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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.

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 : Pedestrian areas

Surfaces subject to light pedestrian use.

Possible applications:

  • Footpaths
  • Cycle paths
  • Domestic driveways

Road user:

  • Pedestrian
  • Cyclist
  • Motorbike

Load class B 125: Private areas with light, slow-moving traffic

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

Possible applications:

  • Public spaces
  • Private roads
  • Car parks

Road user:

  • Small-medium size vehicles
  • Pedestrian
  • Cyclist
  • Motorbike

Load class C 250: Public areas with light traffic and moderate frequency

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.

Possible applications:

  • Public areas
  • Parking spaces (e.g. super market, retail park)
  • Petrol forecourts (cars)

Road user:

  • Small-medium size cars
  • SUVs
  • Vans
  • Light campervans and trucks (up to 7.5t)

Load class D 400: Carriageways or roads

Areas subject to cars and commercial vehicles e.g. public highways and car parks for all types of vehicle.

Possible applications:

  • Logistics
  • Commercial
  • Bus stations

Road user:

  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Transporter

Load class E 600: Industrial areas with loading and increased dynamics

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

Possible applications:

  • Industrial yards
  • Loading areas

Road user:

  • Trucks
  • Forklifts

Load class F 900: Surfaces with extremely high wheel loads and dynamics

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

Possible applications:

  • Airports
  • Ports
  • Container terminals
  • Race tracks

Road user:

  • Airplane
  • Race cars
  • Cranes
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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

Load classes for heavy-duty traffic and airports

The load classes of the EN 1433 standard are sufficient for many installation situations. However, in the case of areas with high dynamic loads and/or heavy traffic, it is essential to consider the holistic installation situation on a project-specific basis. Since a wide variety of factors have to be taken into account here and other load models can also be used for the calculations, our experts are at your side as designated drainage specialists, especially in these cases.

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.

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

Skypark Exeter – D 400

Central Park Distribution Centre, D 400 – F 900

Heathrow Airport – F 900

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