Dealing with onsite storm water issues in residential and industrial settings can be a daunting task that may evoke thoughts of damaged property, unnecessary maintenance, flooding and the possibility of operation halts. Today’s engineers know that where past methods have failed they often have to look to new technologies.
In two recent projects, a flexible high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ditch/channel with specially engineered fittings designed to control water flow in applications such as drainage, erosion and sediment control, land development, irrigation and flow diversions was chosen.
The SmartDitch system is a unique solution for capturing and directing the flow of water with minimal equipment required. The parts weigh less than 80 lb and are engineered with a stackable corrugated design. “The UV-resistant channels are easily, and affordably, transported to job sites,” said Heidi Bulgrin, vice president of Penda Premier Solutions.
Residential Application
Maintaining storm water flow and flood control in residential areas with high water tables is essential. South Broward Drainage District (SBDD) in Florida faced a problem with some of its canals and drainage ditches, of which it has more then 100 miles to maintain. Many had become overgrown, and in some cases were rendered ineffective. Maintenance also had become problematic.
The district decided to be proactive with its flow control issues. The solution was to manage the storm water flows and eliminate the dense vegetation with the SmartDitch system . The 24-in.-deep trapezoidal design was installed on an overgrown ditch that was draining into a canal. This section of about 220 ln ft was chosen because the ditch had become so overrun with vegetation that it was becoming inadequate.
The drainage district is checking on the pilot project weekly and is exceptionally pleased with the results. The ditch was once 18 ft to 20 ft across on the top and about 10 ft to 12 ft on the bottom. With the HDPE liner system installed, now the ditch is 6 ft across on the top and 1 ft on the bottom. The depth of the ditch went from roughly 6 ft down to 2 ft after installation. As the product holds up during the summer, it may be specified on more sites that have become difficult to manage.
Industrial Application
Water control also is critical in industrial settings, which is why engineers seek out best management practices for flow containment. During an August 2009 rain event, an ethanol plant in Canada was hit with 2.5 in. of precipitation in less than three hours. The aggregate that was being used for drainage control experienced a high rate of erosion, plugging culverts and flooding over the ditches and swales. The deluge continued to the extent that overflows threatened the operation of the plant and destroyed valuable byproduct in a storage shed.
The plant had to deal with the possibility that another downfall could cause serious damage to its operation. The SmartDitch system was chosen for this application because of its flexibility to meet the various drainage needs that had to be addressed on site. The product fit into the constricted areas where placement was needed. The HDPE liner, manufactured by Penda Corp., was cut and fabricated to fit into variable lateral slope applications on site.
“This solution is often chosen in places with inclement weather because the material stands up to temperature fluctuations and frost issues,” Bulgrin said.
The ethanol plant required 2,400 ln ft of 24-in.-deep trapezoidal. This project exemplifies the need to contain all runoff from industrial plants. The runoff collected from this new water control system would be held by valves at several weirs until tested; once tested, it is allowed to drain into holding/infiltration ponds.