MODULAR FLUID CONTAINMENT BERM

Abstract

A fluid containment system and modules for assembling same. The fluid containment system is assembled from modules. The modules are assembled into a berm and a liner is positioned within the berm to contain fluid. The modules include a fluid containment member and a support member. The fluid containment member supports the liner when the berm is filled with fluid. The support member supports the fluid containment member. The modules form joints at engagement points between the modules. The joints are articulatable to conform to variations in terrain.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,839 filed Jun. 17, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fluid containment systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a modular fluid containment system.

BACKGROUND

Both temporary and permanent bulk fluid containers are required to have a secondary fluid containment system (or berm) to contain fluid spills. As used in this Background, the term “berm” encompasses any enclosure positioned about a fluid container and used to contain fluid spills. Use of berms offers many benefits, including the following examples: protection of the environment, possible reclamation of spilled fluid, and safety, for example by containing flammable fluids.

There is a need for temporary fluid stations in many industries. Temporary fluid stations typically require secondary fluid containment systems. There is thus a requirement for a portable secondary fluid containment system (PSCS). While a PSCS is portable, it is ideally also suitable for permanent installation.

Fluid storage tanks may be placed in an area having uneven terrain, obstacles, or other irregularities. This may be due to lack of funding or time available to fully prepare the site, in contrast with preparation of a permanent installation requiring secondary fluid containment. If a fluid storage tank is placed in such a location, it is possible that a secondary fluid containment system surrounding the fluid storage tank may have to accommodate irregular terrain. Further, it is not uncommon that terrain under heavy loads will settle, potentially introducing further irregularities into the terrain.

The abstract of Canadian Patent Application 2,536,011 reads as follows: “A modular containment system having a plurality of like sections, each extending between a male end and a female end, the male end having a protuberance extending therefrom, the female end having at least two female receptacles, one of the at least two female receptacles adapted to receive the protuberance of an adjacent section.”

The abstract of US Publication 2007/0278225 reads as follows at publication: “A transportable all-terrain berm for collecting and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side wall sections include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of brace members arranged in vertical positions about the flooring and adjacent the end and side wall sections. Each brace member includes a hook adjacent its upper edge. Also, stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces and about the berm. The retaining members are engaged over the brace members and with the hooks while the support members are engaged with the stabilizer members holding the end and side wall sections in elevated positions forming the containment area.”

A berm may, for example, be assembled from perimeter sections that have a flat bottom (a “closed-form” perimeter section). A closed-form perimeter section may be filled with aggregate or fluid to increase the mass of the perimeter section and provide greater stability to a berm assembled from the closed-form perimeter sections. This may be necessary depending on the magnitude of forces acting on the perimeter sections. For example, if a berm contains fluid at a depth of three feet, the force acting on the inside perimeter of the berm would be 280 lbs per foot of length. A seven-foot perimeter section must weigh approximately one ton in order to remain stationary when subjected to the horizontal the force created by three feet of fluid. Thus, each perimeter section must have a relatively large mass to remain stationary if the berm fills with fluid. The mass requirement forces operators to deploy heavy perimeter sections or move a significant quantity of aggregate or fluid, incurring temporal and other expenses in either case.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a berm that is assembled from lightweight components, amenable to simple and rapid assembly, and which will contain a large mass of fluid. Desirable features of a berm include accommodation of uneven terrain, minimizing protrusions, portability, and ease of assembly. It is further desirable that a berm accommodate changes in terrain over time without effort on the part of a user of the berm.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous berms. The present disclosure provides a fluid containment berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain. A support member extends from the fluid containment member to support the fluid containment member in an upright position. A joint component is on one or more of the joining sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluid containment berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the berm module including:

a fluid containment member having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;

a support member extending from the fluid containment member to support the fluid containment member in an upright position; and

a joint component on one or more of the joining sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

In an embodiment, the joint component is a flange extending from one of the joining sides.

In an embodiment, the joint component is a flange extending from substantially the entire joining side.

In an embodiment, the first and second sides are substantially perpendicular to the joining sides.

In an embodiment, the support member extends from the fluid containment member along the second side.

In an embodiment, the support member extends from the fluid containment member along substantially the entire second side.

In an embodiment, the fluid containment member is a rectilinear plate.

In an embodiment, the fluid containment member is a rectangular plate.

In an embodiment, the support member extends from the fluid containment member at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 170 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support member extends from the fluid containment member at an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 45 degrees and about 75 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support member extends from the fluid containment member at an angle of about 60 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support member defines an aperture for attachment of a connector to secure a liner to the berm module.

In an embodiment, the support member is hingedly connected to the fluid containment member.

In an embodiment, a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support member.

In an embodiment, a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support member and the connecting member extends between the terrain engaging edge and the support member.

In an embodiment, a foot extends from the terrain engaging edge for stabilizing the berm module in the upright position.

In an embodiment, a foot extends from the terrain engaging edge along substantially the entire terrain engaging edge.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the joint component is a flange extending from one of the joining sides and one of the joining support sides.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, the joint component is a flange extending from one of the joining sides and one of the joining support sides, and the flange extends from substantially the entire joining side and substantially the entire joining support side.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the first and second support sides are substantially perpendicular to the joining support sides.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the support plate is rectangular.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the terrain engaging support edge is defined by substantially the entire first support side.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the terrain engaging support edge is serrated.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the support plate extends from the second side at the second support side.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and the support plate extends from the fluid containment member along substantially the entire second support side.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, the support plate extends from the fluid containment member along substantially the entire second support side, and the fluid containment member and the support plate define an aperture for lifting the berm module, the aperture defined on and proximate to the second side and the second support side.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support plate.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support plate, and the connecting member extends between the terrain engaging edge and the support plate.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support plate, and the connecting member extends between the second side and the second support side.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, and a foot extends from the terrain engaging edge for stabilizing the berm module in the upright position.

In an embodiment, the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, a foot extends from the terrain engaging edge for stabilizing the berm module in the upright position, and the foot extends from the terrain engaging edge along substantially the entire terrain engaging edge.

In an embodiment,

an angle θ between the fluid containment member and the terrain;

a height x at which the support member extends from the fluid containment member; and

a length L of the fluid containment member between the joining sides;

are selected such that

a center of pressure yp of the fluid containment member is selected according to the following relationship:

y_p=0.5x/cos θ+x/6 cos θ;

a force FS on the fluid containment member when assembled into the berm and the berm is substantially filled with a fluid having a specific weight γ, is selected according to the following relationship:

F_s=0.5γLx² sin θ/cos²θ; and

wherein:

a horizontal component F_sz of F_s;

a vertical component F_sx of F_s;

a reactive vertical force F₄₀ on the support member when the berm is substantially filled with the fluid;

a vertical distance x₂ between the terrain engaging edge and the center of pressure yp of the fluid containment member;

a horizontal distance z₂ between the terrain engaging edge and y_p; and

a distance z between the terrain engaging support edge and the terrain engaging edge;

are selected such that the sum ΣM of moments acting on the berm module at the terrain engaging edge when the a berm is substantially filled with the fluid, is equal to zero according to the following relationship:

ΣM=F_szx₂+F_sxz₂−F₄₀z=0.

In an embodiment,

an angle θ between the fluid containment member and the terrain;

a height x at which the support member extends from the fluid containment member; and

a length L of the fluid containment member between the joining sides;

are selected such that

a center of pressure yp of the fluid containment member is selected according to the following relationship:

y_p=0.5x/cos θ+x/6 cos θ;

a force FS on the fluid containment member when assembled into the berm and the berm is substantially filled with a fluid having a specific weight γ, is selected according to the following relationship:

F_s=0.5γLx² sin θ/cos²θ; and

wherein:

a horizontal component F_sz of F_s;

a vertical component F_sx of F_s;

a reactive vertical force F₄₀ on the support member when the berm is substantially filled with the fluid;

a vertical distance x₂ between the terrain engaging edge and the center of pressure yp of the fluid containment member;

a horizontal distance z₂ between the terrain engaging edge and y_p; and

a distance z between the terrain engaging support edge and the terrain engaging edge;

are selected such that the sum ΣM of moments acting on the berm module at the terrain engaging edge when the a berm is substantially filled with the fluid, is equal to zero according to the following relationship:

ΣM=F_szx₂+F_sxz₂−F₄₀z=0; and

F40 is selected such that for a given coefficient of friction μ between the terrain engaging support edge and the terrain, F₄₀μ>F_sz.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a corner berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the corner berm module including:

• • two corner fluid containment members, each corner fluid containment member having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a joining side extending between the first side and the second side, and a corner side opposite the joining side extending between the first side and the second side, the corner fluid containment members extending from one another along their respective corner sides at a corner angle;
  • two corner support members, each corner support member extending from one of the corner fluid containment members, each corner fluid containment member having a first support side, a second support side opposite the first support side, a joining support side extending between the first support side and the second support side, and a corner support side opposite the joining support side and extending between the first support side and the second support side, the corner support members extending from one another along their respective corner support sides at the corner angle; and
  • a joint component extending from one of the joining sides and from one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

In an embodiment, the corner angle is about 90 degrees.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluid containment berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the berm module including:

• • a fluid containment plate having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;
  • a support plate extending from the fluid containment plate to support the fluid containment member in an upright position, the support plate having a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides; and
  • a flange extending from one of the joining sides and from one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

In an embodiment, the flange extends from substantially the entire joining side and the joining support side.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 170 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 45 degrees and about 75 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of about 60 degrees.

In an embodiment, the support plate defines an aperture for attachment of a connector to secure a liner to the berm module.

In an embodiment, the support plate is hingedly connected to the fluid containment plate.

In an embodiment, the terrain engaging support edge is serrated.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the second side at the second support side.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the second side at the second support side and the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate along substantially the entire second support side.

In an embodiment, the support plate extends from the second side at the second support side and the fluid containment plate and the support plate define an aperture for lifting the berm module, the aperture defined on and proximate to the second side and the second support side.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a corner berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the corner berm module comprising:

• • two corner fluid containment plates, each corner fluid containment plate having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a joining side extending between the first side and the second side, and a corner side opposite the joining side extending between the first side and the second side, the corner fluid containment plates extending from one another along their respective corner sides at a corner angle;
  • two corner support plates, each corner support plate extending from the second side of one of the corner fluid containment plates, each corner fluid containment plate having a first support side, a second support side opposite the first support side, a joining support side extending between the first support side and the second support side, and a corner support side opposite the joining support side and extending between the first support side and the second support side, the corner support plates extending from one another along their respective corner support sides at the corner angle; and
  • a flange extending from one of the joining sides and from one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

In an embodiment, the corner angle is about 90 degrees.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a T-intersection berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the T-intersection berm module comprising:

• • a fluid containment plate having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;
  • a support plate extending from the fluid containment plate to support the fluid containment member in an upright position, the support plate having a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, the support plate extending from the second side at the second support side;
  • two dual-purpose plates extending from the fluid containment plate, each dual-purpose plate having a first dual-purpose side defining a terrain engaging dual-purpose edge, a second dual-purpose side opposite the first dual-purpose side, a joining dual-purpose side extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides, and a corner dual purpose side opposite the joining dual-purpose side and extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides, the two dual purpose plates extending from one another at their respective second dual-purpose sides, and the two dual purpose plates extending from the fluid containment plate at their respective corner dual-purpose sides; and
  • a flange extending from one or more end, the end selected from the group consisting of a joining side and a joining support side, and the joining dual-purpose sides.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a four-way intersection berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the four-way intersection berm module comprising:

• • eight dual-purpose plates, each dual-purpose plate having a first dual-purpose side defining a terrain engaging dual-purpose edge, a second dual-purpose side opposite the first dual-purpose side, a joining dual-purpose side extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides, and a corner dual purpose side opposite the joining dual-purpose side and extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides;
  • each dual purpose plate extending from another dual purpose plate at their respective second dual-purpose sides;
  • each dual purpose plate extending from another dual-purpose plate at their respective corner dual-purpose sides at a corner angle; and
  • a flange extending from joining dual-purpose sides of two dual purpose plates joined at their second dual-purpose sides.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides system for assembling a berm comprising:

• • a plurality of the berm modules for assembling into the berm; and
  • a liner to cover the berm and contain fluid.

In an embodiment, the system also includes a plurality of corner berm modules.

In an embodiment, the system also includes a plurality of connectors for securing the liner to the berm modules.

In an embodiment, the system also includes a plurality of module caps for placing on the berm modules to hold the liner in place and protect the liner.

In an embodiment, the system also includes at least one T-intersection berm module.

In an embodiment, the system also includes at least one four-way intersection.

Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a berm of the present disclosure assembled around a fluid storage tank;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a berm of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the berm of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a module cap of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a berm module of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the berm module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the berm module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the berm module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an articulatable joint of the berm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a berm of the present disclosure accommodating a change in a vertical plane;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the berm of FIG. 10 accommodating a change in a vertical plane;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a berm of the present disclosure accommodating a change in a vertical plane;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the berm accommodating a change in a horizontal plane;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an oval-shaped berm of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is perspective view of a berm of the present disclosure being assembled;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of berm modules of the present disclosure stacked upon each other;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a berm module of the present disclosure with a serrated edge;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating values that allow determination of the force on a plane of a berm module assembled into a berm;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating values that allow determination of the center of pressure of a berm module assembled into a berm;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating values that allow determination of the intrinsic static moment requirement of a berm module assembled into a berm;

FIG. 21 is perspective view of a T-intersection berm module of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is perspective view of a four-way intersection berm module of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the four-way intersection berm module of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a berm module of the present disclosure having a top plate;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a berm module of the present disclosure having a bottom plate;

FIG., 26 is a perspective view of berm module of the present disclosure having an intermediate plate; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of berm module of the present disclosure having afoot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present disclosure provides a modular fluid containment berm. As used below, the term “berm” encompasses any enclosure and used to contain fluid, for example to contain fluid spills from a fluid container positioned within the enclosure. In addition, the term “berm” as used below also encompasses a dike or other non-enclosed embankment to prevent overflow of fluids and to retain fluids, for example in a flood.

Berm

FIG. 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of a berm 10 assembled on terrain 15 from berm modules 20. The length of a berm side 175 of the berm 10 is a function of the number of berm modules 20 placed along the berm side 175 and the length 35 of the berm modules 20. The berm 10 may be assembled around a fluid storage tank 25. The fluid storage tank 25 is interchangeable with a cistern, vat, or other containment vessel.

A liner 270 is present in the berm 10 to contain fluid (element 60 in FIGS. 17-19). The liner 270 is attached to the berm 10 by connectors 335. The connectors 335 may be turnbuckles. The connector 335 may engage with the berm modules 20 at apertures 93 in the berm modules 20. Connector 335 are not necessary for the berm modules 20 to remain in place. Module caps 45 may be placed on the berm modules 20 to hold the liner 270 in place and to protect the liner 270 from wear along the top of the berm modules 20.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively perspective and elevation views of the berm modules 20 assembled into the berm 10 without a liner 270 or any modules caps 45.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a module cap 45.

Berm Modules

FIGS. 5 to 8 are various views of a berm module 20. The berm module 20 includes a support member 79 and a fluid containment member 76. Collectively, the support member 79 and the fluid containment member 76 are referred to below as legs 55. The dual-purpose members 182 (FIGS. 22-23) are also legs 55. The legs 55 may be generally rectangular plates, each having a length 35 along its long axis (equal to the length of the berm module, excepting the joint component 70 described below) and a width 67 along its short axis. The legs 55 may alternatively be square, generally rectilinear, or any other suitable shape of plate.

The fluid containment member 76 has a first side 71, a second side 72 opposite the first side 71, and two joining sides 77 each extending between the first side 71 and the second side 72. The first side 71 and the second side 72 may be substantially parallel. The joining sides 77 may be substantially parallel. The first side 71 and the second side 72 may collectively be substantially perpendicular to the joining sides 77.

The support member 79 has a first support side 81, a second support side 82 opposite the first support side 81, and two joining support sides 83 each extending between the first support side 81 and the second support side 82. The joining support sides 83 may be substantially parallel. The first support side 81 and the second support side 82 may collectively be substantially perpendicular to the joining support sides 83.

The legs 55 are positioned at an inter-leg angle 65 with respect to one another. The inter-leg angle 65 may be between about 10° and about 170°, between about 30° and about 90°, between about 45° and about 75°, or about 60°. The legs 55 may be joined along the second side 72 of the fluid containment member 76 and the second support side 82 of the support member 79, and may be joined along the entire lengths 35 the legs 55. The legs 55 may be hingedly connected to one another by hinges 25 (FIG. 13).

When the berm modules 20 are in an upright position, they contact the terrain 15 at a terrain engaging support edge 40 and a terrain engaging edge 50. The terrain engaging support edge 40 is at the first side 71 of support member 79 and the terrain engaging edge 50 is at the first support side 81 fluid containment member 76. Collectively, the terrain engaging support edge 40 and the terrain engaging edge 50 are referred to as edges 30. The edges 30 are present along at least a portion of the length of the legs 55 and may be present along the entire length of the legs 55. The fluid containment member 76 supports the liner 270 (FIG. 1) to contain fluid within the berm. The support member 79 supports the fluid containment member 76 when the berm 10 is assembled and filled with fluid 60. The liner 270 is supported by the entire surface area of the fluid containment member 76. The aperture 93 for attachment is in the support member 79.

The berm modules 20 include one or more joint components 70 on at least one of the joining sides 77. Joint components 70 are present along the widths of both legs 55 at one end and may be present along the entire width of the legs 55. The joint component 70 may be a flange 73 extending from both the legs 55. Joining sides 77 of the legs 55 lacking joint components 70 are receiving ends 80. The joint component 70 is sized to nest within the receiving end 80.

Joints

FIG. 9 is a joint 90 formed between a first berm module 100 and a second berm module 110. A first joint component 120 is nested within a second receiving end 130. The joint 90 may accommodate movement of the first joint component 120 with respect to the second receiving end 130 within either or any combination of a horizontal plane 85 and a vertical plane 95 (FIG. 8). The first joint component 120 may engage the second receiving end 130 to varying degrees along the length of the berm module 20, allowing each joint 90 to lengthen or shorten. The ability of the joints to lengthen or shorten allows flexibility in the relative length of each berm side 175.

FIGS. 10 to 13 collectively depict articulation of the joint 90. Articulation of the joint 90 allows each berm module 20 to be off-angle from adjacent berm modules 20. Adjacent berm modules 20 may be off-angle in the horizontal plane 85, the vertical plane 95 (FIG. 8), or a combination of the two, allowing the berm modules to conform to an uneven terrain profile. The length of berm modules 20 determines in part the maximum grade that the berm may rest on. For example, grades of up to about 8.8 degrees may be tolerated in building the berm 10 with berm modules 20 that are about 120 inches long (plus the extension of the joint component 70), about 33 inches wide (between the edges 30), and about 32 inches tall when in an upright position. Where the berm 10 is assembled from similarly sized berm modules 20, horizontal curves of up to about 6 degrees may be tolerated.

The smaller the length 35 of the berm modules 20, the greater the grade tolerance of a berm 10 assembled from the berm modules 20. A system of berm modules 20 may include berm modules 20 of varying length. Berm modules 20 with a smaller length 35 could form portions of the berm 10 that rest on more heavily graded terrain or are more likely to settle unevenly. Conversely, berm modules 20 with a greater length 35 could form portions of a berm side 175 that rest on less heavily graded terrain or are less likely to settle unevenly. Similarly, berm modules 20 with greater length 35 could form portions of a berm 10 wherein less horizontal curvature in a berm side 175 will be necessary to assemble the berm 10.

A void (not shown) is a space between a liner 270 and the terrain 15. One advantage of following a terrain profile closely is that the presence of voids will be minimized. Voids are undesirable since the liner 270 within the berm 10 may protrude through the void as a protrusion (not shown). The protrusion may tear when exposed to elevated hydrostatic pressure by accumulated fluid 60 in the berm 10.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an oval-shaped berm 150. The oval-shaped berm 150 is assembled from long berm modules 152 with a first length 154 and short berm modules 156 with a second length 158. The long berm modules 152 are used to assemble the straight portions of the oval-shaped berm 150 and the short berm modules 156 are used to assemble the curved portions of the oval-shaped berm 150.

Assembly and Storage of Berm Modules

FIG. 15 shows assembly of a berm 10 as the final berm module 20 to be assembled into the berm 10, herein referred to as the “ultimate berm module 202”, is assembled. An ultimate joint component 200 of the ultimate berm module 202 is nested within an adjacent receiving end 210 of a first adjacent berm module 220. An ultimate receiving end 240 of the ultimate berm module 205 is lowered onto an adjacent joint component 250 of a second adjacent berm module 260 (in this case a corner berm module 170), completing the berm 10. Alternatively, a berm module 20 having two receiving ends 80 may be lowered in between two berm modules 20 such that two components 70 are available to form two joints 90. Once the perimeter of the berm 10 is assembled, the liner 270 may be positioned about the berm modules 20, the module caps 45 placed on the berm modules 20, and the connector 335 attached to support members 79 at the apertures 93 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 16 illustrates a stack of berm modules 20. Stacking berm modules 20 on top of each other provides advantages in transport, deployment, and storage of the berm modules 20. The berm modules 20 may include one or more lifting holes 96. The lifting holes may facilitate transport and stacking of the berm modules 20. Similarly, the hinged berm 20 of FIG. 13 may be collapsed by closing the legs 55 and provides advantages in transport, deployment, and storage of the berm modules 20.

Leg Edges

The open-form profile of the berm modules 20 provides greater contact force per unit length between the edges 30 and the terrain 15 than would be the case if the berm modules 20 included a flat bottom surface (not shown) that touches the terrain 15. The greater contact force is due to the terrain engaging support edge 40 and terrain engaging edge 50 pressing down on the terrain. The terrain engaging support edge 40 and terrain engaging edge 50 may dig into the terrain. Thus, friction between the berm module 20 and the terrain is greater than would be the case if the berm modules 20 were to have flat bottom surfaces. The open-form structure of the berm modules 20 allows a berm 10 to contain a given amount of fluid 60 where the berm 10 is assembled from berm modules 20 that have a smaller mass than would be necessary if the berm 10 were assembled from comparable modules having a flat bottom surface.

FIG. 17 is a serrated terrain engaging support edge 42. A serrated terrain engaging support edge 42 may provide advantages depending on the terrain 15, for example where the terrain 15 is soft.

In contrast to the berm modules 20 herein disclosed, similarly sized closed form components are either heavier or must be filled with aggregate or fluid in order to have sufficient mass to contain fluid 60. The decreased mass necessary for a berm module 20 compared to a similarly-sized closed-form component allows setup of the berm 10 to be accomplished more easily and therefore with less cost.

Geometry of Berm Modules

FIGS. 18 to 20 are schematics of relevant geometrical features of a berm module 20. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, appropriate geometry for a berm module 20 to contain a given fluid 60 at a given depth may be selected at the time of manufacture. The selection may be based on the expected force on the plane area of the fluid containment member 76 (F_s), and of the distance to the center of pressure of the fluid containment member 76 (y_p). F_s and y_r allow determination of the intrinsic static moment requirement that will apply to the berm module 20. The intrinsic static moment requirement is a condition of static equilibrium wherein a berm 10 assembled from berm modules 20 will be stable when fluid 60 is present at any depth within a berm 10.

Force on the Plane Area of the Fluid Containment Member (F_s)

F_s is calculated according to the following equation:

F_s=γh_cA  (Eq. 1)

In Eq. 1, γ is the specific weight of the fluid 60, h_c is the depth of the scalar centroid, and A is the plane area of the fluid containment member 76 of the berm module 20. γ is determined empirically. A and h_c are respectively calculated according to the following equations:

A=Lx/cos θ  (Eq. 2)

h_c=y_c sin θ  (Eq. 3)

In Eq. 2, L is the length of the legs 55, x is the height at which the support member extends 79 from the fluid containment member 73, and θ is the angle between the fluid containment member 76 and the terrain 15; x and θ are illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20. In Eq. 3, y_c is the length to centroid, which may be calculated according to the following equation:

y_c=(p₁+p₂)/2  (Eq. 4)

In Eq. 4, p₁ is the pressure on the surface of the fluid containment member 76 at the top of the fluid and p₂ is the pressure on the surface of the fluid containment member 76 at the bottom of the fluid 60. Alternatively, y_c may be calculated according to the following equation:

y_c=0.5x/cos θ  (Eq. 5)

Eq. 1 may be combined with Eqs. 1, 2, 3, and 5, allowing calculation of F_s according to the following equation:

F_s=0.5γLx² sin θ/cos²θ  (Eq. 6)

Distance to the Center of Pressure of the Fluid Containment Member (y_p)

y_p is calculated according to the following equation:

y_p=y_c+I_c/(y_cA)  (Eq. 7)

In Eq. 7, I_c is the moment of inertia about a centroidal axis, which is calculated according to the following equation:

I_c=Lh³/12  (Eq. 8)

In Eq. 8, h is the slope length of the fluid containment member 76. h is calculated according to the following equation:

h=x/cos θ  (Eq. 9)

Eq. 7 may be combined with Eqs. 5, 8, and 9, allowing calculation of y_p according to the following equation:

y_p=0.5x/cos θ+x/6 cos θ  (Eq. 10)

The location of y_p is shown schematically on FIG. 19.

The horizontal component of F_s(F_sz) and the vertical component of F_s(F_sx) at the center of pressure of the terrain engaging edge 50 are calculated according to the following equations:

F_sz=F_s cos θ  (Eq. 11)

F_sx=F_s sin θ  (Eq. 12)

Sum of Moments (ΣM)

Once F_sz and F_sx are known, the sum of moments acting on the berm module 20 at the terrain engaging edge 50 (ΣM) is calculated according to the following equation:

ΣM=F_szx₂+F_sxz₂−F₄₀z=0  (Eq. 13)

In Eq. 13, F₄₀ is the reactive vertical force on the terrain engaging support edge 40, z is the distance between the terrain engaging support edge 40 and the terrain engaging edge 50, x₂ is the vertical distance between the terrain engaging edge 50 and y_p, and z₂ is the horizontal distance between the terrain engaging edge 50 and y_p, F₄₀, F_sz, F_sx, z, x₂, and z₂ are illustrated in FIG. 20. F₄₀ is calculated according to Eq. 13. The intrinsic static moment requirement for a stable berm 10 assembled from berm modules 20 is fulfilled when ΣM is equal to 0. A berm 10 will contain fluid up to a depth of x where the following relationship is true:

F₄₀μ>F_sz  (Eq. 14)

In Eq. 14, μ is the coefficient of friction between the terrain engaging support edge 40 and the terrain 15; μ may be determined empirically.

FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate an example wherein a liner 270 is not present below the berm modules 20 at the terrain engaging support edge 40. If liner is present between the berm modules 20 and the terrain 15 at the terrain engaging support edge 40 (not shown), μ may be adjusted accordingly.

Shape of Berm Modules

A corner berm module 170 has four legs 55 arranged in two sets, the respective sets are separated by a corner angle 185 (FIG. 15). The corner angle 185 may be about 90 degrees. Each set includes a corner fluid containment member 172 and a corner support member 174. The corner fluid containment member 172 has a first side 71, a second side 72 opposite the first side 71, a joining side 77 extending between the first side 71 and the second side 72, and a corner side 177 opposite the joining side 77 extending between the first side 71 and the second side 72. The corner support member 174 has a first support side 81, a second support side 82 opposite the first support side 81, a joining support side 83 extending between the first support side 81 and the second support side 82, and a corner support side 179 opposite the joining support side 83 extending between the support side 81 and the second support side 82. The corner fluid containment members 172 of the two sets are joined along their respective corner sides 177 and the corner support members 174 of the two sets are joined along their respective corner support sides 179. Joint components 70 or receiving ends 80 are present along the joining sides 77 and joining support sides 83.

The berm modules 20 may be adapted to link multiple berms together, for example when assembling multiple berms 10 for a tank farm.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a T-intersection berm module 180. The T-intersection berm module 180 includes a fluid containment member 76 and a support member 79. The T-intersection berm module 180 also includes two dual-purpose members 182 extending from the fluid containment member 76. Each dual-purpose member 182 both contains fluid within the berm 10 and supports another dual-purpose member 182. Each dual-purpose member 182 has a first dual-purpose side 184 defining a terrain engaging dual-purpose edge 186, a second dual-purpose side 187 opposite the first dual-purpose side 184, a joining dual-purpose side 188 extending between the first dual-purpose side 184 and the second dual-purpose side 186, and a corner dual-purpose side 189 opposite the joining dual-purpose side 188 extending between the first dual-purpose side 184 and the second dual-purpose side 186. The two dual-purpose members 182 extend from one another at their respective second dual-purpose sides 187 and at an inter-leg angle 65, and the two dual purpose members 182 extending from the fluid containment member 76 at their respective corner dual-purpose sides 189. The dual purpose members 182 may be plates. The joining dual-purpose sides 188 of dual-purpose members 182 extending from one another at their respective second dual purpose sides 188 may include a flange 73 or may define a receiving end 80.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are respectively perspective and plan views of a four-way intersection berm module 190. The four-way intersection berm module 190 is comprised of eight dual-purpose members 182. Each dual purpose member 182 extends from another dual purpose member 182 at their respective second dual-purpose sides 187 and at an inter-leg angle 65. Each dual purpose member 182 also extends from another dual-purpose member 182 at their respective dual-purpose corner sides 189 at a corner angle 185. The dual purpose members 182 may be plates. The joining dual-purpose sides of dual purpose members 182 extending from one another at their respective second dual purpose sides 188 may include a flange 73 or may define a receiving end 80.

FIGS. 24 to 26 illustrate embodiments of berm modules 20 including a connecting member interposed between the two legs 55. In FIG. 24, the connecting member is be atop plate 340 that extends between the legs 55 at the second side 72 and the second support side 82. In FIG. 25, the connecting member is a bottom plate 350 that extends between the terrain engaging edge 50 and the support member 79. The bottom plate 350 is attached to the support member 79 at a point between the terrain engaging support edge 40 and the second support side 82. In FIG. 26, the connecting member is an intermediate plate 360 extending between the legs 55. The intermediate plate 360 is attached to the support member 79 at a point between the terrain engaging support edge 40 and the second support side 82, and to the fluid containment member 76 at a point between the terrain engaging edge 50 and the second side 72.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a berm module 20 including afoot 370 along the terrain engagement edge 50. The foot 360 provides additional stability for keeping the berm module 20 in an upright position.

The top plate 340, bottom plate 350, or intermediate plate 360 may be present along the entire length 35 of the legs 55. The foot 370 may be present along the entire length 35 of the fluid containment member 73. Berm modules 20 having the bottom plate 350, intermediate plate 360, or foot 370 may not stack as depicted in FIG. 16.

EXAMPLES ONLY

In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A fluid containment berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the berm module comprising:

a fluid containment member having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;

a support member extending from the fluid containment member to support the fluid containment member in an upright position; and

a joint component on one or more of the joining sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

2. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the joint component is a flange extending from one of the joining sides.

3. The berm module of claim 2 wherein the flange extends from substantially the entire joining side.

4. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the first and second sides are substantially perpendicular to the joining sides.

5. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support member extends from the fluid containment member along the second side.

6. The berm module of claim 5 wherein the support member extends from the fluid containment member along substantially the entire second side.

7. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the fluid containment member is a rectilinear plate.

8. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the fluid containment member is a rectangular plate.

9. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support member extends from the fluid containment member at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 170 degrees.

10. The berm module of claim 9 wherein the support member extends from the fluid containment member at an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees.

11. The berm module of claim 10 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 45 degrees and about 75 degrees.

12. The berm module of claim 11 wherein the support member extends from the fluid containment member at an angle of about 60 degrees.

13. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support member defines an aperture for attachment of a connector to secure a liner to the berm module.

14. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support member is hingedly connected to the fluid containment member.

15. The berm module of claim 0 wherein a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support member.

16. The berm module of claim 15 wherein the connecting member extends between the terrain engaging edge and the support member.

17. The berm module of claim 0 further comprising a foot extending from the terrain engaging edge for stabilizing the berm module in the upright position.

18. The berm module of claim 17 wherein the foot extends from the terrain engaging edge along substantially the entire terrain engaging edge.

19. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support member is a support plate, the support plate comprising a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides.

20. The berm module of claim 19 wherein the joint component is a flange extending from one of the joining sides and one of the joining support sides.

21. The berm module of claim 20 wherein the flange extends from substantially the entire joining side and substantially the entire joining support side.

22. The berm module of claim 19 wherein the first and second support sides are substantially perpendicular to the joining support sides.

23. The berm module of claim 19 wherein the support plate is rectangular.

24. The berm module of claim 19 wherein the terrain engaging support edge is defined by substantially the entire first support side.

25. The berm module of claim 19 wherein the terrain engaging support edge is serrated.

26. The berm module of claim 19 wherein the support plate extends from the second side at the second support side.

27. The berm module of claim 26 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment member along substantially the entire second support side.

28. The berm module of claim 26 wherein the fluid containment member and the support plate define an aperture for lifting the berm module, the aperture defined on and proximate to the second side and the second support side.

29. The berm module of claim 19 wherein a connecting member is interposed between the fluid containment member and the support plate.

30. The berm module of claim 29 wherein the connecting member extends between the terrain engaging edge and the support plate.

31. The berm module of claim 29 wherein the connecting member extends between the second side and the second support side.

32. The berm module of claim 19 further comprising a foot extending from the terrain engaging edge for stabilizing the berm module in the upright position.

33. The berm module of 32 wherein the foot extends from the terrain engaging edge along substantially the entire terrain engaging edge.

34. A corner berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the corner berm module comprising:

two corner fluid containment members, each corner fluid containment member having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a joining side extending between the first side and the second side, and a corner side opposite the joining side extending between the first side and the second side, the corner fluid containment members extending from one another along their respective corner sides at a corner angle;

two corner support members, each corner support member extending from one of the corner fluid containment members, each corner fluid containment member having a first support side, a second support side opposite the first support side, a joining support side extending between the first support side and the second support side, and a corner support side opposite the joining support side and extending between the first support side and the second support side, the corner support members extending from one another along their respective corner support sides at the corner angle; and

a joint component extending from one of the joining sides and from one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

35. The corner berm module of claim 34 wherein the corner angle is about 90 degrees.

36. The berm module of claim 0 wherein are selected such that wherein: are selected such that the sum ΣM of moments acting on the berm module at the terrain engaging edge when the a berm is substantially filled with the fluid, is equal to zero according to the following relationship:

an angle θ between the fluid containment member and the terrain;

a height x at which the support member extends from the fluid containment member; and

a length L of the fluid containment member between the joining sides;

a center of pressure yp of the fluid containment member is selected according to the following relationship: yp=0.5x/cos θ+x/6 cos θ;

a force FS on the fluid containment member when assembled into the berm and the berm is substantially filled with a fluid having a specific weight γ, is selected according to the following relationship: Fs=0.5γLx2 sin θ/cos2θ; and

a horizontal component Fsz of Fs;

a vertical component Fsx of Fs;

a reactive vertical force F40 on the support member when the berm is substantially filled with the fluid;

a vertical distance x2 between the terrain engaging edge and the center of pressure yp of the fluid containment member;

a horizontal distance z2 between the terrain engaging edge and yp; and

a distance z between the terrain engaging support edge and the terrain engaging edge;

ΣM=Fszx2+Fsxz2−F40z=0.

37. The berm module of claim 36 wherein F40 is selected such that for a given coefficient of friction μ between the terrain engaging support edge and the terrain, F40μ>Fsz.

38. A fluid containment berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the berm module comprising:

a fluid containment plate having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;

a support plate extending from the fluid containment plate to support the fluid containment member in an upright position, the support plate having a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides; and

a flange extending from one of the joining sides and from one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

39. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the flange extends from substantially the entire joining side and the joining support side.

40. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 170 degrees.

41. The berm module of claim 40 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees.

42. The berm module of claim 41 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of between about 45 degrees and about 75 degrees.

43. The berm module of claim 42 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate at an angle of about 60 degrees.

44. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support plate defines an aperture for attachment of a connector to secure a liner to the berm module.

45. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support plate is hingedly connected to the fluid containment plate.

46. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the terrain engaging support edge is serrated.

47. The berm module of claim 0 wherein the support plate extends from the second side at the second support side.

48. The berm module of claim 47 wherein the support plate extends from the fluid containment plate along substantially the entire second support side.

49. The berm module of claim 47 wherein the fluid containment plate and the support plate define an aperture for lifting the berm module, the aperture defined on and proximate to the second side and the second support side.

50. A corner berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the corner berm module comprising:

two corner fluid containment plates, each corner fluid containment plate having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a joining side extending between the first side and the second side, and a corner side opposite the joining side extending between the first side and the second side, the corner fluid containment plates extending from one another along their respective corner sides at a corner angle;

two corner support plates, each corner support plate extending from the second side of one of the corner fluid containment plates, each corner fluid containment plate having a first support side, a second support side opposite the first support side, a joining support side extending between the first support side and the second support side, and a corner support side opposite the joining support side and extending between the first support side and the second support side, the corner support plates extending from one another along their respective corner support sides at the corner angle; and

a flange extending from one of the joining sides and from one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module.

51. The corner berm module of claim 50 wherein the corner angle is about 90 degrees.

52. A T-intersection berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the T-intersection berm module comprising:

a fluid containment plate having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;

a support plate extending from the fluid containment plate to support the fluid containment member in an upright position, the support plate having a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, the support plate extending from the second side at the second support side;

two dual-purpose plates extending from the fluid containment plate, each dual-purpose plate having a first dual-purpose side defining a terrain engaging dual-purpose edge, a second dual-purpose side opposite the first dual-purpose side, a joining dual-purpose side extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides, and a corner dual purpose side opposite the joining dual-purpose side and extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides, the two dual purpose plates extending from one another at their respective second dual-purpose sides, and the two dual purpose plates extending from the fluid containment plate at their respective corner dual-purpose sides; and

a flange extending from one or more end, the end selected from the group consisting of a joining side and a joining support side, and the joining dual-purpose sides.

53. A four-way intersection berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the four-way intersection berm module comprising:

eight dual-purpose plates, each dual-purpose plate having a first dual-purpose side defining a terrain engaging dual-purpose edge, a second dual-purpose side opposite the first dual-purpose side, a joining dual-purpose side extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides, and a corner dual purpose side opposite the joining dual-purpose side and extending between the first and second dual-purpose sides;

each dual purpose plate extending from another dual purpose plate at their respective second dual-purpose sides;

each dual purpose plate extending from another dual-purpose plate at their respective corner dual-purpose sides at a corner angle; and

a flange extending from joining dual-purpose sides of two dual purpose plates joined at their second dual-purpose sides.

54. A system for assembling a berm comprising:

a plurality of the berm modules of claim 0 for assembling into the berm; and

a liner to cover the berm and contain fluid.

55. The system of claim 54 further comprising a plurality of the corner berm modules of claim 50.

56. The system of claim 54 further comprising a plurality of connectors for securing the liner to the berm modules.

57. The system of claim 54 further comprising a plurality of module caps for placing on the berm modules to hold the liner in place and protect the liner.

58. The system of claim 54 further comprising at least one T-intersection berm module of claim 52.

59. The system of claim 54 further comprising at least one four-way intersection berm module of claim 53.

60. A fluid containment berm module for assembling a fluid containment berm on terrain, the berm module comprising: wherein the support plate defines an aperture for attachment of a connector to secure a liner to the berm module; and wherein the fluid containment plate and the support plate define an aperture for lifting the berm module, the aperture defined on and proximate to the second side and the second support side.

a rectangular fluid containment plate having a first side defining a terrain engaging edge, a second side opposite the first side, and two joining sides each extending between the first and second sides;

a rectangular support plate extending from the second side at an angle of substantially 60 degrees to support the fluid containment member in an upright position, the support plate having a first support side defining a terrain engaging support edge, a second support side opposite the first support side, and two joining support sides each extending between the first and second support sides, the rectangular support plate extending from the second side along substantially the entire second support side; and

a flange extending from substantially the entirety of one of the joining sides and from substantially the entirety of one of the joining support sides for forming an articulatable joint with another berm module;