels and standard facing panels facilitates proper alignment of the panels at the top layer of the embankment wall structure thereby avoids the risk of problems such as, but not limited to, overturning, internal sliding, column shear failure, toppling or the like.
  • The embankment wall structure with the proper alignment of the panels avoids the issues of hindrance while inserting and aligning the plurality of facing panels with each other at the desired stretch in the top layer of the wall structure.
  • The embankment wall structure allows cracks in the crash barrier lip or cracks in topmost line of facing panels to be arrested which otherwise happened because of movement of the top panels and exerting pressure on the lip (projected portion of crash barrier downward) in the conventional wall structures. Also, movement of small panels occurred in the conventional wall structures because of light weighted panels and single layer of reinforcing materials as there was not enough space to provide second layer of reinforcing materials and also extra layer at very close spacing increased the cost of the conventional wall structures. Moreover, in some cases, because of constructional issues an extra layer was provided to arrest the movement/rotation of small sized top panels which also did not serve the purpose in an efficient way.
  • The embankment wall structure with the proper alignment of the panels does not require any rework to realign the topmost line of small panels before laying/erection of crash barrier and thus, is economical.
  • The embankment wall structure allows more uniform and smooth alignment of the plurality of monolithic facing panels, changer panels and standard facing panels.

The foregoing descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embankment wall structure, comprising: a plurality of facing panels extending upwardly from a support surface and adapted to be stacked alongside in a horizontal as well as vertical direction, said plurality of facing panels having a plurality of monolithic facing panels,a plurality of first changer panels,a plurality of second changer panels, anda plurality of standard facing panels;wherein each of said monolithic facing panel is configured to be stacked side by side with each of said first changer panels at a desired stretch of a top layer of said wall structure;wherein each of said second changer panels is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of said monolithic facing panels and opposite to one of said first changer panels, at a desired position in said top layer of said wall structure;wherein said plurality of standard facing panels are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels is in contact with either of said monolithic facing panel, first changer panel, second changer panel or combinations thereof at said desired stretch of said top layer of said wall structure.

2. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said monolithic facing panels is a cuboidal or a cubical panel configured to have a cruciform shape.

3. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said monolithic facing panels is an irregular octagonal panel with a tubular top portion such that each of said monolithic facing panels is configured to have a tubular shape at a top portion and a hexagonal shape at a lower portion extending from end portions of said tubular shape.

4. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first changer panels is a cuboidal or a cubical panel configured to have a T-shape.

5. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first changer panels is an irregular hexagonal panel configured to have a non-symmetric hexagonal shape.

6. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said second changer panels is a cuboidal or a cubical panel configured to have a T-shape at one side and a cruciform shape on the other side of said second changer panels.

7. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said second changer panels is an irregular hexagonal panel configured to have a non-symmetric hexagonal shape wherein at least one of the sides of said second changer panels is different from said first changer panel.

8. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said standard facing panels is a cuboidal or a cubical panel configured to have a cruciform shape.

9. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said standard facing panels is a cuboidal or a cubical panel configured to have a T-shape.

10. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said standard facing panels is a hexagonal panel configured to have a hexagonal shape.

11. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said monolithic facing panels are arranged in combination with first changer panels, second changer panels and standard facing panels such that each of said monolithic facing panels is configured to be stacked side by side with each of said first changer panel at said desired stretch of said top layer of said wall structure,each of said second changer panels is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of said monolithic facing panels and opposite to one of said first changer panels, at said desired position in said top layer of said wall structure, andsaid plurality of standard facing panels are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels is in contact with either of said monolithic facing panel, first changer panel, second changer panel or combinations thereof at said desired stretch of said top layer of said wall structure.

12. The embankment wall structure as claimed in claim claim 1, wherein said monolithic facing panels are arranged in combination with said first changer panels, said second changer panels wherein at least one of the sides of said second changer panels is different from said first changer panel, and standard facing panels such that each of said monolithic facing panel is configured to be stacked side by side with each of said first changer panel at said desired stretch of said top layer of said wall structure,each of said second changer panels is configured to be stacked adjacent to one of said monolithic facing panel and opposite to one of said first changer panels, at said desired position in said top layer of said wall structure, andsaid plurality of standard facing panels are configured to be stacked side by side with each other and one on top of another such that each of the uppermost standard facing panels is in contact with either of said monolithic facing panel, first changer panel, second changer panel or combinations thereof at said desired stretch of said top layer of said wall structure.

13. A monolithic facing panel, comprising: a top surface and a bottom surface vertically spaced apart from each other, said top surface is configured to be in contact with a road ramp; andat least a pair of opposed side surfaces;wherein said bottom surface is configured to be in contact with a top surface of a standard facing panel at a desired stretch of a top layer of an embankment wall structure,wherein at least one of said opposed side surfaces is configured to be in contact with at least one of said first changer panels at said desired stretch of said top layer of said embankment wall structure; andwherein at least one of said opposed side surfaces is configured to be in contact with one of said first changer panel and at least one other opposed side surface is configured to be in contact with a second changer panel at a desired position of said top layer of said embankment wall structure.

14. The monolithic facing panel as claimed in claim 13, wherein top surface, said bottom surface and said opposed side surfaces are configured to form a cuboidal or a cubical panel such that one of said pair of opposed side surfaces is configured to have a protruded cruciform shape.

15. The monolithic facing panel as claimed in claim 13, wherein said top surface, said bottom surface and said opposed side surfaces are configured to form an irregular octagonal panel such that one of said opposed side surfaces is configured to have a tubular shape at a top portion and a hexagonal shape at a lower portion extending from end portions of said tubular shape.

16. A first changer panel, comprising: a top surface and a bottom surface vertically spaced apart from each other, said top surface is configured to be in contact with a road ramp; andat least a pair of opposed side surfaces;wherein said bottom surface is configured to be in contact with a top surface of a standard facing panel at a desired stretch of a top layer of an embankment wall structure; andwherein at least one of said opposed side surfaces is configured to be in contact with a monolithic facing panel and at least one other opposed side surface is configured to be in contact with other monolithic facing pane at said desired stretch of said top layer of said embankment wall structure.

17. The first changer panel as claimed in claim 16, wherein said top surface, said bottom surface and said pair of opposed side surfaces are configured to form a cuboidal or a cubical panel such that one of said pair of opposed side surfaces is configured to have a protruded T-shape with a higher length at a top surface than at a bottom surface.

18. The first changer panel as claimed in claim 16, wherein said top surface, said bottom surface and said pair of opposed side surfaces are configured to form an irregular hexagonal panel having a non-symmetric hexagonal shape.

19. A second changer panel, comprising: a top surface and a bottom surface vertically spaced apart from each other, said top surface is configured to be in contact with a road ramp; andat least a pair of opposed side surfaces;wherein said bottom surface is configured to be in contact with a top surface of a standard facing panel at a desired position of a top layer of an embankment wall structure; andwherein at least one of said opposed side surfaces is configured to be in contact with a monolithic facing panel and at least one other opposed side surface is configured to be in contact with other standard facing panels at said desired position of said top layer of said embankment wall structure.

20. The second changer panel as claimed in claim 19, wherein said top surface, said bottom surface and said pair of opposed side surfaces are configured to form a cuboidal or a cubical panel such that one of said opposed side surfaces is configured to have a protruded T-shape and one of said other opposed side surfaces is configured to have a protruded cruciform shape.

21. The second changer panel as claimed in claim 19, wherein said top surface, said bottom surface and said pair of opposed side surfaces are configured to form an irregular hexagonal panel having a non-symmetric hexagonal shape such that at least one of the opposed side surfaces of said second changer panel is of different length from a first changer panel.