RAINWATER MANAGEMENT
introduced in April 2020, due to a previous lack of clarification regarding responsibilities for their maintenance. The new guidance states that the maintenance of SuDS will be under adoption by Water and Sewage Companies (WaSCs) for the first time. This previous ambiguity was a primary reason why SuDS were not implemented into a large number of new and existing developments, and why traditional solutions were kept as the norm. However, with these new codes the systems are set to become much more common, meaning the use of solutions like attenuation tanks may also filter down into smaller projects and renovations, opening up a variety of opportunities for merchants. This new shift in regulations, combined with the threat of climate change, means that installers and developers are likely to start including SuDS much more frequently in their developments even if they are smaller projects. However, as they are relatively new systems, it’s likely that they will require guidance and advice regarding when and where it is best to utilise them. Therefore, it’s an important time for merchants to be fully on board with the benefits of SuDS as well as the new regulations, in preparation for any customer queries and to help them make the best decisions. BMJ
TAKEN AT THE FLOOD
Faced with rising costs and stricter deadlines, modularisation is growing in popularity. Due to the numerous benefits both on and off site, underground modular geocellular units such as the new StormCrate55 from Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage will become an increasingly popular choice for merchants and their customers.
Weighing in at only 15.5kg per module and measuring 1200mm x 600mm x 347mm, the StormCrate55 modular units can be easily lifted by hand and then laid or stacked in rows. There are four units per 1m³ which simplifies calculations and the crate has a loading capability of 562kN per m2.
Made from 100% recycled plastic at Brett Martin’s
factory in Northern Ireland, StormCrate55 has a high void ratio of 95% which means that the units are highly efficient at storing up to 237.5 litres of water in the event of heavy rains. The units are suitable for installation in landscaped areas, pedestrianised spaces, playgrounds, parking areas, driveways and access zones. “The UK has experienced some of the worst floods on record in previous years, and will continue to do so, which is why engineered Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) such as StormCrate55 can provide effective flood protection for both the short and long term,” says technical manager Paul Grills. “StormCrate55 is simple and quick to install and due to its high strength, it can be used for both pedestrianised
and trafficked applications.” StormCrate55 can be wrapped in a geotextile which allows stored water to slowly seep into the surrounding ground and back into the water table. It can also be encased in an impermeable geomembrane to create a sealed underground tank. The outlet from this tank is then controlled to facilitate a slow release of the stored water back into the drainage system over a longer period. Available for delivery to site StormCrate55 is one way of addressing the problem of flooding and avoiding using an overloaded sewer system.
www.brettmartin.com
September 2020
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
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