Heavy Duty Drainage Channels for UK Public Infrastructure

Effective surface water management is critical to building resilient civil infrastructure. In the UK—where frequent rainfall and dense urbanisation pose constant challenges—reliable drainage systems are essential to prevent flooding, protect road safety, and extend the life of key assets. Heavy-duty drainage channels stand out as a proven solution, combining durability and efficiency in high-demand environments like roads, tunnels, ports and airports.

Why Heavy Duty Drainage Channels Matter in Large-Scale Projects

Public infrastructure projects—such as highways, ports, airports, and dense urban developments—face intense traffic loads and constant environmental pressure. Heavy-duty drainage channels are specifically engineered to perform under these demanding conditions. They efficiently manage high volumes of surface water, resist chemical and environmental corrosion, and withstand significant mechanical stress. This combination of durability and performance makes them a critical component in the success and longevity of large-scale civil engineering projects.

Top Benefits of Polymer Concrete Drainage Channels

Polymer concrete has become a preferred material for manufacturing heavy-duty drainage channels, thanks to its outstanding performance in demanding environments. Its key advantages include:

• High Mechanical Strength: Exceptional compressive strength makes polymer concrete ideal for areas with intense vehicular traffic, such as highways, ports, and airports.

• Chemical Resistance: It withstands exposure to oils, fuels, de-icing salts, and other corrosive agents, ensuring long-term durability in aggressive environments.

• Low Water Absorption: Its low porosity significantly reduces freeze-thaw damage—an essential advantage in the UK’s variable climate.

• Lightweight Composition: Despite its strength, polymer concrete is considerably lighter than traditional concrete, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient installation.

ULMA’s polymer concrete drainage systems combine these benefits into a high-performance solution trusted across a wide range of public infrastructure projects.

Where to Use Heavy Duty Drainage Channels: Roads, Airports and More

1.Heavy-duty drainage channels offer exceptional versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of civil infrastructure applications:

2.Roads and Highways: Efficient surface drainage prevents water accumulation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and extending pavement lifespan by minimising water-related damage.

3.Tunnels and Underpasses: Reliable drainage is essential to prevent water ingress, protecting structural integrity and ensuring safe passage.

4.Airports and Ports: These high-traffic environments demand drainage systems capable of managing vast surface areas and supporting heavy loads from aircraft, cargo, and equipment.

ULMA’s comprehensive range of drainage solutions is engineered to meet the specific demands of each setting, delivering consistent performance and durability across diverse civil infrastructure projects.

UK Case Studies: Durability and Efficiency in Drainage Systems

ULMA’s heavy-duty drainage channels have proven their reliability across several high-profile UK  civil engineering projects:

• Silvertown Tunnel, London: ULMA’s KompaqDrain®-CIVIL 150 polymer concrete channels, equipped with the advanced MAX-FLOW® system, were chosen for this major tunnel project. These monolithic channels offer exceptional resistance to heavy loads up to class F900, ensuring robust and efficient water management within a challenging underground environment.

• Northampton Service Station and Lorry Park: Confronted with persistent water accumulation issues due to inadequate drainage, ULMA installed 250 meters of Civil-F polymer concrete channels (model F150K) featuring F900 load class gratings. This solution significantly improved surface water management, enhanced safety, and lowered maintenance costs.

• CNG Fuels Stations: To withstand the heavy traffic of large goods vehicles, ULMA supplied Civil F400K and F300K channels across multiple refueling sites. These channels offer excellent durability under frequent heavy loads and provide strong resistance to chemical exposure from fuels and lubricants.

These case studies exemplify ULMA’s dedication to delivering durable, efficient, and tailor-made drainage solutionsdesigned to meet the rigorous demands of UK public infrastructure.

Case Studies: Civil Infraestructure projects

In critical sectors of civil infrastructure such as airports, ports, and roads, effective surface water management is paramount. These civil infrastructure projects demand drainage systems that can withstand extreme loads, resist environmental challenges, and ensure uninterrupted operations.

Guarulhos Airport in Brasil

The largest airport in Brazil and Latin America, with 39 millon passangers a year.

The drainage channels selected are F150K and F300K with a ductile cast grating. These channels are suitable for heavy duty, particularly the sections where the gratings suffer major axial stresses owing to the carrying out of maneuvers and braking on them. 3,200 linear metres of channel are to be installed.

Castillon Tunnel in France

KompaqDrain® 100 City, perfect for confined spaces, with efficient drainage and a secure monolithic design.

Tunnels present unique challenges in civil engineering, requiring drainage systems that can operate effectively in confined spaces and under continuous load. ULMA's solutions are engineered to meet these specific requirements, providing efficient water management and structural integrity.

Heavy Duty Channels on Brazil's Anchieta Motorway

The Anchieta Motorway, a vital corridor connecting São Paulo to the Port of Santos, stands as one of Brazil's most heavily trafficked routes, facilitating the movement of millions of vehicles annually. To address the demanding drainage requirements of this critical infrastructure, ULMA supplied 3,000 linear meters of KompaqDrain® Traffic channels, installed in three different heights to accommodate varying site conditions.

Choosing the Best Drainage Channel for Your Project

Selecting the right drainage channel requires careful consideration of key factors such as load class, hydraulic capacity, chemical resistance, and installation constraints. ULMA offers a versatile range of drainage solutions tailored to meet diverse civil project needs:

• Civil-F Series: Engineered for heavy loads up to F900, ideal for roads, airports, and industrial zones requiring robust drainage capacity.

• Civil-S Series: Shallow yet heavy-duty channels with height restrictions, supporting loads up to F900. Perfect for service stations, port loading and unloading areas, industrial buildings, airports, heavy vehicle car parks, and public roads.

• KompaqDrain Series: Monolithic channels with integrated grating, delivering superior hydraulic efficiency and excellent resistance to heavy traffic loads.

ULMA’s experienced technical team is available to evaluate your project’s specific requirements and recommend the most suitable drainage solution—ensuring optimal performance, durability, and compliance with relevant standards.

For detailed product information and to explore ULMA’s full range of heavy-duty drainage channels, please visit our UK website.