Module and assembly for underground management of fluids for shallow-depth applications

A modular assembly for managing the flow of fluid beneath a ground surface, the assembly comprising:

• a plurality of precast concrete modules each comprising a deck portion comprising a top deck surface, opposing spaced-apart sidewalls integrally formed with and extending downward from opposing longitudinal side edges of the deck portion to respective bottom edges, at least one open end, and at least one shoulder extending outward from the opposing spaced-apart sidewalls, the opposing spaced-apart sidewalls sloping outward and away from one another as they extend downward from the first deck portion to the respective bottom edges;
• a plurality of link slabs each supported by the at least one shoulder and comprising a top slab surface;
• an inlet port;
• and
• an outlet port;
• wherein:
• each module comprises an interior fluid passageway, which defines a longitudinal flow path, the interior fluid passageway being defined by an underside of the deck portion and an interior surface of the opposing spaced-apart sidewalls, the interior fluid passageway having a top portion adjacent the underside of the deck portion and a bottom portion adjacent the respective bottom edges of the opposing sidewalls, the interior fluid passageway having a flared configuration which widens as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion;
• at least some of the modules comprising a lateral fluid passageway which defines a lateral flow path, the lateral fluid passageway being defined by lateral openings extending through the opposing sidewalls of the at least some of the modules, the lateral fluid passageway being in fluid commination with the interior fluid passageway;
• a first predefined number of the plurality of modules arranged side-by-side to form at least one row in a lateral direction;
• and
• a second predefined number of the plurality of modules arranged end-to-end to form at least one column in a longitudinal direction.

A method for making a precast concrete module for use in a modular assembly for managing the flow of water beneath a ground surface, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a bulkhead along a central longitudinal axis defined by a lower portion of a mold, the bulkhead comprising at least two side portions, each side portion defining a bulkhead notched section that defines a seat void to form at least one seat of the module;
• rotating at least two opposing arms comprising at least two distal ends to a first position;
• supporting a lid on the at least two distal ends;
• engaging the at least two opposing arms against the lid;
• introducing concrete into a void defined by the bulkhead and the mold;
• allowing the concrete to harden;
• rotating the at least two opposing arms to a second position;
• and
• separating a formed module from the mold.