Clark-Drain Ltd

At a Glance:New £253m resettlement prison required complete and secure cabling infrastructureManufacture and off site build of completed chambers reduced onsite labour by one third minimising COVID / H&S risksLighter, recyclable materials cut fuel use, accelerated installation and reduced environmental impactHMP Five Wells has won 15 major industry awardsThe ClientKier (www.kier.co.uk) is a leading UK construction and infrastructure services company, providing specialist design and build capabilities for vital economic and social building projects across the UK. Kier was awarded the contract by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for a new build resettlement prison in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire – as part of their New Prisons Programme. The aim of the programme is to reform and modernise the prison estate to provide more safe, secure and functional prison places focused on supporting rehabilitation.The ChallengeKier needed a cable access infrastructure that could satisfy the extremely secure access requirements of a prison environment spanning a 36-acre site.Over 1100 components were supplied to ensure a fully secure cable access system with features such as custom cabling.Kier’s goals for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as for environmental sustainability and social responsibility, is in line with their brand values.The site required a simplified installation, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions solution that would both endure and be recyclable at the end of their life. The benefits of Kier’s approach came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic.As Kier’s project director Rob Stanton explains, ‘new ways of working and offsite manufacture were embraced to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on project delivery’.The SolutionUsing polypropylene products from Clark-Drain, via subcontractor Mitchellson, significantly reduced the weight of the components as compared to traditional concrete. This removed the need for lifting equipment, reduced the on-site labour required (and the attendant health and safety risks), and dramatically shortened the installation time on this £253 million project.From a sustainability point of view, too, these lighter components scored highly, not only in respect of reduced fuel consumption and end-of-life recyclability, but also in terms of provenance, robustness, and therefore long-life durability.Clark-Drain also made several prior visits to site to assess the project requirements, and, based on these early engagements, added further value by designing, building and deploying, in relatively short timeframes, two new chamber bellmouths, to protect below-ground cabling. The bellmouths enable cables to be easily routed within the inner chamber walls during installation by site operatives, but also enable ducts to be securely housed and connected, inside the chamber walls, prior to concrete backfill being applied during installation. Clark-Drain manufactures over 70% of its products inhouse, including the completed chambers, which were manufactured and built offsite at its yard in Yaxley, Peterborough.Demonstrating its commitment to social value and equitability throughout, Kier also involved its Digital Apprentice trainees in the project, and created a project bank account to ensure easier and quicker supplier payment.Outcomes and ResultsThe figures speak for themselves:Cable access for the project is being assembled 22% faster than if traditional construction methods had been usedLighter materials meant that one third less labour was required on-site to install the chambersSurveys were carried out 70% faster using dronesMillions are being saved on post-project snagging using cloud-based review and QA technologiesThe project has won 15 major industry awardsAnd as for the environmental benefits, long life and recycling apart, the polypropylene chambers are only 38% of the density of concrete, greatly reducing the project’s fuel consumption and carbon emissions.Rebecca Wade, Bid Director at Kier, describes the project’s successes: ‘Thanks to the deployment of agile digital methods and next-generation suppliers, we are delivering efficiently and cost-effectively, whilst respecting our commitments to our society, our community, and our planet.’For more information on how Clark-Drain can help your business deliver robust, cost-effective, environmentally responsible cable access solutions, no matter how big or small your project, get in touch.

The refurbishment of platforms is part of Network Rail’s government funded National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP ). The five year programme aims to deliver £179 million worth of station improvements to a minimum of 150 medium sized stations in England and Wales.An overarching objective of the programme is to achieve a noticeable improvement to the passenger perception of stations whilst providing value for money in station investments. Part of this remit involves aspects of customer comfort and safety, including ensuring that the control of surface water runoff is efficiently and effectively managed. For this project Murphy Group were commissioned by Network Rail as the main contractor.Clark-Drain has provided a total of 740m length CD 434 linear drainage channel for installation in three of the station‘s platforms to drain the surface water at a maximum rate of 4.6 l/s into silt box traps before discharge into the mains.The silt boxes work by retaining runoff to allow deposited silt to settle to the bottom of the basket before the water is discharged via the outlet pipe connection. The basket is located so that it is easily removed for periodic cleaning. Both the channels and silt boxes are lightweight and designed for easy handling, installation and maintenance. The bodies of the channel are constructed from recycled hard wearing polypropylene to protect them from damage and ensure long lasting durability. A BS EN 1433 Class B125 quick-fit grating with ‘CatchLock’ retention system provides all the strength required for the 12.5 tonne loading it was designed and tested to withstand and perfectly suits high trafficked station platforms.The narrow-slot ‘heel-guard’ design reduces the potential for tripping and slipping and provides a useful safety feature for passengers and rail staff.The weight of each one meter length, at 5kg, made it very easy to install enabling Murphy Group Engineers to lay several lengths in one go for faster levelling and taking 25% less building time  than heavier polymer concrete options. As part of the aesthetic appeal of the platform refurbishment, the CD 434 was specified because of its flexibility to follow the curve of the platform edge, giving uniformity and enhancing the visual appearance when laid to the same contour.In addition, the linear drainage channel was supplied with 450 x 450mm, 600 x 600mm and 750 x 600mm steel recessed covers and frames. These enabled 60 of the stations lighting cable access chambers to be securely covered and in-fi lled with the marble effect paving specified for the station floor as part of an attractive and functional design for the public to enjoy.WHY THE CD 434 WAS CHOSENLightweight – The one meter length channel and grate is lighter, weighing 5kg, compared to traditional concrete products weighing 20kg or more without being detrimental to its strength for EN1433 B125 loading.Reduced manual handling – Lightweight design and simpler, easier and safer installation provides greater emphasis on health and safety, reducing work related injuries.Easy and quick to install – Installing up to four lengths in one go enables faster levelling, taking 25% less time than traditional polymer concrete.Dual Locking – The Catchlock system simplifies locking of the grating yet enables safe and speedy access for maintenance. The optional anti-tamper bolt locking system provides added security against theft, reducing time and cost spent on replacing lost gratings.Anti-slip and narrow slot finish – Reduces the potential for tripping and slipping, helping to improve public safety.100% recycled – ‘Green’ credentials help toward reducing the carbon foot-print and act as a theft deterrent due to having no intrinsic scrap value.Enhanced durability – Carefully designed load transfer structure improves product life span and lowers maintenance and replacement costs.Heat resistant – The polypropylene/nylon properties make the CD 434 channel ideal for hot tarmac installation.

Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is a major destination for horse lovers, with several stables and riding schools amidst miles of bridleway. Clark-Drain supplied drainage solutions to one of the forest's prestigious equestrian centres, which is undergoing development of its visitor amenities.The centre has installed 3,000 square metres of new paving and parking areas, along with other upgrades to its facilities. Contractor Codrin Iordache of Cody Building took the opportunity to use Clark-Drain’s new HD-PE Technodrain solutions for the first time. Codrin says: “I was interested when I heard about Technodrain as an alternative to the polymer concrete drainage channels we generally use. Technodrain seemed to combine value with meeting all our technical specifications.“We found that the lightweight system is easy to handle. It’s also clear that, despite being light, the drainage channels have all the strength required.”All the Technodrain channel installed at the centre is in fact load rated to D400 and able to accommodate vehicles up to 40 tons. This means the area is equipped to handle even the biggest horseboxes, including HGVs carrying up to nine horses.Channels of two sizes were sourced from the range for this project:1. An external depth of 210mm, internal width of 100mm and max through-flow of 8.25 litres per second. 2. An external depth of 310mm, internal width of 200mm and max through-flow of 42.6 litres per second.Integrating sump units with channel drainageAlso supplied were several Technodrain sump units. These remove silt from the surface water, preventing dirt and debris from entering the drainage system and causing blockages. Codrin says: “I was impressed by the sump units. As with the channels, the galvanised steel edging made it simple for us to integrate them with the 80mm paving. They also feature grating that bolts in place, which is really easy to remove for maintenance inspection and cleaning of the unit and the channels.“The design of the Technodrain system also means that it’s easy to connect units together. Simple tongue and groove joints allow for the installation of channels with a ready-mounted grating, saving time on site and providing accurate connections. We will definitely be using Technodrain again on future projects.”Cody Building sourced the Technodrain products through the Tunbridge Wells branch of Professional Building Supplies, who specialise in drainage products as part of their wider range. Terry Hallett says: “We have been talking to customers since Clark-Drain introduced the Technodrain range and have had a really positive response. People like the value the range offers, and the fact that the light weight makes the units easy to handle.“The light weight is also good for us as a merchant. It makes this product sustainable to transport, and the HD-PE construction means there’s less likelihood of channels cracking in transit. It will also make storage at our central warehouse and branches simpler, with fewer issues around safe handling to deal with.”WHY THESE PRODUCTS WERE CHOSEN:Value - Technodrain consistently adds great value to excellent specifications.Load ratings - units chosen for this project were rated at Group 4 (D400), suitable for HGV parking. Robust - the HD-PE (high density polyethylene) channels and sump units are resistant to a wide range of acids, salts and hydrocarbons.Ease of installation - the 210mm deep channels used in this project weigh just 15kg each, including the ductile iron grating and galvanised steel edge.System integration - products in the Technodrain range connect easily together using simple tongue and groove joints.

JT Atkinson, a family owned independent builders' merchant in the North of England, needed a lightweight yet robust drainage solution for their new branch in Stokesley. They required a reliable and durable solution which would be installed quickly, to ensure their 30th branch opened on time.  The branch yard would be a highly trafficked area, so the JT Atkinson team were seeking a drainage solution that could withstand large loads and constant heavy traffic of forklift trucks and articulated lorries.Technodrain is an advanced, linear drainage channel, providing versatility whilst being economic, light and quick to install. Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), it delivers long life with low whole-life cost. Having used Clark-Drain products at their other branch sites, the JT Atkinson team knew first-hand the quality of Clark-Drain’s products and customer service.Designed for surface water management, the versatility of Technodrain enables it to be used across all construction environments as a light, robust, solution for run-off surface design. Technodrain’s size-to-weight ratio maximises its savings in transport and installation costs, and this installation was within the limits set by the HSE manual handling guidelines for a one person lift.Chris Gilbertson, Project Manager for JT Atkinson, says: “We were looking for a quality drainage product which would be easy to install, able to withstand F900 loads, and be long lasting. Technodrain from Clark-Drain is the ideal solution and doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it provide us with the drainage we need at a competitive price, the installation was extremely easy thanks to its lightweight nature.”Technodrain was installed at the Stokesley branch of JT Atkinson in October 2019.WHY THIS PRODUCT WAS CHOSEN Hard wearing – Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), Technodrain delivers long life with low whole-life cost.Easy to install – Tongue and groove joints allow for ease of installation and the connection of multiple channels. Preformed lateral and vertical channel outlets also provide quick and easy connection to discharge pipes.Cost effective – whilst providing a safe environment and a highly efficient system for surface water clearance. BS EN1433:2002 – Load handling performance is rated at 90 tonnes, making it durable with strength to spare in an area used by a range of vehicles from forklift trucks to artic lorries.Hydraulic performance – With maximum through-flow of 8.25 litres per second and a water way area of 372cm2, it has more than enough capacity for JT Atkinson.Bolted locking system – Technodrain features a bolted locking system, with 4 bolts in every 500mm to avoid grating movement.