Gravel bag and method for protecting and exit point for stormwater

Abstract

A gravel bag manufactured from a single layer of a heavy-duty geotextile composite material (also referred to as “geo-composite”), said layer comprising a closure device resistant to opening as pressure is applied from within. The geo-composite material is formed by affixing at least two fabrics that together complement each other's performance. The overall structure allows for a single composite geotextile fabric that is low-slip, low cost, offers effective padding, has a high tensile strength, is puncture and tear resistant, and that has low elongation properties. In use, the single layer geo-composite gravel bag significantly outperforms all other single layer and multiple layer geo-composite gravel bags currently in use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application with Ser. No. 60 / 848,462, which was filed on 29 Sep. 2006, and U.S. provisional application with Ser. No. 60 / 898,078, which was filed on 29 Jan. 2007. The disclosures of those provisional applications are incorporated by reference herein as if set out in full.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to construction sites, and particularly methods for regulating construction site stormwater runoff.GENERAL BACKGROUND[0003]The flow of water over land from rain, snowmelt, manmade means such as irrigation and other sources is termed “runoff”. Oftentimes, and more particularly at construction sites, the runoff rate exceeds the rate of water infiltration to the ground. Further, water that has infiltrated an up-slope portion of a hill may flow through the soil and exfiltrate from the soil further down, adding to the volume of runoff. Finally, because many construction sites are in ur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029]The present invention is a gravel bag manufactured from a single layer of a heavy-duty geotextile composite material (also referred to as “geo-composite”) comprising a closure device resistant to opening as pressure is applied from within. The geo-composite material is formed by combini

Problems solved by technology

Further, water that has infiltrated an up-slope portion of a hill may flow through the soil and exfiltrate from the soil further down, adding to the volume of runoff.

Sediment and any other pollutants picked up by runoff are washed downstream, often causing environmental damage, ecosystem disturbances, aesthetic problems, and even groundwater contamination in the process.

It can be expected, then, that multiple crushing impacts will be generated on the gravel bags by these vehicles.

Because gravel bags are typically filled with crushed aggregate (gravel), which is often very abrasive, jagged, and sharp, the wear on the bags is quite high.

Friction from the sliding effect of vehicle traffic is also a major contributor to gravel bag failures.

When a gravel bag fails, it can cause crushed aggrega

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