A channel, point or perimeter drain will have a calculated demand to service the area and meet acceptable solutions, it is very important that this also aligns with load class ratings.

AS3996 denotes the load classes for access covers, grates and drainage products. This is a scaled system from A, lightest, to G for the heaviest of wheel loading demands. Testing of gratings to standards will often result in a product being downgraded to the lesser load rating if it does not meet the next tier. For example, a perimeter drain grate is published as load class A, 330kg wheel load as it is generally for a pedestrian entry doorway and wont see any vehicle loadings. From service history it is known that it can take much higher loadings than this (mobility scooters, golf carts) but as the system does not reach the B class rating of 2670kg it must be published as a class A product. There is the option to increase the bracket strength to reach the rating of B if required, for example at a motor vehicle dealership or airport entrance, to bring a car into the concourse for display.

As load rating increases, the dynamic loadings on the gratings must also be considered. Whilst a static downforce load is part of the testing, dynamic loads from turning wheels or braking can also have an effect on the durability of the system. A higher load rated system will often have up to four fixings per 500mm grate, like the CC300 Commercial channel drain system. For ultimate loadings, in areas such as airside aprons, inland ports or any high wheel load applications, a heavy duty slot drain system will be specified.

Allproof’s HDS (heavy duty slot) drain is locally manufactured, setting it apart from imported options, reducing lead times and MOQ. An HDS is a trapezoidal channel that is cast into a highly engineered concrete beam, designed to take up to 30,000kg wheel loads. Think of an A380 or straddle crane. The linear slot opening provides excellent inlet flow rates, limits blockages and provides a smooth transition over the opening for moving plant.

Utilising a manufacturer's published loadings will ensure that your accumulated design of flow rates, appearance and durability in service will be met. Allproof publish load rates for all of their linear and point drain systems, so you can be assured of an install that is proven and will be durable in service.