DRAINING & PLUMBING
CAN MERCHANTS DO MORE TO TACKLE UK FLOODING CRISIS?
As weather volatility increases from the changing climate, the risk of flooding across the UK is likely to rise, putting many areas and buildings at risk. While the changing weather patterns are unavoidable, more can be done to mitigate the risk.
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takeholders at every level of the construction industry, including merchants, must acknowledge the growing risks posed by ageing drainage
infrastructure, poor maintenance schedules and increasingly volatile weather patterns. That’s according to Rob Butcher, design services manager at ACO Water Management, who says that last year saw the UK experience a number of weather events that resulted in nationwide flooding.
“During the summer, the country
experienced record temperatures one week, and heavy downpours the next; while
September saw the Met Office issue 27 flood alerts across England following heavy rain,” he says. “The rain continued in November, and even over the Christmas period, showing no sign of coming to a halt. However, over the last few years this pattern has become more and more regular.”
With some forecasters predicting that weather volatility could become a long-term occurrence, it is becoming clear that all parties involved in water management need to factor in increased contingency for climate change. Whether it’s merchants, contract engineers, specifiers or local authorities, it is likely that greater understanding of products and maintenance processes will be required if the UK is to avoid the issues rising in the future. Butcher explains that, as well as
maintenance, there are also different product considerations that should be factored into flood prevention management. “As merchants will know, when it comes to drainage there is not always a one size fits all solution, as different channels can have varied uses. In flooding scenarios, this is no different, and there are a variety of applications that can be utilised,” he says.
One of the most common ways to alleviate flooding concerns is through storage tank systems. ACO’s Stormbrixx HD, Butcher says, is a patented plastic geocellular stormwater management system with a high void ratio of 95 per cent, thanks to its unique pillar configuration. This minimises the excavation required to achieve a specified storage capacity, reduces the aggregate needed for backfilling, and improves the flow characteristics of run-off through the
28 iinstalled tank. “What’s more, the system’s
nstalled tank. “What’s more, the system’s unique brick-bonding and cross-bonding feature provides a strong, long term installation and helps to improve the construction speed of the tank.
“This system should be paired with vortex flow control systems, such as ACO’s Q-Brake or Q-Plate systems. These help prevent
downstream flooding by controlling the release of stormwater before it discharges into the watercourse or sewer.”
Butcher says that another way to alleviate flooding is through high capacity drainage channels. These channels are versatile and can be used on a wide range of applications involving small to large catchment areas and, importantly, any load class. High capacity drainage channels, such as Qmax, can form an integral part of any modern, sustainable surface water management solution requiring effective storage, attenuation and elimination of excess water.
“If working on a project with vegetated infiltration systems, swale inlets should also be considered when dispersing and slowing the rate water enters a swale. SuDS swale inlets are not only aesthetically-pleasing, but are ideal when linking proprietary conveyance drainage systems to vegetated infiltration features, such as ponds, basins and water courses.
“Last, but by no means least, are solutions to prevent roads from flooding. Fast removal of rainwater is crucial on roads as it prevents standing water and potentially dangerous hazards. Utilising a combined kerb and drainage system is particularly important for any road project, including major and minor highways, car parks and commercial and urban landscaping.“
Merchants’ role
One area that is likely to exacerbate the effects of flooding is the maintenance of drainage solutions; or more accurately, the lack of it. It is essential, therefore, that inspection routines are carried out. While this is not managed by merchants, there is still a role to play in the advice and recommendations they provide. Butcher says that by carrying out inspections at frequent and regular intervals, depending on the location and environment, risks can be identified, and problems can be rectified early. “Maintenance is crucial for drainage systems as it helps keep the original hydraulic capacity of the system, while also ensuring safety for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. For the majority of the time, inspections lead to the removal of debris that has accumulated.
“Merchants have an important role to play and can add further value in their service through recommendations, including ensuring enough access units are considered and maintenance schedules are set. There are additional product-specific opportunities that are available to merchants and it is advised that they speak with suppliers to fully engage with the product line. For example, including man access chambers with ACO’s Stormbrixx HD allows improved access for crucial maintenance. By having this additional knowledge, merchants can offer an invaluable service, at a time where the country is seeing weather fluctuations.”
Final Thoughts
The important role of a merchant in reminding their customers or opportunities to both adequately and regularly maintain drainage channels cannot be stressed enough, especially if further heatwaves and subsequent downpours become the norm in the UK. Butcher says: “As flooding occurrences increase, merchants will likely also be asked for more support in ensuring the right selection of water drainage channels are provided. If professional merchants are unsure of the different benefits drainage can provide in relation to flooding prevention, it is advised that they take advantage of product training. ACO, for example, can host merchant training days at its recently refurbished training academy, ensuring that no question is left unanswered.” MJ
BM
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2020
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