SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLATION OF STREET FURNITURE

Abstract

Disclosed is a pre-fabricated modular system for installation of both a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture; the system comprising at least one pre-fabricated foundation module comprising a plurality of attachment points for securely attaching a vehicle restraint system to the foundation module; and at least one pre-fabricated extension module, which comprises one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the extension module; and wherein the extension module and the foundation module comprise cooperating surfaces such that the respective modules can be placed in frictional engagement with one another.

Claims

1. A pre-fabricated modular system for installation of both a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture; the system comprising at least one pre-fabricated foundation module comprising a plurality of attachment points for securely attaching a vehicle restraint system to the foundation module; and at least one pre-fabricated extension module, which comprises one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the extension module; and wherein the extension module and the foundation module comprise cooperating surfaces such that the respective modules can be placed in frictional engagement with one another.

2. A prefabricated foundation module for use in installation of both a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture, the module comprising a plurality of attachment points for securely attaching a vehicle restraint system to the foundation module, and one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the foundation module.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the foundation module consists of or substantially comprises reinforced concrete.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the foundation module comprises a plurality of apertures to facilitate access to services locatable or located beneath the foundation module, and wherein metal reinforcing components in the foundation module do not extend into the apertures.

5. A system according to claim 3, wherein the foundation module comprises a plurality of apertures which, when the module is in situ, facilitate drainage of rainwater from an adjacent carriageway.

6. A system according to claim 3, in combination with, or comprising, a pre-fabricated concrete conduit unit which provides a conduit for services beneath the foundation module.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the conduit unit additionally provides a drainage channel for draining water from the foundation module and/or an adjacent carriageway.

8. A pre-fabricated extension module, comprising one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the extension module, the extension module being adapted and configured to engage with a pre-fabricated foundation for a vehicle restraint system.

9. A system according to claim 3, wherein the foundation module and the extension module comprise cooperating surfaces which permit abutment of the modules in frictional engagement.

10. A system according to claim 3, wherein the extension module is adapted and configured to fit between, and engage with, two foundation modules.

11. A system according to claim 3, wherein the extension module is substantially formed of concrete or reinforced concrete.

12. A system according to claim 3, wherein the extension module can be located at any one of a plurality of different sites on the foundation module.

13. A system according to claim 3, wherein the size and shape of the extension module is selected so that the attachment point is set back from the vehicle restraint system such that a vehicle impacting and deforming the vehicle restraint will not cause injury to occupants of the vehicle by impacting the item of street furniture.

14. A system according to claim 3, wherein the components of the system may be assembled in situ.

15. A system according to claim 3, wherein opposed ends of a foundation module are shaped and dimensioned to co-operate with an end of a respective further foundation module.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein an end of one foundation module forms an interlocking engagement with the end of an adjacent foundation module.

17. A system according to claim 15, wherein one end of the foundation module is formed with a male member and the opposed end of the foundation module is formed with a reciprocally-shaped female member.

18. A system according to claim 15, wherein the ends of the foundation module are shaped and dimensioned so as to permit a first foundation module to be moved in a substantially vertical plane relative to a second foundation module but so as to resist lateral relative movement of the foundation modules in a substantially horizontal plane, optionally whilst allowing pivotal movement in a horizontal plane.

19. A system according to claim 14, wherein the components of the system may be assembled or disassembled in situ and are reusable.

20. A method of installing a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture, the method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a selected prefabricated foundation module, as previously defined, at a desired location; (b) attaching at least one VRS support post to an attachment point on the foundation module; (c) providing at least one attachment point for attaching an item of street furniture, said street furniture attachment point being present either on the foundation module, or on an extension module, which extension module, if present, is positioned in engagement with the foundation module.

21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step (d) of attaching a VRS barrier to the support post.

22. A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step (e) of attaching an item of street furniture to the street furniture attachment point.

23. A method according to claim 20, comprising an initial step of excavating a trench of length and width suitable to accommodate one or more of the selected pre-fabricated foundation modules.

24. A method according to claim 20, wherein the components of the system are assembled in situ.

Description

[0092] The invention will now be further described by way of illustrative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0093] FIG. 1A is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention;

[0094] FIG. 1B is a side elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, with additional accessories;

[0095] FIGS. 1C and 1D are illustrations of the layout of integral steel reinforcement bars within one embodiment of the invention, as seen from above (1C) or one side (1D);

[0096] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a system for installing a vehicle restraint system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

[0097] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a system for installing a vehicle restraint system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

[0098] FIGS. 5A-5C are various views of another embodiment of a foundation module for use in a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0099] FIGS. 6-8 are partial views of various embodiments of a system in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

[0100] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention, in situ, with an installed VRS and various items of street furniture.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0101] A first embodiment of a foundation module suitable for use in the first or second aspects of the invention is shown in plan view in FIG. 1A. The apparatus comprises a pre-fabricated foundation module 2 of reinforced concrete. The module is about 8 m long, 1000 mm wide, and 200 mm deep. A first end of the module is formed with a projecting male member 4, whilst an opposed second end of the module 2 is formed with a re-entrant female member 6. The male member 4 and the female member 6 are reciprocally shaped, so that the male member 4 of a module 2 can be received within the female member 6 of another module 2 so as to create an interlocking engagement, which permits relative movement of the two modules in a substantially vertical plane, but resists relative lateral movement in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0102] The module comprises four attachment points 8-8′″, which are at a fixed interval of 2000 mm. Each of the attachment points 8-8′″ comprises an identical socket through the entire depth of the module 2. As best seen in FIG. 1B, each socket is provided with a removable steel liner or sleeve, locatable within the socket and extending beneath the module 2 into the ground below. The socket is of rectangular cross-section, shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain the liner or sleeve, which is in turn shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of a commercially-available Z-section support post of common and conventional design.

[0103] Each attachment point 8-8′″ is provided in a respective ‘rung’ 10-10′″ across the module. Between adjacent rungs 10-10′″ is a large aperture 12-12″ formed in the module. Additional smaller apertures 14,14′ are provided towards opposite ends of the module. The highly apertured nature of the module facilitates access to, and inspection, maintenance or repair of, any services underlying the module 2 when it is in situ along the edge of a road carriageway.

[0104] In order to use the apparatus, a trench of suitable dimensions is excavated at the desired location and the module is lowered into the trench. A steel sleeve or liner 16 (seen in FIG. 1A) is placed in each of attachment points 8-8′″ and driven into the ground, and a support post is then inserted into each steel sleeve or liner 16. The dimensions of the sleeve or liner are such that a widely-used, commercially available support post may be snugly received within the sleeve or liner 16, so as to be firmly anchored by the sleeve and module. The mass and rigidity of the module 2 allows the support posts to be firmly anchored without driving the posts to the depth of penetration which would be required in the absence of the module.

[0105] Once the support posts have been secured to the module, the spoil excavated in the digging of the trench may be partially or wholly back-filled on top of the module 2, depending on the requirements of the constructor, and the vehicle restraint barrier or crash barrier is attached to the anchored support posts by wholly conventional means (e.g. nuts and bolts).

[0106] In the embodiment illustrated, the sleeve or liner 16 is shaped and dimensioned so as to snugly receive a conventional 170×49 mm ‘Z’ section post.

[0107] If desired, the foundation module 2 can also be provided with one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the foundation module. This permits, if desired, the optional omission of an extension module from the system of invention.

[0108] FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate an embodiment generally similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1A/1B (although shorter, and with fewer ‘rungs’ 10 and apertures 12), and like components are denoted with common reference numerals. The Figures illustrate the internal arrangement of the integral steel reinforcing bars provided in the foundation module. These comprise four parallel pairs of main bars 3 along the long axis of the module, which are joined by a plurality of transverse members, of which a representative example is denoted by reference numeral 5. The transverse members are situated within the ‘rungs’ 10. All the bars 3, 5 are of conventional H10 size. It is apparent from the Figures that the reinforcement bars do not protrude into the apertures 12.

Example 2

[0109] Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a step in the installation of a vehicle restraint system in accordance with the method of the invention. The method comprises installation of a foundation module 2, of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A & 1, together with a plurality of vertical support posts 20-20′″. Each support post 20-20′″ is a conventional Z-section steel post, which is received in a respective one of the corresponding attachment points 8-8′″ (shown in FIG. 1A) and the associated sleeve or liner 16 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0110] A conventional horizontal steel crash barrier can then be attached to the support posts 20-20′″ by nuts and bolts, the support posts being apertured to permit the passage of suitably sized bolts.

[0111] A further example illustration of an installation method in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 3. The illustrated example comprises a foundation module 2. At each of the plurality of attachment points on the module is a vertical support post 20-20′″. These are anchored to the foundation module 2 via their integral base plate, of the type used conventionally to anchor a surface-mounted post. The support posts 20-20′″ with welded base plate are anchored to the module 2 by two-part metal bolts sunk into holes drilled into the foundation module 2. A bottom part or anchor is positioned in the foundation module; and a top part is passed through a pre-formed hole in the base plate and into screw-threaded engagement with the bottom part or anchor. Conveniently the bottom part or anchors are incorporated into the module 2 at the casting stage, which avoids the need for subsequently drilling holes into the module, after it has set, to accommodate the anchors. Four two-part bolts are used, one at each corner of the base plate, and a liquid synthetic resin is used to fill the residual volume. The resin is allowed to cure, such that the base plates, and their attached support posts 20-20′″, are firmly anchored. A conventional ‘W’-section steel crash barrier 22, is then attached in a substantially horizontal plane to the substantially vertical support posts 20-20′″. Again, the attachment is by use of conventional fixings, such as nuts and bolts.

[0112] As described in relation to Example 1, the foundation module 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 could be provided with one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the foundation module.

[0113] It will be noted that the foundation module 2 in FIG. 3 differs in certain details from the foundation module 2 shown in FIGS. 1A/1B & 2. One difference is the absence of sockets penetrating through the entire depth of the foundation module in FIG. 3. In addition it can be seen that, because the system in FIG. 3 requires the use of base plates, having a relatively wide base, to attach the vertical support posts 20 etc., the transverse members 10 are substantially wider than the corresponding transverse members of the module shown in FIGS. 1A/1B & 2.

Example 3

[0114] FIG. 4 and illustrates a vehicle restraint system, installed using an embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention. The illustrated embodiment is generally similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and common reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

[0115] FIG. 4 shows the system installed in situ along the outer edge of a carriageway 30. The foundation module 2 is mounted above a pre-fabricated services conduit unit 32. The conduit unit 32 has a cross-section resembling conjoined adjacent letters “n” and “u”, such that the conduit unit substantially possesses rotational symmetry of order 2 about its long axis. The conduit unit is conveniently formed of concrete.

[0116] The “n” shaped part 34 of the conduit unit 32 forms a protective arch over services 36, laid beneath the conduit unit. The services may comprise, for example, electrical cables, gas pipes and the like.

[0117] The “u” shaped part 38 of the conduit unit 32 forms a drainage channel to drain away surface water which falls onto the structure or which drains onto the structure from the surface of the carriageway 30, which is substantially flush with the top of the foundation module 2. In this way, the system can help reduce the build-up of standing water on the surface of the carriageway.

[0118] One or more of the apertures 12, 14 etc. in the foundation module are provided with a metal (e.g. steel) mesh which permits the passage of rain or other precipitation into the channel 38, whilst preventing the ingress of soil, leaves and the like which might otherwise partially or wholly block the channel 38.

[0119] The mesh is not embedded within the concrete of the module 2 but is instead readily removable from the module, being attached thereto by releasable attachment means, such as screws, clips or the like, or simply resting on a flange or ledge portion of the foundation module. The mesh has an array of square holes of about 10 mm sides, and may be covered by an optional layer of drainage-permitting material such as 20 mm flint filter stone or similar.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the prefabricated foundation module 2 and the prefabricated conduit unit 32 are shown as separate components, the outer edges of the conduit unit 32 having a stepped profile which engages with a co-operating profile on the outer edges of the module 2. This engagement facilitates alignment of the foundation module 2 with the conduit unit 32 such that the foundation module can easily be placed in the desired position relative to the conduit unit.

[0121] In other embodiments, the module 2 and conduit unit 32 may form a single integrated component. For example, they may be cast ab initio as a single as a single component in concrete, or they may be case separately but assembled together after manufacture for delivery onsite as a single, pre-assembled component.

Example 4

[0122] FIGS. 5A-5C are various views of a further embodiment of a foundation module of use in a system/method in accordance with the invention.

[0123] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a pair of foundation modules which are in an interlocking engagement which allows for limited relative rotational or pivotal movement of the engaged adjacent foundation modules. FIGS. 5B and 5C are plan views of the engaged portions of the foundation modules, showing that the engagement allows for limited relative rotational or pivotal movement of the foundation modules in a horizontal plane.

[0124] Where the features shown in FIGS. 5A-5C are generally equivalent or correspond to features shown in other drawings they are indicated with common reference numerals.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, two identical foundation modules 2, 2a have ends adapted and configured so as to allow for at least some relative rotational or pivotal movement in a horizontal plane. The foundation modules 2, 2a are each provided with a projecting male member 4 which has a curved face describing about 260-270° of a circular arc. The male member 4 of foundation module 2 is received within the reciprocally shaped female recess 6 formed on the end of foundation module 2a. The interlocking engagement created by the insertion of male member 4 into the female recess 6 prevents engagement and disengagement of the foundation modules 2, 2a by simple relative longitudinal movement. Instead, the foundation modules 2, 2a are engaged or disengaged by relative vertical displacement.

[0126] As apparent from the Figures, the arrangement allows for some limited relative rotational or pivotal movement of the two foundation modules 2, 2a in a horizontal plane. The angle of rotational movement permitted is increased by the presence of angled, sloping shoulder portions 66 either side of the male member 4 and, to a lesser extent, by the slightly angled sloping shoulder portions 68 either side of the female recess 6.

Example 5

[0127] Referring to FIG. 6, a first embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention comprises two prefabricated foundation modules 2, 2′, and a prefabricated extension module 200. The foundation modules 2, 2′ are formed of reinforced concrete. Each foundation module comprises a plurality of steel rods running along the long axis of the module, with further transverse metal rods substantially at a right angle to the long axis of the foundation module. Each foundation module resembles a ladder, with transverse portions 10 or “rungs” at regular fixed intervals across the module, on which the attachment points are provided. Between neighbouring rungs is an aperture, such that a plurality of apertures is formed in each foundation module. In the illustrated embodiment these apertures are positioned along the of the module One purpose of the apertures provided in the foundation module is to facilitate access to services located beneath the module, thereby limiting inspection, maintenance or repair of the services as required. Another purpose of the apertures is to facilitate drainage of rainwater or the like.

[0128] The end of the module 2, and the end of the module 2′, are shaped and dimensioned so as to form a co-operating engagement therebetween, in the absence of the extension module 200. Each foundation module 2, 2′ is substantially rectilinear and approximately 6 m in length.

[0129] The attachment points on the foundation module may be of any convenient type. In the embodiment illustrated, a hole or socket (not shown) is formed or provided in each of a plurality of the transverse rungs 10 of the foundation modules. Each hole or socket is able to receive a substantially vertical support post, to which post a vehicle restraint barrier may be attached by conventional means.

[0130] The extension module 200 is shaped and dimensioned to fit between, and engage with, the otherwise adjacent ends of the foundation modules 2, 2′. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, one side of the extension module 200 is provided with a recess or groove 199 which accommodates a cooperatively shaped projecting portion 4 on the end of the foundation module 2, and the opposite side of the extension module 200 is formed with a projecting portion 201 which is received within a co-operating recess or groove 6 in the end of the foundation module 2′. It will be apparent that, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, an extension module may be positioned at the end of each foundation module 2. Alternatively, fewer extension modules may be employed, such that at some locations neighbouring foundation modules 2 will directly engage with one another.

[0131] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the extension module 200 is provided with a single attachment point for attachment thereto of a lighting column 208 for a street light. The size and shape of the extension module is such that the attachment point, and the lighting column attached thereto, may be set back from the vehicle restraint barrier by a desired amount. Accordingly, in the event of a vehicle impacting, and deforming, the vehicle restraint barrier, the lighting column is set back sufficiently such that it will not cause injury to any occupants of the vehicle.

[0132] A second embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 7. A third embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 8. The embodiments are generally similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6 and like components are denoted by common reference numerals. In FIG. 7, the extension module 200 is formed with a parallel-sided groove in its upper surface. When placed in combination with an overlying foundation module 2, the groove in the upper surface of the extension module 200 accommodates part of the foundation module. In addition, a square or rectangular shaped raised portion 203 at one end of the extension module is snugly received within a co-operatively shaped aperture in the foundation module. In this way a close-fitting engagement is created between the extension module 200 and the overlying foundation module 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension module 200 has an attachment point for a lighting column 208 for a street light. The shape of the extension module is such that, when in situ, is set back from a vehicle restraint system mounted on the foundation module 2. It will also be appreciated that the foundation module comprises a second aperture which is co-operatively shaped to engage with extension module 200. As a result, the extension module 200 can be positioned towards either end of the foundation module 2; alternatively, two separate (but substantially identical) extension modules 200 may be positioned in engagement with a single foundation module 2.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 8, the illustrated embodiment is essentially the reverse of that shown in the preceding Figure. Thus, the extension module 200 overlies the foundation module 2. At one end region of the underside of the extension module 200 is a square or rectangular downward-projecting portion, which is snugly received within a co-operatively shaped aperture formed in the foundation module 2, such that the extension module 200 and the foundation module 2 are in a close-fitting frictional engagement. In addition, the main body of the extension module 200 butts up in contact with the exterior surface of the foundation module 2.

Example 6

[0134] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a system in accordance with an aspect of the invention, in situ along the edge of a carriageway 30, with an installed vehicle restraint system 22 together with various installed items of street furniture. The system is broadly similar to that shown in FIG. 4, and like components are denoted by common reference numerals.

[0135] The installation system comprises two foundation modules 2, 2′ an extension module 200 located between the two foundation modules 2, 2′ and a pre-fabricated services conduit unit 32 beneath the foundation module. The conduit unit 32 has a cross-section resembling conjoined adjacent letters “n” and “u”, such that the conduit unit substantially possesses rotational symmetry of order 2 about its long axis. The conduit unit is conveniently formed of concrete.

[0136] The “n” shaped part 34 of the conduit unit 32 forms a protective arch over services 36, laid beneath the conduit unit. The services may comprise, for example, electrical cables, gas pipes and the like.

[0137] The “u” shaped part 38 of the conduit unit 32 forms a drainage channel to drain away surface water which falls onto the structure or which drains onto the structure from the surface of the carriageway 30, which is substantially flush with the top of the foundation module 2. In this way, the system can help reduce the build-up of standing water on the surface of the carriageway.

[0138] Each foundation module 2, 2′ comprises a plurality of attachment points for respective support posts 20, to which posts 20 a horizontal steel barrier 22 of a vehicle restraint system (VRS) is attached. In addition to the VRS attachment points, the foundation modules 2, 2′ comprise a plurality of further attachment points to which various items of street furniture are attached. These items of street furniture include a pedestrian safety fence 202, a yardage counter 204, and an acoustic damping fence 206. These items of street furniture are all on the far side of the vehicle restraint system relative to the carriageway 30. The edge of the foundation modules 2, 2′ nearest to the carriageway 30 is formed with a plurality of drainage perforations 210, which permit drainage of surface water from the carriageway 30 into the drainage channel of the conduit unit 32.

[0139] The extension module 200 is shaped and dimensioned so as to co-operate with the respective end portions of the two foundation modules 2, so as to engage with each thereof. The extension module 200 has an attachment point for a lighting column 208.