Types of Drainage
During site preparation for construction, effective drainage systems are essential to manage surface and subsurface water. Proper drainage prevents water accumulation, soil erosion, structural instability, and delays in construction activities. Here are the main types of drainage systems commonly used during site preparation that Raider Rooter can provide services on:
Surface Drainage Systems
These systems manage the runoff of rainwater or other surface water from the construction site.
a. Open Ditches (Swales or Channels)
- Description: Shallow ditches are excavated to direct surface water away from the site.
- Usage: Common for large areas; temporary or permanent.
- Benefits: Simple to construct and cost-effective.
b. Graded Surfaces or Slopes
- Description: The site is graded to create a gentle slope that encourages water runoff.
- Usage: Common in initial site grading.
- Benefits: Passive method; reduces water pooling.
c. Catch Basins
- Description: Inlet structures that collect runoff and direct it to underground pipes.
- Usage: Used in conjunction with stormwater pipes.
- Benefits: Helps prevent water accumulation in flat areas.
Subsurface (Underground) Drainage Systems
These systems manage groundwater or water that has infiltrated below the surface.
a. French Drains (Perforated Pipe Systems)
- Description: Trenches filled with gravel and a perforated pipe to collect and redirect water.
- Usage: Around foundations, retaining walls, or problem wet spots.
- Benefits: Effective at removing excess water from the soil.
b. Underdrain Systems
- Description: Perforated pipes installed beneath roadways or structures to remove water.
- Usage: Common beneath pavements and building foundations.
- Benefits: Protects structures from water damage.
Slope Drainage Systems
Used on inclined land to direct water safely down a slope.
a. Chutes or Flumes
- Description: Channels (concrete, metal, or plastic) that carry water down steep slopes.
- Usage: Temporary or permanent on hillsides.
- Benefits: Prevents erosion and slope failure.
b. Terracing and Contour Drains
- Description: Earthworks that slow water flow by following land contours.
- Usage: Sloped terrains.
- Benefits: Erosion control and water management.
Stormwater Drainage Systems
Designed to handle large volumes of water from rainfall events.
a. Storm Sewers
- Description: Underground pipes that carry runoff to a discharge point.
- Usage: Urban construction sites.
- Benefits: Handles large flows; integrates with municipal systems.
b. Detention/Retention Basins
- Description: Ponds that temporarily (detention) or permanently (retention) store runoff.
- Usage: Sites with high runoff potential.
- Benefits: Flood control and water quality improvement.
Sheet Drainage
- Description: A broad, shallow flow of water across a flat surface.
- Usage: Controlled by grading the site.
- Benefits: Simple but must be planned to avoid erosion.
Temporary Drainage Systems
Used during construction but removed later.
a. Silt Fences and Sediment Traps
- Description: Barriers that trap sediment while allowing water to flow through.
- Usage: Along site perimeters and slopes.
- Benefits: Protect nearby water bodies from sediment pollution.
b. Diversion Ditches
- Description: Channels that divert water around a construction area.
- Usage: Protect specific zones from flooding.
- Benefits: Keeps work areas dry.
