MAY 2009
ACO CIVILS_LINK THE NEWS CHANNEL FOR THE CIVILS INDUSTRY
THE NEWS ACO DRAIN PRODUCTS: NEW AND IMPROVED Page 4-5
SECTOR FOCUS NEW E-LEARNING COURSES AVAILABLE: LEARN ABOUT THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY’S NEW GUIDELINES FOR COMBINED KERB DRAINAGE. See Page 7
EBBSFLEET INTERNATIONAL SEE PAGE 6 FOR THE FULL STORY
ACO CIVILS_LINK | MAY 2009
VIENITE ™ THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
ACO KerbDrain®
So your designs meet the required standards RECYCLED MATERIAL - Venite™: a new quality assured recycled material
KITEMARKED - ongoing independent testing by BSI
SPECIFICATION FOR HIGHWAY WORKS - fully compliant
For your free information guide call: 01462 816666
BS EN 1433:2002 - all ranges fully certified by a notified body
MARKED - by a notified body
ISO 9001:2000 - certified company by BSI
To find out more: ISO 9001 FM 13502
call: 01462 816666 | visit: www.aco.co.uk
IN THIS ISSUE…
THE FIRST ISSUE! HELLO AND WELCOME TO ACO CIVILS_LINK, THE FIRST ISSUE OF THIS NEWSLETTER FROM ACO TECHNOLOGIES!
NEWS 4-5 INDUSTRY & ACO NEWS ACO exhibits at Civils 2008 and Ecobuild 2009. Also, see ACO’s new products.
ACO Civils_Link is specifically tailored to the Civils industry. It provides the most up to date ACO product information, and gives specific ACO and industry news that’s relevant to all involved in the Civils market. ACO Civils_Link will also highlight how to benefit from our increasing product range and marketing activity. For example, the Sector Focus for this issue is on our new interactive e-learning courses. Ed the Editor.
SECTOR FOCUS 6 PROJECT FOCUS Ebbsfleet International– The full story.
7 E–LEARNING Benefit from interactive online courses.
Communication is the key to so many things in life. For all of us in the construction product manufacturing business, communication between ourselves, the specifier, installer and stockist is even more important at this moment in time, due to tightening markets and unprecedented input cost increases. So our launch of ACO Civils_Link is very timely. Ed and the team have created a very fresh and modern look to our newsletter. I trust you can agree and, more importantly, find the contents useful. We have made a lot of changes and improvements here at ACO in the last 6-9 months and it is important that you are all aware of them and benefit from them.
OTHER FEATURES
I hope this newsletter helps in the communication of these changes. Please give us some feedback – remember communication should always be two-way to be really successful.
8 ACO PRODUCT SUPPORT
Richard Hill, Managing Director.
From grating types to complete project design – Design Services can help with all technical enquiries.
The ACO Drain catalogue and a refresh on ACO products.
9 DESIGN SERVICES
10 PRESS RE-RELEASE Focus on ACO projects.
ACO CIVILS_LINK | 3
NEWS
CIVILS 2008 The Civils 2008 exhibition took place in London at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is the largest civil engineering exhibition and conference in the UK. ACO was there under the ACO Water Management banner to showcase our new ACO StormTank system (see page 5 for details).
The event was a great success, attracting a wide range of visitors including civil engineering contractors, consulting engineers, specialist sub-contractors, local and central government – many people took the opportunity to meet, network and discuss the current Civils market.
We also took the opportunity to exhibit our new sustainable materials and our Drain (Civils) portfolio.
ECOBUILD 2009 ACO exhibited its new ACO Water Management solutions at Ecobuild 2009, for the first time. Developed to allow complete control of the removal and return of surface water to the natural environment, the solutions embrace a range of new and award winning products; next generation recycled materials and support services that will assist designers and contractors meet the tightening ecological demands of water management specifications. In a special ceremony at the exhibition, Richard Hill, Managing Director of ACO Technologies, received the company’s
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ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems accreditation from the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Deputy Chairman of the Construction Industry Council and Vice President of the Town and County Planning Association.
Richard Hill, Managing Director of ACO Technologies plc (right of picture) receives the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems accreditation from the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP.
NEWS
ACO STORMTANK: WATER MANAGEMENT
ACO QMAX: ACCESS CHAMBER
ACO StormTank is the first modular storm water infiltration and attenuation system to fully overcome the problems created by silt build up and provision of tank access for inspection and maintenance – a major issue in securing system adoption and planning approval.
ACO Qmax® Access Chamber is a lightweight inspection chamber designed to provide fast and simple connectivity between any channel sizes within the award winning ACO Qmax® range. Manufactured from recycled Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) a tough, highly corrosion resistant material, the system can also provide access for maintenance, cleaning and the management of silt retention.
Manufactured from recyclable plastic, the lightweight material makes ACO StormTank easy to handle and quick to install. Each cell has a 97% void ratio reducing the cost associated with excavation and aggregates compared with traditional gravel based solutions. ACO StormTank offers the latest technology in storm water infiltration and attenuation. The lightweight modular cell system is designed for use in a variety of applications including distribution parks, car parks, commercial and residential developments. ACO StormTank has been tested in accordance with CIRIA guidelines and is suitable for use in landscaped and vehicular trafficked areas.
The ACO Qmax® Access Chamber is available in two sizes; the shallow version is 735mm deep and suitable for use with the ACO Qmax® 225 and 350 systems only, the larger version is 1350mm deep and can be used with all channel sizes within the ACO Qmax® range. To complete the installation, the ACO Qmax® Access Chamber can be used with any 600mm x 600mm cover and frame certified to BS EN 124 Load Classes up to and including F 900. Typical Applications: • Airports • Commercial developments • Distribution yards • Highways
• Industrial estates • Parking areas • Ports and docks • Retail developments
ACO CIVILS_LINK | 5
PROJECT FOCUS
ACO DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AT NEW HIGH SPEED 1 STATION A number of ACO drainage systems were installed at the international station at Ebbsfleet for High Speed 1. The extensive network of kerb and channel drains at the station combines to effectively remove all standing water from the rail platforms, the passenger car parks and around the main terminal building. Ebbsfleet International forms a vital component in the £5.8 billion high speed rail project that links London to the rest of Europe. The station, which sits strategically close to the M25 and M2 in Kent, provides ‘park and ride’ access to the new rail services outside the capital and is expected to handle in excess of one million passengers a year. The site was developed by London & Continental Stations and Properties (LCSP), the
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property subsidiary of London & Continental Railways: “With such high volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, we cannot compromise on durability or drainage performance - it is essential that the systems remove surface water as quickly as possible and provide sufficient storage capacity to cope with sudden downpours,” says Paul Shattock, Head Project Manager at LCSP. Within the terminal there are four main passenger platforms that are partly exposed. On each, a single run of ACO channel has been installed. Cast with protective stainless steel edge rails within the resin concrete base, each run has been fitted with stainless steel mesh gratings. These create a finish that harmonises with the station’s environment and provide the strength to withstand high volumes of pedestrian traffic.
ACO KerbDrain® has been used extensively on the perimeter and around the islands within the car parks. These are linked together via short runs of ACO RoadDrain®, which acts as a junction channel in this application. Where individual runs of channel have been required ACO S Range has been installed. Both ACO RoadDrain® and S Range are heavy duty systems having certified Load Class ratings of F 900, making them suitable for the most demanding load bearing situations.
SECTOR FOCUS
E-LEARNING After a period of some months spent trading in the tough economic climate such as that currently being experienced, most of us begin to find ourselves affected in ways we had never anticipated. A direct consequence of fewer staff frequently means people end up busier than ever before as they take on new areas of responsibility. It is a regrettable coincidence that the pressure on time arises at the same time as the need to ensure ‘knowledge’ is at its very best, because it is knowledge of products and their suitable applications that ultimately underpins customer service. Recognising the conflicting pressures of the need for more and better knowledge but no time, ACO Academy have specifically introduced e-learning programmes which can make a vital difference without demanding substantial investment in time.
The ACO Academy e-learning facility is available to registered users. It is accessible over the Internet using standard web browser technology. Each module is designed to explain product features or application issues in a user friendly style which users can pursue at their own rate. In order to assist the user in digesting and retaining the information there are a series of questions designed to emphasise critical information. One of the key issues currently being addressed within the latest ACO Academy e-learning is the standards that customers must ensure are met when purchasing combined kerb drainage products. Another new module addresses the subject of recycled material being used in construction products and specifically looks at the benefits of ACO’s new Vienite™ material being used in ACO KerbDrain® and ACO RoadDrain®.
Learn about the standards that customers must ensure are met when purchasing combined kerb drainage products.
VIENITE ™ THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
Work through the e-learning modules at your own pace, and test yourself on all the key information.
ACO CIVILS_LINK | 7
ACO PRODUCT SUPPORT
THE ACO DRAIN CATALOGUE If you have ever been caught short on detailed technical information on any of the products in the ACO Drain range - you need an ACO Drain catalogue. The catalogue includes an ACO Drain product selector - to help you specify the right product for the application in question. It also provides easy technical reference for all the products in the ACO Drain range.
The catalogue provides the following technical information: • Installation details • Load class ratings • Product dimensions • Hydraulic performance • Grating types
The ACO Drain Product Selector, a simple way to select the right product
REFRESH ON ACO DRAIN PRODUCTS During the past year, ACO has made two major changes to the ACO Drain product range, by adding the MultiDrain™ MD and MultiDrain™ PPD systems. To keep you up to date, here is a quick guide to these new products:
ACO MULTIDRAIN™ MD ™
ACO MultiDrain MD is the latest generation polymer concrete channel drainage system. It replaces the N100K system and offers a host of improvements and new features: • An improved load class rating – now from A 15 to D 400* • Now available with three channel widths: M100D = 100mm wide M150D = 150mm wide M200D = 200mm wide • A large selection of Drainlock™ gratings, including a discreet slot grating (see right). • MultiDrain™ MD is 100% recyclable. *Depending on grating type. Not suitable for carriageways of public roads or motorways.
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ACO MULTIDRAIN™ PPD ACO MultiDrain™ PPD is the first high strength recycled polypropylene channel drainage system offered by ACO. MultiDrain™ PPD consists of: • A 1m plastic channel unit, 100mm wide and 150mm deep. • HexTechnology™ design, load class rated from A 15 pedestrian areas, up to and including D 400 parking areas for all types of road vehicles*. • Available with an extensive range of Drainlock™ grating, including a discreet slot grating (see left). • MultiDrain™ PPD is 100% recyclable. *Depending on grating type. TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE ACO MULTIDRAIN™ MD OR MULTIDRAIN™ PPD BROCHURE, PLEASE FILL OUT THE REPLY CARD AND PUT IT IN THE POST.
DESIGN SERVICES
THE TEAM
TO SUPPORT CONTRACTORS, SPECIFIERS AND ENGINEERS IN DESIGNING AND INSTALLING ACO DRAIN PRODUCTS, THE ACO DESIGN SERVICE TEAM (RIGHT) OFFER A RANGE OF TECHNICAL ADVICE SERVICES. Getting the drainage specification right is crucial and with many issues to consider, it is important to assess all the different variables in order to reduce any potential risk. At ACO, we recognise these challenges and offer a free of charge technical support service to assist the contractor, in designing and installing ACO channel drainage schemes. The ACO Design Services team utilise powerful new bespoke software to offer state of the art
computer aided scheme design and hydraulic performance calculations, along with installation advice service without obligation. The Team will also help with any other technical question you may have about ACO products, including: • General product advice e.g. grating types • Parts schedules • On site product advise
Jon Croke Design Service and Technical Manager
TO RECEIVE TECHNICAL ADVICE, PLEASE VISIT THE ACO WEBSITE, WWW.ACO.CO.UK AND COMPLETE THE ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM ON THE DESIGN SERVICES PAGE. ALTERNATIVELY, PLEASE EMAIL DRAINTECHNICAL@ACO.CO.UK, TELEPHONE 01462 816666 OR FAX 01462 851081.
Zoe Gates, Stewart Lindsey, Rachel Simpson and Anil Bangher Technical Design Advisors
VISIT WWW.ACO.CO.UK AND COMPLETE THE ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM ON THE DESIGN SERVICES PAGE.
ACO CIVILS_LINK | 9
Perkins takes first Tank The first installation of the new ACO StormTank modular surface water attenuation and infiltra tion system has been completed at Perkins Engin es’ manufacturing facility in Stafford. A key part of a sustainable drainage system (SUDS) designed by ACO Technologies, the 65m3 modular tank system attenu ates and controls the discharge of surface water run-o ff from a new lorry park that has been created to ease vehicl e movements across the site.
PRESS RE-RELEASE
ACO PROJECTS ACO’s products are used for a number of different applications. We’ve included a couple of our most recent press releases to show how they could be the perfect solution to your next project.
Designer Drainage This year’s Urban Traffic Scheme of the Year Award was won by Blackpool Council for its regeneration of Layton District Centre. The successful transformation of the old dual carriageway into a ‘Shared Space’ for pedestrians and motorists used close to 1000m of ACO product - ACO KerbDrain® and ACO RoadDrain®.
However, the standard product’s colour and texture did not sit in harmony with the schemes finish. Working closely with Blackpool’s engineers, ACO’s production team devised a new method of treatment to expose the aggregate beneath the surface of the ACO KerbDrain® and ACO RoadDrain® sections, allowing for a precise match to the designer’s colour requirements.
COMING SOON… ACO DRAINSPOTTER YOUR EYE ON THE GROUND It’s true to say that once you’ve worked with ACO for a while you develop a strange tendency, when wandering about, to notice things that others miss. Yep, we’re talking drainage. Despite the obvious health hazards involved when walking about with your
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eyes fixed firmly on the ground, the rewards of this unique pastime are tremendous. And now, with the launch of a rather special competition, we can safely say that they really are. We want to reward all you keen eyed spotters of drains out there with the chance to become a member of an exclusive club – ACO DrainSpotter. And it couldn’t be simpler to get access… As you trot about the globe, if you see any ACO product anywhere interesting
Installed beneath the new concrete hardstanding, the watertight tank receives run-off (via an oil interceptor) from a single 65m run of ACO S100 heavy duty surface drainage channel situated along one side of the park. From the tank, water is discharged to a nearby stream at a controlled maximum rate of 3 litres/second. During heavy rainfall, excess water held back by a vortex control in the outlet chamber accum ulates within the tank, releasing over time as rainfa ll conditions ease. The ACO StormTank was installed by Stafford-based contractor F. Espley & Sons Ltd. As Contracts Manager Andrew Bramhall explains, the modu lar system delivered particular site benefits: “As the system has such a high void ratio, we were able to reduce the total volume of the excavation required to accommodate the tank – a significant time and cost saving. It was also extremely easy to handle; the lightw eight, modular design meant that we were able to assemble the entire tank in under a day.” In combination with a suitable geote xtile or geomembrane, ACO StormTank can be configured to either infiltrate or attenuate run-o ff depending on the specific requirements of the locati on. The tank installed at the Perkins Engines’ site is set up to attenuate all surface water. To achieve the watertight installation required, the tank is first wrapped in a impermeable geomembrane. It is then covered with a protective ACOT ex Plus fleece to achieve a completely sealed and stable structure.
– be it the country, the setting or for any other reason, take a picture and send it in to us. The top pictures we receive as judged by our Spotter-in-Chief (yes, we have one) will receive not only a £50 John Lewis shopping voucher, but a mug, a sticker, lifetime VIP membership of the ACO DrainSpotter club and, most valued of all, the eternal respect of the entire drainage community.
KEEP ‘EM PEELED!
ACO Drain Dr Spotter
ACO CATALOGUE, BROCHURES AND BASEBALL CAPS To receive literature on any of the ACO Drain products featured in this issue, an ACO Drain catalogue and the free ACO Civils Link baseball cap*, please fill out the reply paid card and put it in the post.
*whilst stocks last ACO CIVILS_LINK | 11
ACO Technologies plc
ACO Drain A division of ACO Technologies plc ACO Business Park, Hitchin Road, Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5TE Tel: 01462 816666 Fax: 01462 815895 e-mail Sales: customersupport@aco.co.uk e-mail Technical: draintechnical@aco.co.uk website: www.aco.co.uk
The ACO Group: A strong family you can depend on.
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