Subterranean Reservoir Bag for Surface Water Runoff Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling surface water runoff, such as retention ponds and subterranean conduits, face issues like large space requirements, clogging, and soil saturation, leading to uneven surfaces and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir bag filled with loose or granular material, featuring perforated pipes and baffles, designed for subterranean placement, which temporarily stores and controls water flow, allowing for controlled release and preventing soil saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retention ponds are used to control surface water runoff, then water flow control is achieved, but large surface area is required that may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from surface-level water storage (retention ponds) to subsurface water storage by burying the reservoir bag underground. This dimensional change allows water flow control functionality to be achieved without occupying valuable surface area, as the bag is placed in the subspace beneath the ground surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir bag is nested within the ground subspace, utilizing the underground volume that is otherwise unused. The bag can be positioned within an excavation or directly buried, effectively nesting the water storage function within the earth's subsurface layer without requiring surface footprint.
2Reliability
If subterranean conduits are used for water control, then water flow redirection is achieved, but conduits become clogged or settle over time
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir bag is filled with granular material such as aggregate that creates a porous structure. This porous fill material allows water to flow through it while the granular composition prevents clogging by maintaining open pathways. The permeable nature of the aggregate ensures sustained water flow redirection capability over time without the clogging issues that plague conventional conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir bag itself is constructed as a flexible membrane structure that can accommodate ground movements and settlements without rigid failure. This flexibility allows the bag to adapt to subsurface conditions changes, preventing the settling and structural disruption that occurs with rigid subterranean conduits, thereby extending service life.
3Reliability
If subterranean conduits are used, then water flow control is achieved, but soil saturation occurs leading to surface settling and structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The granular aggregate fill material provides a porous matrix that facilitates controlled water infiltration and distribution throughout the reservoir volume. This porous structure prevents localized soil saturation by distributing water flow through multiple pathways, reducing the risk of ground settlement and structural damage while maintaining effective water flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir bag acts as an intermediary structure between the surface water source and the surrounding soil. It captures and holds water temporarily, controlling the rate and distribution of water release into the ground, thereby preventing direct saturation of adjacent soils that would lead to settlement and structural damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The reservoir bag effectively manages surface water runoff by providing temporary storage and controlled water release, preventing soil saturation and surface damage, and can be used in areas lacking sufficient space for traditional retention ponds.
Implementation Method 1
a bag that is filled with a loose or granular material such as but not limited to #57 aggregate up to 3 inch aggregate to allow the flow of water between two or more cells around the material
Implementation Method 2
One embodiment of the present invention may provide a temporary storage of surface water run-off to control a volume of water and its subsequent release
Data Source
AI summary
A reservoir bag and method of use and implementation is disclosed herein. The reservoir bag may be configured for controlling surface water run-off and may include a plurality of cells with at least two adjacent cells in fluid communication with each other to allow water to communicate between the adjacent cells. To aid in the mobility of water, the bag may include one or more perforated pipes therein to direct flow of water through the cells and to an outlet.