Road Drainage Channels: Essential for Infrastructure
In road infrastructure, effective stormwater management is crucial. A reliable drainage system prevents water accumulation, reduces the risk of accidents, and extends the lifespan of the roads. At ULMA Architectural Solutions, we offer drainage channels specifically designed for roads, motorways and toll stations, complying with the highest safety and performance standards.
Why Are Drainage Channels Essential for Roads and Motorways?
Drainage channels ensure efficient stormwater runoff. Thanks to their compact design, they optimise space, allow quick installation and reduce the risk of vandalism or damage, while offering excellent hydraulic capacity.
At ULMA, we offer drainage channels designed for such demanding settings. Thanks to their monolithic design, systems like KompaqDrain® provide:
- Excellent stability under extreme loads (up to class F900).
- Effective drainage without risk of grid displacement.
- Increased durability against freeze/thaw cycles, chemicals and engine oils.
Example: ULMA’s KompaqDrain® at Silvertown Tunnel in London, made entirely from polymer concrete, offers outstanding resistance to heavy loads (up to F900) and features the exclusive Max-Flow® system, which increases water flow and promotes self-cleaning.
Toll Barriers: Specific Drainage Channels
Toll barriers are high-traffic points of the road network: frequent braking and accelerating, constant passage of heavy vehicles — all of which demand highly durable drainage solutions.
The drainage channels installed at toll stations must ensure rapid water discharge, maximum mechanical strength and complete safety, even in extreme conditions. The following project, where the F250K drainage system was chosen, thanks to its excellent capacity for handling large volumes of water and its robustness under extreme loads. With an integrated 2.5% gradient, it not only optimises self-cleaning but also reduces maintenance needs. The grates are secured with eight bolts per linear metre, complying with the EN1433 standard.
Example: in the Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines toll station project, F250K channels were selected for their ability to handle large volumes of water and their resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts.
Advantages of Road Drainage Channels for Optimal Stormwater Management
Road drainage systems are essential for managing stormwater on roads and motorways. At ULMA, we design solutions that combine efficiency, durability and ease of installation, even in the most challenging environments. Here’s why our road drainage channels are a benchmark in the industry:
1. Fast and efficient installation
Thanks to their compact design and the use of polymer concrete, our prefabricated systems are especially lightweight, making them easy to handle on-site. This results in quicker installations and reduced lifting equipment costs.
2. Maximum hydraulic performance
Our KOMPAQDRAIN road channels include the exclusive Max-Flow® technology: a design with widened inlets that increase the speed of water flow. This design also enables a self-cleaning effect, limiting sediment build-up and keeping the system operating effectively.
3. High mechanical and chemical resistance
Polymer concrete provides a mechanical strength four times greater than traditional concrete. It also resists a wide range of chemicals, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or zones exposed to hydrocarbons.
4. Suitable for heavy loads
Certified up to class F900, our channels are designed to withstand frequent heavy vehicle traffic, even in the most demanding zones such as toll barriers, logistics platforms or industrial areas.
5. Long-lasting in all weather conditions
Our solutions are built to last — resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays, de-icing salts and moisture, ULMA road drainage channels maintain their performance over time.
Case Studies: Successful Projects in High-Traffic Areas
Toll Stations and Customs: Resilient Drainage for Strategic Areas
- AP-1 Toll Station (Spain): KompaqDrain® Civil installed to manage 12,000 vehicles/day on a busy motorway.
- Bardonnex Customs (France/Switzerland border): KompaqDrain® Civil, designed to endure heavy loads and frequent HGV passage.
- Annemasse Customs (France/Switzerland border): KompaqDrain® City, a compact and aesthetic solution for high-density border areas.
- Cagnes-sur-Mer Toll Station (France): KompaqDrain® monolithic channels providing rapid drainage and maximum safety on a strategic route.
- Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines Toll Station (France): F250K channels with integrated 2.5% slope, highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts.
Roads and Tunnels: Proven Installations
- KompaqDrain® on a road in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy: installed on a secondary road, fast setup and wear resistance.
- Anchieta Motorway, Brazil: 3,000 ml of KompaqDrain® Traffic channels, excellent performance under intense traffic.
- Castillon Tunnel (France): KompaqDrain® 100 City, perfect for confined spaces, with efficient drainage and a secure monolithic design.
