Integrated tree root and storm water system
A structural cell system is disclosed for supporting hardscape areas in a way that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage. The system includes a plurality of structural cells capable of being positioned below a hardscape. The structural cells are designed to have openings that are sized to accept tree roots. The system has one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells with a way for water to flow into the plurality of structural cells flow out of the structural cells.
1. A structural cell system for supporting hardscape areas that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage, comprising;
a plurality of structural cells positioned below a hardscape substantially covering the structural cells, the structural cells each comprising:
a base, a top, and structural members positioned therebetween so as to maintain the base and the top at least approximately 8 inches apart, the base, top, and structural members collectively defining a volume that includes the base, top, and structural members, wherein at least approximately 85% of the volume can be filled with soil;
wherein the structural cell bears substantially the entire load of both the hardscape and commercial vehicle traffic directed thereover, while maintaining the soil within the volume in a low compacted state accommodating natural growth of structural roots of a tree within the volume;
one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells;
water ingress into the plurality of structural cells; and
water egress from the plurality of structural cells.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hardscape may be sidewalk, parking or roadway pavement.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the open structural cells and soil within said cells are configured to store water.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the open structural cells are configured to store low compacting tree-rooting medium.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the tree-rooting medium is configured to filter the storm water.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a soil injection port into the plurality of structural cells through the hardscape.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the structural cells are positioned in two or more layers that are disposed on each other.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein at least one layer includes structural cells filled with soil.
9. The system of claim 7 , further comprising one or more permeable barriers positioned between the plurality of structural cells and the hardscape thereover.
10. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a cell inspection port through the hardscape.
11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more impermeable barriers positioned between the structural cells and the hardscape.
12. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more impermeable barriers positioned between the structural cells and the surrounding soil.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the structural cells are disposed in a vertical configuration.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the structural cells are disposed in a corbel configuration.
15. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more water wicks.
16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the water ingress is a storm drain inlet.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storm drain inlet includes a filter.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the water ingress is through permeable hardscape.
19. The system of claim 1 , wherein water egress is water infiltration into surrounding soil.
20. The system of claim 1 , wherein water egress is a storm drain.
21. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a means for flushing the system with water.
22. The system of claim 1 , wherein the volume is at least approximately 4608 cubic inches.