DRAINAGE BLOCKS FOR DIKES OR URBAN SETTINGS

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to drainage blocks, and in particular to drainage blocks for use in urban settings. Further, the present invention also relates to a drainage block for use in dikes.

Background art

[0002] A drainage block is known from publication US2012/0255624A1, which discloses a drainage body comprising a base unit and a top unit. The base unit and the top unit are connected via frustoconic or frustopyramidal spacers. However, such drainage blocks are not suitable for use as pavement in an urban setting, as the top unit is formed as a hollow mesh containing many openings, which openings pose a hazard for pedestrians and cyclists and other users of a pavement in an urban setting. Further, partly due to said openings, such blocks do not meet government regulations for pavements. Other drainage blocks are known, for example from NL1039139C, WO2011/108931A1, JP2002004242A and WO2016/159775A1. CN105780726A discloses a block for building a dyke.

Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a drainage block for dikes as a road pavement with drainage and water buffering properties. The present invention also seeks to provide drainage blocks that can be used in urban areas as pavement with drainage and water buffering properties.

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention, a strip drainage block is provided comprising a slab, a base, and a plurality of stems connecting said slab and base, wherein each of the plurality of stems has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the smallest or minimum cross-sectional areas of the slab and the base, wherein the slab and the base each comprise two longitudinal faces, each comprising a plurality of spacing projections. Such a block is advantageous as the larger dimensions facilitate faster assembly or pavement of an area. The plurality of stems comprise any number of stems, for example, it may comprise at least two stems. Alternatively, the plurality of stems may comprise at least three stems. Preferably, the plurality of stems may comprise at least four to five stems. This advantageously reduces the time required for assembly of a drainage block pavement. In particular, a block (or half block) with five, or at least five, stems is stronger and is easier to manufacture.

[0005] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of stems of the strip drainage block has a circular cross-section (cross-section herein is defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, and the diameter is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base. This advantageously allows for a smoother flow of the fluid passing through the block, as the smooth curve shape of the buffering space reduces turbulence. The curved shape also benefits from the surface tension effect so as to guide the fluid downwards from the slab draining spaces to the base draining spaces.

[0006] In an alternative embodiment, each of the plurality of stems of the strip drainage block has an oval cross-section (cross-section herein defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, the oval cross-section having a maximum dimension, and wherein said maximum dimension is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base. A curved shape directs the loads, which are applied on the slab, in an effective way. This is because the pressures on the block are distributed in a way that as much as material can be saved, while maintaining material in the areas where the pressures are higher.

[0007] In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of stems has a rectangular cross-section (cross-section herein is defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, the rectangular cross-section having a maximum length, and wherein the maximum length is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base. A curved shape directs the loads, which are applied on the slab, in an effective way. This is because the pressures on the block are distributed in a way that as much as material can be saved, while maintaining material in the areas where the pressures are higher.

[0008] In a further embodiment, two of the plurality of stems are outer stems defining two flat, lateral ends of the block, which outer stems comprise a semi-circular, a semi-oval, or a half-rectangle cross-section (depending on the type of strip drainage block as disclosed above as defined by the cross-sectional area of the plurality of stems). By semi-circular and semi-oval cross-section it is meant herein a half-circle cross-section and a half-oval cross-section. By half-rectangle cross-section it is meant herein that the outer stem cross-sectional area is substantially half of the cross-section area of a stem that is not an outer stem.

[0009] The block may be comprised of two half blocks, as described in claim 10. In this case the corresponding outer stem may have a wedge-shaped cross-section (corresponding to half of a half-circle), or a quarter oval cross-section, or a quarter-rectangle cross-section, depending on the type of strip drainage block (as defined by the cross-sectional area of the plurality of stems). The lateral ends of a drainage block comprising external stems may be characterized by the claimed flat surfaces which provide a surface for connecting an adjoining a strip drainage block. The lateral ends are preferably flat so that a more stable connection is achieved between two adjoining strip drainage blocks.

[0010] In an embodiment, the plurality of spacing projections define recesses along the slab and the base. The term recesses is used herein to refer to those portions of the slab and base which do not contain a spacing projection, that is, those portions are recessed with respect to the spacing projections. Each of the plurality of spacing projections may have a length that is equal to, or smaller than, the diameter or maximum length of the smallest cross-section of each of the plurality of stems. Alternatively or additionally, each of the plurality of spacing projections may have a length that is defined as a ratio of the length of the longitudinal faces of base and slab, for example, each spacing projection may have a length that is 15% of the length of the longitudinal faces of the slab or base. Each of the plurality of spacing projections may have a depth (or thickness) of, for example, 3 mm, with respect to said recesses on the base and slab. The depth or thickness may be larger or smaller depending on the desired size of the drainage gap or spacing. A larger gap increases the drainage rate.

[0011] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spacing projections is aligned with one of the plurality of stems. Alternatively, the spacing projections may be arranged so that they are not aligned with the stems. For example, they may be intercalated with the stems. The number of spacing projections may relate to the number of stems, for example there are preferably two spacing projections per stem in a strip drainage block provided as whole, and one spacing projection per stem in a strip drainage block provided as a half block. This provides adequate ability to space adjoining blocks.

[0012] In an embodiment, the drainage blocks according to the invention are made of concrete, including geopolymer concrete. Manufacturing the blocks (and half-blocks) out of concrete makes for a stronger block, and in particular makes for a block that can be used as pavement without the need for a top or cover layer (such as drainage sand or other such top layers). When the drainage blocks are used as a fundament/substructure they can be covered with a much less thick top or cover layer than would be necessary in the case of the known blocks, because of the strength of the block according to the invention. Other materials for making the blocks and half-blocks may also be used, such as baked clay or plastics.

[0013] Alternatively, the invention may consist of a drainage half block comprising a half slab, a half stem, and a half base, and one flat surface. Two such half blocks are intended to be arranged adjacent to each other along their respective flat surfaces, so that the half blocks are symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the drainage block. In this manner, one whole drainage block is formed by joining two half drainage blocks. By joining it is meant herein two half blocks being arranged next to each other, along their flat surfaces, either with or without an adhesive such as cement. Preferably, the half blocks are adjoined without the use of adhesives.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing drainage blocks according to the above description is provided, comprising the step of forming the drainage block using a mold. This facilitates manufacturing of the blocks. A mold would thus be provided conforming to the physical and dimensional aspects described herein, which mold is filled with the material of choice for forming the drainage block.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the drainage block is formed by adjoining (as defined above) two half blocks, the half blocks being formed by using molds.

Short description of drawings

[0016] The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figs. 1A-1C show several views of a drainage block according to an example that is not an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows an arrangement of a plurality of drainage blocks according to an example that is not an embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 3A-3C show several views of a drainage block according to another example that is not an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of a plurality of drainage blocks according to an example that is not an embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 5A-5B show several views of a strip drainage block according an aspect of the invention.

Figs. 6A-6B show several views of a strip drainage block according to the invention.

Figs. 7A-7B show several views of a strip drainage block according to another aspect of the invention.

Figs. 8A-8B show several views of a strip drainage block according to another aspect of the invention.

Description of embodiments

[0017] Figs. 1A shows an axonometric view of a drainage block 100 according to an example that is not an embodiment of the invention, comprising a slab 102, a single stem 104, and a base 106. Fig. 1B shows a side view of the drainage block 100. Fig. 1C shows another side view with a cross-section II-II. A cross-section of the stem. The block 100 has a height H1. The slab 102 has a height H2, and the base 106 has a height H3. In the depicted example, the slab and the base have the same height (that is, H2 = H3). The stem 104 has a semi-oval cross section characterized by a length D and a width R, with D being greater than R. The semi-oval cross-section increases from a substantially central area towards both the base 106 and the slab 102, but the increase is greater towards the slab 102.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows an arrangement 200 of a plurality of blocks 100. As can be seen in the figure, adjoining four blocks 100 in a substantially square arrangement results in the creation of a substantially cross-shaped drainage gap or spacing 202. The blocks are adjoined such that the spacing projections of one block are adjacent to the spacing projections of a further block. In this case, the spacing projections of both the base and the slab of one block adjoin respective spacing projections of the base and the slab of a further block.

[0019] Fig. 3A shows an axonometric view of a block 300 for use in a dike, as an example that is not an embodiment of the invention. The block 300 comprises a slab 302, a single stem 304, and a base 306. The base 306 is divided into an upper base section 306a and a lower base section 306b by a peripheral groove 308. The upper base section 306a has a spacing projection 310 on two of its four faces.

[0020] Fig. 3B shows a side view of the block 300. Fig. 3C shows another side view with cross-section along a plane II-II. The block 300 has a spacing projection 310 on two faces of the four faces of the upper base section 306a. The block 300 has a height H5 and the slab has a height H6. The base has a height H7, the upper base section has a height H7a, and the lower base section has a height H7b. The stem has a height H8. The peripheral groove has a height H9 and a depth D. The stem 304 is symmetrical with respect to a central horizontal plane, increasing in size equally from a central area towards the slab 302 and towards the base 306.

[0021] Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of a plurality of blocks 300. As can be seen in the figure, adjoining four blocks 300 in a substantially square arrangement results in the creation of a substantially cross-shaped drainage gap or spacing 402 formed by the spacing projections of the slabs. The blocks are adjoined such that the spacing projections of one block are adjacent to the spacing projections of a further block. In this case, the base of each block only has two spacing projections 310, arranged on opposing faces of the upper base sections 306a.

[0022] Fig. 5A shows a strip drainage half block 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. The block 500 comprises four spaced stems 506 arranged between a slab 502 and a base 504. The base and the slab have spacing projections 510 and 512, respectively, which are aligned with the stems 506. The slab has two longitudinal faces 502 and the base has two longitudinal faces 504. Fig. 5B shows the other side of the block 500. The block 500 has a height HS1 and a length LS1.

[0023] Fig. 6A shows a strip drainage half block 600 with a half slab 606 and a half base 608, each with two longitudinal faces, 614 and 616, respectively. A plurality of half stems 603 are arranged between the half slab 606 and the half base 608. In this embodiment, the strip block has two outer half stems 604a, b, and has two flat, lateral ends 602. The half slab 606 has spacing projections 612 and the half base 608 has spacing projections 610, along one of their respective longitudinal faces. Fig. 6B shows the other side of the strip half block 600.

[0024] Fig. 7A shows a strip drainage block 700, with a base 706 and a slab 702. A plurality of stems 704 are arranged between the slab 702 and the base 706. The slab has two longitudinal faces 712 and the base has two longitudinal faces 714. A plurality of spacing projections 710 and 708 are arranged along said longitudinal faces. Fig. 7B shows the other side of the block 700.

[0025] Fig. 8A shows a strip drainage block 800, with a base 806 and a slab 802. A total of five stems 804 are arranged between the slab 802 and the base 806. The slab has two longitudinal faces 812 and the base has two longitudinal faces 814. A plurality of spacing projections 810 and 808 are arranged along said longitudinal faces. Fig. 8B shows the other side of the block 800.

[0026] The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of examples and embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible to the extent that they are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Strip drainage block (500; 700; 800) for use as pavement or as substructure on dikes or urban spaces, comprising a slab (502; 702; 802), a base (504; 706; 806), and a plurality of stems (506; 704; 804) connecting said slab and base, wherein each of the plurality of stems has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the smallest cross-sectional areas of the slab and the base, wherein the slab and the base each comprise two longitudinal faces, each comprising a plurality of spacing projections (510, 512; 708, 710; 808, 810).

2. Strip drainage block according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of stems has a circular cross-section throughout its extension, the circular cross-section having a maximum dimension, and wherein the maximum dimension is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base.

3. Strip drainage block according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of stems has an oval cross-section throughout its extension, the oval cross-section having a maximum dimension, and wherein said maximum dimension is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base.

4. Strip drainage block according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of stems has a rectangular cross-section throughout its extension, the rectangular cross-section having a maximum length, and wherein the maximum length is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base.

5. Strip drainage block according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of stems comprise at least five stems.

6. Strip drainage block according to claim 1, wherein two of the plurality of stems are outer stems and define two flat, lateral ends of the block.

7. Strip drainage block according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the plurality of spacing projections define recesses along the slab and the base, and wherein each of the plurality of spacing projections has a length that is equal to, or smaller than, a maximum length of the smallest cross-section of each of the plurality of stems.

8. Strip drainage block according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the each of the plurality of spacing projections is aligned with one of the plurality of stems.

9. Drainage block according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the block is made of concrete.

10. Drainage block according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the block is comprised of two half blocks (600) each comprising a half slab (606), half stems (603, 604a, 604b), and a half base (608), and one flat surface, and wherein the half blocks are arranged adjacent to each other along their respective flat surfaces, so that the half blocks are symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the drainage block.

11. Drainage half block (600), wherein the half block is comprised of half of a block according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a half slab (606), half stems (603, 604a, 604b), and a half base (608), and one flat surface, and wherein the half blocks are configured to be arranged adjacent to each other along their respective flat surfaces, so that the half blocks are symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the drainage block.

12. Method for manufacturing a drainage block according to any of the preceding claims, comprising forming the drainage block using a mold.

13. Method of claim 12, wherein the drainage block is formed by adjoining two half blocks, the half blocks being formed by using molds.

Ansprüche

1. Streifenentwässerungsblock (500; 700; 800) zum Verwenden als Pflasterung oder als Unterstruktur auf Deichen oder städtischen Räumen, der eine Platte (502; 702; 802), eine Basis (504; 706; 806) und eine Vielzahl von Stielen (506; 704; 804) umfasst, die besagte Platte und Basis verbinden, wobei jede der Vielzahl von Stielen eine Querschnittsfläche hat, die kleiner als die kleinsten Querschnittsflächen der Platte und der Basis ist, wobei die Platte und die Basis jeweils zwei Längsseiten umfassen, die jeweils eine Vielzahl von Abstandsvorsprüngen (510, 512; 708, 710; 808, 810) umfassen.

2. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der Vielzahl von Stielen einen kreisförmigen Querschnitt über ihre gesamte Ausdehnung hat, wobei der kreisförmige Querschnitt eine maximale Größe hat und wobei die maximale Größe zu der Basis und zu der Platte hin größer ist, wodurch eine gebogene Oberfläche zwischen der Platte und der Basis definiert wird.

3. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach Anspruch 2, wobei jede der Vielzahl von Stielen einen ovalen Querschnitt über ihre gesamte Ausdehnung hat, wobei der ovale Querschnitt eine maximale Größe hat und wobei besagte maximale Größe zu der Basis und zu der Platte hin größer ist, wodurch eine gebogene Oberfläche zwischen der Platte und der Basis definiert wird.

4. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der Vielzahl von Stielen einen rechteckigen Querschnitt über ihre gesamte Ausdehnung hat, wobei der rechteckige Querschnitt eine Maximallänge hat und wobei die Maximallänge zu der Basis und zu der Platte hin größer ist, wodurch eine gebogene Oberfläche zwischen der Platte und der Basis definiert wird.

5. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, wobei die Vielzahl von Stielen mindestens fünf Stiele umfasst.

6. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach Anspruch 1, wobei zwei der Vielzahl von Stielen Außenstiele sind und zwei flache, seitliche Enden des Blocks definieren.

7. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach einem der Ansprüche 1-6, wobei die Vielzahl von Abstandsvorsprüngen Vertiefungen entlang der Platte und der Basis definiert und wobei jede der Vielzahl von Abstandsvorsprüngen eine Länge hat, die gleich oder kleiner als eine Maximallänge des kleinsten Querschnitts jeder der Vielzahl von Stielen ist.

8. Streifenentwässerungsblock nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7, wobei jede der Vielzahl von Abstandsvorsprüngen mit einem der Vielzahl von Stielen ausgerichtet ist.

9. Entwässerungsblock nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Block aus Beton besteht.

10. Entwässerungsblock nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Block aus zwei Halbblöcken (600) besteht, die jeweils eine halbe Platte (606), halbe Stiele (603, 604a, 604b) und eine halbe Basis (608) und eine flache Oberfläche umfassen, und wobei die Halbblöcke entlang ihrer jeweiligen flachen Oberflächen nebeneinander angeordnet sind, so dass die Halbblöcke in Bezug auf eine zentrale Längsebene des Entwässerungsblocks symmetrisch sind.

11. Entwässerungshalbblock (600), wobei der Halbblock gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche aus der Hälfte eines Blocks besteht, wobei er eine halbe Platte (606), halbe Stiele (603, 604a, 604b) und eine halbe Basis (608) und eine flache Oberfläche umfasst, und wobei die Halbblöcke konfiguriert sind, um entlang ihrer jeweiligen flachen Oberflächen nebeneinander angeordnet zu sein, so dass die Halbblöcke in Bezug auf eine zentrale Längsebene des Entwässerungsblocks symmetrisch sind.

12. Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Entwässerungsblocks gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, welches das Bilden des Entwässerungsblocks unter Verwenden einer Form umfasst.

13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei der Entwässerungsblock durch Aneinanderfügen von zwei Halbblöcken gebildet wird, wobei die Halbblöcke unter Verwenden von Formen gebildet werden.

Revendications

1. Bloc de drainage à bande (500; 700; 800) destiné à être utilisé en tant que chaussée ou en tant que sous-structure sur des digues ou des espaces urbains, comprenant une dalle (502; 702; 802), une base (504; 706; 806) et une pluralité de tiges (506; 704; 804) reliant ladite dalle et la base, où chacune de la pluralité de tiges a une section transversale qui est plus petite que les plus petites sections transversales de la dalle et de la base, où la dalle et la base comprennent chacune deux faces longitudinales, comprenant chacune une pluralité de projections d'espacements (510, 512; 708, 710; 808, 810).

2. Bloc de drainage à bande selon la revendication 1, où chacune de la pluralité de tiges a une section transversale circulaire tout au long de son extension, la section transversale circulaire ayant une dimension maximale, et où la dimension maximale est plus grande vers la base et vers la dalle, définissant ainsi une surface incurvée entre la dalle et la base.

3. Bloc de drainage à bande selon la revendication 2, où chacune de la pluralité de tiges a une section transversale ovale tout au long de son extension, la section transversale ovale ayant une dimension maximale, et où ladite dimension maximale est plus grande vers la base et vers la dalle, définissant ainsi une surface incurvée entre la dalle et la base.

4. Bloc de drainage à bande selon la revendication 1, où chacune de la pluralité de tiges a une section transversale rectangulaire tout au long de son extension, la section transversale rectangulaire ayant une longueur maximale, et où la longueur maximale est plus grande vers la base et vers la dalle, définissant ainsi une surface incurvée entre la dalle et la base.

5. Bloc de drainage à bande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, où la pluralité de tiges comprend au moins cinq tiges.

6. Bloc de drainage à bande selon la revendication 1, où deux de la pluralité de tiges sont des tiges extérieures et définissent deux extrémités latérales planes du bloc.

7. Bloc de drainage à bande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, où la pluralité de projections d'espacements définissent des évidements le long de la dalle et de la base, et où chacune de la pluralité de projections d'espacements a une longueur qui est égale ou inférieure à une longueur maximale de la plus petite section transversale de chacune de la pluralité de tiges.

8. Bloc de drainage à bande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, où la chacune de la pluralité de projections d'espacements est alignée avec l'une de la pluralité de tiges.

9. Bloc de drainage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où le bloc est en béton.

10. Bloc de drainage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où le bloc est constitué de deux demi-blocs (600) comprenant chacun une demi-dalle (606), des demi-tiges (603, 604a, 604b) et une demi-base (608) et une surface plane, et où les demi-blocs sont agencés de manière adjacente les uns aux autres le long de leurs surfaces planes respectives, de sorte que les demi-blocs sont symétriques par rapport à un plan longitudinal central du bloc de drainage.

11. Demi-bloc de drainage (600), où le demi-bloc est constitué d'une moitié d'un bloc selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une demi-dalle (606), des demi-tiges (603, 604a, 604b), et une demi-base (608) et une surface plane, et où les demi-blocs sont configurés pour être agencés de manière adjacente les uns aux autres le long de leurs surfaces planes respectives, de sorte que les demi-blocs sont symétriques par rapport à un plan longitudinal central du bloc de drainage.

12. Procédé pour fabriquer un bloc de drainage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant la formation du bloc de drainage en utilisant un moule.

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, où le bloc de drainage est formé par deux demi-blocs juxtaposés, les demi-blocs étant formés en utilisant des moules.

Drawing