Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
The problem: Increasing urbanisation and rapid run-off have put a tremendous strain on conventional storm water drainage systems. This has resulted in sewers and culverts becoming overloaded during periods of heavy rain and contamination of streams and rivers.
With Climate change forecasters predicting as much as a 30% increase in rainfall by 2080.
The Solution: Source Control - Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are increasingly being used to prevent run-off and flooding, and as a method of collecting and cleaning storm water.
SUDS should be used on all sites to minimise the impact of the
development on the environment. In Scotland the use of the SUDS
approach is a legal requirement.
What is a Sustainable Urban Drainage System?
Formpave’s sustainable urban drainage systems allows surface water to infiltrate through the Aquaflow permeable paving surface into a unique sub-base before being released in a controlled manner into sewers or water courses. A further advantage of the system is that roof water can be drained directly into the sub-base via a rodable sump, or if siphonically drained, through a dispersion chamber.
The water leaving the Formpave system has been cleaned by filtration and microbial action and can be used through the Aquaflow water harvesting system for secondary non-potable uses such as flushing toilets and watering soft landscaping; reducing water bills by up to 50%. The patented sub-base can also be designed to accommodate the Aquaflow ThermaPave system which combines the technology of the permeable paving and that of heat exchange to heat or cool a building. This can save up to 70% on annual fuel bills and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50%.
SUDS - Infiltration or tanked systems (click to enlarge)
There are 3 typical designs which can be tailored for infiltration or tanked systems and to fulfil the specific requirements of the site.
