Drainage panel system

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector that bridges two drainage panels together. The connector 260 joins the edge of a first drainage sheet 210 and the edge of a second drainage sheet 220. The drainage sheets are

Description

FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates to drainage panel systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to drainage panel systems, components, kits and associated methods for joining drainage panel edge regions. BACKGROUND

[02] In geotechnical engineering, geocomposite drainage panels are used in place of stone or similar permeable materials to provide a drainage path, preventing the build-up of liquids or gas around underground structures. Geocomposite drainage panels are produced in discrete widths and typically are provided on rolls of a suitable length for ease of transportation and installation, rather than being dimensioned to match the size of the intended drainage system. Therefore, in geotechnical engineering applications, it is often necessary to join drainage panels on site at the time of installation.

[03] Figure 1 shows a geocomposite drainage panel joint 100. First and second drainage panels 110, 120 comprise cusps 130 that define voids 140 on a lower side thereof, through which fluid can flow. To join a first drainage panel to a second drainage panel, the panels are overlapped such that the drainage panel cusps stack with one another. In some applications, concrete 150 is poured on an upper side of the drainage panel, for example to form a floor slab or other structure.

[04] It is desirable for joints between panels to be substantially fluid impermeable, to prevent fluid flow from the upper or lower side of the drainage panels to the other side. In installations that receive a concrete pour, this prevents concrete from flowing from the upper side to the lower side of the drainage panels. In practice therefore, the joint should be sufficiently strong and also well enough sealed to withstand concrete pouring. Increasing the amount of overlap between panels to improve the resilience of the joint means that more drainage panels are required to cover the area, thereby increasing cost of the installation.

[05] In installations that involve the drainage panels being arranged to provide drainage next to a curved surface, e.g., around the wall of a cylindrical or arched tunnel, panel joints are required to follow a curved surface, further challenging the strength and sealing of panel joints as identified above.

[06] Example embodiments described herein aim to address at least one of the issues identified, or other related issues in the field as will become apparent from the disclosure. SUMMARY

[07] According to the present disclosure are provided systems, components, kits and methods as set forth in the appended independent claims. Other features will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[08] In one example, there is provided a drainage panel system as set out in accompanying claim 1.

[09] Advantageously, the drainage panel system increases reinforcement over the line of join and the gap between the first and second drainage panel edge regions, thereby strengthening the join. The drainage panel system does not involve an excess overlap of material, nor does it require a joining compound to hold the drainage panel edge regions together.

[10] In one example, the connector component forms a double layer either side of the region bridged by the connector, that is, one layer of connector component adjacent a layer of the first and second drainage panel edge regions next to the line of join. Advantageously, the connector component provides secure joining between the drainage panel edge regions and increased protection of the line of join therebetween.

[11] In one example, the connector component is offset from the first and / or second drainage panel edge region in an out-of-plane direction. That is, the connector component lies above, or below the plane in which the first and second drainage panel edge regions lie.

[12] In one example, the connector component forms a cap that bridges the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region. In one example, the connector component overlies the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region. Advantageously, the connector component protects the line of join and the region that the connector component bridges, to restrict fluid flow, such as the flow of moisture, gas, concrete, and the like, from an upper side of the drainage panel system to a lower side of the drainage panel system via the region between the first and second edge regions.

[13] In one example, the connector reinforces the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region, proximate to the line of join.

[14] In one example, the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region are offset in an in-plane direction. In one example, the first and second drainage panel edge regions lie adjacent one another, either side their line of join.

[15] In one example, the first and second drainage panel edge regions butt up against one another at their line of join; in effect, the first and second drainage panel edge regions abut. In one example, the line of join is linear, for example rectilinear.

[16] In one example, the first portion cusps and the first edge region cusps have corresponding forms. In one example, the second portion cusps and the second edge region cusps have corresponding forms. In one example, the first portion cusp and the first drainage panel edge region cusps interlock. In one example, the second portion cusps and the second drainage panel edge region cusps interlock. Advantageously, the interlock joins the first edge region and the second edge region securely. In one example, relative movement of the connector component and the first drainage panel along the line of join in the direction of the line of join is prevented by engagement of the first portion cusps with the first edge region cusps. In one example, relative movement of the connector component and the second drainage panel along the line of join in the direction of the line of joint is prevented by engagement of the second portion cusps with the second edge region cusps. Advantageously, the connector component is easy to install, and services to hold the edge regions together, in one or two in-plane directions immediately on initial installation.

[17] In one example, the first portion cusps and the first edge region cusps have matching dimensions, for example the external dimensions of one matching the internal dimensions of the other. In one example, the second portion cusps and the second edge region cusps have matching dimensions, for example the external dimensions of one matching the internal dimensions of the other. In this way, the cusps interlock with one another to prevent relative movement between the connector component and the first and / or second drainage panel edge regions.

[18] In one example, the first portion cusps partially fill the first edge region cusps. In one example, the first portions cusps comprise half the form of the first edge region cusps. In one example, the second portion cusp partially fills the second edge region cusp. In one example, the second portions cusps comprises half the form of the second edge region cusps.

[19] In one example, the first and / or second portion cusps are formed with a connection clearance, so as to allow a degree of linear, and / or angular misalignment between the first and second drainage panel edge regions. In one example, the connection clearance is provided by the first and / or second portion cusps being smaller than the corresponding cusps of the first / second drainage panel edge region. In one example, the connection clearance is provided by the separation of the first and second portion cusps being greater than the separation between cups of the first and second drainage panel edge regions, at the join. In one example, the connection clearance is provided by rounding off the corners of the first and / or second portion cusp of the connector component. In one example, the connection clearance provides for angular misalignment of more than 1 degree, for example more than 5 degrees, such as more than 10 degrees. In one example, the connection clearance provides for angular misalignment of less than 20 degrees, for example less than 15, such as less than 10. In one example the connection clearing provides for angular misalignment of between 5 and 20 degrees, such as around 15 degrees. Advantageously, the dimension, position and / or orientation of the drainage panel system and / or the components of the drainage panel system are adjustable, thereby allowing the system to be used in a variety of configurations. For example, the system can be shaped to lie against a curved surface, a flat surface, or an irregular-shaped surface. In installations such as against tunnel surfaces, which may have curvature in two perpendicular directions, the alignment of panels edges and provision of a connection along the join is made easier. The improvement in ease of installation is particularly apparent for long joins, that is joins between long lengths of panel edge region, such as between panels that are tens of meters long. As will be appreciated, a small degree of angular misalignment may lead to significant gapping as the length of the panel edge regions increases.

[20] In one example, the connector component is symmetrically arranged across the first and second drainage panel edge regions. In one example, the connector component is symmetrical along its length. In one example, the connector component is symmetrical about a line that is parallel to the joint between the first and second drainage panel edge regions.

[21] In one example, the cusps are formed as a shape selected from a set including: elliptical, trapezoidal, hexagonal, rectangular, square. In one example, the shapes in said list comprise chamfered corners, and / or comprise rectangular corners.

[22] In one example, the connector component comprises a flange area, for example a flange area around the cusp. In one example, the first and / or second drainage panel edge regions comprise a flange area, for example around the respective cusps. In one example, one or more mechanical fasteners secure the components with respect to each other and / or with respect to the underlying substrate or structure. Suitable mechanical fasteners include nails or other securing means, such as staples, screws or the like. In one example, the mechanical fasteners join through the connector component and the first and / or second panel edge regions. In one example, the mechanical fasteners in use connect the connector and edge regions by passing therethrough, and further for example through into an underlying substrate or structure. Advantageously, this improves the speed and ease of installing the system, secures the joint and this prevents movement of the drainage panel system before / as it is covered over by further material such as by a concrete pour.

[23] In one example, the connector component comprises a connector strip of length that corresponds to the length of the first and / or second drainage panel edge regions. In one example, the connector component comprises a strip made up of a repeating arrangement of features, such as those described herein individually. In one example, the connector component comprises a linear array of such features. In example, the connector comprises a strip with cusps with surrounding flange area as described herein. Advantageously, in this way, a modular drainage panel system is provided. This allows the system to be configured to better suit specific uses.

[24] In one example, the connector component comprises a strip of drainage panel material, for example a strip of drainage panel of the same form and / or construction as the first and / or second drainage panel edge regions. In one example, the connector component comprises a strip cut from a drainage panel.

[25] In one example, the first and second drainage panel edge regions are respectively regions of separate first and second drainage panels. In one example, the first and second drainage panel edge regions are regions of a single drainage panel that is bent out of plane such that the first and second drainage panel edge regions approach one another.

[26] In one example, the drainage panel(s) are self-stackable. In one example, the connector component is stackable with the drainage panel(s). In one example, the connector component and / or drainage panel(s) comprise corresponding arrangements of stackable cusps, being self-stackable and / or interchangeably stackable. Advantageously, transportation of the drainage panels and / or connectors is more efficient, in particular space and / or fuel efficient, thereby reducing the cost of transportation.

[27] In one example, the connector component comprises the same material as the drainage panel(s). Advantageously, the connector component and the drainage panels are made from compatible materials.

[28] A connector for use in a system as herein described.

[29] A kit comprising the connector component as herein described, and a drainage panel. In one example, the kit comprises a plurality of drainage panels. In one example, the kit comprises a plurality of matching drainage panels.

[30] A method of joining first and second drainage panel edge regions with a connector component, the method as set out in accompanying claim 12. Advantageously, the drainage panel system is quick and simple to install.

[31] In one example, the method comprises forming a double layer in the region bridged by the connector. Advantageously, the double layer strengthens the drainage panel system in the region bridged by the connector.

[32] In one example, the method comprises fixing the connector component to the first and / or second edge region by covering them in a solidifying material, e.g., a concrete material.

[33] In one example, the method comprises fixing the connector component to the first and / or second edge region using a nail, or other similar fixing component.

[34] In one example, the method comprises nailing through the connector component and the first and / or second edge region, to fix through and into an underlying substrate or structure. Advantageously, in this way, the drainage panel system is secured in position relative to the underlying substrate or structure. In particular, the drainage panel system is secured during concrete pour.

[35] In one example, the method comprises nailing through the flanges the connector component and first and / or second edge regions.

[36] In one example, the method comprises aligning the first and second drainage panel edge regions and adding the connector component to bridge above. In one example, the method comprises providing the first and second drainage panel edge regions onto the connector component.

[37] In one example, the method comprises aligning the first and second drainage panel edge regions in parallel with one another. In one example, the method comprises aligning the first and second drainage panel edge regions at an angle to one another so that the joint is of varying width along its length.

[38] In one example, the method comprises shaping the first and second drainage panel edge regions and the connector component, around a substrate or structure, for example an underlying substrate or structure. In one example, the underlying structure is a tunnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[39] 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 an end view of a related art drainage panel joint; Figure 2 shows an end view of a drainage panel system according to an example embodiment; Figure 3 shows an end view of a drainage panel system according to a second example embodiment; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a drainage panel system according to a third example embodiment; Figures 5 and 6 show end views of a drainage panel system according to a fourth example embodiment; Figure 7 shows an end view of a drainage panel system according to a fifth example embodiment; Figure 8 shows a plan view of a drainage panel system according to a sixth example embodiment; and Figure 9 shows a method of installing a drainage panel system according to example embodiments. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[40] Although the example embodiments are described with reference to the components, elements and portions thereof discussed herein, such may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements unless the context would preclude such changes. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the terms “comprising”, and “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[41] Figure 2 shows an end view of a drainage panel system 200. The drainage panel system comprises a first drainage panel edge region 210, a second drainage panel edge region 220, and a connector component 260.

[42] The connector component comprises a first portion 262 and a second portion 264. The connector component 260 bridges the first drainage panel edge region 210 and the second drainage panel edge region 220, to join the first drainage panel edge region 210 and the second drainage panel edge region 220.

[43] The first drainage panel edge region 210 comprises a cusp 212. The second drainage panel edge region 220 comprises a cusp 222. The connector component 260 comprises a cusp 230. In example embodiments, the cusp of the first drainage panel edge region and the cusp of the second drainage panel edge region interlock with the cusp of the connector component to join the edge regions securely.

[44] As can be seen in this end view, the connector component 260 joins the first drainage panel edge region 210 and the second drainage panel edge region 220 by engagement of the first portion 262 thereof with the first drainage panel edge region 210 and engagement of a second portion 264 thereof with the second drainage panel edge region 220. The connector component 260 forms a double layer either side of the region it bridges 266, with a layer of connector component material adjacent a layer of the first and second drainage panel edge regions 210, 220 next to the line of join. In example embodiments, the first and second drainage panel edge regions are disposed adjacent one another such that the first edge region abuts the second edge region. In example embodiments, the first and second edge regions abut and the cusp of the connector component is the same shape and size as the cusps of the first and second edge regions. This provides a secure fit therebetween and increased join protection. In this way secure joining of the edge regions is provided for applications in which straight joining of the edge regions is required, without the need for a joining compound. This reinforcement over the joint area strengthens the joint, without requiring additional overlap of material, while doing away with the need for a joining compound to hold the drainage panel edge regions 210, 220 together. Advantageously, the connector component is reusable and is easy to remove and reinstall, for example, if adjustment or realignment is required after an initial installation.

[45] In typical example installations, the drainage panel edge regions are parts of two separate drainage panels, which are to be joined along their respective edge regions. However, this is not essential, and other installations drainage panel system joins one edge region of a drainage panel with another edge region of the same drainage panel, or joins more than two drainage panels together by their respective edge regions, with a shared connector component that is longer than the panel edge regions.

[46] As will be appreciated, the connector component comprises a row of cuspated forms along its length, and in the examples shown is stackable with itself and with both first and second drainage panels. Advantageously, transportation of the drainage panels in a stacked configurations is efficient, thereby reducing the cost of transportation.

[47] In Figure 3, a second example embodiment drainage panel system 300 is shown, with reference numerals corresponding to those of Figure 2, with corresponding reference numerals also applied where relevant to the subsequent Figures. The connector component 360 of Figure 3 comprises a flange area 361 around the cusp 330. To secure the connector component 360 to the first and second drainage panel edge regions 310, 320 nails 370 are provided, passing through the flange area 361 and the first and second drainage panel edge regions 310, 320.

[48] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a drainage panel system 400 according to a third example embodiment. In the example of Figure 4, the connector component 460 and its relationship to first and second drainage panel edge regions 410, 420 or respective first and second drainage panels will be appreciated.

[49] The connector component 460 comprises a strip of material that features a line of cusps 430, these cusps corresponding to cusps of the first drainage panel edge region 410, and the second drainage panel edge region 420.

[50] The connector component 460 is offset from the first and second drainage panel edge regions 410, 420 in the out-of-plane direction, that is, the connector component 460 lies above the plane in which the first and second drainage panel edge regions 410, 420 lie. In other example installations, the connector component lies below the plane in which the first and second drainage panel edge regions lie.

[51] The cusps 430 of the connector component 460 and those of the first and second edge regions 410, 420 have corresponding forms such that they fit into one another and interlock. Out of plane movement is constrained by gravity and material that lies adjacent the drainage structure in use. Movement along the line of joint in the direction of the line of joint, and indeed any in plane movement is prevented by engagement of the cusps. In the examples above, the connector component has cusps that are matched in size and shape to those of the drainage panel edge regions, and which partially fill the cusps thereof. However, as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, first and second portion cusps are formed with a connection clearance, so as to allow an amount of misalignment between the first and second drainage panel edge regions. In effect, the first and second drainage panel edge regions have an in-plane offset, which may be constant along the length of the join, or which may vary along the length of the join. This fort of misalignment may be a problem when long panels are to be joined, or when the underlying surface is curved in two directions, meaning that the drainage edge panels bend in two directions, or need to be angled at an angle relative to one another to account for non-rectilinearity of the join.

[52] Figures 5 and 6 show first and second end views of a drainage panel system according to a fourth example embodiment. In this fourth example embodiment the first and second drainage panel edge regions are aligned at an angle to one another, in plane. The connector component is oversized, that is, it is formed with a connection clearance. In other words, the cusp 530, 630 of the connector component is wider than the width of both the cusp of the first drainage panel edge regions 512, 612 and the cusp of the second drainage panel edge 522, 622 combined. Figures 5 and 6 show how the first and second drainage panel edge regions 512, 612, 522, 622 are spaced closely at the first end, and are spaced more widely at the second end.

[53] In example embodiments, the cusp of the connector the first portion cusp and the first edge region cusp have corresponding forms. In example embodiments, the second portion cusp and the second edge region cusp have corresponding forms. Advantageously, the corresponding forms provide engagement of the portions with the respective edge regions. The form of said features comprises the shape and size / dimensions of the feature. In example embodiments, corresponding forms comprise the same shape with the same dimensions, as described in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4. In example embodiments, corresponding forms comprise the same shape with proportional dimensions, such that one form is an enlargement of the other by a scale factor. In example embodiments, corresponding forms comprise a first and second form, wherein the first form is engageable with the second form.

[54] Figure 7 shows a drainage panel system 700 according to a fifth example embodiment. The connector component 780 of Figure 7 comprises a flange area 761 around the cusp 730. To secure the connector component 760 to the first and second drainage panel edge regions 710, 720 nails 770 are provided, passing through the flange area 761 and the first and second drainage panel edge regions 710, 720. In this way, after the drainage panel edge regions and the connector component have been positioned, as discussed below in relation to Figure 9, the drainage panel edge region and the connector component are securely connected to one another and through to an underlying structure, so as to prevent further relative movement once this configuration has been reached. As shown, the nails are long enough to pass through the flange area, the drainage panel edge region and extend into underlying material, such as of an underlying substrate or structure. This secures the drainage panel system in place. As will be appreciated, other mechanical fasteners are suitable to operate in this way in the system.

[55] Figure 8 shows a drainage panel system 800 according to a sixth example embodiment, in which there is angular misalignment between the first and second drainage panel edge, in plan. In this example, the connection clearance is provided by the first and / or second portion cusps of the connector component 830 being smaller than the corresponding cusps of the first and second drainage panel edge regions 810, 820, and with a greater separation therebetween. The connection clearance is enhanced by rounding off the corners of the first and second portion cusps of the connector component 830 to provide chamfered corners. The example shown provides for angular misalignment of around 15 degrees. In other examples, the connection clearance is provided by the first and / or second portion cusps of the connector component being larger than the corresponding cusps of the first and second drainage panel edge regions and with a greater separation therebetween.

[56] Figure 9 shows a method of installing a drainage panel system according to example embodiments.

[57] Step S901 comprises providing a first drainage panel edge region and positioning it on an underlying substrate. In the example of Figure 9, the underlying substrate is the surface of a tunnel structure. Step S902 comprises providing a second drainage panel edge region and positioning it on the underlying substrate, at a location alongside the first drainage panel edge region. Step S903 comprises bridging the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region with the connector component, to thereby join the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region. The location of the second drainage panel edge region is sufficiently close and aligned with the first drainage panel edge region such that the gap therebetween is bridged by the connector component.

[58] In some examples, the method of installing a drainage panel system may comprise further optional steps S904 and / or S905.

[59] Step S904 comprises shaping or adjusting the positions of one or more of the first drainage panel edge region, second drainage panel edge region and the connector component.

[60] In examples in which there is no connection clearance or in-plane offset between the first and second drainage panel edge regions, the adjustment comprises positioning the drainage panel edge regions and the connector component such that the drainage panel edge regions abut and the connector component provides a secure connection.

[61] In examples in which the relative locations and orientations of the drainage panel edge regions and / or the connector component are adjustable, such as examples including a connection clearance, the adjustment comprises bending the drainage panel edge regions and the connector component to match the shape of the underlying structure or substrate. In some examples, this includes lining a floor or wall of a structure or tunnel with the drainage panel system. When the drainage panel system is used to line an irregular-shaped surface or a curved wall of a tunnel, the component(s) are suitably flexible to ensure that the drainage panel system is shaped or curved to match the shape of the surface or the curve of the tunnel circumferentially, and accounting for any curvature of the wall of the tunnel along its length.

[62] Step S905 comprises securing the joint using a mechanical fastener such as a nail, as described above, in relation to the embodiments of Figures 3 and 7.

[63] Step S905 comprises securing the first and second drainage panel edge regions to the connector component and through to an underlying substrate, as described above, in relation to the embodiments of Figures 3 and 7.

[64] The method of Figure 9 comprises steps that may be carried out in any suitable order. The method of Figure 9 comprises steps that may be combined in any suitable combination.

[65] As will be appreciated from the above, a cost effective joining system has been described, in which the connector component can be easily manufactured and transported, which allows flexibility in installation accuracy while providing strength in and around the joined area.

Claims

1. A drainage panel system comprising:a first drainage panel edge region;a second drainage panel edge region; anda connector component;wherein, the connector component bridges the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region, to join the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region, wherein the connector component comprises a strip of material to join the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region by engagement of a first portion thereof with the first drainage panel edge region and engagement of a second portion thereof with the second drainage panel edge region,characterised in that the first portion of the connector component comprises a line of cusps that correspond in shape to cusps of the first drainage panel edge region, and wherein the second portion of the connector component comprises a line of cusps that correspond in shape to cusps of the second drainage panel edge region.

2. The drainage panel system of claim 1, wherein the connector component and the first drainage panel edge region are offset in an out-of-plane direction.

3. The drainage panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the connector component forms a cap that bridges the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region.

4. The drainage panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region are offset in an in-plane direction.

5. The drainage panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion cusp and the first edge region cusp have corresponding forms.

6. The drainage panel system of claim 5, wherein the first portion cusps and the first edge region cusps have matching dimensions.

7. The drainage panel system of claim 5, wherein the first portion cusps are formed with a connection clearance, to allow a degree of linear and / or angular misalignment between the first and second drainage panel edge regions.

8. The drainage panel system of any preceding claim, further comprising a mechanical fastener that joins through the panel edge regions and the connector component.

9. The drainage panel system of any preceding claim, wherein the connector component comprises a connector strip.

10. The connector component of the drainage panel system of any preceding claim.

11. A kit comprising the connector component of claim 10, a first drainage panel and a second drainage panel.

12. A method of joining first and second drainage panel edge regions with a connector component, the aforementioned being elements of a drainage panel system of any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising:bridging the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region, with the connector component, to thereby join the first drainage panel edge region and the second drainage panel edge region.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising shaping the first drainage panel edge region and the connector component, around a substrate or structure.

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