infiltration systems

Description infiltration systems

Infiltration systems are designed to collect rainwater and infiltrate it into the soil. They consist of infiltration crates, also known as infiltration boxes or infiltration pits. These crates are made of plastic and have an open structure, so that rainwater can easily be collected and infiltrated. The infiltration system is fitted with geotextiles to prevent the crates from becoming clogged with dirt and sediment. This geotextile ensures that only water can reach the crates, while keeping dirt and sediment out. The rainwater is led through a drainage system to the infiltration crates, where it gradually seeps into the soil. As a result, the rainwater is not directly drained to the sewer, but can be processed in a natural way. Infiltration systems can be used in both new construction projects and existing buildings. They contribute to sustainable water management and reduce the load on the sewerage system during heavy rainfall. By infiltrating the rainwater, the groundwater level is also maintained and the risk of flooding in the area is reduced.

Why infiltrate. At the end of this article you will know

Infiltration is important for several reasons. Firstly, infiltration crates offer many advantages. They can be used for various applications such as regulating water management, replenishing groundwater, preventing flooding and protecting the environment. In addition, infiltration crates contribute to sustainable water use and promote biodiversity. The use of infiltration crates also has positive environmental benefits as they help reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on the environment. In short, infiltration crates are an essential tool in managing and protecting water resources and promoting sustainability in our ecosystem.

Faster infiltration and better drainage of rainwater

Faster infiltration and better drainage of rainwater is critical to address several issues. Firstly, it contributes to the reduction of flooding, which is a common problem during heavy rainfall. By using infiltration systems, rainwater can be efficiently collected and infiltrated into the ground, preventing flooding.

In addition, the protection of the sewage system plays an important role. During heavy rainfall, the sewage system can become overloaded, with the result that the rainwater cannot be drained off quickly enough. This can lead to blockages, flooding and damage to infrastructure. The use of infiltration systems ensures that part of the rainwater is infiltrated directly into the soil, reducing the pressure on the sewage system.

In addition, faster infiltration and better drainage of rainwater contribute to the prevention of flooding. Floods can cause major damage to buildings, infrastructure and the environment. By using infiltration systems, rainwater can gradually infiltrate into the soil, reducing the risk of flooding.

Another advantage of infiltration systems is that they promote natural drainage. Rainwater that infiltrates the soil can be absorbed by plants and trees, helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem. In addition, infiltration can help replenish groundwater reserves, which is important for water management.

Finally, faster infiltration and better drainage of rainwater leads to an improvement in water quality. Rainwater that spills onto streets and other paved surfaces often carries contaminants such as oil, heavy metals and pesticides with it. By using infiltration systems, the rainwater can be filtered into the soil, so that these contaminants are broken down and absorbed by the soil. This contributes to a cleaner and healthier water quality.

Maintenance and calculation of infiltration crates

To ensure that infiltration crates function optimally, it is important to carry out regular maintenance. An important aspect in the maintenance of infiltration crates is calculating the required capacity. Various factors are taken into account, such as the surface of the site, the rainfall intensity, the soil permeability and the storage capacity of the infiltration crate.

First of all, it is important to determine the area of the site on which the infiltration system will be installed. This can be, for example, a parking space, a garden or a company site. Based on this surface area, the required capacity of the infiltration crate can be calculated.

In addition, the rainfall intensity plays a role in determining the required capacity. The higher the rainfall intensity in a certain area, the greater the capacity of the infiltration crate must be to collect the rainwater.

Soil permeability is also an important factor to consider. This determines how quickly the rainwater can infiltrate into the soil. If the soil is poorly permeable, a larger storage capacity will be required in the infiltration crate to store the water. They are often used in areas where the drainage of rainwater is problematic, for example because of a high groundwater level. The height of the groundwater is therefore also an important factor when sizing and determining the capacity of infiltration crates.

Finally, the storage capacity of the infiltration crate itself is important. This capacity indicates how much water the infiltration crate can collect before the water infiltrates to the bottom. It is important that the storage capacity is sufficient to collect the rainwater, so that no flooding occurs.

To ensure that infiltration crates continue to function properly, it is important to carry out regular maintenance. This could include cleaning the infiltration crates to prevent blockages, checking the storage capacity and possibly replacing damaged parts. By performing regular maintenance, the lifespan of infiltration crates can be extended and they continue to function optimally.