Construction World June 2018

ROADS & BRIDGES

Efficient surface drainage blocks Ineffective drainage causes a multitude of issues when areas such as roadways, park‐ ing lots, walkways and areas around buildings become swamped with large volumes of non-dispersing water. The Beany Block from Technicrete is an efficient and practical solution for effective drainage due to its large flow capacity/unit weight ratio, making it a more cost-effective solution than conventional kerbing and drainage offerings.

The Beany Block system comprises a series of Base Blocks of standard channel section and Top Blocks of inverted channel section with an opening in one side face. When laid end to end they form a combined kerb and surface water drainage unit that is strong enough to withstand normal traffic loading. Each standard Top and Base Block is 500 mm in length and weighs approxi- mately 85 kg.They have also been designed to withstand accidental 80 KN axle loading. The Top Block oval openings provide for greater in- let capacities compared to conventional kerb inlets. Standard blocks can be used for curve radii of 30 mm or more. ‘Splay’ blocks are available to meet specific requirements with a radius of between 6 m and 30 m. Benefits When the Beany Block system is utilised no long drainage sections are required to be specified in contractual documents. The sys- tem can be substituted for kerbs, stormwater pipework, kerb inlets and parts of footways. Damaged services are less likely to occur when installing the Beany Block due to its

simple and practical design and installation. Some of the traditional problems experienced with conventional drainage that the Beany Block system eliminates include: insufficient fall; conflicting levels of service mains and cables; ponding adjacent to low points; traffic safety and control on existing freeways. Additional cost savings can be achieved on projects that have wide freeways and foot- ways; freeways that have ‘flat’ longitudinal falls; rock in sub-grade; shallow outfall and existing services or foul drainage at conflict- ing levels. Applications The Beany Block has been designed for use in conjunction with SABS Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 Barri- er Kerbs. The Beany produces 400 mm length of inlet opening for every 1 m of kerb. The system can be used in any application where high inlet capacity is required; wide freeways; parking areas; taxi ranks and bus depots; wash bays and vehicle service areas; median islands; industrial areas; drainage around buildings and walkways and toll plazas. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JUNE 2018