Sustainable Surface Water Management by ACO

Tanks ain't Tanks: the stormwater geocellular revolution
As displayed on Engineers Australia's website.

A unique patented plastic geocellular stormwater management system has been purpose designed to solve typical problems.

Sustainable surface water management is an integral part of the planning process. Urban designers need to consider managing the quantity as well as the quality of water that is discharged after it has been captured and stored. Plastic geocellular systems have been used for a number of years and are a widely accepted method of creating infiltration and detention systems. When properly integrated, they can enable stormwater discharge at a slower more natural rate. This protects the stormwater system, prevents erosion and increased flow to receiving waters. Pollutants, debris, and sediment can be removed from the water so it can be harvested for reuse in parklands, sports fields, commercial agriculture, and residential gardens.

A lack of accessibility for maintenance; handling difficulties and failure under load are common criticisms of plastic underground stormwater tanks.

ACO StormBrixx®, a unique patented plastic geocellular stormwater management system, is purpose designed to address these common problems. The modular structure provides 3-dimensional access for inspection and maintenance while retaining its structural integrity.

Specified for surface water retention, detention and infiltration, ACO StormBrixx® is a versatile system suitable for applications across all construction environments. It can be installed as a standalone solution or as part of an integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD).

StormBrixx® HD is designed for heavy-duty applications and StormBrixx® SD is designed for medium duty applications.

ACO StormBrixx® in Action

St Maria Goretti Primary School in Western Australia used ACO StormBrixx® in their recent building upgrade. The designers required a high capacity and durable stormwater management system to resolve a drainage problem in an area on the school grounds. The drainage system was required to collect the excess water, filter it and gradually release the water back into the water table.

Ewart Leaf Architects recently designed 22 spacious luxury apartments located in the upmarket inner city suburb of Hawthorn, Melbourne. The designers were required to incorporate a stormwater management system into the complex to slow down the rainwater runoff from the site before discharging the flow into the stormwater system. The tank needed to be simple to assemble and easy to access for inspection and cleaning. The solution was to install two tanks in a series to provide water retention and detention.

Why ACO StormBrixx® is different to other plastic water tanks

Structural Integrity

The StormBrixx® system has been independently tested for structural integrity and durability. The patented brick bonding and cross bonding feature provides a strong yet lightweight construction system that enables quick and easy installation of the tank.

Access, maintenance and low construction depth

StormBrixx® has an open cell structure that enables access for CCTV and jetting equipment. The whole system including the extremities can be inspected and maintained from a few access points. The unique pillar configuration gives a high void ratio of 95%-97%. A choice of access chambers is available for the system. The high void ratio has the added benefit of minimising the amount of excavation required to obtain a nominated design storage volume. The aggregate needed for backfilling is also reduced.

Simplified handling and logistics

The StormBrixx® stackable design simplifies delivery, site logistics and the installation of the tank, which reduces the carbon footprint of the system. The system can be assembled in a variety of ways to form an open bonded structure.

ACO can provide the expertise to assess the requirements of any project and offer product solutions to manage the surface water across the site. Project specific structural calculations, installation drawings and a bill of quantities are also supplied accompanied by high quality technical documentation. This service is offered free of charge and obligation.

For more information visit www.acostormbrixx.com.au.