Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to drainage systems. The present invention further relates to methods of manufacturing drainage systems. The present invention still further relates to methods of providing drainage using a drainage material. Example embodiments are particularly suited to provision of a combined drainage, storage and attenuation layer, for example a drainage, storage and attenuation layer in a green roof.

Background to the Invention

In geotechnical engineering, man made materials are often used in place of soil, clay, rock and the like to provide solutions to geotechnical engineering problems such as providing drainage. One application for such materials is in provision of a moisture barrier to separate soil from an underlying structure, for example as a moisture barrier in a green roof system.

One of the advantages of a green roof is the capacity of the roof to absorb rainwater and thereby reduce the peak flow of rainwater into subsequent drainage systems. This reduces the risk of flooding the subsequent drainage systems. The capacity to spread drainage load over time contributes to a sustainable drainage system (often referred to as SUDS).

Problems arise when a green roof is not able to absorb rainwater as designed, for example if there are repeated heavy rainfall events in quick succession. In this situation the green roof may become saturated, with further rain falling on the saturated roof becoming run off and thereby increasing the risk of flooding. A partial solution to this problem is to increase the amount of water that the green roof can absorb. However, this may lead to increased materials costs, and to increased load on the roof structure.

The problem of saturation may be exacerbated by changes to characteristics of a green roof over time. Some factors relevant to the capacity of the green roof to absorb rainwater may not be known at the time of installation of the green roof. For example, the soil and planting characteristics may change over time, and may cause deterioration in the SUDS performance of the green roof by affecting the storage capacity of the roof.

Example embodiments of the present invention aim to address at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise. Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a drainage system, the system comprising: a drainage component for supporting material above a first side thereof, and including openings to allow fluid communication between the first side thereof and a second side thereof; and

a fluid channelling component arranged to channel fluid from the openings.

Herein, the term "fluid" is to be understood as including any non-solid substance, for example liquids, gases, and combinations thereof.

Suitably, the openings comprise drainage openings. Suitably, the drainage component is arranged in use with the first side of the drainage component upward, and arranged to receive fluid draining down onto the drainage system.

Suitably, the system further comprises a substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged between the drainage component and the substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, the fluid channelling component rests on the substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, the fluid channelling component and the substantially fluid impermeable component extend over substantially the same area. Suitably, the fluid channelling component and the substantially fluid impermeable component are in direct contact across substantially the whole of the area of the drainage system. Suitably, the substantially fluid impermeable component comprises a sheet material. Suitably, the substantially fluid impermeable component is bonded to the fluid channelling component, or is otherwise integral with the fluid channelling component. Suitably, the substantially fluid impermeable component comprises a base layer in the drainage system. Suitably, the drainage system comprises a cushioning layer. Suitably, the drainage system comprises a conforming layer, arranged to compress or expand and conform in use with a surface on which the drainage system is applied. Suitably, the conforming layer is arranged to maintain, in use, close contact between the fluid channelling component and the substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, the conforming layer is arranged to maintain, in use, the fluid channelling layer in generally planar arrangement, by conforming and cushioning irregularities of the surface onto which the drainage system is in use applied. Suitably, the cushioning/conforming/base layer comprises a neoprene or other rubber type material.

Suitably, the fluid channelling component receives fluid from the openings to channel fluid from the openings. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a sheet material. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a fluid permeable material. Suitably, the permeability of the fluid channelling layer controls the rate of channelling of fluid in the drainage system. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a textile material. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a non-woven textile, a woven textile, or a combination thereof. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a plastics material. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a polypropylene material. Suitably, the fluid channelling component comprises a long staple fibre material, a short fibre material, a continuous filament material, or a combination thereof.

Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage component, preferably from the drainage openings and to channel said fluid in the plane of the sheet. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage openings and to channel said fluid wholly in the plane of the sheet. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage openings and to channel said fluid beyond the extent of the drainage component. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage openings and to channel said fluid to the edge of the drainage system. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage openings and to channel said fluid out of the drainage system at a controlled rate.

Suitably, the drainage component and fluid channelling medium cooperate to provide a drainage peak flow attenuation effect, wherein in use the drainage component provides a volume for fluid storage within the drainage system. Suitably, the fluid channelling component provides a volume for fluid storage within the drainage system. Suitably, the drainage component cooperates with the fluid channelling medium to provide a controlled release of fluid from the drainage system. Suitably, the rate of release of fluid from the drainage system via the fluid channelling medium is in use principally dependent on the volume of fluid stored in the drainage component. Suitably the volume for fluid storage comprises a fluid buffer.

Suitably, the drainage component comprises a sheet material. Suitably, the first and second sides of the drainage component are opposite faces of a sheet. Suitably, the fluid channelling layer is in contact with the second side of the drainage component.

Suitably, the drainage component and the fluid channelling component are in contact with one another. Suitably, the drainage component and the fluid channelling component are in contact with one another around the drainage openings. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is in contact with the second side of the drainage component.

Suitably, the drainage component comprises collection recesses. Suitably, the collection recesses provide a volume for fluid storage within the drainage system. Suitably, the collection recesses are of substantially similar shape to each other. Suitably, the collection recesses are distributed in regular arrangement across the drainage component. Suitably, one or more of the collection recesses comprises a drainage opening therein. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to extend through the drainage component into one or more of the collection recesses. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged to extend from the second side of the drainage component, through the drainage component to the first side of the drainage component. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged, in use to extend into, preferably to extend through one or more of the drainage openings. Suitably, on the first side of the drainage component, portions of the fluid channelling component are located between the substantially impermeable component and the drainage component. Suitably, on the first side of the drainage component portions of the fluid channelling component are arranged under portions of the substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, on the second side of the drainage component portions of the fluid channelling component are arranged above portions of the substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, the fluid channelling layer is bounded on one side by portions of the drainage component and on the other side by the substantially fluid impermeable component.

In some embodiments, a drainage opening is provided in only a fraction of the collection recesses, for example in half of the collection recesses. In other embodiments each collection recess comprises a drainage opening therein. In some embodiments, collection recesses comprise a plurality of drainage openings therein. References to the arrangement of collection recesses and drainage openings set out below are to be taken as relating to those collection recesses in which a drainage opening is present. As will be appreciated, providing collection recesses in which no drainage openings are present gives the drainage system a fluid storage capacity which is useful in providing irrigation for vegetation growing on the green roof in periods of drought.

Suitably, the collection recesses comprise a drainage opening at the lowermost part thereof. Suitably, lower, preferably lowermost parts of the collection recesses contact the fluid channelling component. Suitably, the first side of the drainage component forms concave surfaces of the recesses. Suitably, the collection recesses are coupled at load-sharing grooves below the uppermost regions of the collection recesses, the load-sharing grooves arranged to enable fluid communication between adjacent recesses without the recesses overflowing. Suitably, one or more of the drainage openings is at least partially surrounded by a border of material in contact with the fluid channelling layer. Suitably, the border of material comprises a band of material around the drainage opening, the band of material in contact with the fluid channelling component. Suitably, the drainage openings are generally circular in shape. In other embodiments square drainage openings, or drainage openings of other regular or irregular shapes are envisaged. Suitably, the drainage openings are of substantially similar shape to each other. Suitably, the drainage openings are distributed in regular arrangement across the drainage material. Suitably, the drainage openings comprise more than 1 % of the area of the drainage component, preferably more than 2% of the area, more preferably more than 5%, preferably more than 10% , for example more than 20% of the area of the first face. Suitably, the drainage openings comprise up to 20% of the area of the drainage component, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, preferably up to 2%, for example up to 1 % of the area of the first face. In especially preferred embodiments, the drainage openings comprise approximately 3% of the area of the first face.

Suitably, the drainage openings have a major dimension of less than 100mm across the first face. Suitably, the drainage openings have a major dimension of greater than 2mm across the first face. Suitably, the drainage openings have a diameter in the range 5mm to 25mm, preferably in the range 10 to 20mm, more preferably in the range 12 to 15mm.

Suitably, the openings comprise overflow openings. Suitably, the drainage component comprises drainage openings and overflow openings. Suitably, one or more of the overflow openings provide a fluid drainage path between the first side of the drainage component and the second side thereof. Suitably, one or more of the overflow openings are provided in the drainage component relatively further from the fluid channelling component than the drainage openings. Suitably, in use one or more of the overflow openings are provided above the drainage openings. Suitably, in use one or more of the overflow openings are provided at the highest point of the first side of the drainage component. Suitably, one or more of the overflow openings are at least partially surrounded by a border of material not in contact with the fluid channelling layer. Suitably, the border of material comprises a band of material around the overflow openings, the band of material not in contact with the fluid channelling component. Suitably, one or more of the overflow openings is arranged to allow fluid to pass from the first side of the drainage component into a void between the second side of the drainage component and the fluid channelling component.

Suitably, the overflow openings are generally circular in shape. In other embodiments square overflow openings, or overflow openings of other regular or irregular shapes are envisaged. Suitably, the overflow openings are of substantially similar shape to each other. Suitably, the overflow openings are distributed in regular arrangement across the drainage material. Suitably, the overflow openings comprise more than 1 % of the area of the drainage component, preferably more than 2% of the area, more preferably more than 5%, preferably more than 10%, for example more than 20% of the area of the first face. Suitably, the overflow openings comprise up to 20% of the area of the drainage component, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, preferably up to 2%, for example up to 1 % of the area of the first face. In especially preferred embodiments, the drainage openings comprise approximately 3% of the area of the first face.

Suitably, the overflow openings have a major dimension of less than 100mm across the first face. Suitably, the overflow openings have a major dimension of greater than 2mm across the first face. Suitably, the overflow openings have a diameter in the range 5mm to 25mm, preferably in the range 10 to 20mm, more preferably in the range 12-15mm.

Suitably, the drainage component is substantially fluid impermeable other than at the openings. Suitably, the drainage component is made of a substantially fluid impermeable material and/or has a substantially fluid impermeable layer, other than at the openings. Suitably, the drainage component is made of a substantially fluid impermeable material and/or has a substantially fluid impermeable surface. Suitably, the drainage component comprises a plastics material, preferably a HDPE material.

In other embodiments the drainage component comprises a fluid permeable material. Suitably, the drainage component comprises an open cellular material. Suitably, the drainage component comprises a rubber crumb material. Suitably, in embodiments in which the drainage component comprises a fluid permeable material, the drainage openings and overflow openings may comprise in combination micro openings of the fluid permeable material and macro openings. Suitably, the macro openings are as described above. Suitably, the micro openings provide a controlled resistance to fluid flow there-through.

Suitably, the fluid channelling component is fixedly coupled to the drainage component. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is fixedly coupled to the drainage component by adhesive, or by bonding, or by a thermal or other welding process. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is coupled to the drainage components at a border of material at or around one or more, for example at each of the drainage openings.

Suitably, the drainage system further comprises a drainage recess cover. Suitably, the drainage recess cover comprises a fluid permeable material. Suitably, the drainage recess cover is arranged in use to maintain growing medium and plant material away from the drainage openings. Suitably, the drainage recess cover is arranged in use to maintain growing medium and plant material away from the overflow openings. Suitably, the drainage recess cover comprises a textile material. Suitably, drainage recess cover comprises a non-woven textile, a woven textile or a combination thereof. Suitably, the drainage recess cover comprises a plastics material. Suitably, the drainage recess cover comprises a polypropylene material. Suitably, the drainage recess cover comprises a long staple fibre material, a short fibre material, a continuous filament material, or a combination thereof.

Suitably, the fluid is water, or an aqueous solution.

Suitably, the drainage system is suitable for use in a green roof system. Suitably, the drainage component is suitable for supporting a growing medium above a first side thereof. Suitably, the drainage system comprises a green roof drainage system. Suitably, the drainage system comprises a growing medium above the first side of the drainage component. Suitably, the drainage component is suitable for supporting material in the form of block paving, decking or other structural, earthen or related materials above the first side thereof.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a drainage system, the method comprising bringing a drainage component including openings to allow communication between the first side thereof and a second side thereof into contact with a fluid channelling component, such that in use the fluid channelling component is arranged to channel fluid from the openings.

Suitably, the drainage component and fluid channelling component are substantially as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention above, and operate in the ways described in relation to the first aspect of the invention above. Suitably, the fluid channelling component is arranged in use to receive fluid from the openings and/or to channel fluid to the openings. Suitably, the method further comprises providing a substantially impermeable component. Suitably, the substantially impermeable component is provided such that the fluid channelling component lies between the drainage component and the substantially fluid impermeable component. Suitably, the method comprises resting the fluid channelling component on the substantially impermeable component. Suitably, the method comprises coupling the fluid channelling component to the substantially impermeable component. Suitably, the coupling comprises adhering or welding the substantially impermeable component to the fluid channelling component. Suitably, the substantially impermeable component is substantially as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention above. Suitably, the method further comprises coupling the drainage component to the fluid channelling component. Suitably, the coupling comprises adhering or welding the drainage component to the fluid channelling component. Suitably, the method further comprises providing a drainage recess cover. Suitably, the drainage recess cover is substantially as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention above. Suitably, the method comprises coupling the drainage component to the drainage recess cover. Suitably, the method comprises providing growing medium onto the drainage recess cover.

In a third aspect the present invention provides a method of providing drainage using a the drainage material of the first aspect, or a drainage material manufactured according to the second aspect, the method comprising installing the drainage material on a surface to be drained.

Suitably, the method comprises providing drainage for a surface to be drained which is part of a structure. Suitably, the method comprises providing drainage for a roof. Suitably, the method comprises covering the drainage component with a growing medium.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a drainage component for assembly into the drainage system. Suitably, the drainage component is substantially as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention above.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts comprising the drainage component of the fourth aspect, and one or more of: a fluid channelling component, a substantially impermeable component, a drainage recess cover, and a growing medium. Brief Introduction to the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the upper side of a drainage component according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the drainage component of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the upper side of a drainage component according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a drainage component according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a side sectional view of the drainage component of Figure 1 as part of a drainage structure;

Figure 5a shows a side section view of a drainage component according to another example embodiment of the present invention as part of a drainage structure; Figure 6 shows a side sectional view schematically illustrating fluid flow paths in the drainage system of Figure 5;

Figure 6a shows a side section view schematically illustrating fluid flow paths in the drainage system of Figure 5a;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the upper side of a drainage component according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the drainage component of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a side sectional view of the drainage component of Figure 7 as part of a drainage structure; and

Figure 10 shows a side sectional view schematically illustrating fluid flow paths in the drainage system of Figure 9

Description of Example Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the upper side of a drainage component 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The drainage component 10 comprises a sheet of substantially impermeable plastics material with openings formed therein. The openings allow fluid communication between the first, upper side 1 1 of the drainage component and a second, lower side 12 of the drainage component. The openings comprise drainage openings 2 provided at the bottom of concave recesses 4. The openings further comprise overflow openings 6 provided above the drainage openings 2, at raised portions of the drainage component 10. Figure 2 shows the component of Figure 1 in plan view. Figures 3 and 4 show related embodiments in which the arrangement of openings on the drainage component 10 is different to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. The drainage component is in use incorporated into a green roof system. Figure 5 shows a side sectional view of a green roof system including the drainage component 10. Supported above the drainage component 10 is growing medium M. A fluid channelling component 20 is associated with the drainage component 10, and is arranged to receive fluid from the openings 2, 6 and to channel fluid from the openings 2, 6.

Herein, the term "fluid" is to be understood as including any non-solid substance, for example liquids, gases, and combinations thereof, but in typical green roof applications the fluid will comprise water such as rain water, melt-water or the like.

The fluid channelling component 20 comprises a sheet of fluid permeable, continuous filament textile material, and is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage openings 2 and to channel said fluid in the plane of the sheet of the fluid channelling component 20. The fluid channelling component 20 is arranged to receive fluid from the drainage openings 6 and to channel said fluid to out of the drainage system at a controlled rate.

Fluid is prevented from seeping from the fluid channelling component 20 onto the roof R by a substantially impermeable component 30 which contacts the fluid channelling component 20 and the roof R. The fluid channelling component 20 is arranged between the drainage component 10 and the substantially fluid impermeable component 30. In the example embodiment shown, the substantially fluid impermeable component is a neoprene rubber layer of for example 2mm thickness. This material provides cushioning at the base of the drainage system, conforming to irregularities on the roof R as it is compressed onto the roof by the higher layers. The cushioning and conforming ensures that the fluid channelling component 20 and the substantially impermeable component 30 are in close, substantially gap-free contact with one another. In this arrangement the drainage system constrains the fluid drainage path to within the fluid channelling component 20. That is, no gaps are provided between the fluid channelling component 20 and the substantially impermeable component 30 through which fluid may drain, meaning that the drainage characteristics are not impacted by variations in the surface of the roof R. In other embodiments, the fluid channelling component 20 and substantially impermeable component 30 may be bonded to one another, or be integral with one another so that no gaps are formed there-between for fluid to drain through.

The drainage component 10 and the fluid channelling component 20 are in contact with one another around the drainage openings at the bottom of the collection recesses 4. The drainage openings 2 are surrounded by a border of material in contact with the fluid channelling layer 20, and fluid draining through the drainage openings is therefore required to pass into and along the fluid channelling layer 20 to drain from the bottom of the collection recesses 4. Figure 5 also shows a drainage recess cover 40. The drainage recess cover comprises a fluid permeable material in the form of a non-woven textile sheet of plastic-based, long staple fibre material. The drainage recess cover in use maintains growing medium M and plant material away from the drainage openings 2, by separating the growing medium M from the collection recesses 4.

Figure 6 shows the drainage system of Figure 5 in isolation from the growing medium M and the roof R, but with fluid paths indicated symbolically with arrows. When fluid seeps down through the growing medium M under gravity it passes through the drainage recess cover 40 and into the collection recesses 4. Thereafter, fluid passes into the fluid channelling layer 20 and is channelled away from the drainage openings 2 according to the hydrostatic pressure exerted by fluid in the collection recesses 4, and the wicking effect of the fluid channelling layer 20. The rate of fluid flow will depend on the depth of fluid collected in the collection recess 4, the area of the fluid channelling layer 20 exposed to fluid ingress via the drainage opening 2 and the permeability and degree of saturation of the fluid channelling layer 20. However, the growing medium M is not a factor that impacts on the rate of fluid flow, when considering fluid that has entered the collection recesses 4. In addition to enabling drainage from the drainage openings 2, the system of Figures 5 and 6 provides the ability for fluid to pass from the growing medium M or from the collection recesses 4 through the overflow openings 6. The overflow openings 6 provide a fluid drainage path between the first, upper side 1 1 of the drainage component 10 and the second, lower side 12 thereof. The overflow openings 6 are provided above the drainage openings 2, in the example embodiments shown in position at the highest point of the first side of the drainage component 10. The overflow openings 6 are arranged to allow fluid to pass from the first, upper side 1 1 of the drainage component 10 into a void between the second, lower side 12 of the drainage component 10 and the fluid channelling component 20. The void in question is located between collection recesses 4.

Figures 5a and 6a show a further embodiment of the drainage system in which collection recesses 4 of the drainage component 10 are provided with a fluid channelling component 20 and substantially fluid impermeable component 30 there-within. In these embodiments the passage of fluid from the collection recesses 4 occurs as fluid passes through the plane of the fluid channelling component 20 between the first side of the drainage component 10 and the substantially fluid impermeable component 30. Fluid is then channelled by the fluid channelling component 20 to the drainage openings 2, and drains there-through. In Figures 5a and 6a there is no fluid channelling component present on the second side of the drainage component 10, however the Figure 5a and 6a features could be combined with the fluid channelling component and/or substantially fluid impermeable component from Figures 5 and 6, for example in a combination where the fluid channelling component on the first and second sides of the drainage component is integrally formed. The drainage component comprises a plastics material, preferably a HDPE material, with holes formed therein to provide the drainage and overflow openings. However, in other embodiments the drainage component may comprise two or more openings formed in some or all collection recesses, or may comprise an open cellular material, a rubber crumb material or another material comprising numerous openings.

In other embodiments such as those shown in Figures 7-10, the drainage component comprises collection recesses that are coupled at load-sharing grooves 8. The load sharing grooves enable fluid to flow from one collection recess to adjacent collection recesses, spreading the load across the drainage component and thereby reducing the impact of one collection recess becoming overloaded while others are not. Fluid flow paths for the embodiments that include load-sharing grooves 8 are shown in Figure 10.

To provide a controlled drainage, the fluid channelling component in the example embodiments described serves to reduce the impact on drainage of characteristics of the surface onto which the drainage material is used. Furthermore, by providing a fluid channelling layer which is readily accessible to moisture through the drainage component but isolated from the growing medium, the effect of growing medium or other matter present on the drainage component is reduced. Although the embodiments described herein are intended for drainage of water (which herein includes aqueous based solutions as well as pure H ₂ 0) from a green roof, other related embodiments can also be envisaged as suitable for draining other fluids, including gasses, from other media and in other situations. In relation to drainage of water in a green roof, the drainage system may also be usefully employed under block paving, car park decks or alternatively as an SUDS layer in the ground.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.