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RECYFIX HICAP heavy duty drainage channel

Load classes for drainage channels

The recognised international standard relating to modular channel drainage systems is the European Standard EN 1433:2002 – drainage channels for vehicular and pedestrian areas. The standard defines six load classes within a load range between A 15 – F 900. In addition, EN 1433 specifies applications, definitions, design aspects, testing requirements, markings and quality control for linear drainage channels. The standard also requires channel drainage systems to be tested for loading and watertightness.

Heavy duty drainage for industrial
Pedestrian load class drainage channel

Load classes A 15 – F 900

The European Standard EN 1433:2002 uses six load classifications between A15 – F900, with application areas as proposed below. The specified values refer to the test load in kilonewtons (kN).

Load Class A 15 (15kN)

Surfaces subject to light pedestrian use

Load Class B 125 (125kN)

Footpaths, pedestrian zones, areas subject to traffic by slow-moving cars e.g. residential parking areas

Load Class C 250 (250kN)

Areas subject to heavy-duty pedestrian use, slow-moving cars and light commercial vehicles e.g. small car parks, general communal areas, lightly-trafficked commercial areas

Load Class D 400 (400kN)

Roadway applications e.g. residential, pedestrian roads, road-sides, hard shoulders, parking areas approved for road vehicles (slow-moving, low dynamic forces)

Load Class E 600 (600kN)

Surfaces subject to regular traffic by heavy-duty vehicles and wheel loads imposing dynamic forces e.g. industrial units

Load Class F 900 (900kN)

Surfaces subject to extreme ultra heavy-duty loads and high dynamic forces, e.g. operations areas in airports (airside) and ports (quayside)

Load class drainage channel FASERFIX SUPER at airport
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Choosing the right drainage channel for your project

Drainage channel in car park against a kerb

Selecting and specifying the correct linear drainage system for the project application under design should not be based solely on load rating. Other important factors should also be considered regarding the location and application area of the system. It can have an influence on how the channel will be treated when in situ. This includes:

  • Presence and level of dynamic forces

  • Intensity and speed of traffic

  • Traffic pattern (braking, turning, accelerating, crossing at tangents etc)

  • Location of structures (e.g. kerb-lines, building facades, landscape features etc)

  • Other factors that leave the channel protected or exposed at the surface

If you require assistance to ensure you have the right drainage channel, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Load classes for ultra heavy-duty loads and dynamic forces

Heavy duty channel RECYFIX HICAP at container port

For areas that are subject to a high frequency of ultra heavy-duty vehicles exerting extremely high loads and dynamic forces, they need to be more carefully considered on a project-specific basis. There are several factors that need to be taken into account such as steel reinforcement and expansion joints at the installation stage.

Our technical support team are able to provide help and advice in these cases based on our knowledge and experience.

    Testing weight load of drainage channel
    Design reassurance

    HAURATON drainage channels have been independently tested for load capacity and watertightness in accordance with the European Standard EN 1433: 2002.

    EN 1433

    HAURATON drainage channels are tested in full accordance with EN 1433:2002

    ISO 14001:2015

    HAURATON maintains an Environmental Management System according to DIN EN ISO 14001:2015

    CE Mark Approved

    HAURATON operates in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2015

    References with different load classes

    Aldgate Square – C 250

    Design visual of Aldgate Square

    Skypark Exeter – D 400

    Skypark Exeter Business Park

    Central Park Distribution Centre, D 400 – F 900

    Building of Central Park Distribution Centre

    Heathrow Airport – F 900

    Heathrow Airport with British Airways Airbus A380

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