Importance of Roads & Highway Drainage Systems

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For a durable, long lasting & safe road environment, civil engineers must design with drainage systems in mind. Adequate drainage on and around roadways can help avoid decreased traction, structural damage and accidents due to water accumulation on the surface. A drainage systems main function is to collect, transport and dispose or surface and underground water from the road and surroundings.

Importance of a Road Drainage System

Environment Protection

  • Polluntant Management
    Protecting local ecosystems from erosion, as well as decreasing the risk of flooding are 2 important features of a effective road drainage system.
  • Controlling Runoff
    Sufficient road drainage systems can help reduce the frequency of road maintenance and repairs by reducing water damage to road surfaces.

Monetary Advantages

  • Reduced Repair Costs
    Repair costs can be lowered as road surfaces no longer have sediment and stagnant water damaging the surface
  • Improved Transport Efficiency
    Well maintained roads increase efficient traffic flow by reducing delays caused by road repairs or flooding.

Improved Safety

  • Reduced Risk of Hydroplaning
    Well drained road surfaces reduce hydroplaning, which is where the vehicles tire loses traction with the road due to water accumulation.

Preventing Road Damage

  • Protecting Surfaces
    Water settling & seeping into pavement layers can cause structural damage, cracks, potholes and other issues over time.
  • Help Prevent Erosion
    By diverting run off from roadways, sufficient drainage systems prevent the likelihood of erosion on and around the roadway.
Transport & Main Roads Qld
Image from Transport and Main Roads Queensland

Increase Road Durability & Longevity

  • Decrease in Maintenance Costs
    Effective drainage systems will reduce water damage, helping lower the workload and cost of maintenance and repairs.
  • Prevention of Structural Damage
    Water accelerates degradation of materials within the road surface.

Design Considerations

  • Road Use
    Roads with heavy traffic need suitable drainage systems that are able to endure heavy loads & frequent traffic
  • Climate
    Areas with high rainfall may require more comprehensive systems. With high volume of rain, it’s crucial to use larger drainage channel sizes as they can effectively handle larger volumes of surface water, reducing the risk of flooding. A larger channel size can accommodate a greater flow of water, ensuring efficient drainage during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, larger channels can handle debris and sediment build-up, preventing blockages and reducing maintenance requirements. Using larger drainage channel sizes is an important consideration when designing efficient surface water drainage systems for high rainfall areas. SABdrain offers a range of large drainage channel sizes, up to a 500mm x 500mm. The smooth, rounded internal surface of the SABdrain water drainage system allows for higher flow rates and a self-cleaning action, preventing the accumulation of silt deposits. The unique construction of the SABdrain drainage channel provides excellent structural rigidity, protecting it from damage during and after installation.
Grande Family Web
SABdrain Grande Range
  • Soil Type
    Some soil types do not drain as well as others. Soils that contain a lot of clay will not drain as effectively as a sandy soil. Consider soil types when selecting drainage systems.
  • Topography
    Adequate systems are needed for areas with steep terrains

For roads to be long lasting, safe and efficient, drainage systems need to be planned thoroughly.