Multi-layered Surface Water Mitigation Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contaminated surface water runoff from roadways, parking lots, and animal shelters poses a significant threat to environmental and human health due to the presence of hazardous compounds like hydrocarbons and nutrients, which can infiltrate aquifers and groundwater, and existing solutions are inadequate for effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered surface water mitigation structure comprising a permeable composite capstone layer and a porous storage medium layer, optionally with additional layers, that includes remediating agents to treat contaminants, allowing surface water to pass through and be treated before entering the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layered filtration system is implemented to effectively remove contaminants from surface water runoff, then water quality is improved, but the structural complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple distinct layers, each performing a specific function: the geotextile layer for initial filtration, the porous asphalt layer for secondary filtration and drainage, and the aggregate base layer for structural support and additional filtration. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose while collectively achieving effective contaminant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes porous asphalt and aggregate materials with controlled porosity to enable water infiltration while trapping contaminants. The porous structure allows water to pass through while retaining harmful substances, achieving effective filtration without requiring complex mechanical filtration systems.
2Reliability
If remediating agents are added to the porous storage medium to break down contaminants, then contaminant removal efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous storage medium is pre-inoculated with remediating agents during manufacturing, so that the biological or chemical treatment capability is already integrated into the material before installation. This eliminates the need for separate agent application steps after construction, reducing installation complexity while maintaining high contaminant removal efficiency.
3Strength
If the permeable composite capstone layer is designed to support substantial loads, then structural strength is improved, but the permeability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capstone layer is constructed as a composite material system combining porous asphalt with aggregate base layers. The porous asphalt provides surface strength and initial filtration, while the underlying aggregate layers provide additional structural support and maintain permeability pathways. This composite structure achieves both high load-bearing capacity and sustained permeability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of the pavement structure are designed with different porosity characteristics: the surface porous asphalt layer has controlled porosity for filtration while maintaining surface strength, and the underlying aggregate layers have higher porosity to ensure water infiltration and maintain overall system permeability. Each layer's properties are optimized for its specific function within the composite structure.
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 structure effectively removes contaminants and pollutants from surface water runoff by subjecting it to a multi-layered filtration and treatment system, reducing the risk of environmental harm and improving water quality before it enters aquifers or reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
a porous storage medium layer that can absorb and/or hold water that has passed through the permeable layer and permeable support layer
Implementation Method 2
The porous storage medium layer is optionally designed to at least contain and/or be inoculated with remediating agents (e.g., chemical, physical, and/or biological remediating agents) that are designed to break down contaminants in the runoff
Implementation Method 3
The surface water mitigation structure is capable of removing contaminants and/or pollutants from runoff by subjecting the water through a multi-layered filtration and treatment system
Data Source
AI summary
A surface water mitigation structure suitable for use in the storage and treatment of contaminated surface water runoff. The runoff is processed through a multi-layered filtration and treatment system wherein the first layer is one or more permeable layers that is pervious enough to allow liquid runoff to pass through it and into a porous storage medium second layer that includes one or more remediating agents, and wherein the effluent from the surface water mitigation structure can be discharged to the ground, the surface, and/or a drainage system reduced or free of contaminants.