The AS/NZS Standards exist to safeguard people from injury or illness, and property from damage. When specifying stormwater drainage systems, there are many elements you will need to consider to achieve these objectives.
Allproof outlines five key factors to consider when selecting the appropriate products for your stormwater drainage system.
Application
Ensure you select the correct type of product for the job. Is a channel required or will a sump suffice? Is this a level entry into a habitable space, a channel drain in front of a drive/garage, or a collection point before going into the local authorities’ stormwater system? Each application has different requirements set out in NZBC and applicable AS/NZ Standards. A level entry scenario requires a 200 x 150mm channel and a 12mm drip line along the joinery (plus other various details); therefore, a standard three-sided channel is not applicable in this situation.
Each drainage system has been designed for a specific application; if you are unsure, it is worth discussing your project with the channel supplier to avoid costly delays from having to remove non-compliant systems.
Performance
Ensure that the selected drainage product’s hydraulic performance meets the needs of the application. This may be a combination of the channel depth/width and grate open area or even just how the product is set up. Understanding the topography of the area will also have a large part to play; installing a slot drain with a 15mm opening at the bottom of a steep drive means that during a heavy downpour, surface stormwater will likely bridge the gap and the drain will not perform to the desired level.
However, a wider grate with more open area (e.g., Allproof PC with cast iron grate) would allow the water to drain. A channel slot drain would work well in a courtyard with a fall towards it from both sides. It is best practice to seek advice from a specialist hydraulic consultant in this area.
Load Rating
AS3996:2019 Access Covers and Grates outlines the requirements for grate load class ratings. Grates must perform well under subjected loads appropriate to their application once installed. The standard provides a rating of A to G with A being ‘areas (including footways) accessible only to pedestrians and pedal cyclists and closed to other traffic (extra-light duty)’ with a nominal wheel load of 330kg, and G for ‘docks and aircraft pavements subject to very high wheel loads (extra heavy duty)’ with a nominal wheel load of 30,000kg.
The majority of applications will require a load rating between A and D, which would cover commercial vehicles in areas such as loading bays. Allproof has developed in-house testing to ensure their products meet the specifications laid out by AS3996; this information is available in their literature to help with product selection.
Environment
The environment plays a large factor in material selection. Stormwater drainage products are exposed to large amounts of moisture by nature of the application. It is important to understand the chemical and physical characteristics of materials in each environment. Cast iron is an excellent material for strength with a long life expectancy and economical price point, and its bituminous paint coating does provide a degree of protection from the elements. However, unless regularly repainted, it will wear off exposing the cast iron and leading to oxidation.
Depending on the environment, this can remain for some time in high trafficable areas as it will eventually stabilise into a dull dark brown patina. This is a natural material reaction to the environment – it’s aesthetic and does not impact performance. In some scenarios (laneways), this may be a desired aesthetic, but the lifetime appearance should be considered in projects where a consistent appearance is desired.
Allproof recommends high grade 316 stainless steel in marine environments as it has a higher degree of resistance to corrosion and reduces the need for regular maintenance. Alternatively, glass filled nylon (GFN) provides a black finish that doesn’t react to the environment.
Grating Design
Grating open areas will affect the hydraulic performance of the system: larger open areas would generally perform better hydraulically while smaller individual open areas may be more prone to blocking from debris. However, smaller individual open areas would be advisable in pedestrian zones.
Allproof has classified a range of their grates as heel-proof for use in areas likely to see high levels of foot traffic. Heel-proof grates are designed to resist entry of high-heeled shoes by limiting the smallest dimension for an opening to 8mm or less, ensuring safety for the pedestrian.
It is also advisable to consider slip resistance on grate surfaces. This can be important in settings likely to be subjected to high volumes of foot traffic – for example, busy urban streets and commercial courtyards. AS 4586:2013 covers the requirements and classifications for slip resistance. A variety of Allproof grates have been tested by an independent laboratory with excellent results ranging from R9 to R13.
