Trench Drain Systems for Roads: Essential for Infrastructure
In transportation infrastructure, effective stormwater management is critical. A reliable trench drain system prevents water buildup, reduces accident risks, and extends the service life of the roadways. At ULMA Architectural Solutions, we offer drainage solutions specifically designed for roads, highways, and toll stations, meeting the highest standards of safety and performance.
Why Are Trench Drains Essential for Roads and Highways?
Trench drains ensure efficient runoff of stormwater. With their compact design, they optimize space, allow for fast installation, and reduce risks of vandalism or damage—while delivering excellent hydraulic capacity.
At ULMA, we provide trench drain systems tailored for these demanding environments. Thanks to their monolithic design, systems like KompaqDrain® offer:
- Outstanding stability under extreme loads (up to Class F900)
- Reliable drainage with no risk of grate displacement
- Increased durability against freeze-thaw cycles, chemicals, and engine oils
Example: ULMA’s KompaqDrain® system at the Silvertown Tunnel in London (UK), made entirely from polymer concrete, offers exceptional resistance to heavy loads and features our exclusive Max-Flow® technology to accelerate water flow and support self-cleaning.
Highway Toll Areas: Custom Trench Drain Solutions for Critical Zones
Toll plazas are high-intensity traffic zones: frequent braking and acceleration, continuous flow of heavy-duty vehicles—conditions that demand highly durable surface drainage channels.
Channels installed in toll areas must ensure rapid water evacuation, maximum structural strength, and complete safety, even in the most demanding situations. In the project below, the F250K trench drain system was selected for its high water-handling capacity and resilience under extreme loads. Its 2.5% built-in slope enhances self-cleaning and reduces maintenance needs. Grates are secured using eight bolts per linear meter, in compliance with the NF-EN1433 standard.
Example: At the Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines toll station (France), F250K trench drains were selected for their performance under freeze-thaw conditions and resistance to de-icing salts.
Advantages of Trench Drain Systems for Optimal Stormwater Management
Trench drain systems are essential for managing stormwater on roads and highways. At ULMA, we design solutions that deliver efficiency, durability, and ease of installation, even in the harshest conditions. Here’s why our trench drain systems are a benchmark in the industry:
1. Quick and efficient installation
Thanks to their compact design and lightweight polymer concrete, our prefabricated systems are easy to handle on-site—reducing installation time and minimizing the need for heavy lifting equipment.
2. Maximum hydraulic performance
Our KOMPAQDRAIN road systems feature the exclusive Max-Flow® technology: widened inlets that increase water flow speed and promote self-cleaning, reducing sediment accumulation and improving long-term performance.
3. Optimal mechanical and chemical resistance
Our polymer concrete is four times stronger than traditional concrete and resists a wide variety of chemicals—ideal for high-traffic areas and zones exposed to hydrocarbons.
4. Built for heavy-duty traffic
Certified up to Class F900, our trench drains are designed to endure frequent traffic from heavy vehicles—perfect for toll plazas, logistics hubs, and industrial zones.
5. Reliable in all weather conditions
Designed for long-term use, ULMA trench drain systems are resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays, moisture, and de-icing agents—ensuring consistent performance over time.
Case Studies: Proven Performance in High-Traffic Environments
Toll Plazas and Border Checkpoints: Resilient Drainage for Strategic Areas
- AP-1 Toll Station (Spain): KompaqDrain® Civil installed to handle 12,000 vehicles per day on a major highway.
- Bardonnex Customs (France/Switzerland border): KompaqDrain® Civil built to withstand heavy loads and constant HGV traffic.
- Annemasse Customs (France/Switzerland border): KompaqDrain® City—a compact, aesthetic trench drain solution for border zones with high vehicle density.
- Cagnes-sur-Mer Toll Plaza (France): Monolithic KompaqDrain® channels providing fast drainage and maximum safety on a key route.
- Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines Toll Plaza (France): F250K trench drains with a 2.5% built-in slope, highly resistant to de-icing salts and thermal stress.
Roads and Tunnels: Reliable Systems in Demanding Conditions
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy): KompaqDrain® system installed on a secondary road—quick setup and long-term wear resistance.
- Anchieta Highway (Brazil): 3,000 linear meters of KompaqDrain® Traffic delivering top performance under high-intensity traffic.
- Castillon Tunnel (France): KompaqDrain® 100 City—ideal for narrow spaces, combining effective drainage with a safe, monolithic structure.
