Vertical Drainage Works

The management of water from run-off, or from phreatic surfaces within the ground, is one of the most important aspects influencing the long-term performance of that structure. 

The importance of managing water run-off

Excess or uncontrolled water within soils can weaken them, causing numerous problems. The management of water from run-off, or from phreatic surfaces within the ground, is one of the most important aspects influencing the long-term performance of that structure. 

Unsuitability of traditional granular drainage systems

The importance of effective drainage behind structures (concrete retaining walls, contiguous piles, diaphragm walls and structures in contact with soil strata), and within slopes is well known, but is often overlooked. Traditional granular material drains are often installed, taking up unnecessary space and without a real understanding of their true drainage capability.

Our cost-effective, technically superior and more environmentally friendly solution

Our MacDrain range of drainage geocomposites provides a cost-effective and technically superior alternative to traditional granular drains. MacDrain introduces a free conduit for water flow from the adjacent soils. By reducing or entirely removing entirely the gravel drainage column, we reduce the quarrying and extraction of gravels and the truck movements required to bring them to the project site, improving the environmental benefits. 

Identifying the appropriate course of action

The selection process begins with our design software, MacFLOW, to determine the expected water flow and loading conditions. Our manufacturing knowledge enables us to produce combinations of geotextiles and drainage core materials, with the aim of identifying the most appropriate product for the specific application, in order to optimise the technical and economic needs. 

Speed, performance and savings

With lab-tested performance and quality controlled manufacturing, MacDrain® can replace traditional gravel drainage, offering faster installation, quantifiable long-term performance and construction cost savings.