Installation instructions for drainage channels

The surface covering adjoining the channel elements and casing must be designed to prevent the transfer of horizontally acting loads, e.g., due to thermal expansion and/or braking and acceleration forces. The same applies to horizontal forces during the concreting process. Here, the channel body must be adequately braced and/or the concreting process carried out in stages to prevent deformation of the side walls. A sufficient number of expansion joints, both in terms of location and design, must be ensured or specified by the responsible planner. Joints running perpendicular to the channel run may only cross the channel run at the joint between two channel elements. In this case, the expansion joint width must be accommodated by appropriately designing the channel joint.

The planned channel line is formed or excavated. It is important to note that the dimensions of the required foundation will vary depending on the installation situation and the required load class. For example, a channel foundation of at least 100 x 100 mm is required for load class B125. It is also essential that the subsoil is load-bearing to prevent subsequent settling. The channel should be installed so that its top edge is approximately 3–5 mm below the planned height of the roadway/surface. This prevents a tripping hazard and ensures that any subsequent settling of the adjacent surface will not have a negative impact.

1. Arrange the channel body (including the inlet box) in the correct order.
2. Break out recesses for connection openings, if necessary.
3. Place a concrete bed in the trench/recess.
4. Place the elements in the correct order and height (the rope dictates the height), starting at the starting point.
5. Fill the lateral back supports with concrete, level it off and allow it to harden.
6. Finishing the surface: Work in the surface covering. Asphalt must be carefully worked in to prevent the hot asphalt from deforming the edge of the channel (in the case of plastic channels); channels are often covered during asphalt paving. For paving stones, a edging stone or curbstone parallel to the channel is recommended.
7. Seal gutter joints if necessary.

Immediately after laying the channel, the grate covers should be installed, even if the work isn't yet complete. They protect the channel body from damage during the compaction of the adjacent layers. The drainage channels can also be covered with wooden planks or similar material until all work is finished.

Once the surfaces are completed, the channel should be cleaned (remove construction debris) and the covers properly attached. Initial maintenance (emptying the sludge bucket) is advisable after the construction phase, as a significant amount of material is often deposited.