Drainage cells reinforce the efficient sub-surface drainage as well as the ventilation of the contractors landscapes and building foundations. It is common to make these cells with high-strength polypropylene or polystyrene, which have three-dimensional structures resembling honeycombs that allows for fast water absorption and movement. In a bid to achieve this configuration, they are designed in such a way that even at higher compressive loads, it remains water flow friendly.
They are therefore useful in various civil engineering applications because they can efficiently carry out their intended purpose under extreme loading conditions like heavy traffic and extreme weather changes. Therefore, their durability is increased by factors such as high compressive strength and chemical resistance, making them functional regardless of environmental conditions.
In the civil engineering applications of water management, where structure and durability are paramount, effective drainage cells become essential. They are particularly useful in places that have high rainfall or poor percolation through natural soil. Drainage cells can be used by engineers for situations such as retaining walls, planter boxes, roof gardens and playing fields which require good drainage to avoid water logging and related damages. Often, site assessments are carried out before choosing to use drainage cells because the surfaces result in problems associated with runoff and moisture from beneath. Moreover, these units come in handy when it comes to limited natural drainage in urban areas causing standing water problem.
In this way using them help remove excess water rapidly thus protecting structures and landscape from damage due to wetness hence sustainability is achieved along with reduced maintenance expenses.
Drainage cells have various forms that suit different engineering purposes such as modular, sheet-based and geocomposite. Modular drainage cells are very much adaptable to any space by interlocking them making it suitable for intricate geometries. Sheet-based versions provide a continuous layer of drainage that is good for large flat areas such as playing fields or industrial roofs. Geocomposite drainage cells combine geotextiles and membranes which enable better filtration and also assist in quick water evacuation.
When selecting a type, the most important things are durability and load capacity; modular ones usually have higher loads than any other. Another significant aspect is ease of installation; sheet-based and modular ones are often easier than geocomposites to put in place. Specific project requirements, environmental conditions as well as future maintenance must be considered by engineers when choosing the right kind of drain cell.
Drainage cells are applied in various infrastructure projects in civil engineering to manage water effectively and enhance the longevity of structures. For instance, they are commonly used below pavements to avoid any possibility of accumulation of water that could lead to failure of pavement. In building foundations, drainage cells prevent hydrostatic pressure and moisture ingress, which is important for maintaining structural integrity.
Landscaped areas on rooftops or over parking garages also benefit from drainage cells that allow for adequate stormwater management while supporting plant life. The use of drainage cells is crucial for sustainable urban development as it forms part of green building practices that contribute to LEED certification through effective water management and reduced runoffs. By doing so, structures are lengthened and construction projects reduced in their environmental impacts thus making them an integral component in modern civil engineering designs.
Civil engineering is a field where drainage cells installation forms an important part of the construction process. To get started, clear the site by removing any debris and level the portion where you will put drainage cells. Cover the prepared surface with geotextile fabric to stop soil particles from getting into the pores of these cells. Lay down the drainage cells over this fabric ensuring that they are properly intertwined in order to have one continuous layer without openings.
Regarding tools and materials, you will need to have sharp cutters for making holes on the drainage cell, heavy duty pegs or anchors which will be used to fasten this geotextile fabric in position and leveling devices that can verify whether there is smoothness on the surface being worked upon. Uneven installation creates one challenge of ensuring that these cells are leveled; hence they cannot function well for effective drainages. During installation, inspect levels periodically adjusting them if need be. The installations should make strong enough drains.
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Director, President – Glen Raven Technical Fabrics
Strata/Glen Raven tenure: 10 years/28 years
Total industry experience: 35 years
MBA – Wake Forest University
Directs the strategic direction of Glen Raven’s automotive, protective apparel, military, geogrid, outdoor and logistic businesses.
Director, General Manager, Strata Inc.
Strata/Strata Inc. tenure: 3 years/14 years
Total industry experience: 25 years
MBA – Georgia State University
Led the integration of Strata Inc. business operations into the headquarters of GRTF and transition from USA based to India based manufacturing.
Director
Strata tenure: 17 years
Total industry experience: 47 years
CA – ICA
Played a key role in the establishment of Strata’s India operations. Provides vision for product innovation and leveraging new technology trends.
Global Technical Sales Director
Strata tenure: 7 years
Total industry experience: 32 years
Civil & Geotechnical Engineer (First class)
Provides highly technical and innovative civil engineering solutions in India and around the world. Responsible for the design and execution of large-scale geotechnical projects around the world including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South America.
CTO – Chief Technology Officer
Strata tenure: 9 years
Total industry experience: 48 years
BTech (Hons), MTech (Civil) Both IIT Bombay, DMS (Bombay University), FIE, FIGS, Chartered Engineer
Streamlines the designs of Geosynthetics and has brought innovation in geogrid and geocell design application.
COO – Projects and Sales
Strata tenure: 13 years
Total industry experience: 24 years
MBA – University of Gujarat
Leads the monetization of products and solutions while ensuring highest execution quality and project profitability.
COO – Technical Textiles
Strata tenure: 13 years
Total industry experience: 33 years
BE (Mechanical) – Nagpur University
Drives excellence in process design, product features and cost effectiveness in production.
CFO – Chief Financial Officer
Strata tenure: 8 years
Total industry experience: 35 years
CA – ICA, ICWA – ICWAI
Leads the finance, accounting, taxation, commercial, legal and IT functions and assisting on all strategic and operational matters.
CDO – Chief Development Officer
Strata tenure: 10 years
Total industry experience: 13 years
MBA – ISB, Hyderabad
Leads diversification of the product portfolio, monetizing the new products and ensuring successful sustained financial growth of the company top line.
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
Strata tenure: 14 years
Total industry experience: 42 years
B Tech (Chemical) – IIT Delhi
Leads day-to-day business operations of the company with focus on capacity expansion, product and process improvement.
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