Constructing a drainage in an alley
Constructing a drainage in an alley presents a unique set of challenges. In order to successfully build a drainage system, several factors must be taken into consideration.
The first item that needs to be addressed when constructing a drainage system in an alley is the underlying geographical conditions of the area. The most important aspect to consider here is the topography. If the alley is situated on a sloped terrain, then it is important to map out the contour of the land so that the most efficient course for the drainage system can be laid out.
The next step in constructing a drainage system in an alley is to determine the materials that would be used in the construction. As an alley is typically much narrower than a typical street, the materials used to build the drainage should be lightweight enough to ensure the structural integrity of the drainage is not compromised. Foam concrete or geocell mats are typically the best options as these can securely hold the weight of the pipes and other components of the drainage without posing a risk of collapse.
In addition to the materials used, the size of the pipes used in the drainage system should also be taken into consideration. Smaller pipes are often less expensive and easier to install, but in some cases may be ineffective in handling larger access of water. It is important to examine the projected level of water runoff in order to accurately determine what size pipes should be installed.
After the topography and materials are taken in to consideration, the installation of the pipes can begin. In some cases, it may be necessary to trench the path that the pipes will be installed in, though depending on the layout of the alley it may be possible to simply bury the pipes directly underneath the ground. Additionally, it may be necessary to craft special equipment or adapt existing ones so as to efficiently make use of the limited space in the alley.
Once the pipes are installed, the last step is to attach the necessary drainage accessories. Downspouts, catch basins and spillways are just some of the components that should be considered, depending on the scope of the project. Access to pumps and other maintenance accessories should also be incorporated into the drainage system so that any maintenance can be done without the need to take down any part of the system.
It is important to note that constructing a drainage system in an alley is more difficult than constructing one on a typical street. Careful design and planning is essential in order to ensure that the system is built in compliance with the applicable building codes, is structurally secure and can properly handle the level of water runoff expected in the area. As such, it is highly recommended to consult professional engineers and contractors in order to ensure that the drainage system will be both effective and long-lasting.
