Blog | What Is Above Ground Drainage?

What Is Above Ground Drainage?

Drainage involves the removal of water from an area. A good above ground drainage system is vital in preventing flooding and keeping buildings protected from rainwater damage. As a result, drainage systems are an important element within most construction projects.

What Is Above Ground Drainage?

With the urban landscape heavily populated with roads and buildings, rainwater can only partly be absorbed by the ground.

Typically, rainwater is absorbed by sewage systems. However, in periods of heavy rain downfall, these are not capable of dealing with such large amounts of water and in turn, this can lead to flooding.

In these circumstances, above ground systems are required to assist in removing visible water from the streets. This can be achieved using gutters and channels that are connected to drains. Open water channels can remove large amounts of water while gutters have a natural appearance and help the flow of water without causing damage to a building. The size of a drain is determined by the amount of water needing to be removed.

Why Are These Systems Important?

Aside from above ground systems being necessary for removing excess water to prevent flooding, these drainage systems also provide other benefits.

As these systems are visible, any problems can easily be detected and connection issues can be prevented. More importantly, proper drainage is essential to prevent mildew and structural damage to buildings. To protect a building’s foundations, it is highly important to ensure as little moisture as possible can build up around a building.

Furthermore, above ground systems offer environmental benefits. Rainwater lying on surfaces regularly used by cars and other motor vehicles that has not been absorbed by sewage systems often contain many pollutants. Therefore, above ground systems are essential to limit the harmful impact of these on the environment.

Types of Above Ground Systems

There are different types of drainage systems and so, it is important to choose one that is best suited to your building.

Surface Drainage Systems

Buildings that are located on a very flat surface require drainage. Rainwater builds up on flat surfaces which can lead to water pooling. This can have a detrimental impact on a building’s structure if an adequate drainage system is not in place.

Surface drainage systems require ditches which channels surplus water away from the property. By directing excess water away from a building, this helps prevent flooding and resultant damage. These drainage systems can also be effective for driveways and walkways.

Downpipe and Gutter Systems

The downpipe is connected to a gutter system surrounding a building, removing water build-up on the roof. This system moves water away from a building to prevent any structural damage being caused.

Summary

Having a solid drainage system in place is very important in climates which are prone to storms and heavy downfalls. Not only do above ground systems help prevent flooding, but also offer environmental benefits and minimise water-induced structural damage to buildings. What type of system works best for your project will depend on your building and its surrounding area.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers provide above ground ground drainage design for a range of different projects. Contact our experienced team today to find out more.

Current Job Vacancies

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Mechanical Engineering.

Chartered status: IMECHE/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficiency in AutoCAD with a working knowledge of Revit.

2. Technical proficiency, strong communication skills, effective time management, and a collaborative team approach.

3. Demonstrated ability to exercise financial control and project management skills would be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Associate Electrical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: 10+ years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Electrical Engineering.

Chartered status: IET/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Generate electrical design drawings, conduct calculations using software such as Amtech, Hevacomp, IES, Relux, and Dialux, and prepare reports, specifications, and schedules.

2. Play a role in achieving BREEAM or equivalent regulatory compliance.

3. Contribute to compliance with Building Regulations Part F, Part L, or Section 6 through modeling efforts.

4. Participate in witnessing tests for the proving and commissioning of final installations.

5. Aid in the training and development of junior engineers.

6. Adhere to internal and external project timelines efficiently.

7. Adhere to the company's Quality Assurance management systems.

8. Provide support to Directors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers

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Technical Excellence

Our commitment to quality service extends beyond external interactions with clients, designers, contractors, and industry stakeholders. Internally, we foster a collaborative environment where teamwork is paramount. Our aim is to be the dependable choice for clients and fellow team members alike. Upholding a consistently high level of service is essential in maintaining our reputation as trusted partners.

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Renowned for delivering superior end-products, we prioritise the continuous development of our workforce. We meticulously review and refine our methodologies, processes, and outputs to ensure unparalleled quality. Our focus on people development drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. We embrace innovation and adaptability to remain at the forefront of our industry, consistently exceeding expectations as the consultant of choice.

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Innovation lies at the heart of our operations, and we leverage advanced technologies such as the latest computer software and even drones for surveying to enhance our services. By integrating drones into our surveying process, we achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and safety standards. This innovative approach not only sets us apart but also ensures that we deliver exceptional results to our clients, reinforcing our position as industry leaders.

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Central to our values is the empowerment and growth of our staff. We invest in their professional development through robust technical support and training programs, instilling confidence in their abilities. Additionally, we prioritise streamlining processes to promote a healthy work-life balance, enabling our team members to thrive personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package underscores our commitment to their wellbeing, health, and financial security.

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We are dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility in all aspects of our operations. From minimising our environmental footprint to actively contributing to community and charitable initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact. Our sustainable practices not only align with our core values but also reflect our commitment to creating a better future for generations to come.

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83 Old Castle Road, Glasgow, G44 5TG

Glasgow: 0141 374 2965

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