Method and apparatus for reinforcing barrier interconnections

Abstract

In an underground barrier wherein each barrier member has a first edge having a flange defining a first connector and an opposed second edge having a channel defining a second connector, the channel being sized and shaped to receive the flange in slidable interconnection therein an apparatus for reinforcing a connection between adjacent barrier members comprises a first plate shaped to correspond to a first side of the barrier member around the channel, a second plate shaped to correspond to a second side of the barrier member, around the channel and a plurality of fasteners extending between the first and second plates so as to retain the first and second plates proximate to the channel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for reinforcing a connection between adjacent barrier members, each barrier member having a first edge having a flange defining a first connector and an opposed second edge having a channel defining a second connector, the channel being sized and shaped to receive the flange of an adjacent barrier member in slidable interconnection therein, the apparatus comprising:
 a first plate shaped to correspond to a first side of the barrier member around the channel;   a second plate shaped to correspond to a second side of the barrier member, around the channel; and   a plurality of fasteners extending between the first and second plates so as to retain the first and second plates proximate to the channel.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said channel is formed between free distal edges wherein the first and second plates have edges located proximate thereto so as to prevent displacement of the free distal edges. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said fasteners comprise bolts. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said fasteners are passed through bores in the barrier members adjacent to the channel. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first and second plates are formed of metal. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first plate includes a planar section and an arcuate section corresponding to a first arm forming said channel. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second plate includes a planar section and an arcuate section corresponding to a second arm forming said channel. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second plate includes a planar section and an arcuate section corresponding to a second arm forming said channel.