Sustainability is optimised by GRAF UK’s new-look rainwater harvesting systems. A range of award-winning rainwater harvesting systems that maximise the use of free rainwater rather than rely on mains water top-ups has been launched by GRAF UK. The specialist water management company’s AA rainwater harvesting range bucks the trend for
Large UK infrastructure projects, particularly across the renewables and water sectors, are driving increased demand for temporary roadway mats as more frequent and prolonged wet ground conditions continue to affect site access and construction programmes. Ground engineering and geotechnical specialist Spencer Quantum, part of RSK Group, has expanded its temporary
Polypipe Building Services has launched a new applications guide designed to help specifiers, consultants, contractors and any other party involved navigate the complexity of water supply system design, with a clear, practical route to selecting high-performance, sustainable solutions. Titled ‘A guide to water supply applications’, the brochure matches common system
Asphalt pavements have to handle far more stress today than they did decades ago. Heavier freight traffic, fluctuating temperatures, moisture intrusion and tighter municipal budgets have all placed additional pressure on road networks. Therefore, building asphalt pavements that last can be challenging. You need the right product that can extend
WREKIN PRODUCTS has become the first civil engineering product manufacturer in the UK to achieve Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessed status for its ductile iron range, reinforcing its position as a trusted and transparent partner to the construction sector. The CCPI is an industry-led initiative developed to raise the standard of product information across the construction industry. Achieving assessed status
Rapid construction at a major heavy-duty Sheffield industrial facility has seen main sub-contractor Cidon Construction continue with advancing the development. In order to facilitate high quality work, rapidly, efficiently and safely, the company has been working with National Pile Croppers (NPC), which has supplied Quad L and QXL pile croppers
The stage is set for Doka to showcase its Intelligent Heated Formwork prototype at this year’s UK Concrete Show. The formwork and scaffolding specialist’s next-generation system sets a new standard in automated formwork, enabling safe, efficient use of CO2reduced concrete all-year-round. The two-day UK Concrete Show (25-26 March) at NEC Birmingham
Plans to establish what is being described as Europe’s largest circular construction hub have moved forward with the official opening of a new facility in London’s Royal Docks. Delivered in partnership with Newham Council and climate charity Tipping Point East, the hub has been created to recycle and reuse construction
Effective surface water management is a critical requirement in modern construction projects across the UK. From commercial developments and public realm schemes to highways and industrial infrastructure, selecting the right drainage channel manufacturer directly impacts long-term performance, safety and regulatory compliance. Below is a curated overview of the leading drainage
Winter is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. That means reinforced concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings could be in for a wild ride on the “roller coaster” of freeze-thaw cycling. To minimize damage from these inevitable temperature swings, Cortec® recommends taking the simple maintenance step of applying a water repellent
Sustainability is optimised by GRAF UK’s new-look rainwater harvesting systems. A range of award-winning rainwater harvesting systems that maximise the use of free rainwater rather than rely on mains water top-ups has been launched by GRAF UK. The specialist water management company’s AA rainwater harvesting range bucks the trend for most such systems to top up underground tanks with mains water, which means the space set aside for free rainwater is compromised by water the homeowner is already paying for. In the new GRAF UK systems, the mains water feeds directly into the plumbing rather than via the tank, so full tank capacity is preserved for rainwater. This also makes the systems compliant with the AA part of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 which demand an air gap as non-mechanical backflow protection. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to enforcement action, as they are crucial for preventing water contamination. GRAF UK’s new range is so versatile that only two products or systems are required – the standard AA Eco-Plus and the advanced AA Silentio – with the tanks sustainably manufactured from 100% recycled plastic and built to hold between 1,500 and 7,500 litres. Both systems are designed for non-potable uses throughout the property, providing an efficient and reliable supply of rainwater for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, and general outdoor cleaning. If the stored rainwater level becomes low, the system automatically switches to mains water via an integrated cistern beneath the pump unit, ensuring an uninterrupted supply without topping up the main tank. By keeping mains water separate from the tank, the system preserves full capacity for collected rainwater, maximising overall efficiency. Rainwater is gathered from the roof and channelled through downpipes into the underground tanks which are specially designed for shallow installation and ease of access – especially useful for refurbishment/renovation projects. As the water enters the tanks, it passes through GRAF UK’s award-winning high-performance filters, ensuring stored water remains free from leaves and debris. An external pump and control unit installed within the property draws water from the tank as needed using a floating intake which ensures extraction from the cleanest layer below the water’s surface. The external pump unit incorporates a Family Type AA air gap, providing protection in line with the water regulations. The tanks’ flat, shallow profile and ability to be backfilled with gravel rather than concrete help reduce excavation depth and installation time. Free UK mainland delivery is included as standard for even greater value. Both the AA Eco-Plus and AA Silentio systems are supplied with a telescopic dome shaft and pedestrian lid, with the option to upgrade to a vehicle-loading lid for driveways or areas with traffic. In addition, theAASilentio system also comes with a reversible flow filter and a digital display which gives the property owner an accurate level of how much rainwater is left in the tank. For more information on GRAF UK’s new AA rainwater harvesting range, please go to https://aasystems.grafuk.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Large UK infrastructure projects, particularly across the renewables and water sectors, are driving increased demand for temporary roadway mats as more frequent and prolonged wet ground conditions continue to affect site access and construction programmes. Ground engineering and geotechnical specialist Spencer Quantum, part of RSK Group, has expanded its temporary mat fleet over the past decade. This includes an accelerated investment of more than £5 million in the last three years in response to sustained demand and increasingly challenging ground conditions. The business now operates one of the UK’s largest temporary access mat stocks, supporting projects across the highways, utilities, and environmental sectors, with around 12,000 mats creating up to 15 miles (24 km) of roadway. Managing director Ross McDermott said growth in solar farm development across the UK is a key driver, alongside wider major infrastructure activity. The business has also supplied temporary roadway mats for music and arts festivals. The versatile mat system is manufactured from strong, durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE), enabling it to withstand significant loads and high volumes of traffic while remaining light enough for efficient handling and transport. This makes the system suitable for a wide range of applications, including temporary pedestrian walkways, special events, concerts, film sets, heavy construction, and crane lift pads. Ross said: “In the past, creating access routes often required excavation of topsoil, extensive use of plant and machinery, importing hauled stone and subsequent reinstatement works. Temporary roadway mats provide a more efficient alternative, reducing both programme time and cost. “With a lifespan of 15 years or more when used correctly, the mats are also a more sustainable option than traditional haul roads, with less impact on the environment. “Each mat weighs around 219 kg, and our installation teams can lay up to 150 mats per day, enabling rapid creation of access routes and haul roads. This is particularly valuable on constrained or environmentally sensitive sites, as well as for emergency or reactive works. “The system works by distributing loads across a wider surface area, helping to reduce ground pressure and minimise rutting, settlement and damage to underlying soils during construction and installation.” Ross added that the mats maintain ground integrity even under significant plant and vehicle movements on soft or unstable ground, with the capacity to support loads of up to 280 tonnes per square metre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has launched a new applications guide designed to help specifiers, consultants, contractors and any other party involved navigate the complexity of water supply system design, with a clear, practical route to selecting high-performance, sustainable solutions. Titled ‘A guide to water supply applications’, the brochure matches common system requirements, including boosted cold water, domestic hot water, heating systems and chilled water, with the best-suited solutions from its MecFlow supply systems range. By aligning product selection with real-world applications, the guide aims to simplify decision-making across a wide range of building types. The guide responds directly to the challenges faced on modern construction projects, from labour shortages and tighter site constraints to evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements. And with pressures around carbon reduction, water quality and long-term system performance continuing to grow, it demonstrates how the pipework specification can directly influence the efficiency, sustainability, and reliability of water supply systems. As well as outlining key considerations for each application, the brochure highlights how plastic pipe systems can support the long-term health of a system and how material selection can contribute to more efficient, lower-maintenance solutions, supporting both operational performance and whole-life sustainability. “Specifying water supply systems is becoming increasingly complex, with more variables to consider across performance, compliance and sustainability,” explained Scott Clark, Senior Product Manager at Polypipe Building Services. “This guide is designed to bring clarity to that process, helping our customers match the right solution to the demands of each application, while also considering long-term system health and efficiency.” The brochure features Polypipe’s MecFlow Press and MecFlow Fusion systems, both engineered to support reliable, high-performance installations across a range of applications. To learn more, read the new brochure here: https://www.polypipebuildingservices.com/applications/application-brochure/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Asphalt pavements have to handle far more stress today than they did decades ago. Heavier freight traffic, fluctuating temperatures, moisture intrusion and tighter municipal budgets have all placed additional pressure on road networks. Therefore, building asphalt pavements that last can be challenging. You need the right product that can extend pavement life, reduce maintenance costs and improve long-term return on investment. Here are the top-rated solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. 1. Reinforcement Fiber by FORTA FORTA introduced synthetic reinforcement fibers to the U.S. in 1978 and has been developing the technology ever since. Its asphalt solution, FORTA-FI, remains one of the most recognized solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. Designed for airports, highways, streets, and industrial parking lots, FORTA-FI creates a three-dimensional reinforcement matrix within asphalt mixes to help reduce thermal, reflective, and fatigue cracking, as well as rutting and raveling. The synthetic fiber blend can extend pavement life by up to 50% and has a tensile strength five times that of steel. It also integrates into existing batch and drum plant operations without disrupting production efficiency. Key Features 2. Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders by Dow Dow offers polymer-modified asphalt technologies, ideal for roads that need to survive heavy traffic, changing climates and constant wear without demanding endless maintenance. Its award-winning ELVALOY RET Polymers improve asphalt flexibility, cracking resistance and rutting performance. The company also incorporates post-consumer recycled plastics into its asphalt solutions, turning waste into high-performance pavement additives that support circular-economy goals. These technologies are already used in projects across the U.S., Indonesia and India as part of its ambition to help collect, reuse or recycle a million tons of plastic by 2030. Key Features 3. Geogrid Reinforcement Systems by Tensar Tensar is improving the durability of asphalt pavements by strengthening what sits beneath the surface. Its GlasGrid and GlasPave systems act as a hidden reinforcement layer between asphalt courses, helping pavements resist reflective cracking, moisture intrusion and long-term fatigue. Traditional overlays typically delay cracking by only about one year per inch of asphalt applied, but Tensar’s interlayer systems may extend service life far more efficiently. The open grid structure allows strong bonding between asphalt layers and transfers stress more efficiently across the pavement system. GlasPave paving mats also create a moisture barrier by limiting water infiltration into lower pavement layers. Key Features 4. Warm Mix Asphalt by BoDean Company BoDean Company’s Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology proves that cooler can sometimes be better. While traditional asphalt is typically produced at temperatures above 320° Fahrenheit, the company lowers production temperatures to below 275° Fahrenheit by injecting atomized water molecules into hot binder oil. That reduction helps eliminate blue smoke, cuts CO2 emissions and lowers energy consumption, but still preserves the asphalt binder against excessive oxidation. Because WMA cools more slowly than traditional hot mix asphalt, your crews can pave more effectively in colder weather and transport material farther without worrying about rapid temperature loss. Plus, it requires fewer roller passes for compaction, which enhances productivity and worker safety. Key Features 5. Asphalt Rejuvenators by Pavement Technology, Inc. Pavement Technology, Inc. has focused on asphalt rejuvenation since 1972, when it began refining the application of Reclamite, the original maltene Deplacement Technology. Instead of simply coating pavement surfaces, Reclamite chemically restores the maltene components that asphalt loses over time. Therefore, it helps improve flexibility, adhesion and durability. The company later expanded into sustainability-focused preservation with A.R.A.-1 Ti/PlusTI Asphalt Rejuvenator, introduced in 2017 as America’s first titanium-dioxide-enhanced asphalt rejuvenator. Along with slowing pavement oxidation, the technology can reduce nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and heat absorption linked to urban heat effects. Key Features Quick Comparison Table of the Top Asphalt Durability Products The following is how the top-rated solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements compare side by side. Company Solution Type Product Main Benefit FORTA Reinforcement Fiber FORTA-FI Tensile strength is five times that of steel, and can extend pavement life by up to 50% Dow Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders ELVALOY RET Improves flexibility and resistance to aging Tensar Geogrid Reinforcement Systems GlasGrid and GlasPave systems Reinforces overlays and mitigates reflective cracking BoDean Company Warm Mix Asphalt Warm Mix Asphalt Lowers oxidation and improves compaction Pavement Technology, Inc. Asphalt Rejuvenators Reclamite/PlusTi Restores asphalt flexibility and slows oxidation Criteria of the Solutions for Improving the Durability of Asphalt Pavements The companies and solutions in this list meet several factors, including: Frequently Asked Questions Here are some commonly asked questions about asphalt pavements. Q: How long should a well-designed asphalt pavement last? A: A well-designed asphalt pavement can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, depending on traffic loads, climate conditions, drainage quality and maintenance practices. Preventive maintenance and reinforcement technologies can significantly extend service life. Q: What causes asphalt pavements to fail prematurely? A: Poor drainage, insufficient compaction, heavy traffic loads, thermal cracking, oxidation and weak subgrade conditions typically cause premature pavement failure. Q: Why is compaction important for asphalt durability? A: Proper compaction reduces air voids within the pavement. Excessive voids allow moisture infiltration and oxidation, both of which accelerate pavement deterioration. Paving the Way Forward The five solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements on this list can help roads last longer while facing heavier traffic, harsher environmental conditions and tighter maintenance budgets. Choosing the right one for your needs can lead to fewer repairs, lower life cycle costs and more resilient infrastructure that performs better for years to come.
WREKIN PRODUCTS has become the first civil engineering product manufacturer in the UK to achieve Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessed status for its ductile iron range, reinforcing its position as a trusted and transparent partner to the construction sector. The CCPI is an industry-led initiative developed to raise the standard of product information across the construction industry. Achieving assessed status means Wrekin’s ductile iron product information has been independently assessed against the Code’s requirements, with a focus on the quality and management of that information rather than product performance alone. In practice, this means documentation has been reviewed to provide greater confidence that it is clear, accurate, accessible and up-to-date, as well as structured to support better decision-making across specification, installation and long-term asset management. Wrekin’s ductile iron range was prioritised internally for assessment because it’s the company’s largest and most safety-critical offering, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that the products most relied upon by specifiers and installers are held to the highest standards of information quality. John Kiernan, product manager at Wrekin Products, said: “Achieving CCPI assessed status is about more than a mark of quality. It is about giving our customers greater confidence that the information we provide can be trusted. It is very easy for manufacturers to make claims about their products, but being able to back those claims up with independent assessment adds a level of credibility that we believe is increasingly important in this industry. We want customers to know that what we tell them is accurate, consistent and reliable. “This is an important step forward in how we manage and communicate our product information, and we see it as part of a longer journey. We are committed to continually improving how our product information is presented and maintained, so that we are contributing to higher standards across the construction industry. “We encourage other manufacturers to explore what CCPI assessment involves. The process itself drives real improvements in how you present and maintain your information, and the benefits go well beyond the accreditation.” Wrekin’s ductile iron product range includes manhole covers, gully gratings, through to kerb units, surface boxes and accessories, which are used across several sectors such as highways, housing and utilities. Further information about Wrekin’s CCPI assessed products, including a full product finder, is available at https://www.wrekinproducts.com/ccpi Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rapid construction at a major heavy-duty Sheffield industrial facility has seen main sub-contractor Cidon Construction continue with advancing the development. In order to facilitate high quality work, rapidly, efficiently and safely, the company has been working with National Pile Croppers (NPC), which has supplied Quad L and QXL pile croppers and round the clock support for the project. The ongoing redevelopment of a heavy-duty industrial facility in Sheffield is part of a contract valued at £138 million, which will support construction of a 13,800m2 building. VINCI Building will deliver the project to provide foundations, a 40 metre high superstructure and building service solutions for the facility, alongside teams of subcontractors and supply chain partners. Due to the structure of the building, with its high load bearing walls and superstructure, secant piles were initially chosen due to their ability to be constructed and form excavations in areas of high-water table. They are also able to be high load carrying whilst suffering from less vibration during construction. These were cropped by VINCI Building using a NPC monster cropper, the QXXL, which proved ideal for dealing with the 1,050mm piles. Next stage and more cropping The initial cropping of the secant piles was undertaken using a NPC Quad XXL, which has been designed and developed to deal with piles of between 1,050mm and 1,200m. “The development of the Quad XXL has proved to be the ideal tool for this project. It has the size to get over the 1,050mm piles and reduce them effectively. It is the only piece of kit capable of fitting in between the primary/secondary piles that have a range of 1,050mm – 1,200mm. Piles of this size often come oversized generally at the top,” explains NPC company director Scott Fitchett. This work was undertaken by VINCI Building working in conjunction with NPC. The pile cropping of the other non-secant tiles is being undertaken by sub-contractor, Barnsley headquartered Cidon Construction, which is a specialist reinforced concrete contractor with over 20 years’ experience in the delivery of complex concrete structures. For dealing with the smaller 600mm to 750mm bearing piles until the end of Jan 2026 an NPC QL was used. Following on from that, and for cropping the larger 750mm to 950mm piles, an NPC QXL will be used. Quad designed to be productive All three members of the NPC Quad family work in a similar fashion. The cropper is lowered over the top of the pile to recommended height – on ‘de-bonded’ piles this could be 500mm or more. The jaws are closed until a pile section pops free, with the reinforcement bars being kept straight for ease of removal, with the broken pile section easily lifted to dumper or an identified safe area. The Quad family uses four powerful and fully synchronised rams with specially designed blades to give a superb pile cut. Best utilised on piles with ‘debonded’ reinforcement bars, the Quad design gives it a very small footprint to enable access into tight spaces. “The Quad family has certainly delivered on the Sheffield project. Both VINCI Building and Cidon Construction have been impressed with the performance. It’s been a pleasure to work with both companies on what has proved to be a demanding project,” concludes Scott Fitchett. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The stage is set for Doka to showcase its Intelligent Heated Formwork prototype at this year’s UK Concrete Show. The formwork and scaffolding specialist’s next-generation system sets a new standard in automated formwork, enabling safe, efficient use of CO2reduced concrete all-year-round. The two-day UK Concrete Show (25-26 March) at NEC Birmingham provides the Intelligent Heated Formwork with its first UK demonstration, following its successful unveiling at last year’s Bauma international construction trade fair. Using targeted electrical heating, the intelligent formwork accelerates low-carbon concrete curing in walls and slabs. This supports greater building schedule certainty and leads to potential CO2 savings of circa one-third compared to a standard concrete mix. Robert Hauser, Doka CEO, said: “CO2-reduced concrete is a key driver of change, and Doka is committed to supporting a lower carbon construction future. This aligns with our own ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2040.” Concrete and cement are significant contributors to construction’s global CO2 impact. The development of low-carbon concrete mixes helps to reduce carbon emissions, but their potentially lengthy setting time – particularly in cold weather – negates some of their sustainable value. Doka’s Intelligent Heated Formwork, which has been successfully trialled in research projects and on live construction sites, addresses that issue. The system maintains a moderate temperature to protect concrete from changes in weather and temperature. Therefore, even in winter, setting times continue unaffected, saving costly building delays and increasing project sustainability. Alongside the Intelligent Heated Formwork prototype, Doka will also showcase its proven digital solutions, Concremote and DokaXact, which are already delivering value on construction sites worldwide. These sensor-based technologies provide real-time data on concrete temperature, strength development, and formwork pressure, enabling contractors to make informed decisions throughout the pouring and curing process. By improving visibility over key performance indicators, they support safer operations, optimise stripping times, and help maintain project schedules. In the context of low-carbon concrete, where slower strength development and increased sensitivity to environmental conditions present new challenges, digital monitoring becomes increasingly critical. Concremote and DokaXact allow teams to accurately track in-situ behaviour, reducing uncertainty and mitigating risks associated with extended curing times or fluctuating temperatures. Together with Intelligent Heated Formwork, these solutions form part of a comprehensive approach to enabling the safe, efficient, and scalable use of CO2-reduced concrete in real-world conditions. James Hurst, Product & Marketing Director UK, added: “The UK Concrete Show is the ideal platform to bring this technology in front of the people who will shape the next generation of construction in Britain. Intelligent Heated Formwork represents a real step forward — not just for how we build, but for how responsibly we build. We look forward to welcoming visitors to stand B50 and showing what the future of low-carbon concrete construction looks like in practice.” Doka will be exhibiting its Intelligent Heated Formwork prototype on stand B50 at the UK Concrete Show on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to establish what is being described as Europe’s largest circular construction hub have moved forward with the official opening of a new facility in London’s Royal Docks. Delivered in partnership with Newham Council and climate charity Tipping Point East, the hub has been created to recycle and reuse construction materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Once fully operational, backers say it will form the largest circular construction centre of its kind in Europe. The facility marks the first phase of a broader Circular Economy Village planned for Silvertown over the next five years. Located on Greater London Authority land, the hub is intended to support the delivery of 36,000 new homes and 55,000 jobs across the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone. One of the early beneficiaries is expected to be the Lendlease-led Silvertown development, backed by The Crown Estate, which has planning consent for 7,000 homes, at least 30% of which will be affordable. By capturing materials from construction and demolition projects across the area, the hub aims to retain value within the local supply chain and reduce the environmental impact of new schemes. Supporters estimate that at least 950 tonnes of construction waste will be diverted from landfill over the next five years, alongside reductions in embodied carbon across developments that make use of reclaimed materials. The initiative responds to the significant environmental footprint of the construction sector. Construction accounts for around 62% of total UK waste, generating more than 100 million tonnes each year. While recycling rates are comparatively high, more than five million tonnes of construction waste still ends up in landfill annually. By embedding circular economy principles into one of London’s largest regeneration zones, the Royal Docks hub aims to demonstrate how major urban developments can reduce waste, cut carbon and support more sustainable building practices at scale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Effective surface water management is a critical requirement in modern construction projects across the UK. From commercial developments and public realm schemes to highways and industrial infrastructure, selecting the right drainage channel manufacturer directly impacts long-term performance, safety and regulatory compliance. Below is a curated overview of the leading drainage channels manufacturers operating in the UK, with ULMA Architectural Solutions positioned as the top reference brand based on product performance, engineering quality and versatility across project types. 1. ULMA Architectural Solutions – Industry Leader in Polymer Concrete Drainage Systems ULMA Architectural Solutions has established itself as one of the most advanced drainage channel manufacturers supplying the UK construction sector. Specialising in high-performance polymer concrete drainage channels, ULMA provides complete solutions for: ULMA systems are designed to meet all standard load classifications, from pedestrian zones through to heavy-duty traffic and industrial use. Key advantages of ULMA drainage solutions include: The brand is widely specified by architects, civil engineers and contractors seeking durable, technically advanced drainage infrastructure. 2. ACO Technologies – Established UK Drainage Manufacturer ACO is one of the most recognised drainage manufacturers in the UK market, supplying a wide range of channel drainage systems for commercial, infrastructure and public sector projects. Their products are commonly specified in: ACO is known for its long-standing UK manufacturing presence and compliance with British and European construction standards. 3. Hauraton – Heavy-Duty Drainage Engineering Hauraton supplies fibre-reinforced concrete drainage systems designed for high-load environments. Their drainage channels are widely used in: The brand is recognised for its engineering focus on structural durability and performance under demanding conditions. 4. MEA Group – Modular Drainage Channel Solutions MEA Group provides modular drainage channel systems suitable for a broad range of applications in the UK construction market. Their solutions are commonly specified for: MEA products offer flexibility in installation and compatibility with multiple surface finishes. 5. Althon Ltd – UK Specialist in Surface Water Drainage Althon is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in surface water drainage products. The company supplies channel drainage systems for: Althon is particularly known for bespoke drainage solutions and hydraulic engineering expertise. 6. Clark Drain Ltd – Established British Drainage Manufacturer Clark Drain is a long-established UK manufacturer supplying drainage channels and surface water management products. Their drainage systems are widely used across: The brand is recognised for product reliability and strong UK distribution networks. 7. Marshalls Civils & Drainage – Integrated Surface Water Solutions Marshalls Civils & Drainage is a major UK supplier of precast concrete and drainage infrastructure products. Their channel drainage systems are commonly specified for: Marshalls is known for integrated surface water management solutions and strong presence in the UK civil engineering sector. 8. FP McCann – Precast Drainage Infrastructure Manufacturer FP McCann is one of the UK’s leading precast concrete manufacturers supplying drainage channels and infrastructure components. Their drainage systems are used in: FP McCann is particularly strong in large-scale infrastructure supply. 9. Polypipe Civils – Plastic Drainage Systems for UK Construction Polypipe Civils supplies plastic-based drainage channel systems widely used across the UK construction sector. Their products are commonly specified in: Polypipe benefits from extensive UK manufacturing capacity and national distribution coverage. 10. Wavin (Orbia Group) – Integrated Water Management Solutions Wavin provides surface water drainage systems including linear channel solutions for UK construction projects. Their drainage products are frequently used in: Wavin focuses on integrated water management and sustainability-driven design. Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Right Drainage Channel Manufacturer in the UK Define Load Class Requirements Correct load classification is essential for long-term performance. Manufacturers supply channels rated for: Choosing the correct load class prevents premature failure and structural damage. Evaluate Hydraulic Performance Efficient drainage channels feature: Polymer concrete systems, such as those supplied by ULMA, typically offer superior hydraulic efficiency compared to traditional materials. Consider Installation Efficiency Modern modular and monolithic drainage systems reduce installation time, minimise labour requirements and improve on-site accuracy. This can significantly lower total project costs. Focus on Lifecycle Value Long-term durability, chemical resistance and reduced maintenance requirements often provide greater value than low upfront cost alone. Frequently Asked Questions What is a drainage channel? A drainage channel is a linear surface water collection system designed to capture runoff water and transport it safely to underground drainage networks or infiltration systems. Which drainage channel material performs best in the UK climate? Polymer concrete is widely regarded as one of the most reliable materials due to its strength, low porosity, frost resistance and long service life. Are drainage channels required on UK construction projects? Many commercial and infrastructure projects require compliant surface water drainage systems to meet UK building regulations, SuDS requirements and safety standards. Can drainage channels be integrated into architectural designs? Yes. Slot drainage systems and architectural grating options allow discreet integration into modern urban and commercial developments without compromising performance. Why is ULMA considered a leading drainage manufacturer in the UK? ULMA combines advanced polymer concrete technology, broad product ranges, international engineering expertise and dedicated technical support, making it particularly suitable for complex UK construction and infrastructure projects.
Winter is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. That means reinforced concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings could be in for a wild ride on the “roller coaster” of freeze-thaw cycling. To minimize damage from these inevitable temperature swings, Cortec® recommends taking the simple maintenance step of applying a water repellent at least once every ten years. Here’s a closer look at why that is important. The Danger of Freeze-Thaw Cycling Residents of northern climates know what it is like to experience days or weeks of freezing winter temperatures, followed by a sudden thaw that temporarily melts snow and ice before freezing it again. Unfortunately, concrete absorbs moisture, which expands when it freezes, putting stress on the concrete and eventually causing it to crack. This allows more corrosives to enter, exacerbating the problem until corrosion and deterioration set in. Benefit of Applying Water Repellents One simple step toward minimizing the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle is to limit the amount of moisture (and chlorides) entering the porous structure by applying a silane water repellent that still leaves the concrete breathable and does not change its appearance. A good practice to follow is application once every 10 years, starting as early as possible in the life of the structure. Choose Your Level of Protection Engineers and contractors can choose from a range of silanes that offer varying degrees of protection, but the fact is that any water repellent is better than nothing. The use of a 40% silane water repellent tends to be more budget-friendly, while the use of a 100% silane water repellent keeps out more moisture. Combining either of these with an MCI® surface applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) is even better, providing two-in-one protection against the ingress of corrosives and actively fighting against corrosion at the rebar level if any corrosives do find their way into the concrete. The following options represent lower to higher protection: Protect Your Concrete Before Winter The next time you shiver at the thought of winter snow and cold, be sure to consider giving an extra layer of protection to your reinforced concrete to help it withstand harsh winters better. Whether your concrete is new or old, adding an MCI® water repellent is a great way to fortify your concrete structure against the effects of freeze-thaw cycling to promote a longer service life. Winter is coming. Prepare your structure now. Contact Cortec® MCI® for additional technical support on selecting the best water repellent for your situation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals