Artificial turf structure and method of manufacturing thereof
Transcription
Artificial turf structure and method of manufacturing thereof
TEPZZ _8957¥B_T (19) (11) EP 2 189 573 B1 EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (12) (45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: E01C 13/08 (2006.01) of the grant of the patent: 15.05.2013 Bulletin 2013/20 (21) Application number: 09180696.8 (22) Date of filing: 21.10.2005 (54) Artificial turf structure and method of manufacturing thereof Kunstrasenstruktur und Herstellungsverfahren dafür Structure de gazon artificiel et son procédé de fabrication (73) Proprietor: Italgreen S.p.A. (84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR 24030 Villa d’Adda (IT) (72) Inventor: Gilardi, Maurizio 24030, Villa d’Adda (IT) (30) Priority: 21.07.2005 IT MI20051403 (74) Representative: Jorio, Paolo et al (43) Date of publication of application: Studio Torta S.p.A. Via Viotti, 9 10121 Torino (IT) 26.05.2010 Bulletin 2010/21 (62) Document number(s) of the earlier application(s) in EP 2 189 573 B1 accordance with Art. 76 EPC: 05794309.4 / 1 907 628 (56) References cited: WO-A1-2004/078892 DE-U1- 20 309 789 US-A- 4 735 825 WO-A1-2006/008579 GB-A- 2 139 609 Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 189 573 B1 Description TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, an a method for manufacturing the same. 5 2 ferring to the artificial turfs compactness, softness and elasticity; the turfs made according to the invention do not tend to compact and loose the original features of elasticity and softness and are therefore long-lasting with or without little maintenance; they are also poorely abrasive and have a high draining capacity while maintaining a suitable degree of humidity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS BACKGROUND ART 10 [0002] It is known that, in general terms, artificial turfs, in particular for sports fields, consist of a synthetic mat formed by a sheet substrate in which there extend vertically filaments which simulate a natural greensward; infill materials are arranged between the filaments to form one or more filling layers; the infill materials most commonly used are sand and relatively elastic polymeric materials (mainly natural or synthetic rubber, but also thermoplastic materials of various types), which are either mixed together or arranged in layers, according to various methods. [0003] US-A-4735825 and EP-A-174755 disclose artificial turf structure including as an infill material cork granules and peat-based materials respectively. [0004] WO2006/08579 discloses a mixed turf (i.e. a turf including both synthetic and natural grass filaments) wherein a layer of organic material, suitable for the development of living plants, is used in combination with a traditional infill material layer. [0005] The known infill materials are not all entirely satisfactory under various aspects, for example in terms of performance, costs, draining capacity and humidity maintenance. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, and a method for manufacturing artificial turfs which are free from the above described drawbacks. [0007] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an easily procurable, low cost infill material which is capable of conferring to the artificial turf suitable features of elasticity and compactness, and that allows a good drainage ensuring at the same time a suitable degree of humidity. [0008] The present invention therefore relates to an artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, and to the method of manufacturing thereof, as defined respectively in attached claims 1 and 11. [0009] In general terms, the invention therefore concerns the use of a coconut-based vegetable material in both fibrous form and ground and/or shredded form, as infill material in an artificial turf structure, optionally together with other components, as defined in claim 8. [0010] The infill material according to the invention is easy and cost-effect to procure and has the suitable features for creating artificial turfs of excellent quality, con- 15 [0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in the description of the following non-limitative examples, with reference to the attached drawing which schematically shows an artificial turf structure according to the invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 2 [0012] With reference to the attached figure, an artificial turf structure 1 for sports fields comprises a synthetic mat 2, having a sheet substrate 3 from which grass-resembling filaments 4 project, and a filling layer 5 formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments 4. The mat 2 is placed on a foundation base 7, for example a tamped earth bed. [0013] The substrate 3 consists of a sheet or tape of suitable plastic materials, in particular a fabric, a non-woven fabric or a felt made of synthetic rubber, for example styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or of synthetic fibres, for example polypropylene or similar, possibly spread or coated with suitable polymeric reinforcement layers. The filaments 4, made of suitable yarns, for example polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, etcetera, are sewn or woven on the substrate 3. [0014] The filling layer 5 comprises a coconut-base vegetable material in both fibrous form and ground and/or shredded form, optionally together with other similar vegetable material, in fibrous, ground, chopped and/or shredded form. [0015] Hereinafter, "vegetable material" means an essentially not decomposed vegetable material, obtained from vegetable organisms of recent formation and not yet subject to degenerative processes, such as decomposition, rotting, degradation, fossilisation, carbonisation, etcetera. [0016] In particular, the infill material comprises parts of the coconut plant (for example the bark) and/or the nut (shell, hull, pulp, etcetera of the coconut); preferably, the infill material comprises coco fibres and coco peat, materials obtained as known from the coconut shells; coco fibre and coco peat can be used mixed together. [0017] In addition to coconut, there may be used other similar vegetable materials, such as for example: vegetable materials derived from the bark of bushes and plants and/or natural fibres obtained from vegetables, in particular agave fibres (particularly sisal) and hemp fibre. [0018] The infill material may be constituted of only vegetable material (that is by one or more of the materials 3 EP 2 189 573 B1 previously indicated); preferably, the infill material contains vegetable material in quantity from about 10% to about 90% by volume. [0019] Preferably, the filling layer 5 also comprises a rigid particulate material, in particular sand in granules commonly used as filling material for artificial turfs. The vegetable material and the rigid particulate material (sand) may be mixed together to form the filling layer 5, or may be arranged in layers (each layer being formed of only one of the materials or their mixture) to form the filling layer 5. [0020] The filling layer 5 also comprises, optionally, one or more of the following components, in any appropriate amount to obtain specific features of the filling layer 5: - - - peat and/or similar natural organic materials, derived from decomposed or partially decomposed vegetable residues, i.e. natural organic materials with fibrous/filamentous structure of prevalently vegetable origin and essentially derived from decomposition, carbonisation or other type of transformation of vegetable residues (such as indeed peat, vegetable topsoil, vegetable based composting materials); resilient particulate materials such as rubber, of any type usually employed for artificial turf infill (for example natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, etcetera); porous materials in granular form of volcanic origin, such as volcanic lapillus, pumice stone, etcetera, preferably with grain size from about 0.2 to about 2.0 mm. [0021] All components may be mixed together or arranged in layers (each layer being formed by only one of the materials or by a mixture thereof) to form the filling layer 5. [0022] The filling layer 5 may indeed comprise a plurality of layers, each having different structure and/or thickness. [0023] The structure 1 according to the invention is realized using the following method. [0024] After having prepared the foundation base 7 in the known way, it is placed on the foundation base 7 the synthetic mat 2 formed by the substrate 3 and by the filaments 4. [0025] The infill material is prepared as previously described and is sprinkled on the substrate 3 between the filaments 4 to form the filling layer 5. [0026] If the structure 1 comprises several layers with different composition, as previously described, the layers are applied in sequence one on top of the other (after possibly preparing the mixtures of materials forming the various layers). [0027] Finally, it is understood that changes and variations can be made to that described and shown herein without departing from the scope of the attached claims. [0028] For example, according to a further embodi- 5 10 15 20 25 4 ment of the invention, the infill material, possibly formed by a mixture of components previously shown, is used in the form of compact granules. In particular, the various components of the filling layer 5 are subject, before being sprinkled on the substrate 3, to a mixing, densification and granulation process, in which the various components, initially in ground or shredded form, are mixed, densified with possible elimination of part of the humidity, and then compacted in the form of granules having dimensions in the order of a few millimetres. [0029] In this way, it is greatly simplified the installation step of the filling layer 5, because the infill material (regardless of its composition) is applied to the substrate 3 in granular form, thus avoiding the formation and sprinkling of powders; the granules of infill material are then dampened with water so as to dissolve the granules and release the components in the original form. [0030] It is also possible to comprise in the granules all the components needed for the formation of infill material, without therefore requiring the use, during installation, of different materials; it is also possible to comprise in the granules possible further additives, for example colorants to confer to the granules a particular colour, substances adapted to make the granules fireproof, substances adapted to prevent the formation of moulds, fungi, bacteria, etcetera. Claims 30 1. An artificial turf structure (1), in particular for sports fields, consisting of a synthetic mat (2), having a substrate (3) from which grass-resembling filaments (4) project, and at least one filling layer (5) formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments; the structure being characterised in that the infill material forming the filling layer (5) comprises a coconut-based vegetable material in both fibrous form and ground and/or shredded form. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the infill material comprises parts of the coconut plant and/or of the nut. 3. A structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the infill material comprises coco fibre and coco peat. 4. A structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the infill material comprises one or more vegetable materials selected from the group consisting of vegetable materials derived from the bark of bushes and plants, natural fibres made from vegetables, such as agave fibre, in particular sisal, and hemp fibre. 5. A structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filling layer contains veg- 35 40 45 50 55 3 5 EP 2 189 573 B1 acterised in that the infill material comprises one or more vegetable materials selected from the group consisting of vegetable materials derived from the bark of bushes and plants, natural fibres made from vegetables, such as agave fibre, in particular sisal, and hemp fibre. etable material in quantity from about 10 to about 90% by volume. 6. A structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filling layer comprises a rigid particulate material such as sand, and the vegetable material and the rigid particulate material are arranged in superimposed layers and/or mixed together. 5 10 7. 8. A structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filling layer also comprises a component selected from the group consisting of peat and other similar natural organic materials derived from vegetable residues, resilient particulate materials such as rubber, porous materials in granular form of volcanic nature, such as volcanic lapillus, pumice stone, etcetera. Use of a coconut-based vegetable material in both fibrous form and ground and/or shredded form as infill material in an artificial turf structure consisting of a synthetic mat (2), having a substrate (3) from which grass-resembling filaments (4) project. 15 20 25 9. Use according to claim 8, characterised in that the vegetable material is used along with a rigid particulate material, such as sand, mixed and/or in superimposed layers. 30 10. Use according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the infill material is used in the form of compact granules, possibly formed by a mixture of mixed, densified and granulated components. 35 11. A method for manufacturing an artificial turf structure (1), in particular for sports fields, consisting of a synthetic mat (2) having a substrate (3) from which grass-resembling filaments (4) project, the method comprising the steps of: arranging a foundation base (7); laying on the foundation base (7) a synthetic mat (2) having a substrate (3) from which grass-resembling filaments (4) project; disposing an infill material on the substrate (3) between the filaments (4) to form a filling layer (5); the method being characterised in that the filling layer (5) comprises a coconutbased vegetable material in both fibrous form and ground and/or shredded form. 12. A method according to claim 11, characterised in that the infill material comprises parts of the coconut plant and/or nut. 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the infill material comprises coco fibre and coco peat. 6 15. A method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the filling layer contains vegetable material in quantity from about 10 to about 90% by volume. 16. A method according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterised in that the filling layer comprises a rigid particulate material such as sand, the vegetable material and the rigid particulate material being applied in superimposed layers and/or mixed together. 17. A method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the filling layer comprises a component selected from the group consisting of peat and other similar natural organic materials derived from vegetable residues, resilient particulate materials such as rubber, porous materials in granular form of volcanic nature, such as volcanic lapillus, pumice stone, etcetera. 18. A method according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the infill material, possibly formed by a mixture of components, is subjected, before being installed, to a process of mixing, densification and granulation. 19. A method according to claim 18, characterised in that the infill material is applied to the substrate (3) in granular form and is then wet with water to dissolve the granules and release the components in the original form. 40 Patentansprüche 1. Kunstrasenstruktur (1), insbesondere für Sportfelder, bestehend aus einer synthetischen Matte (2), die ein Substrat (3) aufweist, von welchem grasähnliche Filamente (4) herausragen, und mindestens einer Füllschicht (5), die durch ein Füllmaterial, das zwischen den Filamenten angeordnet ist, gebildet ist; die Struktur ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das die Füllschicht (5) bildende Füllmaterial ein pflanzliches Material auf Kokosnußbasis sowohl in Faserform als auch in gemahlener und/oder zerschnitzelter Form umfasst. 2. Struktur nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial Teile der Kokosnußpflanze und/oder der Nuß umfasst. 45 50 55 14. A method according to one of claims 11 to 13, char- 4 7 EP 2 189 573 B1 3. Struktur nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial Kokosfaser und Kokostorf umfasst. 4. Struktur nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial ein oder mehrere pflanzliche Materialien umfasst, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus pflanzlichen Materialien, abgeleitet von der Rinde von Büschen und Pflanzen, Naturfasern hergestellt aus Pflanzen, wie beispielsweise Agavefaser, insbesondere Sisal, und Hanffaser. 5. 6. 7. 8. Struktur nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht pflanzliches Material in einer Menge von etwa 10 bis etwa 90 Volumen-% enthält. Struktur nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht ein starres partikuläres Material, wie beispielsweise Sand, umfasst, und dass das pflanzliche Material und das starre partikuläre Material in übereinanderliegenden Schichten und/oder zusammen vermischt angeordnet sind. Struktur nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht zudem eine Komponente umfasst, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Torf und anderen ähnlichen natürlichen organischen, aus pflanzlichen Resten abgeleiteten Materialien, elastischen partikulären Materialien, wie beispielsweise Gummi, granulatförmigen porösen Materialien von vulkanischer Natur, wie beispielsweise vulkanischer Lapillus, Bimsstein, etc.. Verwendung eines pflanzlichen Materials auf Kokosnußbasis sowohl in Faserform als auch in gemahlener und/oder zerschnitzelter Form als Füllmaterial in einer Kunstrasenstruktur, bestehend aus einer synthetischen Matte (2), die ein Substrat (3) aufweist, von welchem grasähnliche Filamente (4) herausragen. 5 10 15 20 25 Verwendung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das pflanzliche Material zusammen mit einem starren partikulären Material, wie beispielsweise Sand, vermischt und/oder in übereinanderliegenden Schichten verwendet wird. 10. Verwendung nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial in der Form kompakter Granulate verwendet wird, die möglicherweise aus einem Gemisch aus vermischten, verdichteten und granulierten Komponenten gebildet werden. 11. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Kunstrasenstruktur (1), insbesondere für Sportfelder, bestehend aus einer synthetischen Matte (2), die ein Substrat (3) aufweist, von welchem grasähnliche Filamente (4) herausragen, das Verfahren umfasst die Schritte des: Anordnens einer Grundplatte (7); Legens einer synthetischen Matte (2), die ein Substrat (3) aufweist, von welchem grasähnliche Filamente (4) herausragen, auf die Grundplatte (7); Anordnens eines Füllmaterials auf dem Substrat (3) zwischen den Filamenten (4), um eine Füllschicht (5) zu bilden; das Verfahren ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht (5) ein pflanzliches Material auf Kokosnußbasis sowohl in Faserform als auch in gemahlener und/oder zerschnitzelter Form umfasst. 12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial Teile der Kokosnußpflanze und/oder der Nuß umfasst. 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial Kokosfaser und Kokostorf umfasst. 35 14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial ein oder mehrere pflanzliche Materialien umfasst, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus pflanzlichen Materialien, abgeleitet von der Rinde von Büschen und Pflanzen, Naturfasern hergestellt aus Pflanzen, wie beispielsweise Agavefaser, insbesondere Sisal, und Hanffaser. 40 15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht pflanzliches Material in einer Menge von etwa 10 bis etwa 90 Volumen-% enthält. 30 45 9. 8 50 55 5 16. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht ein starres partikuläres Material, wie beispielsweise Sand, umfasst, wobei das pflanzliche Material und das starre partikuläre Material in übereinanderliegenden Schichten und/oder zusammen vermischt angeordnet sind. 17. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Füllschicht eine Komponente umfasst, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Torf und anderen ähnlichen natürlichen organischen, aus pflanzlichen Resten abgeleiteten Materialien, elastischen partikulären Materialien, wie beispielsweise Gummi, granulatförmigen porösen Materialien von vulkanischer Natur, wie beispielsweise vulkanischer Lapillus, Bimsstein, etc.. 9 EP 2 189 573 B1 18. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial, das möglicherweise aus einem Gemisch aus Komponenten gebildet wird, bevor es angeordnet wird, einem Verfahren des Vermischens, des Verdichtens und des Granulierens ausgesetzt wird. 19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Füllmaterial granulatförmig auf das Substrat (3) angeordnet wird und dann mit Wasser befeuchtet wird, um das Granulat zu lösen und die Komponenten in der ursprünglichen Form freizusetzen. 7. Structure selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la couche de remplissage comprend également un composant sélectionné dans le groupe constitué de tourbe et d’autres matières organiques naturelles similaires dérivées de résidus végétaux, de matériaux particulaires élastiques tels que du caoutchouc, de matériaux poreux de nature volcanique sous forme granulaire, tels que du lapillus volcanique, de la pierre ponce etc. 8. Utilisation d’une matière végétale provenant du cocotier à la fois sous forme fibreuse et sous forme déchiquetée et/ou broyée comme matériau de remplissage dans une structure de gazon artificielle constituée d’un tapis synthétique (2), ayant un substrat (3) duquel se projettent des filaments (4) ressemblant à de l’herbe. 9. Utilisation selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que la matière est utilisé conjointement avec un matériau particulaire solide, tel que du sable, en mélange et/ou en couches superposées. 5 10 15 Revendications 1. Structure de gazon artificielle (1), en particulier pour terrains de sport, constituée d’un tapis synthétique (2), ayant un substrat (3) duquel se projettent des filaments (4) ressemblant à de l’herbe, et au moins une couche de remplissage (5) formée par un matériau de remplissage disposé entre les filaments ; la structure étant caractérisée en ce que le matériau de remplissage formant la couche de remplissage (5) comprend une matière végétale provenant du cocotier à la fois sous forme fibreuse et sous forme déchiquetée et/ou broyée. 2. Structure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le matériau de remplissage comprend des parties de la plante et/ou de la noix du cocotier. 3. Structure selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que le matériau de remplissage comprend de la fibre de coco et de la tourbe de coco. 4. 5. 6. Structure selon les revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le matériau de remplissage comprend une ou plusieurs matières végétales sélectionnées dans le groupe constitué de matières végétales dérivées de l’écorce de buissons et de plantes, de fibres naturelles fabriquées à partir de végétaux, telles que des fibres d’agave, en particulier des fibres de sisal et de chanvre. Structure selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la couche de remplissage contient de la matière végétale dans une quantité allant d’environ 10 à environ 90% en volume. Structure selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la couche de remplissage comprend un matériau particulaire solide tel que du sable, et la matière végétale et le matériau particulaire solide sont disposés en couches superposées et/ou mélangés l’un à l’autre. 10 20 25 30 35 40 10. Utilisation selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisée en ce que le matériau de remplissage est utilisé sous la forme de granulés compacts, éventuellement formés par un mélange de composants mixés, densifiés et granulés. 11. Procédé de fabrication d’une structure de gazon artificielle (1), en particulier pour terrains de sport, constituée d’un tapis synthétique (2) ayant un substrat (3) duquel se projettent des filaments (4) ressemblant à de l’herbe, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à : arranger une base de fondation (7) ; poser sur la base de fondation (7) un tapis synthétique (2) ayant un substrat (3) duquel se projettent des filaments (4) ressemblant à de l’herbe ; disposer un matériau de remplissage sur le substrat (3) entre les filaments (4) pour former une couche de remplissage (5) ; le procédé étant caractérisé en ce que la couche de remplissage (5) comprend une matière végétale provenant du cocotier à la fois sous forme fibreuse et sous forme déchiquetée et/ou broyée. 45 12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de remplissage comprend des parties de la plante et/ou de la noix du cocotier. 50 55 6 13. Procédé selon la revendication 11 ou 12, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de remplissage comprend de la fibre de coco et de la tourbe de coco. 14. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 11 à 13, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de remplissage comprend une ou plusieurs matières végétales sélectionnées dans le groupe constitué de matières végétales dérivées de l’écorce de buissons et de 11 EP 2 189 573 B1 plantes, de fibres naturelles fabriquées à partir de végétaux, telles que des fibres d’agave, en particulier des fibres de sisal et de chanvre. 15. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 11 à 14, caractérisé en ce que la couche de remplissage contient de la matière végétale dans une quantité allant d’environ 10 à environ 90% en volume. 5 16. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 10 à 15, caractérisé en ce que la couche de remplissage comprend un matériau particulaire solide tel que du sable, et la matière végétale et le matériau particulaire solide sont disposés en couches superposées et/ou mélangés l’un à l’autre. 10 17. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 14 à 16, caractérisé en ce que la couche de remplissage comprend un composant sélectionné dans le groupe constitué de tourbe et d’autres matières organiques naturelles similaires dérivées de résidus végétaux, de matériaux particulaires élastiques tels que du caoutchouc, de matériaux poreux de nature volcanique sous forme granulaire, tels que du lapillus volcanique, de la pierre ponce etc. 18. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 11 à 17, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de remplissage, éventuellement formé par un mélange de composants, est soumis, avant d’être installé, à un processus de mixage, de densification et de granulation. 19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de remplissage est appliqué sur le substrat (3) sous forme granulaire puis humidifié avec de l’eau pour dissoudre les granulés et libérer les composants sous la forme d’origine. 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 7 12 EP 2 189 573 B1 8 EP 2 189 573 B1 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description • • US 4735825 A [0003] EP 174755 A [0003] • 9 WO 200608579 A [0004]