AquaDeck combined kerb drainage system chosen for smart motorway upgrade project
National Highways’ program to add capacity to the UK’s existing road network, in order to support economic growth and maintain mobility, unearthed a requirement for smarter drainage solutions on parts of the M56 motorway.
Junctions 6-8 on the M56 carry in excess of 100,000 vehicles per day. Such a vast impermeable area has the potential for surface ponding and water runoff, which must be managed properly to prevent unsafe driving conditions for road vehicles, as well reducing the impact of flooding due to overloaded watercourse systems.
Specifically, nine bridge locations required combined kerb drainage with an accurate splay profile, D400 loading and BSEN1433 compliancy.
Junctions 6-8 on the M56 carry in excess of 100,000 vehicles each day
We advised AquaDeck – a high strength combined kerb drainage system – as the ideal solution to drain the structures on this section of the M56.
Designed for usage where construction depths are limited, AquaDeck is made from strong ductile iron and is quality manufactured in a wide range of width and depth combinations to suit the specific hydraulic design of the project.
As well as being strong and durable, AquaDeck also features our unique SmartGrip TechnologyTM anti-slip tread pattern as standard, designed to provide a high PSRV skid resistance value >70, as well as a three point suspension for non-rock stability.
Providing superior surface and sub-surface drainage all in one unit, the AquaDeck system is very quick and easy to install. The whole process can be carried out by experienced kerb layers.
Armed with the contract drawings and site details showing the extent of works, we prepared detailed take offs and hydraulic design checks, as well as identifying the best sized unit for each location.
We also advised on the best solution to cross the bridge expansion joints with AquaDeck units.
The AquaDeck high strength combined kerb drainage system is made from strong ductile iron
All our units are held at Eccles’ central Walsall site, awaiting call off to ensure no delays to the installation program. In order to respond quickly to the site program we used a stock product and were able to deliver to the site within 72 hours of sign-off.
We were also able to confirm compliance to the contract specification, including being able to offer a system carrying the new UKCA mark – 18 months before it becomes a mandatory requirement and replaces the old CE mark on UK projects.
Lee Fazal, Site Manager of PP O’Connor Ltd, the drainage contractor working on the project, said:
‘We chose AquaDeck for our M56 smart project as Eccles prepared and submitted a very cost-effective and fully detailed design package for us.’
‘The team there give great advice and guidance on product selection based on site construction depths, hydraulic data and current certification requirements.’
We look forward to completing the installation on the rest of this motorway soon…
