Combined drainage and irrigation device for a green roof and any other planted surface, and its use in horse arenas
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024700200
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-06
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-12
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] COMBINED DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION DEVICE FOR GREEN ROOF AND ANY OTHER GREEN SURFACE AND ITS USE IN HORSE QUARRIES
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention falls within the field of green surfaces, in particular green roofs, and the adaptation of drainage and irrigation devices used for green roofs, in particular adaptation to other green surfaces, as well as related land.
[0004] More particularly, the invention finds another preferential but in no way limiting application in the equestrian field with the creation of horse careers and other equestrian work and competition surfaces.
[0005] The invention will also find related applications in vegetated surfaces, in particular grassed grounds, such as a field for sports (football, rugby, polo, etc.).
[0006] The invention will also find application in partially vegetated areas including traffic lanes, in particular tracks (rail or otherwise) for the movement of public transport vehicles, such as trams or buses.
[0007] Let us remember that a green roof, a vegetated roof or a green roof, also known as a “Horizontal Vegetated Complex Wall (HVCW)”, consists of plants added to the covering of a construction or building, such as a flat or low-sloped roof, or a terrace.
[0008] In addition to plant engineering, a green roof offers an alternative to the materials commonly used for roof coverings, such as tiles or similar. Such a green roof naturally improves the thermal insulation characteristics of the building on which it is installed, particularly in cases of high heat. In addition, plants absorb certain atmospheric particles, including pollutants, especially in urban areas, also ensuring the fixation of carbon dioxide, improving air quality.
[0009] In addition, a green roof increases the ambient humidity level and also ensures natural filtration of rainwater and runoff.
[0010] In addition, a green roof is beneficial for the environment, especially urban, both for biodiversity and for the well-being of residents, creating green spaces, whether accessible or not, and possibly areas for food cultivation.
[0011] In this context, the installation of a green roof on a building involves two trades in completely separate fields.
[0012] Firstly, the construction and public works sector (BTP) ensures the construction of the said building, in particular the waterproof covering of the structure, ensuring it is watertight. In preparation for the installation of a green roof, roofing and roofing experts also ensure the drainage of rainwater and runoff, like the drains, collectors and pipes installed on the ground, at the level of the building's foundations and within the land on which it is built. Such drainage is all the more necessary in preparation for the installation of a green roof, which absorbs and retains a significant quantity of water. In addition, the waterproofing must also constitute a barrier against plant roots, in order to avoid any infiltration and any degradation of the structural integrity of the building.
[0013] Secondly, plant specialists, such as landscapers, are responsible for installing the green roof, selecting the plants and the growing medium. Landscapers are also responsible for irrigation, ensuring a water supply during dry periods, for the proper growth of the plants.
[0014] In this context, experts and specialists, with their own knowledge of these two distinct technical fields, must collaborate closely to supervise the work and the installation of a green roof, in order to ensure the longevity of both the green roof and the building.
[0015] STATE OF THE ART
[0016] That being said, once the roof has been waterproofed, the building experts install a drainage layer, which ensures, on the one hand, the accumulation of a water reserve by absorbing rainwater passing through the substrate, as well as possibly a distribution of the absorbed water over the entire surface of the green roof. On the other hand, drainage consists of channeling excess water absorbed by said drainage layer towards the building's collectors, possibly a water reserve for irrigation. In addition, this drainage layer can provide additional filtration of the water thus channeled.
[0017] Currently, such a drainage layer comprises an absorbent geotextile-type sheet, placed directly on a waterproof coating of the surface to be covered. On this drainage layer, drains are arranged at regular intervals. Designed to be permeable to water, these drains allow water to be received and guided towards a pipe, generally located on one side of the building's surface, the ends of the drains located on said side being connected to said pipe. This pipe is connected to a collector in the building, in order to collect and evacuate the water thus drained.
[0018] Said drainage layer also comprises, on top, a filtering sheet, also of the geotextile type, covering the drains and the absorbent sheet. This filtering sheet allows both the water passing through it to be filtered and the particles of the substrate to be prevented from passing through it. In addition, between the drains, the filtering sheet comes into contact with the upper face of the absorption sheet, in particular allowing them to be joined together, in order to form an integral drainage layer on these portions in contact.
[0019] The geotextiles used are generally non-woven, such as embossed polyethylene or polypropylene, which provide water permeability and filtration depending on their density. In the form of felts, these geotextiles also ensure the absorption and retention of a quantity of water, also depending on their density.
[0020] Such a drainage layer advantageously replaces the underlying beds of heavy and compact sand and gravel, within which the drains are positioned and enclosed, as is usually the case in the building and construction sector, for example under paving and forecourts.
[0021] Furthermore, once the drainage layer is in place, landscapers are responsible for laying the growing medium on the surface, which is generally lighter than soil and resists compaction over time, while retaining some of the water. Such a medium can be made up of a mixture of soil and plant compost, with the addition of absorbent aggregates, such as clay balls or pumice stones. Then, landscapers plant the plants within this medium.
[0022] Furthermore, independently, an irrigation system is added to the surface of the substrate, by spraying or aerial sprinkling, or by means of a drip system placed between the plants. In particular, usually, a drip irrigation system comprises a network of tubes connected to a water supply and deployed on the surface of the substrate. Such an irrigation system comprises nozzles positioned along said tubes and ensuring the flow of water at a determined rate, in particular depending on the substrate and the plants planted.
[0023] Given the duality of the stakeholders, with their knowledge and skills specific to two different technical fields, the stages of construction and installation of drainage by some are completely separate from the stages of installation of the green roof, as well as its irrigation by others.
[0024] In fact, the drainage system indiscriminately collects water passing through the substrate, both from bad weather and some of the water from irrigation, which is not desirable. This results in a major problem of drying out of the substrate, impacting the growth and future of the plants on such a green roof.
[0025] For example, document WO2013 / 107954 is known, which describes an irrigation device in the form of a "textile complex", intended to be deployed on the surface of an area, such as a roof, and to be covered with vegetation to be irrigated. Such an irrigation device comprises a hydraulic diffusion sheet and a plurality of irrigation conduits secured to the sheet from above by covering with an openwork grid. In other words, the grid has openings and is devoid of any capillary property and is not intended to ensure any diffusion of the water or irrigation liquid, this function being assigned to the lower hydraulic diffusion sheet. This grid is obtained by weaving or knitting, in plastic material in the form of polypropylene or polyethylene, and the mesh openings are between 2 and 5 millimeters, not providing any filtration role. This document therefore essentially targets irrigation.
[0026] Furthermore, in the equestrian field, large spaces are set up both indoors and outdoors, to allow for the work and training of horses. Outdoor spaces can be a horse arena, a paddock or even a planted area, for example a polo field.
[0027] Each outdoor space has its own characteristics for its terrain.
[0028] An example of a horse arena is made with a top layer, called a "working layer," often made of sand, the density of which varies depending on the equestrian activity. Soft ground is suitable for training, while ground that is conducive to hitting is preferred for competition, preferably during show jumping.
[0029] Due to their outdoor location, these spaces are subject to climatic conditions, particularly precipitation, such as rain. Without proper drainage, the ground will shift over time, especially during winter when the water contained in the soil is likely to freeze, further degrading the ground.
[0030] Conversely, drained land is likely to dry out, changing the characteristics required and dedicated to the work of horses.
[0031] In addition, excessively dry land is exposed to winds, causing erosion and raising clouds of dust that are detrimental to the intended equestrian activity. In fact, it is necessary to water it regularly, which in the long run causes accelerated deterioration of the working layer, or even water retention in certain areas of the arena, with all the inherent problems and risks for both horses and riders.
[0032] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art by proposing a combined drainage and irrigation device for a green roof, which can be used for any green surface, in particular grassed areas, such as a sports ground (football, rugby, polo, etc.) or partially green areas comprising traffic lanes, in particular tracks (rail or otherwise) for the movement of public transport vehicles, such as trams or buses, as well as for related land, for example in a horse arena.In other words, the invention consists of bringing together the knowledge of landscapers, in particular concerning irrigation, with the technical expertise of drainage layer manufacturers and building professionals, to configure and move an irrigation system from the surface, by integrating it directly within said drainage layer, making it possible to ensure both the flow of water from a substrate and the retention and filtration of the components of said substrates and thus to avoid the major problem of drying out of the substrate, impacting the growth and future of plants.
[0034] Furthermore, the invention provides a drip irrigation system, with a network of tubes positioned specifically in relation to the drains, in order to ensure improved humidification of the substrate, while limiting the drainage of the water thus supplied, ensuring both efficient drainage of the water under plant covers, and regulated irrigation in the event of a water deficit, offering optimization of the water supply necessary for the proper development of the plants planted in the green roof.
[0035] Finally, the invention provides for the installation of said combined drainage and irrigation device within the horse arena. Indeed, the various characteristics of said combined device provide the resistance to compaction required for this type of equestrian terrain, when horses pass, with or without a rider, and when the hooves of these animals strike the ground.
[0036] To do this, the device includes a drainage layer provided with:
[0037] - an absorption sheet,
[0038] - a filtration sheet covering said absorption sheet,
[0039] - at least two drains, positioned between the absorption layer and the filtration layer,
[0040] - a pipe for draining water from the absorption layer, at least one end of said drains being connected to said pipe, characterized in that it comprises
[0041] - a drip irrigation system provided with at least one network of tubes;
[0042] - said network being located between the absorption layer and the filtration layer and positioned between said two drains, the filtration layer being in contact with the absorption layer between the drains and the tubes.
[0043] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said at least two drains extend in parallel, each tube of said network being positioned equidistant from said at least two drains.
[0044] According to one embodiment, at least one longitudinal edge parallel to said two drains, said network comprising at least one end tube, located between said longitudinal edge and one of said two drains located closest to said longitudinal edge.
[0045] According to one embodiment, said end tube is positioned at a distance of at least 10 cm from said longitudinal edge, in particular at a distance of between 10 and 45 cm from said longitudinal edge, preferably at a distance of 30 cm from said longitudinal edge.
[0046] According to one embodiment, the tubes of the network are spaced at a spacing of between 30 and 70 cm, preferably at a spacing of 45 cm. According to one embodiment, said irrigation system comprises nozzles positioned on said tubes, said nozzles are spaced at regular intervals, in particular at an interval of between 10 and 100 cm, preferably at an interval of between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably at an interval of around thirty centimeters, even more preferably at an interval of 33 cm.
[0047] According to one embodiment, said nozzles comprise a determined flow rate, in particular between 1.1 and 2.3 liters per hour, preferably 1.6 liters per hour.
[0048] According to one embodiment, the ends of two adjacent tubes are connected to each other on one side, while on the opposite side the other ends of each of said two tubes are connected to other contiguous tubes, forming a single network.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the absorption sheet and / or the filtration sheet comprises a non-woven geotextile material, preferably of the felt type, in particular made of polypropylene or polyethylene.
[0050] According to one embodiment, the absorption sheet and the filtration sheet are secured at their contact, in particular by a needling technique.
[0051] According to one embodiment, adjacent ends of two tubes are connected to each other by a supply tube, said network being connected to a water supply.
[0052] According to one embodiment, said device comprises a means for recovering and storing water drained by the drains, said pipe being connected to said recovery and storage means, the water supply being connected to said recovery and storage means.
[0053] The invention also relates to a green roof equipped with at least one such combined drainage and irrigation device.
[0054] Thus, such a green roof includes:
[0055] - a waterproofing layer for an area of the building,
[0056] - a growth substrate deployed on said sealing layer,
[0057] - plants planted on the surface and within said substrate, characterized in that it comprises
[0058] - between the sealing layer and the substrate, at least one combined drainage and irrigation device according to the invention.
[0059] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said green roof comprises at least two combined drainage and irrigation devices positioned over all or part of said area of said building, the adjacent edges of said two devices being positioned overlapping each other.
[0060] The invention also relates to the use of a combined drainage and irrigation device according to the invention for draining and irrigating a horse arena and all equestrian work and competition surfaces. The invention also relates to a horse arena, comprising
[0061] - a working layer, preferably sand-based;
[0062] - foundations located below and supporting said working layer; characterized in that it comprises
[0063] - between the foundations and the working layer, at least one combined drainage and irrigation device according to the invention.
[0064] Thus, the invention makes it easier to install a green roof on a building, or within a horse arena, through a single device combining drainage and irrigation, simplifying the steps for those involved, with a saving of precious time in construction.
[0065] In addition, the invention provides water savings, limiting the loss of irrigation water to drainage, while reducing the quantity required for irrigation, through an absorbent layer, providing better water retention.
[0066] In the case of a horse arena, the combined device makes it possible to improve the maintenance of the upper working layer, while regulating its humidity.
[0067] PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows of the non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0069] Figure 1 schematically represents a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a combined drainage and irrigation device installed to support a green roof covering a building;
[0070] Figure 2 schematically represents a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the combined drainage and irrigation device, showing in particular the absorption and filtration layers, as well as the drains and the tubes;
[0071] Figure 3 schematically represents a simplified top view of an embodiment of the combined drainage and irrigation device, showing in particular an arrangement of the tubes of the irrigation system network relative to the drains;
[0072] Figure 4 schematically represents a partial view along a vertical section of two drainage and irrigation devices overlapping their contiguous edges;
[0073] Figure 5 schematically represents a view along a vertical section of an example of the installation of a combined device within a horse arena, showing in particular lower foundations receiving a drainage device covering it serving as support for the working layer;
[0074] Figure 6 schematically represents a view along a vertical section of an example of the installation of two combined devices within a horse arena, of the type covered with grass or turf; Figure 7 schematically represents a view along a vertical section of an example of the installation of two combined devices within a horse arena, with a low-permeability lower surface in the form of a liner arranged between the foundations and the combined drainage and irrigation device; and
[0075] Figure 8 schematically represents a vertical sectional view of an example of the use of combined devices within a tram track.
[0076] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0077] The present invention relates to the installation of a green roof 1 as a covering for a building.
[0078] Such a green roof 1 is created at the level of a zone 2 of said building, such as for example a flat or low-sloped roof, or even a terrace as visible in the example of figure 1.
[0079] Said green roof 1 firstly comprises a layer 3 ensuring the waterproofing of said zone 2 of the building. Such a waterproofing layer 3 can be of any type, with a waterproof material, such as a bituminous coating. Said material of the waterproofing layer 3 can also have a particular resistance and / or a treatment preventing or limiting the propagation of plant roots during their growth.
[0080] Said sealing layer 3 may be directly applied to the surface of said zone 2, or via one or more intermediate layers. Similarly, it may comprise one or more thicknesses of one or more superimposed materials.
[0081] Said green roof 1 also comprises a growth substrate 4 deployed on said waterproofing layer 3. Such a substrate 4 may be of any type, based on earth or potting soil, or a mixture of earth and plant compost, in particular with the addition of absorbent aggregates, such as clay balls or pumice stones, or any other material conferring desired characteristics for said substrate 4, such as filtration or water retention, depending on the plants 5 to be planted there, but also on the density of said substrate 4 thus obtained.
[0082] Said green roof 1 also includes plants 5 planted on the surface and within said substrate 4.
[0083] Advantageously, the invention provides for combining building construction techniques, in particular covering and roofing, with the planting of plants.
[0084] To do this, said green roof 1 comprises between the waterproofing layer 3 and the substrate 4, at least one combined drainage and irrigation device 6, hereinafter referred to as “device 6”.
[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, said green roof 1 comprises at least two devices 6 positioned over all or part of said zone 2 of said building, in order to cover it completely or in part. In addition, the adjacent edges of said two devices 6 are positioned overlapping each other, ensuring the continuity of this drainage and irrigation layer on the surface of said zone 2. In particular, the portions of the overlapping edges of said two devices 6 may be just superimposed, the weight of the substrate 4 then ensuring their maintenance relative to each other, or preferably secured to each other, in particular by a needling technique carried out on site at the time of deployment of said two devices 6.
[0086] Figure 4 shows in particular a zone 10 of needling of the edges 9 of two devices 6 thus joined.
[0087] Further, the combined drainage and irrigation device 6 for the green roof 1 combines in a non-obvious manner the techniques, knowledge and expertise of specialists, on the one hand, in drainage and, on the other hand, in irrigation, with a view to ensuring the best possible retention of water by absorption of a quantity necessary and sufficient for the impregnation of the substrate 4 for the good growth of the plants, as well as the evacuation of water in excessive quantities.
[0088] To do this, said device 6 firstly comprises a drainage layer 7. The role of this drainage layer 7 is to collect and evacuate runoff water when it is found in excessive quantities within the substrate or when it passes through it, as is the case during bad weather, in particular heavy rain.
[0089] Said drainage layer 7 is provided with an absorption or so-called “absorbent” sheet 70. It is located in the lower part of the drainage layer 7, i.e. above in contact with the sealing layer 3. Said absorption sheet 70 makes it possible to retain the water and distribute it to different locations, as detailed below.
[0090] Said drainage layer 7 is also provided with a filtration, or so-called "filtering", sheet 71 covering said absorption sheet 70. This filtration sheet 71 ensures both the flow of water from the substrate 4, and the retention of the components of said substrate 4. The filtration sheet 71 is therefore intended to be permeable to water, but its density and its composition ensure filtration of particles present in the water and likely to be transported by the flow of water in a gravitational manner occurring naturally from the top to the bottom through the green roof 1. The characteristics of the filtration sheet 71 can be determined according to the particle size of the particles to be filtered, as well as their composition, as for certain pollutants or atmospheric gas condensates.
[0091] According to one embodiment, the absorption sheet 70 can be made of any type of material, preferably a woven or non-woven composite, such as a geotextile, in particular based on embossed polypropylene or polyethylene.
[0092] Preferably, the absorption sheet 70 comprises a non-woven geotextile material, preferably of the felt type, in particular made of polypropylene or polyethylene. This material may be in the form of felt, ensuring water retention, in particular of 8 to 12 liters per square meter (l / m 2 ), preferably approximately 10 l / m 2 .
[0093] According to one embodiment, the filtration sheet 71 may be made of any type of material, preferably a geotextile, similar to the material of said absorption sheet 70.
[0094] However, the materials of the sheets 70,71 may have a different density and / or thickness.
[0095] According to one embodiment, the absorption web 70 is thicker and / or has a higher density than the filtration web 71. For example, the absorption web 70 may have a density of 250 to 500 grams per square meter (g / m 2 ), preferably 250 g / m 2 , while the density of the filtration sheet 71 can be from 100 to 300 g / m 2 , preferably 150 g / m 2 .
[0096] The drainage layer 7 also comprises at least two drains 72, positioned between the absorption layer 70 and the filtration layer 71. These drains 72 are in tubular form. They can be made of any type of material, rigid or semi-rigid (i.e. flexible). Preferably, the drains 72 are made of plastic or composite material, in particular high-density polyethylene, or PVC for “Polyvinyl Chloride”.
[0097] According to one embodiment, the drains 72 have a diameter of between 10 and 50 millimeters (mm), preferably a diameter of 16 mm, 20 mm or 25 mm.
[0098] The drains 72 provide internal flow towards one and / or the other of their ends. These drains 72 have water permeability characteristics, allowing the passage of water from the outside to the inside, but limiting the extraction of water in the opposite direction.
[0099] For example, the drains 72 may comprise a permeable peripheral wall in the upper part and / or in the lateral parts, while the lower part resting on the absorption sheet 70 is impermeable. These may be pipes perforated on the top with orifices at regular or irregular intervals, of determined diameters and profiles.
[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, the drains 72 are arranged parallel, or substantially parallel to each other depending on their rigidity.
[0101] Further on, the drainage layer 7 also comprises a pipe 73 for draining the water from the absorption layer 70, namely the water absorbed and recovered by the drains 72. To do this, at least one end of said drains 72 is connected to said pipe 73. In other words, the ends of the drains 72 located on one side and / or the other side of the green roof 1 are connected to a corresponding pipe 73, ensuring the flow of the water thus collected along the drains 72 towards one and / or the other of said sides connected to said pipe 73. Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment with a single pipe 73 positioned at a single end of the drains 72, visually located at the top of said figure 3. The opposite ends can then be closed.
[0102] Furthermore, the drains 72 may comprise a slope, in particular by raising or leveling carried out before the installation of the drainage layer 7, for example directly at the levels of zone 2 of the building. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the drains 72 then have a downward slope extending visually from the bottom to the top of said FIG. 3, towards the side where the pipe 73 is located.
[0103] Advantageously, the invention provides for combining drainage with irrigation directly incorporated into the drainage layer 7. The irrigation is then located under the substrate, supplying it with water from below.
[0104] To do this, the combined drainage and filtration device 6 comprises a drip irrigation system 8 provided with at least one network of tubes 80.
[0105] These tubes 80 are in tubular form. They can be made of any type of material, rigid or semi-rigid (i.e. flexible). Preferably, the tubes 80 can be made of plastic or composite material, in particular high or low density polyethylene.
[0106] Furthermore, said network is located between the absorption layer 70 and the filtration layer 71. In other words, the tubes 80 are enclosed between the layers 70, 71.
[0107] Therefore, said network is also positioned between said two drains 72. In other words, the tubes 80 are distributed between the drains 72, according to a determined configuration.
[0108] According to one embodiment, at least one tube 80 is positioned between two adjacent drains 72, preferably a single tube 80 is placed between two adjacent drains 72.
[0109] According to one embodiment, the tubes 80 are arranged parallel, or substantially parallel, to each other depending on their rigidity.
[0110] In the case of parallel drains 72 also, the tubes 80 are then arranged parallel to each other and to said drains 72.
[0111] According to one embodiment, when said at least two drains 72 extend in parallel, each tube 80 of said network can be positioned equidistant from said at least two drains 72.
[0112] In the case of a single tube 80, it is then at an equal distance from the two drains 72 located on either side.
[0113] According to one embodiment, the tubes 80 of the network are spaced apart at a spacing 100 of between 30 and 70 centimeters (cm), preferably at a spacing 100 of 45 cm. In other words, between two tubes 80, separated or not by a drain 72, the lateral spacing 100 is 30 to 70 cm, preferably a spacing of 45 cm.
[0114] Such a spacing 100 is notably represented in Figure 3.
[0115] Relatedly, between a drain 72 and a tube 80, the distance 102 may be 20 to 50 cm, preferably about twenty or thirty centimeters. Similarly, the distance 103 between two drains 72 may be between 50 and 150 cm, preferably 100 cm.
[0116] Further, such a configuration may be different at the longitudinal edges of the device 6, namely the edges extending in the direction of the drains 72 and / or the tubes 80.
[0117] According to one embodiment, along at least one longitudinal edge 9 parallel to said two drains 72, preferably along each of the longitudinal edges 9, said network comprises at least one end tube 81, located between said longitudinal edge 9 and one of said two drains 72 located closest to said longitudinal edge 9. In short, the end tube 81 is the tube 80 located closest to a longitudinal edge 9 of the device 6.
[0118] According to a preferred embodiment, said end tube 81 is positioned at a distance 101 of at least 10 cm from said longitudinal edge 9, in particular at a distance 101 of between 10 and 45 cm from said longitudinal edge 9, preferably at a distance 101 of 30 cm from said longitudinal edge 9.
[0119] Such a distance 101 makes it possible in particular to obtain a width of the portion of the sheets 70, 71 sufficient for covering the edges 9 of two contiguous devices 6. Furthermore, in this configuration of joining two devices 6, two end tubes 81 are then adjacent, without drain 72 between them, the additional portion of the sheets 70, 71 makes it possible to store the additional quantity of water due to these two end tubes 81 side by side.
[0120] Furthermore, due to the respective positions of the drains 72 and the tubes 80, the filtration sheet 71 is in contact with the absorption sheet 70 between the drains 72 and the tubes 80.
[0121] According to one embodiment, the absorption sheet 70 and the filtration sheet 71 are secured at their contact, in particular by a needling technique, ensuring that the drains 72 and the tubes 80, 81 are held with said sheets 70, 71 and making the device 6 integral.
[0122] Let us remember that the needling technique, or "needling", consists of passing tufts of threads through a weft using a hook, so as to form a felt.
[0123] In the present context, the needling of the two sheets 70,71 makes it possible to connect them together, while retaining the characteristics of geotextile felt.
[0124] Figure 4 shows in particular a needling zone 11 in contact with the plies 70,71.
[0125] Furthermore, the longitudinal edges 9 of the device 6 can be needled so as to easily allow the sheets 70, 71 to be separated manually from each other, in particular to facilitate the interlocking of the corresponding edges 9 when covering two contiguous devices 6. Furthermore, one or more devices 6 can be rolled up after manufacture, forming a cylinder rolled up along a longitudinal axis, with the drains 72 and the tubes 80, 81 along the length. Rolled up, the devices 6 can be easily transported and stored, and finally be deployed by rapid unrolling, in strips over the zone 2 of the building to be covered.
[0126] According to one embodiment, depending on the direction of the longitudinal edge 9, a device 6 may comprise a length of approximately one to two meters, preferably approximately 1 m.
[0127] According to different embodiments, a device 6 may comprise a single pre-sized device 6, depending on the needs and industrial production capacities, in particular a device 6 of 1.1 x 25 meters (m) or 3.3 x 25 m.
[0128] In a related manner, it is also possible to connect several devices 6 end to end, depending on their length. This connection by abutment may include a step of joining the drains 72 and the tubes 80, 81, in order to connect the flow and the irrigation system 8.
[0129] In this respect, irrigation is carried out by drip irrigation through the tubes 80,81. The use of drip irrigation makes it possible to obtain regular wetting of the water tables 70,71 and therefore of the substrate 4. This technique requires mastered sizing knowledge in plant production systems (nursery or market gardening) as well as in the landscape. The know-how lies in the sizing of the drip irrigation to provide the right quantity of water to the plants 5, depending on the variety and the height of the substrate 4. In addition, the positioning of the drip irrigation must be optimal in relation to the drains 72, to prevent the irrigation water from returning to the drain 72. In addition, the sizing of the thickness of the water tables 70,71 must make it possible to store a significant quantity of water to ensure controlled humidity of the substrate 4.
[0130] To do this, according to one embodiment, said irrigation system 8 comprises nozzles 82 positioned on said tubes 80, 81. These nozzles 82 are sized to allow a regular supply of water, depending on the needs of the plants 5. Such a distribution of the water supplied by the irrigation is in particular subject to a flow and pressure calculation note, specific to each site.
[0131] According to one embodiment, the nozzles 82 deliver a flow rate of approximately 1 to 4 liters of water per hour (l / h), in particular from 1 to 3 l / h, preferably said nozzles 82 comprise a determined flow rate, between 1.1 to 2.3 l / h, preferably in particular approximately 1.6 l / h.
[0132] According to one embodiment, the nozzles 82 can be provided adjustable, in order to increase or decrease the flow rate. This adjustment, carried out during the manufacture of the device 6, can be configured according to the installation of the device 6 in the zone 2 of the building. In particular, it is possible to reduce the flow rate of the nozzles 82 located on the end tubes 81 intended to be adjacent when two devices 6 are covered. According to one embodiment, the irrigation system 8 can be equipped with water supply management, this management being programmable and autonomous. Such management makes it possible to modify the flow rate within the irrigation system 8, or even to cut it off or start it up. The programming can be combined with sensors, in particular hygrometric sensors, arranged within the substrate 4, as well as at one and / or the other of the layers 70, 71.
[0133] In addition, the nozzles 82 can be equipped with an anti-siphon system, in order to prevent any entry of impurities which could cause blockages.
[0134] According to one embodiment, said nozzles 82 are spaced at regular intervals 1 10, in particular at an interval 1 10 of between 10 and 100 cm, preferably at an interval 1 10 of around thirty centimeters, specifically an interval 1 10 of 33 cm.
[0135] According to one embodiment, the ends of two adjacent tubes 80, 81 are connected to each other on one side, while on the opposite side the other ends of each of said two tubes 80, 81 are connected to other contiguous tubes 80, forming a single network, in particular winding within said device 6 between the layers 70, 71.
[0136] According to one embodiment, the adjacent ends of two tubes 80, 81 are connected to each other by a supply tube 83, said network being connected to a water supply 84.
[0137] According to a preferred configuration, as visible in Figure 3, the device 6 comprises two supply tubes 83 connecting the ends of the tubes 80, 81. Each supply tube 83 is then connected to the water supply 84, namely the same or different sources, in particular coming from a distribution network.
[0138] In this respect, according to one embodiment, the device 6 comprises a means for recovering and storing the water drained by the drains 72. The pipe 73 is then connected to said storage means.
[0139] In addition, the water supply is connected to said means of recovery and storage. In other words, the tubes 80,81 are supplied by the recovery of drained water, reducing losses and water consumption from the distribution network. Thus, the water from drainage during the rains can be stored and used during periods of drought for irrigation.
[0140] Further, the invention provides for installing the combined drainage and irrigation device 6 within an equestrian ground, and for using the combined drainage and irrigation device 6 according to the invention to drain and irrigate a horse arena 12 13 and all equestrian work and competition surfaces.
[0141] To do this, the invention relates to a career 12 for horses 13.
[0142] Such a career 12 comprises a working layer 14. This layer 14, located on the surface, is intended to receive the horses 13. Said working layer 14 is made from a material adapted according to the planned equestrian activities, such as sand, beaten earth, or even grass or turf (with the substrate required for the development of these plants 5).
[0143] Preferably, the working layer 14 is made from sand.
[0144] It will be noted that the thickness and density of the working layer 14 is determined according to the resistance required for the equestrian activities planned within the arena. In particular, the density of the working layer 14 can be loose for horse training, or dense for competitions.
[0145] In addition, said quarry 12 comprises foundations 15 located below and intended to support said working layer 14. Such foundations 15 are placed directly on the ground 16. Said foundations 15 may be of any type, in particular made of a compacted or compressed material, with one or more layers of different materials, such as an underlying bed, for example made of sand or gravel. These foundations 15 may also be reinforced, in particular by means of one or more metal, composite or plastic reinforcements. Permeable or waterproof layers, in particular of the geotextile type, may be positioned within the foundations 15, in particular on the lower face.
[0146] According to one embodiment, the foundations 15 can be made in the form of a concrete slab.
[0147] Thus, the foundations 15 provide a stable support to receive the working layer 14 on top.
[0148] Advantageously, the horse arena 12 13 comprises, between the foundations 15 and the working layer 14, at least one combined drainage and irrigation device 6 as previously described. In other words, the foundations 15 support the working layer 14 by means of said device 6, sandwiched between the two.
[0149] Therefore, the device 6 inserted between the working layer 14 and the foundations 15 makes it possible to limit infiltration towards said foundations 15, as well as the possible downward migration of the material from the working layer 14 towards these foundations 15.
[0150] According to one embodiment, the device 6 is positioned under a thickness of at least 18 cm of the working layer 14.
[0151] According to one embodiment, a low-permeability surface 17, by choice of the materials composing it, is arranged under said device 6, on the foundations 15 or directly on the ground 16.
[0152] Figure 7 shows an example of the installation of a device 6 with a low-permeability surface 17 arranged to cover the foundations 15 and serving as a base under said device 6.
[0153] Such a low-permeability surface 17 may comprise at least one liner-type film, made of plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), in particular with a thickness of 500 microns to 1.5 mm. The arrangement under the device 6 of such a low-permeability surface 17, in particular of such a film, makes it possible to create a flow phenomenon generated by the drip irrigation combined with a reflux generated by the drainage, ensuring that optimal humidity and structure of the coating of the equestrian arena, namely of the working layer 14, are maintained.
[0154] The device 6 also provides rainwater drainage, while maintaining controlled hygrometry of the material of the working layer 14. Within a horse arena 12 13 or other equestrian work and competition surface made of sand, irrigation makes it possible to limit watering, moistening the sand evenly and maintaining a determined humidity of the material of the working layer 14, and also makes it possible to manage its density according to its hygrometry making it more or less loose. The water supply controlled by irrigation and drainage is particularly conducive to the development of grass and turf in the case of a field for equestrian sports, such as polo.
[0155] Thus, the invention provides a combined drainage and irrigation device 6 ensuring both efficient drainage of water under plant covers, as well as regulated irrigation in the event of a water deficit, providing optimization of the water supply necessary for the proper development of the plants planted in the green roof 1.
[0156] The combined device 6 can also be installed within an equestrian field, such as a 12 horse arena 13 or any equestrian work and competition surface, in order to improve its drainage and hygrometry, while ensuring the required resistance to the passage of horses during their various activities.
[0157] In a related manner, the combined device 6 can be installed as a structure under other types of land intended to receive or allow the passage of animals, in particular livestock (sheep, cattle, etc.).
[0158] More broadly, the combined device 6 can be installed as a structure under any vegetated surface, in particular grassed areas, such as a sports ground (football, rugby, polo, etc.).
[0159] The combined device 6 can also be installed within partially vegetated land including traffic lanes, in particular railway tracks for the circulation of tram 18.
[0160] In this respect, as shown in the example of implementation in Figure 8, several combined irrigation and drainage devices 6 can be arranged under a vegetated layer 19 distributed between the rails 20 of a tram track 18.
[0161] In a known manner, a tram track 18 comprises rails 20, supported by dedicated supports 21, spaced apart and installed on a structure 22 forming a base, with foundations 15, the whole resting on the ground 16. In addition, a vegetated layer 19 or vegetated surface may be provided between the rails 20 and on either side. In particular, the vegetated layer 19 has a growth substrate 4 on which plants 5 grow, forming low vegetation, for example of the grass, turf or lawn type.
[0162] Furthermore, the central part between the rails 20, at the base 22, is often joined, forming a waterproof slab. It is then necessary to drain the runoff water to prevent it from accumulating.
[0163] Therefore, the invention provides for using one or more device(s) 6 positioned under the vegetated layer 19, in particular under the growth substrate 4, in order to ensure the irrigation of the plants 5, but above all to drain the excess water and improve the flow of excess water, in particular towards the urban runoff water collection networks.
Claims
CLAIMS 1. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) for a green roof (1), comprising a drainage layer (7) provided with: - an absorption sheet (70), - a filtration sheet (71) covering said absorption sheet (70), - at least two drains (72), positioned between the absorption sheet (70) and the filtration sheet (71), - a pipe (73) for draining water from the absorption layer (70), at least one end of said drains (72) being connected to said pipe (73), characterized in that it comprises - a drip irrigation system (8) provided with at least one network of tubes (80); - said network being located between the absorption sheet (70) and the filtration sheet (71) and positioned between said two drains (72), the filtration sheet (71) being in contact with the absorption sheet (70) between the drains (72) and the tubes (80).
2. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said at least two drains (72) extend in parallel, - each tube (80) of said network being positioned equidistant from said at least two drains (72).
3. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - at least one longitudinal edge (9) parallel to said two drains (72), said network comprising - at least one end tube (81), located between said longitudinal edge (9) and one of said two drains (72) located closest to said longitudinal edge (9).
4. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said end tube (81) is positioned at a distance (101) of at least 10 cm from said longitudinal edge (9), in particular at a distance (101) of between 10 and 45 cm from said longitudinal edge (9), preferably at a distance (101) of 30 cm from said longitudinal edge (9).
5. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubes (80) of the network are spaced apart at a spacing (100) of between 30 and 70 cm, preferably at a spacing (100) of 45 cm.
6. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said irrigation system (8) comprises nozzles (82) positioned on said tubes (80, 81), - said nozzles (82) are spaced at regular intervals (1 10), in particular at an interval (1 10) of between 10 and 100 cm, preferably at an interval of between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably at an interval (1 10) of around thirty centimeters, even more preferably at an interval (1 10) of 33 cm.
7. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said nozzles (82) comprise a determined flow rate, in particular between 1.1 and 2.3 liters per hour, preferably 1.6 liters per hour.
8. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends of two adjacent tubes (80) are connected to each other on one side, while on the opposite side the other ends of each of said two tubes (80) are connected to other contiguous tubes, forming a single network.
9. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption sheet (70) and / or the filtration sheet (71) comprises a non-woven geotextile material, preferably of the felt type, in particular made of polypropylene or polyethylene.
10. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption sheet (70) and the filtration sheet (71) are secured at their contact, in particular by a needling technique. 1 1. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjacent ends of two tubes (80) are connected to each other by a supply tube (83), said network being connected to a water supply (84).
12. Combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises - a means of recovering and storing water drained by the drains (72), - said pipe (73) being connected to said recovery and storage means, - the water supply (84) being connected to said recovery and storage means.
13. Green roof (1) covering a building, comprising - a layer (3) of sealing of an area (2) of the building, - a growth substrate (4) deployed on said sealing layer (3), - plants (5) planted on the surface and within said substrate (4), characterized in that it comprises - between the sealing layer (3) and the substrate (4), at least one combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. Green roof (1) covering a building according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises - at least two combined drainage and irrigation devices (6) positioned over all or part of said area (2) of said building, - the adjacent edges of said two devices (6) being positioned overlapping each other.
15. Use of a combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for draining and irrigating a horse arena (12) (13) for all work and equestrian competition surfaces.
16. Quarry (12) for horses (13), including - a working layer (14), preferably sand-based; - foundations (15) located below and supporting said working layer (14); characterized in that it comprises - between the foundations (15) and the working layer (14), at least one combined drainage and irrigation device (6) according to any one of claims 1