TPi September 2018

Products & developments

Drainage systems key to housing development success

rainfall, when the sewer system risks becoming overburdened. To deliver the project, Asset provided three separate storm water attenuation systems, consisting of 750mm, 900mm and 1,800mm diameter Weholite pipes, as well as fifteen oversized manholes ranging between 1.8m and 2.8m diameter, all installed under roads to be adopted by Swansea Council. Each of the manholes benefited from being readily benched with HDPE anti-slip flooring, improving health and safety while also allowing for easier, quicker installation. In total, 170m of Weholite pipework, cut into bespoke six-metre lengths, was used to complete the scheme. A flow control chamber was also installed to store and manage the flow of drainage. In the case of a large storm event flooding the drainage network, the chamber will ensure the controlled and steady release of water in order to prevent flooding. Weholite is claimed to have a longer lifespan and fewer degradable properties compared to concrete alternatives. The Heol Pentre Bach project was delivered by Rapidgrid, along with consultant Phoenix Consulting, which had previously used Weholite and recommended using Asset to provide its bespoke water management solutions for the project. For Rapidgrid, installation speed was a key factor in deciding to use Weholite for the project. With Weholite products being designed and prefabricated at Asset’s South Wales factory and delivered to site in modular components, Asset was able to maintain the Rapidgrid programme. At the same time, Weholite pipes and manholes only require a granular bedding and backfill, as opposed to a concrete surround, further saving installation time. Commenting on the choice of Weholite pipes and manholes, Rob Phillips, quantity surveyor at Rapidgrid, said, “Using Weholite’s pre-fabricated pipes and manholes has helped to cut installation times and meet our project timelines.” Asset International Ltd – UK

For new housing developments, having an effective and robust surface water drainage system is essential to ensure a safe, sustainable residential environment. Developers need to consider measures to effectively manage surface water and excess storm flow in order to reduce both the risk of flooding and pollution from run-offs. Incorporating various sustainable drainage options (SUDS) within developments is one way that developers can effectively control the dispersal of any unwanted surface water in housing developments, but this works best when combined with a range of drainage solutions. Asset International delivers flood alleviation projects, and has supplied Weholite HDPE pipes to multiple housing projects across the UK. Most recently, house builder Barratt Homes sought a water management specialist to lend its expertise in storm water drainage networks for a new property development in Gorseinon, near Swansea – a project conducted in partnership with Welsh Water. The storm water network project at the Heol Pentre Bach development is set to provide a sustainable residential development and improve the local area by ensuring the network is capable of storingmore water during periods of heavy

sales@weholite.co.uk www.weholite.co.uk

42

TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL September 2018

www.read-tpi.com