FORMULA ONE – HIGH PERFORMANCE DRAINAGE

Since 2008, ACO has worked closely with SIC and contractor, Nippon Road to provide drainage for the upgrade of the Sepang track. The most recent installation provided a quick and sustainable solution in time for the opening of the 2010 Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix.

Following the client’s decision to replace the previous deteriorated cable ducting run, ACO supplied PowerDrain in a 300mm width to serve both as a drainage and telecommunications ducting enclosure. The insertion of a cable tray, fixed to the inside walls of the polymer concrete channels, allowed for this dual service trench to perform to SIC’s requirements.

The Australian Formula One Grand Prix, V8 Pit Lane is the most recent addition to this world class venue. Over 500 metres of PowerDrain was supplied to provide drainage of sufficient capacity to keep the road surface from ponding during heavy rainstorms. ACO backed its product with hydraulic calculations to ensure all drainage requirements were met.

PowerDrain is the product of choice for both Australian and Malaysian Formula One venues for its durable construction and its ability to withstand the repetitive down force exerted by Formula One cars. For both these installations, PowerDrain’s locking assembly, PowerLok, was augmented with a purpose designed Tombac Bar and Stopper to ensure system compliance with the stringent security and safety requirements of the track. During maintenance, the locking device is easily disabled to provide quick and easy maintenance.

Asphalted pavements designed for racing tracks differ from that of normal roads. A racing track’s pavement and its drainage elements require very high quality control with respect to stability, surface regularity and durability. For many years, cast in situ drainage had been standard practice in Formula 1 tracks.

Recently, however, findings by a research group carried out at Paul Ricard HTTT (High Tech Test Track) indicated that in time, bolts would cause potential issues with safety; were unsightly; and would oxidise causing maintenance issues.

ACO’s PowerDrain grated trench drains are available with 90 tonne capacity ductile iron grates locked with boltless mechanisms into integrally cast ductile iron edge rails with anti shunt mechanisms. The underlying trench comprises interlocking precast channels made from polymer concrete, a durable resin composite with excellent strength properties.

Numerous racing tracks around the world, such as the Nürburgring and Hockenheimring tracks, Europe; and the Formula One track in Shanghai, China; are drained with ACO’s world famous trench drains.

For more information visit: www.acoaus.com.au/drain

Bottom image: Tombac Bar and Stopper for extra grate security.

Formula One – high performance drainage

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