STORMWATER DETENTION VAULTS AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING STORMWATER DETENTION VAULTS

Stormwater detention vaults and methods of assembling stormwater detention vaults. The stormwater detention vaults include a cast-in-place concrete floor, a plurality of precast concrete wall panels, and a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels. The cast-in-place concrete floor defines an interior floor region and a keyway recess that surrounds the interior floor region. Each precast concrete wall panel includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface. The lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess to define a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault. Each prestressed concrete top panel spans at least two precast concrete wall panels such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault.

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Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to stormwater detention vaults and to methods of assembling stormwater detention vaults.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Stormwater detention vaults may be utilized to store and/or to detain stormwater, such as to permit and/or to facilitate controlled and/or regulated release of the stormwater during a rainfall or flooding event. Stormwater detention vaults may be especially important in urbanized areas where a variety of different impervious, or at least substantially impervious, surfaces restrict natural percolation of the stormwater into the ground and/or provide relatively unobstructed flow of the stormwater thereacross. Conventional stormwater detention vaults may be difficult to site, difficult to assemble, difficult to reliably seal, and/or costly to install. In addition, conventional stormwater detention vaults often do not provide a desired degree of size, or volume, scalability. Thus, there exists a need for improved stormwater detention vaults and/or for improved methods of assembling stormwater detention vaults.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Stormwater detention vaults and methods of assembling stormwater detention vaults. The stormwater detention vaults include a cast-in-place concrete floor, a plurality of precast concrete wall panels, and a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels. The cast-in-place concrete floor defines an interior floor region of the stormwater detention vault and defines a keyway recess that surrounds the interior floor region. Each precast concrete wall panel includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface. The lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault. The perimeter wall extends from the cast-in-place floor and surrounds, or bounds, the interior floor region, or at least a substantial portion thereof. The precast concrete wall panels may define a gasket recess and may include a gasket that extends and/or is positioned within the gasket recess. Each prestressed concrete top panel spans at least two precast concrete wall panels such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault. The top covers the interior floor region.

The methods include pouring a cast-in-place concrete floor that defines a keyway recess that surrounds an interior floor region of the stormwater detention value. The methods also include positioning a plurality of precast concrete wall panels within a keyway recess of the cast-in-place concrete floor such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault. The methods may further include positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels relative to each other, such as to within a defined wall-to-wall gap and/or to apply a selected amount of compression to gaskets extending between adjacent precast concrete wall panels. The methods further include positioning a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels on an upper edge of the perimeter wall to define an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of examples of stormwater detention vaults according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stormwater detention vaults of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stormwater detention vaults of FIGS. 1-2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an assembled view of an example of a stormwater detention vault according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example of a stormwater detention vault according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of precast concrete wall panels of stormwater detention vaults, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of precast concrete wall panels of stormwater detention vaults, according to the present disclosure, and illustrating a gasket recess and a gasket of the precast concrete wall panels.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a stormwater detention vault according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary partial cross-sectional view of an example of a stormwater detention vault according to the present disclosure and illustrating a closure seal along an upper panel surface of a precast concrete wall panel.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary partial cross-sectional view of an example of a stormwater detention vault according to the present disclosure and illustrating a sealant material along a lower panel surface of a precast concrete wall panel.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting examples of methods of assembling stormwater detention vaults, according to the present disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIGS. 1-11 provide examples of stormwater detention vaults 10, of components of stormwater detention vaults 10, and/or of methods 400, according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-11, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-11. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-11, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-11 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-11 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In general, elements that are likely to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines may not be essential to all embodiment and, in some embodiments, may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of examples of stormwater detention vaults 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stormwater detention vaults of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stormwater detention vaults of FIGS. 1-2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an assembled view of an example of a stormwater detention vault 10 according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example of a stormwater detention vault 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a more detailed view of precast concrete wall panels 210 of stormwater detention vaults 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of precast concrete wall panels 210 of stormwater detention vaults 10 according to the present disclosure and illustrates a gasket recess 250 and a gasket 260 of the precast concrete wall panels. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a stormwater detention vault 10 according to the present disclosure, FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a stormwater detention vault according to the present disclosure and illustrating a closure seal 390 along an upper panel surface 232 of a precast concrete wall panel, and FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a stormwater detention vault 10 according to the present disclosure and illustrating a sealant material 290 along a lower panel surface 230 of a precast concrete wall panel.

As used herein, the term “stormwater” may refer to any water flow and/or runoff that may be contained within and/or detained by stormwater detention vaults 10. Examples of such stormwater include water from storms, water from rainfall events, and/or water from natural and/or manmade floods.

As collectively illustrated by FIGS. 1-10, stormwater detention vaults 10 according to the present disclosure include a cast-in-place concrete floor 100, a plurality of precast concrete wall panels 210, and a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels 310. Cast-in-place concrete floor 100 defines an interior floor region 110 of stormwater detention vaults 10 and also defines a keyway recess 120. Keyway recess 120 surrounds, or at least substantially surrounds, interior floor region 110. Each precast concrete wall panel 210 includes a wall edge 226 that defines a lower panel surface 230 and an upper panel surface 232. Lower panel surface 230 of at least a fraction and/or subset of precast concrete wall panels 210 is positioned, and optionally of all of the precast concrete wall panels are positioned, within keyway recess 120 such that precast concrete wall panels 210 at least partially, at least substantially, or completely define a perimeter wall 200 of stormwater detention vault 10.

Perimeter wall 200 extends from cast-in-place concrete floor 100 and surrounds, or bounds, a perimeter region of interior floor region 110. At least a substantial portion of perimeter wall 200 may be formed from the plurality of precast concrete wall panels 210. For example, the perimeter wall may be formed entirely, or nearly entirely, by the plurality of precast concrete wall panels, optionally in combination with the gaskets that are discussed herein. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that a portion, such as a minority portion, of the perimeter wall may be formed from a panel, beam, brace, non-concrete material, or other structure. Perimeter wall 200 also may be referred to herein as, and/or may be, an at least substantially continuous wall, a continuous wall, and/or a fluid-tight wall of stormwater detention vault 10.

Each prestressed concrete top panel 310 spans at least two precast concrete wall panels such that prestressed concrete top panels 310 together define an at least substantially continuous top 300 of stormwater detention vault 10. Top 300 covers and/or extends across interior floor region 110. Stated differently, and as perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, and 8, cast-in-place concrete floor 100, perimeter wall 200 (or precast concrete wall panels 210 thereof) and top 300 (or prestressed concrete top panels 310 thereof) together bound, surround, and/or contain an interior stormwater detention region 12 of stormwater detention vault 10.

Stormwater detention vaults 10, according to the present disclosure, are configured to be buried within a subsurface region 8, such as by excavation of the subsurface region, installation of the stormwater detention vaults and subsequent backfill of the subsurface region. In this manner, stormwater detention vaults 10 may permit storage and/or detention of stormwater, such as during a storm and/or a rainfall event, without utilizing valuable space within a surface region 6 that extends above the subsurface region. Stated differently, installation of stormwater detention vaults 10 may permit and/or facilitate more efficient utilization of space within surface region 6. A conventional alternative to stormwater detention vaults 10 includes stormwater detention ponds. Such stormwater detention ponds may utilize valuable space within surface region 6, may provide breeding grounds for pests and/or insects, may be costly to maintain, and/or may be hazardous. As such, stormwater detention vaults 10, which are buried within subsurface region 8, may provide significant benefits over stormwater detention ponds.

Stormwater detention vaults 10, which include cast-in-place concrete floor 100, precast concrete wall panels 210, and/or prestressed concrete top panels 310, according to the present disclosure, also may provide significant benefits over conventional stormwater detention vaults that do not include cast-in-place concrete floor 100, precast concrete wall panels 210, and prestressed concrete top panels 310. As an example, some conventional stormwater detention vaults may take the form of pre-formed pipes and/or other structures, which may be constructed off-site and then transported to a given location for installation at the given location. The requirement to transport such conventional stormwater detention vaults, combined with the fact that they are pre-formed, may significantly limit a size and/or volume that may be achieved by the conventional stormwater detention vaults. As such, it may be necessary to excavate larger areas in order to provide a desired stormwater detention volume for a given site and/or facility. As discussed in more detail herein, stormwater detention vaults 10, according to the present disclosure, are fabricated and/or assembled on-site, thereby alleviating the above-described transportation size constraints and/or permitting construction of stormwater detention vaults 10 with any desired size and/or volume.

As another example, some conventional stormwater detention vaults may take the form of pre-formed modular structures, which may be assembled on-site. Such conventional stormwater detention vaults may be utilized to overcome the size and transportation limitations, which are discussed above and associated with conventional pre-formed pipes and/or other structures. However, it may be labor-intensive, costly, challenging, or even impossible, to provide a desired level of alignment and sealing among the various components that define these conventional stormwater detention vaults. As discussed, stormwater detention vaults 10, according to the present disclosure, include and/or utilize cast-in-place concrete floor 100. Cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may be a single-piece and/or monolithic structure, thereby significantly decreasing a potential for leakage therethrough. In addition, the presence of cast-in-place concrete floor 100 permits stormwater detention vaults 10 to have a well-defined, and precisely shaped, foundation or other base, from which to construct a remainder of stormwater detention vaults 10. As such, alignment and/or sealing of precast concrete wall panels 210 and/or prestressed concrete top panels 310 may be significantly faster, and more effective, when compared to conventional stormwater detention vaults that take the form of pre-formed modular structures.

Cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may include any suitable structure that defines interior floor region 110, that defines keyway recess 120, and/or that supports perimeter wall 200. In general, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 is formed and/or defined at least substantially from concrete, which is poured and/or formed on-site and/or at a final location for stormwater detention vaults 10. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may include and/or be a reinforced cast-in-place concrete floor. The reinforced cast-in-place concrete floor may include any suitable reinforcement, or reinforcement material, examples of which include a metallic reinforcement, rebar reinforcement, and/or wire mesh reinforcement.

Cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may define any suitable floor shape, or footprint, for stormwater detention vault 10. As an example, the floor shape, or footprint, of cast-in-place concrete floor 100 and/or of interior floor region 110 may be rectangular, or at least substantially rectangular.

It may be desirable for cast-in-place concrete floor 100 to be watertight, to be level (at least in the regions underlying perimeter wall 200), and/or to define a precisely shaped foundation for perimeter wall 200. With this in mind, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may include and/or be a monolithic cast-in-place concrete floor, a unitary cast-in-place concrete floor, and/or a single-piece cast-in-place concrete floor. Additionally or alternatively, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may include, or have applied thereto, a sealant coating 106, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Sealant coating 106 may seal cast-in-place concrete floor 100, such as from water leakage therethrough. Examples of sealant coating 106 include a paint, a resin, an epoxy resin, and/or a waterproof coating.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 2-3 and in solid lines in FIG. 5, interior floor region 110 may slope toward a central elongate channel 114. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate improved draining and/or cleaning of stormwater detention vaults 10, such as via collection of water and/or debris proximate and/or within the central elongate channel. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that interior floor region 110 may slope toward central elongate channel 114 at any suitable slope and/or grade, examples of which include at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6%, and/or at most 5%. In a specific example, the grade may be 5%.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2 and in solid lines in FIG. 8, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may include and/or define a footing 126. Footing 126, when present, may be positioned and/or may extend vertically below keyway recess 120, such as to provide support, or additional support, for a weight of perimeter wall 200, top 300, and/or an overburden that covers the stormwater detention vault subsequent to installation within the subsurface region. Footing 126, when present, may have and/or define a footing thickness 128, or an average footing thickness 128. Similarly, interior floor region 110 may have and/or define an interior floor region thickness 112, or an average interior floor region thickness 112. Footing thickness 126 may be greater than interior floor region thickness 112. As an example, footing thickness 126 may be a threshold multiple of interior floor region thickness 112. Examples of the threshold multiple include at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, at least 2, at least 2.1, at least 2.2, at most 3, at most 2.9, at most 2.8, at most 2.7, at most 2.6, at most 2.5, at most 2.4, at most 2.3, at most 2.2 at most 2.1, and/or at most 2. Examples of interior floor region thickness 112 include at least 8 centimeters (cm), at least 9 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 11 cm, at least 12 cm, at least 13 cm, at least 14 cm, at least 15 cm, at most 18 cm, at most 17 cm, at most 16 cm, at most 15 cm, at most 14 cm, at most 13 cm, and/or at most 12 cm.

Cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may have and/or define any suitable size and/or dimensions, such as may be permissible at a location where stormwater detention vaults 10 are installed and/or may provide a desired volume for interior stormwater detention region 12. As an example, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may define a floor length 102, examples of which include floor lengths of at least 10 meters (m), at least 20 m, at least 30 m, at least 40 m, at least 50 m, at least 60 m, at most 200 m, at most 180 m, at most 160 m, at most 140 m, at most 120 m, at most 100 m, at most 80 m, and/or at most 60 m. As another example, and as also illustrated in FIG. 3, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may define a floor width 104, examples of which include floor widths of at least 5 m, at least 6 m, at least 7 m, at least 8 m, at least 9 m, at least 10 m, at most 15 m, at most 14 m, at most 13 m, at most 12 m, at most 11 m, and/or at most 10 m.

Keyway recess 120 may be, include, and/or define any suitable shape, size, and/or structure that surrounds interior floor region 110 and/or that is configured to receive lower panel surface 230 of precast concrete wall panels 210. As an example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, 5, 8, and 10, keyway recess 120 may define a lower recess surface 132. Lower recess surface 132 may be adapted, configured, sized, and/or shaped to contact lower panel surface 230 of precast concrete wall panels 210, to receive lower panel surface 230, to face toward lower panel surface 230, and/or to support perimeter wall 200.

Keyway recess 120 may have and/or define any suitable recess shape, or transverse cross-sectional keyway recess shape. An example of the keyway recess shape includes a trapezoidal keyway recess shape, although others may be used, including other polygonal shapes.

As discussed, cast-in-place concrete floor 100 may form and/or define a precisely shaped base, or foundation, for perimeter wall 200. As discussed in more detail herein, and during assembly of stormwater detention vaults 10, it may be beneficial to align, or to precisely align, adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210 of perimeter wall 200. To permit and/or facilitate this alignment, keyway recess 120, dimensions of keyway recess 120, and/or one or more geometric properties of keyway recess 120 may be closely regulated and/or controlled during and/or subsequent to formation of cast-in-place concrete floor 100.

As an example, lower recess surface 132 may be a flat, or relatively flat, lower recess surface. As a specific example, a difference, or an elevation difference, between a maximum elevation of lower recess surface 132 and a minimum elevation of lower recess surface 132 may be relatively small. Examples of this elevation difference include differences of at least 0.1 millimeter (mm), at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.25 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 4.5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3.5 mm, at most 3 mm, at most 2.75 mm, at most 2.5 mm, at most 2.25 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 1.75 mm, at most 1.5 mm, at most 1.25 mm, and/or at most 1 mm.

As another example, lower recess surface 132 may be a smooth, or relatively smooth, lower recess surface. As examples, lower recess surface 132 may have and/or define a root mean squared (RMS) lower recess surface roughness of at most 2 mm, at most 1.8 mm, at most 1.6 mm, at most 1.4 mm, at most 1.2 mm, or at most 1 mm.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2, a self-leveling compound 130 may at least partially define lower recess surface 132. The self-leveling compound, when utilized, may be poured and/or positioned within keyway recess 120, such as to cause lower recess surface 132 to have and/or to exhibit a desired difference between the maximum elevation and the minimum elevation and/or a desired lower recess surface roughness. Stated differently, and subsequent to pouring cast-in-place concrete floor 100, keyway recess 120 may not be as level as desired and/or may be rougher than desired; and self-leveling compound 130 may be positioned within the keyway recess. The self-leveling compound then may define lower recess surface 132 and/or may cause lower recess surface 132 to have a desired elevation difference, to have less than a threshold elevation difference, to have a desired roughness, and/or to have less than a threshold roughness. Self-leveling compound 130 may include any suitable material, an example of which includes a self-leveling grout.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2 and in solid lines in FIG. 10, keyway recess 120 may define an interior recess taper 142. Interior recess taper 142 may taper from interior floor region 110 and/or to lower recess surface 132. Additionally or alternatively, and as also illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2 and in solid lines in FIG. 10, keyway recess 120 may define an exterior recess taper 152. Exterior recess taper 152 may taper from an external periphery 160 of cast-in-place concrete floor 100 and/or to lower recess surface 132. Stated differently, and when present in keyway recess 120, interior recess taper 142 may be positioned on an interior side 140 of keyway recess 120, and exterior recess taper 152 may be positioned on an exterior side 150 of keyway recess 120.

Additionally or alternatively, and when present in keyway recess 120, interior recess taper 142 may define an interior recess taper width 144, and exterior recess taper 152 may define an exterior recess taper width 154, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Examples of interior recess taper width 144 and/or of exterior recess taper width 154 include at least 1 cm, at least 1.2 cm, at least 1.4 cm, at least 1.6 cm, at least 1.8 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 2.2 cm, at least 2.4 cm, at least 2.6 cm, at least 2.8 cm, at least 3 cm, at most 5 cm, at most 4.5 cm, at most 4 cm, at most 3.5 cm, at most 3 cm, and/or at most 2.5 cm.

Interior recess taper 142 additionally or alternatively may define an interior recess taper angle 146, and exterior recess taper 152 may define an exterior recess taper angle 156, as also illustrated in FIG. 2. Examples of interior recess taper angle 146 and/or of exterior recess taper angle 156 include at least 20°, at least 30°, at least 40°, at least 50°, at least 60°, at most 80°, at most 70°, at most 60°, at most 50°, and/or at most 40°.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and in solid lines in FIG. 10, a sealant material 290 may be positioned within keyway recess 120 and/or may extend between perimeter wall 200 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100. As also illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10, sealant material 290 may be positioned on interior side 140 of keyway recess 120 and/or on exterior side 150 of keyway recess 120. An example of sealant material 290 includes a grout.

Sealant material 290, when present, may be adapted, configured, and/or selected to provide a fluid seal between perimeter wall 200 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100, to interlock perimeter wall 200 with cast-in-place concrete floor 100, to operatively attach perimeter wall 200 to cast-in-place concrete floor 100, and/or to provide more even, or more uniform, bearing between perimeter wall 200 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100.

The presence of interior recess taper 142 and/or of exterior recess taper 152 may improve and/or facilitate positioning of sealant material 290 within keyway recess 120 and/or between perimeter wall 200 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100. As an example, interior recess taper 142 and/or exterior recess taper 152 may increase an open area that may be utilized to convey the sealant material into the keyway recess and/or may decrease a potential for air pockets and/or void space within the sealant material. The presence of interior recess taper 142 and/or of exterior recess taper 152 additionally or alternatively may provide increased surface area for contact between sealant material 290 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100, which may improve adhesion between the sealant material and the cast-in-place concrete floor and/or may decrease a potential for water leakage between the sealant material and the cast-in-place concrete floor.

Keyway recess 120 may have and/or define any suitable keyway recess depth 122, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Examples of keyway recess depth 122 include depths of at least 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 3.5 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 4.5 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 5.5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 6.5 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 7.5 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 8.5 cm, at least 9 cm, at least 9.5 cm, at least 10 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 19 cm, at most 18 cm, at most 17 cm, at most 16 cm, at most 15 cm, at most 14 cm, at most 13 cm, at most 12 cm, at most 10 cm, at most 8 cm, and/or at most 6 cm.

Additionally or alternatively, keyway recess 120 may have and/or define any suitable maximum keyway recess width 124. Examples of maximum keyway recess width 124 include widths of at least 20 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 24 cm, at least 26 cm, at least 28 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 32 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 38 cm, at most 36 cm, at most 34 cm, at most 32 cm, at most 30 cm, and/or at most 28 cm.

As discussed, lower panel surface 230 of precast concrete wall panels 210 may be positioned within keyway recess 120. With this in mind, maximum keyway recess width 124 may be sized to provide space and/or clearance for precast concrete wall panels 210 within keyway recess 120. As an example, precast concrete wall panels 210 may define a wall thickness 216, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and maximum keyway recess width 124 may be greater than and/or a threshold width multiple of the wall thickness. Examples of the threshold width multiple include at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, at least 1.25, at most 1.5, at most 1.45, at most 1.4, at most 1.35, at most 1.3, at most 1.25, and/or at most 1.2.

Precast concrete wall panels 210 may include any suitable structure that may include and/or define wall edge 226, lower panel surface 230, and/or upper panel surface 232, that may be positioned within keyway recess 120, and/or that may define perimeter wall 200. In general, precast concrete wall panels are formed and/or defined at least substantially from concrete and subsequently transported to a site that includes, or that will include, cast-in-place concrete floor 100. Stated differently, precast concrete wall panels 210 may be formed and/or defined from concrete that is precast, such as at a concrete panel manufacturing plant, and subsequently transported to the site where stormwater detention vault 10 is to be constructed. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that some or all of precast concrete wall panels 210 may include and/or be a reinforced precast concrete wall panel. If so, the reinforced precast concrete wall panel may include any suitable reinforcement, or reinforcement material, examples of which include a metallic reinforcement, rebar reinforcement, and/or wire mesh reinforcement.

Precast concrete wall panels 210 may have and/or define any suitable wall panel shape. Examples of the wall panel shape includes a rectangular wall panel shape, an at least substantially rectangular wall panel shape, a rectangular solid wall panel shape, an at least substantially rectangular solid wall panel shape, and/or an at least partially rectangular solid wall panel shape. Precast concrete wall panels 210 may include and/or be solid precast concrete wall panels.

Such solid precast concrete wall panels may be configured to resist significant compressive forces, such as may be applied by top 300 and/or by the overburden that is placed above top 300 during installation of stormwater detention vault 10.

Precast concrete wall panels 210 may have and/or define any suitable wall thickness 216. Examples of wall thickness 216 include at least 20 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 24 cm, at least 26 cm, at least 28 cm, at least 30 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 38 cm, at most 36 cm, at most 34 cm, at most 32 cm, and/or at most 30 cm. The wall thickness may be selected based upon a desired compressive strength for perimeter wall 200.

Similarly, precast concrete wall panels 210 may have and/or define any suitable wall height 218, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and such as may be defined between lower panel surface 230 and upper panel surface 232. Examples of wall height 218 include at least 1 m, at least 1.2 m, at least 1.4 m, at least 1.6 m, at least 1.8 m, at least 2 m, at least 2.2 m, at least 2.4 m, at least 2.6 m, at least 2.8 m, at least 3 m, at least 3.2 m, at least 3.4 m, at least 3.6 m, at least 3.8 m, at least 4 m, at most 5 m, at most 4.8 m, at most 4.6 m, at most 4.4 m, at most 4.2 m, at most 4 m, at most 3.8 m, at most 3.6 m, at most 3.4 m, at most 3.2 m, at most 3 m, at most 2.8 m, at most 2.6 m, at most 2.4 m, at most 2.2 m, and/or at most 2 m.

In addition, precast concrete wall panels 210 may have and/or define any suitable wall width 220, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and such as may be defined as a distance that a given precast concrete wall panel extends within keyway recess 120. Examples of wall width 220 include at least 2 m, at least 2.5 m, at least 3 m, at least 3.5 m, at least 4 m, at least 4.5 m, at least 5 m, at least 5.5 m, at least 6 m, at most 8 m, at most 7.5 m, at most 7 m, at most 6.5 m, at most 6 m, at most 5.5 m, at most 5 m, at most 4.5 m, and/or at most 4 m.

As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6-7, precast concrete wall panels 210 may define a gasket recess 250 and may include a gasket 260, which extends and/or is positioned within the gasket recess. Gasket 260 may be secured within gasket recess 250 by any suitable method or fastener, such as utilizing an adhesive suitable to secure the gasket with the gasket recess.

Gasket recess 250 may extend into precast concrete wall panels 210 from wall edge 226 thereof, and wall edge 226 may be defined between an outward-facing side 222 and an inward-facing side 224 of each precast concrete wall panel 210, as perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. Gasket recess 250 may extend, or may continuously extend, around an entirety of wall edge 226. Stated differently, gasket recess 250 may extend across lower panel surface 230, may extend across upper panel surface 232, and/or may extend along a region, or both regions, of wall edge 226 that extends between lower panel surface 230 and upper panel surface 232. Stated still differently, gasket recess 250 may extend around at least four sides of each precast concrete wall panel 210. In addition, and when a given precast concrete wall panel 210 defines a corner 204 of perimeter wall 200, gasket recess 250 also may extend along inward-facing side 224, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Similarly, gasket 260 may extend may extend, or may continuously extend, within an entirety of gasket recess 250 and/or around an entirety of wall edge 226. Stated differently, gasket 260 may extend, within gasket recess 250, across lower panel surface 230, may extend across upper panel surface 232, and/or may extend along a region, or both regions, of wall edge 226 that extends between lower panel surface 230 and upper panel surface 232. Stated still differently, gasket 260 may extend around at least four sides of each precast concrete wall panel 210. In addition, and when the given precast concrete wall panel 210 defines corner 204 of perimeter wall 200, gasket 260 also may extend within the region of gasket recess 250 that extends along inward-facing side 224, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate gasket-to-gasket contact between adjacent precast concrete wall panels, as discussed in more detail herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the presence of gasket 260 along lower panel surface 230 may provide an improved, or an additional, seal between perimeter wall 200 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100, thereby decreasing a potential for leakage between the perimeter wall and the cast-in-place concrete floor. Similarly, the presence of gasket 260 along upper panel surface 232 may provide an improved, or an additional, seal between perimeter wall 200 and top 300, thereby decreasing a potential for leakage between the perimeter wall and the top.

As discussed, each precast concrete wall panel may define outward-facing side 222 and inward-facing side 224. As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 2, wall thickness 216 may be defined and/or measured between outward-facing side 222 and inward-facing side 224. With this in mind, gasket recess 250 may be positioned between outward-facing side 222 and inward-facing side 224. In addition, and as illustrated, gasket recess 250 may be spaced-apart from a wall edge center 228 of wall edge 226. As discussed in more detail herein, such a configuration may provide space for attachment structures 280, which may permit and/or facilitate precast concrete wall panels 210 to be drawn together and/or attached to one another along wall edge center 228, thereby decreasing a potential for twisting and/or torqueing of precast concrete wall panels 210 during assembly of perimeter wall 200.

As also discussed in more detail herein, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, a lubricant 270 may be positioned within a contact region between precast concrete wall panels 210 and keyway recess 120. This lubricant may permit and/or facilitate motion of precast concrete wall panels 210 relative to and/or along keyway recess 120, during assembly of perimeter wall 200, without damage to gasket 260. Examples of lubricant 270 include a water-soluble lubricant and/or a pipe lubricant.

Gasket 260 may be formed and/or defined from any suitable material and/or materials. As an example, gasket 260 may include and/or be a polymeric gasket and/or an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) gasket. In some examples, gasket 260 may include a hydrophilic inlay material 264, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Hydrophilic inlay material 264 may be surrounded and/or encapsulated by a remainder of gasket 260 and may be configured to swell upon contact with water. Such a configuration may permit gasket 260 to swell and/or to expand responsive to damage to the portion of gasket 260 that surrounds and/or encapsulates hydrophilic inlay material 264 and/or responsive to contact between the hydrophilic inlay material and water.

As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 7, and within perimeter wall 200, gasket 260 of each precast concrete wall panel 210 may be compressed against gasket 260 of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel 210. Stated still differently, and as discussed, there may be gasket-to-gasket contact between adjacent precast concrete wall panels and/or this gasket-to-gasket contact may provide a fluid seal between the adjacent precast concrete wall panels. Stated still differently, and with continued reference to FIG. 7, gasket 260 of a given precast concrete wall panel 210 and gasket 260 of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel 210 may span a wall-to-wall gap 240 between an adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels. Wall-to-wall gap 240 may be defined between concrete bodies 211 of the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels 210. Examples of wall-to-wall gap 240 at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at most 12 mm, at most 11 mm, at most 10 mm, at most 9 mm, at most 8 mm, at most 7 mm, and/or at most 6 mm.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that a non-zero (i.e., positive distance) wall-to-wall gap 240 may be present between adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210 of perimeter wall 200, with this non-zero wall-to-wall gap 240 being utilized to compress gaskets 260 of the adjacent precast concrete wall panels a desired amount and/or without over-compression of gaskets 260. The presence of this wall-to-wall gap may be in direct contrast to conventional stormwater detention vaults, where it may be desirable to minimize, or to eliminate, any gaps between various components thereof.

With the above in mind, and in contrast to the conventional stormwater detention vaults, perimeter walls 200 of stormwater detention vaults 10, according to the present disclosure, may be configured to form and/or to define a butt seal between adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210. Additionally or alternatively, and in contrast to some conventional stormwater detention vaults that may include metal plates that are positioned on the faces of the various components thereof and that are welded together to join the various components thereof, stormwater detention vaults 10, according to the present disclosure, may be free of a face seal and/or of a weld joint between the faces of adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210. Additionally or alternatively, and in contrast with conventional stormwater detention vaults, stormwater detention vaults 10, according to the present disclosure, may be free of a sealant that extends between adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, stormwater detention vaults 10 may include and/or define at least one stormwater inlet 30 and/or at least one stormwater outlet 40. The at least one stormwater inlet 30 and stormwater outlet 40 may be positioned in any desired and/or functionally suitable location and/or relative location within stormwater detention vault 10. As examples, at least one stormwater inlet 30 may be formed in and/or extend through perimeter wall 200 and/or top 300, and at least one stormwater outlet 40 may be formed in and/or extend through perimeter wall 200. As a further example, the at least one stormwater inlet 30 and at least one stormwater outlet 40 may be positioned on opposed ends of stormwater detention vault 10 and/or perimeter wall 200 thereof. Stormwater inlet 30 may be configured to receive stormwater into the stormwater detention vault, and stormwater outlet 40 may be configured to discharge the stormwater from the stormwater detention vault.

Stormwater inlet 30 may define an inlet elevation 32, which may be greater than an outlet elevation 42 of stormwater outlet 40. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate drainage of the stormwater from stormwater detention vault 10 via stormwater outlet 40. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that outlet elevation 42 may be above, or may be measured relative to, interior floor region 110 of cast-in-place concrete floor 100. Examples of outlet elevation 42 include at least 10 cm, at least 12 cm, at least 14 cm, at least 16 cm, at least 18 cm, at least 20 cm, at most 30 cm, at most 28 cm, at most 26 cm, at most 24 cm, at most 22 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 18 cm, and/or at most 16 cm. Such a configuration may decrease a potential for discharge of foreign materials, which may enter stormwater detention vault 10 via stormwater inlet 30, via stormwater outlet 40. This may decrease a potential for damage to and/or clogging of the stormwater outlet.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 1-2, precast concrete wall panels 210 may include an attachment structure 280. Attachment structure 280, when present, may be adapted or configured to attach each precast concrete wall panel 210 to at least one adjacent precast concrete wall panel 210, to permit and/or facilitate assembly of perimeter wall 200, to permit and/or facilitate drawing adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210 together during assembly of perimeter wall 200, and/or to permit and/or facilitate establishment of a target, or desired, wall-to-wall gap 240 within perimeter wall 200.

Attachment structure 280 may include any suitable structure. As an example, attachment structure 280 may include an access recess 282, a fastener hole 284, and a fastener 286. Access recess 282 may be spaced apart from wall edge 226 of each precast concrete wall panel 210, and fastener hole 284 may extend from access recess 282 to wall edge 226. Fastener 286 may extend from access recess 282, through fastener hole 284, into and/or through an adjacent fastener hole 284 of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel 210, and to and/or into an adjacent access recess 282 of the adjacent precast concrete wall panel. Such a configuration may permit and/or facilitate tightening of fastener 286 to draw adjacent precast concrete wall panels 210 together and/or to attach the adjacent precast concrete wall panels to one another.

Fastener hole 284 may be positioned proximate and/or on wall edge center 228, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Such a configuration may permit fastener 286 to draw the adjacent precast concrete wall panels together without torqueing and/or twisting of the adjacent precast concrete wall panels.

Prestressed concrete top panels 310 may include any suitable structure that may span precast concrete wall panels 210 and/or that may define top 300 of stormwater detention vault 10. In general, prestressed concrete top panels 310 are formed and/or defined at least partially, and optionally at least substantially, from prestressed concrete. Prestressed concrete refers to concrete that is strengthened (relative to traditional, or non-presstressed concrete) during production against tensile forces that will be imparted to the prestressed concrete during use. Prestressed concrete top panels 310 may be formed at a prestressed concrete panel manufacturing plant or other manufacturing location, and subsequently transported to the site where stormwater detention vault 10 is to be constructed.

Prestressed concrete top panels 310 may have and/or define any suitable top panel shape. Examples of the top panel shape includes a rectangular top panel shape, an at least substantially rectangular top panel shape, a rectangular solid top panel shape, an at least substantially rectangular solid top panel shape, and/or an at least partially rectangular solid top panel shape.

Prestressed concrete top panels 310 may include and/or be hollow core prestressed concrete top panels and/or a plurality of extruded prestressed concrete top panels. Such a configuration may decrease a weight of the prestressed concrete top panels, which may facilitate improved and/or more economical transportation of the prestressed concrete top panels to the site.

Prestressed concrete top panels 310 may include a plurality of tensioned cable-reinforced prestressed concrete top panels. The tensioned cable reinforcement may provide prestressed properties for the prestressed concrete top panels.

Prestressed concrete top panels 310 may have any suitable top panel length 320, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Examples of top panel length 320 include at least 5 m, at least 6 m, at least 7 m, at least 8 m, at least 9 m, at least 10 m, at most 15 m, at most 14 m, at most 13 m, at most 12 m, at most 11 m, and/or at most 10 m. In addition, prestressed concrete top panels 310 may have and/or define any suitable top panel width 322, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Examples of top panel width 322 include at least 2 m, at least 2.5 m, at least 3 m, at least 3.5 m, at least 4 m, at least 4.5 m, at least 5 m, at least 5.5 m, at least 6 m, at most 8 m, at most 7.5 m, at most 7 m, at most 6.5 m, at most 6 m, at most 5.5 m, at most 5 m, at most 4.5 m, and/or at most 4 m.

As potential benefit of using prestressed concrete top panels 310 to form top 300 is that doing so may permit stormwater detention vaults 10 to support the weight of buildings, parking areas, and/or traffic that cannot be supported by conventional stormwater detention vaults.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2 and in solid lines in FIG. 9, stormwater detention vault 10 may include a closure seal 390. Closure seal 390, when present, may extend between and/or may interlock perimeter wall 200 and top 300. As an example, top 300 may overlap, or only may overlap, a few centimeters with a top surface 202 of perimeter wall 200. As such, there may be additional space on top surface 202 to form and/or define closure seal 390, examples of which include a grout closure seal and/or a concrete closure seal.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 2 and 9, stormwater detention vault 10 and/or perimeter wall 200 thereof may include a plurality of metallic wall extensions 296, which may vertically extend from top surface 202. In addition, stormwater detention vault 10 and/or top 300 thereof may include a plurality of metallic top panel extensions 314, which may horizontally extend from a side surface 312 of top 300. In such a configuration, and as illustrated, closure seal 390 may cover, enclose, envelop, and/or encapsulate metallic wall extensions 296 and metallic top panel extensions 314. Such a configuration may operatively interlock top 300 and perimeter wall 200 and/or may form and/or define a fluid seal between top 300 and perimeter wall 200, thereby increasing a strength and/or fluid-tightness of stormwater detention vault 10. Examples of metallic wall extensions 296 and/or of metallic top panel extensions 314 include metal bars and/or rebar.

In some examples, a given metallic wall extension 296 may be operatively attached, welded, and/or wired to a corresponding metallic top panel extension 314. Such a configuration further may operatively interlock top 300 and perimeter wall 200 and/or further may increase the strength of stormwater detention vault 10.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS. 4-5, stormwater detention vaults 10 may include a user access structure 20. User access structure 20, when present, may be adapted, configured, designed, sized, and/or constructed to permit and/or to facilitate human access to interior stormwater detention region 12, such as to permit and/or to facilitate cleaning and/or inspection of stormwater detention vaults 10. An example of user access structure 20 includes a manhole, which may extend through top 300. Another example of user access structure 20 includes a ladder, which may between top 300 and cast-in-place concrete floor 100.

When stormwater detention vaults 10 include user access structure 20, one or more precast concrete wall panels 210 may include and/or be an interior panel 214, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Interior panel 214, when present, may be spaced apart from perimeter wall 200 and/or may be positioned to support at least one prestressed concrete top panel 310. Such a configuration may provide additional support for the at least one prestressed concrete top panel 310 and/or may permit and/or facilitate support for both ends of the at least one prestressed concrete top panel. Interior panel 214, when present, may have the same size, shape, and/or materials of construction as precast concrete wall panel 210, but it also is within the scope of the present disclosure that interior panel 214 may have a different size, shape, and/or materials of construction than precast concrete wall panel 210.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting examples of methods 400 of assembling stormwater detention vaults, such as stormwater detention vaults 10 of FIGS. 1-10, according to the present disclosure. Methods 400 include pouring a cast-in-place concrete floor at 410 and may include smoothing a keyway recess at 420 and/or applying a lubricant at 430. Methods 400 also include positioning precast concrete wall panels at 440 and may include positioning sealant material at 450. Methods 400 further include positioning prestressed concrete top panels at 460 and may include positioning extensions at 470 and/or defining a closure seal at 480.

Pouring the cast-in-place concrete floor at 410 may include pouring such that the cast-in-place concrete floor defines an interior floor region of the stormwater detention vault. Additionally or alternatively, the pouring at 410 may include pouring such that the cast-in-place concrete floor defines the keyway recess and/or such that the keyway recess surrounds the interior floor region. Examples of the cast-in-place concrete floor and/or components thereof are disclosed herein with reference to cast-in-place concrete floor 100. Examples of the interior floor region are disclosed herein with reference to interior floor region 110. Examples of the keyway recess are disclosed herein with reference to keyway recess 120.

The pouring at 410 may be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, the pouring at 410 may include grading a site that will receive the cast-in-place concrete floor and/or upon which the cast-in-place concrete floor will be poured. As another example, the pouring at 410 may include assembling a form, which is configured to define a shape of the cast-in-place concrete floor. As yet another example, the pouring at 410 may include positioning a reinforcement material, which is configured to reinforce the cast-in-place concrete floor, within the form. As another example, the pouring at 410 may include pouring, flowing, and/or otherwise positioning wet concrete within the form. As another example, the pouring at 410 may include finishing the wet concrete, such as to define a desired surface finish for the wet concrete, for the interior floor region, and/or for the keyway recess. As another example, the pouring at 410 may include curing the wet concrete to form and/or define the cast-in-place concrete floor.

Smoothing the keyway recess at 420 may include smoothing the keyway recess, or at least a lower recess surface of the keyway recess, and may be performed subsequent to and/or at least partially concurrently with the pouring at 410. This may include smoothing the keyway recess to define a desired surface finish for the keyway recess and/or for the lower surface of the keyway recess. As an example, the smoothing at 420 may include smoothing to define an elevation difference between a maximum elevation of the lower recess surface and a minimum elevation of the lower recess surface. Examples of the elevation difference are disclosed herein. As another example, the smoothing at 420 may include smoothing to define a desired lower recess surface roughness for the lower recess surface. Examples of the lower recess surface roughness are disclosed herein. As another example, the smoothing at 420 may include smoothing to define the interior and/or exterior taper angles of the keyway recess, examples of which are disclosed herein.

The smoothing at 420 may be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, the smoothing at 420 may include pouring a self-leveling grout into the keyway recess. In some such examples, the self-leveling grout may form and/or define the lower recess surface of the keyway recess. As another example, the smoothing at 420 may include grinding and/or otherwise abrading the keyway recess and/or the lower recess surface.

Applying the lubricant at 430 may include applying the lubricant between the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and the cast-in-place concrete floor. This may include applying the lubricant to permit and/or to facilitate the positioning at 440, as discussed in more detail herein. In some examples, the applying at 430 may be performed prior to the positioning at 440. In some examples, the applying at 430 may be performed at least partially concurrently with and/or during the positioning at 440.

The applying at 430 may be performed in any suitable manner. As examples, the applying at 430 may include brushing, rolling, and/or spraying the lubricant onto the cast-in-place concrete floor, into the keyway recess, and/or onto the plurality of precast concrete wall panels.

Positioning precast concrete wall panels at 440 may include positioning a plurality of precast concrete wall panels within the keyway recess. Examples of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and/or components thereof are disclosed herein with reference to precast concrete wall panels 210. As discussed in more detail herein, each precast concrete wall panel includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface, and the positioning at 440 may include positioning such that the lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning at 440 may include positioning such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault. The perimeter wall may extend from the cast-in-place concrete floor and/or may at least substantially, or completely, surround the interior floor region.

The positioning at 440 may include positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels such that each precast concrete wall panel vertically extends from the cast-in-place concrete floor. Stated differently, the positioning at 440 may include positioning such that each precast concrete wall panel extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the cast-in-place concrete floor.

In some examples of methods 400, such as when methods 400 include the applying at 430, the positioning at 440 may include positioning an adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels within the keyway recess and subsequently moving a first precast concrete wall panel of the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels toward a second precast concrete wall panel of the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels. The moving may include sliding the first precast concrete wall panel within the keyway recess. Stated differently, and during the moving, the precast concrete wall panel may be supported by the cast-in-place concrete floor and/or may be supported within the keyway recess. In some such examples, methods 400 and/or the positioning at 440 further may include resisting damage to the first precast concrete wall panel during the moving and/or via the lubricant. Stated differently, the lubricant may be utilized to decrease sliding friction between the cast-in-place concrete floor and the first precast concrete wall panel, thereby decreasing a potential for damage to the first precast concrete wall panel during the moving.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the moving may include applying a motive force between a wall edge center of the first precast concrete wall panel and a wall edge center of the second precast concrete wall panel, such as may be accomplished utilizing an attachment structure, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to attachment structure 280. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the moving may include moving such that a wall-to-wall gap between the first precast concrete wall panel and the second precast concrete wall panel has a desired magnitude and/or is within a desired gap range. Examples of the desired gap range are disclosed herein with reference to wall-to-wall gap 240.

As discussed in more detail herein, precast concrete wall panels, such as the first precast concrete wall panel and/or the second precast concrete wall panel, may define a gasket recess that may include a gasket, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to gasket recess 250 and gasket 260. With this in mind, the first precast concrete wall panel may include a first wall edge, which defines a first gasket recess, and may include a first gasket, which extends within the first gasket recess. Similarly, the second precast concrete wall panel may include a second wall edge, which defines a second gasket recess, and may include a second gasket, which extends within the first gasket recess. With this in mind, the moving may include compressing the first gasket against the second gasket. The moving additionally or alternatively may include forming a butt seal between the first precast concrete wall panel and the second precast concrete wall panel.

As discussed in more detail herein, it may be desirable to provide a desired level of compression of the first gasket against the second gasket. Stated differently, it may be beneficial to avoid either under-compressing the first gasket against the second gasket or over-compressing the first gasket against the second gasket. With this in mind, a magnitude of the wall-to-wall gap may be utilized to verify the desired level of compression of the first gasket against the second gasket.

Positioning sealant material at 450 may include positioning the sealant material within the keyway recess. This may include positioning the sealant material such that the sealant material extends between, contact, operatively interlocks, and/or forms a fluid seal between the perimeter wall and the cast-in-place concrete floor. The positioning at 450 may be performed subsequent to the positioning at 440. Examples of the sealant material are disclosed herein with reference to sealant material 290.

The positioning at 450 may be performed in any suitable manner. As examples, the positioning at 450 may include flowing, pouring, and/or troweling the sealant material into the keyway recess.

Positioning prestressed concrete top panels at 460 may include positioning a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels on an upper edge of the perimeter wall. Examples of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels and/or components thereof are disclosed herein with reference to prestressed concrete top panels 310. The positioning at 460 may include positioning such that each prestressed concrete top panel spans at least two precast concrete wall panels. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning at 460 may include positioning such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault. The top may cover the interior floor region.

The positioning at 460 may be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, the positioning at 460 may include positioning each prestressed concrete top panel in a horizontal, or at least substantially horizontal, top panel orientation. Stated differently, the positioning at 460 may include positioning such that each prestressed concrete top panel extends perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to the perimeter wall and/or such that each prestressed concrete top panel extends parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the cast-in-place concrete floor.

Positioning extensions at 470 may include positioning a plurality of metallic wall extensions and/or positioning a plurality of metallic top panel extensions. Examples of the plurality of metallic wall extensions and of the plurality of metallic top panel extensions are disclosed herein with reference to metallic wall extensions 296 and metallic top panel extensions 314.

Positioning the plurality of metallic wall extensions may include positioning such that the plurality of metallic wall extensions extends, vertically extends, or at least substantially vertically extends, from a top surface of the perimeter wall. Positioning the plurality of metallic top panel extensions may include positioning such that the plurality of metallic top panel extensions extends, horizontally extends, or at least substantially horizontally extends, from a side surface of the at least substantially continuous top.

Defining the closure seal at 480 may include defining the closure seal between the perimeter wall and the at least substantially continuous top and may be performed subsequent to the positioning at 460 and/or subsequent to the positioning at 470. Examples of the closure seal are disclosed herein with reference to closure seal 390.

The defining at 480 may be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, the defining at 480 may include assembling a closure seal form. As another example, the defining at 480 may include positioning a closure material within the closure seal form and/or curing the closure material to form and/or define the closure seal. When methods 400 include the positioning at 470, the defining at 480 may include encapsulating, surrounding, and/or encasing the plurality of metallic top panel extensions and/or the plurality of metallic wall extensions within the closure seal.

In the present disclosure, several of the illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and/or presented in the context of flow diagrams, or flow charts, in which the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, or steps. Unless specifically set forth in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the order of the blocks may vary from the illustrated order in the flow diagram, including with two or more of the blocks (or steps) occurring in a different order and/or concurrently.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, may include not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, an object that is at least substantially formed from a material includes objects for which at least 75% of the objects are formed from the material and also includes objects that are completely formed from the material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially as long as a second length includes first lengths that are within 75% of the second length and also includes first lengths that are as long as the second length.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of stormwater detention vaults and methods according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that an individual step of a method recited herein, including in the following enumerated paragraphs, may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a “step for” performing the recited action.

    • A1. A stormwater detention vault, comprising:
    • a cast-in-place concrete floor that defines:
    • (i) an interior floor region of the stormwater detention vault; and
    • (ii) a keyway recess that surrounds the interior floor region;
    • a plurality of precast concrete wall panels, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface, wherein the lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially, and optionally at least substantially, defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault, wherein the perimeter wall extends from the cast-in-place floor and surrounds the interior floor region; and
    • a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels, wherein each prestressed concrete top panel of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels spans at least two precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault, wherein the at least substantially continuous top covers the interior floor region.
    • A2. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A1, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor is a reinforced cast-in-place concrete floor.
    • A3. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A2, wherein the reinforced cast-in-place concrete floor includes at least one of:
    • (i) metallic reinforcement;
    • (ii) rebar reinforcement; and
    • (iii) wire mesh reinforcement.
    • A4. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor is at least one of:
    • (i) a monolithic cast-in-place concrete floor;
    • (ii) a unitary cast-in-place concrete floor; and
    • (iii) a single-piece cast-in-place concrete floor.
    • A5. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the interior floor region slopes downward to a central elongate channel.
    • A6. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A5, wherein the interior floor region slopes at a grade of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, or at least 5%;
    • (ii) at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6%, or at most 5%; and
    • (iii) 5%.
    • A7. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor includes a footing, which is positioned vertically below the keyway recess.
    • A8. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A7, wherein the footing defines a footing thickness, or an average footing thickness, wherein the interior floor region defines an interior floor region thickness, or an average interior floor region thickness, and further wherein the footing thickness is a threshold multiple of the interior floor region thickness.
    • A9. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A8, wherein the threshold multiple is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1.5, at least 1.6, at least 1.7, at least 1.8, at least 1.9, at least 2, at least 2.1, or at least 2.2; and
    • (ii) at most 3, at most 2.9, at most 2.8, at most 2.7, at most 2.6, at most 2.5, at most 2.4, at most 2.3, at most 2.2 at most 2.1, or at most 2.
    • A10. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A8-A9, wherein the interior floor region thickness is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 8 centimeters (cm), at least 9 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 11 cm, at least 12 cm, at least 13 cm, at least 14 cm, or at least 15 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 18 cm, at most 17 cm, at most 16 cm, at most 15 cm, at most 14 cm, at most 13 cm, or at most 12 cm.
    • A11. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor defines a floor length of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 10 meters (m), at least 20 m, at least 30 m, at least 40 m, at least 50 m, or at least 60 m; and
    • (ii) at most 200 m, at most 180 m, at most 160 m, at most 140 m, at most 120 m, at most 100 m, at most 80 m, or at most 60 m.
    • A12. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor defines a floor width of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 5 m, at least 6 m, at least 7 m, at least 8 m, at least 9 m, or at least 10 m; and
    • (ii) at most 15 m, at most 14 m, at most 13 m, at most 12 m, at most 11 m, or at most 10 m.
    • A13. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the keyway recess defines a lower recess surface.
    • A14. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A13, wherein a difference between a maximum elevation of the lower recess surface and a minimum elevation of the lower recess surface is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 0.1 millimeter (mm), at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.25 mm, or at least 1.5 mm; and
    • (ii) at most 5 mm, at most 4.5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3.5 mm, at most 3 mm, at most 2.75 mm, at most 2.5 mm, at most 2.25 mm, at most 2 mm, at most 1.75 mm, at most 1.5 mm, at most 1.25 mm, or at most 1 mm.
    • A15. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A13-A14, wherein the lower recess surface has a root mean squared (RMS) lower recess surface roughness of at most 2 mm, at most 1.8 mm, at most 1.6 mm, at most 1.4 mm, at most 1.2 mm, or at most 1 mm.
    • A16. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A13-A15, wherein the lower panel surface of each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least one of:
    • (i) faces toward the lower recess surface; and
    • (ii) contacts the lower recess surface.
    • A17. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A13-A16, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor includes a self-leveling compound that defines the lower recess surface, optionally wherein the self-leveling compound includes self-leveling grout.
    • A18. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A13-A17, wherein the keyway recess defines an interior recess taper, which tapers from the interior floor region to the lower recess surface.
    • A19. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A18, wherein the interior recess taper has an interior recess maximum taper width of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1 cm, at least 1.2 cm, at least 1.4 cm, at least 1.6 cm, at least 1.8 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 2.2 cm, at least 2.4 cm, at least 2.6 cm, at least 2.8 cm, or at least 3 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 5 cm, at most 4.5 cm, at most 4 cm, at most 3.5 cm, at most 3 cm, or at most 2.5 cm.
    • A20. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A18-A19, wherein the interior recess taper defines an interior recess taper angle with the lower recess surface, wherein the interior recess taper angle is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 20°, at least 30°, at least 40°, at least 50°, or at least 60°; and
    • (ii) at most 80°, at most 70°, at most 60°, at most 50°, or at most 40°.
    • A21. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A13-A20, wherein the keyway recess defines an exterior recess taper, which tapers from an external periphery of the cast-in-place concrete floor to the lower recess surface.
    • A22. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A21, wherein the exterior recess taper has an exterior recess maximum taper width of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1 cm, at least 1.2 cm, at least 1.4 cm, at least 1.6 cm, at least 1.8 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 2.2 cm, at least 2.4 cm, at least 2.6 cm, at least 2.8 cm, or at least 3 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 5 cm, at most 4.5 cm, at most 4 cm, at most 3.5 cm, at most 3 cm, or at most 2.5 cm.
    • A23. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A21-A22, wherein the exterior recess taper defines an exterior recess taper angle with the lower recess surface, wherein the exterior recess taper angle is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 20°, at least 30°, at least 40°, at least 50°, or at least 60°; and
    • (ii) at most 80°, at most 70°, at most 60°, at most 50°, or at most 40°.
    • A24. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the keyway recess defines a keyway recess depth of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 3.5 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 4.5 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 5.5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 6.5 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 7.5 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 8.5 cm, at least 9 cm, at least 9.5 cm, or at least 10 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 20 cm, at most 19 cm, at most 18 cm, at most 17 cm, at most 16 cm, at most 15 cm, at most 14 cm, at most 13 cm, at most 12 cm, at most 10 cm, at most 8 cm, or at most 6 cm.
    • A25. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein the keyway recess defines a maximum keyway recess width.
    • A26. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A25, wherein the maximum keyway recess width is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 20 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 24 cm, at least 26 cm, at least 28 cm, at least 30 cm, or at least 32 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 40 cm, at most 38 cm, at most 36 cm, at most 34 cm, at most 32 cm, at most 30 cm, or at most 28 cm.
    • A27. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A25-A26, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a wall thickness, wherein the maximum keyway recess width is a threshold width multiple of the wall thickness, and further wherein the threshold width multiple is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1.05, at least 1.1, at least 1.15, at least 1.2, or at least 1.25; and
    • (ii) at most 1.5, at most 1.45, at most 1.4, at most 1.35, at most 1.3, at most 1.25, or at most 1.2.
    • A28. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes a plurality of solid precast concrete wall panels.
    • A29. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A28, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a/the wall thickness of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 20 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 24 cm, at least 26 cm, at least 28 cm, or at least 30 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 40 cm, at most 38 cm, at most 36 cm, at most 34 cm, at most 32 cm, or at most 30 cm.
    • A30. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a wall height of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1 m, at least 1.2 m, at least 1.4 m, at least 1.6 m, at least 1.8 m, at least 2 m, at least 2.2 m, at least 2.4 m, at least 2.6 m, at least 2.8 m, at least 3 m, at least 3.2 m, at least 3.4 m, at least 3.6 m, at least 3.8 m, or at least 4 m; and
    • (ii) at most 5 m, at most 4.8 m, at most 4.6 m, at most 4.4 m, at most 4.2 m, at most 4 m, at most 3.8 m, at most 3.6 m, at most 3.4 m, at most 3.2 m, at most 3 m, at most 2.8 m, at most 2.6 m, at most 2.4 m, at most 2.2 m, or at most 2 m.
    • A31. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a wall width of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 2 m, at least 2.5 m, at least 3 m, at least 3.5 m, at least 4 m, at least 4.5 m, at least 5 m, at least 5.5 m, or at least 6 m; and
    • (ii) at most 8 m, at most 7.5 m, at most 7 m, at most 6.5 m, at most 6 m, at most 5.5 m, at most 5 m, at most 4.5 m, or at most 4 m.
    • A32. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein each adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a corresponding wall-to-wall gap of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 6 mm; and
    • (ii) at most 12 mm, at most 11 mm, at most 10 mm, at most 9 mm, at most 8 mm, at most 7 mm, or at most 6 mm.
    • A33. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A32, further including a stormwater inlet and a stormwater outlet, and optionally wherein the perimeter wall defines at least one stormwater inlet and at least one stormwater outlet.
    • A34. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A33, wherein the stormwater inlet is configured to receive stormwater into the stormwater detention vault.
    • A35. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A33-A34, wherein the stormwater outlet is configured to discharge stormwater from the stormwater detention vault.
    • A36. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A33-A35, wherein the stormwater inlet has an inlet elevation that is greater than an outlet elevation of the stormwater outlet.
    • A37. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A33-A36, wherein the stormwater inlet and the stormwater outlet are positioned at opposed ends of the stormwater detention vault.
    • A38. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A33-A37, wherein the stormwater outlet is positioned an/the outlet elevation above the interior floor region.
    • A39. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A38, wherein the outlet elevation is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 10 cm, at least 12 cm, at least 14 cm, at least 16 cm, at least 18 cm, or at least 20 cm; and
    • (ii) at most 30 cm, at most 28 cm, at most 26 cm, at most 24 cm, at most 22 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 18 cm, or at most 16 cm.

A40. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A39, wherein the wall edge of each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a gasket recess and includes a gasket, which extends within the gasket recess.

    • A41. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A40, wherein the gasket includes at least one of:
    • (i) a polymeric gasket; and
    • (ii) a ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) gasket.
    • A42. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A41, wherein the gasket includes a hydrophilic inlay material, which is configured to swell upon contact with water.
    • A43. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A42, wherein the gasket recess extends around at least four sides of each precast concrete wall panel.
    • A44. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A43, wherein the gasket extends around at least four sides of each precast concrete wall panel.
    • A45. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A44, wherein, within the perimeter wall, the gasket of each precast concrete wall panel is compressed against the gasket of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel.
    • A46. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A45, wherein the gasket of a given precast concrete wall panel in an/the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels and the gasket of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel in the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels collectively span a/the wall-to-wall gap between the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels.
    • A47. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A46, wherein each precast concrete wall panel defines an outward-facing side and an inward-facing side, wherein a/the wall thickness of each precast concrete wall panel is defined between the outward-facing side and the inward-facing side, and further wherein the gasket recess at least one of:
    • (i) is positioned between the outward-facing side and the inward-facing side;
    • (ii) is positioned on the wall edge that extends between the outward-facing side and the inward-facing side; and
    • (iii) is spaced apart from a wall edge center of the wall edge, which is equidistant between the outward-facing side and the inward-facing side.
    • A48. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A47, wherein the gasket of each precast concrete wall panel is glued within the gasket recess of each precast concrete wall panel.
    • A49. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A40-A48, wherein, within the perimeter wall, the gasket of each precast concrete wall panel is compressed between each precast concrete wall panel and a corresponding gasket of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel.
    • A50. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A49, wherein at least one of:
    • (i) each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a butt seal with at least one adjacent precast concrete wall panel;
    • (ii) each precast concrete wall panel is free of a face seal with an adjacent precast concrete wall panel;
    • (iii) the perimeter wall is free of sealant that extends between adjacent precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels; and
    • (iv) the perimeter wall is free of weld joints between adjacent precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels.
    • A51. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A50, wherein the perimeter wall includes a lubricant, which is positioned within a contact region between each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and the keyway recess.
    • A52. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A51, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes an attachment structure configured to attach each precast concrete wall panel to an adjacent precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels.
    • A53. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A52, wherein the attachment structure includes:
    • (i) an access recess, which is spaced-apart from the wall edge of each precast concrete wall panel;
    • (ii) a fastener hole, which extends from the access recess to the wall edge; and
    • (iii) a fastener, which extends from the access recess, through the fastener hole, through an adjacent fastener hole of the adjacent precast concrete wall panel, and to an adjacent access recess of the adjacent precast concrete wall panel.
    • A54. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A53, wherein the fastener hole is positioned on the wall edge center of the wall edge.
    • A55. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A54, wherein the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels includes a plurality of hollow core prestressed concrete top panels.
    • A56. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A55, wherein the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels includes a plurality of extruded prestressed concrete top panels.
    • A57. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A56, wherein the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels includes a plurality of tensioned cable-reinforced prestressed concrete top panels.
    • A58. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A57, wherein each prestressed concrete top panel of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines a top panel length of at least one of:
    • (i) at least 5 m, at least 6 m, at least 7 m, at least 8 m, at least 9 m, or at least 10 m; and
    • (ii) at most 15 m, at most 14 m, at most 13 m, at most 12 m, at most 11 m, or at most 10 m.
    • A62. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A61, wherein the stormwater detention vault further includes a closure seal between the perimeter wall and the at least substantially continuous top.
    • A63. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A62, wherein the closure seal includes at least one of:
    • (i) a grout closure seal; and
    • (ii) a concrete closure seal.
    • A64. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A62-A63, wherein the stormwater detention vault includes a plurality of metallic wall extensions, which vertically extends from a top surface of the perimeter wall, and a plurality of metallic top panel extensions, which horizontally extends from a side surface of the at least substantially continuous top, and further wherein the closure seal encapsulates the plurality of metallic wall extensions and the plurality of metallic top panel extensions.
    • A65. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A64, wherein a given metallic wall extension of the plurality of metallic wall extensions is operatively attached to a corresponding metallic top panel extension of the plurality of metallic top panel extensions.
    • A66. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A1-A65, wherein the stormwater detention vault further includes a user access structure.
    • A67. The stormwater detention vault of paragraph A66, wherein the user access structure includes a manhole that extends through the at least substantially continuous top.
    • A68. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A66-A67, wherein the user access structure includes a ladder, which extends between the at least substantially continuous top and the cast-in-place concrete floor.
    • A69. The stormwater detention vault of any of paragraphs A66-A68, wherein the plurality of precast concrete wall panels further includes at least one interior panel, which is spaced apart from the perimeter wall and is positioned to support at least one prestressed concrete top panel of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels proximate the user access structure.
    • B1. A method of assembling a stormwater detention vault, the method comprising:
    • pouring a cast-in-place concrete floor such that the cast-in-place concrete floor defines:
    • (i) an interior floor region of the stormwater detention vault; and
    • (ii) a keyway recess that surrounds the interior floor region;
    • positioning a plurality of precast concrete wall panels within the keyway recess, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface, wherein the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes positioning such that the lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault, and further wherein the perimeter wall extends from the cast-in-place concrete floor and surrounds the interior floor region; and
    • positioning a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels on an upper edge of the perimeter wall such that each prestressed concrete top panel of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels spans at least two precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and also such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault, wherein the at least substantially continuous top covers the interior floor region.
    • B2. The method of paragraph B1, wherein, subsequent to the pouring the cast-in-place concrete floor, the method further includes smoothing the keyway recess, optionally wherein the smoothing the keyway recess includes at least one of:
    • (i) pouring a self-leveling grout into the keyway recess; and
    • (ii) grinding a lower recess surface of the keyway recess.
    • B3. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels such that each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels vertically extends from the cast-in-place concrete floor.
    • B4. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein the method further includes applying a lubricant between the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and the cast-in-place concrete floor at least one of prior to and during the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels.
    • B5. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B4, wherein the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes positioning an adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels within the keyway recess and subsequently moving a first precast concrete wall panel of the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels toward a second precast concrete wall panel of the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels.
    • B6. The method of paragraph B5, wherein the moving includes sliding the first precast concrete wall panel within the keyway recess.
    • B7. The method of any of paragraphs B5-B6, wherein the moving includes resisting damage to the first precast concrete wall panel during the moving and via the lubricant.
    • B8. The method of any of paragraphs B5-B7, wherein the moving includes applying a motive force between a wall edge center of the first precast concrete wall panel and a wall edge center of the second precast concrete wall panel utilizing an attachment structure.
    • B9. The method of any of paragraphs B5-B8, wherein the moving includes moving such that a wall-to-wall gap between the first precast concrete wall panel and the second precast concrete wall panel is at least one of:
    • (i) at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 6 mm; and
    • (ii) at most 12 mm, at most 11 mm, at most 10 mm, at most 9 mm, at most 8 mm, at most 7 mm, or at most 6 mm.
    • B10. The method of any of paragraphs B5-B9, wherein the first precast concrete wall panel includes a first wall edge that defines a first gasket recess and also includes a first gasket, which extends within the first gasket recess, wherein the second precast concrete wall panel includes a second wall edge that defines a second gasket recess and also includes a second gasket, which extends within the second gasket recess, and further wherein the moving includes compressing the first gasket against the second gasket.
    • B11. The method of any of paragraphs B5-B10, wherein the moving includes forming a butt seal between the first precast concrete wall panel and the second precast concrete wall panel.
    • B12. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B11, wherein, subsequent to the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels, the method further includes positioning a sealant material within the keyway recess and between the perimeter wall and the cast-in-place concrete floor.
    • B13. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B12, wherein the positioning the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels includes positioning the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels in a horizontal, or at least substantially horizontal, top panel orientation.
    • B14. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B13, wherein, subsequent to the positioning the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels, the method further includes defining a closure seal between the perimeter wall and the at least substantially continuous top.
    • B15. The method of paragraph B14, wherein the defining the closure seal includes defining the closure seal utilizing at least one of:
    • (i) grout; and
    • (ii) concrete.
    • B16. The method of any of paragraphs B14-B15, wherein, prior to the defining the closure seal, the method further includes:
    • (i) positioning a plurality of metallic wall extensions such that the plurality of metallic wall extensions vertically extends from a top surface of the perimeter wall; and
    • (ii) positioning a plurality of metallic top panel extensions such that the plurality of metallic top panel extensions horizontally extends from a side surface of the at least substantially continuous top.
    • B17. The method of paragraph B16, wherein the defining the closure seal includes encapsulating the plurality of metallic wall extensions and the plurality of metallic top panel extensions within the closure seal.
    • B18. The method of any of paragraphs B1-B17, wherein the stormwater detention vault includes any suitable structure of any of the stormwater detention vaults of any of paragraphs A1-A69.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The stormwater detention vaults and methods disclosed herein are applicable to the stormwater management and construction industries.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A stormwater detention vault, comprising:

a cast-in-place concrete floor that defines:
(i) an interior floor region of the stormwater detention vault; and
(ii) a keyway recess that surrounds the interior floor region;
a plurality of precast concrete wall panels, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface, wherein the lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault, wherein the perimeter wall extends from the cast-in-place concrete floor and surrounds the interior floor region; and
a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels, wherein each prestressed concrete top panel of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels spans at least two precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault, wherein the at least substantially continuous top covers the interior floor region.

2. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the wall edge of each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a gasket recess and includes a gasket, which extends within the gasket recess and around at least four sides of each precast concrete wall panel.

3. The stormwater detention vault of claim 2, wherein, within the perimeter wall, the gasket of each precast concrete wall panel is compressed against the gasket of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel.

4. The stormwater detention vault of claim 2, wherein the gasket includes a hydrophilic inlay material, which is configured to swell upon contact with water. The stormwater detention vault of claim 2, wherein the gasket of a given precast concrete wall panel in an adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels and the gasket of an adjacent precast concrete wall panel in the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels span a wall-to-wall gap between the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels.

6. The stormwater detention vault of claim 2, wherein each precast concrete wall panel defines an outward-facing side and an inward-facing side, wherein a wall thickness of each precast concrete wall panel is defined between the outward-facing side and the inward-facing side, and further wherein the gasket recess is spaced apart from a wall edge center of the wall edge, which is equidistant between the outward-facing side and the inward-facing side.

7. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a butt seal with at least one adjacent wall panel.

8. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the perimeter wall includes a lubricant, which is positioned within a contact region between each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and the keyway recess.

9. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor is at least one of:

(i) a monolithic cast-in-place concrete floor;
(ii) a unitary cast-in-place concrete floor; and
(iii) a single-piece cast-in-place concrete floor.

10. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the interior floor region slopes downward to a central elongate channel.

11. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor includes a footing, which is positioned vertically below the keyway recess, wherein the footing defines an average footing thickness, wherein the interior floor region defines an average interior floor region thickness, and further wherein the footing thickness is a threshold multiple of at least 1.5 times the interior floor region thickness.

12. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor defines a floor length of at least 10 meters (m) and at most 200 m.

13. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor defines a floor width of at least 5 m and at most 15 m.

14. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the keyway recess defines a lower recess surface, and further wherein at least one of:

(i) a difference between a maximum elevation of the lower recess surface and a minimum elevation of the lower recess surface is at most 5 millimeters (mm); and
(ii) the lower recess surface has a root mean squared (RMS) lower recess surface roughness of at most 2 mm.

15. The stormwater detention vault of claim 14, wherein the cast-in-place concrete floor includes a self-leveling compound that defines the lower recess surface.

16. The stormwater detention vault of claim 14, wherein the keyway recess defines an interior recess taper, which tapers from the interior floor region to the lower recess surface, and further wherein the keyway recess defines an exterior recess taper, which tapers from an external periphery of the cast-in-place concrete floor to the lower recess surface.

17. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a wall height of at least 1 m and at most 5 m.

18. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a wall width of at least 2 m and at most 8 m.

19. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein each adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels defines a corresponding wall-to-wall gap of at least 1 mm and at most 12 mm.

20. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes an attachment structure configured to attach each precast concrete wall panel to an adjacent precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels, wherein the attachment structure includes:

(i) an access recess, which is spaced apart from the wall edge of each precast concrete wall panel;
(ii) a fastener hole, which extends from the access recess to the wall edge; and
(iii) a fastener, which extends from the access recess, through the fastener hole, through an adjacent fastener hole of the adjacent precast concrete wall panel, and to an adjacent access recess of the adjacent precast concrete wall panel.

21. The stormwater detention vault of claim 20, wherein the fastener hole is positioned on a wall edge center of the wall edge.

22. The stormwater detention vault of claim 1, wherein the stormwater detention vault further includes a closure seal between the perimeter wall and the at least substantially continuous top, wherein the stormwater detention vault includes a plurality of metallic wall extensions, which vertically extends from a top surface of the perimeter wall, and a plurality of metallic top panel extensions, which horizontally extends from a side surface of the at least substantially continuous top, and further wherein the closure seal encapsulates the plurality of metallic wall extensions and the plurality of metallic top panel extensions.

23. A method of assembling a stormwater detention vault, the method comprising:

pouring a cast-in-place concrete floor such that the cast-in-place concrete floor defines:
(i) an interior floor region of the stormwater detention vault; and
(ii) a keyway recess that surrounds the interior floor region;
positioning a plurality of precast concrete wall panels within the keyway recess, wherein each precast concrete wall panel of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes a wall edge that defines a lower panel surface and an upper panel surface, wherein the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes positioning such that the lower panel surface of at least a subset of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels is positioned within the keyway recess such that the plurality of precast concrete wall panels at least partially defines a perimeter wall of the stormwater detention vault, and further wherein the perimeter wall extends from the cast-in-place concrete floor and surrounds the interior floor region; and
positioning a plurality of prestressed concrete top panels on an upper edge of the perimeter wall such that each prestressed concrete top panel of the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels spans at least two precast concrete wall panels of the plurality of precast concrete wall panels and also such that the plurality of prestressed concrete top panels defines an at least substantially continuous top of the stormwater detention vault, wherein the at least substantially continuous top covers the interior floor region.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the positioning the plurality of precast concrete wall panels includes positioning an adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels within the keyway recess and subsequently moving a first precast concrete wall panel of the adjacent pair toward a second precast concrete wall panel of the adjacent pair of precast concrete wall panels.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first precast concrete wall panel includes a first wall edge that defines a first gasket recess and also includes a first gasket, which extends within the first gasket recess, wherein the second precast concrete wall panel includes a second wall edge that defines a second gasket recess and also includes a second gasket, which extends within the first gasket recess, and further wherein the moving includes compressing the first gasket against the second gasket.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240011289
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 11, 2022
Publication Date: Jan 11, 2024
Inventors: James Edward Kuroski, JR. (Portland, OR), Douglas Roy Salisbury (Bellingham, WA), Ronald Brian Sparks (Woodland, WA)
Application Number: 17/862,111
Classifications
International Classification: E04B 5/04 (20060101);