ES2956872T3 - drainage structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Structure for draining surface water, comprising a coherent force distribution layer (1) and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by a series of coherent artificial vitreous fiber (MMVF) drainage elements (2). , wherein each of the drainage elements (2) comprises artificial vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the force distribution layer (1). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Drainage structure

The present invention relates to a structure for draining surface water, a method for draining surface water and a method for installing a structure for draining surface water.

Precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, hail, and the like, causes surface water to accumulate, which can cause land to flood. It is important to drain surface water to avoid damage to the soil caused by excess water. This point is particularly important on recreational grounds, including children's parks and sports grounds, where there is a high level of wear and tear on the ground. If the ground is flooded, the surface may be damaged by high levels of wear and must therefore be repaired or replaced. Therefore, it is important that the land be equipped with an efficient drainage system.

NL 1013987 describes a subsurface comprising rock wool granules for a sports field that is at least partially covered with natural grass. The purpose of rock wool granules is to stabilize the ground and improve the flatness of the sports field even when playing excessively on grass. It is necessary to have drainage lines in addition to the rock wool granules to obtain adequate drainage.

FR 2877956 describes a layered structure for a children's play area that has improved fall cushioning properties. The structure comprises a layer or mat of grass, a layer of soil and a layer of mineral fibers joined by a binding agent and comprising a wetting agent. The wetting agent is present to allow the mineral fiber panels to absorb water to help the grass grow. The wetting agent is designed to wear off over time, so the mineral fiber panels gradually lose their water holding capacity. The importance of draining water from the children's play area is not taken into account.

It is known to arrange drainage lines under recreational fields, such as soccer fields, in order to drain surface water to a water evacuation point. It is also known to use a drainage pipe that is provided with holes, surrounded by gravel, below the surface, as a drainage line. The main purpose of the gravel is to create an area around the drain pipe where water can flow relatively freely to the drain pipe, since the ability of the gravel to hold water is limited by the space available between the particles of gravel. gravel. The drainage pipe is often wrapped with a geotextile element to prevent soil from entering the drainage pipe through its holes. This drainage system is often insufficient and requires secondary drainage systems to control the volume of surface water. Secondary drainage systems include cutting land to install sand ditches. This system requires regular maintenance, with frequent handling of the sand to maintain the safety and quality of the surface. This system is expensive to install and maintain as excavations are expensive and involve removing a large portion of the ground and replacing the area with the required materials.

US-4019326 describes a horizontal soil drainage system consisting of a three-dimensional nonwoven mat of a plurality of substantially amorphous intersecting looped filaments of melt-spun synthetic polymers bonded together at their intersections, having at least one of the outer surfaces of said carpet a porosity of cross section lower than that of the central area of said carpet. This mat can be rolled, and therefore does not have a high compressive strength and can be compacted by forces acting on the ground surface. This will reduce the porosity of the carpet and therefore the carpet's ability to drain water.

WO 2008/128156 refers to a water channeling system that includes at least one channeling element comprising a fixed conglomerate that forms a solid body.

There is a need for a water drainage structure that can be easily installed. There is a need for a structure that is easy to maintain. There is a need for a structure that prolongs the usability of the surface and a structure that can transport water to evacuation means. There is a need for drainage that can absorb water from the ground and store the water until it can dissipate back into the ground. Additionally, there is a need for a structure that is not contaminated with soil from the field and that can be installed without wrapping it with a geotextile material. Additionally, there is a need for a structure that has a temporary storage capacity to contain water as well as a capacity to transport water. There is a need to produce such a structure that is environmentally acceptable and economical in terms of production, installation and use. The present invention solves these problems.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect of the invention, a surface water drainage structure is disclosed, comprising a coherent force distribution layer and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by an array of coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF) drainage, wherein each of the drainage elements comprises bonded synthetic vitreous fibers with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the force distribution layer, wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage extending from a first opening in the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method of installing a structure for draining surface water is disclosed, the method comprising arranging a drainage layer on the ground, wherein the drainage layer is formed by a matrix of elements. of coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF) drainage elements, wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, and providing a coherent force distribution layer over the layer drainage;

wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.

In a third aspect of the invention, a surface water drainage method is disclosed, the method comprising providing a coherent force distribution layer and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by a matrix of coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF) drainage elements, wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the layer of force distribution, where water in fluid communication with the drainage elements:

1. (i) is absorbed by the MMVF substrate, and/or

2. (ii) is transported along the drainage elements;

wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to the drainage of surface water, preferably to the drainage of surface water from recreational grounds, such as children's parks and sports grounds, preferably sports grounds. Sports grounds include football pitches, rugby pitches, cricket pitches, grass bowling greens, grass tennis courts, golf putting greens, playing fields, athletics grounds and equestrian centres. This invention is especially useful for draining water from the surface of soccer fields.

MMVF substrates are known for numerous purposes, including acoustic and thermal insulation, fire protection, and in the field of plant cultivation. When used to grow plants, MMVF substrate absorbs water to allow plants to grow. When used to grow plants, it is important that the MMVF substrate does not dry out. In the field of plant breeding, MMVF substrate is usually used instead of soil to grow plants. The relative capillarity of the soil and a MMVF substrate are not important in the field of plant breeding. WO 01/23681 describes the use of an MMVF substrate as a wastewater filter.

Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF) can be glass fibers, ceramic fibers, basalt fibers, slag wool, rock wool and others, but are usually rock wool fibers. Rock wool generally has an iron oxide content of at least 3% and an alkaline earth metal (calcium oxide and magnesium oxide) content of 10 to 40%, along with the other common oxide constituents of MMVF. . These are silica; alumina; alkali metals (sodium oxide and potassium oxide) which are normally present in small amounts; and may also include titanium dioxide and other minor oxides.

The fiber diameter is usually in the range of 3 to 20 μm, preferably 3 to 5 μm.

The MMVF substrate is in the form of a coherent mass. That is, the MMVF substrate is generally a coherent matrix of MMVF fibers that has been produced as such, but it can also be formed by granulating an MMVF plate and consolidating the granulated material. The binder may be any of the binders known for use as binders for coherent MMVF products. The MMVF substrate may comprise a wetting agent.

The MMVF substrate is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. The MMVF substrate is hydrophilic due to the binder system used. In the binder system, the binder itself may be hydrophilic and/or a wetting agent used.

The hydrophilicity of an MMVF substrate sample can be measured by determining the sinking time of a sample. A sample of MMVF substrate having dimensions of 100x100x65 mm is required to determine the sinking time. A container with a minimum size of 200x200x200 mm is filled with water. The sinking time is the time from when the sample first comes into contact with the water surface until the time when the test specimen is completely submerged. The sample comes into contact with water in such a way that a cross section of 100x100 mm touches the water first. The sample will then need to be sunk a distance of just over 65mm to be completely submerged. The faster the sample sinks, the more hydrophilic the sample will be. The MMVF substrate is considered hydrophilic if the sinking time is less than 120 s. Preferably, the sinking time is less than 60 s. In practice, the MMVF substrate may have a sinking time of a few seconds, such as less than 10 seconds.

When the binder is hydrophobic, to ensure that the substrate is hydrophilic, a wetting agent is also additionally included in the MMVF substrate. A wetting agent will increase the amount of water that the MMVF substrate can absorb. The use of a wetting agent in combination with a hydrophobic binder results in a hydrophilic MMVF substrate. The wetting agent may be any of the wetting agents known for use in MMVF substrates that are used as growth substrates. For example, it may be a nonionic wetting agent, such as Triton X-100 or Rewopal. Some nonionic wetting agents can be removed from the MMVF substrate over time. Therefore, it is preferable to use an ionic wetting agent, especially an anionic wetting agent, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. These are not removed from the MMVF substrate to the same extent.

EP-1961291 describes a method of producing water absorption fiber products by interconnecting fibers using a self-curing phenolic resin and under the action of a wetting agent, characterized in that a binder solution containing a self-curing phenolic resin and polyalcohol is used. . This type of binder can be used in the present invention. Preferably, in use, the wetting agent is not removed from the MMVF substrate and therefore does not contaminate the surrounding terrain.

The MMVF substrate binder may be hydrophilic. A hydrophilic binder does not require the use of a wetting agent. However, a wetting agent can be used to increase the hydrophilicity of a hydrophilic binder in a manner similar to its action in combination with a hydrophobic binder. This means that the MMVF substrate will absorb a greater volume of water than if the wetting agent were not present. Any hydrophilic binder can be used.

The binder may be a formaldehyde-free aqueous binder composition comprising: a binder component (A) which may be obtained by reacting at least one alkanolamine with at least one carboxylic anhydride and, optionally, treating the reaction product with a base; and a binder component (B), comprising at least one carbohydrate, as described in WO2004/007615. Binders of this type are hydrophilic.

WO97/07664 describes a hydrophilic substrate that obtains its hydrophilic properties from the use of a furan resin as a binder. The use of a furan resin makes it possible to dispense with the use of a wetting agent. Binders of this type can be used in the present invention.

WO07129202 describes a hydrophilic curable aqueous composition, wherein said curable aqueous composition is formed in a process comprising combining the following components:

1. (a) a hydroxyl-containing polymer,

2. (b) a multifunctional cross-linking agent that is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyacid, salt or salts thereof and an anhydride, and

3. (c) a hydrophilic modifier;

where the ratio of (a):(b) is from 95:5 to approximately 35:65.

The hydrophilic modifier may be a sugar alcohol, monosaccharide, disaccharide or oligosaccharide. Examples given include glycerol, sorbitol, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, glucose syrup and fructose syrup. Binders of this type can be used in the present invention.

Furthermore, a binder composition comprising:

1. a) a sugar component, and

2. b) a reaction product of a polycarboxylic acid component and an alkanolamine component,

wherein the binder composition before curing contains at least 42% by weight of the sugar component based on the total weight (dry matter) of the binder components that can be used in the present invention, preferably, in combination with a wetting agent.

Binder levels are preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight, preferably 2 to 4% by weight relative to the weight of the MMVF substrate.

Wetting agent levels are preferably in the range of 0 to 1 wt% relative to the weight of the MMVF substrate, in particular in the range of 0.2 to 0.8 wt%, especially in the range of 0 .4 to 0.6% by weight.

The MMVF product may be made by any of the methods known to those skilled in the art for the production of MMVF culture substrate products. Generally, a mineral charge is provided which is melted in a furnace to form an ore casting. The casting is then converted into fibers by centrifugal fiberization, e.g. e.g., using a rotating cup or cascade centrifuge, to form a cloud of fibers. These fibers are then collected and consolidated. Typically, a binder and, optionally, a wetting agent are added in the fiberization step by spraying them into the shaping fiber cloud. These methods are well known in the art.

The present invention discloses a surface water drainage structure according to claim 1, comprising a coherent force distribution layer and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by an array of drainage elements of Coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF), wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the force distribution layer , wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.

The advantage of a passage is that it allows a defined path for the water to flow through.

Preferably the passage openings of two drainage elements are aligned to allow water to pass through the two drainage elements. This means that two of the openings are aligned with each other to allow water to pass from the passage of one drainage element to the passage of the other drainage element and vice versa.

The passage in at least one drainage element may form an angle of 0.5 to 5° with respect to the horizontal, preferably 1-4° with respect to the horizontal, preferably 1-3° with respect to the horizontal. Preferably, the second opening is arranged at a higher height than the first opening. The advantage of a sloping passage is that water can flow towards the first opening of the passage. The water can then be evacuated. Preferably, water flows through the first opening to a water evacuation point, preferably a sewer tank, or a water drainage tank.

Alternatively, the passage within at least one drainage element may be horizontal.

Preferably the passages within two drainage elements are connected and form an inverted V shape with respect to the horizontal. This allows water to be directed in two directions to evacuate the midpoint of the inverted V, rather than requiring all water to flow in one direction. This is especially useful when the drained area is large, such as a football field. To provide a passage that forms an angle with respect to the horizontal, the passage can be formed at an angle with respect to the top of the MMVF substrate, or the MMVF substrate can be installed so that its top surface forms an angle with respect to to the horizontal. The step may be at an angle with respect to the top surface of the MMVF substrate. It is highly desirable that the top of the MMVF substrate be substantially level so that the force distribution layer can be disposed directly on the MMVF substrate. This allows obtaining a level surface where it is possible to arrange the force distribution layer.

Preferably, the passage is enclosed within the MMVF of the drainage element, except for the first and second openings. This prevents any debris from entering the step along the length of the step. Alternatively, the passage may be exposed on the upper surface of the drainage element so that the passage is enclosed by the layer disposed on the drainage element, for example, the force distribution layer.

The MMVF substrate used as a drainage element in the present invention preferably has a density in the range of 60 to 280 kg/m3, preferably, in the range of 70 to 150 kg/m3, more preferably, 100 to 130 kg/m3, such as about 110 kg/m3. The density of the MMVF substrate is the density of the MMVF substrate itself, that is, the density of the MMVF substrate excluding a step, if present. The optional step is not taken into account when calculating the MMVF substrate density.

The advantage of this density in this range is that the MMVF substrate has a relatively high compressive strength. This is important as the MMVF substrate will be installed in a location where people need to move over the terrain where the MMVF substrate is placed.

Some of the drains may not have steps. The advantage of having some drains without steps is the presence of fewer steps for connection to a water evacuation point.

The advantage of more drains having a passage is that water can flow more easily through the passages to a water evacuation point than through drains without passages.

Preferably at least 20% of the drains comprise a passage, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably all drains comprise a passage.

Preferably, the drainage layer covers the entire area to be drained with the drainage elements arranged in parallel rows. Preferably, the drainage elements are arranged in at least one row, preferably a plurality of parallel rows. In the case of a field, such as a soccer field, the drainage layer will cover the entire area beneath the field.

The cross-sectional width and height of each drainage element are each preferably independent in the range of 10 to 80 cm, more preferably 15 to 60 cm. The advantage of using a drainage element with these widths and heights is that it is large enough to be able to store water within the pores of the MMVF substrate and therefore temporarily store a quantity of water. The widths and heights are small enough to make the drain easy to install underground. The drainage elements may optionally have a greater height and/or width, although this will increase the time and effort required to install the drainage.

The length of each drainage element can be any, but will normally be in the range of 50 cm to 200 cm, such as about 100 cm. During use, the drain will normally be combined with other drainage elements as necessary to cover the area to be drained.

It is contemplated that several drainage elements could be in fluid communication with each other aligning their ends and passages, when present, to create a longer drainage.

The volume of each of the drainage elements is preferably in the range of 5000 to 700,000 cm3, more preferably, 20,000 to 200,000 cm3. The exact volume is chosen based on the volume of water expected to be administered.

Preferably, the drainage elements have a rectangular or square cross section which facilitates manufacturing and reduces production waste of the MMVF substrate. Drainage elements with a rectangular or square cross section can be installed in close relation to each other, since they can support each other. Alternatively, the cross section may be circular, triangular or any convenient shape.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the drainage element is substantially uniform along the length. Substantially uniform means that the cross-sectional area at all points along the length remains within 10% of the average cross-sectional area, preferably within 5%, most preferably within 1%.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the first and second openings is in the range of 2 to 200 cm2, preferably 5 to 100 cm2.

Preferably the cross-sectional area of the first opening is in the range of 0.5% to 15% of the cross-sectional area of the first end of the MMVF substrate, more preferably, 1% to 10%.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the second opening is in the range of 0.5% to 15% of the cross-sectional area of the second end of the MMVF substrate, more preferably, 1% to 10%.

The openings preferably occupy such a small percentage of the cross-sectional area of the drain ends because the majority of the MMVF substrate is used to temporarily store the amount of water to be transported. The higher the substrate proportion of MMVF, the greater the volume of water that can be temporarily stored by a drain with a given cross-sectional area.

The cross-sectional area of the passage is preferably substantially uniform along the length of the MMVF substrate. Substantially uniform means that the cross-sectional area is within 10% of the mean cross-sectional area, preferably within 5%, most preferably within 1%. However, if necessary, the cross-sectional area can be varied depending on the requirements of the pitch being smaller or larger.

The passageway is preferably configured such that each passageway takes the most direct route through the MMVF substrate to allow water to take the most direct route along the passageway to the second opening. This is to facilitate manufacturing.

The passage may have a triangular cross-sectional area. In installation, the base of the triangle is preferably parallel to the base of the drain. Alternatively, the passage may have a semicircular cross-sectional area. Again, the base of the drain is preferably parallel to the base of the semicircle. Alternatively, the passage may have a circular or rectangular cross-sectional area.

The passage is preferably arranged substantially centered on the cross-sectional width of the drainage element. The reason for this is that the flow of water extends along a line in the center of the drainage element. This has the advantage of maintaining drain strength on the sides of the drain. However, if the passage were arranged close to one side of the drainage element, this could reduce the strength of the structure.

Preferably, the step is offset towards a first direction. The advantage of this is that the drain can be installed with the step at the bottom of the drainage element, and it is easier to drain water from the drainage element, since there is a smaller volume of MMVF substrate under the step. This means that, when the drainage element absorbs water, there is a smaller volume to saturate with water below the passage before excess water enters the passage and can be evacuated. If the drainage element were installed with the passage at the top, there would be a larger volume of MMVF substrate that would need to be saturated with water before excess water enters the passage and can be evacuated.

The drainage element may comprise a first part in contact with a second part, where the passage is arranged between the first part and the second part. This can be achieved by providing a first part that has been previously formed, such that it has a groove along the length of the MMVF substrate, and when the first part and the second part are brought together, the passage is formed by the groove and the second part. Alternatively, the second part may have the slot. Alternatively, both the first and second parts may have a slot and the slots may be aligned to form the passage when the first and second parts are joined together. The slot or slots may be of any shape, as necessary to form the passage. Therefore, the slot or slots may have a cross section that is semicircular, triangular, rectangular or the like.

The first and second parts of the MMVF substrate may simply be placed in contact, or may be connected, e.g. e.g., using an adhesive.

Preferably, the passage is formed by a pipe, preferably a perforated plastic pipe, such as a PVC pipe. The pipe provides resistance to drainage and prevents the passage from being closed. The pipe is perforated to allow water to drain into the passage.

Preferably, the water retention capacity of the MMVF substrate is at least 80% of the volume of the substrate, preferably 80-99%, most preferably 85-95%. The higher the water holding capacity, the more water can be stored for a given volume of substrate. The water retention capacity of the MMVF substrate is high due to the open pore structure and the fact that the MMVF substrate is preferably hydrophilic.

Preferably, the amount of water retained by the MMVF substrate when emitting water is less than 20% by volume, preferably less than 10% by volume, most preferably less than 5% by volume based on the volume of the substrate. The retained water may be 2 to 20% by volume, such as 5 to 10% by volume. The lower the amount of water retained by the MMVF substrate, the greater the ability of the MMVF substrate to retain more water. Water can leave the MMVF substrate by transporting the water through evacuation means and/or dissipating it in the ground when the surrounding ground is dry and the capillary balance is such that the water dissipates in the ground.

Preferably, the temporary storage capacity of the MMVF substrate, that is, the difference between the maximum amount of water that can be retained and the amount of water that is retained when the MMVF substrate releases water, is at least 60% by volume. preferably at least 70% by volume, preferably at least 80% by volume. The temporary storage capacity may be 60 to 90% by volume, such as 60 to 85% by volume, based on the volume of the substrate. The advantage of such a high temporary storage capacity is that the MMVF substrate can temporarily store more water for a given volume of substrate, that is, the MMVF substrate can store a high volume of water when required, and release a high volume of water. high level of water to the surrounding land when the land has dried. The temporary storage capacity is so high because the MMVF substrate requires a low suction pressure to remove water from the MMVF substrate. This is demonstrated in the example.

The water holding capacity, the amount of water retained and the temporary storage capacity of the MMVF substrate can each be measured according to EN 13041 -1999.

The coherent force distribution layer is present to ensure that drainage elements are not damaged and/or do not move from their position when pressure is applied to it, for example, by a person running or jumping on it. . The force distribution layer ensures that a force impacting the ground surface is not concentrated at a single point on a drainage element, but is distributed over a larger area. The force distribution layer may be made of a plurality of plates to cover the entire area to be drained. Each plate may have a width and length in the range of 0.5 to 5 m, preferably 1 to 3 m, more preferably 1 to 2 m. The force distribution layer is preferably a plastic layer, a rubber layer or an MMVF layer. The force distribution layer must allow water to pass through it to the drainage elements. When the force distribution layer is made of plastic or rubber, the layer can be perforated to allow water to pass through it to the drainage elements. The thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm, preferably 1-5 cm, depending on the material. from which it is made. The force distribution layer needs to be thick enough to distribute force across more than one drainage element, and shallow enough to allow easy installation and water permeation. Preferably, the force distribution layer covers the entire drainage layer present.

When the force distribution layer is a coherent MMVF layer, preferably it has a compressive strength of at least 20 kPa, such as 30 kPa to 100 kPa, preferably 30 to 60 kPa, and the compressive strength can be up to 20 MPa. Compressive strength is measured according to the European standard EN 826:1996. Force distribution layers with such a compressive strength are especially suitable for use in the present invention, as they ensure that a force impacting the ground surface is not concentrated at a single point of a drainage element. , but is distributed over a larger area.

When the force distribution layer is a coherent MMVF layer, preferably it has a density of at least 100 kg/m3, such as 100 to 280 kg/m3, preferably 150 to 200 kg/m3, and the density can be up to 600 kg/m3. Force distribution layers with such a density are especially suitable for use in the present invention, since they ensure that a force impacting the ground surface is not concentrated at a single point of a drainage element, but rather spread over a larger area.

When the force distribution layer is a coherent MMVF layer, it is preferably hydrophilic, that is, it attracts water. The MMVF layer is shaped like a coherent mass. That is, the MMVF layer is generally a coherent matrix of MMVF fibers that has been produced as such, but it can also be formed by granulating a MMVF plate and consolidating the granulated material. The binder may be any of the binders known for use as binders for coherent MMVF products. The MMVF layer may comprise a wetting agent. The binder and optional wetting agent of the MMVF layer may be as described for the MMVF substrate.

The structure may further comprise a top layer over the force distribution layer. The top layer is preferably grass, dirt, artificial grass, sand, gravel, clay or combinations thereof.

The structure may further comprise a heating layer between the force distribution layer and the drainage layer. A warming layer is particularly useful for thawing fields, such as soccer fields in cold climates. When the structure comprises a top layer, a heating layer, a force distribution layer and a drainage layer, the heating layer may be arranged between the top layer and the force distribution layer.

The present invention relates to a surface water drainage method according to claim 16. The method comprises arranging a coherent force distribution layer and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by an array of coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF) drainage, wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the distribution layer of force, where water in fluid communication with the drainage elements:

1. (i) is absorbed by the MMVF substrate, and/or

2. (ii) is transported along drainage elements;

wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.

An advantage of using the structure according to the invention is that the drainage elements can absorb water and store it within their open pore structure and the drainage elements can transport water along the passage towards the first opening. This means that drainage elements can store water when necessary, and also transport water to a water evacuation point when required. An advantage of storing water is that when the surrounding soil is sufficiently dry, the water stored in the MMVF substrate can dissipate from the substrate into the soil. This means that it is not always necessary to remove the water and use a disposal to evacuate it. Drainage elements can store water and then gradually dissipate it to the ground when the capillary balance between the MMVF substrate and the ground allows the water to dissipate to the ground.

Water can be transported by gravity along the passage, for example, by installing the passage with a slope so that the second end of the MMVF substrate is disposed at a higher elevation than the first end of the MMVF substrate, as described above. . An advantage of installing the drain with a slope is that it is not necessary to pump water from the drain element.

Alternatively, a pump may be provided that is in fluid communication with the first passage opening, wherein the pump conveys water to the first passage opening. The pump may be in fluid communication with the first opening by means of a conduit, such as a pipe. Water may be pumped along the passage to a water evacuation point, such as a tank, sewer or water drainage basin. An advantage of using a pump is that the drainage element can be installed in such a way that the passage does not form an angle to the horizontal and therefore it is not necessary to ensure that the passage has the required angle at installation.

It is possible to install both the MMVF substrate step on a slope and use a pump system.

In use, the passage is preferably offset and disposed in the lower half of the MMVF substrate. It is advantageous for the passage to be at the bottom of the MMVF substrate, as this means that there is a smaller volume of MMVF substrate to saturate with water before water enters the passage.

It is not necessary to wrap the drain of the present invention with any geotextile material at installation, as the MMVF substrate acts as a filter itself to prevent any contaminants, such as soil, from entering the drainage element and blocking the drainage element. passed.

A method of installing a structure for draining surface water according to claim 15 is disclosed. The installation method comprises arranging a drainage layer on the ground, wherein the drainage layer is formed by a matrix of drainage elements. of coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF), wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, and providing a coherent force distribution layer over the drainage layer ; wherein at least one drainage element has a first and a second end and comprises a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.

Preferably, the first drainage opening is arranged in fluid communication with a water evacuation point.

Preferably, the drainage system is installed by digging an area to be drained, arranging the drainage elements in the area in fluid communication with each of the other areas so that a layer of drainage elements covers the entire area to be drained. is to be drained, providing a coherent force distribution layer on top of the drainage layer and, optionally, providing a top layer over the force distribution layer. In this way, a level surface is created through which surface water can be drained.

In this method, MMVF substrates can be installed so that the steps are on a slope and/or connected to a pump.

Brief description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure with a drainage element

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure with a drainage element with a passage Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure with two drainage elements, each with a passage

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure with a drainage element and a heating layer

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure with a drainage element and a top layer Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a structure with an array of drainage elements

Figure 7 shows the water retention capacity of an MMVF substrate according to the invention, as described in Example

Detailed description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a force distribution layer 1 on a drainage element 2.

Figure 2 shows a force distribution layer 1a on a drainage element 2a. The drainage element 2a has a passage 3a that runs from the first end of the drainage element to the second end of the drainage element. Step 3a is inclined to allow water to flow along the step towards the lowest point. The water then flows from the passage to a water evacuation point 4a.

Figure 3 shows a force distribution layer 1b on a first drainage element 2b and a second drainage element 5b. The first drain element 2b and the second drain element 5b each have a passage 3b and 6b, respectively. Steps 3b and 6b each form an angle and the steps are aligned in the highest point. In this way, water can flow through any passage, depending on the drainage element into which the water enters. The water flows to two water evacuation points 4b and 7b, respectively. Water drainage points 4b and 7b could be the same water drainage point.

Figure 4 shows a force distribution layer 1c over a heating layer 8c. The drainage elements 2c, 9c and 10c are each arranged directly below the heating layer. The drainage element 9c is arranged between the drainage elements 2c and 10c. A horizontal passage 3c passes through each of the drainage elements 2c, 9c and 10c. It can be seen that multiple drainage elements may be in fluid communication with each other to form the structure.

Figure 5 shows a top layer 11d over a force distribution layer 1d. A 2d drainage element is below the force distribution layer.

Figure 6 shows a force distribution layer 1e on a drainage layer. The drainage layer comprises an array of drainage elements 2e and spacer elements 12e. Each drainage element has a passage 3e extending from one end of the drainage element to the other end of the drainage element. Some of the drainage elements 2e are aligned with the next drainage element 2e by aligning the steps 3e to create a row of drainage elements 2e. The spacer elements 12e are aligned in rows between the rows of drainage elements 2e. The force distribution layer 1e is shown partially covering the drainage layer, but in practice it will completely cover the drainage layer. The separating elements can be drainage elements without a passage. Alternatively, the spacer elements may comprise an MMVF substrate that is hydrophobic. The drainage layer as a whole remains capable of draining surface water regardless of whether the separator elements are hydrophilic or hydrophobic, since the drainage elements 2e are sufficient to drain surface water.

The invention will now be described in the following example, which does not limit the scope of the invention.

Example

The water retention capacity of an MMVF substrate and silt loam soil was tested according to EN 13041 - 1999. The MMVF substrate was a rock wool fiber product with a Phenol-Urea Formaldehyde binder. PUF)) and a nonionic surfactant wetting agent. The results are shown in Figure 7.

The MMVF substrate has a maximum water content of 90% by volume based on the volume of the substrate. When the MMVF substrate releases water, it retains approximately 2-5% by volume of water. This means that the MMVF substrate has a temporary storage capacity of 85-87% by volume. This shows that the MMVF substrate has a high maximum water content as well as a low water retention level.

The maximum water content of the silt loam soil is lower than that of the MMVF substrate. The capillarity of the silt loam soil is much greater than that of the MMVF substrate, which means that a suction pressure of several meters is necessary to remove water from the silt loam soil. This assumes that the soil will easily drain water from the MMVF substrate as soon as the soil is not saturated.

Claims (16)

Yo. A structure for draining surface water, comprising a coherent force distribution layer (1) and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by an array of Man-Made Vitreous Fiber drainage elements (2). (Synthetic Vitreous Fiber - MMVF) coherent hydrophilic, wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the force distribution layer; wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage (3a) extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm. 2. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the passage of the at least one drainage element is a horizontal passage. 3. A structure according to claim 1, wherein at least 20% of the drainage elements have first and second opposite ends and a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second extreme. 4. A structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the drainage elements has first and second opposite ends and a passage extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end. 5. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the passage of the at least one drainage element forms an angle of 0.5 to 5° with respect to the horizontal, preferably 1-4° with respect to the horizontal, preferably 1- 3° with respect to the horizontal and the second opening is higher than the first opening. 6. A structure according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the openings of the passages of two drainage elements are aligned. 7. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage elements are arranged in at least one row, preferably a plurality of parallel rows. 8. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passage is in the lower half of the MMVF drainage element. 9. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the MMVF drainage elements comprise a wetting agent. 10. A structure according to any of the preceding claims for draining recreational land, preferably sports land. 11. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the force distribution layer comprises a continuous plastic layer, a continuous rubber layer or a coherent MMVF layer. 12. A structure according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a top layer over the force distribution layer, wherein the top layer is preferably grass, dirt, artificial grass, sand, gravel, clay or a combination of these. 13. A structure according to any of the preceding claims wherein the system further comprises a heating layer between the force distribution layer and the drainage layer. 14. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the array of drainage elements is in fluid communication with a water evacuation point, preferably a tank, sewer or a water drainage tank. 15. A method of installing a structure to drain surface water, the method comprising arranging a drainage layer on the ground, wherein the drainage layer is formed by a matrix of Man-Made Vitreous drainage elements (2). Coherent hydrophilic Fiber (MMVF), wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, and providing a coherent force distribution layer (1) over the drainage layer; wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage (3a) extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm. 16. A surface water drainage method, the method comprising providing a coherent force distribution layer (1) and a drainage layer, wherein the drainage layer is formed by a matrix of coherent hydrophilic Man-Made Vitreous Fiber (MMVF) drainage elements (2), wherein each of the drainage elements comprises synthetic vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the drainage layer is below the force distribution layer, where water in fluid communication with the drainage elements: (i) is absorbed by the MMVF substrate, and/or (ii) is transported along the drainage elements; wherein at least one drainage element has first and second opposite ends and comprises a passage (3a) extending from a first opening at the first end to a second opening at the second end; and where the thickness of the force distribution layer is 1 to 10 cm.