Large Capacity Drainage Systems for Heavy Rainfall

Responding to a Changing Climate
Extreme weather events are no longer rare occurrences in Australia. In 2022, rainfall was recorded at 26% above the national average, triggering widespread flooding across the eastern states. The pattern is reflected globally, with neighbouring New Zealand experiencing two major storm events in the first months of 2023, including Cyclone Gabrielle, which delivered up to 400mm of rain in just a few days.

As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports an increase in the frequency and severity of such events, designers and developers must reconsider traditional stormwater strategies. Effective surface water drainage is no longer a luxury—it is essential infrastructure.

In the face of these challenges, large-capacity drainage systems provide a practical and futureproof solution, particularly in urban environments with limited permeability due to hardscaped surfaces.

Futureproofing Developments with High-Capacity Drainage
Urbanisation across Australia has led to the proliferation of impervious surfaces—roads, car parks, and paved commercial zones—that inhibit natural water absorption. Without well-designed drainage systems, surface water can accumulate quickly, increasing the risk of localised flooding and infrastructure damage.

Allproof Industries offers a range of large-capacity drainage systems that are engineered to manage heavy surface runoff effectively. These systems include 200mm and 300mm wide surface water channel drains, ideal for commercial projects such as loading bays, public spaces, and high-density developments. Paired with large-volume pits, the system is capable of both stormwater collection and sediment separation, helping protect municipal infrastructure from blockages and overflow.

Design Standards and Compliance
Allproof’s drainage solutions are designed in accordance with AS 3996, which governs the classification of access covers and grates for load-bearing performance. Grates are tested and certified to support a range of load classes, from Class A pedestrian areas to Class E heavy vehicle zones, ensuring performance suitability across a variety of environments.

The system’s integrated grate lockdowns prevent movement under dynamic wheel loads, a common source of wear and system failure. This also minimises noise and structural damage over time, supporting the long-term durability of the drainage system.

Material Options for Australian Conditions
Material selection plays a vital role in the longevity and functionality of drainage infrastructure. Allproof’s systems are available in a variety of materials tailored to project-specific needs:

• 316 stainless steel for coastal or corrosive environments
• Glass-filled nylon for projects requiring a permanent black aesthetic finish
• Cast iron for high-strength, heavy-duty applications with a refined visual appeal

These options allow specifiers to align functional and aesthetic requirements with environmental and structural demands.

Environmental Responsibility
Beyond performance, Allproof has committed to sustainability in its manufacturing processes. Their plastic pits and channel drains are manufactured from recycled polypropylene, significantly reducing reliance on virgin materials. These products are produced in a solar-powered facility in Auckland, aligning with efforts to reduce the embodied carbon of building materials—a critical consideration as the industry seeks to lower its environmental footprint.

This holistic approach supports sustainable construction practices and contributes to climate resilience, directly addressing the environmental factors that have given rise to more frequent extreme weather events.

As rainfall intensifies across Australia and New Zealand, the importance of well-designed, large-capacity surface water drainage systems becomes undeniable. Allproof’s engineered solutions provide the functionality, compliance, and sustainability required to meet both current and future challenges. Whether for commercial car parks, loading zones, or public infrastructure, these systems are a vital tool in protecting property, people, and municipal infrastructure from the escalating threat of urban flooding.

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