Patent Publication Number: US-11046509-B1

Title: Above ground containment systems and methods for assembling same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/494,662, filed Apr. 24, 2017 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 10,155,622 on Dec. 18, 2018), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/881,845, filed Oct. 13, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,630,773), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/845,221, filed on Mar. 18, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,157,205 on Oct. 13, 2015), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/480,469, filed on May 24, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,901 on Feb. 4, 2014), which application was a non provisional of both U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/489,336, filed May 24, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,546, filed on May 24, 2012. Each of these applications/patents are incorporated herein by reference and priority of/to each of these applications is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The apparatus of the present invention relates generally to portable dam assemblies and method for assembling same. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     The present disclosure is broadly concerned with cofferdams for use in temporarily holding back a body of water when performing construction, repairs or bank stabilization in the bed of a river or a lake or any body of water, and also on dry land for flood protection. Such cofferdams are typically constructed of a framework of individual frame structures placed in adjacent alignment along a portion of the body of water which is to be held back. A flexible waterproof fabric is secured along the framework for holding back the water so that work may be performed in the area behind the framework. Given the substantial hydrostatic pressure created in holding back a large volume of water, the frame structures must be extremely sturdy. They are typically formed of steel or iron stock and have a triangular configuration which is best suited for bearing the pressure load. These cofferdams are constructed so that they may be quickly erected and disassembled. Portable dams of this type are well known to those having skill in the art. 
     Because of the need for quick assembly and disassembly of the portable dam, it is critical that the individual frame structures be configured not only for ease in erecting, bur also ease and efficiency in transporting. Frequently, portable dams must be erected as quickly as possible, especially during emergency conditions, so it is important that the individual frame structures be connected in a manner to permit this. Current modes of connection include clamps which must be bolted directly to the frame structures, and stakes which must be driven into the ground as well as bolted to the frame structure. A substantial amount of time is invested in bolting on these clamps. Additionally, because of the large number of individual frame structures required in constructing a length of cofferdam, it is desirable to maximize the number of frame structures that can be stacked on a truck or trailer that transports the frame structures. Generally, individual frame structures are integral pieces and are fixed in their triangular configuration, which is not particularly conducive to efficient stacking. Accordingly, several truck load trips must usually be made to bring a sufficient number of frame structures to the cofferdam construction site. 
     A further problem faced by erectors of portable cofferdams lies in being able to place the framework down in a stable position in the bed of the body of water to be held back. There is a tremendous pressure placed on the frame structures from the body of water that is held back. Frequently, the river bed is uneven or rocky, which crates stability problems by causing the continuity of the framework to be disrupted. Weak points in the framework caused by such a disruption could allow the cofferdam to collapse, leading to disastrous results. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for frame structures for use in a portable dam that are adapted for quick assembly and disassembly in erecting the dam with minimal amount of set up time or expenditure of manpower. Additionally, it is desirable that such frame structures be configured for efficient transportation and storage. 
     Further, there is a need for frame structures of a portable dam that provide stabilization for supporting large hydrostatic pressures and that are adapted to adjust to uneven terrain on which the dam is erected so that stability of the dam can be maintained. 
     While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a method and apparatus for temporary above ground water containment. 
     In various embodiments is provided an above ground containment method and apparatus adapted for quick assembly and disassembly in erecting the structure with minimal amount of set up time or expenditure of manpower. 
     In various embodiments is provided an above ground containment method and apparatus including a plurality of frame structures configured for efficient transportation and storage. 
     In various embodiments is provided an above ground containment method and apparatus providing provide stabilization for supporting large hydrostatic pressures and adapted to adjust to uneven terrain on which the containment structure is erected so that stability of the structure can be maintained. 
     In one embodiment is provided a method of constructing a portable reservoir, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of base plates on an underlying support surface, said plurality of base plates including inner base plates and outer base plates; maintaining a lateral spacing of each base plate relative to the other base plates with connector bars that each have end portions; forming a removable connection with each connector bar end portion and a said base plate; wherein steps “a”, “b” and “c” define a reservoir footprint; erecting a straight strut arrangement that comprises a plurality of straight strut assemblies, each straight strut assembly including a plurality of inner base plates that enable interface of each straight strut assembly with a ground surface, a plurality of inclined beams, each having a lower surface that is attached to and bears upon a said inner base plate, a plurality of outer base plates, and intermediate beams that each extend between an outer base plate and an inclined beam, each intermediate beam connecting to the inclined beam at a position in between the ends of the inclined beam, the inclined beams forming an alternating v-shaped and inverted v-shaped pattern; erecting a curved strut arrangement comprising a plurality of corner strut assemblies forming a desired curvature and connecting two straight strut arrangements to form a closed loop water containment system; and maintaining a lateral spacing between the inclined beams with lateral bracing. 
     In various embodiments each connector bar can connect to a plate with a pin and slot connection. In various embodiments each plate can have projections and each connector bar have slotted end portions, with the method further comprising the step of engaging a one of the projections with one of the slots. In various embodiments the method further comprises the step of connecting an upper connector between two adjacent beams at upper end portions of the beams. 
     In one embodiment is provided a method of constructing a temporary liquid reservoir, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of base plates on an underlying support surface, the plurality of base plates including inner base plates and outer base plates; maintaining a lateral spacing of each base plate relative to the other base plates with connector bars that each have end portions; forming a removable connection with each connector bar end portion and a the base plate; wherein these listing steps define a reservoir footprint; erecting a plurality of frame structures supporting a flexible web liner, each of the frame structures including multiple inclined beams, at least one brace beam, and a the base plate; wherein during the erecting step the inclined and brace beams are removably connectable to each other in an erected position to form the frame structure, the support beam and the at least one brace beam of the erected frame structure lying in a common plane, the frame structure being collapsible between said erected position and a collapsed position; connecting each base plate to a bottom of said frame structure, said base plates being adapted for connection at any position along said bottom of said frame structure, each said base plate being adapted to support said frame structure on a supporting surface. 
     In various embodiments each connector bar can connect to a plate with a pin and slot connection. In various embodiments each plate can have projections and each connector bar have slotted end portions, with the method further comprising the step of engaging a one of the projections with one of the slots. In various embodiments the method further comprises the step of connecting an upper connector between two adjacent beams at upper end portions of the beams. 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a closed loop containment system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a straight strut assembly in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of straight strut assemblies. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a corner strut assembly in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary arrangement of corner strut assemblies. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of a corner base plate assembly in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an above ground containment system in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  shows a coupling member. 
         FIG. 9  shows a rear coupling. 
         FIG. 10A  is a front view of a rear plate. 
         FIG. 10B  is a top view of the rear plate of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  shows a adjustable connecting member. 
         FIG. 12  shows the bottom rear of a strut member. 
         FIG. 13  shows a portion of a base member. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are respective top and side views of a base plate which can be used with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  shows a side view of a hold down system for a liner for various embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  shows a varied shape system using one or more corner and straight strut assemblies from one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective fragmentary view of an alternative straight strut assembly in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
       the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective fragmentary view of the alternative straight strut assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a rear fragmentary view of the alternative straight strut assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged rear view of the connection between the upper support members and strut members of the strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connection between the rear support plate, the upper and lower support members, and horizontally extending links for the strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connection between the front support plate, the strut member, and horizontally extending links for the strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections strut members using coupling members. 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connection between the rear support plate, the upper and lower support members, and horizontally extending links for the strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connection between the front support plate, the strut member, and horizontally extending links for the strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of a straight strut assembly transitioning to a corner strut assembly. 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the transition shown in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of a preferred corner strut assembly in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the lower connection between the rear support plate, the upper and lower support members, and horizontally extending links for the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connection between the front support plate and corner strut members, with a pin member exposed for better viewing, for the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connection between the front support plate and corner strut members for the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a horizontally extending link which can be used in the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 34  is an enlarged perspective view showing lower connections between front support plates, strut members, and horizontally extending links for the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 35  is an enlarged rear perspective view of a straight strut assembly transitioning to a corner strut assembly illustrating both the lower connections between the rear support plates, the upper and lower support members, and horizontally extending links for the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19 , along with the lower connections between the rear support plates, the upper and lower support members, and horizontally extending links for the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 36  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear support plates and horizontally extending links for the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 37  is a side view of a exemplary strut member. 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a horizontally extending link which can be used in the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 39  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear support plates and horizontally extending links for the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 40  is a front perspective view of the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19  transitioning to the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 41  is a rear perspective view of the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19  transitioning to the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 42  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower connections between the rear support plates, the upper and lower support members, and horizontally extending links for the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 43  is an enlarged front perspective view of the straight strut assembly of  FIG. 19  transitioning to the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 44  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear support plates and horizontally extending links for both the straight strut assembly  FIG. 19  and the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 , along with the connections made between front support plates and horizontally extending members  200  for both the straight strut assembly  FIG. 19  and the corner strut assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 45  is a side view of an exemplary strait strut. 
         FIG. 46  is a top view of an alternative base plate which can be used with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 47  is a side view of the base plate of  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is a top view of an alternative base plate which can be used with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 49  is a side view of the base plate of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIGS. 50 through 55  are various views of sections of an alternative front base plate which can be used with various embodiments for corner struts. 
         FIG. 56  is a top view of an alternative rear base plate which can be used with various embodiments for corner struts. 
         FIG. 57  is a side view of the base plate of  FIG. 56 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary closed loop containment system or portable reservoir  100  in accordance with aspects of the disclosure is illustrated and described. 
     The closed loop containment system  100  may include arrangements  102  of straight strut assemblies  110  and arrangements  104  of corner strut assemblies  150  coupled in a substantially square configuration. It should be appreciated that, in various aspects of the disclosure, the arrangements  102  of straight strut assemblies  110  and the arrangements  104  of corner strut assemblies  150  can be varied to obtain a desired shape as long as the ultimate configuration is closed. 
     In one embodiment the corner arrangements  104  can be built in 22.5 degree increments thus allowing for construction of any desired size, shape, and configuration including a combination of straight sides and/or turns in 22.5 degree increments. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the corner arrangements  104  are interchangeable and designed to have ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ geometry, thereby permitting construction of different shaped containment systems including square, rectangular, trapezoidal, and “L” and “U” shapes. Thus, in different embodiments systems  100  in accordance with the present disclosure can be used for both closed loop containment, as well as dam and diversion applications. In either case, the system  100  may be lined with a water-impermeable liner  199 , as is known by persons of ordinary skill in the art ( FIG. 7 ). For example, the liner  199  may comprise any geogrid, geotextile, and liners and/or combination thereof. Some materials may include, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, IDPE, and spray on rubber/plastics. 
       FIGS. 2-3, 17-25  show exemplary embodiments of a straight strut assembly  110 . The straight strut assembly  110  may include two strut members  112 . According to various aspects, the strut members  112  may be substantially identical beams (i.e., within the parameters of conventional manufacturing tolerances), such as, for example, I-beams. It should be appreciated that the strut members  112 , according to various aspects, may be tubes, channels, angles, pipes, flanged beam, wide flanged beams or a like structural member. It should further be appreciated that the strut member  112  may be metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, and/or a composite. 
     The strut members  112  each have a first end  114  coupled with a front base plate  120  or  121  and extend away from the front base plate  120  or  121  in a V-shaped configuration. The strut members  112  each have a second end  116  spaced a distance from one another and coupled with one another via a coupling member  118 . According to various aspects, the coupling member  118  may be a drop pin, such as that shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The straight strut assembly  110  may include a pair of base members  122  and a pair of support members  130 ,  130 ′. Each base member  122  has a first end  124  pivotally coupled with one of the strut members  112  near the first end  114  thereof. Each support member  130  has a first end  132  pivotally coupled with one of the strut members  112  at a joint  115  intermediate the first and second ends  114 ,  116 . A second  134  of one of the support members  130  may be coupled with a first rear base plate  136 , and a second end  134 ′ of the other support member  130 ′ may be coupled with a second rear base plate  136 ′. In  FIGS. 17-25  rear base plate  137  is shown of different configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the base members  122  extend from the front base plate  120  in a diverging configuration. Thus, second ends  126  of the base members  122  are spaced from one another substantially the same distance as the second ends  116  of the strut members  112 . The second end  126  of the base members  122  are coupled to the respective support members  134 ,  134 ′. 
     In various embodiments the base members  122  can also be coupled to one another proximate their second ends  126  by a rear coupling  140 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the rear coupling  140  may comprise a bar  142  having angled receiving members  144 , for example, channels, at each end of the bar  142 . The angled receiving members  144  are structured and arranged to receive the second ends  126  of the base members  122  at substantially the same angle at which the base members  122  diverge from one another. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the angled receiving members  144  may be placed above the base members  122  relative to a ground surface. The angle receiving members  144  may include an optional opening on each side of the base member  122  to receive a coupling member (not shown), such as for example, a pin, a bolt, or the like, to prevent the rear coupling from inadvertently dislodging from the base members  122  during assembly. 
     In various embodiments rear support plates  121  can be coupled directly to each other by connecting links  200  (such as the link  200  shown in  FIG. 33 ). 
       FIG. 3  is an exemplary arrangement  102  of straight strut assemblies  110  is illustrated and described. The arrangement  102  includes a plurality of the V-shaped strut assemblies  110  coupled together to form an alternating “V and “inverted V” pattern. The second ends  116 ,  116 ′ of a pair of adjacent straight strut assemblies  110 ,  110 ′ may be coupled together via a rear plate  138  ( FIGS. 10A and 10B ). The strut members  112 ,  112 ′ of adjacent assemblies  110 ,  110 ′ may be coupled to one another at an intermediate point  115  along their length by an intermediate coupling member  119  similar in structure to coupling member  118 , but proportionately sized to span the distance between the two intermediate points  115  rather that the distance between the two second ends  116 . It should be appreciated that other coupling members known to a person of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated by the disclosure. Optionally, an end coupling member  139  may couple the second ends  116 ,  116 ′ of a pair of adjacent straight strut assemblies  110 ,  110 ′. The end coupling member  139  may be similar in structure to coupling members  118 ,  119 , but proportionately sized to span the distance between the adjacent second ends  116 ,  116 ′. It should be appreciated that other coupling members known to a person of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated by the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second end  134  of the support member  130  (obstructed in  FIG. 3 ) of a first straight strut assembly  110  may be coupled to the same rear base plate  136  as a second end  134 ′ of the support member  130 ′ of a second straight strut assembly  110 ′. The rear base plates  136  are spaced from one another substantially the same distance as the front base plates  120 . Thus base members  122 ,  122 ′ of adjacent strut assemblies  110 ,  110 ′ may be coupled to one another proximate their first ends  124  by a front coupling  140 ′. Similar to rear coupling  140 , front coupling  140 ′ may comprise a bar  142 ′ having angled receiving members  144 ′, for example, channels at each end of the bar  142 ′. The angled receiving members  144 ′ are structured and arranged to receive the first ends  124  of the base members  122 ,  122 ′ at substantially the same angle at which the base members  122 ,  122 ′ diverge from one another. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the angled receiving members  144 ′ may be placed above the base members  122 ,  122 ′ relative to a ground surface. The angle receiving members  144 ′ may include an optional opening on each side of the base member  122 ,  122 ′ to receive a coupling member (not shown), such as for example, a pin  213 , a bolt, or the like to prevent the rear coupling from inadvertently dislodging from the base members  122 ,  122 ′ during assembly. 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary corner strut assembly  150  is illustrated and described. The corner strut assembly  150  may include a strut member  152 . According to various aspects, the strut member  152  may be a beam similar to the strut members  112  of the straight strut assembly  110 . The strut member  152  may have a first end  154  configured to be coupled with a front base plate and a free second end  156  or  156 ′. The first end  154  may include a tapered region  157  to accommodate the close abutment of adjacent corner strut assemblies  150  required to achieve, for example, a 22.5 degree turn at a desired turning radius. The corner strut assembly  150  may include a base member  162  and a support member  170 . The base member  162  has a first end  164  pivotally coupled with the strut member  152  near the first end  154  thereof. The support member  170  has a first end  172  pivotally coupled with the strut member  152  at a joint  155  intermediate the first and second ends  154 ,  156 ,  156 ′. A second end  174  of the support member  170  may be coupled with a rear base plate  176 , and a second end  166  of the base member  162  may be coupled with the support member  170  proximate the second end  174  thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 11 , an exemplary arrangement  104  of corner strut assemblies  150  is illustrated and described. The arrangement  104  includes a plurality of curved strut assemblies  150  coupled together between a pair of straight strut assemblies  510 ,  510 ′. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the two rightmost strut members  112  comprise a V-shaped straight strut assembly  510  similar to the straight strut assembly  110  described above in connection with  FIG. 2 . Similarly, the two leftmost strut members  112  comprise a V-shaped straight strut assembly  510 ′ similar to the straight strut assembly  110  described above in connection with  FIG. 2 . However, the straight strut assemblies  510 ,  510 ′ may be coupled with a right front base plate  520  and a left front base plate  520 ′, respectively. 
     Each of the corner strut assemblies  150  is connected to a center front base plate  520 ″. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the arrangement  104  includes six corner strut assemblies  150 . Although  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate three center front base plates  520 ″ having two pins  521 ″ for coupling two corner strut assemblies  150 , it should be appreciated that the center front base plates  520 ″ may include one pin or more than two pins, depending on the desired corner configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , adjacent ones of the free second ends  156  of the corner strut assemblies  150  may be connected to one another via coupling members  158 ,  158 ′. The length of the coupling members  158 ,  158 ′ may vary depending on the desired corner configuration. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, every other adjacent pair of second ends  156  may include a coupling member  158  sized substantially similar to coupling member  118 . The intervening coupling members  158 ′ may be sized similar to one another but different than, for example, shorter than, the coupling members  158 . Two free second ends  156 ′ of the arrangement  104 , for example, the centermost free ends in some aspects, may be coupled with an adjustable connecting member  161 . For example, the adjustable connecting member  161  may be a turnbuckle-type connecting member as shown in  FIG. 11 . The adjustable connecting member  161  may facilitate proper curvature and configuration of the system  100 . 
       FIGS. 17-45  show various detailed or close up fragmentary views of a preferred alternative embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention. 
     In some aspects of the arrangement  104 , the base members  162  of adjacent straight and corner strut assemblies  110 ,  150  that are coupled to the same front base plates  520 ,  520 ′,  520 ″ may be coupled to one another proximate their second ends  166  by a rear coupling  180 . The rear coupling  180  may comprise a bar  182  having angled receiving members  184 , for example, channels, at each end of the bar  182 . The angled receiving members  184  are structured and arranged to receive the second ends  166  of the base members  162  at substantially the same angle at which the base members  162  diverge from one other. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the angled receiving members  184  may be placed above the base members  162  relative to a ground surface and radially inward relative to the base members  162 . 
     In various alternative embodiments, rear couplings  180  can be omitted, and rear support plates  136 ′ can be coupled directly to each other by connecting links  200 ′ (such as the link  200  shown in  FIG. 38 ). 
     In some aspects of the arrangement  104 , the base members  162  of adjacent straight and/or corner strut assemblies  110 ,  150  that are not coupled to the same front base plates  520 ,  520 ′,  520 ″ may be coupled to one another proximate their second ends  166  by a rear coupling  181 . The rear coupling  181  may comprise a bar  182 ′ having angled receiving members  184 ′, for example, channels, at each end of the bar  182 ′. The angled receiving members  184 ′ are structured and arranged to receive the second ends  166  of the base members  162  at substantially the same angle at which the base members  162  diverge from one another. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the angled receiving members  184 ′ may be placed above the base members  162  relative to a ground surface and radially inward relative to the base members  162 . The angle receiving members  184 ,  184 ′ may include an optional opening on each side of the base member  162 ′ to receive a coupling member (not shown), such for example, a pin, a bolt, or the like, to prevent the rear coupling from inadvertently dislodging from the base members  162  during assembly. 
     In some aspects, adjacent strut members  152  that are not coupled to the same center front base plates  520 ″ may be coupled to one another at an intermediate point  165  along their length by an intermediate coupling member  159  similar in structure to coupling member  158 ′, but proportionately sized to span the distance between the two intermediate points  155  rather than the distance between the two second ends  156 . It should be appreciated that other coupling members known to a person of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated by disclosure. 
       FIGS. 17-45  illustrate in more detail the system  100  of the present invention.  FIGS. 36, 39, and 44  illustrate the capacity to place or layout a plurality of the various base members in advance and without having to erect the strut members  112 ,  112 ′ or base members  122 ,  122 ′ or support members  130 ,  130 ′. 
       FIG. 44  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear base/support plates  137  and horizontally extending links  200 ,  200 ′ for both a straight strut assembly  110  and a corner strut assembly  150 , along with the connections made between front base/support plates  121  and horizontally extending members  200  for both a straight strut assembly  110  and a corner strut assembly  150 . In some embodiments at least 50 percent of the base members (e.g., front and rear base plates with connectors between front base plates and connectors between rear base plates) can be first laid out before erecting the strut members (e.g.,  112 , 152 ) on the base member. In other embodiments at least 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and/or 100 percent of the base member can be first laid out. In different embodiments a range of base members between any two of the above referenced percentages can be first laid out. Such first laying out of the base members with horizontal connecting links enables simplifying of the erection of arrangements  102 ,  104  of straight strut assemblies  110 ,  110 ′ and corner strut assemblies  150 . 
     In  FIGS. 36, 39 and 44 , front base plates  121 , rear base plates  136 ,  137  and corner front plates  215 ,  216 ,  217  are first placed to define a geometric layout or footprint of reservoir  100 . Note in  FIG. 42  that front base plates  121 , front corner plates  215 ,  216 ,  217  and rear plates  137  have been placed to form one corner of a rectangular or square reservoir  100  such shape as is shown in  FIG. 1 . Laterally extending front connectors  206  connect and laterally restrain each pair of front plates  120  or  121  similarly, laterally extending connectors  206  connect and laterally restrain rear plates  136  or  137 . Each front corner plate  215 ,  216  joins to one or more front corner mid plates  216 . In  FIG. 42 , there are three corner mid plates  217 , to which are connected front corner plates  215 ,  217  as shown. Each corner plate  215 ,  216 ,  217  provides interlocking edge portions that interlock to perfect such connection as seen in  FIG. 42 . Plate  217  has interlocking edge portions  221 ,  222 , plate  215  has interlocking edge portion  223 . Plate  216  has interlocking edge portion  224 . Edge  221  and edge  224  are able to connect. Edge  222  and edge  223  are able to connect. 
     Front base plates  120  or  121  have vertically extending pins  212  that form a connection with a slot or sleeve  209  or  210  in plate  207  or  208  of horizontally extending link  206 . Similarly, horizontally extending link  200  has plates  201 ,  202  at opposing ends of bar  203 . Each plate  201 ,  202  has a slot. Plate  201  has slot  204 . Plate  202  has slot  205 . The rear base plates  136 ,  137  have pins  213 . Each horizontally extending link  200  connects with two rear plates  136  or  137  by placement of a slot  204  or  205  of plate  201  or  202  over a pin  213  of rear plate  136  or  137  (see  FIGS. 46-56 ). 
     Each pin  212 ,  213  can provide a horizontally extending opening  214  that is receptive of a bolt, bolted connection, locking pin, cotter pin, lynch pin or other pin. Each plate  120 ,  121  or  136 ,  137  can provide vertical openings that are receptive of anchor pins, spikes or the like for anchoring the plate  120 - 121  or  136 ,  137  to the earth. 
     As discussed above  FIGS. 36, 39, and 44  illustrate the capacity to place or layout a plurality of the various base members in advance and without having to erect the strut members  112 ,  112 ′ or base members  122 ,  122 ′ or support members  130 ,  130 ′. 
       FIG. 36  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear support plates  137  and horizontally extending links  200  for the straight strut assembly  110  of  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 39  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear support plates  136  and horizontally extending links  200 ′ for the corner strut assembly  150  of  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 44  is an enlarged perspective view of the connections made between rear support plates  136 , 137  and horizontally extending links  200 , 200 ′ for both the straight strut  110  assembly of  FIG. 19  and the corner strut  150  assembly of  FIG. 28 , along with the connections made between front support plates  121  and horizontally extending members  200  for both the straight strut assembly  110   FIG. 19  and the corner strut  150  assembly of  FIG. 28 . 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a horizontally extending link  200  which can be used in the straight strut assembly  110  of  FIG. 19 . It comprises bar  203  with plates  202  and  202 , with each plate respectively including a slot  204 ,  205 .  FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a horizontally extending link  200 ′ which can be used in the corner strut assembly  150  of  FIG. 28 . Link  200 ′ comprises bar  203 ′ with plates  202 ′ and  204 ′, with each plate respectively including a slot  204 ′,  205 ′. One difference between link  200  and  200 ′ is the spacing between the slots  204 ′, 205 ′ from bar  203 ′ is greater than the spacing of between the slots  204 ′, 205 ′ from bar  203 ′. Such larger spacing allows links  200  to be placed in a non-parallel configuration such as needed in a corner strut assembly  150  (see e.g.,  FIG. 44 ). 
       FIG. 37  is a side view of a exemplary strut member  112 . On lower end is included a sleeve  209  with open area  700 . Also included on the lower end  114  is provided a recessed area  600 . Such recessed area  600  will lock and/or contain particular plate or plates  201 , 201 ′, 202 , 202 ′ on which such strut member  112  is placed over.  FIG. 34  shows some example locking of plates  201 , 202  with recesses  600 . In this manner links  200 ,  200 ′ can be locked into place notwithstanding the fact that they include open slots  204 , 204 ′,  205 ,  205 ′. During assembly, sleeve  209  can be inserted onto a selected pin of a base plate resting on top of the particular plate or plates of links  200 , 200 ′ which were previously placed on the pin. The top of the pin will extend to the open area  700  and a locking pin  212  can be inserted into a hole of the pin thereby locking together the assembly (See  FIG. 25 ). As another example, of the locking type of assembly,  FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower locking connection between the rear support plate  137 , the upper  132  and lower  122  support members, and horizontally extending links  200  for the strut assembly  110  of  FIG. 19 . In this case the upper support member  130  includes the locking recess  133  and sleeve  131  and locking pin  213  locks in place the assembly. 
     The following is a list of reference numerals used in this application: 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS: 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 REFERENCE 
                   
               
               
                   
                 NUMBER 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 closed loop containment  
               
               
                   
                   
                 system/portable reservoir 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 arrangement 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 arrangement 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 straight strut assembly 
               
               
                   
                 110′ 
                 straight strut assembly 
               
               
                   
                 112 
                 strut member 
               
               
                   
                 112′ 
                 strut member 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 first end 
               
               
                   
                 115 
                 joint 
               
               
                   
                 116 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 116′ 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 118 
                 coupling member 
               
               
                   
                 119 
                 intermediate coupler 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 front base plate 
               
               
                   
                 121 
                 front base plate 
               
               
                   
                 122 
                 base member 
               
               
                   
                 122′ 
                 base member 
               
               
                   
                 124 
                 first end 
               
               
                   
                 126 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 support member 
               
               
                   
                 130′ 
                 support member 
               
               
                   
                 131 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                   
                 132 
                 first end 
               
               
                   
                 133 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 134 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 134′ 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 136 
                 rear base plate 
               
               
                   
                 136′ 
                 rear base plate 
               
               
                   
                 137 
                 rear base plate 
               
               
                   
                 138 
                 rear plate 
               
               
                   
                 139 
                 end coupling member 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 rear coupling 
               
               
                   
                 140′ 
                 front coupling 
               
               
                   
                 142 
                 bar 
               
               
                   
                 142′ 
                 bar 
               
               
                   
                 144 
                 angled receiving member 
               
               
                   
                 144′ 
                 angled receiving member 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 corner strut assembly 
               
               
                   
                 152 
                 strut member 
               
               
                   
                 153 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 first end 
               
               
                   
                 155 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 156 
                 free second end 
               
               
                   
                 156′ 
                 free second end 
               
               
                   
                 157 
                 tapered region 
               
               
                   
                 158 
                 coupling member 
               
               
                   
                 158′ 
                 coupling member 
               
               
                   
                 161 
                 adjustable connecting member 
               
               
                   
                 162 
                 base member 
               
               
                   
                 164 
                 first end 
               
               
                   
                 165 
                 point 
               
               
                   
                 166 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 support member 
               
               
                   
                 172 
                 first end 
               
               
                   
                 174 
                 second end 
               
               
                   
                 176 
                 rear base plate 
               
               
                   
                 180 
                 rear coupling 
               
               
                   
                 181 
                 rear coupling 
               
               
                   
                 182 
                 bar 
               
               
                   
                 182′ 
                 bar 
               
               
                   
                 184 
                 angled receiving member 
               
               
                   
                 184′ 
                 angled receiving member 
               
               
                   
                 185 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                   
                 186 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                   
                 199 
                 water-impermeable liner 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 horizontally extending link 
               
               
                   
                 201 
                 plate 
               
               
                   
                 202 
                 plate 
               
               
                   
                 203 
                 bar 
               
               
                   
                 204 
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                 205 
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                 206 
                 horizontally extending link 
               
               
                   
                 207 
                 plate 
               
               
                   
                 208 
                 plate 
               
               
                   
                 209 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                   
                 210 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                   
                 211 
                 opening 
               
               
                   
                 212 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 213 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 214 
                 pin horizontal opening 
               
               
                   
                 215 
                 front corner plate 
               
               
                   
                 216 
                 front corner plate 
               
               
                   
                 217 
                 front corner mid plate 
               
               
                   
                 218 
                 vertical opening 
               
               
                   
                 219 
                 cleat 
               
               
                   
                 220 
                 retainer pin 
               
               
                   
                 221 
                 interlocking edge portion 
               
               
                   
                 222 
                 interlocking edge portion 
               
               
                   
                 223 
                 interlocking edge portion 
               
               
                   
                 224 
                 interlocking edge portion 
               
               
                   
                 510 
                 v-shaped strut assembly 
               
               
                   
                 510′ 
                 v-shaped strut assembly 
               
               
                   
                 520 
                 right front base plate 
               
               
                   
                 520′ 
                 left front base plate 
               
               
                   
                 520″ 
                 center front base plate 
               
               
                   
                 521″ 
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 600 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                   
                 700 
                 open area