80
Roofs and Drainage
2015 ¥ 1 ∂
Setting a benchmark
Blue range cuts noise
From the ground up
ACO’s StormBrixx stormwater management system has been awarded British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification, which the company states will provide reassurance to industry that the product is ‘fit for purpose’ and a credible choice for surface water infiltration and storage. Brickbonding and crossbonding techniques are employed to give the product its stability and strength for fast construction and installation times. Such strength is critical for the high static and dynamic loads the systems are subjected to and ensures long-term, reliable and efficient stormwater management.
Marley Plumbing and Drainage solutions were chosen for the University of Northampton’s new student accommodation, which consists of 462 en suite bedrooms and communal kitchen and living areas. Said Bob DeGennaro from mechanical contractors Integral: “This project was constructed from pods built off site, which were then lifted and lowered into place. All pipes were then connected in situ, before a wall was built up around them. This created a compact working environment and therefore we needed products that would be easy to handle in constrained spaces.
Plastic media company Hewitech UK has announced that with ever-increasing numbers of stormwater projects it is taking control of the installation of its stormwater attenuation tanks in-house. Managing director Dave Fozzard explained, “This is very much part of our continuing growth plan for the company. Installing our own products on site means that we have better control over quality and health and safety, and at the same time we can be even more competitive on complete project costs.”
Whilst geocellular systems are not yet required to meet a specific European or British standard, BBA certification does offer a performance benchmark when looking for a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) solution. The certificate was presented at Llanmoor Homes’ Rogerstone site in Newport, Monmouthshire, where the StormBrixx man access system has been installed. The development of 22 three and four-bedroomed properties is one of the first installations of this access solution, which addresses the access and maintenance requirements of the Flood and Water Management Act.
“We chose Marley’s competitively priced dBlue, HDPE and PVC soil and waste products for this project because of their durable yet lightweight constructions, which ultimately led to easier handling on site and, going forward, the ability to withstand high daily usage.” The products were particularly suitable for this multi-occupancy project � for example, the dBlue triple-layered acoustic pipe is designed to dramatically reduce noise generated by the flow of water.
It is claimed to be one of the few systems available that is designed and manufactured in accordance with the CIRIA C680 guidance document issued by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association. This gives best practice for the structural design of modular geocellular drainage tanks. StormBrixx also addresses fundamental issues of access and maintenance required by the forthcoming National Standards for SuDS, which the company says cannot currently be met by most geocellular drainage systems. ¥ ACO Technologies plc United Kingdom � +44 (0)1462 816666 www.aco.co.uk
¥ Marley Plumbing and Drainage United Kingdom � +44 (0)1622 858888 www.marleyplumbinganddrainage.com
Its Variobox product, used in making stormwater attenuation tanks, has a compressive strength of 700 kN/m² vertically and 200 kN/m² laterally, tested to RAL standards. To carry out installation work, Hewitech has invested in both people and equipment: state-of-the-art Demtech welders will be used for welding the LLPE membranes around the assembled modules before covering with 300 gm protective fleece. The company also uses air testing equipment to test the tanks for water tightness, and will thereafter be able to warrant all installations. Control boxes are also included in the Variobox tanks by the installation team to ensure ease of future access and maintenance. Hewitech installs other Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) applications such as membranes under permeable pavements and open-pond lagoons. Recent stormwater management projects include those for Brookfield Multiplex, Rydon, Carillion, Keir and GB Building Solutions. With its expansion into installation work, the company says it is well placed to take advantage of business under AMP6 from the utilities market, in addition to servicing specifiers and customers in the construction, retail, office, defence, housing and school markets. ¥ Hewitech UK United Kingdom � +44 (0)1242 821678 www.hewitech.co.uk