Modular trench drain bodies are generally manufactured from either polymer concrete, fiberglass or HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). ACO Drain commercial grade trench systems are manufactured from either polymer concrete or fiberglass. Other materials do not meet the compressive strength and thermal expansion properties required in commercial and industrial projects. See Material propertieschart for full information.
ACO only uses HDPE as a trench material for residential applications.
Polymer concrete
Polymer concrete is a versatile composite material produced by mixing mineral aggregates with a resin binding agent. The finished material has excellent mechanical and thermal properties and offers good corrosion resistance to many chemicals. A maximum working temperature of 180 ° F (82 ° C) is recommended.
For increased chemical resistance, Vinyl ester polymer concrete is available. This consists of Vinyl ester resin binder with superior silica aggregate fillers.
See chemical resistance chart for further details. |
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Due to their structural rigidity, polymer concrete trench drains can be used in a variety of pavement types such as concrete, asphalt and brick pavers.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass uses similar resin binding agents to those used for polymer concrete, but glass mat and fibers are used instead of mineral aggregates to provide a robust flexible material. Fiberglass trench drains are designed to be fully encased in concrete.
Cement Concrete
Cement concrete is Portland cement mixed with aggregates. Generally used for large cast-in-place slab applications, where mass is required for structural rigidity.
HDPE (Plastic)
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is the most common plastic used in trench drains. HDPE is a readily available, economical material that is easy to mold. HDPE has poor thermal properties. A trench drain of 100ft in length with an ambient temperature change of 75 ° F can expand (or contract) up to 9.9 inches more than the surrounding concrete slab. The concrete surround will only change minimally and cause the trench to buckle or pull away from the concrete.
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Grate Materials
Grates are manufactured from a variety of materials. The most common are ductile iron, mild steel, stainless steel and plastic. Grates need better tensile properties than the trench body to withstand flexural loads. Grates can be changed or easily replaced after installation, unlike the trench drain body
For assistance with material properties of grates, contact our Technical Service Department using the Contact Us form, or call (800) 543 4764 or go to www.coleparmer.com/techinfo/chemcomp.asp |