Storm Drainage Must be Effective

Reportedly, preliminary investigations reveal that perhaps the catastrophe at the Sunrise Condo might possibly have been avoided. We will soon know the answers to many questions.

“Engineer Frank Morabito was direct in his report October 2018 to the building’s condo board treasurer: There was a “major error” in the design. The waterproofing for the “entrance drive, pool deck and planter area did not drain.”

He went on to say, “The water just sat there until it evaporated.” Too many times I have seen areas in Florida full of standing run off water. Let’s face it. Florida receives an abundance of rain each year. Even more so during heavy Hurricane Seasons.

What we need is effective drainage. This comes by designing with a new intent and new designs. But not necessarily new products. Designers must use all the options on the table, combing into a single highly efficient drainage system.

For instance, a combination of Face Mix Pavers can be used in conjunction with Slot or Radius Trench Drain systems to rapidly move stormwater away from decks around pools and other areas.

Trench Drains are the fastest way to rapidly move high volumes of Storm Water. Trench drains, which easily adapt to incorporate acceptance of pavers, offer a distinct adavantage during installation.

They can then be drained using Sch 40 pvc pipe, SDR 35, hdpe, or other outlet connection stub-outs and can be easily be adapted to transition to Storm Water transmission lines.

Low-impact Storm Water drainage such as permeable pavers can dramatically improve pedestrian and transportation infrastructure. While products such as Dura Trench can provide reverse grade slope to channel water flow away from sensitive runoff areas.

Every project has challenges and often unforeseen changes when developing and during construction. Engineering designs should be aggressive in balancing the mix of products effectively versus a one product method design.

In addition, new products continue to evolve. Does that mean we throw away what has worked for years? Absolutely not! We take that and build on it. Enhancing what is good and making it better.

Products which use a steel reinforcement is one example of how a product can evolve over time. The steel reinforcement makes pipe stronger by allowing the reinforcement to distribute the live load. Such was not always the case. As time marched on the product evolved.

This evolution brings about an exciting time for the construction industry. We have more options on the table than ever before. Let’s Build Something Together!