GB2544332A

GB2544332A - Improved high capacity drainage channel

Info

Publication number: GB2544332A
Application number: GB1520067.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Lamb Christopher
Original assignee: Marshalls Mono Ltd
Current assignee: Marshalls Mono Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2017-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-13
Also published as: WO2017081462A1; GB201521212D0; GB201520067D0; GB2544349B; GB2544349A; GB2544332B

Abstract

The drainage section comprises a longitudinal pipe section 20 and a plurality of slot apertures 30 which extend from the pipe section to form discrete apertures spaced from the pipe section, each slot aperture being discontinuous in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and with a portion of each slot aperture being spaced perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section to a portion of another slot aperture. Each slot aperture may be slanted across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section and arranged parallel to other slot apertures. The outer surface of the pipe section might include channels for receiving rebars 36, preferably in reinforcing bands which extend between adjacent slot apertures. Webs may be formed between slot apertures which define valleys for receiving rebars. The ends of the channel section may include respective male and female ends, each with a respective sideways extending flange. Also claimed is a drainage channel.

Description

Improved High Capacity Drainage Channel

FIELD

[01] The present invention relates to an improved drainage channel for draining surface water into a buried channel, and in particular to a component for forming a high capacity drainage channel.

BACKGROUND

[02] High capacity drainage channels are known for draining surface water from large surface areas such as car parks, highways, airports, warehouse loading bays, driveways, or any other large area of hardstanding concrete/tarmac that will generate large amounts of surface water. The water is drained into a buried channel structure sometimes called a slot drain or linear slot drain. Here, the surface typically includes at least one incline so that surface water runs from the surface in a particular direction. The drainage channel is arranged across, and generally perpendicularly across, the incline to collect the surface water and move it away to an appropriate discharge or collection point.

[03] EP1380691 discloses a known high capacity drainage channel formed from a plurality of adjacent channel sections. The channel sections are moulded plastic components and are buried in the substructure of the surface to drain surface water. Each channel section comprises a longitudinally extending pipe section for forming a buried channel into which the surface water is drained. The surface water enters the pipe section through a plurality of projections that interconnect a surface channel with the pipe section. The projections and top channel form a series of arches through which rebar is arranged to support and strengthen the sub structure.

[04] The drainage channel is formed by arranging a plurality of the channel sections within a surface substructure. Each section can be secured to each other and sealed as is known in the art. Appropriate rebar reinforcement is arranged and the surface overlaid to typically level with the top channel. An additional decorative cover can be placed in or over the top channel. Water on the surface is drained through the top channel and moved away to an appropriate discharge location.

[05] The hollow arches formed by the projections and top channel allow apertures for the rebar, whilst also forming a continuous channel in the surface to drain the full width of the surface. However, moulding the arches complicates the moulding process. Furthermore, the top channel also requires sealing to adjacent top channels.

[06] It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. It is a further aim to provide a channel section that can be more easily moulded or moulded more efficiently. It is a further aim to provide a channel section providing an increased drainage capacity. It is a further aim to provide an alternative to the known high capacity drainage systems.

SUMMARY

[07] According to the present invention there is provided an improved channel section for a high capacity drainage channel as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[08] In the exemplary embodiment there is provided a channel section having a plurality of slot apertures that extend from a longitudinally extending pipe section discontinuously, wherein the slot apertures are arranged so that a portion of each adjacent slot aperture is spaced offset to another perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section. Advantageously therefore, an aperture is formed to collect water across the entire longitudinal length of the channel section, but each slot aperture is discontinuous in the longitudinal direction and spaced from adjacent slot apertures allowing passages for rebar. Here, the rebar is arranged in the passages at a slanted angle across the pipe section. Channels may be formed in the passages to receive the rebar. Here, the channels may be grooves formed in the outside of the pipe section.

[09] Each of the plurality of slot apertures may comprise a first part integral to the pipe section and a second removable part. The removable part acts a plug to prevent building materials from entering the pipe section during construction of the drainage channel. Once installed, the plug is removed. In one exemplary embodiment, the finished surface is a cementitious product such as concrete or other material able to be cast. Here, the material can be cast around the second removable part as well as the first part. Advantageously, when the plug is removed, the first part may be spaced beneath the top surface of the finished surface so that traffic, such as vehicular traffic, does not contact the channel section directly. This is advantageous because the channel section may not have the required structural characteristics to satisfy loading requirements. The removable part may be designed to cast further shapes, patterns or features into the finished surface. For instance, the removable part may be shaped to provide a flare or rounded corner to the opening of the finished cast substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the removable part of each slot aperture may be joined to adjacent removable parts so that the plugs can be removed as a single piece. Here the joining parts may be adapted to mould features such as a drainage indent between slot apertures. Alternatively, the drainage indent may be cut or machined into the finished surface as a later process.

[10] The portions of each slot aperture that are spaced offset perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section includes at the extreme, the adjacent slot apertures terminating at the same perpendicular plane across the pipe section. Advantageously however adjacent slot apertures overlap one another. That is, the end of one slot aperture terminates at a perpendicular plane across the pipe section that intersects an adjacent slot aperture. This overlap may be at least 10% or at least 20% of the distance said slot aperture extends in the longitudinal direction. The overlap may be less than 50% or less than 40% of the distance said slot aperture extends in the longitudinal direction.

[11] In the exemplary embodiments, each slot aperture is substantially identical. A consistent and repeatable appearance of apertures is therefore provided in the finished surface. As will be appreciated, the appearance of the aperture in the finished surface will be formed around the slot aperture and can therefore be altered for different aesthetics by altering the profile of the slot apertures. Suitably, each slot aperture comprises an upwardly extending protrusion from the pipe section. The cross-sectional profile of each slot aperture may taper so as to reduce towards a distal end. This helps reduce the risks of blockages. Each slot aperture is sized so as to extend from the pipe section to the top surface of the area being drained. Each slot aperture is substantially identical. The shape of each slot aperture may vary, but in the exemplary embodiments the slot apertures are shown as elongate. Suitably with a rectangular cross section. Rounded corners and usual moulding release features may be incorporated as is known in the art.

[12] Suitably, the channel section is moulded from a plastic material. The discontinuous slot apertures and drainage section can be moulded from a single moulding. The moulding may have a substantially constant thickness.

[13] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of slot apertures each extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of pipe section. Here each of the plurality of slot apertures is formed in at least two rows. Each row is off-set to the other. That is, the pitch of the slot apertures in each row is arranged so that the centre between each slot aperture is not aligned with adjacent slots in the other row. Here, the passage for the rebar is formed diagonally across the longitudinal axis of the pipe section wherein the rebar is arranged between the slot apertures.

[14] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of slot apertures extend from a longitudinally extending pipe section arranged at an angle to the longitudinally extending pipe section. The angle slants the respective slot aperture across the longitudinal axis of the pipe section. In the exemplary embodiments, the slot apertures are angled around 45° to the longitudinal axis. However, the slot apertures may be angled between 40° and 50° or between 30° and 60°.

[15] In an exemplary embodiment, webbing is provided between adjacent slot apertures. The webbing reinforces the slot apertures. In the exemplary embodiments including retaining channels for the rebar, the channels may be formed by valleys of the webbing.

[16] In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage channel includes reinforcement features. Here the reinforcement features are bands. Each slot aperture may extend between at least two bands.

[17] In an exemplary embodiment, one end of the drainage channel comprises a male end and the other a female end. Here, the male and female ends are fitted within each other to connect a plurality of drainage sections to form the drainage system. Each of the male and female ends may include outwardly extending flanges. Upper and lower respective surfaces of the flanges may contact in use to provide support to the joint between the two sections in a downwardly loading direction, wherein the downwardly loading direction corresponds to the loading direction of traffic across the surface to be drained.

[18] According to the exemplary embodiments there is provided an improved channel section for a high capacity drainage channel, wherein the moulding of the channel section is improved but wherein the entire width of the surface is drained and rebar is able to be arranged across the channel.

[19] There is also provided an improved method of installing a drainage channel. The method comprises installing a first channel section as described above and including a removable plug, forming a surface structure around the channel section and removable plug, removing the removable plug so that the first part of the slot drain is spaced beneath the finished surface level, wherein the removable plug acts as a mould to impose a shape to the surface sturture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[20] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: [21] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a channel section according to a first embodiment; [22] Figures 2a and 2b are top and end views of Figure 1; [23] Figure 3a and 3b show exemplary, alternative configurations for slot apertures; [24] Figure 4 is a perspective view of Figure 1 showing the channel section with rebar installed; [25] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the channel section of Figure 4 showing an installed top surface; [26] Figure 6 is a perspective, side and top view of a channel section according to a second embodiment; [27] Figures 7a and 7b are perspective and side views of a further embodiment; [28] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a channel section embodiment with laid top surface; [29] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a channel section embodiment embedded in a ground structure; and [30] Figures 10 and 11 show top and perspective views of alternative embodiments of a channel section.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[31] Referring to Figure 1, a channel section 10 is shown. The channel section 10 comprises a pipe section 20 and a plurality of slot apertures 30. The channel section is installed within a trench so that the channel section is substantially completely buried in the final surface. A sub structure of a ground covering is placed around the channel section and rebar arranged across the top of the pipe section in order to stabilise and spread loading through the sub structure. A final surface is laid over the channel section so that the ends of the slot apertures are substantially level with a top of the end surface. The slot apertures 30 provide drainage from the top surface into the pipe section 20. When installed, a plurality of the channel sections are joined to form a drainage line across the surface. The slot apertures are formed discontinuously along the length of the drainage channel. Here, water urged to drain across the top surface and perpendicular to the drainage line will be caught by a slot aperture. However, an angle slanted to the drainage line can be taken that does not intersect a slot aperture.

[32] Referring still to Figure 1, the pipe section 20 comprises an enclosed passageway for collecting and transporting the drained surface water. The pipe section has a longitudinal axis defined generally in the length direction of the channel section. The length and general sizing of the pipe section will be dependent on the use and capacity of the moulding process but is generally to be a similar size as is known in the art. The pipe section may have any known cross sectional shape, but is shown in the figures with a semi-circular upper section 12 and a lower section having tapered walls 13 that taper to a rounded end 14. Feet 15 are provided to assist the location of the channel section 10 during installation as is known in the art. The feet 15 are shown suitably arranged spaced from ends of the channel section.

[33] As is shown in Figure 2a, bands 17 or ribs are provided at regular spacing along the longitudinal length of the pipe section 20. These bands comprise outward projections that ring the pipe section. This provides strength to the channel section to withstand the anticipated loading and to prevent the pipe section buckling or deforming under load. The bands 17 are shown as having a consistent wall thickness to intermediate parts 18 between bands.

[34] The channel section 10 is shown with longitudinal ends 40, 50. In the exemplary embodiments, the ends 40, 50 are arranged as male and female ends so as to locate with respective opposed male and female ends of other channel sections when connected together to form the drainage system. Referring to Figure 1, end 40 is shown as a male end and end 50 a female end. Here, two channel sections 10 are connected to each other by inserting a male end into a female end. Suitably, male end 40 includes an insertion section 42 that extends from the end in a longitudinal direction and is sized so as to locate inside the female end (see also Figure 7a). By locating the insertion section inside the female end 50, the joint is supported to act against the two sections becoming misaligned and particularly to assist in maintain the coaxial alignment. Each male and female end is shown as having an outwardly extending flange 44, 54. Suitable, a flange extends from each side of the pipe section 20. The flanges extend outwardly, perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction when viewed in plan. Here, as the two channel sections are connected by relative movement in the longitudinal direction so as to insert the male end into the female end, the respective flanges pass over each other. Therefor an upper and lower surface of each flange on opposed sections abut each other in a downwardly loading direction. The flanges may be mechanically secured together. In use, the abutment between the upper and lower respective surfaces of the flanges, supports the joint and assists in preventing relative movement between the two channel sections.

[35] As will be herein described, the channel sections are suitably moulded plastic sections. Whilst the channel section can be moulded in multiple parts, suitably, the channel section is shown as being a single piece moulding. The exact shape of the moulded channel section may therefore be optimised for the moulding process as is known in the art.

[36] The channel section is shown with a plurality of slot apertures 30. The slot apertures extend upwardly from the pipe section 20 to provide a plurality of discrete drainage locations. Each slot aperture is formed from side walls 32 and end walls 34. The walls have a substantially constant thickness. Each aperture has a substantially elongate cross section and is generally shown as being a thin rectangle. The end walls 34 are shown as being rounded.

[37] In the exemplary embodiments, the slot apertures 30 are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction of the pipe section 20. As shown in Figure 3a, one exemplary embodiment shows the slot apertures formed in two rows. Each row extends in the longitudinal direction and are spaced from each other. Further, each row of slot apertures 30 comprises a plurality of slot apertures. The slot apertures are suitably regularly spaced. The slot apertures in each row are off-set from each other so that the centre between adjacent slot apertures 30 in one row is not aligned with the centre between adjacent slot apertures in the other row. Thus, as shown by dotted line, a passageway is formed slanted across the channel section for receiving rebar. The passageway is formed by the spaces between adjacent slot apertures in each respective row. As shown in Figure 3a, the slot apertures are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction to thereby define the discrete slot apertures 30. However, the slot apertures are arranged so that a portion of each adjacent slot aperture is spaced offset perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section. Thus water running on the surface perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction will be drained by a slot aperture, but leaving aperture free zones along a slanted path.

[38] Figure 3b shows an alternative configuration wherein each slot aperture 30 is arranged at an angle across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section 20. The drawings show the slot apertures angled at 45° but other angles are envisaged. Each adjacent slot aperture is parallel to the other and regularly spaced so as to provide a uniform appearance. Again, the slot apertures are arranged so that a portion of each adjacent slot aperture is spaced offset perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section. In this case, adjacent slot apertures include an overlap so that in some zones, wherein a zone is defined as an area along the longitudinal direction, include portions of at least two adjacent slot apertures. As shown in Figure 3b, zones Z1 and Z3 includes a portion of one slot aperture, whereas zones Z2 and Z4 include portions of at least two slot apertures. In contrast, Figure 3a shows the extreme situation wherein whilst all zones have a portion of at least one slot aperture zones Z2 and Z4 are linear or put another way the zone is infinitely thin. That is, the ends of adjacent slot apertures are aligned in a perpendicular line across the longitudinal direction. It will be appreciated that the size and spacing of the slot apertures can be altered to achieve the desired aesthetic look and functional capacity. However, whilst overlapping the slot apertures increases the drainage capacity, importantly, in both situations, water draining across the drainage channel will travel across at least one aperture, whilst because the slot apertures are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction, passages for the rebar are also provided without the need for the top drainage slot to be arched or formed over the rebar. A 2% overlap and a 50% overlap are exemplary approximate overlaps relative to the slot length based on general dimensions of known slot drainage sections.

[39] The channel section is installed substantially as the known systems discussed above. A detailed description therefore will be omitted. Nevertheless, when the loading requirements require the fitting of rebar, suitable rebar is laid over the pipe section. As shown in Figure 4, the rebar 60 is arranged in the passages between the adjacent slot apertures 30. Suitably, in order to assist the retaining of the rebar in position during installation, slots 36 are formed in an outside surface of the pipe section between the adjacent slot apertures. In the exemplary embodiments, the pipe section 20 is shown having the reinforcing bands 17 as described above and the slot apertures extend between at least two bands. Here, the slot is formed in the band at the midpoint between each adjacent aperture. The slot is not formed all the way through the pie section so as to maintain the enclosure and so as not to create an opening for debris.

[40] The finished surface is formed around the channel section. Figure 5 shows a concrete floor cast directly around the slot apertures. However, other surface finishes are envisaged. Typically the slot apertures are plugged during installation to prevent debris falling in. Here the plugs are removed after installation. For instance, in Figure 7, plugs 60 are shown in place to cover the openings to the slot apertures.

[41] Referring to Figure 6, a further exemplary embodiment is shown. Here, webs 38 are formed between adjacent slot apertures 30. The webs structurally support the slot apertures. Shown as having a valley appearance, the webs include a valley for receiving the rebar. The valley of the webs therefore acts as the rebar slot at the centre of the passage between adjacent slot apertures. Suitably, as shown in Figure 7c, two webs are provided. Each web is parallel and spaced from each other. A recess 39 is formed or machined in the female end to receive a slot aperture of an adjacent channel section so as to maintain the consistent spacing of the slot apertures in the finished surface.

[42] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment depicting longer slot apertures for use with deeper sub bases. As mentioned, the length of each slot aperture is dependent on the required use. However, it will be appreciated that the slot apertures are substantially elongate in the upwardly extending direction. Typically the slot apertures might extend at least 3 or at least 5 times the width of the opening to the slot aperture.

[43] Figures 5, 8 and 9 show alternative channel embodiments embedded beneath a finished top surface 100. Figure 5, shows the finished top surface cast around the slot apertures so that the slot apertures are level with a top of the finished surface. However, it is preferable if the slot apertures do not extend to the top of the surface as this avoids forces being applied directly to the slot apertures and allows the structural characteristics of the finished surface to provide the strength to direct contact with traffic. As shown in Figure 8, the slot apertures may be installed with removable plugs. The removable plugs act as a continuation of the slot aperture and allow the surface material to be formed there around. The finished surface may be a cementitious product or other relatively fluid application that hardens. This allows the removable plugs to be removed, leaving an opening in the finished surface leading to the distal end of the slot aperture. Figure 9 depicts the finished surface with the drainage channel completely buried within the surface structures.

[44] Figures 10 and 11 show alternative embodiments of the drainage channel. The drainage channels are substantially as herein described. However, as can be seen from Figures 10a and 11a, the slot channels are tapered. That is, the slot channel is wider at a base with the drain section than at a distal end. Furthermore, the distal apertures of the slot apertures are shown as having a generally elongate, rectangular profile, whereas the base of the slot aperture has a more round, oval profile. This tapering assists in preventing blockages from debris getting trapped in the slot aperture. It will be appreciated that different sized drainage channel sections are required. Figures 10 and 11 show two examples, but others are envisaged. As will be appreciated, the size and shape of the slot aperture defines the appearance of the slot drain in the finished surface and the shape and size may therefore be adapted accordingly.

[45] Advantageously, there is provided an alternative drainage system. Moreover, the channel section can be moulded efficiently.

[46] Although preferred embodiments) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A channel section for forming a drainage channel, the channel section comprising an longitudinal pipe section and a plurality of slot apertures, wherein each slot aperture extends from the pipe section to form a discrete aperture spaced from the pipe section, each slot aperture being discontinuous in the longitudinal direction so that a portion of one adjacent slot aperture is spaced perpendicularly across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section to a portion of the other slot aperture

2. The channel section of claim 1, wherein each slot aperture is arranged slanted across the longitudinal direction of the pipe section, and each adjacent slot aperture is arranged parallel to the other and spaced along the longitudinal direction

3. The channel section of claim 2, wherein one adjacent slot aperture overlaps the other in the longitudinal direction.

4. The channel section of any preceding claim wherein an outer surface of the pipe section in a passageway between adjacent slot apertures includes a channel for receiving rebar.

5. The channel section of claim 4, wherein the pipe section includes reinforcing bands, each slot aperture extends across first and second bands, and wherein the channels for receiving the rebar is formed in the band crossing between adjacent slot apertures.

6. The channel section of any preceding claim wherein a first web is formed between adjacent slot apertures and the web is formed with a valley for locating rebar.

7. The channel section of claim 6, wherein first and second webs are formed.

8. The channel section of any preceding claim wherein one end of the channel section forms a male end and the other forms a female end, the male end including an insertion section that is suitable for insertion into a female end of a further channel section.

9. The channel section of claim 8, wherein each end includes a sideways extending flange, and an upper surface of one flange is arranged, when the channel section is coupled to another channel section, to face a lower surface of the corresponding other flange on the other channel section.

10. The channel section of any preceding claim including a separable plug covering the slot apertures.

11. The channel section of any preceding claim wherein the channel section is a moulded component.

12. The channel section of claim 11, wherein the moulded channel section is a single piece moulding.

13. The channel section of any preceding claim wherein the channel section is plastic.

14. A drainage channel formed from a plurality of channel sections wherein each channel section is as claimed in any preceding claim.

15. The drainage channel of claim 14, wherein ends of each channel section includes a sideways extending flange, and an upper surface of one flange is arranged, when the channel section is coupled to another channel section, to face a lower surface of the corresponding other flange on the other channel section.