During December we constructed and installed 65 meters of new ACO drains at the main depot for Boots Plc. located in Nottingham. These drains are the forefront of efficient surface water management especially on expansive industrial complexes such as Boots.
This job took strategic planning as the area the ACO drains were installed was where the Boots Distribution Lorries are parked in the loading bays. To keep the bays operating we had to install sections of ACO channels at 1 meter lengths. During the day the majority of Boots lorries are out on the road delivering products to Boots shops. This time we had 4 engineers working tirelessly to install the sections in preparation for the Christmas period when Boots are at their busiest. The loading bay area was prone to standing water and these drainage solutions are designed to effectively channel away this excess water and thereby mitigating the risk of flooding and safeguarding the lorries and surrounding structures from potential water damage.
Briefly the installation of a ACO channel involves preparation of the site with the removal of any obstructions and debris and ensuring accurate measurements and levels are taken for installation. This meticulous procedure marks out the boundaries to avoid any errors during the excavation phase. The excavation stage involves digging a trench using very careful planning and execution. The trench dimensions are pivotal. The trench must be deep enough to facilitate optimal water flow. A spirit level is frequently used during the excavation process to maintain a consistent slope towards the outlet, a critical factor for effective drainage. Following the excavation phase is laying the foundations. This is providing stability for the ACO channel drainage system. A layer of concrete forms the base which forms a solid platform for preventing movement and ensuring the system is efficient over the years. The installation phase now begins and this is carried out with the utmost precision to ensure the channels fit tightly together and lie level with one another. Each ACO drain has a connecting mechanism which locks the drains together. Upon positioning the ACO drains the following phase is to establish a robust connection to the water outlet. Pipe connectors and adaptors facilitate a secure and leak proof link between the drains and the outlet system. To complete the ACO drain installation the trench surrounding the drain requires careful backfilling. Suitable aggregate was used on this project. The finishing touches involve the placements of the ACO grate covers. These were heavy duty in this instance due to the load bearing weight from the Heavy Goods Vehicles driving over them to enter the loading bays.
This new ACO drainage system at Boots will be periodically inspected and during these inspections any debris, leaves and sediment will be removed from the channels followed by a wash through with high pressure water jetting. This maintenance will ensure functionality and longevity of the system installed.
