Treatment of weep hole

Abstract

The purpose of this system is twofold. First, to slow or virtually eliminate weep holes in retaining walls and other structures from clogging. Secondly, to prevent aggregate/soil from escaping from backfill material behind the structure. When placed between the structure's weep hole and backfill material, it provides a combination of stabilization and filtration. It utilizes materials commercially available, but combines them in a unique fashion. This system is more robust than any of the separate components.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A system designed for weep holes in culverts, retaining walls and similar structures, to slow clogging and to prevent aggregate/soil from escaping from the backfill material.  
     
     
         2 . According to  claim 1 , this system permits the free flow of water, while reducing hydrostatic pressure and retaining aggregate/soil particles. Clogging allows the buildup of water. Loss of soil/aggregate can lead eventual settling of the surface directly above or near the weep hole and degradation of water quality due to increasing turbidity.  
     
     
         3 . According to  claim 1 , this system can be used to prevent the loss of aggregate/soil from backfill materials between joints in materials that are not watertight, such as joints in underground pipes.