GB2596213A

GB2596213A - Concrete water drainage braking system

Info

Publication number: GB2596213A
Application number: GB2106508.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vandebeek Luc
Original assignee: Mhc Nv; M H C NV
Current assignee: Mhc Nv; M H C NV
Priority date: 2020-05-07
Filing date: 2021-05-07
Publication date: 2021-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 2041-05-07
Also published as: GB2596213B; FR3109947A1; ES2878478R1; BE1028271B1; ES2878478B2; DE102021111854A1; LU500135B1; DE102021111854B4; BE1028271A1; ES2878478A2; NL2028162B1

Abstract

A water braking system for a waterway e.g. canal having at least one concrete element 1 having a concrete vertical wall 3 for forming a first dam within the canal and an at least partially water permeable base 2 having at least one opening 20, at least part of the first dam comprises non water-permeable concrete, the first dam having an overflow system 3C, the element having a transit system 4 comprising porous concrete and an inner chamber 40 for collecting water which passes through the porous concrete, an upper surface 41 of the transit system located below the level of the overflow system 3C in use (when the base is horizontal), the transit system having a discharge means 40A for discharging water collecting in the chamber 40. The base may be trapezoidal and a maximum of 5m by 2.5m. the porous concrete includes aggregate particles sized between 6mm and 14mm, with an open pore volume of 8-12%, having a permeability between 0.05-5 litres/m^2/s. Multiple units may be joined together. The system decelerates water in a waterway while limiting interference with vegetation growth and aquatic life.

Description

Concrete water drainage braking system The current invention relates to the water drainage braking system that decelerates the water flow in a canal or a stream, or a river, and/or resolves the problem of the water infiltration.

The document BE2009/0813 provides an insight of an application of a system known for a construction of a roadway or a pedestrian walkway above a water course or a canal. This system uses a series of modules that can be placed next to each other. Each module contains a set of components, including: -a concrete lower section with a V-shaped cross-section; - partitions to decelerate water flow, and - a sealing part that is located on the upper edges of the lower section.

This system interferes with the essential functions of a canal or river, in view of the sealing parts, which will disrupt the vegetation in the canal, as well as the life of animals. The deceleration of the water flow is achieved by the ordinary partitions. The sides of the canals are to be covered with concrete. The correct positioning of the modules is necessary to avoid the risk of accidents, as well as to obstruct the water flow. The lower section of the first module may be lowered in relation to the lower section of the second module, causing a partition to completely obstruct the water drainage. The inspection of this system is complicated. The water present in the canal remains in the dark due to the sealing parts and is therefore less ventilated.

This can lead to the growth of bacteria in stagnant water, such as bacteria of the Legionellaceae family and/or Anaerobic family.

According to BE2009/0813 the system requires to use large volume of concrete. The placing of the system is also time consuming and must be carried out by the specialized professionals.

In accordance with the invention, the system has its purpose to resolve one or several such problems. In accordance with the invention, the system does not interfere with the essential functions of a canal, specifically the vegetations in the canal, the life of animals in the canal, the infiltration of the water, the ventilation of the water, etc. The system is also used as a means of solving the problem of floodplains.

In accordance with the invention the system itself is a water drainage braking system, that contains a substantially vertical wall (3) which is intended to be placed in the canal, stream, or river in order to form a dam or a partition (3), which in its turn splits the canal, stream or river into an upstream zone (OZ) and a downstream zone (AZ) of the dam or partition (3).

The system contains at least one element made of concrete (1), whereby the concrete element (1) itself consists at least of: -a base (or plate) made of concrete (2) which is preferably at least partially water permeable (for example the plate (2) is provided with the openings or hollow part (20)), in which the base (2) has a maximum length (LE) of 1 m to S m and a maximum width (BR) of SO cm to 2.5 m; and -a first dam made of concrete (3) which has at least one part (3A) that is preferably substantially not water permeable, and where the first dam (3) is equipped with at least one overflow system (3C).

This element (1) is in the shape of one piece, allowing to facilitate the placement of the element on the bottom of the canal or river.

The element (1) contains and/or equipped with a transit system (4) made of at least porous concrete forming an inner chamber (40) in order to collect water, whereby the transit system (4) contains an upper part (41) made of porous concrete with an upper surface of at least 100 cm2 extending below the level of the overflow system (3C), when the base (2) is in a horizontal position, in which the transit system contains a discharge system or discharge means (40A) for the discharge of water that flows in the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4).

Through the transit system the flow of the water can he better controlled by the discharge system or pipe (70). The flow of the minimum amount of water no longer depends on an opening of a dam or an overflow opening, through which dirty water can flow with a risk of blockage. In addition, it is possible to drain water further by connecting the transit system (4) to an exit pipe, for example in another place of the canal or river, or in a pond. Since the water will be flowing through a porous concrete, it will be fairly clean.

In accordance with the invention, the system the upper part (41) made of porous concrete of the transit system (4) is produced from hardened porous water-draining concrete. The water-draining concrete is being produced by the hardening of a mixture of at least cement, aggregates with particle size of 6 mm to 14 mm, and water in order to reach an open-pore volume of 8 to 12% in the hardened porous water-draining concrete, in which the hardened porous water-draining concrete has a water permeability of 0.05 litre/m2/s to 5 litre/n[12/s, preferably of 0.1 litre/m2/s to 3 litre/m2/s, and ideally between 0.1 to 1 litre/m2/s, where the water permeability is measured through the lowering of the water drainage braking system (1) with an empty inner chamber (40) for the transit system (4) in a water filled tank up to the level (PT) of the overflow system (3C) of the dam (3) with the base (2) in a horizontal position, and then through the determination of the quantity of water flowing through the upper part (41) produced from porous concrete in 30 seconds within the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4).

The draining porous concrete (41) serves as a filter element. In this manner, the exit pipe (70) remains clean for the flow of water.

The water drainage braking system of the invention is advantageous for decelerating and/or controlling the water flow in a canal, stream, or rive. The preferred water drainage braking system of the invention comprises a substantially vertical wall (3) which is intended to he placed in the canal, stream, or river in order to form a dam (3) in the canal, stream or river, whereby splitting the canal, stream or river into an upstream zone (OZ) and a downstream zone (AZ) with respect to the dam (3), whereby the system comprises at least one element made of concrete (1), and whereby the concrete element (1) consists at least of: -a base made of concrete (2) which is at least partially water permeable, advantageously provided with one or more openings allowing the flow of water (improving also the stability and reducing the ground water pressure on the base (2)), whereby the base (2) has a maximum length (LE) of 1 m to 5 m and a maximum width (BR) of 50 cm to 2.5 m; and -a first dam made of concrete (3) with at least one part (3A) that is preferably substantially not water permeable, whereby the first dam (3) is equipped with at least one overflow system (3C), whereby the element (1) comprises and/or is equipped with a transit system (4) made at least of a porous concrete (4) with an inner chamber (40) in order to collect water, whereby the transit system (4) has an upper part (41) made at least partly of porous concrete with an upper surface (41B) of at least 100 cm2 located below the level of the overflow system (3C), when the base (2) is in a horizontal position, in which the transit system (4) comprises a discharge system or discharge means (40A) for discharging water that flows in the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4), whereby in the transit system (4), the upper part (41) made at least partly of porous concrete is being produced from hardened porous water-draining concrete, by hardening a mixture of at least cement, aggregates with particle site of 6 mm to 14 mm, and water in order to obtain an open-pore volume of 8 to 12% in the hardened porous water-draining concrete, in which the hardened porous water-draining concrete has a water permeability of 0.05 litre/m2/s to 5 litres/1112/s, preferably of 0.1 litre/m2/s to 3 litres/1112/s, ideally between 0.1 to 1 litre/m2/s, whereby said water permeability of the said upper part (41) is measured through the lowering of the water drainage braking system with an empty inner chamber (40) for the transit system (4) in a water tank (T) that is filled with water up to the level of the overflow system (3C) of the dam (3) with the base (2) in a horizontal position, and then by determining the quantity of water flowing through the upper part (41) made at least partly of porous concrete in 30 seconds within the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4).

Advantageous details of said preferred water drainage braking system of the invention are one or more of the followings: * the upper surface (41B) is between 2 and 30 cm, preferably between and 20 cm, below the level of the overflow system (3C), while advantageously, the discharge system or discharge means (40A) is between 5 cm and 30 cm above the base (2), when the base (2) is in a horizontal position.

* the first dam made of a concrete (3) comprises a substantially not water permeable lower part (3A) and a water permeable upper part (3B), in which the water permeable upper part (3B) has a lower edge (3B1) and in which a discharge system or discharge means (40A) is below the level of the lower edge (3B1) of the water permeable part (3B) of the first dam (3).

* the braking system comprises a second concrete wall (6) bearing on the base (2) to form second dam (6), whereby the second wall (6) is distant from the first dam (3), in which the second concrete wall has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3).

* the first dam (3) and/or the second concrete wall (6) are rectangular or trapezoidal.

* one or several side reinforcement elements stretch between the first dam (3) and the second concrete wall (6), whereby the side reinforcement elements are preferably side walls that are attached to the base (2).

* the first dam (3) has a first side (35) directed towards the transit system (4) and with respect to the first side (35) an opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the first side (35) and/or along the second side (36), the braking system has at least a concrete reinforcement element (50,50bis) bearing on the base (2), whereby the reinforcement element (50,50bis) forms advantageously a step or a staircase along the first and/or second side (35, 36) of the first dam (3), preferably along both sides.

* at least one reinforcement element (50, 50bis) contains an inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4), in which the inner chamber (40) is provided with a discharge means (40A) in order to let the water of the inner chamber (40) flowing through the first dam (3) and/or through another reinforcement element and/or to an exit pipe (70).

* the transit system (4) comprises at least (a) a first element (4bis) at least partially made of porous concrete, which is located along the first side (35) of the first dam (3), (b) a second element (4ter) at least partially made of porous concrete, which is located along the second side (36) of the first dam (3), and (c) a tube, an opening or a porous part that forms an open connection in the first dam (3) between the first element (4bis) and the second element (4ter), whereby the first element (4bis) and the second element (4ter) are advantageously similar.

* the transit system (4) is located along the first dam (3), whereby the transit system (4) forms at least a step along the first darn (3) or makes part of a staircase along the first dam (3), whereby the discharge means (40A) of the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) is advantageously a side opening located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first dam (3), said discharge means being suitable to be connected to an exit pipe (70).

* the first dam (3) has a first side (35) which is directed towards the transit system (4), and with respect to the first side (35), an opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the second side (36) of the first dam (3), the braking system comprises at least a concrete reinforcement element (51) that is adjusted to support itself on the base (2) of another adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention, in which the reinforcement element (51) forms a step or a staircase along the second side (36) of the dam (3).

* the braking system comprises a second concrete wall (6) supporting on the base (2) to form a second dam (6), whereby the second wall (6) is distant from the first dam (3), in which the second concrete wall (6) has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3)., whereby the second concrete wall (6) is preferably adjusted to form at least a step along the first wall (3) of another water drainage braking system according to the invention, said other water drainage braking system being placed adjacent to the first water drainage braking system in consideration.

* the base (2) is extended by a foot-element (21) next to the first wall (3) in order to form a support for the base (2) of an adjacent water drainage braking system, in accordance with the invention, whereby the foot-element (21) is advantageously provided with a recess (210) that is adjusted in order to accommodate an end of the base (2) of the adjacent water drainage braking system, whereby most preferably the base (2) has a substantially trapezoidal shape, that has (a) a first end with a first width (B1) located next to the first dam (3), and (b) in relation to the first end, an opposing second end with a second width (B2), whereby the second width is being at least 20%, preferably at least 30% smaller than the first width, the said recess (210) being adapted for receiving the opposing second end of the base (2) of the adjacent water drainage breaking system.

* the base (2) is not equipped with longitudinal concrete sloping walls intended to form side faces of part of the canal, stream or river.

* the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) comprises a draining element (44) extending between a first end (44A) and a second end (44B), whereby at least one of the first and second ends (44A, 44B), preferably both first and second ends is/are equipped with a coupling piece (40A), in order to connect the end or the ends (44A, 44B) to an cxit pipe system (70) or to a sealing cover.

* water drainage braking system that consists of a series of adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance to the preferred embodiment.

In accordance to advantageous embodiments of the system of the invention, the system has one or several of the following characteristics: - the upper surface (41B) is between 2 and 30 cm, preferably between 5 and 20 cm, below the level of the overflow system (3C).

- the discharge system or means (40A) is between 5 cm and 30 cm above the base (2) when the base (2) is in a horizontal position.

- the first dam made of a concrete (3) contains substantially a substantially not water permeable part (3A) and a water permeable upper part (3B), in which the water permeable upper part (3B) has a lower edge (3B 1) and in which the discharge system or discharge means (40A) is above the level of the lower edge of the water permeable lower part (3A) of the first dam (3).

- the braking system comprises a second concrete wall (6) supported on the base (2) to form a second dam (6), where the second wall (6) is spaced from the first dam (3), in which the second wall has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3).

-the first dam (3) and/or the second concrete wall (6) is/are rectangular or trapezoidal.

-one or several side reinforcement elements extend between the first dam (3) and the second concrete wall (6), whereby the side reinforcement elements are preferably side walls that are attached to the base (2).

-the first dam (3) comprises a first side (35) directed towards the transit system (4) and with respect to the first side (35), a opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the first side (35) and/or along the second side (36), the braking system comprises at least a concrete reinforcement element (50) bearing on the base or plate (2). This is beneficial to form a solid element (1). The reinforcement element (50) can also be provided with anchor elements for the lifting of the system in accordance with the invention and for the placement of the system on the bottom of a canal or draining trench. In addition, if the reinforcement element (50) is being extended along the side of the dam (3), the reinforcement element (50) serves as a means of prevention of water flow along the edge (3R) of the dam (3) in the vicinity of the bottom of the canal or in the vicinity of the base (2).

The reinforcement element is also beneficial for the transportation of water drainage braking systems by lorries, as the systems can be transported with the base (2) in a substantially vertical position.

-the reinforcement element (50) forms at least a step or a staircase along the first and/or second side (35, 36). This is beneficial for the safety. Indeed, the deceleration of the water drainage will increase the level of water at least along the dam (3). The step or staircase is a tool for people or animals to step out of the water-filled canal or draining trench. The steps also ensure a minimal animal disturbance due to dam formation (3) in the canal, or river, or stream.

- The first dam (3) contains two opposite sides (35, 36), where the first dam (3) is provided along both sides (35, 36) with a reinforcement element (50, 50his) that forms a step or a staircase. In this way there is an exit means on both sides of the dam (3) for people and animals. The step or staircase is also beneficial for the canal maintenance, as the professionals or workers can easily walk in and out of a canal, without damaging the ground side of the canal.

-at least one first of the reinforcement elements (50, 50bis) has an inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4), in which the inner chamber (40) is being connected with a discharge means (40A) in order to let the water of the inner chamber (40) to flow through the first dam (3) and/or through the second reinforcement element and/or to an exit pipe (70).

- the discharge means (40A) is a tube, an opening or a porous part that runs through the first dam (3) in order to connect the inner chamber (40) of the upstream zone (OZ) of the first dam (3) with a downstream 20 zone (AZ) of the dam (3).

- the transit system (4) at least comprises (a) a first element (4bis) made at least partially from porous concrete which is located along the first side (35) of the first dam (3), (b) a second element (4ter) made at least partially from porous concrete, which is located along the second side (36) of the first dam (3), and (c) a tube, an opening or a porous part (40A) that forms an open connection in the first dam (3) between the first element (4his) and the second element (4ter). Tn this way water can flow between the inner chambers (40, 40bis).

- the first element (4bis) and the second element (4ter) are similar, in which each element (4bis, 4ter) comprises a porous concrete part (41), whereby each element (4his, 4tcr) defines an inner chamber (40, 40bis) and whereby the inner chambers (40, 40his) of the first element (4bis) and the second element (4ter) are connected together through a tube, an opening or a porous part (40A) in the first dam (3).

- the transit system (4) is located along the first dam (3), whereby the transit system (4) forms at least a stair along the first dam (3) or makes part of a staircase along the first dam (3).

- the base (2) is at least partially made from porous concrete and/or has one or several openings (20), through which the water can flow.

- the discharge system (40A) of the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) is a side opening that is suitable to be linked to an exit pipe (70).

- thc first dam (3) comprises (a) thc first side (35) that is directed towards the transit system (4), and (b) with respect to the first side (35) the opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the second side (36), the braking system (1) contains at least a concrete reinforcement element (51) that is adjusted to support itself on the base (2) of another adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention, in which the reinforcement element (51) forms a step or a staircase along the second side (36) of the dam (3).

- the braking system contains second concrete wall (6, 51) bearing on the base (2) to form second dam (6), whereby the second wall (6) is removed from the first dam (3), in which the second wall (6) has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3). The base (2), the first wall or dam (3) and the second wall or dam (6) form part of a single concrete element (I).

-the second wall (6) is adjusted to form at least a step along the first wall (3) of the adjacent water drainage braking system, in accordance with the invention. The second wall (6) also acts as reinforcing agent for the first wall (3) of the adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention.

- the base (2) is being extended by the foot-size base (21) adjacent to the first wall (3) in order to form a support for the base (2) of an adjacent water drainage braking system, in accordance with the invention.

-the base (2) has a substantially trapezoidal shape, that has (a) a first end with a first width (B1) located next to the first dam (3), and (b) in relation to the first end an opposing second end with a second width (B2), whereby the second width is being at least 20%, preferably at least 30% smaller than the first width.

- the foot-size base (21) is equipped with a recess (210) which is adjusted in order to accommodate the second end of an adjacent water drainage braking system.

-the first dam (3) is provided with a porous part (3B) located away from the base (2).

- the base is a substantially flat concrete plate (2), which is not equipped with longitudinal concrete sloping walls. The base (2) is intended to cover the bottom of the canal. In accordance with the invention, the system is not equipped with concrete section along the sides of the canal.

- the inner chamber (40, 40bis) of the transit system (4) contains a draining element (44). For example, the draining element (44) is being placed in the box for casting of porous concrete that does not flow in the draining clement. The inner chamber (40) of the draining clement (44) forms in this case the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4). The draining element (44) is for example, a draining tube with a perforated wall, whereby the outer surface of the tube is equipped with a water permeable textile or layer or fibre layer.

- the draining element (44) extends between the first end (44A) and second end (44B), whereby at least one of the first and second ends is equipped with a coupling clement, in order to connect said end to an exit pipe (70). The exit pipe (70) is located, for example, next to the canal (for example in a ground layer or below the canal bottom, at a level that is below the level of the base (2)).

- both ends (44A, 44B) are equipped with a coupling piece (40A) so that each of the ends is suitable to be connected to an exit pipe 70 and/or a sealing compound (71) or sealing cover.

-the draining element (44) includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening, allowing the draining element (44) to be part of a water discharge system (70).

- the water drainage braking system comprises a series of adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention. The water drainage braking system, according to the invention, can also contain a series of braking systems which are not in accordance with the invention. Braking systems that are not in accordance with the invention are for example, systems which according to the invention have no transit system (4) The invention also relates to the use of one or several water drainage braking systems of the invention in a canal, stream, or river, in order to decelerate or reduce or control the flow of the water, with retention of ground sides of the canal, and in order to increase the water infiltration into the ground.

Details and characteristics of the invention will result from the following description, which refers to the attached drawings of advantageous embodiments in accordance with the invention.

In the drawings, show: -fig 1 a side view of a water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention; - fig 2 a front view of the system of fig 1 (line IT-IT); -fig 3 a sectional view of the system of fig 1 along the line - fig 4 a top view of the system of fig 1; - fig 5 a sectional view of two adjacent systems of fig 1; - fig 6 a top view of fig 5; - fig 7 a sectional view of a canal with the system of fig 6; - fig 8 a schematic view of how the water permeability is being measured; - fig 9 a side view of another embodiment in accordance with the invention; -fig 10 a top view of the embodiment of fig 9; - fig 11 a sectional view of the embodiment of fig 9 along the line Xl-XI; - fig 12 a front view of the embodiment of fig 9; - fig 13 a side view of a series of adjacent systems according to fig 9; - fig 14 a view of a support plate of a lorry loaded with systems according to fig 9; -fig 15 a side view of another embodiment in accordance with the invention; - fig 16 a top view of the embodiment of fig 15; - fig 17 a side view of two adjacent systems according to fig 15; - fig 18 a view in perspective of further embodiment in accordance with the invention; - fig 19 a side view of systems according to fig 18; - fig 20 a sectional view of fig 19 along the line XX-XX; - fig 21 a casting form for a transit system after casting and hardening of a porous concrete; -fig 22 a view in perspective of a transit system; - fig 23 a top view of a casting form in accordance with the invention in order to produce a system; - fig 24 a sectional view of a casting form of fig 23 along the line XXIV-XXIV; -fig 25 a view in perspective of a water drainage braking system with two trapezoidal shape dam walls; - fig 26 a side view of the braking system of fig 25; - fig 27 a top view of an additional water drainage braking system with two trapezoidal shape dam walls; -fig 28 and 29 section views of the braking system of fig 27 along the lines XXVIII-XXVIII and XXIX-XXIX; and - fig 30 a side view of the braking system of fig 27.

Fig 1 shows a water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention. The system contains a substantially vertical wall (3) which is intended to be located in the canal, stream, or river in order to form a dam or partition (3) in the canal, stream or river, whereby the canal, stream and river to be is split into an upstream zone (OZ) and a downstream zone (AZ) with respect to the dam or partition (3) The system contains at least one element made of concrete (1), whereby the concrete element (1) consists at least of: - a concrete base (2) (or plate) that is at least partially water permeable (for example, the plate (2) is provided with openings or hollow section (20)), in which the base (2) has a maximum length (LE) of 1 m to 5 m and a maximum width (BR) of 50 cm to 2.5 m; and - a concrete first dam (3) that has at least a part (3A) that is substantially not water permeable, whereby the first dam (3) is 20 equipped with at least one overflow system (3C).

The size of the openings 20 is advantageously adapted for the growth of grass, and other aquatic plants, ensuring in this way a good water ground permeability under the base (2).

This element can therefore be loaded on a lorry for its transport to the place where the clement must be installed in order to act as a dam (3), which will result in deceleration of the water flow.

This element (1) is in the shape of a concrete piece, allowing to facilitate the placement of the element on the bottom of the canal or draining trench or river.

The element (1) contains and/or is equipped with a transit system (4) that is produced from an at least porous concrete which defines an inner chamber (40) in order to collect water, whereby the transit system (4) has an upper part (41) made from porous concrete, which has a surface of at least 100 cm2 that is positioned at a distance (d) of at least 20 cm below the level of the overflow system (3C), when the base (2) is situated in a horizontal position, whereby the transit system comprises a discharge system for discharging water that flows in the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4).

The transit system (4) serves as a means to ensure a minimal water drainage for water that is being held by a dam.

With the help of the transit system (4), for example the flow of the water through a discharge system or pipe (70) can be better controlled. The flow of the minimum amount of water no longer depends on an opening of a dam or an overflow opening, through which dirty water can flow with a risk of blockage. In addition, through the connection of the transit system (4) to an exit pipe (70) the water can be drained further away from the dam, for example to a downstream location of the canal or river, or in a downstream pond or water tank. Since the water will be flowing through a porous concrete, it will be fairly clean.

In the system in accordance with the invention, the upper part (41) produced from porous concrete of the transit system (4) is produced from hardened porous water-draining concrete. The water-draining concrete is being produced by hardening of a mixture of at least cement, aggregates with particle size of 6 mm to 14 mm, and water in order to reach an open-pore volume of 8 to 12% in the hardened porous water-draining concrete, in which the hardened porous water-draining concrete has a water permeability of 0.05 litre/m2/s to 5 litre/m2/s, preferably of 0.1 litre/m2/s to 3 litre/m2/s, and ideally between 0.1 to 1 litre/m2/s, where the water permeability is measured through the lowering of the water drainage braking system (1) with an empty inner chamber (40) for a transit system (4) in a water filled tank up to the level (PT) of the overflow system (3C) of the dam (3) with the base (2) in a horizontal position, and then through the determination of the quantity of water flowing through the upper part (41) produced from porous concrete in 30 seconds within the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4). (see fig 8) The draining porous concrete (41) serves as a filter element. In this manner, the exit pipe (70) remains clean for the flow of water.

The first dam (3) has a first side (35) that is directed towards the transit system (4), and with respect to the first side (35), an opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the first side (35) and/or along the second side (36), the braking system comprises at least a concrete reinforcement clement (50, 50bis) hearing on the base or plate (2). This is beneficial to form a solid element (1). The reinforcement element (50) can also be provided with anchor elements (80) for the lifting of the system in accordance with the invention and construction of the system or the bottom of a canal. In addition, if the reinforcement element (50) is being extended along the side of the dam (3), the reinforcement element (50) serves as a means of prevention of lateral water flow along the edge (3R) of the dam (3) in the vicinity of the bottom of the canal or in the vicinity of the base (2). The reinforcement element (50, 50bis) is also beneficial for the transport of water drainage braking systems by lorries, as the systems can be transported with the base (2) in a substantially vertical position.

The reinforcement element (50, 50bis) forms at least a step or a staircase along the first and/or second side (35, 36). This is beneficial for the safety. Tndeed, the deceleration of the water drainage will increase the level of water at least along a side of the dam (3). The step or staircase is a tool for people or animals to step out of the water-filled canal. The steps also ensure a minimal animal disturbance due to dam formation (3) in the canal, or river, or stream.

The first dam (3) comprises two opposite sides (35, 36) whereby the first dam (3) is provided along both sides (35, 36) with a reinforcement element (50, 50bis) forming a step or a staircase. In this way there is an exit means on both sides of the dam (3) for people and animals. The step or staircase is also beneficial for the canal maintenance, as the professionals or workers can easily walk in and out of a canal, without damaging the ground side of the canal.

In the implementation form of Fig 1, the braking system contains second concrete wall (6, 51) bearing on the base (2) to form second dam (6), whereby the second wall (6) is distant from the first dam (3), in which the second wall (6) has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3). The base (2), the first wall or dam (3) and the second wall or dam (6) form part of a single concrete element (1). The first dam and the second dam (6) may be equipped with anchor means (80) in order to facilitate the lifting and positioning of the system in a canal.

The second wall (6) is adjusted to form at least a step along first wall (3) of an adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention. The second wall (6) also acts as a reinforcing means for the first wall (3) of an adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention.

The base or plate (2) is being extended by a foot element (21) adjacent to the first wall (3). The foot element forms a support for the base (2) of an adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with the invention.

The concrete base (2) has a substantially trapezoidal shape, that has (a) first end with a first width (B1) located adjacent to the first dam (3), and (b) in relation to the first end, an opposing second end with a second width (B2), whereby the second width is being at least 20%, preferably at least 30% smaller than the first width The foot-element (21) is equipped with a recess (210) 35 which is adjusted in order to accommodate the second end of an adjacent water drainage braking system. The placement of adjacent systems is then easier.

The first dam (3) is provided with a porous part (3B) that has been distant from the base (2). The section (3B) is positioned, for example below the overflow opening (3C).

The base or plate (2) is a substantially a flat concrete plate (2), which is not equipped with longitudinal concrete sloping walls. The base (2) is intended to cover the bottom of the canal. In accordance with the invention, the system is not equipped with concrete section along the sides of the canal.

The inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) (that is positioned along the second dam (6)) comprises a draining element (44). For example, the draining element (44) is being placed in the mould for casting of porous concrete that does not flow in the draining element. The inner chamber (40) of the draining element (44) forms in this case the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4). The draining element (44) is for example a draining tube with a perforated wall, in which the outside surface of the tube is equipped with water permeable textile or layer or fibre layer.

The draining element (44) extends between the first end (44A) and the second end (44B), whereby at least one of the first and second ends are being equipped with a coupling piece in order to connect the end to the exit pipe (70). The exit pipe (70) is located for example, next to the canal (ex. a lower ground layer or below the canal bottom, at a level that is below the level of the base (2)).

The base (2) is at least partially produced from porous concrete and/or has one or several openings (20), through which water can flow. The openings (20) are preferably positioned in the central section of the plate (2). The size of the openings are being adjusted, for example for the growing plants. The presence of plants along the bottom of the canal is advantageous for the infiltration of water.

Both ends (44A, 44B) of the drainage tube (44) are being provided with a coupling piece (40A), which is suitable for the connection to the exit pipe (70) and/or sealing compound (71) or sealing cover.

The dam (3) is preferably wider that the plate (2), which is beneficial for the prevention of lateral water stream flow. It is also advantageous for the ground stability of the side of the canal.

In the embodiment of fig 5 to 7, the transit systems of multiple braking systems are connected to a single drainpipe (70). The drainpipe (70) is placed below the level of the plates (2). The pipe (70) carries the water further to a pond, to a river, to a water tank, etc. The embodiment of fig 9 to 13 is similar to the embodiment of fig 1 to 7.

In this embodiment. the plate or base (2) is rectangular.

The plate (2) is equipped with a single dam (3). The dam is equipped along both opposite sides (35, 36) with a transit system (4bis, 4ter). The transit systems (4bis, 4ter) are similar and connected together through an inner tube (40A).

The braking systems can be placed next to each other, resulting in a plate (2) of a first system supporting itself on a plate of a second system plate (2). The plate (2) and the dam (3) are being provided with an anchor means (80) for moving and lifting of systems.

Fig 14 indicates the placement of systems in accordance with fig 14 on a lorry V. Systems (in vertical position) can be placed one on top of another for their transport.

In the embodiment of fig 15 -17, the openings (20) are substantially rectangular.

In the embodiment of fig 18, the draining element (44) includes an inlet opening (44A) and an outlet opening (44B), allowing the draining element (44) to he part of a water discharge system (70).

In the embodiment of fig 19, the systems are being placed next to each other, without the support of a plate of one system on a plate of another system (2).

Fig 20 shows a sectional view of a canal, which is provided with the systems according to fig 19.

The transit systems (4) can be produced by the placement of a drainage tube (44) (closed on both ends 44A, 44B by means of a removable lid (71)) in a casting mould (100). Afterwards, the porous concrete is being mould in the casting form, so that the drainage tube (44) is inserted in a porous concrete layer (101).

For the formation of the first dam (3), the plate (2) and the second dam (6) of the system in accordance with the fig 1, a casting form (200) can for example be used. After the placement of the transit system of fig 22 in the casting form of fig 24 in the hollow (22), concrete can be cast in the casting form (200). After a minimal hardening of the moulded concrete, the system can be lifted.

Fig 25 shows a further water drainage braking system in order to decelerate a water flow in a canal, stream or river, that contains a substantially vertical wall (3) which is intended to be placed in the canal, stream or river in order to form a dam (3) which splits the canal, stream or river into an upstream zone (OZ) and a downstream zone (AZ) with respect to the dam (3).

The braking system contains at least one element made of concrete (1) that consists at least of -a concrete base (2) that is substantially not water permeable, in 35 which the base (2) has a maximum length (LE) of 1 m to 5 in and a maximum width (BR) of 50 cm to 2.5 m; - a concrete trapezoidal shaped first dam (3) that has at least a lower part (3A) which is substantially not water permeable, while an upper part (3B) is water permeable, whereby the first dam (3) is equipped with at least one overflow system (3C) (upper edge of the upper part 3B), and - a second concrete trapezoidal dam (6) that is substantially not water permeable.

The base (2) comprises an at least porous concrete transit system (4) defining an inner chamber (40) to collect water, whereby the transit system (4) has a porous concrete upper part (41) with an upper surface (41B) of at least 100 cm2 under the level of the overflow system (3C), when the base (2) is in a horizontal position, in which the transit system comprises a discharge system or discharge means (40A) for discharging water that flows in the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) The upper part (41) of the transit system (4) is produced from an at least porous concrete that is being made of hardened porous water-draining concrete, which is being produced by hardening of a mixture of at least cement, aggregates with particle size of 6 mm to 14 mm, and water in order to reach an open-pore volume of 8 to 12% in the hardened porous water-draining concrete. The hardened porous water-draining concrete has a water permeability of 0.05 litre/m2/s to 5 litre/m2/s, preferably 0.1 litre/m2/s to 3 litre/m2/s, ideally between 0.1 and 1 litre/m2/s, whereby the water permeability is measured by the lowering of the water drainage braking system with an empty inner chamber (40) for the transit system (4) in a water tank (T), which is filled with water up to the level of the overflow system (3C) of the dam (3) with the base (2) in a horizontal position, and afterwards through the determination of the quantity of water flowing through the porous concrete upper part (41) in 30 seconds within the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4).

The water permeable upper part (3B) is also being produced from a hardened porous water-draining concrete. The water- draining concrete is being produced by hardening of a mixture of at least cement, aggregates with particle size of 6 mm to 14 mm, and water in order to reach an open-pore volume of 8 to 12% in the hardened porous water-draining concrete. The hardened porous water-draining concrete has a water permeability of 0.05 litre/m2/s to 5 litre/m2/s, preferably 0.1 litre/m2/s to 3 litre/m2/s, ideally between 0.1 and 1 litre/m2/s. The water permeability of the wall (3) is being measured by sealing the open side walls between the walls 3 and 6, by sealing the discharge means (40A), and through the placement of the braking system in a water tank, which is being filled with water up to the overflow edge (3C) of the dam (3) (the base is located in a horizontal position). The amount of water flowing through the porous dam (3) in 30 seconds is then determined.

The amount of water that flows through the dam in 30 seconds (as measured in the description above) in preferably between 2 to 5 times greater than the amount of water that flows through the discharge means (40A) in 30 seconds (as measured as disclosed above in the description).

When water of the stream flows towards the dam (3), the water level increases in the upstream zone (OZ) of the dam (3). Water then flows through the water permeable upper part (3B) of the dam (3) in the intermediate zone that is being formed between the dam (3) and the wall (6). The water level is then rising in the upstream zone quicker than in the intermediate zone. The water in the intermediate zone flows through the levelling agent (40A). The wall (6) forms the second dam in order to decelerate the water drainage. The water level in the intermediary zone is increasing in relation to the water level in the downstream zone (AZ) behind the wall (6).

With such water drainage braking system, the water drainage is braked through the water permeable dam (3), through the wall (6) that forms a not water permeable dam, and through the transit system (4). The infiltration of water in the ground is still possible, for example in the intermediate zone.

The upper surface (41B) is between 2 and 30 cm, preferably between 5 and 20 cm, below the level of the overflow system (3C).

The transit system (4) can have a side that is extended along the wall (6) in order to form a reinforcement element for the wall (6).

The discharge system or discharge means (40A) is between 5 cm and 30 cm above the base (2) with the base (2) in a horizontal position.

The first dam made of a concrete (3) comprises a substantially not water permeable part (3A) and a water permeable upper part (3B), in which the water permeable upper part (3B) has a lower edge (3B1) and in which a discharge system or discharge means (40A) is above the level of the lower edge (3B1) of the water permeable lower part (3A) of the first dam (3).

The braking system comprises a second concrete wall (6) bearing on the bases (2) to form a second dam (6) on the base (2), whereby the second wall (6) is being distant from the first dam (3), in which the second wall (6) has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3) (for example difference from 5 to 10 cm). The height of the wall (6) can also be equal to the height of the dam (3).

The embodiment of figures 27 to 30 is similar to the embodiment of figures 25 and 26, with the exception of few adjustment s: - the transit system (4) is situated next to the wall (6) and forms a reinforcement element for the wall (6); - sloping side walls (25, 26) stretch between the first dam (3) and the second concrete wall (6), where the side walls are forming side reinforcement elements. The side walls are being preferably connected to the base (2). The side walls are being produced preferably from not water permeable concrete. The side walls have a height that is greater along the dam (3) and the wall (6). For example, there is a staircase system (251, 261) which is formed along the wall (6) and/or the dam (3).

Claims

CLAIMS1. Water drainage braking system for decelerating the water flow in a canal, stream, or river, that comprises a substantially vertical wall (3) which is intended to be placed in the canal, stream, or river in order to form a dam (3) in the canal, stream or river, whereby splitting the canal, stream or river into an upstream zone (OZ) and a downstream zone (AZ) with respect to the dam (3), whereby the system comprises at least one element made of concrete (1), and whereby the concrete element (1) consists at least of: -a base made of concrete (2) which is at least partially water permeable, advantageously provided with one or more openings allowing the flow of water, whereby the base (2) has a maximum length (LE) of 1 m to 5 m and a maximum width (BR) of 50 cm to 2.5 m; and -a first dam made of concrete (3) with at least one part (3A) that is preferably substantially not water permeable, whereby the first dam (3) is equipped with at least one overflow system (3C), whereby the element (1) comprises and/or is equipped with a transit system (4) made at least of a porous concrete (4) with an inner chamber (40) in order to collect water, whereby the transit system (4) has an upper part (41) made at least partly of porous concrete with an upper surface (41B) of at least 100 cm2 located below the level of the overflow system (3C), when the base (2) is in a horizontal position, in which the transit system (4) comprises a discharge system or discharge means (40A) for discharging water that flows in the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4), whereby in the transit system (4), the upper part (41) made at least partly of porous concrete is being produced from hardened porous water-draining concrete, by hardening a mixture of at least cement, aggregates with particle size of 6 mm to 14 mm, and water in order to obtain an open-pore volume of 8 to 12% in the hardened porous water-draining concrete, in which the hardened porous water-draining concrete has a water permeability of 0.05 litre/m2/s to 5 litres/m2/s, preferably of 0.1 litre/m2/s to 3 litres/m2/s, ideally between 0.1 to 1 litre/m.2/s, whereby said water permeability of the said upper part (41) is measured through the lowering of the water drainage braking system with an empty inner chamber (40) for the transit system (4) in a water tank (T) that is filled with water up to the level of the overflow system (3C) of the dam (3) with the base (2) in a horizontal position, and then by determining the quantity of water flowing through the upper part (41) made at least partly of porous concrete in 30 seconds within the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4).
2. Water drainage braking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface (41B) is between 2 and 30 cm, preferably between 5 and 20 cm, below the level of the overflow system (3C), while advantageously, the discharge system or discharge means (40A) is between 5 cm and 30 cm above the base (2), when the base (2) is in a horizontal position.
3. Water drainage braking system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first dam made of a concrete (3) comprises a substantially not water permeable lower part (3A) and a water permeable upper part (3B), in which the water permeable upper part (3B) has a lower edge (3B1) and in which a discharge system or discharge means (40A) is below the level of the lower edge (3B1) of the water permeable part (3B) of the first dam (3).
4. Water drainage braking system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking system comprises a second concrete wall (6) bearing on the base (2) to form second dam (6), whereby the second wall (6) is distant from the first dam (3), in which the second concrete wall has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3).
5. Water drainage braking system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first dam (3) and/or the second concrete wall (6) are rectangular or trapezoidal.
6. Water drainage braking system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one or several side reinforcement elements stretch between the first dam (3) and the second concrete wall (6), whereby the side reinforcement elements are preferably side walls that are attached to the base (2).
7. Water drainage braking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first dam (3) has a first side (35) directed towards the transit system (4) and with respect to the first side (35) , an opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the first side (35) and/or along the second side (36), the braking system has at least a concrete reinforcement element (50,50his) bearing on the base (2), whereby the reinforcement element (50,50bis) forms advantageously a step or a staircase along the first and/or second side (35, 36) of the first dam (3), preferably along both sides.
8. Water drainage braking system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one reinforcement element (50, 50bis) contains an inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4), in which the inner chamber (40) is provided with a discharge means (40A) in order to let the water of the inner chamber (40) flowing through the first dam (3) and/or through another reinforcement element and/or to an exit pipe (70).
9. Water drainage braking system according to the claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the transit system (4) comprises at least (a) a first element (4bis) at least partially made of porous concrete, which is located along the first side (35) of the first dam (3), (b) a second element (4ter) at least partially made of porous concrete, which is located along the second side (36) of the first dam (3), and (c) a tube, an opening or a porous part that forms an open connection in the first dam (3) between the first element (4bis) and the second element (4tcr), whereby the first element (4bis) and the second clement (4ter) are advantageously similar.
10. Water drainage braking system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transit system (4) is located along the first dam (3), whereby the transit system (4) forms at least a step along the first dam (3) or makes part of a staircase along the first dam (3), whereby the discharge means (40A) of the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) is advantageously a side opening located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first dam (3), said discharge means being suitable to be connected to an exit pipe (70).
11. Water drainage braking system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first dam (3) has a first side (35) which is directed towards the transit system (4), and with respect to the first side (35), an opposite second side (36), whereby at least along the second side (36) of the first dam (3), the braking system comprises at least a concrete reinforcement element (51) that is adjusted to support itself on the base (2) of another adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in which the reinforcement element (51) forms a step or a staircase along the second side (36) of the dam (3).
12. Water drainage braking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking system comprises a second concrete wall (6) supporting on the base (2) to form a second dam (6), whereby the second wall (6) is distant from the first dam (3), in which the second concrete wall (6) has a height that is preferably smaller than the height of the first dam (3)., whereby the second concrete wall (6) is preferably adjusted to form at least a step along the first wall (3) of another water drainage braking system according to one of the preceding claims, said other water drainage braking system being placed adjacent to the first water drainage braking system in consideration.
13. Water drainage braking system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) is extended by a foot-element (21) next to the first wall (3) in order to form a support for the base (2) of an adjacent water drainage braking system, in accordance with one of the preceding claims, whereby the foot-element (21) is advantageously provided with a recess (210) that is adjusted in order to accommodate an end of the base (2) of the adjacent water drainage braking system, whereby most preferably the base (2) has a substantially trapezoidal shape, that has (a) a first end with a first width (B1) located next to the first dam (3), and (b) in relation to the first end, an opposing second end with a second width (B2), whereby the second width is being at least 20%, preferably at least 30% smaller than the first width, the said recess (210) being adapted for receiving the opposing second end of the base (2) of the adjacent water drainage breaking system.
14. Water drainage braking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) is not equipped with longitudinal concrete sloping walls intended to form side faces of part of the canal, stream or river.
15. Water drainage braking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner chamber (40) of the transit system (4) comprises a draining element (44) extending between a first end (44A) and a second end (44B), whereby at least one of the first and second ends (44A, 44B), preferably both first and second ends is/are equipped with a coupling piece (40A), in order to connect the end or the ends (44A, 44B) to an exit pipe system (70) or to a sealing cover.
16. Water drainage braking system that consists of a series of adjacent water drainage braking system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
17. Use of one or several water drainage braking systems according to one of the preceding claims in a canal, stream, or river in order to decelerate and to control the water flow and to increase the watcr infiltration into the ground.