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(11) | EP 2 910 698 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Culvert system and method of forming a culvert system |
| (57) The present document shows a culvert system for laying of social infrastructure below
ground level. The culvert system comprises a channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), which
defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36) so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, and
a coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or
connection to/from said conduits. A [ratio] between a density of the coupling chamber
(20, 20', 20") and a density of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is greater
than 1, preferably greater than 10, or greater than 100.
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Technical field
[0001] The present document relates to a culvert system for laying of social infrastructure, such as channels or conduits for fresh water, waste water, rain water, district heating, district cooling, ventilation, electricity, electrical communication, fibre-optic communication, gas and/or refuse collection (for example automated vacuum collection).
[0002] The document also relates to a method of producing such a culvert system and prefabricated parts in the form of channel modules and coupling chambers for producing such a culvert system.
Background
[0003] Conventionally, conduits for social infrastructure are laid underground, usually beneath roads and streets. Each type of conduit forms part of an own network, and conduits of different type can be laterally divided, for example over the width of the road, and/or vertically divided, for example at different depths.
[0004] In the installation or repair of conduits, the roadway normally needs to be dug up in order to allow laying of new conduits or access to existing conduits.
[0005] One problem is that such digging, with subsequent refilling and restoration of surface layers, is time-consuming, costly and disrupts the traffic on the road. High costs are inflicted upon individuals, the collective traffic and businessmen when traffic disruptions occur over a lengthy period.
[0006] A further problem is that beneath many roads it is beginning to get cramped for space, which means that installations are becoming more complex and the risk of accidental damage adjacent to the conduits is increasing.
Summary
[0008] One object is to provide an improved method of laying channels and/or conduits underground. Specific objects comprise the provision of a laying method which is easy and cost-effective to install, and the provision of a laying method which allows servicing, maintenance and supplementation of conduits already installed.
[0009] The invention is defined by the accompanying independent patent claims. Embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims, from the following description and from the drawings.
[0010] According to a first aspect, a culvert system for laying of social infrastructure below ground level is provided. The culvert system comprises a channel module, which defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, and a coupling chamber, which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or connection to/from said conduits. A downward pressure provided by the coupling chamber is greater than a downward pressure provided by the channel module, preferably at least 2 times greater, at least 5 times greater, at least 10 times greater, at least 20 times greater, or at least 30 times greater.
[0011] By "downward pressure" is here meant a ratio between, on the one hand, the weight of the coupling chamber and of the channel module respectively and the area over which the respective weight is distributed. The pressure provided by the coupling chamber can be produced by the own weight of the coupling chamber, by the equipment which is present in the coupling chamber, by possible lugs or other protrusions on which ground pressure is acting, and by the filler compound located above the coupling chamber. In the same way, the weight provided by the channel module can be produced by the own weight of the channel module, by equipment present in the channel module, and by any extra weights applied to prevent the channel module from being lifted by, for example, high groundwater.
[0012] By "social infrastructure" is here meant pipes, conduits and channels for, for example, fresh water, waste water, rain water, district heating, district cooling, ventilation, electricity, electrical communication, fibre-optic communication, gas and/or refuse collection (for example automated vacuum collection).
[0013] Through the use of coupling chambers of greater density than the channel modules, both channel modules and coupling chambers can be produced in a cost-effective manner and the coupling chambers can be utilized as a "sinker", i.e. they prevent the channel modules from moving up as a result of, for example, high groundwater.
[0014] A ratio between a density of the coupling chamber and a density of the channel module can be greater than 1, preferably greater than 10, greater than 20, greater than 50, or greater than 100.
[0015] By "density" is here meant the relationship between the total volume of the respective module, inclusive of the volume of walls and enclosed volume, and its total mass.
[0016] A wall thickness of the coupling chamber can be at least twice as great as a wall thickness of the channel module, preferably at least 3 times as great, at least 5 times as great, or at least 10 times as great.
[0017] Alternatively, a wall thickness of the coupling chamber can be at least 30% greater than a wall thickness of the channel module, preferably at least 50% greater, at least 70% greater, or at least 90% greater.The channel module and the coupling chamber can be formed of different materials.
[0019] By "mainly" is meant amounting to at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, or at least 99% by weight.
[0020] By forming the channel module of a plastics material, it is possible to produce this at relatively low cost and to make it totally seal-tight. Problems of water penetrating into the channel module are thereby avoided.
[0021] Compared with concrete pipes, furthermore, the number of joints is reduced, since a channel module made of plastic or metal can be made significantly longer than one of concrete.
[0022] The channel module can have walls which are corrugated and/or at least partially double-walled.
[0025] By forming the coupling chamber of concrete, it is possible to produce this at significantly lower cost than if it were made of plastic or metal. In addition, it is relatively ease to make the coupling chamber sufficiently strong to bear, for example, loads from traffic directly above the coupling chamber.
[0026] The channel module can have a cross-sectional area which is sufficiently large to allow an operator to make his way along the entire length of the channel module for installation, inspection or repair of said conduits. Preferably, the cross-sectional area can be so large that an operator can stand upright in the channel module. For example, the channel module can have an internal height amounting to at least 1 m, at least 1.5 m, at least 2 m or at least 2.5 m, at least 3 m or at least 3.5 m.
[0027] Preferably, the channel module can have a traversable width (i.e. width between installations) amounting to at least 40 cm, preferably at least 70 cm or at least 80 cm.
[0028] The channel module can comprise holders for vertically and/or horizontally separated laying of said conduits.
[0029] The channel module, viewed in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, can have at least one curved wall portion.
[0031] The channel module can have, on an end portion present in the longitudinal direction thereof, a radially outwardly extending, substantially circumferential flange.
[0032] By "substantially circumferential" is here meant at least 50% of the circumference, preferably at least 75% of the circumference, 90% of the circumference, 99% av the circumference, or 100% of the circumference. The flange can be located between 5 and 100 cm from the end of the channel module, preferably between 5 and 50 cm or between 10 and 30 cm.
[0033] The wall of the channel module can be substantially continuous, viewed in a circumferential direction, i.e. in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel module. By "substantially continuous" is meant that the wall can have joints or recesses which stem from the manufacture of the channel module. The wall can be wholly continuous.
[0034] The coupling chamber can have a wall portion having an opening which, in shape and size, is adapted to receive said end portion.
[0035] A wall of the coupling chamber can have a lower portion and an upper portion, which are capable of being joined together in the vertical direction.
[0036] Substantially half of the opening can be formed in the lower portion and substantially the remaining part of the opening is formed in the upper portion. By "substantially half" is here meant 50% +/- 10% units, preferably 50% +/-5% units, of the area of the opening.
[0037] The opening can have an opening surface extending between outer and inner surfaces of the wall portion, and the opening surface can have a depression for receiving the flange.
[0038] The depression can have a width which is greater than the width of the flange, viewed in the direction of thickness of the wall.
[0040] The filler compound can be chosen from a group consisting of synthetic resin, rubber or rubbery material, and cement.
[0042] Furthermore, at least one sealing part, acting between the wall portion and the channel module, in the form of an expansion band and/or a jointing band can also be provided. The sealing part can be arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of the channel module and/or in a groove in an opening surface in the wall portion, which groove is open towards the outer surface of the channel module.
[0043] According to a second aspect, a prefabricated channel module is provided for use in the culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an elongate channel casing, and at least two conduits arranged in the channel casing, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module.
[0044] By prefabricating the channel module, it is possible to produce this at relatively low cost and in a well controlled fashion.
[0045] A prefabricated channel module according to the above can have a length of at least 3 m, preferably at least 1 m, at least 5 m, at least 10 m, at least 20 m, or at least 30 m.
[0046] The prefabricated channel module can have an inner cross-sectional area of preferably around 1.5-7 m2, 2.5-5 m2, or 3-5 m2.
[0047] The prefabricated channel module can contain supports and possible fastening devices for supporting the conduits. For example, all originally planned pipes, conduits, cable channels and/or cable webs can be premounted in connection with the prefabrication. This does not however preclude further pipes, conduits, cable channels or cable webs from being introduced into the channel module after this has been installed.
[0048] According to a third aspect, a prefabricated coupling chamber is provided for use in the culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a bottom portion, and at least one wall portion comprising an opening which, in shape and size, is adapted to receive an end portion of the channel module.
[0049] A prefabricated coupling chamber can have an internal volume of around 5-30 m3, preferably around 7-20 m3 or around 8-15 m3.
[0050] The coupling chamber can be formed of a lower portion, which has said bottom portion and wall portions extending to a height corresponding to a vertical position for half the height of the opening, and an upper portion, which has wall portions extending from said vertical position and to a height corresponding to a ceiling level of the coupling chamber.
[0051] The coupling chamber can further comprise a roof portion, which has at least one descent opening.
[0052] By prefabricating the coupling chamber, it is possible to produce this at relatively low cost and in a well controlled fashion.
[0053] The provision of a coupling chamber means that all couplings to/from the respective prefabricated channel module can be made in a coupling chamber, and thus outside the channel module. In the coupling chamber, the accessibility is normally better, which facilitates work on joining and connection/disconnection of conduits. If two prefabricated channel modules should be joined together directly end to end, pipes and conduits would need to be drawn in around 0.5-1.5 m from the end of the channel module to allow room for the joining equipment.
[0054] According to a fourth aspect, a method of forming a culvert system is provided, comprising the provision of a channel module, which defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, the provision of a coupling chamber, which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or connection to/from said conduits, wherein a downward pressure provided by the coupling chamber is greater than a downward pressure provided by the channel module, preferably at least 5 times greater, at least 10 times greater or at least 20 times greater, the fixing of an end portion of the channel module in an opening, adapted to the shape and size of the end portion, in a wall portion of the coupling chamber, and the provision of a ground level such that the channel module and the coupling chamber are located below ground level.
Brief description of the drawings
[0055]
Fig 1 is a schematic sectional view of a coupling chamber and two channel modules, viewed in a vertical plane along the longitudinal direction of the channel modules.
Fig 2 is a schematic sectional view of a coupling chamber, viewed in a vertical plane transversely to the longitudinal direction of the channel modules.
Fig 3 is a schematic sectional view of a channel module 10.
Fig 4 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the fastening of a channel module in the wall of the coupling chamber.
Figs 5a-5c are schematic plan views of different arrangements of channel modules and coupling chambers.
Fig 6 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the fastening of a channel module in the wall of the coupling chamber according to an alternative embodiment.
Fig 7 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the fastening of a channel module in the wall of the coupling chamber according to a further alternative embodiment.
Detailed description
[0056] Fig 1 shows a coupling chamber 20 situated below ground level 1, to which two channel modules 10a, 10b are connected. Only end portions of the channel modules are shown.
[0057] The coupling chamber 20 can comprise a bottom plate 21, a lower wall portion 22, an upper wall portion 23, a cover 24 and an access opening 25.
[0058] The bottom plate, the lower wall portion 22, the upper wall portion 23 and the cover 24 can each be formed of concrete.
[0059] The bottom plate 21 can be prefabricated and transported to the installation site, or formed by casting at the installation site.
[0060] The lower wall portion 22 can comprise substantially vertical walls, which are configured to extend upwards from the edge portion of the bottom plate 21. In the case of, for example, a square bottom plate 21, the lower wall portion 22 can comprise four walls.
[0061] By "substantially vertical" is here meant walls which are vertically upright +/- 5°, preferably +/- 1°.
[0062] The walls of the lower wall portion 21 can have a height h1 (Fig 2) which is tailored such that the upper part of the lower wall portion coincides with the vertical midpoint of the channel module 10, 10a, 10b.
[0063] The lower wall portion 22 can be prefabricated and transported to the installation site, or formed by casting at the installation site.
[0064] The bottom plate 21 can be integrated with the lower wall portion 22. For example, the bottom plate 21 and the lower wall portion 22 can be formed in one piece.
[0065] A lug 211 can be formed on the bottom plate 21 in order to allow filler compound located above this to provide further pressure on the bottom plate.
[0066] The lower wall portion 22 has an opening 221 for receiving an end portion of the channel module 10, 10a, 10b. The opening 221 has a shape which connects to the shape of the channel module 10, 10a, 10b.
[0067] In the shown example, in which the channel module 10, 10a, 10b has a circular cross section, the opening 221 is semi-circular and has an upward facing concave surface 222.
[0068] The upper wall portion 23 can comprise substantially vertical walls, which are configured to connect to the walls of the lower wall portion 22 so as to form walls of the coupling chamber.
[0069] The size and shape of the upper wall portion, viewed from above, can thus coincide with the size and shape of the lower wall portion.
[0070] Also in the upper wall portion, the walls can be integrated with one another and preferably formed in one piece. The upper wall portion 23 can be prefabricated and transported to the installation site, or formed by casting at the installation site.
[0071] The walls of the upper wall portion 23 can have a height h2 corresponding to the difference between the total height of the coupling chamber 20 and the height h1 of the lower wall portion.
[0072] The upper wall portion 23 can have an opening for receiving an end portion of the channel module 10, 10a, 10b. The opening 232 has a shape which connects to the shape of the channel module 10, 10a, 10b.
[0073] In the shown example, in which the channel module 10, 10a, 10b has a circular cross section, the opening 231 is semi-circular and has a downward facing concave surface 232.
[0075] The cover 24 can be prefabricated and transported to the installation site, or formed by casting at the installation site.
[0076] The cover 24 can be integrated with the upper wall portion 23, for example by being formed in one piece.
[0077] The cover can have an access opening which allows an operator to make his way down into the coupling chamber 20. The opening can have any chosen shape, for example circular with a diameter of around 50-100 cm. The opening can be provided with a manhole 25, which can be formed of concrete, metal or plastic, and its height can be chosen so as to be adapted to the distance between the upper portion of the cover 24 and ground level 1, so that the manhole 25 can be provided with a cover which lies level with ground level 1.
[0078] It will be appreciated that further wall portions can be provided. For example, each wall can be built up of two or more, for example three or four vertically stacked wall portions. In such embodiments, each joint between wall portions can be arranged at such a height that it coincides with pipes and the like which are to be connected to the coupling chamber 20. In this way, a connection technique as discussed below can be utilized.
[0079] In the majority of practical embodiments, the coupling chamber 20 can have a base surface, the sides of which are between 2 m and 5 m, preferably around 3x4 m or 3x4 m. As a further example, the coupling chamber 20 can have a base surface, the sides of which are between 2 and 7 m, preferably between 2 and 6 m.
[0080] The total height of the coupling chamber can be between 2 m and 4 m, preferably around 2.5-3.5 m. As a further example, the total height can amount to 8 m or to 6.5 m, i.e. the total height can be between 2 and 8 m.
[0081] The weight of the coupling chamber can be in the order of magnitude of 15-40 tonnes, preferably 20-30 tonnes. Thus the coupling chamber per se, depending on size and wall thickness, can provide a pressure in the order of magnitude of 10-40 kN/m2, preferably 20-30 kN/m2.
[0082] Between contact surfaces of the bottom plate 21 and the lower wall portion 22, between contact surfaces of the lower wall portion 22 and the upper wall portion 23, and between contact surfaces of the upper wall portion and the cover 24, a sealing and/or fixing compound can be applied.
[0083] It will be appreciated that one or more lugs or other protrusions, like that on the bottom plate 21, can be formed on the lower wall portion 22, the upper wall portion 23 and/or on the cover 24.
[0084] The channel module 10, 10a, 10b can be configured as a pipe of any chosen cross section, for example circular, as is shown in the drawings.
[0085] The channel module 10, 10a, 10b can have a diameter between 2 and 3 m, preferably around 2.3-2.5 m. The channel module 10, 10a, 10b can have walls which are corrugated, viewed in the longitudinal direction.
[0086] The weight of the channel module can be in the order of magnitude of 150-300 kg/running metre, preferably 150-200 kg/running metre. Thus the channel module per se can provide a downward weight of in the order of magnitude of 1.5-3 kN per running metre, which, depending on the diameter of the channel, can correspond to a pressure of around 0.5-1.5 kN/m2.
[0087] Therefore the coupling chamber per se provides a pressure which is in the order of magnitude of 5-80 times as great as the channel module, preferably at least 10 times as great, at least 20 times as great, or at least 30 times as great.
[0088] Alternatively, or complementary thereto, the channel module can be double walled. According to one embodiment, the channel module can be formed by a hollow pipe or a hollow profile being wound as a spiral around a core of desired cross section, wherein pipe portions which are adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction of the channel module are welded or glued together. The channel module can therefore have outer walls 11 and inner walls 12. On its end portions, the channel module can be provided with a substantially circumferential flange 13. The flange can be continuous or have a plurality of portions which are separated along the circumferential direction.
[0089] The channel module can be provided with mounting holders 14, 15a, 15b, 15c for the mounting of social infrastructure. In the example shown in Fig 3, the channel module is provided with a vertical support 14, to which horizontal portions 15a, 15b can be connected. Furthermore, the channel module can have a support 15c hanging from the roof.
[0090] The supports 14, 15a, 15b, 15c can be mounted against the inner wall 12 of the channel module with the aid of plates 16, which are fixed to the inner wall 12 by welding or gluing, wherein the supports are mounted with the aid of screwed or bolted joints engaging with the plates 16.
[0091] As a non-limiting example, the support 15c hanging from the roof can support pipes 31 for electricity and pipes 32 for fibre cable. The vertical support 14 can support a fresh water conduit 33, a district heating feed conduit 34, a district heating return conduit 35, and a waste water conduit 36.
[0092] For example, the channel module can have an internal height amounting to at least 1 m, at least 1.5 m, at least 2 m or at least 2.5 m, at least 3 m or at least 3.5 m.
[0093] Preferably, the channel module can have an accessible width (i.e. width between installations) amounting to at least 40 cm, preferably at least 70 cm or at least 80 cm
[0094] In the channel module, an operator space can be present, which is delimited in the lateral direction by a respective vertically extending support 14, upwards by a support 15c, and downwards by the channel floor or a floor board arranged on this. The operator space can have a height of at least 1 m and a width of at least 0.5 m, but preferably the height can be at least 1.8 m, at least 2 m, or at least 2.2 m, and the width can be at least 0.7 m, preferably 0.8 m.
[0095] The channel module 10 can be provided with one or more supports 14, 15a, 15b, 15c and one or more pipes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 or channels already during factory production, so that a prefabricated unit, comprising the actual channel wall 11, 12, at least one support 14, 15a, 15b, 15c and at least one pipe 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and optionally, also the flange, is provided.
[0096] Fig 4 shows how an end portion of the channel module 10 can be fixed to the opening in the wall 27 of the lower wall portion 22.
[0097] The wall 27 has an inner surface 27a and an outer surface 27b. Extending between these in the opening is an opening surface 222, which is upwardly concave. In the opening surface is formed a depression 28 extending radially from the opening surface 222.
[0098] The depression can have the form of a groove, which can be continuous along the whole of the opening surface 222.
[0099] The depression 28 can have an extent, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the channel module 10, which is greater than the extent of the flange 13 in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, preferably at least 50% greater, at least 100% greater, 150% greater or 200% greater. Furthermore, the depression can have a depth which is greater than the radial extent of the flange outwards from the surface of the channel module 10, preferably at least 20% greater, at least 50% greater, or at least 100% greater.
[0100] In the depression 28 is formed a space S between the boundary surfaces of the depression 28 and the surfaces of the flange 13. In this space, a fixing and sealing compound 42 can be applied. Preferably, the compound 42 can be expanding, with a view to filling as much as possible of the space S. The compound 42 can be an expander concrete.
[0101] Furthermore, a fixing and/or sealing compound 41 can be applied between the outer surface of the channel module 10 and the opening surface 222. The compound 41 can be expander concrete.
[0102] Furthermore, so-called sealing bands (or jointing bands) and/or expansion bands can also be used against the coupling chamber and/or against the channel module, preferably in combination with the above-stated compound, which can improve adhesion and compensate for mutual movements between the joined together parts.
[0103] The depression 28 can be adapted in width, depth and/or shape to receive such sealing bands and/or expansion bands, as well as the compound.
[0104] In Fig 5a is shown how a coupling chamber 20 can be used to couple together a pair of mutually aligned channel modules 10a, 10b.
[0105] In fig 5b is shown how a coupling chamber 20' can be used to couple together a pair of channel modules 10a, 10b which are angled [one against the other] and in which the longitudinal directions of the channel modules have an angle V relative to each other.
[0106] In fig 5c is shown how a coupling chamber 20" can be used to couple together three channel modules 10a, 10b, 10c, for example for branching into several regions.
[0107] In the coupling chamber 20, pipes and conduits can be arranged to connect the pipes and conduits present in the respective channel module. In the coupling chamber, connections to and/or from the pipes can also be provided, for example for coupling to properties to be served by the social infrastructure.
[0108] Furthermore, the coupling chamber can accommodate equipment such as repeaters or gateways for communication or pump devices for pumping of, for example, water, waste water or rain water.
[0109] For example, the channel module 10 can be laid wholly horizontally, wherein pipes mounted in the channel module are arranged with a drop. Between two adjacent channel modules, pumping can be realized as described above.
[0110] It will be appreciated that two adjacent channel modules can also have an angle relative to each other viewed in the vertical direction. For this purpose, the wall portions 22, 23 can have inward or outward sloping walls.
[0112] Prior to laying of the culvert system, a shaft bottom is provided in a conventional manner. This can be done by digging and the application of base material.
[0113] The bottom plate 21 and the lower wall portion 22 can be prefabricated in one piece, transported to the installation site and placed and levelled at the intended place on the shaft bottom.
[0114] If a longer culvert is to be provided, bottom plates and lower wall portions 22 for a plurality of coupling chambers 20 can be set out at the intended places.
[0115] Channel modules 10, which can have pre-installed pipes and conduits as has been described above, are transported to the installation site.
[0116] To the opening surface 222 of the lower wall portion 22 is applied the compound 41. After this, the channel module 10 is lifted into place, whereupon the flange 13 is fitted into the recess 28.
[0117] Compound 41 is applied to the outer surface of the channel module, on one or both sides of the flange 13, and possibly also to the upward facing contact surfaces of the lower wall portions 22.
[0118] The upper wall portion 23 can be prefabricated in one piece and transported to the installation site.
[0119] The upper wall portion 23 is then lifted into place, whereupon the flange 13 is fitted into a corresponding recess in the downward facing opening surface 232.
[0120] Through a hole 29 extending from the upper surface of the upper wall portion down to the recess in the downward facing opening surface 232, the compound 42 is injected so that it fills the space S between the boundary surfaces of the flange 13 and of the recess 28.
[0122] Further sealing compound can be applied to the upward facing surfaces of the upper wall portion 23, whereafter the cover 24 is put on.
[0123] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the channel module is formed of a double-walled plastics pipe having a total wall thickness of 3-10 cm, preferably 5-10 cm, and the coupling chamber is formed of concrete having a wall thickness of 20-40 cm, preferably 25-35 cm.
[0124] Fig 6 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the fastening of a channel module in the wall of the coupling chamber according to an alternative embodiment. According to this embodiment, the depression can have the form of a groove which can be continuous over the entire length of the opening surface 222.
[0125] According to this embodiment, the depression 28 has an extent, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the channel module 10, which is greater than the extent of the flange 13 in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, preferably at least 50% greater, at least 100% greater, 150% greater or 200% greater. Furthermore, the depression can have a depth which is greater than the radial extent of the flange outwards from the surface of the channel module 10, preferably at least 20% greater, at least 50% greater or at least 100% greater.
[0126] Viewed in a vertical sectional plane perpendicular to the principal plane of the wall, the depression 28 has at least one lug 43, which has a supporting surface which is perpendicular to the principal plane of the wall +/- 20°, preferably +/- 10°,+/- 5°, or +/-1°.
[0127] The lug is located between the outer tip of the flange 13 and the outer surface of the pipe 10, preferably at a radial distance from the outer surface of the pipe amounting to 30-70% of the radial height of the flange.
[0129] On this lug is arranged an expansion band 44, which extends around the circumference of the pipe. By expansion band is meant a band or strip which expands upon contact with water. Such bands can be made of, for example, acrylic polymers and/or vulcanic bentonite clay. One example of expansion bands is marketed by Mapei S.p.A (IT) under the brand name "IDROSTOP".
[0130] Between the outer surface of the pipe and the surface 222, an expansion band or jointing band 45 can be arranged.
[0131] A jointing band can be a plastics tape of butyl-based material. One example of jointing bands is marketed by Karnag AB under the brand name "EGOPOL".
[0132] In the depression 28, a space S is formed between the boundary surfaces of the depression 28 and the surfaces of the flange 13. In this space, a fixing and sealing compound 42 can be applied. Preferably, the compound 42 can be expanding, with a view to filling as much as possible of the space S. The compound 42 can be an expander concrete.
[0133] Fig 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of how a channel module 10 can be joined together with the wall 27 of a coupling chamber.
[0134] As in earlier embodiments, in an opening surface 222 in the wall 27 of the coupling chamber is formed a circumferential groove 28, in which a flange 13 joined together with the channel module is inserted.
[0135] In the opening surface 222, a groove 43' encircling the opening can be formed on a portion situated between the groove 28 and the outer side 27b of the wall 27 viewed in the axial direction of the channel module. In the groove 43' can be arranged an expansion band 44a', as has been described above.
[0136] On the outer surface of the channel module 10 can be arranged a circumferential jointing band 45', at an axial position at least partially overlapping the opening surface 222, and possibly also overlapping the expansion band 44a'.
[0137] In addition, a second expansion band 44b' can be arranged, encircling the outer surface of the channel module, between the jointing band 45' and the flange 13. Preferably, the second expansion band 44b' overlaps the opening surface 222.
[0138] In the space which is formed, the channel module and the opening surface 222 of the wall, as well as in the groove 28, a filler compound 42' can be applied. In order that the filler compound shall stay in the intended space, forms can be applied to the outer side and/or inner side of the wall, and sufficiently sealingly against the channel module 10, so that the filler compound can be introduced into the groove in a highly fluid state, so that it not only fills the space S between the groove 28 and the flange 13, but also the space between the outer surface of the channel module and the opening surface 222.
[0139] The filler compound 42' can be applied in a lower wall half 22 (fig 2), through the openings which are present between the channel module and the opening surface, before an upper wall half 23 has been fitted. Once the upper wall half has been fitted, the filler compound 42 can be applied through the hole 29 shown in fig 2.
1. A culvert system for laying of social infrastructure below ground level, comprising:
a channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), which defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, and
a coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or connection to/from said conduits,
characterized
in that a downward pressure provided by the coupling chamber is greater than a downward pressure provided by the channel module, preferably at least 2 times greater, at least 5 times greater, at least 10 times greater, at least 20 times greater, or at least 30 times greater.
2. The culvert system according to Claim 1, wherein a wall thickness of the coupling
chamber (20, 20', 20") is at least 30% greater than a wall thickness of the channel
module, preferably at least 50% greater, at least 70% greater, at least 90% greater,
at least twice as great as a wall thickness of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c),
preferably at least 3 times as great, at least 5 times as great, or at least 10 times
as great.
3. The culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel
module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) and the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") are formed of different
materials.
4. The culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel
module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is formed mainly of a plastics material or of a metallic
material.
5. Culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel module
(10, 10a, 10b, 10c) has walls (11, 12) which are corrugated and/or at least partially
double-walled.
6. Culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling
chamber (20, 20', 20") is mainly formed of stone and/or concrete.
7. Culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel module
(10, 10a, 10b, 10c) has a cross-sectional area which is sufficiently large to allow
an operator to make his way along the entire length of the channel module (10, 10a,
10b, 10c) for installation, inspection or repair of said conduits (31, 32, 33, 34,
35, 36), and preferably has an internal height amounting to at least 1 m, at least
1.5 m, at least 2 m, at least 2.5 m, at least 3 m, or at least 3.5 m.
8. Culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel module
(10, 10a, 10b, 10c) comprises holders (14, 15a, 15b, 15c) for vertically and/or horizontally
separated laying of said conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36).
9. Culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel module
(10, 10a, 10b, 10c) has, on an end portion present in the longitudinal direction thereof,
a radially outwardly extending, substantially circumferential flange (13).
10. Culvert system according to Claim 9, wherein the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") has
a wall portion (27) having an opening which, in shape and size, is adapted to receive
said end portion.
11. Culvert system according to Claim 10, wherein the opening (221, 231) has an opening
surface (222, 232) extending between outer (27b) and inner (27a) surfaces of the wall
portion (27), wherein the opening surface (222, 232) has a depression (28) for receiving
the flange (13).
12. Culvert system according to any one of Claims 9-11, further comprising at least one
sealing part, acting between the wall portion and the channel module, in the form
of an expansion band and/or a jointing band.
13. Culvert system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wall of the
coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") has a lower portion (22) and an upper portion (23),
which are capable of being joined together in the vertical direction.
14. Culvert system according to Claim 13, wherein substantially half of the opening (221)
is formed in the lower portion (22) and substantially the remaining part (232) of
the opening is formed in the upper portion (23).
15. A method of forming a culvert system, comprising
the provision of a channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), which defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c),
the provision of a coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or connection to /from said conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36),
wherein a downward pressure provided by the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") is greater than a downward pressure provided by the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), preferably at least 2 times greater, at least 5 times greater, at least 10 times greater, or at least 20 times greater,
the fixing of an end portion of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) in an opening (221, 231), adapted to the shape and size of the end portion, in a wall portion (27) of the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), and
the provision of a ground level (1) such that the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) and the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") are located below ground level (1).
the provision of a channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), which defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c),
the provision of a coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or connection to /from said conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36),
wherein a downward pressure provided by the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") is greater than a downward pressure provided by the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), preferably at least 2 times greater, at least 5 times greater, at least 10 times greater, or at least 20 times greater,
the fixing of an end portion of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) in an opening (221, 231), adapted to the shape and size of the end portion, in a wall portion (27) of the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), and
the provision of a ground level (1) such that the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) and the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") are located below ground level (1).