NOW IT IS POSSIBLE!
Invisible Structures, Inc., (ISI) has created a new class of subsurface
water storage system, Rainstore³ (RS3). It is not pipe or arched chamber,
but a structure with strength throughout its shape. The unique design places
the plastic entirely in compression rather than bending or tension resulting
in H-20 loading, and high void storage volume of 94%! Minimum cover is
only 0.3 meter (120).
The structure can be as shallow as 0.1 meter (40) or as deep as 2.5
meters (940), and with any length and width in 1 m (400) increments. Rainstore³
eliminates site restrictions by conforming to custom project requirements.
RS3 does not require any stone backfill between structures. Calculating
the void (storage) volume is as simple as dividing storage demand by 94%.
This means significant savings in amount of excavation, soil transport,
imported stone, installation time, and labor.
Rainstore³ can be utilized for long-term water storage for irrigation,
fire protection, and potable applications by encasing the structures in
an impervious liner. Porous lining materials around RS3 offer 100% surface
area coverage for water infiltration/exfiltration.
STORMWATER QUALITY IS OLD BUSINESS
Company Background and Product Line
Invisible Structures, Inc., has been in the stormwater management business
since 1982 with our porous paving systems Grasspave² and Gravelpave²,
ring and grid structures for grass and gravel drivable surfaces. Large
rolls sizes cover areas quickly while either protecting grass roots from
compaction or containing small gravel to eliminate gravel migration. These
products have extensive design brochures that cover all aspects from project
photographs to latest technology and specifications. Check our web site
www.invisiblestructures.com for a full display of information and downloadable
details.
Draincore² (DC²) collects excess irrigation and rainfall from
recreational grass surfaces such as lawns, sports fields, and bio-swales,
and transports filtered water to RS³. This water may be recycled for
irrigation or other uses. Draincore² conveys water in a shallow horizontal
plane, eliminating trenching and backfill requirements of pipe.
Slopetame² (ST²) is a three dimensional soil, vegetation,
pre-vegetation containment mat used to reduce soil loss due to water erosion
on slopes, river banks, channels, and bio-swales. Crossbars between rings
serve to prevent rill erosion. ST² provides support for grasses and
a variety of plant material whose roots furnish natural fibrous anchorage.
ST² bio-swales will help clean debris and pollutants from stormwater
prior to entering Rainstore³.
RS³ evolved from the ring and grid concept by allowing stackability
to greater depths, and increased lateral compressive strength to resist
deep soil pressures. The 94% void capacity was attained for RS³ while
satisfying structural criteria.
Water Quality Background
Water quality is critical and must be considered when dealing with
stormwater management. In the past, point-source pollution (contaminates
from a concentrated source) was of primary concern. Today, non-point source
pollution (contaminates from a large area such as a parking lot) is important
due to its magnitude and frequency.
The EPA has regulated point source pollution for years and is now implementing
strict regulations to control non-point source pollution, which is cumulative
and presents long term negative impacts upon our water resources.
Stormwater traveling across hard surfaces will collect contaminates
from hydrocarbons to solid waste. The most effective pollution control
incorporates treatment at the point of origin before reaching community
waterways or water tables.
In nature, stormwater percolates into vegetated and non-vegetated areas
where suspended solids are filtered and many chemicals neutralized. Research
has shown that hydrocarbons are consumed by bio-organisms found in the
root zone without killing the vegetation.
Invisible Structures’ porous pavement and bio-swale products provide
one of the most effective means of removing pollutants at the source. Refer
to Sand-Bio Filter Inlet Detail for ways to reduce or eliminate catch basins
and elaborate cleaning systems. Rainstore³ in combination with ISI’s
other outstanding products provide a complete stormwater management package.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Basic Structure
Rainstore³ is a structure of thin-walled cylindrical columns injection
molded of recycled resins of either high impact polypropylene (HIPP), or
high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic for strength, durability, and
green industry benefit. For potable water storage, virgin plastic is used.
Cylinders are 10 cm (40) diameter, 5mm (0.20) average wall thickness, 10
cm (40) tall, and spaced 16.7 cm (4.60) apart. T-shaped beams connect the
cylinders and resist external lateral soil/water pressure. Compression
fittings between layers create a rigid structure for ease of transport
and installation.
Four archway openings in the bottom of each cylinder allow water to
move freely throughout assembled columns. A single Rainstore³ injection
molded unit weighs 14 pounds and is comprised of 36 cylindrical columns
that occupy one square meter (400 3 400 3 40). A stack of 10 units will
comprise one cubic meter (35.31 cubic feet), with approximately 250 gallons
of net water storage.
RS³ allows for water containment depths from 10 cm to 2.5 meters
(40 to 940 or 8.29). The following standard depths are stocked: in meters
(0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.2, and 2.4) in feet (0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 2.0, 2.6,
4.0, and 7.9). Custom depths are also available.
Side bumpers provide foolproof, accurate spacing. Structures may be
moved by hand. A level compacted 30 gravel base will insure proper alignment.
RS³ withstands repeated freeze-thaw cycles, will not rust, break
down, crack, is not affected by chemicals, extremes of pH, oils, salts,
or fertilizers. Ethylene plastics have a projected service life in excess
of 100 years provided they are not exposed to UV light.
Overall System
RS³, wrapped with a geotextile filter fabric or geomembrane, and
placed side by side in an excavated void create a variety of water storage
structures. Inflow, outflow, visual inspection pipes, catch basins, pumps
and water filters are installed as needed. Backfilling and compacting the
sides, geogrid, base course, and surfacing complete the system.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS
Land development significantly affects the natural course of stormwater.
Prior to development, land is semi-porous enabling rainfall to directly
infiltrate, which filters pollutants, recharges subsurface water tables,
and reduces flooding. Sealing the earth’s surface with parking lots, roads,
walks, and roofs, results in rapid runoff to storm sewers and rivers, causing
flooding and unacceptable pollution of valuable water resources.
To combat these serious problems, national (EPA) and regional regulatory
agencies require all or a portion of stormwater to be managed on site.
Surface detention basins and ponds are common, but often occupy valuable
real estate and create safety hazards, insects, weeds, and odor problems.
Increasingly, the most economical and convenient solution is an “underground
pond,” where the water may be stored temporarily before it is released
to a storm sewer (detention), stored until it exfiltrates (retention),
or stored for reuse (harvesting).
Porous Paving
The most direct stormwater management technique is to allow the rain
to penetrate the surface where it falls. This can be done with Grasspave²
or Gravelpave² porous paving. The base course below these plastic
reinforcement structures will typically store at least 2.50 of rain, or
more, if subsoils are porous. Firelanes and overflow parking areas are
frequently used as infiltration basins.
Rainstore³ Detention
Short term storage and releasing stormwater at a predetermined rate
through the use of small outlet pipes or pumps is detention. Downstream
stormwater facilities may exist but have a limited flow rate capacity.
While the water is held awaiting gradual release, it may or may not be
allowed to exfiltrate into the site soils. A porous non-woven geotextile
is used to encase RS³. Geomembranes are used when exfiltration must
be avoided.
Invisible Structures, Inc.
1600 Jackson Street, Suite 310
Golden, CO 80401
Tel: (303) 233-8383
Toll-Free: (800) 233-1510
Fax: (303) 233-8282
Toll-Free Fax: (800) 233-1522
Overseas: Country Code + (303) 373-1234
Fax: Country Code + (303) 373-1223
E-mail: sales@invisiblestructures.com
Web site: http://www.invisiblestructures.com
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