SUPERIOR TRENCH DRAIN PROFILE DESIGN
24 Jul 2017
ACO Polycrete, as leaders in stormwater management, credit the exceptional performance of their trench drain products to the science-backed design of the inner V-shape profile of their systems.
In the business of creating commercial and public realm infrastructure, reliable surface water management is paramount for the safety of users and for the longevity of the space. Trench drains work well to direct water flow from the surface and direct it to the desired catchment area.
Not all trench drains are designed alike, however, as the team at ACO Polycrete know. If trench drains are incorrectly designed and installed without consideration to the gradient of the surrounding land, inefficient rainwater management will likely result in otherwise avoidable costly maintenance and repairs.
ACO has designed several trench drain ranges that factor in the gradient requirements and the inner shape of the drain itself to significantly increase the hydraulic performance of these systems. 
Inspired by the traditional egg shape of underground sewers, ACO trench drains have a V-shaped inner section that removes corners for matter to collect. This removes the risk that prolonged build-up of foreign matter will inhibit the water flow and increases the drainage systems capability at handling high velocities of water flow.
The V-shaped inner channel works equally well in light, moderate or heavy rainfall. The lower narrower part of the ‘V’ profile channel ensures high liquid velocities at even the lowest point in the drain, whereas traditional U-shaped channels allows only for liquids to travel at lower depths and therefore at lower velocities. 
In addition to the removal of matter build-up and consistent water movement across varying rainfall levels, the V-shaped channel for water flow allows for a level of self-cleaning during times of both moderate and heavy rainfall. Constant water movement that results from the V-shape means less stagnant water and material decomposition in the channel, as opposed to within the catchment area.
By ensuring that drainage channels remain clear during low water flow, the hydraulic performances of ACO’s trench drains are not compromised by long-term build-up during heavy rainfall or flooding.
The material used in the inner channel of the trench drain also plays a part in the hydraulic performance of a drain. ACO trench drains such as the TraffikDrain system use polymer concrete to create a smooth inner surface, this concrete reduces resistance, does not support the growth of biological (plant life) or bacterial (mould) growth and results in an easy to clean, fast-flowing drainage channel.
For a comprehensive trench drain system, the V-shape of the TraffikDrain system comes in a varying range of sizes, all built to withstand heavy load-rating classes and easily combined with either Slotted or Iron Intercept Heelsafe® Anti-Slip grates.
For more information on superior trench drain systems contact ACO Polycrete via the below channels to speak to one of their knowledgeable team members today.
