AU2005202689A1

AU2005202689A1 - Water handling assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2005202689A1
Application number: AU2005202689A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gerard Anthony Connaughton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2005-06-20
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Description

S&F Ref: 725443

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Gerard Anthony Connaughton, Australian Citizen, of 174 Morgan Street, Merewether, New South Wales, 2291, Australia Gerard Anthony Connaughton Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Water handling assembly Associated Provisional Application Details: [33] Country:

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[31] Appl'n No(s): 2004903631 [32] Application Date: 2 Jul 2004 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845c WATER HANDLING ASSEMBLY Technical Field

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The present invention relates generally to water handling assemblies which may N for example be used in water storage applications or water detention applications for 5 storm water and the like.

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Background of the Invention t The water handling assembly of the invention may be suitable for use in a wide Svariety of sites, examples of which include, car parks including underground car parks for retail and commercial developments such as shopping centres. Further examples include residential building sites, paved and landscaped areas, sports grounds and parks, roadways as well as, water storage for irrigation or drinking. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to residential sites however this is not to be taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

Continued urban and infill in cities and towns is creating more and more concrete, bitumen, grooves and impervious surfaces that prevents rain from being absorbed into the earth and thus becoming stormwater run off that must be transported to stormwater assemblies, creeks dams and oceans. Due to the age of most stormwater infrastructure assemblies particularly in larger cities they are generally unable to cope with this large influx of water during peak rain periods. Even newly developed urban areas are designed with larger stormwater detention basins are required to allow large volumes of water from urban run off and allow time to dissipate or be held for such periods that the downstream assembly has time to cope.

In order to cope with the above there are several currently used techniques for detaining water on the site and controlling the run off flow rate.

One technique is to provide depressed pavement areas which create basins within driveway and parking areas for example, in an inverted pyramid, is adopted in order to 1 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa t store stormwater run off. Such assemblies utilise an inverted pyramid as the storage 1 generally having a drainage pit located at the apex within the inverted pyramid. There ;may be a number of these pits on an any given site. Drawbacks of this assembly include Sthe limited volume that can be achieved particularly on tight medium density sites given the limited area and the requirement of a maximum allowable depth at the lowest point, 00 00 difficulties in achieving hydraulic gradients particularly on flat sites; and it detracts the

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aesthetics of the external environment of the development.

Another assembly utilises underground detention tanks or basins which are constructed on sites where it is not practical to provide on site detention by the use of depressed pavements or other methods, either due to the limited surface area or required storage volume. A tank of selected volume, dependent on the volume required and the amount of surface area is provided (which is generally required within driveway and pavement areas), the size of the development and location of authority stormwater. The tank is generally constructed of reinforced concrete or with a concrete base and lid and reinforced block work walls. The lid of the tank generally becomes a trafficable pavement slab. The drawbacks associated with arrangements of this type include excessive costs due to the excavation and class of construction required, potential dangers due to general depth of the excavation and associated interruption to working approach on the site, blocking a construction site, requiring an alteration to a logical sequential construction program, heavy external structural elements being constructed, and ongoing potential risks associated with large closed tanks.

Another assembly involves the use of modular plastic cells fabricated into box cells concealed in a geofabric membrane material. This can be an effective assembly but is relatively expensive.

Another arrangement involves infiltration assemblies which are generally suitable for sand sites only, and involve the uses of the sands natural drainage aspects to disperse stormwater from designated developments. The disadvantages include the 2 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa t requirement for and thus limitation of sand or granular soil site, large area required, N excavation required, and removal of soil from site further straining environmental ;requirements during the construction phase, and relative expense compared to other assemblies.

Object of the Invention 00 IDIt is an object of the present invention to provide a water handling assembly (Ni which alleviates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

C Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a water handling assembly including a plurality of storage units each having a storage chamber, an upstream inlet to the storage chamber and a downstream outlet from the storage chamber; a distributor device which when the assembly is in an assembled position upstream of the storage units and includes a distributor chamber, a delivery inlet to the distributor chamber and a plurality of feed outlets from the distributor chamber, each feed outlet being associated with a respective one of the upstream inlets; and a collector device downstream of the storage units and include a collecting chamber, a plurality of collector inlets each associated with a respective one of the downstream outlets and a discharge outlet.

In one form each storage unit may include an elongated body with the storage chamber therein the upstream inlet being disposed at one end and the downstream outlet at the other end. Each storage unit may for example be in the form of an elongated tubular member of selected cross sectional shape such as for example square, rectangular, circular or any other suitable cross section. Preferably, in the case where the storage units are generally square or rectangular in cross-section, the junction region between sides is arcuate portions. It has been found that by having a curved section of selected radium between adjacent sides significantly improves the flow characteristics. The ends of each 3 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa Stubular member may be provided with suitable coupling means for facilitating connection

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to another part of the assembly. In the assembled position the storage units are arranged ;in a side by side generally parallel spaced apart relationship.

The distributor device may include a main body having a front wall, a rear wall and opposed side walls with the distributor chamber disposed therein. Preferably, the 00 delivery inlet is disposed in the rear wall and the plurality of feed outlets in the front wall,

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each feed outlet being adapted to be operatively connected to a respective one of the upstream inlets of the storage units. Preferably, the rear wall is of lesser width than the 'i front wall and the side walls converge from the front wall to the rear wall.

The distribution device may further include a deflector element which projects into the distributor chamber from the front wall. Preferably, the deflector element is arranged opposite to the delivery inlet; that is the delivery inlet and deflector element are on a line extending between the front wall and rear wall. The arrangement is such that water entering the distributor chamber via the delivery inlet may strike the deflector element so that it is directed to all of the feed outlets. In one form, the deflector element includes a wall which extends from the inner face of the front wall and defines a cavity external of the distributor chamber for reasons which will become hereinafter apparent.

The free end of the wall may taper inwardly towards the delivery inlet.

The collector device may be similar in structure to the distributor device and for example may include a main body having a front wall, a rear wall and opposed side walls with the collector chamber disposed therein. Preferably, the discharge outlet is disposed in the rear wall and the plurality of collector units in the front wall, each collector inlet being adapted to be operatively connected to a respective one of the downstream outlets of the storage units. As before, the rear wall is of lesser width than the front wall and the side walls taper inwardly with respect to one another from the front wall to the rear wall.

Thus, the collector device is generally triangular in shape when viewed in plan.

4 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa C The collector device may further include a projection which projects into the collector chamber from the front wall. Preferably, the projection is arranged opposite to ;the discharge outlet. In one form, the projection includes a wall which extends from the Sinner face of the front wall and defines a cavity external of the collector chamber for reasons which will become hereinafter apparent.

00 The assembly may further include joining devices for operatively connecting the

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Supstream inlets of the storage units to respective feed outlets of the distributor device.

t Similar joining devices may be provided for operatively connecting the downstream outlets of the storage units to respective collector inlets of the collector device. In one form, each of the joining devices include a section which can telescopically be connected with the parts which it is joining. The joining devices may, in some applications act as an expansion joint as will be described in more detail later.

The assembly may further include an intermediate joining device for joining storage units end to end where long runs are required. The intermediate joining device may include a joiner body having a plurality of joining sections arranged side by side, each being associated with one of the storage units which are arranged side by side. The intermediate joining device assists in maintaining the structural integrity of the assembly in some applications.

The various parts of the assembly are operatively assembled together in a selected configuration. In one preferred form, the parts are disposed generally in the same plane although where necessary such as for example, on steep or tiered landscaped sites different parts of the assembly may be on different levels. In some applications more than one assembly may be provided. In such an arrangement the assemblies may be disposed side by side or one above the other.

The assembly can be used in a variety of applications. In one application, when the assembly is installed in a site, concrete is poured over the assembly and enters the spaces between the storage units and other areas so as to provide for a structurally [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:xa t enhanced unit. In another arrangement, fill such as earth or any other suitable material can be arranged to enter the spaces to provide for structural integrity.

;The assembly in a preferred form can utilise pavement areas as shallow Sunderground detention areas, whilst also being load bearing, the storage units being separated allowing concrete or other material to fill between the units and thus provide a 00oO structural load bearing pavement slab on which to drive vehicles upon. The top pavement

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Sslabs may vary in thickness depending on proposed vehicle loads and the amount of t' concrete blinding or compact will vary dependant on ground conditions. This reduces the ,i need for large structural slabs spanning open detention tank areas, depressed pavement areas or the need for other expensive proprietary assemblies. All the parts may be made from a light weight plastics material such as polyethylene, PVC or a recycled polymer hybrid to enable easy installation and application of modular applications.

Water enters the distributor chamber through piping. The water is distributed to the storage chambers down to the collector chamber. Due to the volume and velocity of Is the water, the water begins to back up or be stored. Firstly within the collector chamber and then along the storage chambers to the distributor chamber.

Once the entire assembly is full the maximum amount of required storage volume has been achieved, water may surcharge back through a conventional pit assembly and be distributed off site via overland flow paths.

Notwithstanding the fact the storage chambers which form part of the assembly are separated, the stormwater is distributed evenly via the distributor device. It distributes the stormwater evenly within the chambers. The water enters the distributor device and can impact on the deflector element causing a turbulent flow pattern.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a parts exploded isometric view of a water handling assembly; 6 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa t Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view of the assembly of Figure 1; ,i Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 illustrating how the assembly is ;used with a concrete fill; SFigure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 2 where the assembly is used with concrete fill; 00 Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure 2 where the

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assembly is used with concrete fill; SFigures 6 and 7 are similar views to Figures 4 and 5 with the assembly in its N finished form: Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in Figure 2 where the assembly is used with concrete fill; Figure 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment of assembly; Figures 10 and 11 are similar sectional views to Figures 4 and 5 but where the fill used is soil; Figures 12 and 13 are similar sectional views to Figures 4 and 5 but where the assembly is mounted below a suspended concrete slab; Figures 14 and 15 are similar sectional views to Figures 4 and 5 but where two assemblies are provided one on top of the other; Figure 16 are illustrations of various components which may be used in the assembly; and Figure 17 is a schematic cross section illustrating a preferred shape of the storage chambers; and Figures 18 to 22 are various views of the assembly.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is illustrated various components for a water assembly 10. The assembly generally indicated at 10 includes a plurality of storage units 12, each having a tubular body 14 with a storage chamber 16 therein, an upstream inlet 17 7 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa t and a downstream outlet 18. In an installed position the storage units 12 are arranged side N, by side in spaced apart relation and generally parallel to one another. As shown the ;storage units 12 are of a convenient length for transport and general handling. If it is Srequired that the units are required to extend over an increased length units can be connected end to end via an intermediate joining device 20 having a main body 22 with a 00 plurality of coupling sections 22 each being associated with respective ones of the units

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S12. The coupling sections 22 are adapted to cooperate with coupling sections on the units t 12. The coupling sections 22 may be complementary male and female parts. Although r, the storage chambers are shown in Figure 1 as square in cross section preferably they are of the cross sectional shape shown in Figure 17. The tubular bodies 14 each have a longitudinal axis, with the axes being in a single plane. Accordingly the assembly 10 is generally planar.

The assembly 10 further includes a distributor device 30 comprising a main body 32 having a front wall 33, a rear wall 34 and opposed side walls 35, 36 with a distributor chamber 38 disposed therein. A delivery inlet 40 is disposed in the rear wall 34 and a plurality of feed outlets 42 are disposed in the front wall, each feed outlet being adapted to be operatively connected to a respective one of the upstream inlets of the storage units 12. As shown, the device is generally triangular in shape when viewed in plan, the rear wall 34 being of lesser width than the front wall 33, the side walls 35 tapering inwardly with respect to one another from the front wall to the rear wall.

The distributor device 30 further includes a deflector element 44 which projects into the distributor chamber 38 from the front wall. As shown, the deflector element 44 is arranged opposite to the delivery inlet 40. The arrangement is such that water entering the distributor chamber 38 via the delivery inlet 40 strikes the deflector element 44 so that it is directed to all of the feed outlets. The deflector element 44 includes a wall 45 which extends from the inner face of the front wall and defines a cavity 48 external of the 8 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa distributor chamber. The free end 46 of the wall 45 tapers inwardly towards the delivery inlet.

The assembly 10 further includes a collector device 50 which is similar in structure to the distributor device and includes a main body 52 of generally triangular shape having a front wall 53, a rear wall 54 and opposed side walls 55, 56 with a collector chamber 58 disposed therein. A discharge outlet 62 is disposed in the rear wall 54 and a plurality of collector inlets 64 are in the front wall 53, each collector inlet being adapted to be operatively connected to a respective one of the downstream outlets of the storage units.

The collector device includes a projection 66 which projects into the collector chamber from the front wall, the projection being arranged opposite to the discharge outlet. The projection 66 includes a wall 67 which extends from the inner face of the front wall and defines a cavity 68 external of the collector chamber.

Joining devices 70 are provided for operatively connecting the upstream inlets of the storage units to respective feed outlets of the distributor device. Similar joining devices are provided for operatively connecting the downstream outlets of the storage units to respective collector inlets of the collector device. The joining devices include a section which can telescopically be connected with the parts which it is joining.

Figures 2 to 7 illustrates a layout of the assembly in an installed position. As shown the delivery inlet 40 of the collector 30 is operatively connected to a surface inlet pit 100 which receives water from various areas via piping 102. The collector device has its discharge outlet 62 connected to a drain assembly. These features are conventional in known assemblies. In the particular form shown in Figure 2, the assembly is adapted to be installed beneath a concrete pathway 104. As best seen in Figure 3 when the concrete is laid over the assembly concrete fill 105 will enter all spaces around the various components of the assembly thus assisting in providing structural integrity to the assembly. Thus the spaces between units 12 form concrete columns 111 when filled as 9 [R:\LIBTT]04023doc:hxa t do the cavities 48 and 68 with an overlying top slab 116. As best seen in Figures 4 and N, the assembly 10 is laid on a concrete binding or compacted base 106. In order to pour ;concrete path suitable formwork such as that shown at 108 is provided. If required Sreinforcement 109 as shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be provided in the concrete.

Figure 8 illustrates an assembly which is installed on level ground. Figure 9 00 illustrates an assembly which is installed on tiered ground. In Figure 9 storage units 12 are disposed at different levels and connected through a series of connecting pipes 122 tt and corner sections 123.

1 Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a turf and soil application. In this application the concrete of the earlier application is replaced by soil upon which turf can be planted.

In the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13 the concrete is replaced by flexible paving.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate an arrangement which comprises two assemblies 1OA and 10B disposed one on top of the other.

Figures 18 to 22 illustrate another form of assembly.

Finally, it is to be understood that the inventive concept in any of its aspects can be incorporated in many different constructions so that the generality of the preceding description is not to be superseded by the particularity of the attached drawings. Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

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Claims

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each storage unit may include an elongated body with the storage chamber therein the upstream inlet being disposed at one end and the downstream outlet at the other end.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said storage is an elongated tubular member of square, rectangular or circular cross section.
4. The storage unit of claim 3, wherein the storage units are generally square or rectangular in cross-section with longitudinal sides joined by arcuate portions. The assembly of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the storage units are arranged in a side by side (generally parallel spaced apart relationship).
6. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distributor device includes a main body having a front wall, a rear wall and opposed side walls with the distributor chamber disposed therein.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the delivery inlet is disposed in the rear wall and the plurality of feed outlets in the front wall, each feed outlet being adapted to be operatively connected to a respective one of the upstream inlets of the storage units.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein when the rear wall is of lesser width than the front wall and the side walls converging from the front wall to the rear wall. 11 [R:\LlBTT]04023.doc:hxa
9. The assembly of claim 8, further including a deflector element which C1 projects into the distributor chamber from the front wall. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the deflector element is arranged opposite to the delivery inlet. Dated 20 June, 2005 oo Gerard Anthony Connaughton Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SSPRUSON FERGUSON 12 [R:\LIBTT]04023.doc:hxa