AU765117B2 - Sub-soil drainage cell - Google Patents

Description

ASP23 1 Improvements relating to Drainage Structures.

The present invention relates to the provision of structures for the adequate drainage of liquids by artificial means and has particular application in the area of landscape gardening and/or the provisions of grass standings or verges. Further embodiments of the invention relates to an improved drainage system for traffic areas such as roadways, train corridors and runways.

Known methods of draining water from relatively large surface areas where the funnelling of water directly into narrow diameter pipes is impractical or impossible, involve the use of a layer of stone or gravel capable of supporting the surface to he drained. Water from this "gravel" layer may then be allowed to percolate into the ground below, follow the lie of the land through said gravel to further conventional drainage channels or pipes or is otherwise evacuated.

Where the area to be drained is a roof-top garden for example, and the roof top is of concrete, the concrete may be covered with a water impervious membrane; the membrane serving to shed water into conventional channels, gutters or drains. Over •the membrane there may he a laver of pebbles that is in turn covered by drainage •o structure in the form of a generally flat filter of a material known as geotextile S .material. Finally, a layer of soil is laid in which vegetation may be grown is applied over the filter.

oo••o ASP23 2 The layer of pebbles facilitates drainage of water from the soil to enable adequate oxygen to reach the roots of vegetation therein, and the filter prevents the soil from clogging the layer of pebbles, which would prevent drainage. The lower impervious membrane prevents the ingress of moisture to the building or structure below.

The above described use of pebbles, or gravel or stone in place of the pebbles, bas been found to have various defects. Firstly, such a system may be expensive insofar as stones or pebbles, which are heavy, present transportation problems both in terms of moving them to the site and to lifting them when at the site. Also, the supporting structure may need reinforcing to support the pebbles or the stones. The pebbles may puncture the impervious membrane due to sharp edges and/or excessive weight. The abovedescribed system does not permit the deployment of water or power or other conduits within the system, particularly where such conduits are to be put in after the drainage system has been laid.

In European Patent No. 0244651 it set forth a drainage structure that addresses these problems, and overcomes them by providing that a drainage structure is of generally flat configuration and is cellular in nature, so that water (or other liquid or gas) can pass through it in any direction which means either in a direction transverse toouih .to the plane of the structure or in a direction in the plane of the structure.

oo•• ASP23 3 The structure disclosed in said European Patent comprises a pair of plate members having apertures therein, held in spaced relation by means of spacer members so that there are formed cells, which are hydraulically interconnected with each other, between the plate members. When the structure is in use, it will normally be horizontal or substantially so, and to induce the water flowing through the structure to pass between the cells, the apertures of the top plate member are offset relative to the apertures of the bottom plate member.

As, also shown in the European Patent, at the lower ends of the spacer members, are connecting walls that extend between adjacent spacer members. These walls retain some water in the bases of some of the cells to a level to the tops of the walls, and in use the water eventually cascades over the walls into adjacent cells where there are apertures in the lower plate member, and the water then flows out of :eeeoe :the apertures and out of the structure. In so cascading, the water makes some splashing, which in turn adds to the oxygenation of same, improving the quality of the 15 draining water The present invention, in one form, is concerned with this aspect of the prior draining structure, and seeks to improve this oxygenation of the draining water even further and to thereby improve its quality, although it is not necessary that the ooee S•draining structure of the present invention have all of the specified features of the 20 prior structure, even although they are preferred.

soeeo ASP23 According in one form, the present invention comprises a draining structure which is generally flat in nature and is for use mainly in a horizontal or substantially horizontal disposition, and comprises top and bottom plate members which are held spaced apart by spacer members so that the structure is cellular in nature with the cells hydraulically interconnected with each other, the plate members having apertures therein which are disposed so that the apertures in the top plate member are offset relative to the apertures in the bottom plate member, and wherein there are web walls extending between adjacent spacer members at the lower plate member and form at their top edges, weirs for water which is retained by the web walls, wherein the top edges of the web walls are curved, notched or otherwise shaped or the walls have apertures, to cause the water spilling over these edges into adjacent cells at a varying velocity profile to increase the oxygenation of the water as it splashes on falling from the weir top edges.

r 15 Preferably, the web walls are provided adjacent the top and bottom plates, so that the structure is usable equally well either way up, with either plate upmost.

The said edges are preferably curved edges and may be defined by circular, oval or other continuously curving shapes formed in which are webs connecting adjacent spacer members.

S°This form of the invention provides for better oxygenation of the water passing through the structure whereby its quality can be improved, simplifying .eo.oi ASP23 disposal into the municipal draining system, and there is the added advantage that the web walls can be such as to provide better resistance of the structure it shear forces applied in the plane of the structure and compression forces applied transverse to the plane of the structure. Shearing can happen in use by virtue of ground movements, especially where the structure is use on sloping ground, and compression loading can occur where the structure is used in circumstances where live loads such as vehicle traffic can be expected.

As in the prior structure, the structure is preferably a one piece moulding of plastics material, although for larger areas, several of the structures can be clipped together by virtue of formations on the structures themselves, or by other means.

It is to he mentioned that the invention is not limited in its use to roof-top oeoo gardens. It can be used to provide drainage under roadways, under embankments and elsewhere where drainage is required and/or where surface erosion might be a oeo .i !problem. For instance in car parks or pervious roads to mitigate flood or contaminated waters from roads or highways, the structure can be used as a pervious paving combination with pervious soils and/or plants such as turf. The structure can be designed to allow heavy loads to he impressed thereon without damaging the plant material.

ooe• ASP23 6 According another form, the present invention comprises a liquid pervious layer support which is generally flat in nature and is for use mainly in a horizontal or substantially horizontal disposition, and comprises top and bottom plate members which are held spaced apart by spacer members so that the structure is cellular in nature with the cells in communication with each other, the plate members having support areas alternating with apertures in a checkerboard arrangement, the apertures are disposed therein so that the apertures in the top plate member are offset relative to the apertures in the bottom plate member, each support area having an opening therein and wherein there are web walls extending between adjacent spacer members at the lower plate member and form at their top edges, weirs for water which is retained by the web walls, wherein the top edges of the web walls are curved, notched or otherwise shaped or the walls have apertures, to cause the water spilling over these oedges into adjacent cells at a varying velocity profile to increase the oxygenation of the water as it splashes on falling from the weir top edges.

:•oeoo S 15 Preferably the web walls are formed on both the top and bottom plate members.

•Other pervious paving on the market has been unsuccessful because of the small capacity of the pervious drainage element and the heat absorbed by the concrete that burns or dehydrates the grass. Other plastic paying does not allow the natural S 20 horizontal and vertical growth of the root system of turf. In the case of this structure it ASP23 7 allows the natural horizontal growth of the turf root systems, protecting other materials in the system, such as the lining material, from compaction due to the road traffic.

The system will, preferably, require a drainage structure beneath the root zone at a depth of approximately 300mm to ensure sufficient moisture capacity to allow the robust growth and recovery of the turf.

The invention also extends to a drainage system embodying a structure as aforesaid and a method of drainage using a drainage structure as aforesaid.

Presently the roadways are based upon the old Roman system of having a 10 water impervious top layer that directs water into side gutters where it passes into oooo underground pipes and drains, which are impervious to water, and is directed from a large catchment area into creeks, rivers and the ocean.

Thus when it rains, all of the rubbish and pollution such as oil, grease, vegetation, dog faeces, food stuffs, paper and detergents, are flushed into the drainage system and concentrated into the outfall area, such as a creek, river and the ocean.

There is little or no attempt in most of the existing drainage systems to decontaminate this pollution. If any treatment is carried out, it, usually, only involves a filtering out of larger solids. This dumping of the stormwater runoff into the water ways, depletes ASP23 8 the oxygen from the waterways, and introduces chemicals which increases, in some cases exponentially, the growth algae, both of which destroys the healthy fauna and flora of the waterways.

Further because the natural water absorbing soils and vegetation have been covered or removed and replaced by water impermeable roads, there is an increase in the amount of runoff in urban areas, than if the area was in its natural state.

However the draining structure referred to previously can be filled with aggregate material and used as at least an edge permeable surface on roads or carparks with a permeable drain located at least below said at least edge permeable surface; and a water permeable retention tank connected to said permeable drain, such that runoff passes through the permeable surface into the permeable drain and into the permeable retention tank, where the water is stored and flows back into the soil S•through the walls of the tank.

The invention will now he described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: V. Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a system using a drainage structure Saccording to one embodiment of the present invention; ASP23 9 Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the drainage structure shown in Fig.

1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view, to an enlarged scale, of the lower part of a cell of the structure of Fig, 1; Figs. 4 and 5 are respectively a side and sectional plan of the cell shown in Fig. 3, the section of Fig. 5 being taken on the line V-V of Fig. 2; Figure 6 is a view similar to that of figure 2 and shows an embodiment for providing both drainage and grass support; Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of water pervious support structure; Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view showing draining structure of Figure 7 with the grass roots growth; Figure 9 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a drainage system according to the present invention; ar a. ooo ogle a a ooe o Figure 10 illustrates schematically yet another embodiment of a drainage system according to the present invention; ASP23 Figure 11 is a view similar to Fig. 1 and shows a further embodiment of a draining system of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a curb side roadway drainage system using one embodiment of the present invention, utilising modification of the existing gutter, but retention of the existing road surface; Figure 13 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a further curb side road drainage system, using an embodiment of the present invention, utilising modification of the existing gutter, but retention of the existing road surface; Figure 14 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a further roadway drainage system, for high traffic areas, using an embodiment of the present invention; oooo •Figure 15 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a further roadway .eoo drainage system, for medium traffic areas, using an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a further roadway d g 15 drainage system, for low traffic areas, using an embodiment of the present invention; o ASP23 11 Figure 17 illustrates, schematically, the application of the road drainage system as applied to a highway; Figure 18 illustrates the application of the road drainage system as applied to a car park; Figure 19 illustrates the detail view of the surface arrangement of figure 18; Figure 20 illustrates the application of the road drainage system as applied to car parks; Figure 21 illustrates a road drainage system as applied to a suburban street; Figure 22 illustrates a road drainage system showing a driveway access to a 10 road; Figure 23 illustrates a detailed sectional view if the drainage system shown in figure 22; Figure 24 illustrates a road drainage system, applied to a driveway;

S

S S ASP23 12 Figure 25 illustrates the application of a road drainage system applied to rural roads; Figure 26 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the modification of an existing road drainage system to form a road drainage system using an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the modification of an existing road drainage system to form a road drainage system using an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 illustrates a "grass block" suitable for use with the present invention; Figure 29 illustrates a cross sectional view through the "grass block" shown S* in figure 28; and Figure 30 illustrates schematically, the pattern of "grass blocks" on an area to be drained.

3* 15 A first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figures 1, comprises basically the drainage cell structure on which is superimposed a layer which 0 ASP23 13 may be of pebbles or stones or the like, and a layer of soil on which plants or grass may be grown.

As can he seen from Fig. 1, structure is a generally flat or planar structure, and comprises an upper plate member and a lower plate member These plate members are in fact of identical construction of which the detail is shown in Fig. 2, and they are connected and held spaced apart by spacer members which can be of any cross section, but in this embodiment are in the form of square sectioned rods. As indicated herein however and as explained hereinafter, these plate members and the spacer members could be of different design. Fig, 1 shows that the drainage structure will receive water, for example rain water as indicated by arrows and that water percolates through the layers and and into the drainage structure through which it can flow transversely and laterally between the. spacer members so that 0@ *°oooo oi•: it eventually emerges into the supporting strata as indicated by arrows Referring now in more detail to Fig. 2, each plate structure (5 6) is made up of square support areas (10) interconnected at comer regions (11) so as to form a chequer board pattern as shown in Fig. 2. The support areas (10) are alternated with apertures 12 through which the water can flow.

IS

o The plate members (5 6) are arranged so that the apertures (12) in the top i plate member register with the support areas (10) in the lower plate member ooooo ASP23 14 Thereby, water flowing through apertures (10) must travel between the spacer members that connect between the plate members (5 6) at the junctions (11), before the water can exit the lower plate member By virtue of this construction, the drainage cell can be moulded in one piece in plastics material, and the construction is such that a plurality of cells (13) are defined between the plate members (5 6) and the spacer members The spacer members are angled to lie at 450 to the linear sides of the cells to facilitate moulding.

Additionally, the drainage cells (13) are moulded with web walls (15) in both directions and between adjacent spacer members with which the walls are i. integrally formed, and each wall (15) is provided with an oval aperture (16) to allow for fluid communication between the cells (13).

The apertures (16) do not extend to the surfaces of the support areas (10) in the plate members (5 6) so that they define flow weirs as will he explained in more detail in relation to figures 3 and 4.

Referring now to figures 3 4, a single cell bottom end is shown in Fig. 3, and of this cell, the base is defined by the inner surface of the support area (10) of the lower plate member Above this support area (10) in the upper plate member .o.o.i ASP23 will be registered an aperture (12) and therefore water falling through that aperture will fall onto the inner surface of the support area (10) shown in figure 3 and will collect thereon until the level of water reaches the weir edge (17) of the aperture (12).

This situation applies between each pair of spacer members defining the cell.

In consequence, as the water level builds up, so the water will start to cascade over the curved weir edge (17) and onto the supporting strata By using a curved edge the velocity profile of the water cascading over the edge (17) will be varied so that some of the water will be travelling faster than other parts. It will be travelling fastest in the region By so providing a varied velocity profile for the spilling water, when it cascades and splashes onto the underlying support strata as shown at (19) in Fig. 3, better oxygenation of the water will take place and its quality will be enhanced.

Additionally, the webs (15) form shear and compression strengthening means 0 for the entire drainage cell which will make it more resistant to shear loading in the plane of the drainage cell and compression loading in the transverse direction.

0 Figure 5 shows how the water flows over the weir edges in all directions from o. the cell (13).

*00o .*0 0.0 *00 ASP23 16 A further embodiment in the form of a pervious layer support (20) is shown in figures 6, 7 8, wherein the pervious layer support (20) can be filled with aggregate or the like and preferably fixed therein, such that water can flow through the voids between the aggregates.

Further the pervious layer support (20) can be filled with growing medium, such that grass and other plants can he grown therein and become a "grass cell. This provides a considerable advantage, as the "grass cell"(20) can be used as a grass standing or verge, upon which motor vehicles can stand or run, as the "grass is also a load bearing member. According to this aspect of the invention, the structure need not be exactly according to the invention set forth above, but could be according to the drainage cell, the subject of the previously mentioned European Patent.

One of the embodiments of the grass cell is shown in figure 6, in which the "grass cell"(20) has a structure similar to that shown in figure 1, except that there are, S00 in addition, openings (21) in the support areas (10) of the upper plate member to provide for the growing of grass which has its root structures (23) in the cells which are filled with growing medium such as goods drainage soil or sand (22).

The roots (23) will grow between cells horizontally, through the apertures (16) -00 .and the grass will sprout up through the apertures (12) and the openings (21) in the 200* upper plate member The lower plate member can also be provided with the 20 openings similar to the upper plate member ASP23 17 Figs. 7 and 8 show a "grass cell" (20) that is almost identical to the structure of Fig. 6, except that the spacer members and the web walls (15) are of the same thickness and form transverse support plates. The structure has the apertures (12) and openings (21) in the upper and lower plate members (5 6) as discussed above, and Fig. 8 shows the grass cell in use.

Fig. 11 shows an arrangement similar to Fig. 1, wherein there is utilised a "grass cell" (20) as shown in Fig. 6 or 7 8, for the growing of grass and a lower drainage cell of the type shown in Fig. 1. Both structures can be of the same type, either as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 8.

As explained, the "grass cell" (20) provides for the growing of grass, whilst the lower drainage cell is provided for drainage. The same reference numerals have been used to indicate parts already described. The "grass cell" filled with sand or soil of good drainage properties (22) and the grass roots seats on the soil S•layer which sits on the aggregate layer A goetextile filter material (24) covers the top and bottom of the drainage cell As shown in figures 9 10, the drainage cell is in communication with a drain channel which is separated from the surrounding sand layer by means S -of wrapping (27) of a geotextile, and which is for carrying away water which has been o• ASP23 18 filtered through the above described system. The sand (26) is supported by the supporting strata In the use of the arrangement shown in Figs 9, 10 and 11, rain or other water falling on the grass as indicated by the arrows (28) drains through the "grass cell" and through the layers (3 and eventually into the drainage cell where the water is aerated as described herein. Eventually, the water flows into the channel and away to a collection tank, which may be a municipal tank, or could be a local household tank, where the system is installed in a domestic dwelling.

The invention provides, in one aspect thereof, in a simple and effective manner, for the better oxygenation of water passing through the drainage cell (1) which is of considerable importance or environmental reasons.

In the second aspect, the invention provides a structure use wherein growing .ooo medium fills the structure and plant roots grow therein, which roots can grow along the plane of the structure as well as through the structure. Providing such an arrangement means that the roots will be well aerated, which means that water passing the root system will be well aerated. In this second aspect, the structure. need not he o the same as in the first aspect, although it is advantageously so.

ooo• ASP23 19 The added strength of the cell will make it more suitable for use in locations where the ground is sloping, or is known to be subject to ground movement, and the carrying of loads.

As indicated, the grass cells and drainage cells are suitable for use in roofgardens.

It is preferred that the structures be moulded in one piece in plastics material, hut again this is not an essential requirement of the invention.

The spacer members maintain the plate members in generally parallel relationship, but again this is not completely essential.

:°oooo 10 Also as specified in the European parent, the drainage cell defined according to the invention has the advantage that small pools of water will collect in the lower portions of the cells below the weir edges, and this can be useful in circumstances where no water flow occurs for a prolonged period of time. The collected water can evaporate and feed the growing material located above the drainage cell. Additionally, S 15 by virtue of the construction of the structure, the maintenance of oxygen adjacent the roots of any plants above the upper plate member is maintained, and by virtue of the cular cellular structure free flow of water and oxygen in any horizontal direction within the ASP23 drainage cell can be maintained. Additionally, service pipes for liquid and power can be inserted into the structure after it has been placed in position.

The structure can be fabricated in any suitable plastics material, but polypropylene has been found to he particularly suitable. The structure is relatively rigid and shear resistant whilst being of relatively lightweight. The structure may be of the specific dimensions mentioned in said European patent.

The structure can be used in conjunction with a filter membrane as described or in any suitable manner.

The edges of the drainage cells or the "grass cells" may be provided with 10 tongues and groove, or with a groove (29) into which a mating pin fits to enable them oooo to be connected with similar structures to provide a large area of coverage.

An embodiment of the present invention can be used to form an improved drainage system for traffic areas such as roadways, train corridors and runways.

An existing prior art roadway drainage system incorporates a water "15 impervious road surface that is sloped to direct water into a gutter, where the water is directed along to flow into an underground water impervious drainage system where the water is discharged into a creek, river or the ocean. As shown in figure 12, one oeoee ASP23 21 embodiment of the present invention is involved in the modification of the existing road (30) and gutter (31).

Using this embodiment the lower gutter road surface and underlying sub-base adjacent the gutter, are removed by any suitable means and is replaced by an infiltration area. A trench (34) is dug and a water impervious liner is positioned against the roadway side of the trench with a water permeable geotextile (24) on the curbside of the trench The impervious liner (35) could be replaced with a water permeable geotextile similar to that on the other side of the trench. Placed at the bottom of the trench (34) are drainage modules Generally these drainage modules (36) are hollow with perforated walls made from plastics, and are load bearing. The modules could be constructed as shown in Australian patent •application no. 593085, or could be constructed as shown in Australian patent *'**application no. 10081/01, wherein the modules (36) have walls (37) composed of a lattice of thin web members The modules (36) are placed, on a geotextile sheet S 15 end to end along the trench, and also stacked one on top of the other to the required height, and wrapped in the geotextile sheet (39).

Suitable aggregate material such as gravel surrounds the thus wrapped drainage modules and a geogrid (40) that is permeable to water, is laid on top of the gravel A suitable concrete edge (41) is placed against the cut existing gutter 20 (31) and a layer of filter soil (42) is placed on top of the geogrid with a honey ASP23 22 combed supporting "grass blocks" (43) resting on the filter soil, and filled with soil and having grass (44) growing therein.

These blocks could be of any suitable dimensions and could be made of individual blocks as shown in figures 28 29, wherein the blocks are made from concrete or plastics, and are open at each end. The "grass blocks" (43) have an octagonal outer wall having openings (46) therethrough. An inner wall (47), having openings (48) therethrough, is connected by webs to the outer wall Preferably a strengthening web (50) extends across the central opening. These "grass blocks" are laid in a checkerboard fashion, as shown in figure (30) with smaller blocks interspersed to cover the area.

As shown in figure 30, the "grass blocks" (43) could also have thick walls and with only a central opening of any configuration.

Further instead of the "grass blocks" "grass cells" according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figures 6, 7 8, could be used.

15 Both "grass cells" (20) and "grass blocks" (43) are strong enough to support the weight of vehicles and pedestrians, and because of their construction prevents c oils compaction of the soil both within the "grass cells" (20) and "grass blocks" (43) and ASP23 23 below them. Thus allowing for the runoff to quickly percolate through the "grass cells" (20) and "grass blocks" (43).

Therefore during rain, water runs off the impervious road surface (30) and onto the "grass cells" (20) or "grass blocks" (43) of the infiltration area, where the water percolates through the soil into the filter soil which can be a mixture of sand and soil, where some pollutants are absorbed and broken down by bacteria.

The water then percolates through the aggregate material and can pass into the surrounding soil or flow into the water permeable channels formed by the drainage modules where the water can be temporarily stored for percolation back into the surrounding soil an/or can flow along the water permeable channels to a storage area for percolation back into the soil or for supplying water for sprinkler ".systems or the like.

oO•* A further system is shown in figure 13, in which the gutter (31) and the water S. S.

impermeable road surface (30) of an existing road, is cut and removed in a similar to that described with reference to figure 12, except that in this case, the channel formed by the drainage modules (36) is placed under the pedestrian way A drainage cell i wrapped in water permeable geotextile, is placed on the bottom of the trench (54) and extends onto the top of the drainage modules An aggregate material (2) covers the drainage cell Hence, water percolating through the grass blocks (43) or 20 grass cells (20) flows through the aggregate material and into the drainage cell (1) ASP23 24 where it flows along to egress into the geotextile wrapped drainage modules The distribution of the water back into the environment is the same as that of the previous embodiment.

As shown in figure 14, in the case for high traffic areas, the water impervious road surface and sub surface is removed and layer of drainage cells wrapped in geotextile (24) is laid in a water permeable substrata and covered by water permeable bitumen or concrete The drainage cells allow water, that percolates through the water permeable bitumen or concrete to flow along the channel of drainage cells into the drainage modules where the water is dispersed as described previously and also through the drainage cells into the surrounding soil The gutter infiltration area is similar to that described in the r •previous embodiments.

In the case of a medium density traffic area, the infiltration area extends S. S.

further out into roadway, and could be up to 2.5 metres wide, as shown in figure 15, to form the parking area for cars. The infiltration area is similar to that described in figure 14 except that the aggregate material extends over part of the drainage cell S

.M.

In low traffic areas the entire road could be made into an infiltration area, as shown in figure 16, wherein the geotextile wrapped drainage cells and the :shown in figure 16, wherein the geotextile wrapped drainage cells and the ASP23 overlaying aggregate material extend right across the roadway and is covered by a filter soil (42) and covered by "grass cells"(20) or "grass blocks" the runoff percolating through the entire road surface to be collected and returned to the soil similarly as described in the earlier embodiments.

The drainage cells could be of any construction, in which two substantially parallel perforated surfaces are rigidly held apart by spacer members and the like to form a hollow passageway therebetween. A suitable drainage cell is described in Australian Patent no. 593085.

This technology can readily be applied to highway situations to assist in purifying water and the air, as shown in figure 17. A road construction and infiltration area (57) as shown in figure 14 could be used on each carriageway of a divided highway. Trees and other vegetation would border the road edges and have storage/ Oo, percolation tanks (57) located near them, which could be fed from the drainage S"modules (38) or by other runoff. This would supply a slow release or percolation of water to the surrounding plants after the rain. Thus by the use of specific vegetation the system would help to remove air borne pollutants, while contaminated runoff water would be absorbed through the infiltration areas and collected and dispersed at •O its source, to reduce flooding and erosion, and to prevent contamination of the rivers 00o* :and creeks.

So a..

0 S ASP23 26 The above technology could also be applied to car parks, as shown in figure 18, wherein trees (59) are located in islands within the car park and surrounding the car park. The actual car park surface is constructed similarly to that the road surface of low traffic areas as shown in figure 16.

As shown in figure 19, the car park surface comprises drainage cells (1) wrapped in geotextiles (24) resting on a small layer of sand which rests on the compacted earth A layer of sand (50) and/or a layer of filter soil (42) of very good drainage characteristics covers the drainage cells "Grass cells" (20) or "grass blocks"(43) filled with filter soil (42) and planted with grass form the car park surface.

.•Other areas of the car park are constructed as shown in figure 20, wherein the percolation tanks (57) are located underground, wrapped in geotextile (24) and buried "in sand (50) or other material of good drainage and water retention properties, such a o Sfilter soil. If sand is used an upper layer of filter soil (41) should be used. "Grass cells" (20) or "grass blocks"(43) filled with filter soil (42) and planted with grass (4) form the car park surface.

S•Thus water percolates through the filter soil (42) where it is absorbed and the ;excess percolates into the percolation tanks The percolation tanks (57) are ooooo ASP23 27 located near the trees (59) to take up water that is collected in the percolation tanks (57).

The drainage cells extend into other areas of the car park and are connected to feed excess water into the percolation tanks (57).

A variation of the system shown in figure 14, is shown in figure 21, in which the infiltration area (58) and the footpath (63) are separated by a nature strip (61) planted with specific water retention vegetation, to assist in the taking up of water from the drainage modules (36) channels.

An additional system is shown in figure 22, in which "grass cells" (20) or "grass blocks"(43) are filled with filter soil (42) and planted with grass form the o .*oo :.:"road edge. The drainage modules (36) form a channel and are buried in filter soil covered in grass, to form a modified infiltration area (58) which has channel shaped upper surface and is lower than the road, such that runoff collects in the infiltration area, where it is absorbed in the filter soil, with the excess passing to the drainage module channels (36).

*oo A detailed view is shown in figure 23 of a further system as shown in figure oo°0 :22. A water permeable road (62) slopes towards an infiltration area which or t borders the footpath Preferably the footpath (63) is made of water permeable ASP23 28 material. Thus water can permeate through the road and pathway surfaces. The runoff flows into the infiltration area (58).

The infiltration area (58) comprises a filter soil (42) or EcoSoil® (a trade mark of Atlantis Corporation Pty Ltd) shaped as a shallow ditch and covered in turf or grass and with other assorted vegetation to take up water. The filter soil (42) or EcoSoil rests upon a layer of aggregate material Located beneath the aggregate material are drainage modules (36) wrapped in geotextile sheets Drainage cells extend beyond the drainage modules (36) in the infiltration area (58) to direct water into the drainage modules Thus water is filtered as it passes through the filter soil (42) or EcoSoil®, where water is retained for take up by the grass while the excess percolates into the channels formed by the drainage modules where .othe water flows there along, and is percolated back into the soil.

00 •This technology could also be used with areas that are covered by concrete or 0 0 the like such as driveways or car ports, as shown in figure 24. In this system, the concrete water impervious drive way (64) rests over a percolation tank (57) formed from a plurality of drainage modules (36) wrapped in a geotextile and surrounded by a sand and soil mixture having good drainage properties. The •oo sand and soil mixture (65) extends beyond the concrete driveway (64) and is planted 1 with grass such that water, that runs off the driveway percolates through the 20 sand and soil mixture (65) To assist in the directing of water into the percolation ASP23 29 tanks a drainage cell wrapped in geotextiles connects the outside sand and soil mixture (65) to the percolation tanks where the water is returned to the surrounding soil, as per the pervious systems.

In the case of roads on hillsides, the technology can be applied as shown in figure 25, where the infiltration area which can be constructed in accordance of any of the previous embodiments, is located on each side of the road. Preferably, the road surface (56) is made from water permeable bitumen or concrete. Drainage cells wrapped in geotextile sheets (24) carries excess water collected in the high side infiltration area (58) underneath the road into the hillside drainage modules (36) of the low side infiltration area Overflow from the channel formed from the drainage modules (36) in the low side infiltration area flows down an underground pipe (69) to a percolation tank (57) in the valley, that is located in a trench (67) and is S°covered by river sand (68) or material of similar good drainage properties. Run off running down the valley soaks through the river sand (68) and into the percolation tanks (57).

In another system existing water impervious streets can be modified as 0* shown in figure 26, wherein the water impervious road way the gutters (31) and the drain grating or sump (70) are covered by drainage cells A lining of geotextile (24) covers the drainage cells and is sealed against the kerb A suitable layer 20 of EcoSoil® or filter soil (42) covers the geotextile "Grass cells" (20) or "grass ASP23 blocks"(43) filled with filter soil (42) and planted with grass cover the layer of EcoSoil or filter soil to form an infiltration area. Thus rain and run off percolates through the infiltration area and then flows into the existing old drain system (71).

Whilst this system still returns water to the river systems, the water has been purified, by passing through the grass and the EcoSoil® or filter soil to remove all solid pollutants and to absorb other pollutants in the grass and soil where they are broken down by biological action.

Figure 27 illustrates a modification of the previous system where the water impervious road surface (30) is covered by a similar infiltration area, but rather than use the existing drainage system, drainage cells or "grass cells" (20) or "grass blocks"(43), connect the underneath of the edge of the infiltration area to a S"percolation tank (57).

i a. *o Thus the present invention uses vegetation and soil to, both, filter out pollutants and to absorb runoff, and to hold the water underground for slow release back into the soil to stimulate plant growth. Thus erosion and the pollution of the waterways are reduced.

ooo• a ASP23 31 It should be obvious to people skilled in the art that modifications and alterations can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and the spirit of the present invention.

S.

S *S

Claims (10)

1. A draining structure which is generally flat in nature and is for use mainly in a horizontal or substantially horizontal disposition, and comprises top and bottom plate members which are held spaced apart by spacer members so that the structure is cellular in nature with the cells hydraulically interconnected with each other, the plate members having apertures therein which are disposed so that the apertures in the top plate member are offset relative to the apertures in the bottom plate member, and wherein there are web walls extending between adjacent spacer members at the lower plate member and form at their top edges, weirs for water which is retained by the web walls, wherein the top edges of the web walls are curved, notched or otherwise shaped or the walls have apertures, to cause the water spilling over these edges into adjacent cells at a varying velocity profile to increase the S-oxygenation of the water as it splashes on falling from the weir top edges.

2. A drainage structure according to claim 1, wherein the web walls are provided adjacent the top and bottom plates, so that the structure is usable equally well either way up, with either plate upmost.

3. A drainage structure according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the apertures in the bottom and top plate members form a checkerboard pattern with support surfaces of the plate members. .:*oee ASP23 33

4. A drainage structure according to claim 3, wherein the support surfaces have openings therethrough. A liquid pervious layer support which is generally flat in nature and is for use mainly in a horizontal or substantially horizontal disposition, and comprises top and bottom plate members which are held spaced apart by spacer members so that the structure is cellular in nature with the cells in communication with each other, the plate members having support areas alternating with apertures in a checkerboard arrangement, the apertures are disposed therein so that the apertures in the top plate member are offset relative to the apertures in the bottom plate member, each support area having an opening therein and wherein there are web walls extending between adjacent spacer members at the lower plate member and form at their top edges, weirs for water which is retained by the web walls, wherein the top edges of the web walls are curved, notched or otherwise shaped or the walls have apertures, to cause the water spilling over these edges into adjacent cells at a varying velocity profile to a. a. !increase the oxygenation of the water as it splashes on falling from the weir top edges.

6. A drainage structure according to claim 5, wherein the support surfaces have openings therethrough. a ASP23 34

7. A drainage structure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the drainage structure is filled with aggregate material such that water can permeate therethrough.

8. A drainage structure according to claim 7, wherein the aggregate material is a growing medium, with vegetation such as grass growing therein, with the roots of the vegetation free to extend downwardly through the drainage structure into the strata below and to extend transversely through the drainage structure.

9. A draining structure which is generally flat in nature and is for use mainly in a horizontal or substantially horizontal disposition, and comprises top and bottom plate members which are held spaced apart by spacer members so that the structure is cellular in nature with the cells hydraulically interconnected with each other, the plate members having apertures therein which are disposed so that the •apertures in the top plate member are offset relative to the apertures in the bottom plate member, and aggregate material filling the drainage structure such that water can permeate therethrough.

10. A drainage structure according to claim 9, wherein there are web walls

99.9 extending between adjacent spacer members adjacent said top and bottom plate members. 4 9 ASP23 11. A drainage structure according to claim 10, wherein the web walls and the spacer members are of similar thickness. 12. A drainage structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the aggregate material is a growing medium, with vegetation such as grass growing therein, with the roots of the vegetation free to extend downwardly through the drainage structure into the strata below and to extend transversely through the drainage structure. 13. A drainage structure according to claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.