IT201800006801A1 - METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN FOR THE REALIZATION OF A CURVED SELF-SUPPORTING WORK INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF ADJUSTABLE BLOCKS - Google Patents

Description

METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN FOR THE REALIZATION OF A CURVED SELF-SUPPORTING WORK INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF ADJUSTABLE BLOCKS

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention refers to a construction and design method for the construction of a self-supporting curved work comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks, for example an arched work but not only, without the use of provisional ribs or scaffolding.

State of the art

[0002] The masonry arch is a structural element with a curved shape that rests on two vertical supports, called "piers", and generally extends along a substantially vertical plane.

[0003] This masonry arch is formed by a plurality of stone or artificial blocks, so-called "ashlars", cut in the shape of a wedge, or in a trapezoidal shape, having two opposite faces, inclined to each other in radial directions towards one, or more, centers of curvature.

[0004] Generally, each block is connected to the adjacent block in correspondence with one of said two faces, by means of the interposition of a layer of mortar, called "joint".

[0005] Although the masonry arch is not able to effectively withstand horizontal forces, it supports the overlying gravitational loads, causing, internally, stresses that are beneficial for the stability of mutual compression between the blocks along at least one direction curve, or curved path.

[0006] These mutual compression stresses are generated by their own weights and by the weights of the loads placed above the masonry arch.

[0007] The central block at the top of the arch is called "arch key" and allows you to balance the resulting compression forces applied by the arch blocks arranged on both sides of the arch key itself. The central block is therefore such as to allow the mutual compression stresses between the blocks to follow the geometric shape of the arch itself. The compressive stresses culminate on the piers, carrying out a vertical component, contrasted by the piers themselves, and a horizontal thrust component, towards the outside of the arch, which often the piers alone are not able to withstand.

[0008] The masonry arch also has an upper surface, so-called "extrados" and an opposite lower surface called "intrados".

[0009] The masonry arch is an architectural structure appreciated since ancient times, both for its aesthetic-architectural value, and for its static stability in terms of shape, as well as for its thermal inertia and fire resistance.

[0010] The masonry vault is an architectural covering structure formed by a plurality of masonry arches placed side by side to form a continuous vault surface. In other words, the arched vault is obtained geometrically by the translation and / or rotation of arches along one or more directions. The cylindrical or barrel vault represents the most immediate extension.

[0011] The known method, since ancient times, for the construction of a masonry arch or a masonry vault has the disadvantage of requiring the prior construction of a temporary support structure, so-called "rib", capable of providing a curved support surface delimiting the intrados of the curved element, on which to place the various blocks of the arch or vault.

[0012] This structure has often considerable dimensions and overall dimensions, as it must provide a support surface that repeats the shape and dimensions of the intrados of the arch or vault to be built. This shape has the task of supporting the weight of the bow and transmitting it to the ground, before it is assembled in the complete configuration.

[0013] The construction of the rib, which must be strong enough to support the weight of the bow during construction, and which must be removable at the end of the construction of the arch, requires considerable design and installation efforts, which is translate into high costs and construction times.

[0014] A further technique is known for the realization of an arched structure, so-called "raised arch", in particular for the construction of an arched bridge in prefabricated reinforced concrete.

[0015] According to this technique, the arched structure is entirely prefabricated before being transposed in situ.

[0016] This structure is prefabricated and transported in situ in a flat form using polymeric matrix reinforcement materials such as to carry the weight of the arch unit during lifting. The structure, once raised and positioned, behaves like a conventional masonry arch. The units making up the arch, therefore the segments, are individually prefabricated and arranged contiguously, with the upper edge in contact, so as to allow the application of a reinforcing layer on the extradosal surface. A layer of screed is cast on top of the polymeric matrix which adheres to the polymeric matrix.

[0017] The pre-assembled assembly is then transported to the place where it is to be installed, and raised in a central portion, leaving the ends overhanging.

[0018] Thanks to the weight of the arch elements, or segments, arranged at the ends, the assembly assumes an arch configuration in which the reinforcement layer and the screed deform between one segment and another.

[0019] This known technique has at least two objective limits.

[0020] In fact, the structure must be entirely made and pre-assembled in a production plant and then transported as a whole to the place of installation. This makes it impossible to use this technique in the case of bridges with high spans and / or large widths, due to the large footprint and weight of the structure to be transported.

[0021] Another application limitation of the known technique of the raised arch is the fact that it does not allow to control or adjust the stiffness of the reinforcement layer in the proximity areas between adjacent segments. As a result, the peripheral segments, which are the least loaded, are unable to adhere to the contiguous segments, remaining angularly spaced. This prevents precise assembly of the arched structure and sometimes requires subsequent adjustment, thus negating the benefit of the reduced installation time.

[0022] This disadvantage is amplified in the case of light segments, in which case, the known technique of the raised arch is equally unusable.

[0023] In other words, this known technique with raised arch does not guarantee that all the segments rotate perfectly. In particular, this criticality concerns the terminal blocks, or segments, of the structure, which tend to remain open and not to join and match the elements, or segments, adjacent to them. In order to improve the result, this technique requires a complex and expensive bending design of the back formed by the polymer matrix layer and the superimposed screed layer.

[0024] Therefore, none of the known techniques described above allows the construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks directly in situ, quickly and easily, avoiding the need to create ribs, and in safety also for installations at height .

Summary of the invention

[0025] The purpose of the present invention is to devise and make available a construction method for the construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks, or segments, which allows to meet the aforementioned needs and to obviate in a manner essential to the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to known techniques.

[0026] In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a method which allows to realize a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks, quickly and easily, and which guarantees total contact between the adjacent blocks forming the self-supporting curved work.

[0027] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a construction method which allows to obtain a high construction precision even in the case in which blocks made of light material are used.

[0028] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a method of construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks, which is simple and quick to execute.

[0029] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks which ensures the complete achievement of the desired final configuration, during the construction phase.

[0030] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a construction method for a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks that avoids the need to build a rib or any other temporary support structure.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks that allows to assemble this structure in the place of installation, avoiding having to transport a structure pre-assembled in another place.

[0032] It is yet another object of the present invention that of providing a method of construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks that allows safe installation, even when this work must be built at height .

[0033] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks which allows the construction of dry stone arches in situ with difficulty and reduced time, placing the arched structure constructed in this way, directly on structural elements used to support it.

[0034] These and further purposes and advantages are achieved by means of a construction method for the construction of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks in accordance with independent claim 1.

[0035] Further objects, solutions and advantages are present in the embodiments described below and claimed in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The invention will be illustrated below with the description of some of its embodiments, made by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0037] - Figure 1 illustrates an initial phase of the construction method of a self-supporting curved structure comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks according to the invention, in which the blocks of the plurality rest on a sliding surface arranged close together according to a row of blocks so that the rotation edges of contiguous blocks are facing and parallel to each other;

[0038] - figure 2 shows detail II of figure 1, in which for ease of illustration only three consecutive blocks of the plurality of blocks of figure 1 are shown;

[0039] - figure 3 shows a first step of the method, applied to the detail of figure 2, in which a step is carried out of covering peripheral portions of the upper surface of contiguous blocks along respective rotation edges facing each other, by means of masking bands not traversable by the matrix, and arranged over the rotation edges of contiguous blocks;

[0040] - Figure 4 shows a subsequent step of the method, namely the application of a layer of matrix above the upper surface of contiguous blocks and above the masking bands;

[0041] - Figure 5 shows a subsequent step of the method, that is the removal of the masking bands, thus uncovering the peripheral portions of the upper surface and removing corresponding portions of the matrix layer above the masking bands;

[0042] - Figure 6 shows a subsequent step of the method, that is the application of a layer of fibers without a matrix on top of said layer of matrix and of said uncovered peripheral upper surface portions, integrating said layer of fibers with said matrix layer;

[0043] - figure 7 shows a subsequent phase of the method, in which a phase of covering portions of the layer of fibers in correspondence with the uncovered peripheral upper surface portions is illustrated, by means of further masking bands that cannot be crossed by the matrix and arranged astride of the contiguous blocks;

[0044] - Figure 8 shows a step of the method, of applying a further layer of matrix above the layer of fibers and above the further masking bands, integrating the further layer of matrix with the layer of fibers and impregnating the fibers with the matrix;

[0045] - figure 9 shows a further step of the method, of removing the further masking bands by uncovering the fiber layer portions;

[0046] - figure 10 illustrates a step of the method, of lifting the structure by applying a lifting force to at least one central element of the plurality;

[0047] - Figure 11a shows a step of the method in perspective view, in which a horizontal sliding surface is provided configured to support and guide the blocks in sliding according to a step of the method according to the invention;

[0048] - figure 11b shows a step of the method in which a layer of material is placed on the horizontal sliding surface which facilitates the sliding of the blocks during the lifting of the structure;

[0049] - Figures 11 to 13 show three successive moments of the lifting phase of the structure, from the position resting on a sliding surface up to the final configuration in the form of a curved work, in particular in the form of an arch;

[0050] - figure 14 shows a further possible step of the method in which some spacers are interposed between the contact surfaces, and removed before lifting, with the aim of arranging the rotation edges at an appropriate distance from each other within a limit maximum in order to maintain the desired geometry following the lifting, to facilitate the complete rotation of the contact faces at the end of the lifting;

[0051] - Figure 15 shows a schematic of a side view of a self-supporting curved arch work for which the guideline is in the shape of a circumference arc, and therefore the arch is rounded;

[0052] - figure 15a shows a generic block of the plurality of blocks that form the curved work schematized in figure 15, which shows a rotation edge of the block that acts as the center of instant rotation, and the center of gravity of the block;

[0053] - figure 15b shows the block schematized in figure 15a in which it has reached its equilibrium position around its corner of rotation due to its weight, in which the block in this position defines an angle of rotation due to the severity;

[0054] - figure 15c shows a schematic perspective view of the block of figure 15a, to which a portion of the connecting layer is applied;

[0055] - Figure 16 shows a block diagram of some phases of the method according to the invention, relating to a dimensional verification phase and to a dimensioning of the blocks, or segments;

[0056] - Figure 17 shows a schematic of the application of a step of calculating an optimal value of the anchoring length of the connection layer on the blocks.

Description of the preferred embodiments

[0057] With reference to the figures, a self-supporting curved work comprising a plurality of adjacent blocks, made using the method according to the invention is generally indicated with the reference 1.

[0058] As shown for example in figures 10 and 15, this masonry works along a curved line A-A.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the guideline A-A has the shape of an arch having a center of curvature C, as shown for example in figures 10, 13, 15. In this case the curved masonry is a round arch.

[0060] However, the curved work 1 obtainable by the method of the present invention can develop along a curved line having more than one center of curvature and therefore more arched portions, even with different radii of curvature, composed together.

[0061] The self-supporting curved work 1 defines an intrados surface 2 facing towards a respective center of curvature C, and an extrados surface 3 opposite the intrados surface 2.

[0062] The method comprises a step of providing a plurality of blocks 30, 31, 32, or ashlars, in building material.

[0063] For example, the building material is any stone in the form of squared ashlars, or wood, or concrete, which could also be any homogeneous material with suitable structural properties.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the building material is limestone.

[0065] Each block 30, 31, 32, or segment, defines a lower surface 33 suitable for forming part of the intrados surface 2, and an opposite upper surface 34 suitable for forming part of the extrados surface 3.

[0066] Each block 30, 31, 32, or segment, furthermore defines two opposite contact faces 35 suitable for being placed in contact with respective contiguous elements of said plurality of blocks.

[0067] The intersection between each of the contact faces 35 and the upper surface 30 defines a respective rotation edge 36.

[0068] The corner of rotation 36 is arranged orthogonal, or substantially orthogonal, to the guideline A-A.

[0069] Similarly, the contact faces 35 are arranged substantially orthogonal to the guiding line A-A, or according to a radial direction passing through a respective center of curvature.

[0070] In other words, the contact faces 35 of each block, or segment, 30, 31, 32, intersect at the center of curvature C of the guiding line A-A, or of the arched masonry.

[0071] The contact faces 35 are inclined to each other according to a predetermined arc element angle.

[0072] The contact faces are preferably flat.

[0073] Each block, or segment 30, 31, 32 also defines two lateral faces substantially orthogonal to the contact faces 35, preferably parallel to the guideline A-A. These lateral faces are preferably flat.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the step of providing a plurality of blocks 30, 31, 32, comprises a step of producing said blocks 30, 31, 32 by cutting, or squaring, from a natural material, for example from stone calcarenite.

[0075] The method comprises a step of placing said blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, on a sliding surface 100 with the respective lower face 33 facing towards said sliding surface 100, and arranged close together and aligned with each other according to a row of elements so that the rotation edges 36 of blocks 30, 31, 32, or ashlars, contiguous, are at a minimum distance from each other and parallel to each other.

[0076] The method also comprises a step of making rotation joints, preferably cylindrical, 41 which connect contiguous blocks, or segments, 30, 31, 32, configured to allow the relative rotation of these blocks, or segments, contiguous 30, 31, 32 around the respective rotation edges 36 forming a structure of blocks that are rotatably connected to each other 10.

[0077] According to the above method, the joints 41 are configured to have substantially zero flexural stiffness around the respective rotation edges 36.

[0078] The method further comprises a step of lifting the aforementioned structure 10 of blocks, or segments, by applying a lifting force to at least one central element 31 of the plurality of blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, simultaneously causing the sliding of the blocks, or segments, on the sliding surface 100 and the free rotation of the blocks, or segments, of the plurality around the joints 41 until the contact faces of contiguous blocks, or segments, come into contact with each other, obtaining the aforementioned curved work self-supporting 1.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the sliding surface 100 is substantially flat, preferably horizontal.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the sliding surface 100 belongs to a linear guide which extends mainly along a longitudinal, preferably horizontal, direction.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the linear guide has two opposite longitudinal sides preferably parallel to the main direction, preferably orthogonal to the sliding surface 100.

[0082] These sides can be configured to guide the blocks laterally during sliding.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of coating the sliding surface 100 with a slip layer designed to facilitate sliding, and therefore minimize the friction, of the blocks, or segments, 30, 31, 32 with respect to this sliding surface.

[0084] For example, the slip layer comprises a Maylar ® layer.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the step of making rotation joints 41 comprises a step of connecting adjacent blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, creating a connecting layer, 40, adhering to the upper surface, 34 , or of the extrados of said blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, contiguous, straddling the rotation edges, 36, of arch elements, or segments, 30 arranged at a minimum distance from each other.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the step of installing the connecting layer 40, adhering to the upper surface 34, of contiguous blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, comprises a step of gluing a tape to said surface upper, 34, straddling contiguous blocks to connect them together.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the step of installing the connecting layer, 40, comprises a step of making a layer of composite material by applying to said upper surface, 34, at least one layer of matrix, 43, 45 , and at least one layer of fibers, 44, integrated together, in which the layer of composite material has no matrix, 43, 45 at the joints 41.

[0088] In other words, the connecting layer consists exclusively of said fiber layer 44.

[0089] Thanks to the absence of matrix at the joints, and to the exclusive presence of fibers only, the beneficial technical effect is obtained of allowing free rotation between the arch elements, or adjacent joints, during the lifting of the structure, avoiding the occurrence of impediments to the rotation itself.

[0090] In fact, the fibers have a high tensile strength and at the same time a substantially zero flexural stiffness.

[0091] This provision allows the blocks to join each other perfectly, coming into contact along the respective contact surfaces facing each other.

[0092] In other words, this provision makes it possible to avoid that the joints remain, even only partially, open when the structure of connected elements is raised, and to allow the self-supporting curved structure obtained to perfectly respect the desired final shape.

According to one embodiment, the composite material layer comprises long fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the layer of composite material comprises an inorganic matrix, for example lime-based mortar, or cement.

[0095] Preferably the at least one layer of matrix comprises a polymeric resin, preferably an epoxy resin, and the at least one layer of fibers comprises continuous fibers, said continuous fibers preferably being carbon, or glass, or aramid.

[0096] Preferably the polymeric resin is of the thermosetting type.

[0097] The continuous fibers preferably comprise continuous fibers arranged parallel to the guideline A-A.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the step of making a connecting layer 40 comprises a step of covering peripheral portions 34 'of upper surface, 34, of contiguous blocks 30, 31, 32, along the rotation edges 36 at minimum distance between them, by means of masking bands 46 which cannot be crossed by the matrix 43 and arranged astride said rotation edges 36 of contiguous blocks 30, 31, 32.

[0099] Said masking bands 46 therefore allow to protect the upper surface areas of the blocks they cover, so as to prevent the matrix material from reaching and wetting these surface areas and therefore, to avoid gluing an overlapping layer of fibers to such upper surface areas.

Furthermore, the step of making a connecting layer 40 may comprise a step of applying a matrix layer 43 over the top surface of contiguous blocks 34 and over the masking bands 46.

[00101] Preferably, the matrix layer 43 is applied over the entire overall length of the plurality of blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, resting on the sliding surface 100.

[00102] Furthermore, the step of making a connecting layer 40 can comprise a step of removing the masking bands 46 by uncovering said peripheral portions 34 'of upper surface 34 and removing corresponding portions of said matrix layer remaining above said masking bands, 46.

[00103] According to one embodiment, the masking bands 46 comprise a butyl tape. The butyl tape has the property of being impermeable to a matrix comprising polymeric resin, in particular epoxy resin.

[00104] The step of making a connecting layer 40 may further comprise a step of applying a layer of matrix-free fibers 44 over the matrix layer 43 and the uncovered peripheral upper surface portions 43 ', integrating the layer of fibers 44 to the matrix layer 43.

[00105] Preferably, the matrix-free fiber layer 44 is a band of such length as to cover the entire plurality of blocks, or segments, resting on the sliding surface, 100.

[00106] Preferably, the band of fiber layer 44 has a width such as to completely cover in width the upper surface of the blocks, or segments, resting on the sliding surface 100.

[00107] At these uncovered peripheral portions 34 ', the layer of fibers 44 that is superimposed on it remains free from the matrix 43 and detached from these uncovered peripheral portions 43'.

[00108] Furthermore, the fiber layer 44 has a predetermined stiffness in a direction parallel to the guiding line A-A, and the provision of being free from matrix, or from resin, along a length corresponding to these uncovered upper surface portions 43 ', it allows the layer of fibers 44 to react elastically to the traction caused by the weight of the other contiguous blocks, or segments, connected to each other.

[00109] According to an embodiment, the step of making a connecting layer can comprise a step of covering portions 44 'of the fiber layer 44 in correspondence with the uncovered peripheral upper surface portions 43', by means of further masking bands 47 not which can be crossed by the matrix 43 and arranged astride said arch elements 30, 31, 32, or ashlars, contiguous.

[00110] The further masking bands 47 have the purpose of protecting the portions 44 'of the fiber layer 44 from a further matrix layer subsequently applied on top of the fiber layer, so that the portions 44' of the fiber layer remain matrix-free even at the end of the connection layer.

[00111] According to one embodiment, the step of making a connecting layer comprises a step of applying a further matrix layer 45 above the fiber layer 44 and above said further masking bands 47, integrating said further matrix layer 45 with said fiber layer 44, and removing said further masking bands 47 uncovering said portions 44 'of fiber layer 44.

[00112] According to one embodiment, at least one further matrix layer comprises a polymeric resin, preferably an epoxy resin.

[00113] Preferably the at least one further matrix layer 45 is of the same material as the at least one matrix layer 43.

[00114] According to one embodiment, the further masking bands 47 comprise a butyl tape.

[00115] According to one embodiment, the further masking bands 47 are made of a material equal to the masking bands 46.

[00116] Also the further matrix layer 45 is preferably applied over the entire length of the plurality of blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, resting on the sliding surface 100.

[00117] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of preparing the upper surface 34 of the blocks 30, 31, 32, or segments, preceding the step of making a connection layer 40 adhering to said upper surface 34, called preparation phase including removal of surface impurities and application of a layer of epoxy primer.

[00118] This step is particularly useful in the case in which the blocks, or segments, are obtained from stone, to facilitate the bonding of the connecting layer, in particular to improve the adhesive performance of the layer of composite material to the upper surface of the blocks , or ashlars.

[00119] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of interposing spacers 39 between the contact faces 35 facing each other of blocks 30, 31, 32, or blocks, contiguous, resting on the sliding surface 100, before carrying out said step of making rotation joints 41, so as to distance said arch elements from each other by a predetermined length.

[00120] A step is also provided for removing the spacers 39 before carrying out the step of lifting the structure, so as to facilitate the complete rotation of the adjacent blocks or segments.

[00121] Preferably, the step of removing the spacers 39 is performed before the step of making rotation joints 41.

[00122] According to one embodiment, the curved guideline A-A is an arc of circumference having only one center of curvature C. In this case, the arc is round. An example of a work with a circular arc directrix is shown in figure 15.

[00123] In the event that the curved guideline A-A is an arc of circumference, the method may comprise a dimensional verification step 202 of the dimensions of the blocks 30, 31, 32, in which this verification step is suitable for verifying that the dimensions of the blocks are such as to ensure that the contact faces 35 of contiguous blocks are in contact with each other at the end of the lifting phase of the structure 10.

[00124] This dimensional verification 202 comprises a step of calculating (212) an optimal value of an anchor length led, in which this optimal anchor length value is defined as the length of the connection layer 40 adhering to the upper surface 34 of each block 30, 31, 32 in a direction parallel to the guideline A-A such as to guarantee the adhesion of the connecting layer 40 to the blocks 30, 31, 32 under the effect of their weight during the lifting phase.

[00125] The dimensional verification step 202 also comprises a step of verifying (213), for each block 30, 31, 32, that lD ≥ led, where lD is the length of the upper surface 34 of the block measured in a direction parallel to the guideline A-A. These dimensions are shown in figure 15c.

[00126] The dimensional verification step 202 also comprises a step of calculating (214), for each block 30, 31, 32, the following quantities:

where Re is the radius of the upper surface 34 of block 30, 31, 32; ȕ is the opening angle of block 30, 31, 32, measured between the two opposite contact faces 35; Rm is the average radius of the block 30, 31, 32, whose value is calculated as the arithmetic average between the value of the radius of the upper surface Re and the value of the radius of the lower surface Ri of the block; lm is the length of the average axis of block 30, 31, 32, between the two opposite contact faces 35 measured parallel to the guideline A-A; GRA is the angle of rotation due to gravity, defined as the angle between a horizontal plane 100 and the inclination assumed by a front contact face 35 of the block 30, 31, 32 when it is suspended free to rotate at the rotation edge 36 opposite to said front contact face 35; s is the thickness of the block 30, 31, 32 measured between the lower surface 33 and the upper surface 34; the lm / s ratio is the aspect ratio of the block, γ1 is a safety factor.

[00127] The dimensional verification step 202 comprises a step of defining a block angle α defined as the angle between a horizontal plane and said front contact face 35 when each block is in its final position in the assembled self-supporting curved structure 1 , for each block 30, 31, 32.

[00128] The dimensional verification step 202 further comprises a step of comparing (215), for each block 30, 31, 32 the values of rotation angle GRA and of block angle α, and a step of verifying that GRA ≤ α. If this condition occurs, the blocks 30, 31, 32 are correctly sized and the verification method is concluded and the construction method described above can be carried out.

[00129] The dimensional verification step 202 preferably comprises a data entry step 211.

[00130] According to one embodiment, in the event that GRA ≤ α does not occur, the construction method described above comprises a dimensional calculation step 222 of the blocks 30, 31, 32.

[00131] According to an embodiment of the method, this dimensional calculation step 222 comprises a pre-calculation step 223 comprising a step of setting (224), for each block 30, 31, 32, a new value of the angle of rotation GRAnew, such that GRAnew ≤ α, and a step of calculating (225), for each block 30, 31, 32, a new average length lm, new using the following formula:

where γ2 is a safety factor.

[00132] According to another embodiment of the method, the aforementioned dimensional calculation step 222 comprises, if it is not GRA ≤ α, a pre-calculation step 228 comprising a dimensional calculation step of the blocks 30, 31 , 32 comprising the steps of calculating (227), for each block 30, 31, 32, a new thickness such as to change the aspect ratio lm / s (respecting the mutual compression between the blocks along at least one curved line as above ), using the following formula:

imposing (228) a new average length lm, new equal to the starting average length lm:

[00133] In accordance with a further embodiment of the method, the aforementioned dimensional calculation step 222 comprises, in the case where it is not GRA ≤ α, a pre-calculation step 229 comprising the steps of fixing (320), for each block 30, 31, 32, a new block angle αnew such that:

imposing (228) a new average length lm, new equal to the starting average length lm

According to one embodiment, the pre-calculation step is any combination of the pre-calculation steps described above.

[00135] According to one embodiment, the dimensional calculation step 222 comprises at least one of the following steps, or a combination thereof:

- calculation (231) of the total number of blocks 30, 31, 32, or number of segments, choosing an odd total number:

- calculation (232) of the average length lmd of each block 30, 31, 32 using the following formula:

- calculation (233) of the opening angle ȕd of each block 30, 31, 32, using the following formula:

- calculation (234) of the length of the upper surface lDd of each block 30, 31, 32, using the following formula:

[00136] According to one embodiment, the step of calculating an optimal value of LED anchorage length is carried out using the following formula:

These quantities are schematically represented in figure 17. The ultimate value of the force that can be tolerated by the connection layer (FRP) 40, before the detachment of the connection layer (FRP) from the blocks takes place, depends, all other conditions being equal, on the lb length of the glued area. This value increases with lb until it reaches a maximum corresponding to a well-defined length le. Further elongation of the bonding area does not lead to increases in the transmitted force. The length is referred to as the optimal anchor length. It corresponds to the minimum anchoring length which ensures the transmission of the maximum adhesion effort.

[00137] To the embodiments of the device described above, a person skilled in the art, to meet contingent needs, may make changes, adaptations and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones, without thereby departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be realized independently of the other described embodiments.

[00138] The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described may be of various nature without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the figures are not necessarily to scale.

[00140] All the steps of the method described here can be combined according to any combination, except the combinations in which at least some of these steps are mutually exclusive.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1. Method of construction of a self-supporting curved structure (1) formed by a plurality of blocks arranged adjacent to each other along a curved guideline (A-A) having at least one center of curvature (C), called self-supporting curved structure (1) defining an intrados surface (2) facing towards said center of curvature (C), and an extrados surface (3) opposite the intrados surface (2), the method including the following steps: - providing said plurality of blocks (30, 31, 32) in construction material, each block (30, 31, 32) defining a lower surface (33) capable of forming part of said intrados surface (2), and a surface upper surface (34) adapted to form part of said extrados surface (3), two opposite contact faces (35) able to be placed in contact with respective contiguous elements of said plurality, the intersection between each of the contact faces (35 ) and the upper surface (30) defining a respective rotation edge (36); - resting said blocks (30, 31, 32) on a sliding surface (100) so that the respective lower face (33) faces towards said sliding surface (100) and so that said blocks (30, 31, 32) are arranged close together and aligned with each other according to a rectilinear row of elements so that the rotation edges (36) of contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32) are facing and parallel to each other; - making rotation joints (41) which connect contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32) to each other, configured to allow the relative rotation of said contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32) around the respective rotation edges (36), forming a structure of blocks rotatably connected to each other (10); - lifting said structure (10) of blocks by applying a lifting force to at least one central element (31) of said plurality of blocks (30, 31, 32) causing at the same time the sliding of the blocks on the sliding surface (100) and freeing it rotation of the blocks of said plurality around said joints (41) until the contact faces of contiguous blocks come into contact with each other, obtaining said self-supporting curved structure (1); - in which said joints (41) are configured to have zero flexural stiffness around said respective rotation edges (36). 2. Method, according to claim 1 in which the step of making said rotation joints (41) comprises a step of connecting contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32) together, creating a connection layer (40) adhering to the upper surface (34) of said contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32), astride said rotation edges (36). Method according to claim 2, wherein the step of making said connecting layer (40) comprises a step of making a layer of composite material by applying to said upper surface (34) at least one layer of matrix (43, 45) and at least one layer of fibers (44), integrated together, in which said layer of composite material has no matrix (43, 45) at said joints (41). Method according to claim 3, wherein the step of making a connecting layer (40) comprises the following steps: - cover peripheral portions (34 ') of upper surface (34) of blocks (30, 31, 32) contiguous along said rotation edges (36) by means of masking bands (46) which cannot be crossed by the matrix (43), and arranged in a straddling said rotation edges (36) of contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32); - applying a layer of matrix (43) above said upper surface (34) of contiguous blocks and above said masking bands (46); - remove said masking bands (46) uncovering said peripheral portions (34 ') of upper surface (34) and removing corresponding portions of said matrix layer above said masking bands (46); - applying a layer of matrix-free fibers (44) astride said contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32), above said matrix layer (43) and said peripheral upper surface portions (43 ') uncovered , integrating said fiber layer (44) to said matrix layer (43). Method according to claim 4, wherein said step of making a connecting layer comprises the following steps: - cover portions (44 ') of said layer of fibers (44) in correspondence with said uncovered peripheral upper surface portions (43'), by means of further masking bands (47) that cannot be crossed by the matrix (43) and arranged astride said contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32); - applying a further layer of matrix (45) above said layer of fibers (44) and above said further masking bands (47), integrating said further layer of matrix (45) with said layer of fibers ( 44); - remove said further masking bands (47) uncovering said portions (44 ') of layer of fibers (44). Method according to at least one preceding claim, comprising the following steps: - interpose spacers (39) between the contact faces (35) facing each other of contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32) resting on the sliding surface (100), before carrying out said step of making rotation joints (41), so as to space said contiguous blocks (30, 31, 32) from each other by a predetermined length; - remove the spacers (39) before carrying out the step of lifting the structure, in order to facilitate the complete rotation of the adjacent blocks (34, 31, 32). Method according to at least one preceding claim, comprising a step of preparing said upper surface (34) of said blocks (30, 31, 32) prior to the step of making a connection layer (40) adhering to said upper surface ( 34), said preparation step comprising removal of surface impurities and application of a layer of epoxy primer. Method according to claims 3, wherein the at least one matrix layer (43) comprises an epoxy resin, and wherein the at least one fiber layer (44) comprises continuous fibers made from a material selected from carbon, glass, aramid. Method according to claim 4 or 8, wherein the masking bands (46) comprise a butyl tape. Method according to at least one claim from 2 to 9, wherein the curved leader line (A-A) is an arc of circumference having a single center of curvature (C), and wherein said method comprises a dimensional verification step (202) the dimensions of the blocks (30, 31, 32) so that the contact faces (35) of contiguous blocks are in contact with each other at the end of the step of lifting said structure (10), comprising the steps of: - calculate (212) an optimal value of an anchor length led, said optimal anchor length value being defined as the length of the connecting layer (40) adhering to the upper surface (34) of each block (30, 31, 32) in a direction parallel to the guideline (A-A), such as to guarantee the adhesion of the connecting layer (40) to the blocks (30, 31, 32) under the effect of their weight during the lifting phase; - verify (213), for each block (30, 31, 32), that lD ≥ led, where lD is the length of the upper surface (34) of the block measured in a direction parallel to the guideline (A-A); - calculate (214), for each block (30, 31, 32), the following quantities: where Re is the radius of the upper surface (34) of the block (30, 31, 32); ȕ is the opening angle of the block (30, 31, 32), measured between the two opposite contact faces (35); Rm is the average radius of the block (30, 31, 32), whose value is calculated as the arithmetic average between the value of the radius of the upper surface Re and the value of the radius of the lower surface Ri of the block; lm is the average length of the block (30, 31, 32), between the two opposite contact faces (35) measured parallel to the guideline (A-A); GRA is the angle of rotation due to gravity, defined as the angle between a horizontal plane (100) and the inclination assumed by a front contact face (35) of the block (30, 31, 32) when it is hung free to rotate at the rotation edge (36) opposite to said front contact face (35); s is the thickness of the block (30, 31, 32) measured between the lower surface (33) and the upper surface (34); the lm / s ratio is the aspect ratio of the block, Ȗ1 is a safety factor; - for each block (30, 31, 32), define a block angle α defined as the angle between a horizontal plane and said front contact face (35) when each block is in its final position in the self-supporting curved structure ( 1) assembled; - compare (215), for each block (30, 31, 32) the values of rotation angle GRA and block angle α, and verify that GRA ≤ α. Method according to claim 10, wherein, in case the relation GRA ≤ α is not satisfied, the method comprises a dimensional calculation step (222) of the blocks (30, 31, 32). Method according to claim 11, wherein the dimensional calculation step (222) comprises the steps of: - set (224), for each block (30, 31, 32), a new value of the rotation angle GRAnew, such that GRAnew ≤ α - calculate (225), for each block (30, 31, 32), a new average length lm, new using the following formula: where Ȗ2 is a safety factor. Method according to claim 11, wherein the dimensional calculation step (222) comprises the steps of: - calculate (227), for each block (30, 31, 32), a new snew thickness such as to change the aspect ratio lm / s, using the following formula: imposing (228) a new average length lm, new equal to the starting average length lm: Method according to claim 11, wherein the dimensional calculation step (222) comprises the steps of: - setting (230), for each block (30, 31, 32), a new block angle αnew such that: imposing (228) a new average length lm, new equal to the starting average length lm Method according to at least one claim 11 to 14, wherein the dimensional calculation step comprises at least one of the following steps, or a combination thereof: - calculation (231) of the total number of blocks (30, 31, 32), or number of segments, choosing an odd total number: - calculation (232) of the average length lmd of each block (30, 31, 32) using the following formula: - calculation (233) of the opening angle ȕd of each block (30, 31, 32), using the following formula: - calculation (234) of the length of the upper surface lDd of each block (30, 31, 32), using the following formula: Method, according to claim 10, in which the step of calculating (212) an optimal value of LED anchor length, is carried out by means of the following formula: with: • Ef: grand modulus of elasticity in the direction of the force: • tf, thickness of the fiber-reinforced composite: • b: width of the reinforced element: • bf: width of the reinforcement: • ΓFd: design value of the specific fracture energy: • 7Rd: correction coefficient: • fbd: design value of the maximum tangential adhesion tension: • su: ultimate value of the slip between FRP and support: • kb: geometric correction coefficient: • kG: correction coefficient calibrated on the basis of experimental test results, expressed in mm and depending on the type of masonry: • HR: confidence factor: •: compressive strength of the blocks that make up the masonry: • fbtm: tensile strength of the blocks that make up the masonry.