NL2039966B1

NL2039966B1 - Infrastructural gutter module

Info

Publication number: NL2039966B1
Application number: NL2039966A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Elisabeth Marie Theunissen Jack
Original assignee: Tbs Sva Groep B V; Putklep B V
Priority date: 2023-09-26
Filing date: 2023-09-26
Publication date: 2025-11-11
Also published as: NL2039966A; NL2035894B1

Abstract

The disclosure presents an infrastructural gutter module configured to be arranged adjacent to a paved surface for draining surface water from the paved surface. The infrastructural gutter module comprises a base having an upper surface, a first side wall extending from the upper surface of the base to a first wall height, a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall and extending from the upper surface of the base to a second wall height, an interior space defined by the base, the first side wall and the second sidewall and configured to accommodate a filtration packet to filter surface water received from the paved surface, and a drain channel arranged in the interior space at a drain height above the upper surface of the base and below the first wall height and the second wall height to drain filtered water from the interior space. [Figure for publication with the abstract: FIG. 1]

Description

INFRASTRUCTURAL GUTTER MODULE

The present disclosure relates to an infrastructural gutter module for draining surface water from a paved surface.

Pavements, which are also referred to as road surfaces, are paved surfaces that are intended for vehicular and foot traffic. Pavements include, for instance, roads, sidewalks, walkways, bridges, bicycle lanes, squares, plazas, parking lots, et cetera. These are generally provided on the ground, which provides the base on which such pavements are placed. Paved surfaces can for instance be surfaces that are provided with asphalt, stone tiles, concrete, rubber, or other hardened and/or durable surface materials. Generally, such materials provide a suitable, solid and durable base for transportation {(e.g., walking or driving), but are less suitable for draining water (e.g., from precipitation such as rain or snow) and other waste products {e.g., dust, leaf litter, debris, et cetera).

Accordingly, pavements are generally provided with drainage systems, which may include storm drains and/or drainage wells that are connected to bodies of water (such as lakes or rivers), reservoirs, and/or a sewage system. Such drainage systems can prevent flooding of pavements, and can assist in clearing the pavements of waste products. Drainage systems have to be maintained periodically to clear debris from their internal (overtlow) reservoirs and to clear inlet grates and such. Furthermore, whilst drainage systems are essential for preventing flooding in populated areas, they may prevent water from reaching the soil, which would normally contribute to the water table (e.g.. ground water), which may prevent soil erosion and may contribute to vegetation and crop growth, or the like.

It is an object of the present disclosure, amongst other objects, to alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks of the drainage systems according to the state of the art.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an infrastructural gutter module configured to be arranged adjacent to a paved surface for draining surface water from the paved surface. The infrastructural gutter module comprises: - a base having an upper surface; - a first side wall extending from the upper surface of the base to a first wall height: - a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall and extending from the upper surface of the base to a second wall height; - an interior space defined by the base, the first side wall and the second sidewall and configured to accommodate a filtration packet to filter surface water received from the paved surface; and - a drain channel arranged in the interior space at a drain height above the upper surface of the base and below the first wall height and the second wall height to drain filtered water from the interior space.

Surface water may flow over the first and/or second side walls into interior space of the infrastructural gutter module. The infrastructural gutter module provides increased buffering capacity as well as improved filtration possibilities for incoming surface water. The filtration packet may be provided in various ways, for example with one or multiple layers and may comprise plants or active substances to improve filtering. However, the invention is primarily directed to the infrastructural gutter module to receive such filtration packet, which therefore need not be present. The filtration packet may be provided in retrofit and may readily be exchanged or selected based on the intended use or location of the infrastructural gutter module. For example, plants may be provided as part of the {filtration packet to purify incoming surface water.

Because the drain channel is arranged in the interior space at a drain height above the upper surface of the base and below the first wall height and the second wall height, a water reservoir can be formed between the drain height and the upper surface of the base to provide water to any plants in the filtration packet between episodes of precipitation. The drain channel may be arranged at a certain distance above the upper surface of the base to define such water reservoir between the upper surface and the drain height.

In the present disclosure. the term ‘height’ may refer to an upwards position relative to the upper surface of the base, which may act as a reference to the various heights mentioned. In particular when addressing inlets or outlets, the height above or below the indicated reference relates to the start of such inlet or outlet. For example, the height of an inlet or outlet is the lowest level thereof at which water will flow in or out.

The base may be a slab or plate. The first and second side walls may extend in an upward direction from the upper surface of the base. The whole module may be prefabricated to facilitate installation.

The drain channel preferably comprises a water-permeable wall. For example. an infiltration tabe can be used as the drain channel. In general, the drain channel may comprise or be formed by a tube.

Preferably, the drain channel is arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall, more preferably midway between the first side wall and the second side wall. Such arrangement promotes enhanced filtration for incoming surface water to pass through the filtration packet before it reaches the drain channel. Alternatively, the drain channel can be provided with or in the first and/or second side walls.

Preferably, the drain channel is mounted on supports configured to space the drain channel, e.g. in the form of a tube, from the upper surface of the base.

The infrastructural gutter module may further comprise an overflow channel fluidly connected to the drain channel and having an overflow inlet arranged at an overflow height above the drain height and below the first wall height and the second wall height. The overflow channel allows removal of access incoming surface water when capacity of the interior space up to the overflow height is reached.

The infrastructural gutter module may further comprise one or more than one infiltration channel passing through at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall at an infiltration height below the drain height to fluidly connect the interior space of the infrastructural gutter module to an exterior thereof. In other words, the drain height is above the infiltration height. This facilitates exchange with any water in the exterior of the infrastructural gutter module, such as surrounding soil. A dynamic equilibrium may then settle between the interior space and the exterior of the infrastructural gutter module. Any access water, whether in the interior space or in the exterior, can be removed via the drain channel of the infrastructural gutter module.

Preferably, the one or more than one infiltration channel is arranged through the first and/or second side wall. such as surrounding soil when the module is installed

Preferably, the infiltration channel is arranged to drain the upper surface of the base. Alternatively of additionally, the infiltration channel may be arranged at or below the upper surface of the base.

Preferably, the infiltration channel is arranged above the upper surface of the base to define a water reservoir between the upper surface and the infiltration height. This water reservoir may replace the one previously described as being formed between the upper surface of the base and the drain height. The same advantages may be achieved in that the water reservoir supports plant growth in the filtration packet. For example, plant roots may contact water in the water reservoir

The infrastructural gutter module may further comprise a settling trough arranged to separate incoming surface water from sand or other debris and having a settling overflow arranged at a settling overflow height below the first wall height and the second wall height and above the drain height. When the overflow channel is provided, it is preferred that the settling overflow height is below the overflow height.

Preferably, the settling overflow is formed by perforations through the settling trough.

Preferably, the settling trough comprises an openable cover to provide access for removing settled matter from the settling through. Such cover also enhances safety as it prevents people or animals from falling in the settling trough.

Preferably, the openable cover comprises through holes defining a top inlet of the infrastructural gutter module.

The infrastructural gutter module may further comprise a side inlet arranged in the first side wall at aside inlet height below the first wall height and above the drain height. The side inlet may be provided in addition or as alternative to the top inlet. The side inlet may be implemented in various ways. For example, the side inlet may be formed by a through hole in the first and/or second side wall. As another example, the side inlet may be formed by a recessed part of the first and/or second side wall that is recessed from a top surface (e.g. maximum side wall height) thereof. Further, the side inlet may be arranged at the height of the first or second side wall, thus at the first or second wall height, in particular when this side wall is lower than the other of the first or second side wall.

When the overtlow channel is provided in combination with the side inlet, it is preferred that the side inlet height is arranged above the overflow height.

When the settling trough is provided in combination with the side inlet, it is preferred that the settling through is arranged behind the side inlet (e.g. as seen in flow direction of incoming surface water) in the interior space.

In any embodiment, the infrastructural gutter module may be elongate in a longitudinal direction.

In particular, the drain channel may extends in the longitudinal direction. The base, the first sidewall and the second side wall may extend in the longitudinal direction. Further, the base may extend in the longitudinal direction and in a width direction transverse to the longitudinal direction while the first and second side walls are arranged at opposite longitudinal sides of such base, respectively.

The infrastructural gutter module may be designed to be couplable to similar infrastructural gutter modules. In general, opposite ends of the infrastructural gutter module may be designed to couple to each other, i.e. to a similar infrastructural gutter module. In particular, a first end (e.g. a first longitudinal end) of the infrastructural gutter module may be configured to receive a second end 5 (e.g. a second longitudinal end) of the infrastructural gutter module. In fact, this second end will form part of another infrastructural gutter module having the same first and second ends.

For example, at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall comprises matching protrusions and recesses at either end for coupling to a similar infrastructural gutter module. Further, the drain channel may comprise a male coupling part at a first end and a female coupling part at a second end, wherein the female coupling part is configured to fittingly receive the male coupling part. The male and female ends of the drain channel preferably extending to same mathematical plane as the ends of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall. Such an arrangement protects the ends of the drain channel during installation from damage.

In a preferred embodiment of the infrastructural gutter module, an interior surface of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall (preferably both the first and second side walls) comprises a protruding rim at a rim height below to the respective wall height to guide water flowing past the interior surface away from the interior surface and towards the interior space configured to accommodate the filtration packet. The protruding rim may comprise a recessed edge to form an overhang relative to the interior surface. Water may then drip off the interior surface even better.

When the infrastructural gutter module comprises the side inlet in combination with the protruding rim at the same side wall, it is preferred that the rim height is below the side inlet height.

The infrastructural gutter module may further comprise at least one end wall extending from the upper surface of the base between the first side wall and the second side wall to an end wall height above the drain height and below the first wall height and the second wall height. Preferably, the drain channel is arranged through the end wall.

When the at least one end wall is provided in combination with the overflow channel, it is preferred that the end wall height is below the overflow height. This stimulates flooding of adjacent infrastructural gutter module to maximize water retention before the overflow channels comes into play to drain access water.

The end wall may be connected to at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall in various ways. For example, the end wall may be fastened by pins or bolts. As another example, the end wall may be arrangeable in a groove in the first and second side walls, and optionally also in the base.

In any embodiment of the infrastructural gutter module, the base, the first side wall and the second side wall may be monolithic, preferably made by casting, and optionally also include the at least one end wall, when present. When the infiltration channels are provided, these can be formed in said monolithic element. A monolithic through may thus be formed by the base, the first and second side walls and any end walls.

The base, the first side wall and the second side wall are preferably made of concrete, more preferably reinforced concrete.

The first and second wall heights may be equal or different.

A top section of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall preferably forms a curbside for an adjacent pavement or paved surface. For example, the top section of the first side wall may form a curbside for a paved surface such as a road while the second side wall may not form a curbside. As another example, the top section of the first side wall may form a curbside for a pedestrian sidewalk or a bicycle lane adjacent to the first side wall while the second side wall forms a curbside for a road for vehicular traffic.

As mentioned above, the infrastructural gutter module may further comprise the filtration packet arranged in the interior space.

Preferably, the filtration packet comprises a drainage layer arranged on the upper surface of the base and extending to a drainage layer height above the drain height. The drainage layer may formed with a hollow construction material or may be formed with appropriate drainage materials such as sand or gravel.

Preferably, the filtration packet comprises a filtration layer arranged above the drain height and below the first and second side wall heights. The filtration layer may be formed with appropriate filtration materials such as filter cloth, mineral wool or soil. It is preferred to use soil so that plants may grow in the filtration packet.

When both the drainage layer and the filtration layer are provided, it is preferred that the filtration layer is arranged on top of the drainage layer. The interface of these two layers is then arranged above the drain height and below the first and second wall heights.

S The filtration packet, preferably the filtration layer thereof, may be seeded with or may comprise plants. Appropriately selected plants may perform filter functions, for example as a constructed wetland.

The infrastructural gutter module may further comprise a water-permeable membrane arranged between the interior space and the drain channel. When the one or more than one infiltration channel are provided in combination with the water-permeable membrane, it is preferred that the water-permeable membrane is further arranged between the interior space and the infiltration channel. When the filtration packet is arranged in the interior space of the infrastructural gutter module, the water-permeable membrane should be arranged between the filtration packet and the drain channel (and any infiltration channels). The water-permeable membrane may be provided in the form of a geotextile.

The present disclosure also provides use of one or more than one infrastructural gutter module as disclosed herein for providing drainage to a paved surface.

The present disclosure further provides a modular drainage system for draining surface water from paved surfaces. The modular drainage system comprises a first infrastructural gotter module as disclosed herein and a second infrastructural gutter module as disclosed herein (which may differ from the first infrastructural gutter module), wherein the drain channels of the first and second infrastructural gutter modules are connected in fluid communication. Preferably, the bases and side walls of the first and second infrastructural gutter modules are also aligned and connected.

The present disclosure further provides a method installing a modular drainage system for a paved surface. This method comprises: - providing a plurality of infrastructural gutter modules, each of which is according to the present disclosure; and - coupling the plurality of infrastructural gutter modules at respective ends thereof.

The method may involve subsequently positioning each of the plurality of infrastructural gutter modules, for example along a trajectory defined by the paved surface that is to be drained. This paved surface may pre-exist the modular drainage system or may be provided after (parts of) the modular drainage system are in place. In particular when the plurality of infrastructural gutter modules of the modular drainage system form a curbside to the paved surface, it may be advantageous to first install the modular drainage system before paving the adjacent surface.

Preferably, providing the plurality of infrastructural gutter modules comprises providing infrastructural gutter modules as prefabricated modules.

Preferably, coupling the plurality of infrastructural gutter modules comprises at least one of: - positioning a first infrastractural gutter module; - aligning a second infrastructural gutter module to the first infrastructural guiter module; and - translating the second infrastructural gutter module in its longitudinal direction to couple the first and second infrastructural gutter modules.

It is preferred to use elongated infrastructural gutter modules in the method as this facilitates alignment and a lower number of infrastructural gutter modules would be required to cover the same distance.

Coupling by translating adjacent infrastructural gutter modules towards each other is greatly facilitated by corresponding male and female ends of the drain channel and/or matching protrusions and recesses on at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall.

The above will further be elucidated by illustrative examples according to the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an infrastructural gutter module arranged to drain surface water from two adjacent paved surfaces, a filtration packet with plants is arranged in the infrastructural gutter module;

FIG. 2 and 3 show views of the infrastructural gutter module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A - 4B show variants of end walls of the infrastructural gutter module;

FIG. 5 shows two variants of arranging a water-permeable membrane in the infrastructural gutter module;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of an infrastructural gutter module with a filtration packet arranged between to paved surfaces:

FIG. 7 shows the infrastructural gutter module of FIG. 6 with heights indicated;

FIG. 8 shows an assembly of infrastructural gutter modules having integrated end walls;

FIG. 9 shows another assembly of infrastructural gutter modules;

FIG. 10 — 13 show top views of variants of a plurality of infrastructural gutter modules arranged into a modular drainage system;

FIG. 14 shows an infrastructural gutter modules with a side inlet;

FIG. 15 shows the cross-sectional view indicated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows an infrastructural gutter modules with a settling trough;

FIG. 17 shows a partly cut-away view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an infrastructural gutter modules with an overtlow channel, a side inlet and a settling trough;

FIG. 19 shows a modular assembly of infrastructural gutter modules without drain channels;

FIG. 20 shows an infrastructural gutter module with a protruding rim;

FIG. 21 - 22 show variants of the shape of the protruding rim; and

FIG. 23 shows the infrastructural gutter module of FIG. 15 equipped with a protruding rim.

The following reference numbers are used throughout the figures (note that similar features are indicated in the figures with the same reference signs even when not separately described in the accompanying text of each figure). 1 infrastructural gutter module 2 paved surface 3 drain channel 4 filtration packet 5 plants 6 base 7 upper surface 8 first side wall 9 first wall height 10 second side wall 11 second wall height 12 interior space 13 drain height 14 water-permeable wall 15 support 16 overflow channel 17 overflow inlet 18 overflow height 19 infiltration channel 20 infiltration height 21 end wall

22 end wall height 23 groove 24 water-permeable membrane 25 attachment device 26 drainage layer 27 drainage layer height 28 filtration layer 29 a filtration layer height 30 modular drainage system 31 protrusion 32 recesses 33 male coupling part 34 female coupling part 35 cover 36 side inlet 37 side inlet height 38 settling through 39 top inlet 40 settling overflow 41 settling overflow height 42 openable cover 43 through holes 44 protruding rim 45 rim height 46 recessed edge 47 overhang 48 top section

In FIG. 1, an infrastructural gutter module 1 is arranged to drain surface water from two adjacent paved surfaces 2 via its drain channel 3. Incoming surface water reaches the drain channel 3 via a filtration packet 4 with plants 3 is arranged in the infrastructural gutter module 1.

The infrastructural gutter module 1 is configured to be arranged adjacent to the paved surface 2 for draining surface water from the paved surface 2. The infrastructural gutter module 1 comprises a base 6 having an upper surface 7, a first side wall 8 extending from the upper surface 7 of the base 6 to a first wall height 8 and a second side wall 10 arranged opposite the first side wall 8 and extending from the upper surface 7 of the base 6 to a second wall height 11. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second wall heights 9, 11 are equal, those these may also differ.

The infrastructural gutter modale 1 in the illustrated embodiments has a base 6, a first side wall 8 and a second side wall 10 which are monolithically fabricated by casting concrete in a mold around a reinforcement structure. Such construction ensures very durable and strong infrastructural gutter modules 1.

An interior space 12 is defined by the base 6, the first side wall 8 and the second sidewall 10. The interior space 12 is configured to accommodate a filtration packet 4 to filter surface water received from the paved surface 2.

The infrastructural gutter module 1 further comprises a drain channel 3 arranged in the interior space 12 at a drain height 13 above the upper surface 7 of the base 6 and below the first wall height 9 and the second wall height 11 to drain filtered water from the interior space 12.

FIG. 2 and 3 show views of the infrastructural gutter module of FIG. 1. As is especially clear in

FIG. 3, the drain channel 3 comprises a water-permeable wall 14. The drain channel 3 is arranged between the first side wall § and the second side wall 10, in particular midway between the first and second side walls 8, 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the drain channel 3 is formed by a tube. The drain channel 3 is mounted on supports 15 configured to space the drain channel 3 from the upper surface 7 of the base 6.

The infrastructural gutter module 1 can comprise an overflow channel 16 fluidly connected to the dram channel 3. The overflow channel 16 has an overflow inlet 17 arranged at an overflow height 18 above the drain height 13 and below the first wall height 9 and the second wall height 11.

In most illustrated embodiments, the infrastructural gutter module 1 comprises infiltration channels 19 passing through the first side wall 8 and the second side wall 10 at an infiltration height 20 below the drain height 13 to fluidly connect the interior space 12 of the infrastractural gutter module 1 to an exterior thereof. The infiltration channel 19 is arranged to drain the upper surface of the base 6, in particular being arranged at the upper surface 7 of the base 6. Alternatively or additionally, one or more infiltration channels 19 can be arranged through the base 6 and/or below the upper surface 7 thereof.

Though not illustrated, the infiltration channels 19 can be arranged above the upper surface 7 of the base 6 to define a water reservoir between the upper surface 7 and the infiltration height 20.

FIG. 2 — 3 also show end walls 21 arrangeable between the first and second side walls 8, 10. IN particular, the end wall 21 extends from the upper surface 7 of the base 6 between the first side wall 8 and the second side wall 10 to an end wall height 22 above the drain height 13 and below the first wall height 9 and the second wall height 11. One or more than one end walls 21 may be provided with the infrastructural gutter module 1, for example at one end thereof, at both ends and/or at an intermediate position between the ends of the infrastructural gutter module 1.

FIG. 4A — 4B show an exemplary variant of end walls 21 of the infrastructural gutter module 1. In this example, the end wall 21 is arrangeable in a groove 23 in the first and second side walls 8, 10.

Irrespective of how the end wall 21 is embodied, it is preferred that the drain channel 3 is arranged through the end wall 21 to drain the filtered surface water out of the interior space 12 of the infrastructural gutter module 1.

FIG. 5 shows two variants (left and right part of the figure) of arranging a water-permeable membrane 24 in the infrastructural gutter module 1. The water-permeable membrane 24 is arranged between the interior space 12, preferably the filtration packet 4 arranged therein, and the drain channel 3. In the left part of FIG. 5, the water-permeable membrane 24 extends upwards along the (first) side wall 8 to a certain height well below the (first) wall height 9. In the right part of FIG. 5, the water-permeable membrane 24 extends along the (second) side wall 10 to up to the (second) wall height 11, at which point an attachment device 25 is provided. The attachment device 25 is here illustrated as an eyelet. This may facilitate removal of the water-permeable membrane 24 together with the filtration packet 4 arranged in the interior space 12 of the infrastructural gutter module 1.

FIG. 5 also shows the infiltration channels 19 which are also covered by the water-permeable membrane 24, as seen from the interior space 12 of the infrastructural gutter module 1.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of an infrastructural gutter module 1 with a filtration packet 4 in the interior space 12. Here, the infrastructural gutter module 1 is arranged between two paved surfaces 2. The filtration packet 4 comprises a drainage layer 26 which is arranged on the upper surface 7 of the base 6 and extends to a drainage layer height 27 above the drain height 13. Here, the filtration packet 4 also comprises a filtration layer 28 arranged above the drain height 13 and below the first and second side wall heights 9, 11. In particular, the filtration layer 28 is arranged on top of the drainage layer 26. The filtration layer 28 extends up to a filtration layer height 29. The filtration layer height 29 may correspond to the height of the filtration packet 4 and is preferably below the first and second wall heights 9, 11 and, when present, below any side inlet. The filtration packet 4 comprises plants 5, which here primarily grow in the filtration layer 28 though roots may also extends into the drainage layer 26.

FIG. 7 shows the infrastructural gutter module of FIG. 6 with various heights indicated. The order of heights in this particular example is, from higher to lower: the (second) wall height 11, the overflow height 18, the end wall height 22, the drain height 13 and the infiltration height 13 equaling the upper surface 7 of the base 6. Other height orders are given in examples A — D below.

FIG. 8 shows an assembly or modular drainage system 30 of infrastructural gutter modules 1 having integrated end walls 21. FIG. 9 shows another assembly 30 of infrastructural gutter modules 1 including an end-type infrastructural gutter module 1 on the right-hand side with an end wall 21 integrated without the drain channel 3 passing through. As is clear from these and other figures, the infrastructural gutter module 1 can be of elongate shape extending in a longitudinal direction.

The base 6, the first side wall 8 and/or the second side wall 10 here comprises matching protrusions 31 and recesses 32 at either end for coupling to a similar infrastructural gutter module 1.

The drain channel 3 comprises a male coupling part 33 at a first end and a female coupling part 34 at a second end opposite the first end. The female coupling part 34 is configured to fittingly receive the male coupling part 34 (see also FIG. 3).

FIG. 10 - 13 show top views of variants of a plurality of infrastructural gutter modules 1 arranged into a modular drainage system 30. The ends of the infrastructural gutter modules 1 need not be at right angles to the first and/or second side walls 8, 10 but may also be at oblique angles, for example as shown, A modular drainage system 30 can then be provided to follow angled or curved outlines of the paved surface 2 to be drained. In FIG, 13, a cover 35 is illustrated to allow traffic to cross the interior space 12 of one or more than one infrastructural gutter module 1. Such cover 35 may be supported by the first and second side walls 8, 10.

FIG. 14 shows an infrastructural gutter module with a side inlet 36. FIG. 15 shows the cross- sectional view indicated in FIG. 14. The side inlet 36 is arranged in the first side wall 8 at a side inlet height 37 below the first wall height 9 and above the drain height 13. The overflow channel 16 is also provided, though optional, and the side inlet height 37 is arranged above the overflow height 18.

FIG. 16 — 18 show infrastructural gutter modules 1 with a settling through 38. The settling through 38 is arranged behind the side inlet 36 in the interior space 12 of the infrastructural gutter module 1. In FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 (the partly cut-away view of FIG. 16), a top inlet 39 is also illustrated, here in combination with the side inlet 36. The top inlet 39 may have an inlet height corresponding to the first or second wall height 9, 11.

The settling trough 38 arranged to separate incoming surface water from sand or other debris and having a settling overflow 40 arranged at a settling overflow height 41 below the first wall height 9 and the second wall height 11 and above the drain height 13. Here, the a settling overflow height 41 is the same as the overflow height 18 of the overflow inlet 17. However, the settling overflow height 41 may also be below the overflow height 18.

In the illustrated embodiments, the settling overflow 41 is formed by perforations through the settling trough 38. Note that FIG. 18 shows a variant of the infrastructural gutter modules 1 without infiltration channels 19.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the settling trough 38 comprises an openable cover 42 to provide access to the interior of the settling trough 38 for removing settled matter therefrom. The openable cover 42 comprises through holes 43 defining the top inlet 39 of the infrastructural gutter module 1. It is noted that the top inlet 39 may be provided in the absence of any side inlet 36.

FIG. 19 shows a modular drainage system or assembly 30 of infrastructural gutter modules 1 without drain channels 3. However, infiltration channels 19 are provided. Further, end walls 21 are included in two of the three illustrated infrastructural gutter modules 1. This embodiments demonstrates that a useful assembly can be constructed even without drain channels 3. However, the drain channels 3 as disclosed herein may be provided with the illustrated embodiment, e.g. as in FIG. 2, 8 or 19.

FIG. 20 shows an infrastructural gutter module 1 with a protruding rim 44. This embodiment may otherwise conform to that of FIG. 2 — 3. The protruding rim 44 is arranged on or integrated with the first side wall 8 and/or the second side wall [0 at a rim height 42 below to the respective wall height 9, 11 to guide water flowing past the interior surface of said side wall away from the interior surface and towards the interior space 12 configured to accommodate the filtration packet 4.

FIG. 21 — 22 show variants of the shape of the protruding rim 44. In FIG. 21, the protruding rim 44 comprises a recessed edge 46 to form an overhang 47 (e.g. a hollow space extending in upward direction away from the upper surface 7 of the base 6) relative to the interior surface 12. FIG. 22 shows a simpler protruding rim 44 without such hollow overhang 47.

FIG. 23 shows the infrastructural gutter module 1 of FIG. 15 equipped with a protruding rim 44.

Here, the side inlet 36 and the protruding rim 44 are both arranged at the first side wall 8, wherein the rim height 45 is below the side inlet height 37.

As is particularly clear from FIG. 1. 6, 15 and 23, the infrastructural gutter module | may have a top section 48 comprised by one or each of the first side wall 8 and the second side wall 10, which top section 48 forms a curbside for the adjacent pavement 2.

In addition to the figures, the following examples of the infrastructural gutter module are offered, referring to the various heights from high to low.

Example A - infrastructural gutter module with protruding rims and infiltration channel at upper surface of base - paved surface adjacent to first side wall - first wall height and second side wall height - paved surface adjacent to second side wall - rim height of protruding rim at first and second side walls - drain height - infiltration height at upper surface of base

Example B - infrastructural gutter module with side inlet, end wall and infiltration channel below upper surface of base - first and second wall height - paved surface adjacent to first side wall - side inlet height of side inlet in first side wall - end wall height - drain height - upper surface of base

- infiltration height

Example C - infrastructural gutter module with overflow channel and infiltration channel above upper surface of base - first wall height - end wall height - overflow height - drain height - infiltration height - upper surface of base

Example D - infrastructural gutter module with overflow channel, settling through (e.g. for top inlet) and infiltration channel above upper surface of the base - paved surfaces adjacent to first and second side walls - first and second wall height - overflow height - settling overflow height - drain height - infiltration height - upper surface of base

The following numbered clauses present embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. 1. Infrastructural gutter module configured to be arranged adjacent to a paved surface for draining surface water from the paved surface and comprising: -abase having an upper surface; - a first side wall extending from the upper surface of the base to a first wall height; - a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall and extending from the upper surface of the base to a second wall height; - an interior space defined by the base, the first side wall and the second sidewall and configured to accommodate a filtration packet to filter surface water received from the paved surface; and - a drain channel arranged in the interior space at a drain height above the upper surface of the base and below the first wall height and the second wall height to drain filtered water from the interior space. 2. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 1, wherein the drain channel comprises a water-permeable wall.

3. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the drain channel is arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall, preferably midway between the first side wall and the second side wall.

4. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the drain channel is mounted on supports configured to space the drain channel from the upper surface of the base.

5. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an overflow channel fluidly connected to the drain channel and having an overflow inlet arranged at an overflow height above the drain height and below the first wall height and the second wall height 6. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising one or more than one infiltration channel passing through at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall at an infiltration height below the drain height to fluidly connect the interior space of the infrastructural gutter module to an exterior thereof.

7. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 6, wherein the infiltration channel is arranged to drain the upper surface of the base.

8. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the infiltration channel is arranged at or below the upper surface of the base. 9. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 6, wherein the infiltration channel is arranged above the upper surface of the base to define a water reservoir between the upper surface and the infiltration height.

10. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a settling trough arranged to separate incoming surface water from sand or other debris and having a settling overflow arranged at a settling overflow height below the first wall height and the second wall height and above the drain height.

11. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 10 at least dependent on clause 5, wherein the settling overflow height is below the overflow height.

12. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 10 or 11, wherein the settling overflow is formed by perforations through the settling trough.

13. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the clauses 10 — 12, wherein the settling trough comprises an openable cover to provide access for removing settled matter from the settling through.

14. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 13, wherein the openable cover comprises through holes defining a top inlet of the infrastructural gutter module,

15. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a side inlet arranged in the first side wall at a side inlet height below the first wall height and above the drain height. 16. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 13 at least dependent on clause 5,

wherein the side inlet height is arranged above the overflow height. 17. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 15 or 16 at least dependent on clause 10, wherein the settling through is arranged behind the side inlet in the interior space. 18. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the infrastractural gutter module is elongate in a longitudinal direction.

19. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall comprises matching protrusions and recesses at either end for coupling to a similar infrastructural gutter module.

20. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the drain channel comprises a male coupling part at a first end and a female coupling part at a second end,

wherein the female coupling part is configured to fittingly receive the male coupling part.

21. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein an interior surface of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall comprises a protruding rim at a rim height below to the respective wall height to guide water flowing past the interior surface away from the interior surface and towards the interior space configured to accommodate the filtration packet.

22. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 21, wherein the protruding rim comprises a recessed edge to form an overhang relative to the interior surface.

23. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 21 or 22 at least dependent on clause 15 with the side inlet and the protruding rim both arranged at the first side wall, wherein the rim height is below the side inlet height.

24. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising at least one end wall extending from the upper surface of the base between the first side wall and the second side wall to an end wall height above the drain height and below the first wall height and the second wall height.

25. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 24 at least dependent on clause 5, wherein the end wall height is below the overflow height.

26. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 24 or 25, wherein the end wall is arrangeable in a groove in the first and second side walls. 27. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the clauses 24 — 26, wherein the drain channel is arranged through the end wall.

28. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base, the first side wall and the second side wall are monolithic, preferably made by casting, and optionally also include one or two end walls. 29. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base, the first side wall and the second side wall are made of concrete, preferably reinforced concrete. 30. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first and second wall heights are equal or different. 31. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a top section of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall forms a curbside for an adjacent pavement. 32. Infrastractural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising the filtration packet arranged in the interior space. 33. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 32, wherein the filtration packet comprises a drainage layer arranged on the upper surface of the base and extending to a drainage layer height above the drain height. 34. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 32 or 33, wherein the filtration packet comprises a filtration layer arranged above the drain height and below the first and second side wall heights. 35. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 34 at least dependent on clause 33, wherein the filtration layer is arranged on top of the drainage layer. 36. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the clauses 32 — 35, wherein the filtration packet is seeded with or comprises plants. 37. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a water-permeable membrane arranged between the interior space, preferably the filtration packet arranged therein, and the drain channel. 38. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 37 at least dependent on clause 6, wherein the water-permeable membrane is further arranged between the interior space and the infiltration channel. 39. Infrastructural gutter module according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the water-permeable membrane is as a geotextile, 40. Use of one or more than one infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding clauses for providing drainage to a paved surface.

The examples and/or embodiments presented above are merely of illustrative nature and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure or the scope of protection conferred by the appended claims. in any way.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. An infrastructural gutter module configured to be mounted adjacent a paved surface for draining surface water from the paved surface and comprising: - a base having a top surface; - a first sidewall extending from the top surface of the base to a first wall height; - a second sidewall mounted opposite the first sidewall and extending from the top surface of the base to a second wall height; - an interior space defined by the base, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall and configured to accommodate a filtration pack for filtering surface water received from the paved surface; and - a drainage channel disposed within the interior space at a drainage height above the top surface of the base and below the first wall height and the second wall height for draining filtered water from the interior space.

2. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 1, further comprising a side inlet arranged in the first side wall at a side inlet height below the first wall height and above the drainage height.

3. Infrastructure channel module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a settling tank arranged to separate incoming surface water from sand or other debris and provided with a settling overflow arranged at a settling overflow height below the first wall height and the second wall height and above the drainage height.

4. Infrastructure channel module according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the settling tank is arranged behind the side inlet in the interior space.

5. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the settling overflow is formed by perforations through the settling tank.

6. Infrastructure channel module according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the settling tank comprises an opening lid to provide access for removing settled matter from the settling tank.

7. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 6, wherein the opening cover comprises through holes defining a top inlet of the infrastructure gutter module.

8. An infrastructure gutter module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an interior surface of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall comprises a protruding edge at an edge height below the respective wall height to direct water running along the interior surface away from the interior surface and into the interior space configured to accommodate the filtration pack.

9. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 8, wherein the protruding edge comprises a recessed edge to form an overhang with respect to the inner surface.

Infrastructure channel module according to claim 8 or 9, at least dependent on claim 2, with the side inlet and the protruding edge both attached to the first side wall, the edge height being below the side inlet height.

11. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an overflow channel connected in flow to the drainage channel and provided with an overflow inlet arranged at an overflow height above the drainage height and below the first wall height and the second wall height.

12. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 11, at least dependent on claim 2, wherein the side inlet height is arranged above the overflow height.

13. Infrastructure channel module according to claim 11 or 12, at least dependent on claim 3, wherein the settling overflow height is below the overflow height.

14. An infrastructure gutter module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one end wall extending from the top surface of the base between the first side wall and the second side wall to an end wall height above the drainage height and below the first wall height and the second wall height.

15. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 14, at least dependent on claim 11, wherein the end wall height is below the overflow height.

16. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the end wall can be fitted in a groove in the first and second side walls.

17. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the drainage channel is arranged through the end wall.

18. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the infrastructure gutter module is elongated in a lengthwise direction.

19. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall comprises mating projections and recesses at both ends for coupling with a corresponding infrastructure gutter module.

An infrastructure channel modal according to any preceding claim, wherein the drainage channel comprises a male coupling portion at a first end and a female coupling portion at a second end, the female coupling portion being configured to form-fit receiving the male coupling portion.

21. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage channel is arranged at a certain distance above the top surface of the base and below the first wall height and the second wall height, the drainage height being defined as the lowest level seen from the top surface of the base at which water flows in or out.

22. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage channel comprises a water-permeable wall.

23. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage channel is arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall, preferably halfway between the first side wall and the second side wall.

24. An infrastructure gutter module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the drainage channel is mounted on supports configured to space the drainage channel from the top surface of the base.

25. Infrastructural gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more than one infiltratic channel running through at least one of the base, the first side wall and the second side wall at an infiltration height below the drainage height to flow-connect the interior of the infrastructural gutter module to an exterior thereof.

26. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 25, wherein the infiltration channel is arranged to drain the upper surface of the base.

27. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the infiltration channel is arranged on or below the top surface of the base.

28. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 25, wherein the infiltration channel is arranged above the top surface of the base to define a water reservoir between the top surface and the infiltration height.

29. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base, the first side wall and the second side wall are monolithic, preferably made by casting, and optionally also comprises one or two end walls.

30. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base, the first side wall and the second side wall are made of concrete, preferably of reinforced concrete.

31. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second wall heights are the same or different.

32. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper portion of at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall forms a curb for an adjacent pavement.

33. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the filtration package disposed in the interior space.

34. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 33, wherein the filtration package comprises a drainage layer disposed on the upper surface of the base and extending to a drainage layer height above the drainage height.

35. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the filtration package comprises a filtration layer that is arranged above the drainage height and below the first and second side wall heights.

36. Infrastructure gutter module according to claims 34 and 35, wherein the filtration layer is arranged on top of the drainage layer.

37. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein the filtration package comprises plants or is sown with them.

38. Infrastructure channel modal according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a water-permeable membrane arranged between the inner space, preferably the filtration package arranged therein, and the drainage channel.

39. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 38, wherein the water-permeable membrane extends upwards along the second side wall to a certain height below the second wall height or up to the second wall height.

40. Infrastructure gutter module according to claim 38 or 39, at least dependent on claim 25, wherein the water-permeable membrane is further arranged between the inner space and the filtration channel.

41. Infrastructure gutter module according to any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the water-permeable membrane is a geotextile.

42. Use of one or more than one infrastructure gutter modules according to any of the preceding claims for providing drainage for a paved surface.