Abstract: A hillside agricultural irrigation apparatus includes an agricultural irrigation pipe extending across a slope of hillside in a direction that is transverse to the slope, and braces coupled between the agricultural irrigation pipe and the hillside for disabling the agricultural irrigation pipe from sliding or rolling down the hillside, the braces are spaced apart longitudinally along the agricultural irrigation pipe and each includes a collar on the agricultural irrigation pipe, and at least one anchor coupled between the collar and the hillside anchoring the collar to the hillside disabling the agricultural irrigation pipe from sliding or rolling down the hillside.

Abstract: Protection of upland areas adjacent to a variety of water body shorelines from flooding events by combining modified drainage culverts with and hidden by natural ecosystem flood attenuation environments.

Abstract: A hydropower installation includes a water supply and an energy generating station, with the supply at a higher level than the energy generating station; and a duct extending between the supply and the energy generating station. The energy generating station of the hydropower installation is configured based on high water velocity and low pressure. The duct may comprise plastic pipes. The duct may be arranged on a foam support and enclosed by a foam embedment. The duct may comprise at least two duct sections, with an intermediate energy generating station arranged between the duct sections of the duct. The duct may comprise internally extending protrusions, such as dimples to promote a laminar flow of fluid through the pipe. The duct may taper. Water pressure inside the duct may be maintained at atmospheric level. The proposed features all contribute to a pressure free velocity based system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a lining hose with at least one seamless tubular inner foil and at least one curable layer comprising at least one fiber ribbon impregnated with a curable resin for the renovation of pressurized fluid carrying pipe systems.

Abstract: Construction element for creating a tunnel, including a first incompressible layer of concrete and a second compressible layer securely fastened to the first layer to form a monoblock prefabricated construction element configured to be integrated in a section of the tunnel during creation of the tunnel, the second layer including a plurality of devices each having a solid body integrating an empty space.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a cutter, a spooling mechanism and a computing system. The computing system is configured to drive the cutter to form a channel in the ply based on the stored instrumentation layout. The computing system is additionally configured to drive the spooling mechanism to insert the instrumentation into the formed channel based on the stored instrumentation layout.

Abstract: An underground water detention and release chamber including two concrete galleys and a plastic cap. Each galley has a substantially horizontally disposed top deck and two substantially vertically disposed side walls. The top deck and side walls connecting at respective ends to form first and second side edges. The two galleys positioned parallel to and a distance apart each other such that adjacent side walls of the galleys define a longitudinal channel between the galleys. The cap spanning the longitudinal channel and includes an arch-shaped body having two side base portions. Each side base portion has a horizontal strut and a vertical strut extending away from the body such that each base conforms to a side edge of a respective galley to position the cap on the galleys. The cap has a plurality of reinforcing members.

Abstract: A system for straightening downwardly-bowed underground pipeline using a means of pumping expandable fluid into substratum below the pipeline bow. The system includes an apparatus for identifying the bowed section of underground pipeline, and a device for delivering expandable liquid to the target site beneath the pipeline bow. The apparatus includes a frame supporting a series of probe-rods driven into contact with the top of the pipeline, to locate the bowed section. The device for straightening downwardly-bowed underground pipeline uses a means of pumping expandable fluid into substratum below the pipeline bow; the device comprises an elongated shaft having a trailing end and a leading end and defining a fluid pathway from the upstream trailing end to the downstream leading end.

Abstract: Construction element for creating a tunnel, including an incompressible concrete first layer and a compressible second layer securedly united to the first layer to form a monoblock prefabricated construction element to be integrated in a section of the tunnel, the second layer including a material comprising granulates aggregated by a binder, and cavities sunk into the material.

Abstract: A carrier pipe is protected from corrosion by being received inside a casing at a location above ground. The casing, which can be formed from a polymer, defines a gap extending around an exterior surface of the carrier pipe. In one embodiment, the gap is substantially filled with a potting material having a corrosion-resistant property. In another embodiment, a self-contained impressed current cathodic protection system is received in the gap. A pull head is installed on the carrier pipe and/or casing for pulling the pipe assembly, including carrier pipe, casing, and elements received in the gap, into an underground bore as a single unit. In some embodiments multiple pipe assemblies are pulled together into the same bore.

Abstract: Pipeline segments can contain cables, such as communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables) within insulation material surrounding the pipeline segments. Cables can be embedded within the insulation material, run through conduits embedded within the insulation material, placed in channels formed in the insulation material, or otherwise. Channels containing one or more cables can be filled with supplemental insulation material, thus securing the cables within the channels. Pipelines created as disclosed herein can enable data transfer between distant points without the need to lay fiber optic cable in addition to the pipeline. Further, fiber optic cable embedded thusly can be used to sense conditions in the pipeline, such as leaks, seismic activity, strain, and temperature information.

Abstract: A system is provided that increases the deformability of buried pipelines to accommodate combinations of vertical, lateral and longitudinal displacements and subsequent curvatures caused by ground movements. Installation of this system prevents concentration of deformations which may cause catastrophic failures such as buckling, yielding, rupture, and weld failures. The assembly includes an element provided adjacent a pipeline and collapsible in two orthogonal directions; one, the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and two, a direction of expected lateral movement of the pipe. The collapsible element is configured to resist soil pressure in a direction orthogonal to the first two directions, and further provided is a supporting backing element adjacent an end of the collapsible element opposed to the pipeline, to prevent exposure of the collapsible element to soil pressure in one of the two orthogonal collapsible directions.

Abstract: An underground steel-concrete structure pipeline with a spiral composite reinforcement ring on an inner wall and a manufacturing method thereof. The pipeline includes a pipe body, multiple rows of concrete overflow holes spirally arranged on a pipe wall of the pipe body, a reinforcement ring capable of wrapping the concrete overflow holes, and concrete is filled in a hollow cavity between the reinforcement ring and the pipe wall to form a spiral concrete flow passage. The advantages are that the overall annular strength of the pipeline is reinforced by the reinforcement ring; the concrete filled between the reinforcement ring and the inner wall of the pipe body improves the compressive strength of the pipe body; the concrete overflowing from the overflow holes on the pipe wall combines the pipe body with a pit; and the pipeline solves the difficulty of using large-size steel structure products in underground common pipeline projects.

Abstract: A manhole liner and a method of using the same are provided. The manhole liner is sized substantially equally to the largest diameter of the manhole, so that the liner does not have to stretch to be pressed against the manhole wall. Additionally, the liner is impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening. A bladder, preferably stretchable circumferentially and having a diameter less than the smallest diameter of the manhole, is inserted into the liner. The bladder is expanded to press the liner against the wall of the manhole to dispense resinous material from the liner, while the liner is able to fold over itself in areas having a diameter less than the original diameter of the liner. Because the bladder stretches to produce a smooth outside surface, the resinous material will migrate to areas in the folds and will cure with a smooth interior surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a construction system for a subway station, wherein the construction of guide walls is accomplished using a guide wall steel formwork system, the construction of support beams is accomplished using a support beam steel formwork system, the construction of sidewalls is accomplished using a sidewall trolley, and the construction of floor slabs is accomplished using a floor slab trolley.

Abstract: An insulation system insulating a carrier conduit carrying a hot gas or liquid, buried in permafrost, allows expansion and contraction of said carrier conduit, and directionally disperses heat from the conduit minimizing thawing of permafrost. A carrier conduit carries a gas or liquid. A carrier insulation encases the carrier conduit. An outer conduit encases the carrier insulation. The outer conduit top portion includes two symmetrical flanges integrally formed on two sides of said outer conduit. An outer insulation partially encases the outer conduit. There is no outer insulation on the upper part of outer conduit; and thus, outer conduit top portion remains selectively uncovered. Any heat escaping through the carrier insulation, travels in a circumferential direction along the outer conduit and not in a radial direction because of outer insulation. The heat escapes in the soil above the insulated conduit, protecting the permafrost.

Abstract: A system (10) for protecting a border (B) comprises a fiber-optic cable (12) extending from one end of a border to the other end thereof. The cable includes a bundle of optical fibers which connect to sensors placed at intervals long the border. Included within the fiber-optic cable is a high voltage conductor by which high voltage AC is introduced into, and passes through, the cable for powering the sensors. The high voltage is stepped down and rectified from AC to DC for this purpose. Various types of sensors (100-700) are arranged in pods (14) located at intervals along the length of the border. A method of border protection is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a vessel having a sculptural interior, comprising attaching a textile core to the air inlet port of an I.S. machine, inserting a gob of molten glass into a mold to surround the textile core, applying compressed air to press the molten glass around the textile core, applying compressed air to inflate the textile core creating the bottle, allowing the bottle to cool sufficiently to withdraw the core from the bottle, and withdrawing the textile core from the bottle.

Abstract: A duct mounting system. The system includes a support saddle having a duct surface shaped to accommodate and support a duct, a first support ear defined in a first extremity of the support saddle and a second support ear defined in a second extremity of the support saddle, a retaining strap connectable between the first and second support ears, a first support leg having an extremity connectable to an external structure, and a first saddle connector that couples the first support leg to the first support ear. The support saddle has a stiffening stem. The retaining strap is shaped to clamp a duct onto the duct surface.

Abstract: A molded plastic arch shape cross section stormwater chamber having a corrugated wall comprises separately molded half chambers which are connected by hinges at a joint at the top of the chamber. The chambers may be compactly stored and transported in splayed out configuration, with the arch is flattened out and the base flanges are widely separated. Near the point of use, the chambers are hinged to their arch shape use configuration. Preferably, the half chambers are substantially identical and are made in the same mold. Methods of molding the chambers enable providing a larger or smaller corrugation at one end of a chamber made from substantially identical half chambers.

Abstract: A subgrade vault system and method of forming the same is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.

Abstract: An anchor system is shown for use with a pre-insulated piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. The anchor system includes an inner carrier pipe for insertion within the length of the piping system at a selected point. A steel anchor sleeve surrounds a portion of the length of carrier pipe and insulation. It terminates at one end at an outwardly flaring anchor plate which is subsequently embedded within a concrete anchor block. A steel end cap is welded to a second, opposite end of the sleeve and to the inner carrier pipe at a point along the length of piping which is outside the concrete anchor block and which is spaced apart from the location of the anchor plate, whereby heat from the high temperature fluids in the piping is transferred to the end cap at a location along the length of piping which is distant from the location of the anchor plate.

Abstract: A method includes placing pipe stands to support waste-conveying pipes in a trench in a septic system. The pipe stands are preferably flat bowtie-shaped sheets (preferably polymeric) folded to form stable pipe supports. Holes or notches are formed that align when the sheet is folded, thus providing stable support for a horizontal pipe when the panels' bottom edges rest on the ground. Modified versions include: folding a fold-out foot in the panels for engaging soft soil, forming fold-out dispersing flanges for dispersing waste dropped from the pipe, driving stakes into soft soil for stability, punching-out rings or multiple holes for supporting different sized pipes, stabilizing opposing panels in the sheet to fixedly maintain their spacing, forming a feature for receiving a grounded wire stake, and/or providing a bias from the living hinge of the fold line causing frictional gripping of the pipe. Many versions can be used in different orientations.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater in a leaching field comprises forming and burying in soil a continuous curve arch shape cross section injection molded thermoplastic leaching chamber. The chamber has inwardly curving sidewalls perforated with closely spaced horizontal slots and peak corrugations which are closely spaced apart on about 8 inch center-to-center distance or less. The chamber configuration in combination with certain plastic material properties and thickness provide strength sufficient to meet regulatory requirements when the soil above the buried chamber is subjected to load.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A leaching chamber has sidewall perforations which flare inwardly, so that the smallest perforation dimension is on the exterior surface of the sidewall. The basic axes of the perforations run downwardly toward the chamber base, as the axes run from the inside to outside of the chamber. Mold cores having inwardly retracting slides, and which move in complex ways, are used to form the chamber. Thus, perforations are present down near the base flange of the sidewall, even though the base flange has an upwardly extending fin.

Abstract: Pipe stands support waste-conveying pipes in a trench in a septic system. The pipe stands are preferably flat bowtie-shaped sheets (preferably polymeric). Holes or notches are formed that align when the sheet is folded, thus providing stable support for a horizontal pipe when the panels' bottom edges rest on the ground. Modified versions include panels having: a fold-out foot for engaging soft soil, a fold-out dispersing flange for dispersing waste dropped from the pipe, a stake for driving into soft soil, punch-out rings or multiple holes for supporting different sized pipes, stabilizers between the panels that fixedly maintain their spacing, a feature for receiving a grounded wire stake, and/or bias from the living hinge of the fold line causing frictional gripping of the pipe. Many versions can be used in different orientations. Also, the present pipe stand can be used to support pipes and wires hanging from overhead rafters.

Abstract: A continuous curve arch shape cross section corrugated injection molded thermoplastic chamber is provided and includes a body having a multiplicity of peak and valley corrugations running along the curve of the arch shape, wherein the multiplicity includes opposing sidewalls, each having a foot, opposing chamber ends connected to the body, the ends shaped to form joints with the ends of like chambers, a multiplicity of sprues, within spaced apart valleys, at elevations intermediate the foot and apex of the chamber, wherein each sprue has a first runner running upwardly alone the valley in direction of the apex, and a second runner running downwardly along the valley toward the foot, a base runner connected to the bottom of the second runner, running lengthwise along the foot of the chamber; and at least one third runner connected to the base runner and running upwardly along a peak adjacent the valley.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved system for gas piping under roadways using polyethylene pipe (2) as a casing pipe around an inner carrier pipe (1), along with a method for testing airtightness. A conduit (10) for the tracer wire (9) is included, along with an accompanying procedure for bypassing the flow of gas through the tracer wire conduit.

Abstract: A continuous curve arch shape cross section leaching chamber made of molded thermoplastic has closely spaced corrugations and sidewalls, portions of which are perforated with horizontal slots. Either or both of the slot height and the local wall thickness of the sidewall portion which defines the slots may vary with slot elevation from the base. The chambers are free of interior and exterior strengthening ribs. They provide high interior storage volume and high leaching area in combination with low mass or weight of plastic material. An exemplary 34 inch wide chamber has more than 1.5 cubic feet of water storage volume per foot, less than 4 pounds weight of thermoplastic material per foot, and at least 30 square inches of slot-provided leaching area per foot.

Abstract: A pipe having an axially extending bore is defined by a corrugated outer wall having alternating, axially-adjacent, annular crests and valleys. The wall of the pipe has a hole disposed in a valley which provides fluid communication between the bore and the outside. The pipe also has a cover which extends between and is attached to axially adjacent crests. The cover is disposed over the hole to prevent material in which the pipe may be disposed from obstructing the hole and permitting fluid flow through the hole.

Abstract: A continuous curve arch shape cross section leaching chamber made of molded thermoplastic has closely spaced corrugations and sidewalls, portions of which are perforated with horizontal slots. Either or both of the slot height and the local wall thickness which defines the slots may vary with slot elevation from the base, so that a perforated sidewall configuration is achieved which resists entry of surrounding soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for designing a multi layered pipe highly resilient to longitudinal bending, wherein the layer pipe includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe, and a separating layer. According to one embodiment the method includes the following of: determining the preferred ratio between inner and outer pipe radiuses, evaluating the external pressure developed by the surrounding soil in accordance with simplified linear model, calculating preferred stiffness and elastic for the separating material according to evaluated external pressure soil properties and determining the preferred composition of separating material according to calculated radiuses and calculated stiffness and elastic.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion. In all embodiments, the beads provide drainage around the pipe when it is placed in a trench and obviate the need for gravel normally used in conventional systems.

Abstract: A continuous curve arch shape cross section leaching chamber made of molded thermoplastic has closely spaced corrugations and sidewalls which are perforated with slots which slope downwardly, running from interior to exterior of the chamber. The slot height and or wall thickness vary with slot clevation from the base, to achieve a desired minimum Soil Threshold Angle in the slots, where said Angle parameter relates to resistance to entry of surrounding soil. Slotted wall thickness is less than about two times the thickness of the basic chamber wall thickness elsewhere. The chamber has properties and performance approximating prior art chambers, but has substantially less normalized weight and total weight.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repairing a pressurized fluid supply pipeline (1) comprising a series of buried prestressed concrete pipe segments (2, 3, 4) which consists in: providing excavations in the trench, beneath suitably set portions (6, 7) of the pipe (1), cleaning up said pipe portions, installing and tensioning the prestressed reinforcements (12) around said portions of the pipe and filling up the excavations with earth material by compacting said material.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler is disclosed for interconnecting leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. A coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber. The coupler can comprise a mating feature and an adjustment feature. The mating feature can be used to mate the coupler between the first leaching chamber and the second leaching chamber. The mating feature can include a swivel connector matable to an end of one of the chambers. The adjustment feature can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. The adjustment feature can include a swivel connector. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A modular cable protector assembly has side ramps, tunnel members, and tunnel connectors that can be removably engaged to one another in a modular fashion to form a wide variety of configurations. Each tunnel member includes a tunnel extending along its length for passage of cables, and two sets of laterally-opposed connectors that removably engage corresponding connectors on the undersides of the side ramps. Each tunnel connector has two sets of connectors that removably engage the connectors on two tunnel members and thereby secure the tunnel members in a side-by-side relationship. The side ramps and the top surface of the tunnel connector combine to provide a relatively continuous surface over the cable protector assembly that is suitable for foot traffic or wheeled traffic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for introducing an optical cable, in the form of a microcable or minicable (1), in solid ground (17) with the aid of a laying unit (23). The microcable or minicable (1) used for this purpose comprises a homogeneous and pressurized-water-tight tube (8) which has an external diameter of from 2.0 to 10 mm and into which optical waveguides (3) are introduced.

Abstract: A system using pre-molded polyethylene galleries, utilized for septic or storm water applications, to facilitate rapid and even distribution of effluent and particles across the gallery installation when utilized as a septic system, or minimizes the resistance to storm water flow when used to dissipate storm water runoff.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion. In all embodiments, the beads provide drainage around the pipe when it is placed in a trench and obviate the need for gravel normally used in conventional systems. In another form of the invention, a drainage system is constructed by digging a trench, placing a reinforcing aggregate member in the corners at the bottom of the trench, and setting a large diameter cylindrical pipe in the trench.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed above are a device and method for protecting underground conveyances, wherein the device comprises a carrier containing fill material and, optionally, comprising a web material reinforcing the carrier. The device is oriented over an underground conveyance above a given amount of backfill so that it is detected and encountered by an excavator before the underground conveyance is damaged. In one embodiment, the device is preferably retrieved or brought to view when the webbing is snagged on the teeth of the excavating equipment.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pipe assembly for collecting water runoff. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of elongated primary pipes disposed in adjacent contact along their lengths. Each pair of adjacent elongated primary pipes define upper and lower elongated voids between adjacent pipe haunches and upper and lower imaginary planes tangential thereto. An elongated secondary pipe is disposed in each void in tangential contact along its length with the two adjacent elongated primary pipes defining the void. A material transversely encompasses the plurality of elongated primary pipes and elongated secondary pipes. The pipe assembly may be used in a water storage system and methods for installing such a system. The pipe assembly may also be used in a method for collecting surface water. The pipe assembly may be used in a system for use in a water flow path.

Abstract: A leaching chamber is configured to be coupled in series to another such leaching chamber located forward of the chamber and to yet another such leaching chamber located rearward of said leaching chamber. The leaching chamber comprises a conduit extending about an axis to define an axially extending cavity. The conduit includes an axially front section having an overlying wall and a rear section having an underlying wall. The overlying wall is configured to overlie the underlying wall of the forward chamber when the chambers are coupled together. The underlying wall is configured to underlie an overlying wall of the rearward chamber when said chambers are coupled together. A projection extends from the front section of the conduit. A pocket is located at the rear section of the conduit. The projection is configured to be received by the pocket of the front chamber, and the pocket is configured to receive the projection of the rear chamber.

Abstract: A drainage support/diverter system for use in connection with a perforated pipe drainage system within a drainage trench, comprising a number of drainage support/diverters that create impermeable barriers to moisture flow along the length of the trench outside the perforated pipe, such drainage support/diverters are positioned upon intervals along the drainage trench with their lower ends placed to a depth at least as deep as lowest depth of the drainage trench where each drainage support/diverter is placed, extend laterally at least as wide as the widest point of the drainage trench where each drainage support/diverter is placed and are formed at their upper ends with a recess corresponding to a portion of the diameter of the perforated pipe such that moisture outside the perforated pipe is forced to enter the perforated pipe at the point of each drainage support/diverter.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler is disclosed for interconnecting leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. A coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber. The coupler can comprise a mating feature and an adjustment feature.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler interconnects leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. The coupler can comprise a mating feature, which can be used to mate the coupler between a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber, and an adjustment feature, which can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. Either, or both, features can include a swivel connector mateable to an end of one of the chambers. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A padding is placed around an underground irrigation pipe which allows the irrigation pipe to flex and bend when the irrigation pipe is struck or compressed. The padding is preferably a synthetic polymer that substantially reverts back to its original size after the compressing force is removed and is not affected by the elements. The padding is used over the irrigation pipe in areas of heavy traffic over the pipe or areas where the pipe may be struck. The pipe can be inserted into apertures in the padding or slits can be made in the padding to allow insertion of the pipe into the apertures. These channels can be prefabricated or cut into the padding as needed.

Abstract: A drainage system for collecting, isolating and relocating moisture incorporating cascading chutes which collect moisture and create an inner channel from which collected moisture cannot escape to re-infiltrate surrounding soil prior to its discharge point.