Patent Application
20160362901
The present invention relates to a method for restoring a structure based on subsided ground, having at least one crack resulting from the subsidence of the ground.
More particularly, the invention concerns a method for restoring a structure resting on the ground, by treating its foundation soil by injecting an expandable substance in order to close said crack.
A crack appearing on a structure may be a sign of a rupture in the materials constituting the structure and occurs when the stresses caused in the structure concerned exceed the rupture limits from which it was designed.
Some cracks appear because of a sinking of the structure that then gives rise to parasitic stresses, that is to say tensile and/or compression stresses, normally non-existent on the intact structure but which have appeared following the shrinkage of the foundation soil of the structure, and may considerably weaken the structure and thus cause additional weaknesses and disturbances.
The causes of ground subsidence are many. It is generally a case of:
Following the phenomenon of settling, the structure undergoes a movement that results in the appearance of cracks in the superstructure as depicted in
In an ideal case, the works of reinforcement of the foundation soil and of the deeper soil should enable the structure to regain its initial state.
However, the diffusion of stresses in the soil depends on the depth in the soil and the effects of the reinforcement works on the closure of the cracks are also dependent on the depth at which the soil is reinforced.
Boussinesq's formula shows in fact that the stresses are located within a small radius around the vertical to the point of application of the load q for a depth z.
Thus, as depicted in
The value B1 is expressed:
B
1
=B+2*z*tg α
and hence
o
2
=q/(1+2*z/B*tg α)
Generally a value of between 30° and 40° is adopted for α.
We observe that, as from a depth of z˜2B, the value of αz becomes less great in comparison with the loads provided by the structure on the ground. It converges towards zero for a depth of 8B.
With regard to the settling of the ground, we can establish a direct relationship between the stresses and the deformations. In other words, the maximum settling value is obtained at the base of the foundations and this settling decreases with the depth in order to converge towards zero for a depth of 8B.
Thus, according to the depth of the soil, two types of soil can be identified:
1. Foundation soil—this comprises a so-called foundation layer Z1 that is situated on the surface, that is to say immediately under the foundations of the structure, and any voids present between the foundation layer and the foundations of the structure. When there is poor bearing capacity, it is liable to suffer settling under the effect of a load and to cause damage in the structure. The foundation soil extends, in accordance with
2. Deep soil—under the foundation layer, a deep layer Z2 is situated at a depth of between 2B and 8B. The stress σz there is between 0.2 σ0 and 0.01 σ0 and is therefore negligible. At this depth, a layer of soil, even having poor bearing capacity, suffers less settling because of its relatively great depth vis-à-vis the applied load “q”.
However, for a method for restoring a structure with a view to closing cracks therein to be effective, it is necessary to treat the part of the ground where the stress is maximum, that is to say the foundation soil.
However, it is necessary, before attempting to repair them in order to give the structure its original aspect, to ensure that the deep soil has sufficient bearing capacity.
And if the deep soil requires consolidation, it is necessary first of all to commence the treatment of this layer Z2 with any consolidation method: jet grouting (for injection of grout at high pressure), injection of microcement, or by the method described in European Patent EP 0 851 064 filed by the company Uretek, in accordance with which it is recommended injecting, in the deep soil (layer Z2), an expanding material, while controlling the moment when, following this injection, the building and/or the ground begins to rise.
The methods for restoring a structure having a crack do not therefore include the use of such a method of consolidation at depth.
They are used on the foundation soil including the foundation layer Z1, whereas the soil layer Z2 on which the layer Z1 rests is consolidated at depth, either because it has never suffered stresses that give rise to a loss of bearing capacity, or because it has been redensified following such stresses, or because it has been consolidated by suitable techniques.
For example, the traditional techniques of restoring a structure having a crack envisage, after reinforcement of the deep soil, a reblocking of the cracks after opening, and pinning and then refilling by means of a shrink-free mortar.
These techniques are however not satisfactory for the following reasons:
And among the known methods concerning the injection of expanding substance in the foundation soil, the method described in the document U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,708 filed by the company Uretek in 1983 consists of returning a sunken slab to its original planar configuration by injecting an expanding material into the foundation soil. Provision is made from measuring the height of the slab before the additional injection. However, this document is completely silent on the way of closing a crack appearing on a wall supported by the deformed slab.
To overcome these drawbacks the invention proposes a method for reinforcement of the surface foundation soil of a structure, with a quality of finish not yet achieved, the deep soil previously having been reinforced by a suitable technique.
The objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for restoring a damaged structure, in particular a structure having at least one crack because of the settling of its foundation soil, making it possible both to improve the properties of the foundation soil of the structure and to neutralise any parasitic stresses caused by the settling of the soil, that appeared subsequently on the structure.
This objective is achieved with a method for restoring a slumped structure having at least one crack resulting from the settling, in which a reinforcement substance is injected into the soil of the structure (Z1) in line with said crack in a primary drilling hole, the method being characterised in that it also comprises, simultaneously with the injection, the acquisition of a curve revealing the bringing together of the edges of the crack, the injection being stopped as soon as an abrupt reduction in slope in absolute value is detected on the curve.
More precisely, when a substance reinforcing the soil is injected into the soil or at the interface between the soil and the foundation of the structure, in sufficient quantity and/or at sufficient pressure, said substance exerts, on the base of the cracked structure, an upward thrust that tends to close the crack in the structure, that is to say to bring together the bottom and top edges of the crack.
Initially, bringing the edges of the crack together is rapid, since these edges are not yet in contact.
As soon as the cracks come into contact, the bringing together the crack is suddenly braked. The start of contact between the edges of the cracks corresponds to a moment when the parasitic stresses exerted on the structure because of the sinking are neutralised. This is because, once the two edges are in contact, the loads of the top part (B) can descend satisfactorily towards the ground, as was the case initially.
According to the invention, it is therefore chosen to stop the injection as soon as this moment is detected.
It has been established that this moment can be detected easily by tracing the curve of variation of a parameter revealing when the edges of the crack are brought together, for example a curve of variation of movement or pressure.
Thus, according to an example of implementation of the method according to the invention, a sensor for a parameter revealing when the edges of the crack are brought together is placed between two points situated on the facade of the structure, on either side of the crack. The sensor is connected to a reading device and, simultaneously with the injection, the curve is read on the reading device.
The sensor may for example be a movement sensor suitable for measuring the edges of the crack when they are brought together.
According to an advantageous arrangement of the invention, the sensor makes it possible to detect infinitesimal movements, of around 10 microns.
The sensor may also be a pressure sensor suitable for measuring, between the edges of the crack, an increase in pressure revealing the edges being brought together.
In this case also, the variations in pressure are measured with a high degree of precision, for example around 0.005 bar.
At the moment when the edges of the crack come into contact, a curve as mentioned above exhibits an abrupt reduction in slope in absolute value.
By tracing the curve of a parameter revealing the edges of the crack being brought together, it is thus possible to determine with great precision the optimum moment for stopping the injection.
By virtue of these provisions, it is possible both to avoid the creation of excessive stresses in the structure (for example an excessive compression stress between the edges of the crack due to excessive injection), and to satisfactorily neutralise parasitic stresses due to the damage (by avoiding stopping the injection prematurely).
The method also allows the densification and improvement to the bearing capacity of the surface soil in the layer Z1 by means of the injection of the reinforcement substance, which increases the bearing capacity of the soil (in a soil of insufficient bearing capacity) and/or reduces its permeability in the case of a soil sensitive to hydric variations. Likewise, it makes it possible to fill the empty spaces between the soil and the foundation of the structure.
According to an example embodiment, in order to detect the abrupt break in slope signalling the stoppage of the injection, the slope of the curve is evaluated during a first interval of time ΔTS and then during a second interval of time ΔTD, ΔTS and ΔTD being between 10 seconds and 2 minutes, preferably around 1 minute, and even more preferably 15 or 30 seconds.
It is considered for example that an abrupt reduction in slope is detected when the slope in absolute value over the second interval is less by more than 30%, preferably by more than 50%, than the slope in absolute value over the first interval.
On a cracked structure having a plurality of cracks, the method will generally be applied to those of said cracks that are most representative of the state of the structure in relation to a problem of settling of the ground.
More precisely, the first step will be to treat the part of the structure where the sinking is greatest, and, in this part, with the most significant cracks, that is to say the highest and widest, and the closest to the corners of the structure, and, among the most significant cracks, the most extensive.
And, when a crack is identified as being very extensive, when it has a length greater than 1 metre, it will be treated with multiple injections, either by beginning the injection vertically in line with the greatest separation in the crack, with a first injection point I, and then successive injection points J, J′, K, K′ in alternation of either side of this first injection point I, or by beginning the injection with a first injection point K situated at the first end of the crack in question, continuing the injection at a second injection point K′ situated at a second end of this crack, and then with successive points J, J′ in alternation on either side of the centre of the crack, in order to close it up progressively from its ends.
Preferably, the first drilling hole is situated in a plane substantially aligned with the sensor and perpendicular to the facade.
According to an advantageous provision, the reinforcement substance injected is an expanding substance, in particular polyurethane foam.
The invention will be understood better from a reading of the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limitative example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the first years of life of a structure, its foundation soil always settles a little under the effect of the loads (the inherent weight of the structure, permanent loads, operating loads). Settling under load is spoken of, distributed at every point on the structure.
In some cases, however, the settling is not the same at every point of the structure. Differential settling is spoken of.
The causes of this phenomenon may be many, either that the soil has been more compressible at certain points than at others, or that the loads applied to the structure have been unequally distributed, or again because of hydric variations in the soil due for example to the orientation (the faces oriented south and west suffer from more drying than the faces oriented north and east), to the close presence of tree roots absorbing water from the soil, to insufficient drainage, to leakages from systems, etc.
On this sagging side, the transmission of the loads from the structure to the ground is modified, the interface between the foundation base and the foundation soil being uncertain, or even non-existent in the case of the formation of an intermediate void between these two elements.
The response of the structure to the change in the transmission of loads from the structure to the ground, and to the parasitic stresses that result therefrom, results in a rupture with the cracking of the building, illustrated by the network of cracks 20 in
An engineer specialising in construction can easily differentiate two types of crack: stabilised cracks, which do not affect the structure, and so-called “active” cracks which, on the other hand, give rise to parasitic stresses.
Generally, active cracks are situated above stabilised cracks.
Once the structure and the underlying soil have been stabilised after reinforcement following damage for example, the part of the structure where the sagging is the greatest will be treated as a priority, and in this part, with the most significant cracks, that is to say the highest and the widest, and the closest to the lateral ends of the structure (corners), and, among the most significant cracks, the most extensive.
When a crack is identified as very extensive, for example when it has a length greater than 1 metre, it will be treated with multiple injections, either commencing the injection vertically in line with the greatest separation in the crack, with a first injection point I, and then with successive injection points J, J′, K, K′ in alternation on either side of this first injection point I, or commencing the injection with a first injection point K situated at a first end of the crack in question, continuing the injection at a second injection point K′ situated at a second end of this crack, and then with successive points J, J′ in alternation on either side of the centre of the crack in order to gradually close it up, from its ends.
In
To restore the damaged structure, three conditions must be satisfied.
A prior condition is that the deep soil, that is to say situated at a depth greater than 2B, B being the width of the base supporting the structure, closest to the crack, has never suffered stresses that have given rise to a loss of bearing capacity, since it has been redensified or consolidated by appropriate techniques.
This preliminary condition must be fulfilled before the method according to the invention is implemented.
A second condition is the improvement and homogenisation of the properties of the soil S vis-à-vis the loads applied and/or hydric variations, in order to prevent a subsequent occurrence of new problems of differential settlings.
This second condition may be fulfilled by the injection into the soil of a reinforcing substance, in particular expanding substance, for densifying the soil and thus improving both its bearing capacity and its permeability.
A third condition is the neutralisation of any parasitic stresses caused in the structure because of the differential settlings and the rupture of the structure. This is because part of the superstructure could for example remain projecting.
The method according to the invention, the successive steps of which are described below, makes it possible to restore the damaged structure illustrated in
In a first step of the method illustrated in
The force sensor 30 is for example a pressure detector, connected respectively at two fixed points Q3, Q4 situated on either side of the crack 22.
An increase in pressure measured by the sensor 30 means that the two edges 24, 26 of the crack 22 are tending to move closer together.
The pressure sensor 30 is connected to a reading device 40, here a computer, on which a first operator can read the curve illustrating the pressure values measured over time by means of the sensor 30.
In
This first drilling hole 50 is generally situated in a plane P perpendicular to the facade 12 of the structure 10 comprising the pressure sensor 30 (see
An injection lance 51 is inserted in the drilling hole 50: the lance 51 is positioned so that its bottom end is placed in the layer Z1 under the foundation base of the house 10. This lance 51 comprises, at its end penetrating the foundation soil, successive orifices in order to be able to spread the expanding substance above in the foundation layer Z1 and in any voids under the foundation existing between the base and the layer Z1.
Thus, as illustrated by the top bubble in
And as illustrated by the bottom bubble in
The consolidation injection is parameterised (volume of substance injected, injection pressure, coefficient of expansion of the reinforcement substance where applicable, phasing of the injections, etc.) so that the soil around the injection point is reinforced, and so that an upward thrust is exerted on the sunken base A of the structure in line with the crack to be treated.
In the example, the reinforcement substance is a polyurethane foam. Such a polyurethane foam is, for example, the result of a mixing of polyol and MDI isocyanate. On site, these two products are stored in a lorry in separate tanks. The two components are conveyed, through pipes, as far as the mixing gun of the spray lance. The association of the two products mixed under pressure with air blown in by a dual-component pump forms, by chemical reactions, an expanding foam that solidifies and acquires high mechanical characteristics.
Throughout the injection operation, a first operator continuously reads the curve displayed by the computer 40.
The curve in
It will be noted that the curve may be recorded either by a time sampling system (measured at regular intervals) or continuously.
The instant TA=0 (point A on the curve) corresponds to the injection of the mixture of polyol and MDI isocyanate in the depth of the foundation soil using the injection lance 51. As from this instant, a certain amount of time is necessary for the reaction of the two components.
The preliminary phase, during which the foam has not begun its expansion and the foundation soil has not yet been moved, is denoted PH1 on the curve. The injection for the moment does not cause any change to the stresses exerted on the structure 10 which results in a first plateau PH1 on the curve recorded.
The instant TB (point B on the curve) corresponds to the start of the movements of the sunken part A of the structure because of the treatment of the foundation soil Z1. The lateral resistance of the soil being less than its vertical resistance (great because of the weight of the building), the foam propagates essentially laterally from the end of the injection lance 51. The grains of soil are reorganised among one another. The soil becomes more dense under the effect of the lateral thrust of the foam, but the level of the foundation soil for the moment remains unchanged. There also, no influence on the structure as measured. The pressure curve remains flat PH2.
The foundation soil, once compacted (point TC on the curve), offers increased resistance to the propagation of the foam in the horizontal direction. The resistance of the soil in the vertical direction finally becomes lower than its lateral resistance. The foam then tends to propagate upwards, generating, on the base of the structure 10, an upwardly directed thrust force. This thrust force naturally tends to lift the sunken part of the structure 10, gradually bringing the bottom edge 26 of the crack 22 closer to its top edge 24. The pressure measured by this sensor then increases very quickly, as illustrated on the curve by the phase denoted PH3. The point TC therefore corresponds to the start of the lifting of the part A.
After a moment, the increase in pressure takes place more slowly. This is because, at a time TD (point D on the curve), the curve shows a break in slope, which corresponds to the start of contact between the bottom and top edges of the crack. The injection is stopped as soon as the break in slope is detected. The injecting gun is cut off.
The variations in slope of the curve are evaluated continuously throughout the injection.
In practice, a skilled operator can stop the injection as soon as he detects with the naked eye a clear break in the slope of the curve, the slope decreasing in absolute value. To avoid any faulty interpretation, the operator generally waits until this change in the curve is confirmed in a predetermined interval of time, around ten seconds, for example between 15 and 30 seconds after the slope break point D, generally less than 1 minute.
In general, the operator will stop the injection when, at a time T, he has detected a reduction in the slope of at least 30%, preferably 50%, over an interval of time of less than 1 minute. This detection may also be carried out in automated manner, by means of suitable software.
In the example illustrated, the injection is stopped at a time TS (corresponding to a point GS on the curve), where the slope over a first interval ΔTS is less by more than 30% than the slope of the curve over a previous interval of time ΔTD, ΔTS and ΔTD being less than or equal to 1 minute, for example 15 or 30 seconds.
Obviously stabilisation of the curve is not immediate, the foam continuing its expansion for a few moments after the gun is switched off. This is illustrated by a small and slow variation in pressure denoted PH4 in
Finally, once the crack 22 is entirely closed, complete stabilisation of the pressure value measured is observed, identifiable by the level stage denoted PH5 on the curve.
If the crack in question extends over a great length, for example 1 metre or more, and if despite a first injection in accordance with the above method a separation between the edges of the crack remains at a certain distance, additional injection operations are then continued at other injection points J and J′ and than K, K′ situated on either side of the first drilling hole I and in the regions that are situated vertically in line with the crack in question, in accordance with
The other injection points J, J′, K, K′ adjacent to the first injection point I are, according to a first embodiment, effected in drilling holes produced in alternation to left and right of the primary drilling hole 50, following substantially the facade 12 of the building 10. The drilling holes are spaced apart from the first drilling holes 50 and from each other by a predetermined constant distance D, for example equal to one metre.
No injection will be carried out at more than 1 metre from the two points that are situated respectively vertically in line with the two ends of the crack.
According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sensor used may be a movement (elongation) detector, in particular an optical-fibre detector providing detection of movements to within 10 microns.
The force curve obtained in such a movement sensor is illustrated in
The phases PH1 to PH5 are shown on the curve in
It is found that, after a first level stage, corresponding to the expansion of foam and at the start of the consolidation of the soil, the curve has a high slope, testifying to the rapid bringing together of the edges of the crack. When the edges come into contact, the bringing together becomes slower and the slope of the curve (in absolute value) decreases abruptly.
According to the invention, the injection in the first drilling hole is stopped as soon as the abrupt reduction in slope in absolute value (point D) is identified.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92314 | Nov 2013 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2014/074838 | 11/18/2014 | WO | 00 |
