Mar 26, 2021, 00:02
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When it comes to drainage channels, so much depends on the materials beneath the surface - literally. While a lot can (and will) be written about the types of grating material and patterns, it's the channel itself that must effectively carry liquid away from the drainage area.
The Aquadrain range from Webforge constructs this channel from polymer concrete, a material that provides significant advantages over standard concrete.
Let's take a look at what polymer concrete is and why it is the ideal choice for drainage applications.
Polymer versus OPC concrete
Aquadrain channels use concrete without cement, delivering key benefits.
Polymer and ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete are both made up of three basic ingredients: water, coarse and fine aggregates, and a bonding agent. During production, water and the bonding agent mix and fill in the gaps between aggregates - usually rocks and sand of varying sizes.
Cement is the bonding agent in OPC concrete, but polymer concrete uses a resin - either supplementing cement, or replacing it entirely. The Aquadrain range eliminates cement from the mix with a high-quality formulated resin binder and a carefully controlled production setting - allowing for precise levels of temperature and moisture, necessary for ensuring integrity in the resulting concrete.
The benefits of polymer concrete
With a resin-based bonding agent, polymer concrete is less susceptible to liquid ingress - a significant advantage in durability. When water permeates OPC concrete, temperature fluctuations can freeze and thaw it, slowly weakening the structural integrity. By reducing this risk, Aquadrain channels are set for a longer service life, even in trying environments.
Polymer concrete also features a high compressive strength, so Aquadrain channels can be used in heavy-load bearing applications.
- Better corrosion resistance
Aquadrain's polymer resin also protects against the corrosive nature of chemicals that may travel through drainage systems. Combined with a smooth finish that enables higher flow rates, this ensures that aggressive materials are moved quickly through the channels - without degrading the concrete in the process.
According to the Earth Institute at Columbia University, the global cement industry is the source of approximately 5 per cent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. By using polymer resins instead of ordinary portland cement for the bonding agent, Aquadrain channels help cut down on the overall carbon footprint associated with concrete use.
The Aquadrain line of drainage channels is useful in a wide range of applications, including service stations, footpaths, car parks and many others. To learn more, contact Webforge today.