Reliable drainage solutions for demanding petrol station environments

Surface water drainage at petrol stations has to perform in an environment where both mechanical and chemical demands are particularly high.

Unlike many paved areas, petrol station forecourts are exposed to constant and concentrated vehicle movements. Cars, vans and heavy vehicles brake directly over drainage channels, perform tight manoeuvres at low speeds and accelerate when leaving the forecourt. These movements generate repeated dynamic and axial loads that can place considerable stress on channels, gratings and fixing systems.

At the same time, drainage systems may be regularly exposed to petrol, diesel, lubricating oils and other aggressive substances. Material selection therefore becomes particularly important when considering the long-term performance of the installation.

Why polymer concrete?

Polymer concrete drainage channels combine high mechanical strength with excellent resistance to hydrocarbons and aggressive substances, making the material particularly suitable for petrol station applications.

Low water absorption and high durability also help maintain performance over time in environments exposed to continuous traffic and demanding operating conditions.

However, not every area of a petrol station presents the same requirements. Installation depth, hydraulic capacity and traffic loads all need to be considered when selecting the most appropriate drainage system.

Different requirements, different drainage solutions

ULMA Architectural Solutions offers several drainage ranges suitable for petrol station applications:

CIVIL-S
Heavy-duty drainage channels designed for areas where available installation depth is restricted, providing a robust solution where structural height is limited.

CIVIL-F
High-capacity drainage channels developed for applications requiring greater hydraulic performance, making them particularly suitable for large forecourts or locations exposed to high rainfall.

KOMPAQDRAIN®
A monolithic drainage system in which the channel and grating form a single unit. Its robust construction makes it particularly suitable for areas exposed to continuous vehicle traffic and demanding load conditions.

Which system should you specify?
Choosing the appropriate system depends on the particular conditions of each project. ULMA has developed a practical Quick Spec Guide for petrol stations to help specifiers quickly identify the most suitable drainage solution according to application requirements.

Engineering support for your project

Beyond product selection, correct drainage design also depends on factors such as catchment area, rainfall intensity, channel layout, outlet positioning and required hydraulic capacity.

ULMA's UK Engineering Office provides project-specific technical support, including hydraulic calculations and advice on system selection and drainage layout.