Sediment containment barrier

Abstract

A sediment containment barrier capable of functioning in an outdoor environment for 18-24 months or more, while offering full rebound to compression impacts even after exposure to rain, construction traffic, and other harsh elements of an active construction site. Through a protected central core of foam or air surrounded by a water impermeable middle membrane and outer filtering shell, the barrier is able to withstand being run over by construction traffic hundreds of times while rebounding to its original shape and more importantly maintaining its compliance as an effective dirt and silt containment barrier. Due to the filtering qualities and the embedded nature of the barrier, the barrier offers high flow, reduction in the ponding of water, the effective filtration of sediment and silt, and a lower height than conventional sediment containment barriers.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application with Ser. No. 60 / 872,371, which was filed on 30 Nov. 2006. The disclosure of this provisional application is incorporated by reference herein as if set out in full.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to construction job sites and large scale commercial developments, particularly with regard to the containment of dirt, sediment and silt runoff at such locations.GENERAL BACKGROUND[0003]Erosion control is an issue societies have faced for centuries. Over the years various means have been used to adequately regulate erosion, and the related regulation of silt and runoff. One device commonly in use to achieve this is the wattle. A wattle is a fabrication of poles interwoven with slender branches, withes or reeds. They are typically laid continuously along a slope to intercept surface water runoff and create a “ponding” effect. This reduces the runoff water velocity allowing a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]It is thus an objective of the present invention to provide a silt barrier capable of effectively filtering sediment while providing the durability to withstand typical construction and environmental hazards experienced on an active construction site.

[0021]An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a means for the construction industry to be in compliance with environmental regulations immediately after pouring a sidewalk, and to avoid the retrenching necessary to implement many of the current devices.

Problems solved by technology

While effective as a dirt or silt containment barrier, the semi rigid outer shell is easily crushed by construction traffic, causing it to fall out of compliance with many building ordinances and BMPs.

When used in active production areas of a construction site, the low durability prompts frequent costly repairs and replacements to be needed.

Even before subjected to environmental and vehicular damage, the device is prone to undermining, as described above.

Thus, this product is ineffective to meet the needs of dirt and silt containment barriers around jobsites.

The wattles fail in several ways at active construction sites: 1) Even with the slightest amount of construction traffic running over the device, the inner core of polyethylene foam becomes oblong, often times causing it to fall out of compliance.

2) The outer shell is not durable enough to hold up for long periods of time without maintenance or replacement, and is prone to tear.

Breach of the outer shell can lead to the scattering of small pieces of foam over the construction site and ultimately into the very storm drains sought to be protected.

Thus, this product is similarly ineffective to meet the needs of dirt and silt containment barriers around jobsites.

While this device is an effective erosion control device, it also lacks sufficient durability for installations at home construction sites.

Additionally, it has the undesirable effect of absorbing water and other materials, which weighs the device down, makes the device difficult to maneuver, and can cause disintegration of the internal foam.

Finally, the outer shell is prone to tearing when subjected to the abuse seen on active construction sites.

These are likely to make the device non-compliant with local regulations and BMPs.

Like the other devices, this device is ineffective to meet the needs of dirt and silt containment barriers around jobsites due to its lack of durability and costly application.

The above sediment barriers are also typically partially trenched into the ground, thereby reducing their effective height to potentially grade level.

Thus, the current products require additional trenching to be performed and at addition expense.

All of the above products fail to meet the needs of the home construction industry for an effective dirt and sediment barrier that will hold up to the harsh environment of an active job site.

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