PT1380691E - Wide channel drainage system - Google Patents

Abstract

A wide channel drainage system is constructed from one-piece plastics liner channel sections (2). Each section (2) defines a pipe portion (6) and hollow projections (22) that support a channel (24) having a slot (26) opening into the surface to be drained. The size and spacing of the projections (22) are such as to allow loose reinforcement bars to be seated in arched openings (42) defined between the projections (22). The channel (24) may be notched to allow a reinforcing mesh to be slid through the slot channel (24) into the openings (42).

Description

1

DESCRIPTION

SYSTEM. OF DRAINAGE OF LONG CHANNEL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to channel drainage systems, and more specifically to high capacity channels, typically referred to as wide channel drainage systems.

Technical Background

Robust drainage channels with a high hydraulic capacity are required for surface drainage in large areas such as distribution centers, car parks and airports.

One such drainage system is provided by Hodkin & Jones Sheffield Ltd. and is disclosed in GB-A-2 229 212. This system provides an open channel member made of glass fiber reinforced concrete, which is anchored in a concrete coating that surrounds the channel in use by means of a reinforcing bar structure. This type of channel element is intended to be used with a separate cover. As described in GB-A-2 316 428 and GB-A-2 347 707 (Hodkin & Jones), the cap provides a number of projections terminating in notches extending transversely with respect to the direction of the channel on the surface. Water enters the channel through these transverse grooves. The hydraulic efficiency of large transverse notches in collecting surface water is not large. In stormy situations the water can pass over the notches. 2

There are several technical problems in installing these systems.

With the Hodkin & Jones, problems are created by the need to align the covers in the channels and ensure that the top of the cover is aligned with the finished surface level. GB-A 2 316 428 suggests that forming the cap and the channel in a single unit avoids the problems of locating the cap relative to the in-situ channel. However, in addition to suggesting that the separate concrete cap and the channel are connected together, there is no teaching on how it was possible to achieve a single unit.

This type of drainage channel is intended for use in areas where there is a heavy surface charge from vehicles. Consequently, it is necessary to provide reinforcement of the concrete slab covering the channel. In the system proposed by Hodkin & Jones Sheffield Ltd, slab reinforcement is provided by a specially designed reinforcing bar net provided by the manufacturer which is configured to cooperate with the projections on the cover. This is a relatively costly solution.

An alternative draft of the drainage system is described in GB-A-1 456 021 (Chatham De Leeuw Ltd). This patent describes a tubing having a series of tubes, each arranged to project upwardly, from the tubing to a point above the surface level and which opens into the tubing for drainage flow. The material is then placed over the tubing, with the upper ends of the tubes projecting from the surface. The tubes are molded with closed ends which are then cut to expose the drainage orifices. A commercial system of this general type is sold by Marshalls Mono Ltd. under the trademark PORCUPIPE. This system provides a drainage channel section comprising a longitudinally extending tubing portion and a plurality of longitudinally spaced hollow projections communicating with the tubing portion and is the basis of the preamble of the claims. As with the Hodkin & Jones this system provides different water entry points and provides limited hydraulic efficiency. However, the small protruding tubes have relatively little interference with the necessary slab reinforcement.

It is recognized that the drain line is more effective than the drain point provisions. Solutions of this type are proposed by Zum Industries, Inc. in US-A-6 000 881, which shows a plastic channel section comprising a narrow throat drain. Protrusions are provided for securing the channel section to the material in which it is integrated. The support rods and the reinforcing rods may also be attached to the section.

A similar metallic system is produced by Elkington Gatic and is also described in GB-A-2 311 549. This system provides a notch drain comprising a polygonal channel part and a throat portion, wherein the throat portion consists in two walls that extend upwardly from the channel part to create a notch drain. 4

In both of these drawings there is improved hydraulic effectiveness over that of Hodkin & Jones or to the point drainage systems of Chatham De Leeuw. However, the concrete slabs on both sides of the groove are embedded over the groove section and this results in a significant risk of load damage in this area, especially in the case of plastic groove sections which are clearly not able to withstand any significant load. AU-B-733361 discloses a drainage system with a surface channel in fluid communication with a pipeline via a series of conduit cylinders.

Solution of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a drainage channel section comprising a longitudinally extending tubing portion, a plurality of longitudinally spaced hollow projections communicating with the tubing portion, characterized in that a longitudinal channel is supported close to and communicating with the projections and defines a continuous longitudinal groove which, in use, rests on a surface to be drained.

As an alternative, the present invention provides a drainage channel section comprising a longitudinally extending tubing portion, a plurality of longitudinally spaced hollow projections communicating with the tubing portion, characterized by a plurality of channel sections extending longitudinally be supported close to and communicating with the projections to define, when installed on a surface to be drained, a continuous longitudinal notch resting on a surface to be drained. 5

Supporting a notch drain in a series of projections provides convenient means for allowing the reinforcement of the slab to pass between the projections and ensuring that a continuous reinforcement is provided when the channel sections are engaged. Consequently, this system has the advantages of high hydraulic capacity and efficiency of the Zum and Elkington Gatic systems without creating weakness in the load bearing slab. The system is easy to install without the problems of aligning the two part channels of Hodkin & Jones.

In embodiments where the longitudinal channel has spaces between adjacent sections or is notched between at least some projections, a reinforcement mesh can be slid through the channel. This allows the slab covering the channel section to have two two-dimensional reinforcements. In cases where the channel is continuous the reinforcing rods are preferably installed through arcuate apertures defined between the projections.

Other features and aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

In order that the invention may be well understood, certain embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a channel section according to the invention; 6

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a channel section provided with means for creating a side connection and with a set metal guide;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of a longitudinal groove channel and supporting projections of the channel section of Figure 1 or 2;

Figure 4 shows a detail of the end view of the notch channel and the projections of Figures 1 or 2;

Figure 5 shows a top plan view of the notch channel and the projections of Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows a side view of the notch channel and the projections of Figure 1 or 2;

Figure 7 shows a section through the notch channel and the projections shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a channel section; and Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a channel section provided with means for creating a side connection.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A high capacity drainage system is intended to be constructed from interconnected plastic channel sections 2 which are placed in a suitable configuration before being engaged with the concrete. The channel sections serve as a liner in use. The load is loaded by a reinforced upper slab incorporated during system installation.

Each channel section 2 may be rotatably molded from medium density polyethylene (MDPE). 7

Two basic channel section designs are provided as shown in Figures 1 and 2. They may be provided in different cross sectional dimensions depending on the capacity required. Preferably, the channel sections are constructed with a mean ovoid dimension having 900mm depth per 600mm width. A smaller system with a size of 600mm x 400mm can be provided. The basic channel section is illustrated in Figure 1 and preferably has a standard length of two meters. Figure 2 shows a one-meter rear entry channel cross-sectional variant having a four-cut spike 4 that allows connections to plastic, clay or concrete pipes with a diameter of 150mm, 225mm and 300mm.

Each channel section 2 comprises a generally ovoid tubular portion 6 having open end faces 8, 10 so that the sections 2 can be pushed together.

On both sides of the ends 8 and 10, laterally extending flanges 12 are provided. These flanges define a level 14 base and are provided with holes 16 so that the channel sections can be leveled by means of coarse screwed feet that pass through holes 16 to rest on a turret base during installation. Around the portion of tubing 6 on its outer surface ribs 20 are formed to provide greater structural stiffness to the channel section 2 and to secure the surrounding concrete when the channel section 2 is engaged. The female end face 8 is intended to provide a deep groove 60, the male end face 10 has a flap 62 which is received in the groove 60, both end faces 8 and 10 are formed with double skinned wings 50. The end faces 8 and 10 are further described and claimed in the UK patent application 0312464.1 filed on 30 May 2003. Other forms of connection may be used between the sections.

The pipe parts 6 will preferably be produced in lengths of one or two meters.

As shown in Figure 1, the longer sections 2 have a longitudinal reinforcement 54 along the length of the tubing portion 6 positioned approximately 200mm from the bottom of the oval channel section 2 to increase longitudinal stiffness and to act as a guide for the level of an initial concrete leak.

Along the upper surface of the tubing part 6 is provided a series of hollow projections 22 supporting a longitudinal channel 24 terminating in an open notch 26 adapted to be located in a horizontal surface plane, in use, so that the water which enters the notch 26 passes down through the projections 22 in the tubing part 6.

Each projection 22 has a base 30 which merges into a portion of the tubing portion 6, as best shown in Figure 3. The base 30 extends circumferentially about the ovoid tubing part 6. In a vertical cross-sectional section of the longitudinal direction section of the channel, the hollow projection 22 extends from its base 30 and 9 tapers to the narrower longitudinal channel 24. The channel 24 has side walls 32 which merge with the side walls 34 of each projection. The base of the channel 24 is effectively defined by apertures in the hollow projections 22 and the intermediate arc sections 38 which connect the spaces between adjacent projections. This configuration directs the flow of water into the hollow interior of the projections 22.

Each projection 22 has two parallel transverse faces 40, each of which tapers from the base 30 of the projection toward the channel 24. These transverse faces 40 merge with the arcuate sections 38 so that between each pair of projections 22 an arcuate aperture 42 is effectively defined, as best seen in Figures 6 and 7.

A similar but shorter notch channel 24 supported in the few projections 22 is provided in the channel section of Figure 2. The shorter section of Figure 2 is provided with a spigot to allow filling of the side pipes of various diameters.

At the longer lengths of the tubing section 6 two pairs of bar support 56 are disposed externally on each side of the base 30 of the hollow projections 22. These bar supports 56 ensure that the longitudinal reinforcement bars can be adjusted parallel to the channel 24 and located in the correct position of the project. The support bars 56 are positioned so that the bars held by them are also supported on upper surfaces of the wings 50 and thus retained at the correct level along the length of the channel. The notch 26 may also support a 58 rail or metal edge structure, particularly for airport applications for added security. The rail 58 has tabs 52 to anchor it to the surrounding concrete during installation.

In case the system is to be used in a car park with pavement or asphalt wear courses, a protective net structure can be mounted in the notch.

A ring-shaped water seal (not shown) is fitted between the end faces 8 and 10 of adjacent channel sections 2 to form a seal. The water seal is placed in the groove 60 provided in the end female face 8, the edge 62 on the male end face 10 of an adjacent tubing part 6, engages the groove 60 and abuts against the water seal. The seal seal may be made of rubber, neoprene, or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) which is highly water resistant. Preferably, the seal is a ring section with a hollow center to allow for easy compressibility to absorb variations in the tolerance in length. Alternative sealing means may be used.

By molding the channel section 2 into a single complete piece with projections 22 and channel notch 24, the number of loose components and articles in the site is minimized, as is a more rigid integrated monolithic structure. Alignment problems during installation are also avoided. However, the invention also contemplates a two part construction, as described above.

Installation The wide channel system is generally installed by the method referenced below, although variations may be made by builders to suit their particular needs.

The regos are excavated and the channel retaining straps are placed in the rim with free left ends extending on both sides. Preferably, the channels are hung from the top of the rail by the straps or other support arrangements via a metal entry notch so that they do not rest on the base of the rail. These straps are plastic safety straps that are adjusted with undulations to allow them to be clamped around the channel sections. Alternatively, however, holes 16 are provided through which common screws can be passed to adjust and level the assembly against the base of the regos. The straps are also passed through arcuate apertures 42 to hold the channel in position to prevent flotation during the final casting of concrete. A layer of base concrete is then placed in the spout to secure the straps. The rib 54 provides a depth guide for this initial casting of concrete. The excess of concrete cast at this stage would lead to problems in the introduction of the reinforcement and / or too much upward thrust due to excessive hydrostatic drive of the channel produced by the wet concrete during this first leak. The channel sections 2 are end-mounted end 12 to provide the necessary drainage channel configuration and arrangement in the stream. The reinforcing mesh is then placed around the channel and the loose bars passed through the apertures 42 so that the concrete slab formed on the channel section is continuously reinforced. A locking rod is placed on the channel 24 to prevent and ingress wet concrete into the channel and into the hollow interior of the channel section 2 during installation.

Variations

A second embodiment of the channel sections 2 of Figures 1 and 2 are shown in Figures 8 and 9. Similar reference numerals are used to denote the same parts.

In this variant, the channel 24 is notched at a center point of each arcuate section 38 to provide a small gap 46 through which the reinforcing mesh screen may be placed over the channel section to lie within the arcuate apertures 42 The clearances 46 allow the mesh to slide completely while continuing to exit a continuous notch 26 on the surface to be drained. This may require placing a locking rod in the channel 24 during the final casting to prevent the concrete from flowing in the channel 24 through the clearances 46. If the clearances form sufficiently thin arcs so that they can close again effectively as soon as the mesh has been pushed through them, this may not be necessary. 13

This second embodiment of the channel section 2 may also be used with loose stem reinforcements as with the first embodiment. However, they may also be urged through the clearances 46 rather than being slid through the arcuate apertures transverse to the longitudinal direction of the channel section 2.

At airport facilities, it is imperative that there are no loose components or fragments of the decks and / or drainage products that could be attracted to aircraft engines on the surface. Accordingly, a notched rail 58 of galvanized or stainless steel as shown in Figure 2 is applied above the plastic notch 26. This rail 58 is set as a saddle over the notch (which can be notched as described above) since the reinforcement has been put into place and secured using proper anchorages to maintain mechanical alignment. The rail 58 is notched to allow fluid access to the projections 22. Alternatively, it may comprise two angled miter sections of hot-rolled or cold rolled steel, placed back-to-back with the appropriate spacers welded in place to maintain the geometry of the notch. The rail 58 or the steel sections may be mounted in the channel section 2 in the plant so that they project against each other when the sections are assembled. To overcome the problem of alignment for continuity of the notch 26, the rail 58 can be adjusted to the locally mounted sections by means of an appropriate clamp mechanism. In this way the rail sections 58 may be longer than the channel sections 2 and will aid in the proper alignment of sections 2. 14

High strength concrete struts are provided at approximately 500-meter centers on the sides of the angled frames that are not facing notch 26 and below the surface. The manufacture of the steel rail 58 or safety edge may be hot dip galvanized for corrosion protection. When final concrete casting is done the concrete struts are buried deep into the concrete kidney to ensure that the assembly is always in place. This rail 58 or steel edge is better able to withstand the loads placed on the surface where the towing tractors of the aircraft can reach wheel loads greater than 30 tons or where blowing of the jets can damage the paved surface.

Other adjustments or lattice meshes may also be supported at the top of the notch if necessary.

Manufactured

The described embodiments are molded from plastics as a single piece unit. It is also possible to fabricate the sections 2 from the upper and lower parts. The bottom may be any suitable U-shaped drain channel section of polymer concrete, plastic material, galvanized steel or ceramic construction. The upper portion requires the arcuate inlet arrangement and is preferably molded from plastic material with a lower edge formation appropriate to engage the lower portion. Preferably the parts are manufactured together off-site.

Lisbon, November 29, 2007

Claims (7)

A water drain channel section (2) comprising a longitudinally extending tubing portion (6), a plurality of longitudinally spaced hollow projections (22) communicating with the tubing portion (6) and a tubular portion (24) in which said longitudinal channel (24) communicates with the projections (22) and defines a longitudinal groove (26) which is in use on a surface to be drained, characterized in that said longitudinal channel (24) ) is supported by said projections (22). A water drainage channel section according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal channel (24) is carved between at least some of the projections (22), the notch (24) providing a free space (46) arranged to allowing the placement of a reinforcing mesh or separate bars to slide in the channel. The water drain channel section (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the longitudinal channel (24) comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending sections of the channel which, when installed on a surface is drained, define said continuous longitudinal groove (26) lying on a surface to be drained. Water drain channel section according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is molded from a plastic material to form a single unit. 2 Water drain channel section according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is manufactured from upper and lower parts. Water drain channel section according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow projections (22) each have a base (30) which opens into the part of the pipe (6) and extends circumferentially in around the portion of the tubing (6), each projection (22, 40) tapering into the supported channel (24). Water drain channel section according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe part (6) has an ovoid cross-section. Lisbon, November 29, 2007