METHOD TO ENHANCE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS FLOW THROUGH A STORMWATER CONTAINMENT VOLUME

Abstract

A method to enhance the ability of a stormwater containment volume to flow and flush solids and liquids. Implemented by depositing rock into shaped piles formed at the rock's angle of repose, the resultant inclined surfaces are covered with suitable waterproof material and covered with more rock up to the top surface. Stormwater flushes solids deposited on the surface downward into the volume where they contact the inclined surfaces. Water and solids flow down the inclined surfaces at increased velocity toward collection drainpipes at their base. Because sediment flows into drainpipes, it does not flow to the bottom of the volume or become stagnant or reduce the volume's capacity. This creates a low-cost stormwater containment system that can support vehicle travel on its surface, requires no concrete or sewers, is self-cleaning, accessible for cleaning, or both, and does not require human access to the bottom surface for maintenance.

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system to enhance the flow of solids and liquids through a volume in the ground, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form a plurality of inclined surfaces within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

17. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form a plurality of inclined surfaces within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

22. The method of claim 17 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

23. The method of claim 17 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

24. The method of claim 17 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

25. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume in the ground, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form at least one inclined surface within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

28. The method of claim 25 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

29. The method of claim 25 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

30. The method of claim 25 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

31. The method of claim 25 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

32. The method of claim 25 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

33. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume in the ground, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form a plurality of inclined surfaces within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces or inclined surface and volume boundary, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

36. The method of claim 33 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

37. The method of claim 33 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

38. The method of claim 33 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

39. The method of claim 33 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

40. The method of claim 33 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

41. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form at least one inclined surface within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

43. The method of claim 41 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

44. The method of claim 41 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

45. The method of claim 41 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

46. The method of claim 41 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

47. The method of claim 41 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

48. The method of claim 41 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

49. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form a plurality of inclined surfaces within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces or inclined surface and volume boundary, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

51. The method of claim 49 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

52. The method of claim 49 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

53. The method of claim 49 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

54. The method of claim 49 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

55. The method of claim 49 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

56. The method of claim 49 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

57. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form at least one inclined surface within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces or inclined surface and volume boundary, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

58. The method of claim 57 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

59. The method of claim 57 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

60. The method of claim 57 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

61. The method of claim 57 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

62. The method of claim 57 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

63. The method of claim 57 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

64. The method of claim 57 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

65. A method of creating and using a stormwater containment system with enhanced flow of solids and liquids through a volume, comprising: a. depositing a first material into the volume and shaping said first material to form at least one inclined surface within the volume and to also form at least one trough between adjacent inclined surfaces or inclined surface and volume boundary, the first material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; b. covering each inclined surface with one or more layers of sheet material; c. creating or placing at least one means of flowing liquid and solids out of the system within the at least one trough; d. depositing a second material on top of the layers and the means of flowing to substantially fill the volume, the second material being discrete pieces creating voids within the volume; and e. receiving liquids and solids into the system and using the means of flowing to flow the liquids and solids through and out of the volume.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein said first and second materials are solid, porous, or hollow.

67. The method of claim 65 wherein said first and second materials are rock, stone, concrete, asphalt, brick, hollow vessels, or a mixture of these.

68. The method of claim 65 wherein the inclined surface approximates the angle of repose of the first material.

69. The method of claim 65 wherein all or part of the sheet material is geotextile or geomembrane fabric or film.

70. The method of claim 65 wherein all or part of the sheet material is metallic, molded plastic, a composite of reinforcement fiber and binding matrix resin, roof or house waterproofing material, or roofing shingles.

71. The method of claim 65 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a volume created to accept ingressing liquids and solids and allow them to flow to another location.

72. The method of claim 65 wherein said means of flowing liquids and solids out of the system is a perforated drainpipe, stacked bricks, or corrugated panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0054] So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of all embodiments are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of specific embodiments, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

[0055] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-section of the prior art underground stormwater containment system that includes a plastic paver element at the top surface and drainpipe at the bottom of the lined, flat-bottom rock bed storage volume.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of an embodiment as installed in a rock bed storage volume with arrows showing water and solids flow (dark filled arrows) and water without solids flow (outlined arrows).

[0057] FIG. 3A is an end view of the inclined panel installed over the rock fill material piled at angle of repose.

[0058] FIG. 3B is trimetric view of inclined panels placed over rock fill material that has been shaped at an inclined angle.

[0059] FIG. 3C is a trimetric view of inclined panels that are metallic, plastic or composite installed over bricks used a filler material.

[0060] FIG. 3D is a trimetric view of inclined panels installed over spheres or other objects that can be hollow or solid.

[0061] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an underground rock bed storage volume with piles of rock having sides at inclined angles and showing the progressive steps of the process that covers them with panels. It also shows an end view of a travelling conveyor and hopper system that delivers rock from the surface adjacent to the rock bed to each pile being formed.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a view orthogonal to that of FIG. 4 and showing of the operation and equipment shown of FIG. 4.

[0063] FIG. 6 is an elevation view similar in content and with the same point of view as FIG. 4, but it shows a conveyor system with added assembly consisting of an end deflection panel, side panels and guide wheels installed at the forward end of the conveyor belt. The assembly receives and directs filler material to the end of the pile being formed at a prescribed angle.

[0064] FIG. 7 is an orthogonal section of FIG. 6 and showing of the operation and equipment shown of FIG. 6.

[0065] FIGS. 8 through 10 are isometric views of part of an underground rock bed storage volume. The figures show the progression of construction of the volume.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment placed over inclined angle rock piles and drainpipes placed between the piles. FIG. 8 also shows vertical pipes used for inspection and flushing of drainpipes.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows the space between the storage volume's end wall and the first rock pile filled with rock that forms the top surface of the volume.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows more spaces between rock piles filled with more rock to form a top surface.

[0069] FIG. 11A is an elevation view showing bricks used to create the method of flowing solids and water out of the volume.

[0070] FIG. 11B is an isometric view of how the bricks shown in FIG. 11A are arranged.

[0071] FIG. 12A is an elevation view showing a corrugated metallic panel creating the path for flowing solids and water out of the volume.

[0072] FIG. 12B is an isometric view of how the panel shown in FIG. 11A is modified with openings to allow sediment and water to flow into the protected volume it creates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] The need was recognized for an improved method of operation that would permit combining the best features of all existing systems yet overcome as many of their faults as possible. The ideal system would be as cost-effective as the lowest-cost alternative (usually a pond), would allow use of the surface (like most underground systems) but not require concrete pavement on top (like a rock bed system).

[0074] A prior-art rock bed storage system comes the closest to meeting all requirements, but the challenge of preventing the accumulation of sediment, sand and debris had to be overcome if rock bed storage was to be a candidate method. Also, a method to inspect the capacity of a rock bed system from the surface would need to be implemented. A verifiable solution to these two problems would be required to obtain approval by entities such as TxDOT. These embodiments make possible a low-cost underground rock bed storage system free of the cited problems by providing greatly improved capability for self-cleaning and allowing inspection and cleaning from the surface if ever needed.

[0075] While the foregoing is directed to the specific embodiments, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which follow.

Description of Specific Embodiments

[0076] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of the prior art, specifically the design for an underground stormwater detention system recommended by the manufacturer of a permeable plastic grid product called “TRUGRID®” shown installed near the top surface of the system. The grid component is the ‘One Piece Water Permeable Paver’ patented by Stiles. The interlocking plastic paver grids 109 are filled with smaller rock 106, ¾″ clean washed aggregate or similar, to the full paver thickness 110, in this case 1.8 inches. Various manufacturers make panels to similar thickness dimensions and load-carrying capabilities.

[0077] These interlocking plastic grids 109 serve two purposes: 1) They stabilize the top layer of rock to create and maintain a smooth top surface 107 for vehicle traffic, and 2) The smaller rock 106 acts as a filter for debris and objects of a certain size or larger. Below the flat bottom of the detention/retention volume is Paving Subgrades 101, commonly sand that creates a smooth bearing surface for the bottom liner layer of Geotextile fabric 103. This layer is usually sealed at its seams to create a watertight membrane layer. Taking water away from the system to an outfall is a drainpipe 102, the manufacturer's recommended configuration being a Ø4″ Schedule 40 perforated PVC drainpipe wrapped In Geotextile Fabric. Most of the storage volume is provided by the sub-base 105, generally 1″ clean, washed angular stone that fills the volume for the storage depth 108, which provides 40% void space 104 for containment of stormwater. Additional storage volume is provided by the void space in the rock that fills the plastic paver grids to the height of the full paver thickness 110.

[0078] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of one embodiment as installed in an underground volume of depth 108. Pieces of geomembrane fabric liner 206 are seamed together to create a water containment volume with sidewalls 210 and floor 211. While permeable paver grids 109 may be used to cover the top of the storage volume as in FIG. 1, they are not required for any of the embodiments to function, nor included in any claim.

[0079] Inclined panels 201 are laid over rock 204 which has been installed on the floor 211 and shaped to achieve inclined surfaces to support the panels 201. Panels 201, which, in this embodiment are one or more layers of geomembrane fabric, can be assembled using a mix of various materials and sizes, attached together or overlapped. They can be attached to side wall 210 or floor 211 or not.

[0080] Perforated drainpipes 203 lie at the bottoms of the troughs created between adjacent inclined surfaces. The drainpipes are sized according to expected flowrates, which will vary according to system depth 108, incline angle 301 and environmental parameters previously described used for the system design capacity. Drainpipes may be constructed and joined using any conventional materials and methods.

[0081] Rock 207 is installed above the panels 201. Rain 209 falling on the top surface of rock 215 will combine with previously deposited solids such as sand, soil, dirt, sediment, or organic matter. Arrows show the resultant water and solids (stormwater) flow 208 (represented by the dark filled arrows). This stormwater 208 flowing down through the rock bed contacts panels 201 and is deflected by them. The deflected stormwater 202 flows down the incline formed by panels 201 with increasing velocity due to the mass of stormwater steadily increasing as water travels further downward and rainfall of a large surface area is concentrated further together at the bottom. Increased velocity of solids translates to less solids left behind on the inclined surfaces. At the bottom of the trough 214 between adjacent panels, the total amount of water flowing into the pipes is equal to all the water that fell on the top surface area between the crests 213 of adjacent rows of rock piles. Once reaching the bottom of the trough between inclined panels, stormwater carries solids into the perforated drainpipes 203.

[0082] Water that has stagnated at the bottom of the trough 214 formed by adjacent inclined panels will tend to leave any solids it carried down at the lowest point near the drainpipe where it eventually flows into the drainpipe and out of the system. If there is more water flowing into the system than can run out through the drainpipes, the level of standing water at the bottom of the system will rise accordingly. The rising water without solids (represented by outlined arrows) 205 is free to flow upward into the volume of rock 204 under the inclined surfaces. For this embodiment, it enters these covered volumes through protected overlapping openings 212. Water with sediment flowing down to the trough bottom 214 over the openings 212 will not enter through them. Water travelling upward through openings in panels 201 leaves its solids on the bottom. This maintains the covered volume of rock 204 free from solids accumulation. Openings 212 can instead be slits or slots cut in panels after placement. These can be covered with adhesive tape to create a flap that is open at its bottom edge, or a separate overlapping piece mechanically attached to the panel 201 also open at its bottom edge. The openings can also simply be gaps left between adjacent or overlapping panels.

[0083] FIG. 3A is an end view of the panel 201 installed over the rock 204. When rock is poured from above onto a pile in one spot, it creates a pile in the shape of a cone, with angled sides and roughly circular base. The angle of the cone above the horizontal is called the angle of repose for the rock, and it varies by type and shape of rock, but only slightly. Angles of repose are all roughly 45 degrees from horizontal. If the pour point of rock from above the pile translates at a constant velocity along a horizontal line, the resultant pile is a shape shown in FIGS. 3A (end view) and 3B (trimetric view). The angle of repose is still present but instead of circular piles, the piles are linear with a crest 213 parallel to the line of travel of the pouring device. While this embodiment shows rock 204 being used to fill the volume, creating an angle of repose 301, other embodiments can use a mix of many types of rock, crushed concrete pieces, or crushed asphalt pieces. Some or all objects filling the volume can be attached together, either rigidly or flexibly. Further, the resultant angle produced by the fill materials can vary widely and still function as intended.

[0084] FIG. 3B is trimetric view of a panel placed 201 over rock that has been shaped at an inclined angle, which, in this embodiment is close to or at the angle of repose 301 for the rock used. Panels 201 can be single pieces, or multiple pieces and of of varying shapes and sizes. The pieces can be installed with an overlap 306, connected or neither. Panels may be of many different materials both rigid and flexible. Materials for panels should not be adversely affected by water over time in order for the system to maintain performance over long periods. This embodiment provides for panels 201 of geomembrane fabric or similar flexible fabric specially designed for use in underground applications. To install, it is easily handled manually with no special equipment, and can be seamed together by hand using hot air seam sealers. Alternatively, edges of adjacent panels can be overlapped as they come off a roll or unfolded and positioned by hand. A sufficient overlap distance will prevent stormwater flowing downward from travelling sideways and entering the volume 204. Panels can also be handled and placed by conventional or specialized machinery if it is of benefit to the installer.

[0085] FIG. 3C is trimetric view of alternate embodiments. Inclined panels can alternatively be solid plastic, molded fiberglass-epoxy composite panels 302, or metallic pieces 303. Panels can be recycled or repurposed, or an assemblage of two or more of these materials. Fill material in this embodiment is bricks and brick pieces 304, new or recycled, broken or whole, forming a crest 213.

[0086] FIG. 3D is trimetric view of an embodiment that utilizes inclined panels alternately consisting of roofing shingles 307 or roofing waterproofing paper or house waterproofing material 308 installed over man-made objects 305 that offer functionality as a filler material. Shingles 307 may be separate or attached to one another using conventional methods and materials (not shown). Pieces of paper or material 308 may be overlapped or joined together using conventional methods and materials (not shown). Objects 305 may be hollow or solid. Objects 305 can be poured concrete, molded plastic, molded fiberglass-epoxy composite, or metallic. They can be attached to one another or detached.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of an underground rock bed storage volume with piles of rock having inclined sides at angles 301. It shows the progressive steps of the process that 1) forms the pile (rightmost), 2) covers it with panels (pile in the middle) and 3) fills the rest of the system to the top (between the leftmost pile and the sidewall 210). It also shows an end view of a conventional travelling conveyor 406 and hopper system 404 that operates adjacent to and aligned with each pile being formed. Direction arrows show the movement of rock deposited into the hopper 404. Rock 405 flows out the bottom of the hopper 404 and onto the conveyor belt 407 of the moving conveyor apparatus 406. After being centralized into a smaller zone by the conveyor's side panels 402, Rock 403 falls off the end of the belt to the location of the rockpile being formed. Dropped rock flows in the direction 401 down the sides of the pile as it gradually forms angle 301.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a view orthogonal to that of FIG. 4 and shows operation of the equipment shown in FIG. 4. Rock 405 is meted out from the hopper 404 onto the belt 407 of the conventional moving conveyor apparatus 406. Large arrows 504 show the direction of the whole conveyor device as the belt delivers rock 506 off the end. Rock 506 is carried to the end of the belt 407 where it falls into a funnel 507 and is concentrated into a small area as it flows through. Falling rock 403 is deposited onto the pile being formed. The rock 503 falls in a manner that forms inclined surfaces at the angle of repose for the type of rock being used and with crest 213 of approximately even height. The conveyor 406 travels at constant speed on the surface 502 adjacent to the rock bed volume. As the process progresses, the conveyor 406 proceeds in the direction of the arrows 504 and creates a pile of rock with even surfaces 502 and approximately linear crest 213.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a view similar in content and with the same point of view as FIG. 4, but it shows an alternate configuration for the conveyor system with added end deflection panel 601, side forms 602 and guide wheels 603. The end deflection panel 601 and side forms 602 are attached to the end of the conveyor 501 and are supported above the floor of the storage volume 211 by wheels 603. These assembled components at the end of the conveyor belt receive and direct rock 506 and direct it to flow to the end of the pile 604 being formed. With the side forms 602, they more directly and consistently form the inclined surfaces from the rock as they travel along with the conveyor. The end deflection panel 601 and side forms 602 are a mechanical method to assist in forming the angle of repose that offers more control and speed to the process while reducing the criticality of controlling the conveyor velocity to get an even surface 502.

[0090] FIG. 7 is an orthogonal section of FIG. 6. This view shows how rock from the conveyor falls onto the rock being restrained and formed by the end deflection panel 601 and side forms 602. This rock will flow down as far as it can to establish a stable, packed volume 701 at the angle which the side forms 602 attach to the end panel.

[0091] The equipment and arrangements shown are, in the opinion of the inventor, the most cost-efficient methods of producing the desired configuration for outfitting a storage volume. Most components are conventional units commercially available from several manufacturers, and the ones that are not can be easily fabricated. While these figures show what is understood to be two of the most direct and effective methods of depositing fill materials into the volume, this process can also be accomplished by any suitable conventional method of conveying and placing the materials being used, including placing and shaping fill material by hand using implements like shovels, or rock piled on tarps and dragged to their position by hand. Various standard earthmoving machines can also be used to accomplish the same task. Piles of fill do not have to be formed into lines—In other embodiments, they may remain as-deposited in conical shapes, or curved paths of any manner feasible and covered accordingly.

[0092] FIGS. 8 through 10 are isometric views of part of an underground rock bed storage volume. The figures show the progression of construction of the volume. FIG. 8 shows the embodiment placed over inclined angle rock piles and drainpipes 203 placed between the piles. Stormwater 208 that has carried solids with it down the inclined panels 201 flows into the perforations 801 in the drainpipes 203 and the resultant flow 802 takes it out of the storage system to an outfall. This view also shows how inclined panels 201 can be placed on the rock piles 204 with their edges overlapped. Vertical pipes with curved connectors 803 are connected to drainpipes 203 and extend to above the design level 901. These vertical pipes with curved connectors 803 provide access for inspecting drainpipes 203 using fiberoptic camera and also provide access to insert high-pressure water into drainpipes 203 for purposes of flushing drainpipes 203 if ever needed.

[0093] FIG. 9 shows the space between the storage volume's wall 210 and the first rock pile filled with rock that forms the top surface 215 of the volume. Once the drainpipes 203 have been placed and joined to successive pipes downstream to route the water out of the system, fill rock 207 is placed in the areas on top of the panels 201 to the design level 901 for the system. This level will cover the crests 213 and will commonly be flush with ground adjacent to storage volume edge 503.

[0094] FIG. 10 shows more spaces between rock piles filled with more rock 207 to form a top surface 215 suitable for vehicle or pedestrian travel, parking, or storage. It may be seen that other embodiments will vary the shapes and dimensions of shaped piles. Pile heights and spacing between piles are not critical and can be adjusted to suit an application. The sizes and depths of resultant systems are not limited by the method.

[0095] FIG. 11A is an elevation view showing bricks used to create the method of flowing solids and water out of the volume. Conventional bricks 1101 may be arranged along the trough 214 between adjacent inclined panels as shown to create a protected volume 1102, through which solids and water can flow. As the trough may be curved or straight, the bricks can be arranged to fit the path it takes between adjacent piles.

[0096] FIG. 11B is an isometric view of how the bricks shown in FIG. 11A are arranged. Spaces 1103 between bricks at the bottom allow solids and water to flow into the protected volume 1102.

[0097] FIG. 12A is an elevation view showing a corrugated metallic panel 1201 being used to create the method of flowing solids and water out of the volume. The panel's curved shape imparts the strength it will need to withstand the weight of rocks piled on it.

[0098] FIG. 12B is an isometric view of how the panel shown in FIG. 12A is modified with openings 1203 to allow sediment and water to flow into its protected volume 1202.

TABLE-US-00001 List of Reference Numerals No Description  101 Paving Subgrades (Sand)  102 ∅4″ Schedule 40 Perforated Plastic Drainpipe Wrapped In Geotextile or Geomembrane Fabric  103 Geotextile or Geomembrane Fabric  104 Rock's 40% Void Space For Detention  105 Rock Sub-Base: 1″ Clean, Washed Angular Stone  106 Rock Fill Material for Grid: 1.8″ Depth Of ¾″ Clean Washed Aggregate  107 Top Surface of Plastic Paver Grid Pieces  108 Rock Bed Storage Depth Dimension  109 Plastic Paver Grid Device  110 Thickness of Plastic Paver Grid Device (Approximately Two Inches)  201 Inclined Panel  202 Stormwater Collected by, and Redirected by Inclined Panel  203 Perforated Drainpipe Between Inclined Panels  204 Rock Installed under Inclined Panels  205 Water Flowing Into Covered Volume Through Opening in Adjacent Panels.  206 Geomembrane Fabric Liner for storage volume  207 Rock Installed Over Inclined Panels  208 Stormwater Flowing Through Rock Bed  209 Rain Falling on Top Surface  210 Wall of Storage Volume  211 Floor of Storage Volume  212 Protected Overlapping Opening in Incline Panel Allowing Water Flow upward into covered volume  213 Crest of Rock or Other Fill Material Installed under Inclined Panels  214 Trough between Inclined Panels under Drainpipe  215 Top Surface of Storage Volume  301 Incline Angle to Horizontal/Angle of Repose  302 Plastic or Composite Panel  303 Metal Panels  304 Bricks, whole or broken  305 Hollow or solid objects  306 Overlap of One Panel 201 over an adjacent Panel 201  307 Roofing Shingles  308 Roofing Waterproofing Paper or House Waterproofing Material  401 Flow of Rock Downward to Form Angled Incline Pile  402 Conveyor Side Panels Directing Rock into A Small Area of Deposit onto Pile  403 Rock Falling from Conveyor onto Pile  404 Overhead Hopper Feeding Mobile Conveyor  405 Rock Falling from Hopper onto Conveyor  406 Mobile Conveyor Truck Travelling at Constant Speed Toward Rock Bed Volume  407 Conveyor with Belt Surface  501 Rock Free Flowing to Achieve Angle of Repose and Form Inclined Planes on Either Side of Crest 213  502 Ground Adjacent to Storage Volume Edge  503 Rock Travelling Down Pile to Form Incline Angle 301, Which Is Angle of Repose for That Type of Rock (approx. 45°)  504 Direction of Conveyor Truck Travel  505 Direction of Rock Travelling on Conveyor  506 Rock Travelling on Conveyor  507 Funnel Directing Rock into A Small Area of Deposit onto Pile  601 End Deflection Panel Creating Barrier for Rock Formation and Enhancing Rock Flow Toward Side Forms 602  602 Side Forms Creating Barrier for Rock Flow at Angle of Repose for More Consistent Surface Formation  603 Guide Wheels at Bottom of End Panel Prevent it from Digging into bottom of Storage Volume  604 Flow Direction Of Rock Falling Down Between Side Panels 602  701 Rock formed at Angle of Repose by Side Panels Ready for Covering  801 Perforations in Top Halves of Drainpipes  802 Direction of Flow of Water and Solids toward Outfall (Exit) for the System  803 Vertical pipe sections with curved connectors feed into Drainpipe 203 for inspection and flushing of Drainpipe 203 1101 Bricks Arranged to Create Protected Space for Flow of Water and Solids 1102 Protected Space Created by Bricks 1103 Spaces Between Bricks 1201 Corrugated Panel 1202 Protected Space Created by Corrugated Panel 1203 Openings in Corrugated Panel

Operation of Specific Embodiments

[0099] The embodiments all provide a method that requires little or no maintenance and functions with no intervention or monitoring. Solid matter will collect on the surface of the system on a continuous basis. The larger solid pieces that are unable to fit between rocks will remain on the top of the surface. These pieces either remain and get vacuumed up during maintenance operations or decompose further and then flow downward. When storms occur, the runoff and direct rainfall will enter the system and wash the smaller solids down into the volume with it. Solids movement occurs when stormwater is flowing through the system. Once the water has drained out, the system is static and accruing more solids on the top surface until the next storm event.

[0100] Stormwater 208 including the solid particles flows down through the rock bed, contacts inclined panels 201 and travels down the panels toward the trough 214 between them. Because the surface is on an incline and relatively smooth, water and solids flow down the incline at an increased velocity. The collected volume continuously increases as more volume flows downward and joins the flow moving down the incline.

[0101] The deflected stormwater 202 flows down the inclined panels 201 increasing its velocity as it progresses due to the mass of stormwater steadily increasing as water travels further downward and collects more vertical flow. An increased flow rate carries sediment more effectively because it has more kinetic energy behind it. While some of the solids will be permanently trapped by the rocks where flow paths are blocked and become clogged, this amount is relatively small and finite, and water flow carries remaining and subsequent solids through the rocks to the bottom of the inclined surfaces and into drainpipes.

[0102] Water with sediment flows over the opening 212 and down to the trough bottom 214. Water that has stagnated at the bottom will tend to leave any solids it carried down at the lowest point near the drainpipe 203 where it eventually flows into the drainpipe 203 and out of the system when flow increases again. At the bottom of the trough 214 the total amount of water flowing into the pipes is equal to all the water that fell on the top surface area between the crests 213 of adjacent rows of rock piles. The embodiments show the drainpipes 203 being perforated on their upper surfaces only. This leaves the bottom portion of the pipes' interior surfaces smooth, which will better carry water and solids across the volume and to an outfall. Alternatively, the drainpipes 203 can have perforations (holes) around all or part of the surface, when the resultant changes in their flow performance are deemed acceptable. Instead of drainpipes 203, some embodiments show bricks 1101 and corrugated metal panel 1201 providing the method for conveying solids and water through the system and out.

[0103] If water levels at the bottom of the volume are too high to allow immediate entry into drainpipes 203, water 205 can change direction and enter the covered volumes 204 under the inclined panels 201 through openings 212. Other embodiments provide this access by simply leaving seams or overlaps between adjacent panels partially or completely detached, or edges of panels and adjacent side walls partially or completely detached. Since the flow of water 205 is in an upward direction at low velocity, solids being carried by it will be settled out at the bottom of the trough, and little or no solids will flow into the covered volumes 204, which will keep volumes 204 free from solids buildup. At least most of this water will eventually flow back out through the openings 212 and into the drainpipes 203 to exit the system.

[0104] The standard maintenance of this system is vacuum cleaning of the top surface 215. This may be combined with sweeping and or grading of the rock at the top surface 215. If there are plastic paver grids 109 installed, they are not disturbed, but may require replenishing of the smaller rock 106 to restore their top surfaces 107.

[0105] Vertical pipes 803, if added to the system, are used to inspect their adjacent connected drainpipes 203 using conventional inspection methods such as a fiberoptic cable and a remote inspection camera. It is not anticipated there will be buildup, but if there is, this method allows the system owner to find and remediate it. If a drainpipe 203 is found to be clogged for some reason, the vertical pipe 803 attached to it allows access for insertion of a common sewer jetter flushing device to clear it.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0106] Prior art underground rock bed stormwater collection systems would be utilized more if they didn't suffer from the problems cited. Their greatest problems are ingesting sediment without effectively removing it, and not providing practical methods for inspection and removing solids or sediment. This will eventually lead to capacity reduction and reduced system function. Because regulating authorities expect stormwater collection systems to function indefinitely, most insist they be designed to allow maintenance, and that maintenance keeps them in a suitable state of function. These embodiments provide a novel method that overcomes those shortfalls. This method has been tested and proven with full-scale test apparatus under controlled test conditions.

[0107] The embodiments provided will either reduce or eliminate the accumulation of sediment, sand, and solid debris from collecting within a storage system filled with rocks or similar materials. They accomplish this by including inclined surfaces inside of a volume while allowing it to retain a flat bottom. A flat bottom is beneficial to have in designs of stormwater collection systems. This method allows the whole flat-bottomed volume to be used to retain/detain stormwater, but water and sediment entering the system runs down inclined surfaces that increase their velocities. The faster-flowing water is able to better wash out sand and sediment from in between rocks that make up the volume.

[0108] These embodiments solve the larger problem of high underground storage system costs by solving the smaller problem of making a lower-cost method work properly. While it uses no new materials or structures, it shows how to create an underground storage volume that is self-cleaning and maintainable from above ground. It eliminates the need for concrete, expensive underground volumetric structures, man-rated access, underground filter systems (and cleaning of same), surface pavement and storm sewers to collect and direct water into the underground systems.

[0109] If property owners are required to increase their stormwater retention capacities, they would undoubtedly look at implementing this method, as it is retrofittable almost anywhere there is a parking lot. The existing area can be converted to a combination underground rock bed storage volume with parking lot on the surface.

[0110] Methods to re-use or recycle building and construction materials will always be sought. One or more embodiments described here allows for materials originally used for other intents and purposes to be used or re-used to construct the inclined panels, fill material and drainpipes. If low-cost sources of these are available to the system builder, the total cost of the completed system will be reduced considerably.