WO2010013210A2

WO2010013210A2 - Earth retaining and stabilizing device

Info

Publication number: WO2010013210A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/053304
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Gartner
Original assignee: Betonform S.R.L.
Priority date: 2008-07-29
Filing date: 2009-07-29
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: IT1391469B1; ES2543092T3; WO2010013210A3; PT2318595E; EP2318595B1; EP2318595A2; SI2318595T1; PL2318595T3; ITRM20080411A1

Abstract

Device (1, 100) for retaining and stabilizing earth or the like, comprising a retaining slab-like block (2, 102) of predefined thickness (S), comprised between a first face (21) intended to be facing the earth to be stabilized and a second face (22) opposite thereto, and a plurality of stabilizing members (4) associated with said slab-like block (2, 102) and having each a first portion (41 ) fixed to said slab-like block (2, 102) and a second portion (42) projecting from said first face (21) and intended to be incorporated in the earth to be stabilized.

Description

EARTH RETAINING AND STABILIZING DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a device for retaining and stabilizing earth, or the like. In order to simplify illustration, the description which follows refers generally to earth retention and stabilization, but it is clear that the retaining and stabilizing device may also be used in similar conditions for retaining and stabilizing any type of earth mass, such as that of a slope or a mountain, or the earth mass of a seabed, or that of a quay or a pier, or other similar earth masses. Earth retaining and stabilizing structures are known.

The patent US 7,114,887 B1 describes a brickwork wall and a plurality of stabilizing grids associated with the wall and arranged at different heights along the wall. Each grid has a portion projecting substantially at right angles from one side of the wall so that, when the wall is in position close to an earth mass, these grids may be incorporated in the earth itself.

The construction of the brickwork wall is obtained by successively arranging on top of each other, directly on site, i.e. at the location where the earth to be stabilized is situated, rows of bricks and inserting the aforementioned retaining grids at regular intervals, and therefore stepwise, between two adjacent rows of bricks, said interval including a predefined number of rows of bricks.

This arrangement with grids inserted in the earth allows the earth to be stabilized against movements; in fact it results in a reinforced earth mass which acts as a rather solid retaining and stabilizing wall. The known art reveals that there exists the need to improve the speed of construction of these retaining and stabilizing devices as well as the need to reduce the labour costs.

In fact, the construction of a brickwork wall by means of the subsequent arrangement on top of each other of rows of bricks, as emerges from the known art, is somewhat laborious and slow owing to the numerous operations which must be performed, resulting in the need for specialized labour and the costs associated therewith.

The known art also reveals that there is a need to facilitate transportation of the materials required for the construction of the wall, reducing as far as possible the number of parts required. The known art also reveals the need to increase the flexibility and the capacity for adaptation of the structure when it is subject to a load. The technical problem is therefore that of providing an earth retaining and stabilizing device which is able to satisfy one or more of the needs mentioned above with reference to the known art and/or achieve further advantages. As defined in the independent claim 1 , this is obtained by providing a device for retaining and stabilizing earth or the like, comprising a retaining slab-like block of predefined thickness comprised between a first face intended to be facing the earth to be stabilized and a second face opposite thereto, and a plurality of stabilizing members integrally associated with said slab-like block and having each a first portion fixed to said slab-like block and a second portion projecting from said first face and intended to be incorporated in the earth to be stabilized. The abovementioned technical problem is also solved by an earth retaining and stabilizing barrier comprising a plurality of said devices arranged alongside each other.

Secondary characteristic features of the abovementioned device are defined in the corresponding dependent claims. By means of the abovementioned device it is therefore possible to achieve an earth mass which is reinforced by means of the stabilizing members and laterally retained by the slab-like block, said slab-like block acting as a rather solid retaining and stabilizing wall. The main advantage consists in the fact that said slab-like block and said stabilizing members form a prefabricated structure and this allows faster and more versatile installation, alongside each other, of a plurality of devices for the construction of the abovementioned retaining barriers.

This therefore results in a reduction not only of the time required for construction of the retaining barrier, but also of the technical expertise required of the workers and also the labour costs. In fact, for example, the slab-like block may be moulded as a single body using processes which can be implemented easily and are less costly than the methods of the known art, and may be associated with the stabilizing members already during the moulding operation. The possibility of using prefabricated devices also facilitates transportation to the site of the materials required for the construction of the retaining structure, reducing as far as possible the number of parts required.

In one embodiment, the slab-like block is made at least of a material chosen from cement, concrete, resin, plastic or a combination thereof. This enables the device to be adapted to the different applicational requirements, from the point of view of the mechanical strength required, the environmental impact, the installation conditions (for example installation underwater or on land, in different aggressive environments) or the production costs. Moreover the slab-like block may be designed in numerous forms and even with different shades of colour. In a preferred embodiment, the slab-like block comprises one or more weakening lines which define in said slab-like block two or more consecutively adjacent sectors and said slab-like block, under the action of a given load, is intended to be divided up or broken along said one or more weakening lines into said two or more sectors. The main advantage of the latter embodiment consists in the fact that the slab-like block, when subjected to load next to an earth mass, is divided up, and preferably broken in a definite manner, along said weakening lines into two or more consecutively adjacent sectors, so that at least two adjacent sectors may be mutually displaceable and preferably acquire a limited degree of rotation or angular displacement with respect to each other, about an axis passing substantially along a respective weakening line.

Obviously, the displacement of the sectors is constrained by the presence of the stabilizing members which are integrally associated with the slab-like block and incorporated in the earth. Essentially, the degree of relative displacement of the sectors is limited by the fact that the entire slab-like block is retained and connected to the earth by means of the stabilizing members. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the displacement of the sectors is constrained not only by the stabilizing members but also by the presence of a metal reinforcement which is incorporated in the thickness of the slab-like block.

As a result, it is possible to obtain a slab-like block which is rigid during installation (with all the associated advantages as regards ease of installation) and which is then divided into sectors, with a given relative degree of freedom, only when the load exceeds a limit value. By means of the abovementioned device it is therefore possible to achieve a reinforced earth mass laterally retained by a rather solid retaining and stabilizing wall, with at the same time the possibility of adaptation to any excess loads exerted by the earth itself. In fact the retaining device has a high degree of flexibility and capacity for adaptation when subject to a load, since any overloads resulting from the earth to be retained may be limited by means of relative displacement of the sectors, thereby avoiding the risk of damage to the device. In fact, owing to the weakening lines, the formation of undesirable random and irregular cracks or breakages in the slab-like block is prevented. Said weakening lines may consist, for example, of preferential breakage lines, namely lines which are intended to break in a definite manner when the slab-like block is subjected to a load. In a particular embodiment, the weakening lines are obtained by means of the provision of grooves formed in the slab-like block, so as to achieve a reduction in the thickness of the slab-like block along these grooves. Essentially, these grooves favour controlled breakage of the slab-like block, such that at least two sectors adjacent to a groove acquire said limited degree of freedom with respect to each other.

Preferably, the grooves are arranged on the second face of the slab-like block, namely the face which is visible and situated opposite the earth to be stabilized, so as to facilitate breakage following forces which act on the first face of the slab-like block itself; in fact said second face is subject mainly to the formation of compressive forces which are due to the weight of the earth retained by the slab- like block, and therefore the grooves arranged on said face may favour the breakage of the block itself. This has moreover an aesthetic advantage; in fact the grooves are arranged on the visible face of the slab-like block, namely the face which remains visible after installation of the device, and therefore, since the breakage occurs precisely along the grooves, a person looking at the slab will not have the impression that irregular or randomly arranged cracks have been formed in the slab-like block, as instead could occur if grooves were not provided or if they were arranged on the first face of the slab-like block.

Preferably, the weakening lines are arranged so that at least one stabilizing member, or at least one group of stabilizing members, is associated with each sector of the slab-like block. As a result, it is possible to achieve a close bond between each sector and the earth. Preferably, the stabilizing members are ordered stepwise along the first face of the slab-like block, namely equally spaced, so as to form with the slab-like block a substantially comb-like configuration. In particular, when the device is installed against an earth mass with the stabilizing members incorporated in the earth, the stabilizing members are arranged parallel to each other and one above the other, considering a vertical direction.

The regular stepwise arrangement provides the device, when installed, with greater and improved efficiency as regards the transmission of the forces between the slab- like block and earth. Preferably, in one embodiment, said weakening lines are also arranged stepwise with a similar arrangement of the stabilizing members. In particular, the weakening lines are arranged staggered with respect to the stabilizing members so that, following the aforementioned breakage, each sector is integrally associated with a stabilizing member. In one embodiment, the weakening lines are for example arranged parallel to each other.

In a particular embodiment, the slab-like block consists of a plurality of sectors which are initially divided up physically and are separate, each being associated beforehand with at least one stabilizing member, and which are mounted on top of each other during installation; in this case each weakening line consists of the space separating one sector and the adjacent sector.

In other words, in this particular embodiment, the slab-like block has at least one interruption between two sectors which are in contact with each other after installation; this interruption allows relative displacement of the sectors. In other words, the slab-like block is formed by two or more consecutively adjacent sectors physically separate from each other, where each of said sectors is associated with a stabilizing member and where said sectors are mutually displaceable under the action of a given load. Essentially, the retaining device comprises a slab-like block divided up into sectors which are mutually displaceable under the action of a given load. In one embodiment, which envisages weakening lines, the slab-like block is initially a single piece and the sectors are defined by the weakening lines, i.e. the weakening lines constitute the boundaries between one sector and another; when it is subjected to a load, the slab-like block breaks along the weakening lines and at that point the sectors are actually displaceable relative to each other. In another embodiment, the slab-like block is divided up into sectors which are physically separate from the beginning and are therefore displaceable relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment of the retaining device, the stabilizing members are flexible members such as meshes.

The use of flexible stabilizing members has the advantage that they may be rolled up, as in the case of the aforementioned stabilizing meshes. In this way, before installation of the device, the second portion of each flexible stabilizing member, namely the projecting portion, may be rolled up, this allowing easier transportation of the device since its overall volume is reduced.

The use of stabilizing meshes results in greater simplicity and lower costs in constructional terms, optimum transmission of the forces between the device, once installed, and the earth, drainage of the water and/or the growth of the vegetation in the region of the stabilized earth.

In another embodiment, the first portion of the reinforcing members, for example of the aforementioned mesh, is at least partially incorporated integrally in the slab-like block, namely is embedded in the slab-like block directly at the time of manufacture of the latter. Essentially, the association between the stabilizing members and the slab-like block is obtained already during production of the device and in particular of the slab-like block, by embedding the first portion of the stabilizing members inside the material which forms the slab-like block, prior to solidification of said material. Therefore, the connection between the first portion of a stabilizing member and the slab-like block is without play.

This allows more rapid manufacture of the device at the factory and/or a more stable connection between the stabilizing member and the slab-like block, also achieving a more uniform distribution of the forces between the earth and slab-like block.

In another embodiment, the first portion of each reinforcing member extends inside the thickness of the slab-like block so as to form a reinforcement of the slab-like block. In this way it is possible to provide a slab-like block which is reinforced internally by means of portions of the same stabilizing members. Reinforcement of the slab-like block is thus obtained in a simple manner, with savings in terms of material and a greater constructional simplicity.

Alternatively, the slab-like block also comprises a reinforcement, as mentioned above, which is preferably incorporated integrally in the thickness of the slab-like block and is preferably formed by mutually intersecting rod-like bodies, such as metal bars.

The thickness of the slab-like block varies on the basis of the required load resistance of the slab-like block, the flexibility and, where applicable, the presence or not of the reinforcement incorporated, for further strength, in the slab-like block; it is therefore calculated during the design stage on the basis of the material used and the static performance characteristics required. In particular, the thickness preferably ranges between 5 cm and 100 cm.

In another embodiment, the slab-like block has a lattice form, namely it has a plurality of through-openings extending through the thickness between the first face and the second face of the slab-like block. The presence of the openings allows aeration of the earth and/or the growth of vegetation through the same openings, so as to provide at least partial masking of the stabilizing device and minimize the aesthetic impact thereof. Moreover, by means of a particular arrangement of the openings it is possible to obtain special aesthetic effects owing to the play between solids and voids. Finally, the presence of the openings results in a certain saving in the amount of material compared to a solid slab-like block. In a particular embodiment, the openings are provided with mesh portions, each of said portions being arranged in the thickness of the slab-like block and substantially parallel to said first and second faces; each mesh portion passes substantially across an opening and is therefore substantially parallel to the two faces of the slab- like block, so as to occupy the respective opening. In this way the possibility of stones or material with a particle size greater than a certain limit value passing through the slab-like block is reduced.

In a further embodiment, the mesh portions which occupy said openings are part of the mesh-type stabilizing members. In particular, the first portion of each stabilizing mesh incorporated in the slab-like block extends inside the latter, in particular inside the thickness of the slab-like block, parallel to each face of the slab-like block and across the opening. This results in a greater constructional simplicity and savings in terms of material and labour.

In an alternative embodiment, the slab-like block comprises a base panel and a plurality of projecting bodies forming one piece with the base panel. In particular, the projecting bodies form bulges which emerge from one side of said base panel opposite to that intended to be facing the earth, substantially on said second face of the slab-like block. Preferably, said projecting bodies are arranged on said base panel in a predefined arrangement, for example a matrix of rows and columns. This results in a slab-like block which reproduces the appearance of a wall of stones or rocks or similar projecting bodies situated on a base panel.

Essentially, the thickness of the slab-like block is variable and in particular is defined by a first thickness corresponding to the base panel, and at least one second thickness greater than the first thickness, corresponding to the projecting bodies. Preferably the projecting bodies have a different thickness so as to reproduce as far as possible the natural appearance of rocks or stones.

In one embodiment, the base panel portions with a first thickness and situated between one row of projecting bodies and another row of projecting bodies adjacent thereto form the abovementioned weakening lines along which the slab-like block is intended to break. In fact, the base panel portion situated between one projecting body and another forms, within the slab-like block, a so-called breakable bridge-piece which has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the projecting body. The abovementioned technical problem is also solved by a method for retaining and stabilizing earth, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one device including a retaining slab-like block of given thickness comprised between a first face intended to be facing the earth and a second face opposite thereto, and a plurality of stabilizing members, wherein each of said stabilizing members has a first portion fixed to said slab-like block and a second portion projecting from said first face and intended to be incorporated in the earth; b) arranging said device on ground vertically or with a selected inclination with respect to the vertical direction and at a predetermined distance from the earth to be stabilized so as to form an intermediate region comprised between said first face of the slab-like block and the earth to be stabilized, said stabilizing members being arranged in said intermediate region; c) arranging given amounts of earth in said intermediate region so as to incorporate into the earth said stabilizing members. Preferably the arrangement of the earth in the intermediate region (step c) is performed in accordance with the following substeps: c1) arranging a first amount of additional earth or the like in the intermediate region between the first face of the slab-like block and the earth to be stabilized; c2) resting the second portion of a first stabilizing member on said first amount of additional earth or the like; c3) overlaying a second amount of additional earth or the like on said second portion of said first stabilizing member; c4) resting the second portion of a second stabilizing member on said second amount of additional earth or the like; c5) repeating the steps c3) and c4) for the remaining stabilizing members.

Preferably, the method is repeated for a plurality of devices arranged alongside each other so as to form a continuous retaining and stabilizing barrier. This method allows the rapid construction of a retaining and stabilizing barrier, a reduction in the number of on-site operations and the formation of a barrier which is solidly joined to the earth to be retained.

In a variant of this method, the slab-like block comprises one or more weakening lines which define two or more adjacent sectors in said slab-like block; moreover the step c) is followed by the further step involving breakage, under the action of a given load of earth, of the slab-like block along said one or more weakening lines into said two or more sectors.

Further advantages, characteristic features and the modes of use of the subject of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, provided solely by way of a non-limiting example. It is clear, however, that each embodiment of the subject of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case it is not required that each embodiment should have simultaneously all the advantages listed. Reference shall be made to the figures in the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an earth retaining and stabilizing device according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a second perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 ;

Figures 4A to 4D are side views of successive steps of a mode of use of the device according to Figure 1 ; - Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of successive steps for the manufacture of retaining and stabilizing barriers each including a pair of devices according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the earth retaining and stabilizing device according to the present disclosure; and - Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device according to Figure 7.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the reference number 1 denotes an earth retaining and stabilizing device. In particular, Figure 1 shows a front view of the device 1 , namely a view from the side opposite to that where the earth is to be stabilized, and Figure 3 shows a rear view, namely a view from the earth side. Figures 5A and 5B shows respectively earth retaining and stabilizing barriers 80 each including a pair of devices 1.

The device 1 comprises a prefabricated structure including a retaining slab-like block 2 made for example as one piece with a first dimension of 2.45 m and a second dimension of between 3 m and 5 m. The slab-like block 2 has a predefined thickness S between a first face 21 intended to be facing the earth to be stabilized and a second face 22 opposite thereto. In the example, the slab-like block 2 has a substantially flat shape. Alternatively the slab- like block 2 has a curved or rounded shape.

The slab-like block 2 has preferably a thickness S of between 5 cm and 100 cm; in the example the thickness is equal to 18 cm.

Moreover, in the example, the slab-like block 2 has feet 23 for resting on the ground 9 and a reinforcement 3 incorporated in the slab-like block 2 itself; by way of example the reinforcement 3 comprises bars 31 made of metal, plastic or fibreglass. The slab-like block 2 is made of cement, concrete, resin, plastic, a combination of these materials, or a combination of these materials with other materials; in the example the slab-like block 2 is made of concrete. In the example, the slab-like block 2 consists of a single piece.

In the example said slab-like block 2 has a rectangular shape; it can be easily understood that the slab-like block 2 may also be designed in numerous other forms and even with different shades of colour, for example by adding coloured pigments to the cement or painting it subsequently. The device 1 also comprises a plurality of stabilizing members 4, which in the example are of the flexible type. In particular, the stabilizing members 4 are stabilizing meshes 4 which have a thickness of the order of a few millimetres. As an alternative to the meshes, the stabilizing members 4 may consist of canvasses, portions of cloth or portions of non-woven fabric. The stabilizing members 4 are made of metallic material (for example steel), plastic (for example polyester), fibreglass, or other materials which may suitable combine the properties of mechanical strength and flexibility. It should be noted that, in general, the stabilizing members 4 have a limited thickness compared to the thickness of the slab-like block 2 so as to occupy a practically negligible space within the slab-like block 2 and be easily accommodated in the earth, and an adequate length, for example of between 1 m and 6 m, depending on the static performance characteristics required.

Each of the stabilizing meshes 4 has a first portion 41 fixed integrally to the slab-like block 2 and a second portion 42 projecting from the first face 21 of the slab-like block 2. Essentially the stabilizing meshes 4 are fixed integrally to the slab-like block 2 such that a portion 42 of the stabilizing members 4 "protrudes" from the first face 21.

The second portions 42 of the stabilizing meshes 4 can be preferably rolled up, as shown in Figure 4A. In this way the device 1 may be easily transported with the stabilizing meshes 4 arranged in the rolled-up condition close to, or against, the first face 21 so as to reduce the overall volume of the device 1. When the device 1 is installed, the stabilizing meshes 4 are unrolled, as will be described in detail below. As can be seen from the figures, the stabilizing meshes 4 are ordered stepwise, namely are equally spaced in a vertical direction, along the first face 21 and are spaced substantially parallel to each other, so as to form with the slab-like block 2 a substantially comb-like configuration.

In particular, when the second portions 42 of the stabilizing meshes 4 are unrolled and are arranged in position on the ground 9, they are arranged in horizontal planes which are substantially parallel to each other. This is shown in Figures 4A-4D. In a preferred embodiment, fixing of the stabilizing meshes 4 to the slab-like block 2 is performed by incorporating integrally in the slab-like block 2 the first portion 41 of each stabilizing mesh 4, partially at least. This is obtained during production of the slab-like block 2 itself, for example by arranging the first portions 41 inside a mould inside which the concrete, or other material used, forming the slab-like block 2 is spread; they therefore remain incorporated inside the slab-like block 2 itself.

However, other fixing methods are possible: for example, the stabilizing meshes 4 may be fixed to the slab-like block 2 by means of bolts, plates, rings and other equivalent mechanical devices.

The first portions 41 of the stabilizing meshes 4, when they are incorporated inside the slab-like block, have the same function as the reinforcement 3 for the slab-like block 2 or may provide a reinforcing function in addition to that of the metal bars 31. The slab-like block 2 also comprises one or more weakening lines which, following a load acting on the slab-like block 2 itself, allow the slab-like block 2 to be broken in a predetermined manner into two or more sectors 27 which are consecutively adjacent to each other. In this way the adjacent sectors 27 may acquire a given limited degree of freedom with respect to each other. In particular, in the example a degree of rotation, i.e. a relative angular displacement, about an axis passing along said weakening lines, is obtained. In particular, the weakening lines may behave in the manner of preferential breakage lines, namely the slab-like body 2 is intended to break in a definite manner along the weakening lines. In the example, the slab-like block 2 comprises a plurality of grooves 28 where there is a reduction in the thickness of the slab-like block 2, thus defining said weakening lines. In particular, the grooves 28 are formed on the second face 22 of the slab-like block 2.

The weakening lines are in particular arranged stepwise considering the vertical direction and arranged substantially staggered with respect to the stabilizing meshes 4. In the example, the weakening lines are arranged horizontally and are substantially parallel to each other.

Essentially, as can be seen from the drawings, along the slab-like block 2, grooves 28 and stabilizing meshes 4 alternate with each other at regular height intervals. In this way, at least one stabilizing mesh 4 is associated with each sector 27, which is formed following said breakage.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the slab-like block 2 also has a lattice-like form and has preferably a plurality of through-openings 25 which extend through the thickness S between the first face 21 and the second face 22. The openings 25 are arranged in form of a matrix of "rows and columns" or in other predefined or variable arrangements. The grooves 28 in the example extend between a row of openings 25 and the adjacent row.

The openings 25 are provided with mesh portions 26, which are arranged substantially across the respective openings 25, namely extend inside the thickness S of the slab-like block 2, substantially parallel to the first face 21 and to the second face 22, so as to occupy the respective openings 25.

As a result of the possibility of providing the openings 25 in a predefined arrangement or order and also designing them with different shapes, it is possible to obtain particular aesthetic effects and therefore insert the device 1 in a more harmonious manner in the environment. By means of the openings 25 it is in fact possible to obtain solid/void and light/dark visual effects, in addition to a "soft" effect, which may be usefully exploited for the purpose mentioned above. The openings 25 may also have the function of allowing the material (for example earth) to escape partially should the pressure exerted on the device 1 become excessive (for example during a landslide), so as to prevent structural collapse of the device 1 itself. Finally, the openings 25 allow any grass growing in the stabilized earth 90 to pass out and extend towards the front of the device 1 , i.e. over the second face 22, in this way further lessening the aesthetic impact of the retaining device 1 on the surrounding environment.

Owing to the presence of the mesh portions 26 (the size of the mesh openings of which may be suitably chosen), it is possible to determine a limit value for the dimensions of the material which is able to pass through the slab-like block 2.

The mesh portions 26 may advantageously form part of the first portions 41 of the stabilizing meshes 41. In this way it is not necessary to provide further mesh members in the slab-like block 2 since it is the same first regions 41 which, in addition to fixing the stabilizing meshes 4 to the slab-like block 2, act as meshes 26 for the openings 25.

The construction of a retaining structure according to the present disclosure envisages providing at least one device 1 according to one of the embodiments previously described. The device 1 is arranged on the ground 9, if necessary with the aid of support feet 23, in a vertical position or with another chosen inclination with respect to the vertical direction 96. The device 1 is positioned so that the first face 21 with the associated stabilizing meshes 4 is directed facing the earth to be stabilized, and is also positioned at a given distance so as to define an intermediate region between the slab-like block 2 and the earth to be stabilized. In this condition, the stabilizing meshes 4 are initially rolled up and, during the process, are unwound one after another so as to be arranged in substantially horizontal planes. In other words, the first face 21 is directed towards a region 921 where the material to be retained is located, while the second face 22 is directed towards a region 922 which is protected by the retaining device 1. In other words, when the retaining device 1 is installed in position, a region 921 situated ahead of the device 1 and a region 922 situated after the device 1 are spatially defined. Then, a first amount of earth 90 or the like (for example, gravel, sand, rocks, etc.) is arranged in the intermediate region 95 situated between the first face 21 and the earth to be stabilized, so as to form a first layer in the vicinity of the device 1 with a height approximately equal to the distance which exists between the lowest stabilizing mesh 4 and the ground 9. The second portion 42 of a first stabilizing mesh 4, namely the one which is lowest in height, is then arranged (for example unrolling it) onto the layer of earth 90. The next step is that of placing a second amount of earth 90 on the second portion 42 of the first stabilizing mesh 4, thus obtaining a layer which reaches approximately the level or height of a second stabilizing mesh 4 situated after the first stabilizing mesh. Similarly, the second portion 42 of the second stabilizing mesh 4 is placed on the earth 90.

The same procedure is analogously repeated for all the remaining stabilizing meshes 4 until the desired height is reached, for example until the top of the slab- like block 2 is reached. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B it is possible to provide a barrier 80 using several retaining devices 1 arranged alongside each other so as to form a continuous barrier.

The weight of the earth 90 exerts a pressing force on the stabilizing members 4 inserted inside it and these members therefore prevent overturning of the slab-like block 2 under the thrust of the earth 90.

As shown in Figure 4D, as a result of the weight of the earth 90, the slab-like block 2 divides and breaks into sectors 27 along said weakening lines/grooves 28. The adjacent sectors 27 therefore acquire a certain degree of freedom with respect to each other and in this way the device 1 is able to adapt better to the load determined by the stabilized earth 90, thus preventing the stresses from being able to damage the entire structure. In fact, intense localized forces may be compensated for precisely by the small movement, in the example a rotation about an axis passing along each weakening line, of one sector 27 with respect to another sector. As mentioned, one or more stabilizing meshes 4 is/are preferably associated with each sector 27. In this way each sector 27 is secured to the earth 90 by means of at least one stabilizing mesh 4 and is therefore individually associated with a respective layer of earth 90. This increases the capacity for adaptation to the load and the overall solidity of the device 1 installed. The relative movement of the sectors 27 is limited by the presence of the stabilizing meshes 4. Where applicable, the presence of the reinforcement 3 also limits the relative movement of the sectors 27 and also ensures that the slab-like block 2 nevertheless remains intact and that the sectors 27 cannot physically separate from each other. In an alternative embodiment it is instead envisaged that a complete fracture is created between the sectors 27 such that the sectors 27 are physically separated from each other. In another alternative embodiment, the sectors 27 are physically separated from the beginning, even before the device 1 is arranged on the ground 9, namely the slab-like block 2 comprises a plurality of sectors 27 which are separate from each other and with each of which a stabilizing mesh is associated beforehand. Figure 5A shows a barrier 80 during installation where the devices 1 have not yet been broken into sectors 27; Figure 5B shows an installed barrier 80 where the slab-like blocks 2 of the devices 1 are divided into sectors 27 along the grooves 28. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, a second embodiment of an earth retaining and stabilizing device 100 is illustrated. In this embodiment, parts which have the same function and structure retain the same reference number as in the embodiment previously described and therefore they are not described again in detail. In particular, the device 100 comprises a slab-like block 102 which includes, as a single piece, a base panel 112 and a plurality of projecting bodies 125 which form bulges projecting from one side of said base panel 112 opposite to that intended to face the earth. Essentially, as can be seen from Figure 7, the thickness of the slab- like block 102 is not constant, but has a first thickness S1 corresponding to the base panel 112 and at least one second greater thickness S2, corresponding to a projecting body 125. As can be seen from the figure, the projecting bodies 125 are arranged on said base panel 112 in a predefined arrangement, in the example a matrix of rows and columns, where each row is spaced from the adjacent row by a given interval P. The projecting bodies 125 are formed so as to reproduce the appearance of pebbles, stones, rocks or similar elements. The slab-like block 102 is provided with a plurality of stabilizing meshes 4 which are each fixed to the base panel 112, each in the region of a respective row of projecting bodies 125.

In this embodiment, the base panel portions 112, which have a thickness S1 and interval P and are situated between a row of projecting bodies 125 and a row of projecting bodies 125 adjacent thereto, form weakening lines 128 - indicated by broken lines in Figure 6 - along which the slab-like block 112 is intended to break. Essentially, the base panel portions 112, which are situated between each row of projecting bodies 125 and have a limited thickness S1 , form a so-called breakable bridge-piece, as can be seen in Figure 7.

The slab-like block 112 is thus intended to be broken into a plurality of sectors 127 which each coincides with a row of projecting bodies 125.

As in the previous embodiment, each sector 127 is kept rigidly secured to the earth by means of a respective stabilizing mesh 4.

This therefore results, in the event of an excessive load exerted by the earth, in a slab-like block 102 where a plurality of sectors 127 have the possibility of performing a mutual displacement which is limited by the stabilizing meshes 4, in the example a degree of rotation about an axis passing along the weakening lines 128.

Preferred embodiments of the subject of the present disclosure have been described hitherto. It is understood that other embodiments may exist, all of these falling within the scope of protection of the claims which are provided hereinbelow.

Claims

1. A device (1 , 100) for retaining and stabilizing earth or the like, comprising a retaining slab-like block (2, 102), of predefined thickness (S) comprised between a first face (21) intended to be facing the earth to be stabilized and a second face (22) opposite thereto, and a plurality of stabilizing members (4) associated with said slab-like block (2, 102) and having each a first portion (41) fixed to said slab-like block (2, 102) and a second portion (42) projecting from said first face (21) and intended to be incorporated in the earth to be stabilized.

2. The device (1 , 100) according to claim 1 , wherein the slab-like block (2, 102) comprises weakening lines (28, 128) defining in said slab-like block (2, 102) two or more consecutively adjacent sectors (27, 127), and wherein said slab- like block (2, 102), under the action of a given load, is intended to be broken in a predetermined manner into said two or more sectors (27, 127) along said weakening lines (28, 128).

3. The device (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein the slab-like block (2, 102) is divided up into two or more sectors (27, 127) consecutively adjacent and physically separate from each other, wherein said sectors are mutually displaceable from each other under the action of a given load.

4. The device (1 , 100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one stabilizing member (4) is associated with each sector (27, 127) of the slab-like block (2).

5. The device (1 , 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said stabilizing members (4) are ordered stepwise along the first face (21) of the slab-like block (2, 102), substantially parallel to each other, so as to form with the slab-like block (2, 102) a substantially comb-like configuration.

6. The device (1 , 100) according to claims 2 and 5, wherein said weakening lines (28, 128) are ordered stepwise along the second face (22) of the slab-like block (2, 102), substantially parallel to each other, staggered with respect to said stabilizing members (4).

7. The device (1 , 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion (41) of said stabilizing members (4) is at least partially incorporated integrally in said slab-like block (2).

8. The device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a reinforcement (3) included in the thickness (S) of the slab-like block (2).

9. The device (1, 100) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein said first portion (41) of said stabilizing members (4) forms a reinforcement (3) for the slab-like block (2).

10. The device (1 , 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said stabilizing members (4) are flexible members.

11. The device (1 , 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said stabilizing members (4) are meshes.

12. The device (1 , 100) according to claim 2, wherein the weakening lines are obtained by means of the provision of grooves (28) formed on the slab-like block (2, 102), so as to achieve a reduction in the thickness (S) of the slab-like block (2, 102) along the grooves (28).

13. The device (1 , 100) according to claim 12, wherein said grooves (28) are formed on the second face (22) of the slab-like block (2, 102).

14. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said slab-like block (2) is lattice-shaped and has a plurality of through-openings (25) extending through the thickness (S) between the first face (21) and the second face (22).

15. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said openings (25) are provided with mesh portions (26), each of said mesh portions (26) being arranged in the thickness (S) of the slab-like block (2) and substantially parallel to said first face (21) and second face (22) of the slab-like block (2), so as to occupy the respective opening (25).

16. The device (1) according to claims 11 and 15, wherein said mesh portions (26) which occupy said openings (25) are part of said mesh-type stabilizing members (4).

17. The device (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11 , wherein the slab- like block (102) comprises a base panel (112) and a plurality of projecting bodies (125), forming one piece with the base panel (112), wherein said projecting bodies form bulges which emerge from said base panel (112) on a side corresponding to said second face (22) of the slab-like block (102), such that the thickness of the slab-like block (102) comprises a first thickness (S1) corresponding to the base panel (112), and at least one second thickness (S2) greater than the first thickness (S1), corresponding to the projecting bodies

(125).

18. The device (100) according to claims 2 and 17, wherein the portions of base panel (112) with a first thickness (S1) and interposed between the projecting bodies (125) form said weakening lines (128).

19. The device (100) according to claim 18, wherein said projecting bodies (125) are arranged on said base panel (112) in form of a matrix of rows and columns, and wherein the portions of base panel (112) with a first thickness (S1) and interposed between one row of projecting bodies (125) and one next row of projecting bodies form said weakening lines (128).

20. The device (1 , 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said slab-like block (2, 102) is made at least of a material selected from a group comprising: cement, concrete, resin, plastic.

21. A barrier (80) for retaining and stabilizing earth, including a plurality of devices (1 , 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, arranged alongside each other.

22. A method for retaining and stabilizing earth, comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one device (1 , 100) including a retaining slab-like block (2, 102) of given thickness comprised between a first face (21) intended to be facing the earth to be stabilized and a second face (22) opposite thereto, and a plurality of stabilizing members (4), wherein each of said stabilizing members (4) has a first portion (41) fixed to said slab-like block (2, 102) and a second portion (42) projecting from said first face (21) and intended to be incorporated in the earth; b) arranging said device (1 , 100) on ground vertically or with a selected inclination with respect to the vertical direction (96) and at a predetermined distance from the earth to be stabilized, so as to form an intermediate region (95) comprised between said first face (21) of the slab-like block (2, 102) and the earth to be stabilized, said stabilizing members (4) being arranged in said intermediate region (95); and c) arranging given amounts of earth or the like in the intermediate region (95) interposed between the first face (21) of the slab-like block (2, 102) and the earth to be stabilized, so as to incorporate into the earth said stabilizing members (4).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said step c) further comprises the substeps of: c1) prearranging a first amount of earth or the like in said intermediate region

(95); c2) resting the second portion (42) of a first stabilizing member (4) on said first amount of earth or the like; c3) overlaying a second amount of additional earth or the like on said second portion (42) of said first stabilizing member (4); c4) resting the second portion (42) of a second stabilizing member (4) on said second amount of additional earth or the like; c5) repeating steps c3) and c4) for the remaining stabilizing members (4).

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the slab-like block (2, 102) comprises one or more weakening lines (28, 128) which define two or more sectors (27, 127) adjacent to each other in said slab-like block (2, 102), and said step c) is followed by the further step of: d) breaking, under the action of a given load of earth, said slab-like block (2, 102) along said one or more weakening lines (28, 128) into said two or more sectors (27, 127).