HS2–Camden: Durable and Sustainable Drainage Solutions
From the Victorian rails to the new high-speed train – HS2, London has witnessed how the railway has evolved from a symbol of the Industrial Revolution to the flagship of 21st-century British transport.
The key difference today is that progress is no longer measured solely in speed, but also in sustainability.
Although people only see stations and trains, beneath the surface lies a network of unseen solutions.
One of them is drainage – essential for the rapid and safe evacuation of rainwater and meltwater, while ensuring long-term durability.
CIVIL-F300 Channels: A Strong and Long-Lasting Solution for Camden
To meet the demanding requirements of the HS2 project in Camden, 225 linear metres of polymer concrete channels from the CIVIL-F range (300 mm wide) have been installed, combined with ductile iron frames and gratings.
This configuration is designed to:
● Withstand high axial stresses and heavy loads typical of railway and manoeuvring areas – achieving load class F900 in accordance with BS EN 1433.
● Ensure efficient drainage of high water volumes, even during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
● Resist the effects of chlorides, such as the salt used in winter to prevent ice formation.
Polymer concrete is characterised by its high mechanical strength, low porosity, and exceptional resistance to erosion and quemicals – qualities that ensure a long service life for the drainage system. This robustness translates into reduced maintenance needs and lower long-term costs.
The versatility of the CIVIL-F range allows installation in a wide variety of demanding environments: railway and service stations, ports, airports, loading bays, industrial facilities, heavy-vehicle car parks, and public roads. Models in this range are available in widths from 100 to 400 mm, with several slope configurations – built-in, mixed, or cascading.
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Durability = Sustainability
We often think of sustainability only in terms of recycling or carbon footprint, but it’s also about something as simple as making things last longer. Every channel that doesn’t need replacing means less waste, less transport, and fewer resources consumed.
This durability is complemented by the use of resins, carbonates, and recycled materials in the manufacture of ULMA’s polymer concrete solutions – reinforcing our commitment to more responsible construction.
In other words: CIVIL-F channels don’t just drain water – they also drain maintenance costs and unnecessary emissions.
The Future Travels on Rails… and on Good Drainage
HS2 is much more than a high-speed train – it’s a statement of intent, a commitment to cleaner, faster, and more sustainable transport. And while passengers will admire the state-of-the-art trains, beneath their feet lie thousands of discreet solutions that keep the infrastructure performing – not only today, but for decades to come.
