GB2587197A

GB2587197A - Apparatus for and method of forming or landscaping the ground

Info

Publication number: GB2587197A
Application number: GB1913341.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Haire Michael; Evans Martyn
Original assignee: Clean Seas Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Clean Seas Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-16
Filing date: 2019-09-16
Publication date: 2021-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-16
Also published as: GB2587197B; GB201913341D0

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming or landscaping the ground. The method comprises the steps of forming a plurality of individual recesses in the sloping ground, each defined by a preferably circular rim extending around its periphery. The material scoped from the ground preferably forms at least part of the rim and is positioned downwardly of the recess. The recesses may be formed in rows. The apparatus (fig 4) comprises an excavating scoop for excavating material from the ground comprising a scoop body for receipt of material having a ground contact surface extending to a curved lip formation for cutting the ground, the ground contact surface having at least a partially curved geometry. The method and apparatus enables concentration of naturally occurring resources of water and nutrients that exist in the formed recesses to be maintained to provide a suitable growing medium for organic matter.

Description

Apparatus for and Method of Forming or Landscaping the Ground Some ground, for example mining waste tips are difficult to vegetate without the input of significant quantities of organic matter. This is because the ground, being rock-based is typically relatively impermeable so that it dries out very quickly and is too infertile to support vegetative growth. Any naturally occurring 'soil forming' material such as windblown organic matter, dead vegetation or animal waste is usually washed away by the rain and conditions rarely exist that are suitable for naturally occurring plant seeds to germinate.

The establishment of vegetation is normally achieved either by coveting the surface with a layer of imported soil or by improving the surface layer of the existing ground. This is achieved by cultivating the material to a depth of between 0.3m and 0.7m and incorporating significant quantities of organic matter together with fertiliser into this layer.

The material is then seeded in the conventional way. Either of these options involve significant cost and effort (and the risk of a pollution event).

In Britain, the problem of revegetation is often exacerbated by management issues. It is often not possible to fence off certain upland areas (common land) and there is often a legal requirement to maintain access for grazing animals. Furthermore, some environmental legislation requires developers to attenuate the discharge of water from their sites so that it enters the drainage system at a controlled rate. This is achieved by various means including buried tanks or crates, oversized pipes or surface features such as wide swales' or attenuation basins. The latter is usually a 'pond' that is normally dry but that allows the temporary storage of rainwater in times of flood. Attenuation basins such as this require relatively flat ground and carry a liability in that they constitute a hazard when full of water.

Another issue faced by landowners and managers is unauthorised access to land for 30 informal recreation. This is particularly the case in upland areas, often on the urban hinge' where persistent use of off-road motorbikes causes damage to upland ecosystems, normally on natural ground. The damage initially caused is physical disturbance of vegetative cover and exposure of soil layers. This is then exacerbated by erosion, particularly when surface water follows wheel ruts and creates an uncontrolled drainage pattern.

A solution or at least an alternative option is therefore required to address one or more of the problems outlined above.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is a method of landscaping ground comprising the steps of forming a plurality of recesses in the ground, each of the recesses 10 defined by a rim extending around a periphery of the recess.

Each of the recesses are beneficially individual and substantially independent of one another. However, the effectiveness of the ground formed using the method is reliant upon the provision of a plurality of recesses working in combination.

The present invention offers a cost-effective solution to this problem by concentrating such naturally occurring resources of water and nutrients that exist in the plurality of recesses, or what appear visually to he 'bowls'. This allows soil to build up gradually through natural processes, thereby providing a suitable growing medium in which naturally occurring plant seeds can germinate and become established. This process will become self-sustaining in the sheltered environment of the bowl. The structure provided by the growing plants will trap windhorne and waterborne soil forming material and organic material from the seasonal die-back of established plants. This process will eventually lead to the colonisation of the entirety of the 'bowls' and these separate blocks of vegetation will naturally join up in time.

Aspects of the claimed invention allow the creation of multiple attenuation bowls on sloping ground (the formations produced by the method functions on slopes as steep as 1:3). The howls are arranged on the slope with the supporting bund' on the downhill side.

This landform allows the control of water because it is forced to enter one of the bowls where it is held until it either soaks into the ground or evaporates. The bowls have a volume that is set by the position of the rim of the bund relative to the depth of the bowl and so can be used in calculations that are required to satisfy the relevant authorities. This method is also effective on sites where no flat land exists or where the use of sloping land for this purpose is the preferred option for a developer (this might allow flatter land to be put to a more profitable use).

Aspects of the invention may also he used to enhance the attenuation performance characteristics of conventional features such as swales. This may be achieved by increasing the capacity of the feature by forming the water retaining bowls and by increasing the 'standing time' of water within the system. This allows the construction of more efficient features that would require less space within a development layout.

Accordingly, the method according to the present. invention allows reinstated damaged areas to recover naturally by providing the optimum conditions for growth and by providing a landform that controls erosion and is resistant to wheeled access. Furthermore, the ground formation allows access for livestock, the landform being suitable for access on foot without creating sudden or vertical drops or irregular features.

A further advantage is that the landscaped ground produced upon application of the method is naturally less attractive to pedestrians than a conventional surface. Water is retained in areas where it is deployed and this in turn encourages luxuriant vegetative growth. This can be used to discourage pedestrian access to certain areas whether for habitat management, runoff control or security purposes/reasons or to encourage (or allow) pedestrian or vehicular access to other areas. In addition, the method can be used to create damp or wet areas anywhere that it is deployed. This will alter drainage patterns and will encourage the build-up of soils and 'damp' vegetation habitats in these areas.

Water runoff is a significant issue in the construction industry. Construction sites are dynamic and at times are potential sources of polluted runoff. This is essentially 'dirty water' but can result in significant (and costly) pollution incidents. The contractor is normally responsible for controlling the runoff and thereby negating the risk of pollution. Silt control is normally achieved by settlement tanks or basins or by physical barriers such as semi-permeable fences or straw bale barriers. A significant advantage of the present invention is that the creation of a 'field' of 'silt traps' on any available land within the construction site. These could be enhanced by the inclusion of turf to the lower rim or seeding with grasses as a natural filter.

The recesses are preferably concave. The rims are preferably substantially circular. The recesses are preferably at least partly formed by the step of scooping material from the ground. The recesses may each be formed by a single scoop. Each recess preferably has substantially the same dimensions.

1() Prior to scooping material from the ground, it is beneficial that any organic matter on or adjacent to the surface of the ground is removed. After scooping the material from the ground to form the recess, the organic matter is preferably replaced adjacent the recess, preferably to form at least part of the rim.

After forming a recess, material scooped from the ground is preferably left around the recess. Even more preferably after forming a recess, material scooped from the ground forms at least part of the rim. Any organic matter removed can then be added to the rim. After scooping material from the ground, the rim may he further formed. For example, this may be through using a scoop to compress material to form the rim.

When the ground is sloped, it is beneficial that the material scooped from the ground is positioned downwardly of the recess. This means the volume of water in the recess is increased and thus the ability to slow water flow down a slope is improved.

The maximum distance across the recess from a first rim position to a second rim position is preferably between 0.5m and 2m, preferably between 0.8m and 1.2m, even more preferably substantially lm. As the rim is preferably substantially circular, the maximum distance across the recess is the diameter.

The recesses are preferably formed in a series of rows. The series of rows beneficially form a grid. The recesses in each respective row are preferably substantially aligned in a first axis and misaligned with an adjacent row in a second perpendicular axis. Beneficially every second row is aligned in the second axis. Each recess beneficially has a centre. The centre is beneficially the point is maximum depth of the recess. The distance of misalignment between centres of recess in adjacent rows may be in the order of 0.875m.

The gap between the rim of adjacent recesses is between 0.5 and lm, preferably substantially 0.7m. The maximum depth of the recess is between 0.15m and 0.4m, preferably between 0.2m and 0.3m, even more preferably substantially 0.2m.

The method preferably further comprises a subsequent step of compressing material defining the recess by presenting the scoop into the recess. The scoop is preferably applied in a substantially vertical axis in order to ensure the shape of the recess is maintained improved.

A portion of the rim may be removed to affect flow direction of water out of the recess.

This further controls flow of water across the ground. Thus, in heavy rain conditions, individual recesses may fill with water, and instead of water running straight down the slope, a portion of the rim may be removed lo cause water to preferentially flow through this area. In this way, water flow can he controlled to flow across the slope.

The method may further comprise adding one or more of organic matter or fertiliser to the recess. As an example, turf may be added to the lower rim portion (in the direction of the slope of the hill), or seed to the lower portion of the rim. As the recesses retain water and any added matter, growth of vegetation in the recesses is accelerated which is accelerated through addition of organic matter and/or fertiliser The method preferably further comprises forming the recess using an excavating scoop, the excavating scoop comprising a scoop body for receipt of material having a ground contact surface extending to a curved lip formation for cutting the ground, the ground contact surface having at least a partially curved geometry.

Known excavators operate through the operation of an articulated arm that normally extends from the centre of the machine. This allows work to be done with a bucket being pushed away from or drawn towards the machine anywhere within the arc it can reach. This is achieved by raising or lowering the arm or by changing the angle of the bucket relative to the arm as it moves away from or towards the machine. This is effective for straightforward excavation and grading projects, where consistent reductions in levels or grading to relatively even profiles is required. It is, however, difficult to form rounded, more 'organic' landforms using conventional buckets.

Also according to the present invention there is an excavating scoop for excavating material from the ground comprising a scoop body for receipt of material having a ground 10 contact surface extending to a curved lip formation for cutting the ground, the ground contact surface having at least a partially curved geometry.

It will be appreciated that the excavating scoop allows formation of the ground according to the defined method. The curved lip formation combined with the curved ground contact surface enables the formation of a concave recess. This allows the creation of mounds or hollows that would only be possible with conventional equipment by using multiple attachments (different sizes) or by working from multiple (machine) positions.

The excavating scoop preferably has a maximum depth defined between a location of the ground contact surface and the lip, wherein lhe maximum span across the lip measured in a first axis is greater than the maximum span across the location measured in a second axis parallel to the first axis. It will he appreciated that the maximum lip height and maximum depth of the ground contact surface arc not vertically aligned. The location is preferably a point as the ground contact surface is preferably substantially spherical, however the location may alternatively comprise a larger area.

The ground contact surface may have at least partially spheroidal geometry. Even more preferably however the ground contact surface has at least partially spherical geometry. The radius of the body, thus the ground contact surface, is preferably between 0.4 and 30 0.8m, preferably between 0.5 and 0.7m, even more preferably substantially 0.6m.

The excavating scoop preferably comprises a mounting formation for mounting to an excavating machine. The mounting formation is arranged to enable hinged mounting to an excavating machine. The mounting formation may comprise any known formations for mounting buckets to excavating machines.

When viewed from a direction forwardly from the mounting formation the curved lip is preferably generally concave.

Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of illustration only with 10 reference to the accompanying figures, where: Figures la and b are schematic plan and cross-sectional representations of ground formed using a method and optionally apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of ground formed using the method and optionally apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention whereby water flow direction across a slope is controlled.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of ground formed using the method and optionally apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention together with the formations at various slope angles.

Figure 4 are schematic representations of an excavating scoop according to an illustrative 25 embodiment of the present invention in front elevation, side elevation, rear elevation and plan views respectively.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the method of forming the ground according to an illustrative embodiment using a scoop according to an illustrative embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1, there is a schematic representation of ground formed according to the method of landscaping ground as defined in the present invention. It will be appreciated that the method may be carried out on flat ground as well as sloping ground. Represented are a plurality of recesses 2 formed into the ground 4, with the direction of the slope into which the recesses 2 are formed being indicated by arrow 6. The recesses are defined by a rim 7 that is of sufficient height all the way around the recess 2 to retain water therein. The rim 7 is presented as being substantially continuous.

Also presented in Figure 1 is the original slope of the ground 4 indicated by line 8 showing formation of the concave recesses 2 with a retaining embankment section (typically called a bund) 10 at the lowermost sides of the recesses 2 with respect to the direction of the I() slope. An adjacent series of bunds 12 are also shown. Each of the recesses 2 has substantially the same dimensions and are defined by a depth of around 0.2m and a maximum distance across the recess of around lm. Material 14 has been shown to have been added to the recess 2 and may comprise turf or other ameliorants or seeds.

Referring to Figure 2, a grid of recesses is presented with arrows 14 indicating water flow direction from higher up a slope. In such an embodiment water flow is diverted across the slope indicated by arrows 16 due to the provision of interruptions 18 in the rims 7 defining the recesses 2. Water flow passes through the interruptions 7, in the form of a recess in the rim. This has the effect of controlling water flow to take water away from a sensitive feature or take water towards a particular location for further cleaning or processing for example.

Referring now to Figure 3, a grid of recesses is presented in three rows, where rows in a horizontal axis are misaligned relative to an adjacent row. Misalignment between rows depends on the width of the recesses, however a typical misalignment may be around 0.875m. This minimises the concentration of flow in one area thus reducing erosion. The effective distance between centres of each of the recesses in a particular horizontal row (represented by numeral 20) may be around 1.25m from the centre of the recess in an adjacent horizontal row. The effective distance between the centre of adjacent recesses in a horizontal axis may be around I.75m. The distance across the recess 2 may he around 0.95m.

A variety of gradients are also presented in Figure 3, showing profiles of the recess formed in these slopes, ranging from 1:3 to 1:20.

Presented in Figure 4 a-d are schematic representations of an excavating scoop 30 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention in front elevation, side elevation, rear elevation and plan views respectively. The scoop 30 comprises a scoop body 32 having a curved ground contact surface 34 extending to a curved lip formation 36. The shape of the curved ground contact surface 34 is preferably part of a sphere. A cavity 37 is provided inside the body 32. The depth 40 of the cavity 37 is defined between the curved lip formation 36 and a location of the ground contact surface 39. There is a maximum span 38 across the body 32 measured in the axis shown by arrow 38 which is greater than the span across the location 39 measured in a second axis parallel to the axis shown by arrow 38. This means that as well as the ground contact portion curving downwardly from the lip 36, it also curves inwardly.

Prior to scooping material from the ground, it is beneficial that any organic matter on or adjacent to the surface of the ground is removed. After scooping the material from the ground to form the recess, the organic matter is preferably replaced adjacent the recess, preferably to form at least part of the rim.

After forming a recess, material scooped from the ground is left around the recess. This means that material from the ground is scooped out and the scoop then tipped to leave the material adjacent the recess. Material scooped from the ground can therefore form at least part of the rim. Any organic matter initially removed can then be added to the rim. After scooping material from the ground, the rim may be further formed through the action of compression from the scoop. When the ground is sloped, it is beneficial that the material scooped from the ground is positioned downwardly of the recess.

The scoop 30 may further comprise an internal support web 42 within the cavity 37. The 30 scoop 30 also further comprises a mounting formation 44 comprising first and second mounting holes aligned either side of the centre of the spherical ground contact surface 34 in the illustrative embodiment. The scoop pivots about the forward mounting holes 44a, actuated via rearward mounting holes 44b as best represented in Figure 5, positioned about the centre of the spherical ground contact surface 34. This ensures that the shape of the recess is accurately formed.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is a schematic representation of the method of forming the ground according to an illustrative embodiment using a scoop also according to an illustrative embodiment. hi Figure 5a, forming the ground is carried out in a direction generally down the slope, where a scoop is taken of a first recess 10a, the scoop 30 tilted downwardly as it exits the first recess 10 to leave the ground material to form a rim of the recess, then further tilted to scoop out a second recess lob. The process is then repeated to form the landscape as shown for example in Figure 1-3. Figure 5b shows the opposite direction of movement of the scoop 30 up a slope of lesser severity. It will be appreciated that if required the scoop 30 may be lifted vertically and returned into the recess 10 in order to compact the ground and improve the form of the recess to more closely match that of the ground contact surface of the scoop. Furthermore, the shape of the ground contact surface 34 of the scoop enables the rim defining the recess to be further formed by compaction for example if required.

Aspects of the invention have been described by way of example only and it will be 20 appreciated by the skilled addressee that modifications and variations may be made without departing form the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of landscaping ground comprising the steps of forming a plurality of recesses in the ground, each of the recesses defined by a rim extending around a periphery of the recess.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein each of the recesses are individual.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the recesses are concave.
4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the rim is substantially circular.
5. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the recesses are formed by the step of scooping material from the ground.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the recesses are each formed by a single scoop.
7. A method according to any of claims 5-6 wherein after forming a recess material scooped from the ground is left around the recess.
8. A method according to any of claims 5-7 wherein after forming a recess material scooped from the ground forms at least part of the rim.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the ground is sloped ground, and the material scooped from the ground is positioned downwardly of the recess.
10. A method according to any preceding claim wherein each recess has substantially the same dimensions.
A method according to any preceding claim wherein the maximum distance across the recess from a first rim position to a second rim position is between 0.5m and 2m, preferably between 0.8m and 1.2m, even more preferably substantially lm. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
A method according to any preceding claim wherein the recesses are formed in a series of rows.
A method according to claim 12 wherein the recesses in each respective row arc substantially aligned in a first axis and misaligned with an adjacent row in a second perpendicular axis.
A method according to any of claims 12-13 wherein the gap between the rim of adjacent recesses is between 0.5 and lm, preferably substantially 0.7m.
A method according to any preceding claim wherein the maximum depth of the recess is between 0.15m and 0.4m, preferably between 0.2m and 0.3m, even more preferably substantially 0.2m.
A method according to claim 5 comprising a subsequent step of compressing material defining the recess by presenting a scoop into the recess.
A method according to any preceding claim comprising the step of removing a portion of the rim to provide a flow pathway from the recess.
A method according to any preceding claim comprising adding one or more of organic matter or fertiliser to the recess.
A method according to any preceding claim comprising forming the recess using an excavating scoop, the excavating scoop comprising a scoop body for receipt of material having a ground contact surface extending to a curved lip formation for cutting the ground, the ground contact surface having at least a partially curved geometry.
An excavating scoop for excavating material from the ground comprising a scoop body for receipt of material having a ground contact surface extending to a curved lip formation for cutting the ground, the ground contact surface having at least a partially curved geometry.
21. An excavating scoop according to claim 20 wherein the scoop has a maximum depth defined between a location of the ground contact surface and the lip, wherein the maximum span across the lip measured in a first axis is greater than the maximum span across the location measured in a second axis parallel to the first axis.
22. An excavating scoop according to any of claims 20-21 wherein the ground contact surface has at least partially spheroidal geometry.
23. An excavating scoop according to any of claims 20-22 wherein the ground contact surface has at least partially spherical geometry.
24. An excavating scoop according to claim 23 wherein the radius of the body is between 0.4 and 0.8m, preferably between 0.5 and 0.7m, even more preferably substantially 0.6m
25. An excavating scoop according to any of claims 20-24 comprising a mounting formation for mounting to a vehicle.
26. An excavating scoop according to claim 25 wherein the mounting formation is arranged to hingedly mount to a vehicle.
27. An excavating scoop according to any of claims 20-26 when viewed from a direction forwardly from the mounting formation the curved lip is generally concave.