DRAINAGE FOR HIGHWAYS & MOTORWAYS
03 Mar 2020
High-traffic highways and motorways provide the most challenging environment for drainage, cable pits and manhole covers, and it is imperative that only the most reliable of products are used. ACO trench drainage systems offer the strength, durability and quality to provide the ideal solution.
With a variety of vehicles – from motorcycles to trucks – travelling at high speeds across motorways and highways throughout all weather conditions, the road surfaces can become severely stressed and can present challenges when it comes to providing efficient drainage. These conditions mean that it is vital to use the most durable and effective drainage systems that ensure water is removed as quickly as possible, minimising the potential for accidents and damage to the roads.
Trench drainage is an ideal solution as it solves five types of problems:
- Wide roads with flat grades (intersections)
- Restricted depth applications i.e. bridges
- Super elevated transitions
- Medians/kerbs built close to roads thoroughfare
- Containing the contaminated runoff (WSUD)
ACO, one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of quality drainage systems, offers trench drainage in many configurations and sizes to allow for the efficient removal of surface liquids from roads.
Typical problem areas or objectives include:
- Medians
- Right-hand turn bays
- Kerbside gutters
- Bridge abutments and tunnel portals
- Bus stops and railway interchanges
- Tidal flow areas
- Across major roads and motorways
- Local shopping strips
- Prevention of aquaplaning
- Prevention of property damage
- Prevention of pedestrian splashing/spraying
- Reduction of gutter flow widths
- Containment of toxins/fuel spills from entering sensitive areas
How do ACO’s drainage systems play an integral role in shaping highway and motorway drainage infrastructure?
ACO’S GRATED TRENCH DRAINS
ACO’s grated trench drain systems are an excellent way to effectively remove liquid from road surfaces in addition to reducing gutter surface waterflow widths in restricted spaces between the kerb and the carriageway.
ACO’s grated trench systems are either monolithic in construction, for optimal safety in high-speed traffic, or available with removable grates that are locked with boltless mechanisms into integrally-cast ductile iron edge rails with anti-shunt mechanisms. Monolithic interlocking precast drainage kerbs are also available to reduce the width of flow where there is limited space between the edge of the carriageway and the kerb.
These systems include interlocking precast channels, which are made from polymer concrete, a durable product with first-rate strength properties.
TYPES OF EXTERNAL DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS
When it comes to dealing with the most challenging environments in transport infrastructure, such as motorways and highways, ACO’s channel units are made from only the most corrosion-resistant and durable materials available.
Made from polymer concrete, this heavy-duty trench drain is a one-piece unit ideal for high-traffic areas. It is primarily intended for application in the flow of traffic, since components do not vibrate due to its monolithic construction. The Monoblock system is a very popular choice.
The KerbDrain comprises an integrally cast channel and batter with inlets for continuous drainage. The need for multiple pits is often eliminated due to the fact that the underlying channel transfers captured flow to the stormwater system, making it well-suited to high and low traffic areas.
Made from quality polymer concrete, the TraffikDrain system consists of a cast-in ductile iron-wearing edge rail, with anti-shunt lugs providing support and restraint for dynamic trafficable wheel loads up to 13 tonnes.
With this system, you can choose between two grate types: the bolted HiFlo grate (for higher water intake) or the popular Heelsafe®Anti-Slip grate, which is suited to pedestrian access areas.
CASE STUDIES
MONASH FREEWAY UPGRADE, MELBOURNE VICTORIA
The first stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade was developed to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety to Melbourne’s southeast corridor. More than 30km of extra traffic lanes were added with the freeway being widened between East Link interchange and South Gippsland Freeway, and Clyde Road in Berwick.
Project Design Brief
The additional lanes meant that, during wet weather, there would be a subsequent increase in stormwater runoff. As with all road-widening projects, there would also be a reduction of available space, making it impossible to integrate a conventional kerb inlet pit system. Designers, therefore, needed a safe, robust trench drain, which could quickly remove all surface water from the road surface. Easy access for maintenance was also a necessity.
ACO's Solution
ACO supplied its TraffikDrain TD200 with iron transverse grates for the project. As part of the service, the ACO Technical Service Department assisted designers with hydraulic data of the TraffikDrain system and also advised how far apart to space gully pits.
Benefits
- TraffikDrain’s linear drainage system delivers cost savings compared with closely spaced kerb inlet pit and pipe system
- TraffikDrain’s anti-shunt lugs ensure grates are secure and cannot be dislodged by excessive wheel movements and braking
- TraffikDrain’s PowerLok® boltless locking mechanisms allows for easy access for maintenance
The $1 billion Gateway WA project was the largest scheme delivered by Main Roads Western Australia in partnership with the federal government. The project involved the upgrade of road infrastructure around Perth Airport to cater for the predicted growth in freight movements. The project included the upgrade of Tonkin, Leach and Roe Highways, and the construction of four new interchanges.
Project Design Brief
A key part of the project were improvements and extensions to the Kewdale Industrial Area involving significant road widening works. Carriageway widths were constrained and could not support conventional kerb inlet pits. Designers thus required a compact surface drainage system to efficiently remove runoff from the newly constructed turning lanes.
ACO'S SOLUTION
ACO supplied its KerbDrain QK200SM and its ACO’s Technical Services Department provided designers with inlet slot and channel performance calculations to ensure the system met the project requirements.
Benefits
- KerbDrain’s compact design enabled it to fit neatly in the shoulder of the carriageway
- The 500mm lengths allowed for easy installation around the curved footpaths
- Installing KerbDrain reduced the cost as fewer pits and pipework would be required
LABRADOR-CARRARA ROAD, GOLD COAST QLD
The Labrador-Carrara Road is a major north-south arterial road on the Gold Coast that was recently upgraded to three lanes in both directions along a 2km stretch of road. The Gold Coast is experiencing pressure from rapid population growth and an increase in the number of tourists visiting the city. The road has been upgraded to improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, improve traffic flow and reduce travel times between major tourist, social and economic hubs. A major influence for the road upgrade was to help manage the increased traffic during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Project Design Brief
Designers faced challenges reclaiming land from the commercial and retail business owners that line the section of the road requiring widening. The traditional pit and pipe drainage method was not suitable along some areas of the road due to the large amount of excavation required. Long crossovers entering the business properties were also needed for vehicles entering at speed.
ACO’s Solution
ACO supplied its Monoblock RD200V one-piece heavy-duty modular trench drain, while the ACO’s Technical Services Department provided designers with grate hydraulics and channel performance calculations to ensure the system met the requirements of the project. ACO also recommended the optimum spacing for the drainage pits.
Benefits
- Monoblock requires minimal excavation and is a robust and compact single-piece construction that is ideal for areas frequently trafficked by vehicles
- The large openings of the Monoblock top section ensure runoff is continually captured
ACO has supplied a variety of drainage products to highways and motorways worldwide for over 40 years and has a history of success with road infrastructure. Contact ACO today via the links below to specify industry-leading drainage solutions for your next project.
