Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to water permeable structures that are useful in drainage applications, such as storm water drain systems for example.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] Storm water drains (also known as storm water sewers) are designed to allow rain to be removed from impervious surfaces, such as footpaths and roads. The drains themselves are typically fed by suitably positioned inlet structures, typically in the form of a gutter along the edge or centre of the road or other surface. For example, roads will often have a gutter either adjacent to or integrated with the kerb along one or both sides.

[0004] The urban landscape is changing over time, with vegetation and soil being replaced with more hard impervious surfaces and buildings. This leads to an increase in air temperatures, pollution, and stormwater runoff. These increases play a role in the health and wellbeing of the population living in such locations.

[0005] The existing stormwater system is designed to take rainwater from the gutter into the closest waterway untreated. Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated before it enters the waterways. In most cases it flows directly from the gutter into creeks, rivers, bays or the ocean, carrying with it harmful toxins, litter and pollutants.

[0006] It is not exactly known how much untreated stormwater flows through Australian drains each year, but it has been estimated the country’s urban areas produce about 3000GL of runoff annually, with less than 3% of this rainwater and stormwater being re-used. With this, Australian cities draw an estimated 2100GL of water from their catchments and groundwater sources annually.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative solution of treating or otherwise utilising stormwater at the source before it enters the waterways, thus removing or at least reducing the need for further inline treatments.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0008] According to one broad form of the invention, there is provided a gutter for a road or pavement, the gutter being in the form of an open channel to allow water to enter from above or from adjacent surfaces and shaped to collect and direct water towards an outlet end, the gutter comprising at least one section that is water permeable, wherein the water permeable section allows at least some water to be diverted prior to reaching the outlet end.

[0009] In an embodiment, the water permeable section is precast.

[0010] In an embodiment, the water permeable section is removable.

[0011] In an embodiment, the water permeable section has lifting points.

[0012] In an embodiment, the lifting points comprise a threaded sleeve that is cast into the water permeable section, wherein a suitable attachment can be connected to the threaded sleeve to facilitate lifting.

[0013] In an embodiment, the water permeable section is made from aggregate with a nominal size in the range 7mm to 12mm.

[0014] In an embodiment, the water permeable section is made from a rigid material with air voids that make up between 15% and 25% of the volume.

[0015] In an embodiment, the diverted water passes through the water permeable section to a sump.

[0016] In an embodiment, the diverted water passes through the water permeable section to an irrigation system. [0017] In an embodiment, the irrigation system comprises a slotted pipe that directs water away from the gutter.

[0018] In an embodiment, the gutter comprising a substantially vertical kerb.

[0019] In an embodiment, the gutter comprising a sloped and/or curved kerb.

[0020] In an embodiment, the gutter is substantially V-shaped.

[0021] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a water permeable gutter section for use in a gutter substantially as defined herein.

[0022] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a gutter section substantially as defined herein, the method comprising the steps of forming a mould, mixing aggregate with binder to create coated aggregate, and providing the coated aggregate to the mould.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that features of the method can be performed using the system or apparatus and that features of the system or apparatus can be implemented using the method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Various examples and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0025] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a gutter according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a front view of the gutter from Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 3 is an end view of the gutter from Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 4 is a top view of the gutter from Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a water permeable section of the gutter from Figure 1; [0030] Figure 6 is an end view of the water permeable section from Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a front view of the water permeable section from Figure 5;

[0032] Figure 8 is a top view of the water permeable section from Figure 5;

[0033] Figure 9 is an isometric view of the gutter according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 10 is a front view of the gutter from Figure 9;

[0035] Figure 11 is an end view of the gutter from Figure 9;

[0036] Figure 12 is an isometric view of a water permeable section of the gutter from Figure 9;

[0037] Figure 13 is a front view of the water permeable section from Figure 9;

[0038] Figure 14 is an end view of the water permeable section from Figure 9;

[0039] Figure 15 is a top view of the water permeable section from Figure 9;

[0040] Figure 16 is an isometric view of the gutter according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 17 is a front view of the gutter from Figure 16;

[0042] Figure 18 is an end view of the gutter from Figure 16;

[0043] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a water permeable section of the gutter from Figure 16;

[0044] Figure 20 is a front view of the water permeable section from Figure 16;

[0045] Figure 21 is an end view of the water permeable section from Figure 16;

[0046] Figure 22 is a top view of the water permeable section from Figure 16; [0047] Figure 23 is a portion of a water permeable composite suitable for forming a section of a gutter according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0048] Figure 24 is a portion of the gutter according to another embodiment of the invention, including a threaded sleeve;

[0049] Figure 25 is a threaded sleeve suitable for casting into a portion of the gutter according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 26 is a plan view of an example layout of a gutter and surrounding footpath;

[0051] Figure 27 is a cross sectional side view of the layout from Figure 26;

[0052] Figure 28 is an isometric view of a water ramp according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0053] Figure 29 is a front view of the water ramp from Figure 28;

[0054] Figure 30 is an end view of the water ramp from Figure 28;

[0055] Figure 31 is a top view of the water ramp from Figure 28;

[0056] Figure 32 is an isometric view of a water permeable section together with a water ramp according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Figure 33 is a front view of the water permeable section and water ramp from Figure 32;

[0058] Figure 34 is an end view of the water permeable section and water ramp from Figure 32; and

[0059] Figure 35 is a top view of the water permeable section and water ramp from Figure 32.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0060] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. [0061] In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures.

[0062] An example of a gutter according to one embodiment of the invention will now be described. The gutter is suitable for use with a road, pavement, or any other similar impervious surface, to allow water runoff to be collected and channelled into a stormwater system. As such, the gutter is an open channel or the like, to allow water to enter from above or from adjacent surfaces.

[0063] The gutter is shaped to collect and direct water towards an outlet end. As such, it may be in the form of any suitable channel shape and will typically have a slope in at least one direction to allow the water to flow along the gutter.

[0064] The gutter has at least one section that is water permeable . This water permeable section allows at least some water to be diverted prior to reaching the outlet end. That is, rather than a typical impervious material that causes water to flow over an upper surface, the water permeable section allows the water to flow through the section to be collected and/or distributed in some alternative manner.

[0065] Advantageously, this water permeable section can retain the necessary strength and wear properties to withstand high loads, such as vehicle traffic. Yet it can also allow better use of the water by diverting it prior to entering the stormwater system. Not only can this water be put to use, such as providing water to nearby trees for example, but it may also prevent debris and/or toxins being washed into the gutter from entering the stormwater system.

[0066] Some particular example forms of the invention will now be described.

[0067] The water permeable section may be precast, before then being transported and fitted to the remaining sections of the gutter. Such a design may be advantageous by limiting onsite work, such as creating formwork, for example. The time taken for the binder to cure may also cause problems if poured in-situ, as well as removing the possibility of using any additional steps to effect the curing, such as application of heat or UV radiation. [0068] The water permeable section may also be removable. This can be advantageous not only during construction, but also at later times if the water permeable section requires replacing or if it is necessary to inspect any drainage or irrigation system that may be located beneath the section. For example, overtime dirt, rubbish and other debris may cause the section to become clogged, no longer being adequately permeable. If this occurs, the section may be removed and repaired, or simply replaced by a new section.

[0069] For such a removable section, lifting points may be provided to make this process simpler. In one particularly advantageous example, the lifting points may be in the form a threaded sleeve that is cast into the water permeable section. A suitable attachment, such as a hook or loop, can then be easily connected to the threaded sleeve to facilitate lifting.

[0070] The water permeable section of the gutter can be made from any suitably porous material. For example, a water permeable composite may be made in accordance with apparatus and methods as described in Australian patent number 2017237260.

[0071] Generally speaking, the material is typically a composite made up of pieces of aggregate bonded together by a binder. The pieces of aggregate are irregular (angular) in shape. This means that even when pieces of aggregate are packed closely together, interstitial spaces will exist between adjacent pieces of aggregate.

[0072] The binder serves to bind the pieces of aggregate together. The composite material should not be mechanically brittle and this may influence the choice of binder. Preferably, the binder used is cement with appropriate admixtures, such as is described in Australian patent number 2017237260. However, it will be appreciated that alternative binders may be used as will be understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0073] The amount of binder used is sufficient to allow coating of external surfaces of the aggregate so that pieces of aggregate may be bonded together by (a thin layer of) the binder. However, the amount of binder used is restricted so that interstitial spaces will exist throughout the composite. It is the presence of these interstitial spaces (and the connectivity of interstitial spaces) that allows water to flow through the composite. [0074] If excess binder is used, the interstitial spaces will be reduced or lost altogether. This will reduce or prevent water transmission through the composite. The amount of aggregate and binder that are used may be optimised by experimentation. In the preferred embodiment where cement is used as the binder, the weight ratio of aggregate to cement used will be approximately 3: 1. It will be appreciated, however, that alternative embodiments may use a different binder and alternative ratios may be used. For example, the weight ratio of aggregate to binder may be less than 2 : 1 , 5 : 1 , 10 : 1 , greater than 20 : 1 , or some other value appropriate for the materials being used and the application.

[0075] The aggregate may be selected to provide a desired colour, finish and appearance. Blends of different aggregate materials may be used. Examples of suitable aggregate materials include stone and glass. The aggregate may be produced by recycling of materials, for example by comminution to a desired average particle size.

[0076] Suitable aggregate for use in the present invention is commercially available, having an average particle size of between 7mm and 12mm. This may result in a composite with air voids that make up between 15% and 25% of the volume. These ranges provide a suitably high volume rate of water transmission whilst reducing to an acceptable level the amount of debris etc. that can pass through the composite. It will be appreciated, however, that aggregate sizes and/or volume ratios outside this range may also be used, depending on the particular situation.

[0077] It is noted that smaller particle sizes can result in the volume rate of water transmission being lower. Larger particle sizes can result in the amount of debris etc. that can pass through the composite increasing. The average particle size employed in the composites of the invention is intended to provide a good balance between these properties.

[0078] The gutter may be formed from a combination of impermeable surfaces and the water permeable section. Accordingly, the water may flow along the gutter in atypical fashion before reaching the water permeable section, where it is diverted. In one example, the diverted water passes through the water permeable section to a sump that is located below the gutter. In another example, the diverted water passes through the water permeable section to a ramp, which directs the water to a sump or some other structure. The ramp may direct the diverted water in a direction normal to the direction of flow towards the outlet end, such as towards a footpath or nature strip that is adjacent a road, for example.

[0079] From the sump or ramp, the water may then be used in any of a range of ways as may be desired, such as by then being supplied to an irrigation system. In other examples, however, the water may pass directly to the irrigation system without first being captured in the sump. Various forms of irrigation system may be used, but in one simple example, a slotted pipe may direct water away from the gutter, where it can be absorbed into surrounding soil, such as at the base of a tree or garden bed.

[0080] The gutter may take one of a variety of shapes or forms, which may or may not also include a kerb. For example, the gutter may include a substantially vertical kerb, a sloped and/or curved kerb, or the gutter may not have a kerb but instead be substantially V-shaped so as to be located more centrally in a road or other pavement.

[0081] An example embodiment of a gutter will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0082] Referring in particular to Figure 1, a gutter 10 has a first side wall 11 and a second side wall 12 with panels 14 extending between upper portions of the side walls 11, 12. The first side wall 11 extends upwardly to form a kerb 15, while the second side wall 12 is shorter so as to be substantially flush with the panels 14. Accordingly, upper surfaces of the first wall 11, panels 14 and second wall 12 together form a shape that is common to gutters in the prior art, wherein these upper surfaces will be aligned with a surrounding road, footpath, or pavement.

[0083] The first side wall 11 and second side wall 12 are connected at either end by an end wall 18, thereby forming a cavity or sump below the panels 14. This sump will therefore be below the surface of the surrounding pavement once installed.

[0084] The panels 14 are made from a water pervious composite. Figure 23 illustrates a portion of such a composite 100. The figure shows pieces of irregular shaped aggregate 102 coated with a layer of binder 103. The binder 103 bonds the pieces of aggregate 102 together. Interstitial spaces 104 exist between the pieces of aggregate, thereby allowing water to pass through the composite 100. [0085] The first side panel 11 and second side panel 12 are formed from regular concrete, and therefore impervious to water. As water flows across the top of the side panels 11, 12 it reaches the water permeable panels 14, where it can flow though the panel 14 into the cavity below.

[0086] Referring now to Figures 9 to 11, an alternative embodiment is shown where the panel 14 also forms the kerb 15. In this example, the panel 14 is located on top of the first side wall 11, the second side wall 12 and the end walls 18. Figures 12 to 15 also show this particular embodiment of the panel 14 in more detail.

[0087] Figures 16 to 18 show yet another alternative embodiment, however in this example there is no kerb. Instead, this gutter 10 is V-shaped and is designed to be located at a driveway or some other central location in a road or footpath. Figures 19 to 22 also show this particular embodiment of the panel 14 in more detail.

[0088] An example application of the gutter 10 is shown in Figures 26 and 27. In this example, a gutter is located adj acent a nature strip 200 and footpath 201. Some portions 210 of the gutter are of a type as known in the prior art, while one section utilises the water permeable panels 14. The usual direction of flow of water along the gutter is shown by arrow 212.

[0089] A slotted pipe 215 carries water that flows through the panels 14 away from the gutter 10 to a tree 216 located in the nature strip 200. The space connecting the panels 14 and the slotted pipe 215 is made from screening aggregate 220, however it will be appreciated that the slotted pipe 215 could alternatively be connected to the sump from the embodiments described previously.

[0090] In another embodiment, the screening aggregate 220 from Figure 220 may be replaced with a water ramp 40 as shown in Figures 28 to 31. The water ramp 40 has side walls 42 with upper surfaces 43 on which the panels 40 can be located, as is also shown in more detail in Figures 32 to 35. A sloped upper surface 45 directs water that is diverted through the panels 14. In the embodiment shown, the water will be diverted approximately normal to the normal flow direction of the gutter, but it will be appreciated that the water ramp 40 could be configured in a different manner to allow diversion of the water in a different direction. [0091] The water ramp 40 allows water to be better diverted to an irrigation system as described above. Alternatively, it may allow the location of a sump adjacent the gutter, rather than immediately below the panels 14.

[0092] It will also be appreciated that many alternative forms of irrigation system could be used. For example, the collected water could be pumped through a more extensive watering system, which may optionally include further treatment processes. The water may also be transported to alternative larger storage facilities before being used.

[0093] The water permeable panel 14 from any of the preceding examples can be precast. That is, the panel 14 can be formed by mixing the composite and pouring into a mould, where it is allowed to cure. The panel 14 can then later be removed from the mould and transported to the location where it is to be installed. Such a method also allows for the panel 14 to be removed, as may be required at later stages if it becomes clogged with debris or if the sump below requires inspecting, for example.

[0094] To allow for simpler installation and removal of the panels 14, lifting points 20 are provided. As shown in Figure 25, these are in the form of a sleeve 21 with an internal thread 22 and a flange 23 at a lower end. Referring now to Figure 24, the lifting points 20 are cast into the panel 14. A suitable attachment can be connected to the threaded sleeve 21 to facilitate lifting. For example, a hook or loop connected to a bolt can be screwed into the threaded sleeve 21, which can allow chains or straps to then be easily connected.

[0095] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term “approximately” means ±20%.

[0096] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.