Animal
Animals come in all shapes and sizes and so does the trench drain used in animal-related applications. For lightweight animals, plastic systems with plastic or stainless steel grating are recommended for their corrosion resistance. Perforated or slotted grates with small openings drain water efficiently but are safe for the animal’s feet. For large kennel drains, pre-sloped systems are available that will support a catch basin and sediment basket to help keep drain pipe free of debris. For barn and zoo wash bay applications, where animal weights can skyrocket, pre-sloped trench drain systems made of polymer concrete, HDPE or stainless steel can be fitted with heavy-duty stainless steel and ductile iron slotted grating to handle big animal loads.
Food Services
A variety of pre-sloped trench drain systems are available for food service applications. Off-the-shelf and custom stainless steel systems are popular where bacteria growth is a concern. In heavy fork truck traffic areas, systems with ductile iron or heavy duty stainless grating are recommended. For an inconspicuous, high capacity drain in a meat prep area, consider a stainless steel slot drain.
In greenhouses and nurseries, drainage systems can be designed to handle your water flow and product cart or foot traffic requirements. For safety and style in high foot traffic areas, consider one of the many ADA rated decorative grating options available.
Institutional
Stainless steel trench bodies and grating are standard fare in hospitals and laboratories. Stainless steel is one of the best materials for bacteria resistance because it is easy to clean. Stainless steel is also very resistant to chemical attack and high temperatures. If stainless steel doesn’t fit your budget, consider using a vinylester polymer concrete product in applications where corrosive chemicals and high temperatures may be present. Stainless steel edging and grating is available for all channels and can be designed for pedestrian or fork truck traffic.
Utility trenches are available for applications where power and communication lines need to be run in the floor for easy access. Recessed covers are available so you can install tile to match the surrounding finished surface.
Community and Streetscapes
For high foot traffic areas, trench drain systems are designed for safety and style. A wide variety of channel materials are available, depending on the construction requirements. In pedestrian-heavy areas, ADA compliant grating is usually specified by the architect. Heel proof grating, with holes smaller than 3/8” diameter, is becoming more popular in sidewalks and building thresholds where high heeled shoes are worn by the residents and clientele.
In urban courtyards and downtown hardscapes, decorative metal and reinforced stone grating are becoming more popular drain covers for handling both foot and vehicular traffic. Grating options are growing, offering many colors and styles to choose from to match the surrounding architecture.
Industrial
Steel mills, cement plants and petrochemical plants are harsh environments for most equipment. Repetitive exposure to heavy equipment and corrosive conditions necessitate the use of heavy duty trench drain products. Traditional cast-in-place trench drains, which use cast or ductile iron slotted grates and frames, are commonly found in these areas. Grating options are generally limited to the width and thickness of the grating. Trenchdrain.biz represents a number of manufacturers and foundries that specialize in drainage castings. Pre-sloped channel forming systems are available which will adapt to most grates and will make installation of the trench easier.
For interior industrial trench systems, drains with solid cast iron bodies are available. These products are modular and non-sloping. The widths generally are 6” and 12”. As these products are commonly specified in military applications, it is safe to say that they are rugged and will literally withstand the pressures of a tank.
Entertainment Venues
Resorts, casinos, water parks, theme parks and national parks all contain large gathering spaces that require the rapid draining properties offered by trench drain. While also requiring functionality, these locations demand a drainage system that is “people friendly” and aesthetically pleasing. Many systems are available that can be used to make the trench. The products that are commonly found in these venues, however, have specialty grating which complements the architecture. Radius grating is also becoming popular around pools, fountains and meandering walkways. Reinforced stone drain coverings, brass grates and cast ornamental gratings are frequently a part of the drain design.
Sports Venues
Trench drain has a big role in keeping sport tracks and fields well drained. Tennis courts, pools, golf courses and athletic fields all are designed to quickly remove rain water. Pre-sloped and non-sloped systems are commonly used in these applications. Standard pedestrian and light vehicular traffic slotted grating is often used in sporting venues. Galvanized steel and HDPE grating are a common grating material choice, but heavier duty cast iron or reinforced steel grating can be specified in areas where a higher volume of wheeled traffic will occur.
For a project on a tight budget, plastic bodied drains can be installed that offer a grating color selection. For a running track application, products are available specifically designed to be used in an oval track setting. For Olympic pools and shower room applications, plastic and stainless steel grating products are popular because of their ability to withstand bacteria-fighting cleansers. The materials are also safe for bare feet.
