PARKING LOT AND ASSOCIATED PROCESS

Abstract

A parking lot for motorized land vehicles including beams supporting ends of concrete slabs through the use of connecting plates fixed to the beams and through the use of a concrete strip connecting the ends of the concrete slabs. Also, the method of assembling the parking lot or supporting structure.

Description

DOMAIN

The present invention relates to the field of motorized land vehicle parking lots. More specifically, it relates to the field of parking lots with a wooden load-bearing structure.

BACKGROUND

In conventional construction, a parking lot for motorized land vehicles such as cars or motorcycles, for example, is usually built using conventional masonry techniques that include the construction of concrete posts and the pouring of imposing concrete slabs directly on the construction site. The logistics of this type of car park is well mastered but requires manufacturing. Also, the manufacture of small parking units near or in cities is difficult because of the construction on site. Moreover, such a parking lot cannot be dismantled in any way and even less can it be reassembled at another location.

To date, no satisfactory solution has been found. However, the simplicity of installation coupled with the possibility of assembling/dismantling a car park are major challenges to be taken up with a view to allowing a given car park to be installed in a given location for a relatively short period of time (a few years) compared to existing car parks. Indeed, the development of innovative parking facilities is part of current public policies aimed at promoting multimodal travel (several types of transport modes). In addition, transport habits are expected to change significantly in the coming years because of restrictions on the use of private vehicles in city centers, so that it will be necessary to provide users with the opportunity to park their vehicles as close as possible to another transport mode by rapidly developing parking facilities. Also, demountability proves to be an important criterion to avoid geographically freezing the travel logic.

The invention aims in particular to provide a simple and economical solution to the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, this document proposes a self-supporting structure, more specifically a parking lot for land vehicles, especially motorized vehicles, comprising :

• • a wooden structure comprising at least two primary beams extending in a first direction and secondary beams connecting the primary beams and extending in a second direction distinct from the first direction, posts extending in a third direction perpendicular to said first and second directions and supporting said ends of said primary beams,
  • at least one metal plate being integral with one face of a primary beam oriented in the third direction, connecting members being integral with the metal plate and arranged to project in the said third direction,
  • a concrete slab being formed in contact with the metal plate in such a way that the connecting members are embedded in the concrete slab.

This document also concerns a self-supporting structure for land vehicles, particularly motorized vehicles, including :

• • a wooden structure comprising at least two primary beams extending in a first direction and secondary beams connecting the primary beams and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, posts extending in a third direction perpendicular to said first and second directions and supporting said ends of said primary beams,
  • at least one metal plate being integral with one face of a primary beam oriented in the third direction, connecting members being integral with the metal plate and arranged to project in the said third direction,
  • a concrete slab being formed in contact with the metal plate so that the connecting members are embedded in the concrete slab.

The parking lot or more generally the self-supporting structure, thus configured includes a wooden bearing structure and a traffic, parking and more generally vehicle support structure which is made of concrete. The wood/concrete connection is made by connecting members integral with the metal plate and formed protruding in the third direction, these connecting members allowing a rigid connection of the plate with the concrete slab. The concrete slab is intended to form a traffic, parking and more generally vehicle support floor and is therefore horizontal.

The concrete slab can thus be poured directly on site above the metal plate but it can also be formed of several first concrete slabs connected by a connecting strip as shown in the following paragraph. These first concrete slabs are thus unitary elements assembled together to form all or part of the concrete slab. Indeed, the concrete slab can include a first row of first concrete slabs.

Thus, in a specific realization, the concrete slab can include :

• • a plurality of first concrete slabs arranged side by side along the first direction between said primary beams and comprising first edges extending in the first direction, preferably aligned with each other,
  • a concrete connecting strip formed in contact with the metal plate and in contact with the first edges of the first concrete slabs, the connecting members being embedded in the connecting strip.

It is understood that the concrete slab can comprise several first unitary elements of concrete slabs or first concrete slabs that are assembled together to form the concrete slab.

In this configuration, the concrete slab consists of individual elements, i.e. first concrete slabs that can be supplied pre-assembled/pre-assembled on the manufacturing site of the self-supporting structure, more specifically the parking lot, thus reducing the time required for its realization, as well as simplifying the operations to be carried out on site. Contrary to the classical technique, it is proposed here to build the structure in wood, an ecological material if any, to add the first pre-assembled concrete slabs whose assembly with the wooden structure is made with a connecting strip arranged between the first concrete slabs and in contact with the metal connecting plate.

The combination of a metal plate, protruding connecting elements and a concrete connecting strip allows a simple and fast assembly of the concrete slabs with the wooden structure.

This innovative design makes it possible to prefabricate all the basic elements, i.e. the primary beams, secondary beams and first concrete slabs in the workshop and only have to carry out the only assembly on site.

Each first precast concrete slab can extend from one primary beam to another primary beam. Each first concrete slab may have a substantially rectangular shape such that the first edges are formed on the short edges of said rectangular shape.

According to another feature of the invention, either the concrete slab or said connecting strip can connect one end of the primary beam to an opposite end of said primary beam under consideration. In this way, the connection between the concrete slab or the connecting strip and the primary beam is made along the entire length of the primary beam. In the more specific case where the concrete slab includes a connection strip, a mechanical connection between the first concrete slab and the primary beam is obtained over the entire length of the primary beam.

The concrete slab may comprise a steel framework embedded in a concrete matrix. This metal framework covers the metal plate and the connecting members pass through the metal framework in the third direction. The metal framework is preferably arranged, in the third direction, between the metal plate and the heads of the connecting members. The metal framework extends in a plane comprising the first and second directions.

Preferably, each first concrete slab may comprise a first metal framework embedded in a concrete matrix, said first metal framework of each first slab comprising a portion formed protruding in the second direction relative to the first edges of the first concrete slabs and being embedded in said concrete connecting strip. In this configuration, the portions of the first steel framework of the steel framework are arranged above a metal plate with the connecting members passing through the first steel framework.

Each first concrete slab may still include reservation holes formed in the thickness of the first concrete slabs and arranged regularly along the first direction. These holes are useful after disassembly of the assembly according to the invention to allow the insertion of new metal bars, thus allowing the creation of new framework, parts of which protrude from the first edges of the concrete slabs.

When a first concrete slab is in place between primary beams, said reservation holes can extend in the second direction. In addition, the holes may open at the first edges.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the self-supporting structure and more particularly a parking lot comprises second concrete slabs whose first edges are arranged, in the second direction opposite the first edges of the first concrete slabs, the connecting strip fixedly connecting the first edges of the first slabs and the first edges of the second slabs. Thus, the fixing between two concrete slabs aligned in the second direction is carried out with the same connecting strip and on a metal plate of the same primary beam. In this configuration, the portions of the second steel framework are arranged above a metal plate, with the connecting members passing through the second steel framework.

More generally, the concrete slab can comprise N rows each comprising unitary concrete slab elements, called K-th concrete slab, which are assembled to form all or part of the concrete slab. Each K-th row, K varying from 1 to N, comprising K-th concrete slabs. The first edges of the K-th concrete slabs are arranged opposite the first edges of the K-th+1 concrete slabs. Each K-th row of K-th concrete slabs extends in the first direction.

In this specific configuration, the protruding portions of the first and second metal frameworks are connected to each other by a connecting strip.

The second concrete slabs may include reservation holes as described previously in reference to the first concrete slabs.

In a practical realization of the invention, the connecting members comprise a body elongated in the third direction, one end of which is fixed to the metal plate by welding. Also, the metal plate can be nailed to the said face of the primary beam. By nailing the plate, the metal interface carrying the connecting members is fixed by an operation widely recognized for its reliability and accepted by the standards in force.

The plate could also be fixed by screwing in order to provide better resistance to tearing forces and to simplify the fixing of the plate to the primary beam.

In addition, one end of each connecting member may comprise an elongated body, in the third direction, one end of which is connected to the plate and an opposite end of which comprises a head that forms a shoulder with the body. This shoulder makes it possible to achieve an adequate connection of each rod with the concrete of the connecting strip.

The secondary beams can be connected at their ends to the primary beams by means of fixing brackets. Each bracket is fastened to the primary beams with screws or preferably with tie rods and is bolted to the secondary beams.

The invention also relates to a process for assembling a self-supporting structure and more particularly a parking lot as described above and comprising the following steps :

• • a) Arrange the posts in a vertical direction,
  • b) Connect said posts by means of primary beams, said primary beams being supported by said posts,
  • c) Arrange said secondary beams between the primary beams and attach their ends to said primary beams,
  • d) Form a concrete slab in such a way that it is in contact with the metal plate and that the connecting members are embedded in the concrete slab.

The process can still include the following steps when it includes a concrete slab comprising at least first concrete slabs as mentioned above :

• • e) Arrange the first concrete slabs between the primary beams and above the secondary beams so that their first edges extend in the first direction,
  • f) Pour a concrete bonding strip in contact with the metal plate and said first edges so as to cover said bonding members.

Also, the process includes a step g) subsequent to step f) which comprises making a cut along said first edges of the concrete slabs so as to disassociate said first concrete slabs from the wooden structure.

Thus, when reservation holes have been provided, it is possible to assemble the self-supporting structure and more specifically the parking lot, to dismantle it and then reassemble it, in a step h) subsequent to step g), by inserting metal fixing bars in the reservation holes of each concrete slab.

The invention will be better understood and other details, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear when reading the following description made as a non-limitative example with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a self-supporting structure which is a parking lot according to the invention ;

• • FIG. 2 is a larger scale schematic view of the area delineated by the dotted line in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a parking lot assembly according to the invention ;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the connection between a primary beam and a secondary beam for an assembly according to the invention ;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the connection between two concrete slabs at a primary beam;
  • FIG. 6 is another schematic perspective view of the connection between two concrete slabs at a primary beam;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective and cross-sectional view in a plane parallel to the concrete slabs of the connection between two concrete slabs, at the level of a primary beam
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic view according to a sectional drawing extending along two secondary beams and crossing a primary beam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a parking lot 10 according to the invention comprising a plurality of module 10a with wood structure and concrete slab as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is here a schematic view of inclined bracing beams 12 allowing to provide rigidity to the whole parking lot 10 and essentially to limit horizontal deformations.

Reference will be made to the first direction D1, second direction D2 and third direction D3 to describe Parking Lot 10 in the three-dimensional space. The above directions may all be perpendicular to each other in pairs. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 together define a horizontal plane and the third direction D3 defines an orientation perpendicular to said plane and therefore oriented substantially vertically. Also, the first direction may not be strictly perpendicular to the second direction and therefore distinct from the first direction, with the third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

It must be understood that the term “parking lot” means any construction capable of allowing the parking of several vehicles, the dimension of the said construction or the number of vehicles not being parameters that must allow a semantic distinction to be made.

Thus, FIG. 3 represents a part or module 10a of the parking lot illustrated in FIG. 1. It is understood that the said part 10a can also be considered as forming a parking lot as such, as long as it is capable of fulfilling the function of parking several vehicles. We will first describe a module 10a and its cooperation with other adjacent modules in the three directions of space.

This module 10a consists of a wooden structure with two primary beams 14 or primary horizontal support elements that extend in a first direction D1 . They are parallel to each other and arranged at a distance from each other along the second direction D2. A plurality of secondary beams 16 or secondary horizontal support elements extend between the primary beams 14 and connect the primary beams 14 to each other. In construction, these secondary beams 16 are classically called joists. There are more secondary beams 16 than primary beams 14 for each module 10a. Module 10a also includes vertically extending columns 18 or vertical support elements, i.e. in the third direction D3. Each post 18 is attached by a lower end to a base plate 20 fixed to the ground and has a recess 22 formed along its height to support the ends of each of the primary beams 14. These ends of the primary beams 14 are bolted to the columns

Each primary beam 14 has a bottom face 20 and a top face 22 oriented in the third direction D3 and two side faces 24 oriented in the second direction D2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ends of each secondary beam 16 comprise a slot 26 for receiving a second flat part 28b of a fixing bracket 28 which comprises a first flat part 28a perpendicular to the second part 28b. The first part 28a is fixed, e.g. by means of tie rods, to a side face 24 of a primary beam 14. The second part 28b is bolted to the secondary beam. Each secondary beam 16 is aligned in the second direction D2 with another secondary beam 16 intended to connect with an adjacent module 10a. Thus, we understand that a primary beam 14 belongs to a given module 10a but also to the immediately adjacent module since it is bolted on both sides according to the second direction D2 to other secondary beams 16.

According to the invention, each upper side 22 of a primary beam 14 carries a metal plate 30 which is fixed to said upper side 22. The thickness of the plate is best seen in FIG. 8. In a practical realization, the metal plate 30 is fixed by means of nails 32 passing through the plate 30 (FIGS. 5 and 6) and extending through the thickness of the primary beam and in a direction forming an angle at least equal to 30° with respect to the plane formed by directions D1 and D3 in order to resist tearing forces. The plate can still be fixed by screwing with screws engaged in direction D3. The plate 30 has connecting elements 34 which project from the upper side 22 of the metal plate 30 in the third direction D3. These connecting members 34 each comprise a body 36 elongated in the third direction D3. A lower end of the body is fixed, for example by welding, to plate 30 and an upper end carries a head 38 forming a shoulder with the rest of the body 36 (FIG. 8).

FIG. 3 and following represent a particular realization in which the concrete slab forming a vehicle support floor is made up of several first concrete slabs and connecting strips as is clear from the following description.

Thus, FIG. 3 shows a plurality of first concrete slabs 40a arranged side by side along the first direction D1 between said primary beams 14 and including first edges 42 extending along the first direction D1. These first edges 42 are here aligned with each other and are arranged so that they do not bear on the metal plates 30. As can be seen in this figure, each concrete slab 40a has a substantially rectangular shape comprising the two first edges 42 or short edges connected to two second edges 44 or long edges (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6). The second edges 44 thus extend in the second direction D2.

In order to allow a quick and easy assembly on site, it is proposed to prefabricate the first concrete slabs 40a, as well as second concrete slabs 40b. Thus, each slab 40a includes a first metal framework 46 or wire mesh embedded in a layer or matrix of concrete. The first metal framework of each slab 40a is formed so as to have projecting portions 48 in the second direction D2 relative to the first edges 42 of the first concrete slabs 40a. In this way, said projecting portions 46 of the first steel framework 46 are arranged above the steel plates 30. A protruding portion of a first metal framework of a first slab 40a being arranged facing each other in the second direction D2 with a protruding portion 48 of a second metal framework 46 of an adjacent second slab 40b in the second direction D2.

According to the invention, a concrete connecting strip 50 is formed on the metal plate 30 and shaped by an appropriate formwork so as to achieve the connection between the first edges of the first slabs and the second slabs (FIGS. 3, 6 and 8). The concrete connecting strip 50 allows a rigid connection of the two concrete slabs 40a, 40b by means of the protruding portions 48 of the steel framework 46. The concrete connection strip 50 thus formed provides a perfect connection of first slabs 40a with second slabs 40b arranged on either side of a primary beam 14.

As shown in FIG. 8, each link is dimensioned and the first and second steel framework 30 of slabs 40a, 40b are positioned so that the head of each link is arranged higher than the steel framework 46. In this way, the heads 38 of the bonding members 34 can be located in an upper part of the bonding strip 50 corresponding in operation to a compression layer. Preferably, the connecting element 34 should have a dimension in the third direction D3 greater than or equal to half the thickness of the connecting strip 50.

The parking lot 10a proposed here allows a simple assembly on site as well as a simple dismantling when reservation holes 52 are provided in the concrete slabs 40a, 40b during their manufacture in the workshop. FIGS. 5 and 6 show reservation holes 52 formed in slabs 40a, 40b. These holes 52 are designed to open in the second direction D2 and at the first edges 42 of the slabs. These openings 52 are obviously initially closed during the initial installation of parking lot 10, 10a to prevent the concrete of the connecting strip 50 from closing them.

The initial assembly of the parking lot 10a is carried out as follows:

• • a) The posts 18 are arranged according to the vertical direction D3,
  • b) said posts 18 are connected by means of primary beams 14, said primary beams 14 being supported by said posts 18,
  • c) The said secondary beams 16 are placed between the primary beams 14 and their ends are fixed to the said primary beams 14,
  • d) The concrete slab is shaped so that it is in contact with the metal plate (30) and the connecting elements (34) are embedded in the concrete slab.

When the concrete slab is formed with at least first concrete slabs and potentially with second concrete slabs as well:

• • e) The first concrete slabs 40a are arranged between primary beams 14 and above secondary beams 16 so that their first edges 42 extend in the first direction D1,
  • f) Pour a concrete connecting strip 50 in contact with the metal plate 30 and said first edges 42 so as to cover said connecting members 34.

Of course, when one wishes to make a connection as shown in FIG. 5 between first concrete slabs 40a and second concrete slabs 40b arranged on either side of a primary beam 14, according to the second direction, one places the second slabs 40b before pouring the connection strip 50. The connecting strip 50 then ensuring the connection between the first edges 42 of the first concrete slabs 40a and the second concrete slabs 40b.

If, after several years of use, parking lot 10, 10a is to be dismantled, it is sufficient in step g) to cut the connecting strip 50 at the first edges 42 of the first slabs 40a and, if necessary, the second slabs 40b. Of course, the cut-out also eliminates the protruding portions 48 of the metal framework 46, which can be replaced in step h) by means of substitute metal bars that are inserted into the reservation holes 52 before reassembling the parking lot 10, 10a.

It should be noted that vehicle circulation will be planned to be carried out in the second direction D2 so that the braking forces can be transmitted to the wooden structure as well as possible.

It should be understood that this description also includes a parking lot in which the concrete slab is monobloc and does not include first concrete slabs and second concrete slabs. In such a construction, the concrete slab is poured directly over the metal plates 30 by an appropriate formwork and allows the concrete zones previously formed by the first and second concrete slabs to be formed. The realization process of this parking lot then includes steps a) to d). It is understandable that this parking lot is more difficult to dismantle because of the lack of use of several first and second concrete slabs.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A self-supporting structure, such as a parking lot for land vehicles, in particular motorized vehicles, comprising : a wooden structure comprising at least two primary beams extending in a first direction and secondary beams connecting the primary beams and extending in a second direction distinct from the first direction, posts extending in a third direction perpendicular to said first and second directions and supporting said ends of said primary beams,at least one metal plate being integral with a face of a primary beam oriented in the third direction, connecting members being integral with the metal plate and arranged to project in the said third direction,a concrete slab being formed in contact with the metal plate so that the connecting members are embedded in the concrete slab.

19. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, wherein the concrete slab comprises : a plurality of first concrete slabs arranged side by side along the first direction between said primary beams and comprising first edges extending along the first direction, preferably aligned with each other,a concrete connecting strip formed in contact with the metal plate and in contact with the first edges of the first concrete slabs, the connecting members being embedded in the connecting strip.

20. The self-supporting structure according to claim 19, wherein each first concrete slab comprises a first metal framework embedded in a concrete matrix, said first metal framework of each first concrete slab comprising a portion formed protruding in the second direction relative to first edges of the first concrete slabs and being embedded in said concrete connecting strip.

21. The self-supporting structure according to claim 20, wherein each first concrete slab comprises reservation holes formed in the thickness of the first concrete slabs and arranged regularly along the first direction.

22. The self-supporting structure according to claim 21, wherein said reservation holes extend in the second direction.

23. The self-supporting structure according to claim 19, further comprising second concrete slabs whose first edges are arranged, in the second direction opposite the first edges of the first concrete slabs, the connecting strip fixedly connecting the first edges of the first slabs and the first edges of the second slabs.

24. The self-supporting structure according to claim 19, wherein said connecting strip connects one end of the primary beam to an opposite end of said primary beam under consideration.

25. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, wherein each connecting member comprises a body elongated in the third direction, one end of which is attached to the metal plate by welding.

26. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, wherein each connecting member comprises a body elongated in the third direction, one end of the body being fixed to the metal plate and an opposite end comprising a head defining a shoulder with the body.

27. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, in which each concrete slab comprises a metal framework (46) embedded in a concrete matrix.

28. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, in which the secondary beams are connected at their ends to the primary beams by means of fastening brackets.

29. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, wherein said at least one metal plate is nailed or screwed to said face of the primary beam.

30. The self-supporting structure according to claim 18, wherein said second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

31. A method of assembling the self-supporting structure according to claim 18, comprising the following steps : a) Arrange the posts in a vertical direction,b) Connecting said posts by means of primary beams, said primary beams being supported by said posts,c) Arrange said secondary beams between the primary beams and attach their ends to said primary beams,d) Form a concrete slab in such a way that it is in contact with the metal plate and that the connecting members are embedded in the concrete slab.

32. The method according to claim 31 for the assembly of the self-supporting structure, wherein the concrete slab comprises : a plurality of first concrete slabs arranged side by side along the first direction between said primary beams and comprising first edges extending along the first direction, preferably aligned with each other, anda concrete connecting strip formed in contact with the metal plate and in contact with the first edges of the first concrete slabs, the connecting members being embedded in the connecting strip, andwherein step d) comprises :e) Arrange the first concrete slabs between the primary beams and above the secondary beams so that their first edges extend in the first direction,f) Pour a concrete connecting strip in contact with the metal plate and said first edges so as to cover said connecting members.

33. The method according to claim 32, comprising a step g) subsequent to step f) which comprises making a cut along said first edges of the concrete slabs so as to detach said first concrete slabs from the wooden structure.

34. The method according to claim 33 for the assembly of the self-supporting structure, wherein: each first concrete slab comprises a first metal framework embedded in a concrete matrix, said first metal framework of each first concrete slab comprising a portion formed protruding in the second direction relative to first edges of the first concrete slabs and being embedded in said concrete connecting strip,each first concrete slab comprises reservation holes formed in the thickness of the first concrete slabs and arranged regularly along the first direction, andthe method further comprises a step h) subsequent to step g) which comprises the insertion of metal bars into the reservation holes of each concrete slab.