Soakaway Crate Size Calculator
Here's a detailed table that provides all the essential information you need to know about soakaway crates, including dimensions, materials, volume capacity, and other important factors:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crate Dimensions | Typically 1m x 0.5m x 0.4m (varies by manufacturer) |
| Crate Volume | 0.2 cubic meters (200 liters) on average |
| Crate Capacity | Holds 95% of the internal volume due to void space design |
| Material | Recycled plastic (high-density polyethylene - HDPE) |
| Load-Bearing Capacity | Typically 20-50 tons per square meter |
| Installation Depth | Usually 0.5m to 1.5m below ground surface |
| Surface Area | Each crate covers approximately 0.5 square meters |
| Permeability | High permeability for efficient water infiltration |
| Void Ratio | 90%-95%, allowing water to flow through the structure |
| Number of Crates Needed | Dependent on drainage volume and site conditions (see calculation section below) |
| Typical Uses | Residential gardens, commercial developments, parking lots |
| Maintenance | Periodic inspections and cleaning via access points |
| Weight of Crate | Around 10-20 kg, easy to handle manually |
| Regulatory Compliance | Must comply with local building regulations (e.g., SuDS) |
| Lifespan | Over 50 years under normal conditions |
| Soakaway System Capacity | Scalable, as crates can be connected together in any number |
Factors to Consider:
- Crate Dimensions and Volume:
- Most soakaway crates are around 1 meter in length, 0.5 meters wide, and 0.4 meters high, providing a typical volume of 0.2 cubic meters per crate. However, sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Crate Material:
- Soakaway crates are commonly made of recycled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering a lightweight yet durable option for stormwater management.
- Void Ratio:
- The void ratio indicates how much of the crate is empty space that can be filled with water. This is usually between 90-95%, meaning almost all of the volume of the crate can hold water.
- Load Capacity:
- Soakaway crates can typically withstand heavy loads, with load-bearing capacities of up to 50 tons per square meter. This makes them suitable for installation under driveways and parking lots.
- Installation:
- Soakaway crates are usually installed at a depth of 0.5m to 1.5m below the ground surface. The depth depends on site conditions and the volume of water to be handled. The crates are surrounded by geotextile membranes to prevent clogging by soil or debris.
- Water Capacity:
- The number of crates required depends on the volume of water to be managed, which is calculated based on roof area, rainfall, and soil infiltration rates. For example, if 1 cubic meter of water needs to be handled, around 5 crates (each with a volume of 0.2 cubic meters) would be needed.