CI/SfB

(52.7) Xn6
Wavin Plastics Limited
Parsonage Way Agrément
Chippenham
Wiltshire SN15 5PN
Certificate
Tel: 01249 766600 Fax: 01249 443286
No 03/4018
website: www.wavin.co.uk

Designated by Government
to issue AQUACELL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
European Technical Système de gestion des eaux d’orages
Approvals Verwaltungssystem von gewitterwasser

Product

AquaCell unit

• THIS CERTIFICATE RELATES

TO THE AQUACELL Regulations
STORMWATER
1 The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended) (England and Wales)
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,
CONSISTING OF The Secretary of State has agreed with the British Board of Agrément
POLYPROPYLENE UNITS, that aspects of performance to be used by the BBA in assessing the
SHEAR CONNECTORS compliance of soakaways and stormwater storage structures
AND CLIPS. constructed from polypropylene units with the Building Regulations. In the
opinion of the BBA, soakaways and stormwater storage structures constructed
• The system assembles to from the AquaCell Stormwater Management System, if used in accordance
form an underground structure with the provisions of this Certificate, will meet or contribute to meeting the
which can be used either for relevant requirements.
stormwater storage or as a Requirement: H3 Rainwater drainage
soakaway to control Comment: The units can be used in a construction to meet this
stormwater run-off from Requirement. See section 8.8 of this Certificate.
impermeable surfaces. Requirement: Regulation 7 Materials and workmanship

• This system does not cover Comment: The system components are acceptable. See section 14 of
this Certificate.
the collection of the stormwater.
For information relating to this,
the Certificate holder should be
contacted.

Readers are advised to check the validity of this Certificate by either referring to the BBA’s website (www.bbacerts.co.uk) or contacting
the BBA direct (Telephone Hotline 01923 665400).
 2 The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (as amended)
In the opinion of the BBA, soakaways and stormwater storage structures
constructed from the AquaCell Stormwater Management System, if used
in accordance with the provisions of this Certificate, will satisfy or
contribute to satisfying the various Regulations and related Technical Standards
as listed below.
Regulation: 10 Fitness of materials and workmanship
Standard: B2.1 Selection and use of materials, fittings, and components, and workmanship
Comment: The system components are acceptable. See section 14 of
this Certificate.
Regulation: 24 Drainage
Standard: M2.2 Wastewater and surface water drainage
Comment: The system can be used in a construction to satisfy this
Regulation. See section 8.8 of this Certificate.
3 The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000
In the opinion of the BBA, soakaways and stormwater storage structures
constructed from the AquaCell Stormwater Management System, if used
in accordance with the provisions of this Certificate, will satisfy or
contribute to satisfying the various Building Regulations as listed below.
Regulation: B2 Fitness of materials and workmanship
Comment: The system components are acceptable. See section 14 of
this Certificate.
Regulation: N5 Rain-water drainage
Comment: The system can be used in a construction to satisfy this
Regulation. See section 8.8 of this Certificate.

4 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (as amended)

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland)
1995 (as amended)
Information in this Certificate may assist the client, planning supervisor,
designer and contractors to address their obligations under these Regulations.
See sections: 6 Delivery and site handling, 7 General and 14 Procedure
(Installation).

Technical Specification Figure 1 Components

5 Description
5.1 The AquaCell Stormwater Management
System consists of individual, blue polypropylene
modular units (see Table 1), black polypropylene
shear connectors and black polypropylene clips
(see Figure 1).
Table 1 Characteristics of modular unit

Element (unit) Value

modular unit
Unit dimensions (nom) (mm) 1000 x 500 x 400
Unit volume (nom) (m3) 0.20
Storage volume (nom) (m3) 0.19
Porosity (void ratio) (%) 95
Ultimate compressive strength
at yield (kNm–2)
vertical loading on top face 560
lateral loading on side face 77.5
Short-term deflection (mm per kNm–2)(1)
vertical loading on side face 1 per 97
lateral loading on side face 1 per 7
Estimated long-term deflection(2) (Ln)(3) 0.4705
shear connector clip
(1) Applied load.
(2) At up to 10 years at 20°C at 10 kN load.
(3) Time in hours.

2
5.2 The system controls stormwater run-off from 6.5 AquaCell units should not be stored near
impermeable surfaces by either: fuel bowsers, fuel tanks or other solvents.
infiltration — soakaways to infiltrate stormwater 6.6 AquaCell units are resistant to damage
back into the ground, or likely to be caused during normal handling. They
attenuation — temporary storage for excess flows should be stored in locations where impacts from
and limiting outflow to streams and rivers. vehicles and other construction plant will be
5.3 The polypropylene modular units have avoided.
pre-formed sockets to enable connection with
160 mm diameter pipework (covered by BBA Design Data
Certificate No 87/1835), or alternatively,
connection to 150 mm pipework is possible using
an adaptor. Connection can also be made at 7 General
points other than the pre-formed socket to suitable 7.1 The AquaCell Stormwater Management
150 mm pipework using a flange adaptor. System design must be in accordance with the
Adaptors and connecting pipework for use with this Certificate holder’s instructions, Stormwater
system are not covered by the scope of this Management Design and Installation
Certificate. Geotextiles and geomembranes for use Manual 2002. Guidance on the application of
with this system are not covered by the scope of sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) for new
this Certificate. Information on the required developments, such as the AquaCell Stormwater
specification of the geotextile and/or geomembrane Management System, can also be found in the
can be obtained from the Certificate holder. Planning Policy Guidance PPG25 Development
5.4 Each assembly is wrapped in either a and Flood Risk.
permeable geotextile when used for infiltration or 7.2 The system is suitable for the control of
an impermeable geomembrane when used for stormwater run-off from impermeable surfaces. It
storage (attenuation). can be utilised in two main ways:
5.5 Adequate venting must be provided to the Infiltration — water is collected in the units during
AquaCell structure using an air vent. One 110 mm rainfall and allowed to drain away by soaking
diameter air vent is required per 7500 square metres into the surrounding ground over a substantial
of impermeable catchment area to be drained. Air period of time after the rain has stopped.
vent connections and pipework for use with this
system are outside the scope of this Certificate. Attenuation — water is collected in the units during
rainfall and released at a reduced flow rate
6 Delivery and site handling through a flow control device, into an appropriate
outfall. This reduces peak flows in the watercourse
6.1 The AquaCell Stormwater Management
and, therefore, minimises the risk of flooding.
System units are supplied to site in packs of 12
Figure 2 shows a general flowchart for the design
(four layers of three) units, secured with two straps
with plastic feet attached to the underside to process.
enable placing and movement by a fork-lift. Each 7.3 Design of the appropriate system (see
pack of 12 units carries a label bearing the Table 2) for a specific project must always be
product name, order number, MOS number, preceded by a detailed audit of the proposed site
quantity, operator signature and pallet number. to establish:
6.2 Clips and shear connectors are packed in • existing factors and considerations applicable
sealed polyethylene bags of 36 and 4 to the site
respectively. A further 16 shear connectors form • predicted factors relating to the site’s use
part of the packaging. following the planned development, and the
6.3 The packs of AquaCell units should be parameters within which the installation is
carefully placed on level ground and should not required to function
be stacked on site. Loose individual units should • the type of function of application suggested by
not be stored more than two units high. this audit.
6.4 AquaCell units contain an inhibitor to resist 7.4 Once the project criteria have been
the effects of ultraviolet light for up to six months. established from the site audit, there are two main
However, prolonged storage in direct sunlight parts to the design procedure: hydraulic design
should be avoided. and structural design.

3
Figure 2 Flowchart of the design process Table 2 Design information checklist

Description Information sources

A Existing factors
Topography Site survey or inspection
Area of catchment (1)
Site survey
Hydrology of catchment Site inspection and observations
Soil type(1) Site investigation
Structural properties of soil Site investigation and laboratory
— CBR, stiffness testing
Infiltration potential of soil(1) Site investigation
Contamination(1) Site investigation and desk research
Details of receiving water Environment Agency, Scottish
watercourse/aquifer Environment Protection Agency or
water and sewerage company
Environmental sensitivity of site Environment Agency, Scottish
Environment Protection Agency or
water and sewerage company
Groundwater vulnerability Environment Agency, Scottish
and source protection status Environment Protection Agency or
water and sewerage company
B Predicted factors
Development type and Proposed development plans
land use
Traffic loads Proposed development plans
Rainfall data (1)
Meteorological Office or
Wallingford procedure
Discharge design criteria Environment Agency, Scottish
— quantity Environment Protection Agency or
water and sewerage company
Discharge design criteria Environment Agency, Scottish
— quality Environment Protection Agency or
water and sewerage company
Health and safety All affected parties
C Planned function
Infiltration Conclusions from A and B
audit/review
Attenuation Conclusions from A and B
audit/review
(1) For individual house soakaways, only the items referenced for this
footnote are required.

8 Hydraulic design
Infiltration
Calculation principles
8.1 There are two approaches, either of which
may be adopted: the Construction Industry Research
and Information Association (CIRIA) Report 156
Infiltration Drainage — Manual of Good Practice
or BRE Digest 365 Soakaway Design.
8.2 A simplified approximate approach can be
used on a very small site (ie a single-house
development) where detailed site infiltration rate
information may not be required nor available. The
design parameters (see Table 3) allow an estimate
of the required tank size to be made based on the
area to be drained and the soil type. It assumes:
100% run-off; a 1-in-100-year storm event of
critical duration; UK location; both vertical sides of
structure available for infiltration (trench layout). For
a more accurate approach on one of the more
complex methods (BRE or CIRIA) should be used.
4
 the site to an appropriate outfall is established but
Table 3 Design parameters for single-house roof
soakaway
will normally be set by the Environment Agency or
Planning Authorities. The outflow volume (B) to be
Soil type Impermeable catchment area No of AquaCell units per discharged at this rate over the two-hour period is
per AquaCell unit (max) 100 m2 catchment area calculated and subtracted from the run-off
(m2) volume (A–B). This defines the excess volume (C)
Gravel 95.0 2 to be stored in AquaCell units constructed as an
Sand 14.4 7 underground tank. The number of AquaCell units
Chalk(1) 7.9 13 needed to contain this excess is calculated on the
Silt 0.475 211 basis that the storage volume is equal to 95% of
Clay(2) — — the total volume of the tank.
(1) Blocky, fissured chalk, where fissure flow is dominant. (Excludes putty Flow control
chalk and chalk marl).
(2) The Certificate holder should be consulted for specific information. 8.6 Connection is made to AquaCell units using
a pre-formed socket and adaptor or a flange
8.3 When the BRE or CIRIA approach is used, the adaptor. These items are not covered by the scope
design volumes and areas for trench or cuboid type of this Certificate. Information can be found in the
installations can be found from Tables 4 and 5. Certificate holder’s Stormwater Management
Design and Installation Manual, 2002.
Table 4 Volumetric data per linear metre for a 1 unit
(0.5 m) wide trench configuration 8.7 It is recommended that all connections into
storage applications (using a geomembrane) are
Number of Volume Side area Base area made using a flange adaptor. Adhesive or double-
units high (m3) (m2) (m2)
sided tape should be used between the
1 0.19 0.8 0.5 geomembrane and flange adaptor to ensure a
2 0.38 1.6 0.5 watertight seal.
3 0.57 2.4 0.5
Manifold design
8.8 The capacity of this input pipe is limited
Table 5 Volumetric data for 3D usage two units high and may be insufficient for the anticipated
flow load. Therefore, the flow load may be
Units 2 wide 4 wide 8 wide
long (0.5 m side) (0.5 m side) (0.5 m side) split between a number of 150 mm diameter flow
(1 m vol side base vol side base vol side base pipes from the adjacent manhole (see Figure 3).
side) m3 m2 m2 m3 m2 m2 m3 m2 m2 The maximum areas that can be drained according
1 0.76 3.2 1.0 1.52 4.8 2.0 3.04 8.0 4.0 to the number of input pipes provided is given in
2 1.52 4.8 2.0 3.04 6.4 4.0 6.08 9.6 8.0 Table 6. This has been calculated on the following
4 3.04 8.0 4.0 6.08 9.6 8.0 12.16 12.8 16.0 assumptions:
8 6.08 14.4 8.0 12.16 16.0 16.0 24.32 19.2 32.0 paved surfaces — two-year, three- to five-minute
10 7.60 17.6 10.0 15.20 19.2 20.0 30.40 22.4 40.0 event;
100 76.00 161.6 100.0 152.00 163.2 200.0 304.00 166.4 400.0 eaves drained roofs — one-year, two-minute event;
internal gutters — 500-year, two-minute event.
8.4 For calculations, the size and volume of the
units are given in Table 1. The total areas of the
Table 6 Multipipe manifolds
base and sides are required as water is absorbed
through the geotextile soil interface. Storage volume Surface type Drainage area (m2)
is 95% of the total volume. As an example, using
Number of inlet pipes
Table 4, for a typical linear trench 40 m long and 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 units deep, the volume is 0.38 by 40 = 15.2 m3
Paved area 1110 2220 3330 4440 5550 6660
and the side area 1.6 by 40 = 64 m2.
Roof area(1) 841 1682 2523 3364 4205 5046
Attenuation Roof area(2) 210 420 630 840 1050 1260
Calculation principles (1) Roofs drained by eaves gutters, close (within 25 m) to the attenuation
site.
8.5 The anticipated run-off volume (A) from the site (2) Roofs drained by internal gutters, close (within 25 m) to the attenuation
must be estimated. The most commonly used site (especially siphonic roof drainage).
method for evaluating storm rainfall events in the
UK is the Wallingford Procedure by which the total 8.9 The outflow from the tank must be controlled
rainfall level of storms over defined time periods to comply with the discharge rate consent of the
ranging from five minutes up to 48 hours are site. There are four main methods to achieve
assessed. The depth of water (mm) found can be outflow control: orifice plate, garastor, vortex
multiplied by the catchment area to assess the size control or small pipe. Comparative features and
of attenuation systems and is normally based upon benefits of these various control flow devices should
a two-hour storm of a return period appropriate for be considered prior to selection. These devices are
the catchment. The allowable discharge rate from not within the scope of this Certificate.
5
 9.3 Typical creep results (see Figure 4) enable a
Figure 3 Typical manifold design
long-term rate of deflection to be determined and
long-term deformations for periods up to 20 years
estimated. In locations where settlement is not of
150 mm Osma Ultrarib
concern, then designs up to 50 years can be
undertaken.
Figure 4 Typical creep test results

10
y+0.4705Ln(x)+4.0005

deflection mm (log)
300 mm Osma Ultrarib

0
0 10 100 1000 10000
time (log hours)
90 day creep test⫺10kN centre loading at 20°C

Outflow positioning and head calculations 9.4 For small-scale application such as
8.10 The invert level of the outflow pipe should be soakaways for individual house roof drainage, the
flush with the bottom of the lowest unit to allow the AquaCell system is typically located below a
tank to drain. As the tank fills, a depth of water garden a minimum of 5 m from the building (see
develops on the upstream side of the outflow Table 8). In this case there are no traffic loads.
control. For a tank with two layers of AquaCell Table 8 Design criteria for use of AquaCell system as
units, this depth is 0.8 m when the units are full, soakaway for individual house
creating a driving head to push the flow through
the control device. For design purposes, the head Maximum depth to base of units(1) (m) 2.95
used in calculations is taken as that at the centre Minimum cover depth cover units
(to prevent accidental damage) (m) 0.5
line of the outflow device.
(1) Assumes a minimum value for the angle of shearing resistance of the
surrounding soil of 29°. This should be confirmed from the results of the site
9 Structural design investigation. Groundwater must be at least one metre below base of units.
9.1 AquaCell units can be placed under a wide No traffic loads.

variety of landscaped or lightly-trafficked areas. 9.5 AquaCell units used for large-scale storage or
Design procedures for heavily-trafficked infiltration must be designed to carry all loads that
applications are not within the scope of this will be applied, including dead and imposed
Certificate. If the proposed application of the loads. Design parameters and estimated loads
AquaCell is in areas subject to high-intensity traffic, should be used to determine the maximum depth of
commercial vehicles or other heavy loads, advice installation and the maximum and minimum cover
should be sought from the Certificate holder. depths.
9.2 Short-term loading design parameters for the 9.6 The criteria provided in Tables 9 and 10 can
AquaCell units have been derived from independent be used to design the AquaCell units for installation
test data (see Table 7). The short- and long-term below lightly- and non-trafficked areas. These
deflection is given in Table 1. design tables are only applicable in temperate
climate conditions such as the UK. The following
Table 7 Loading design parameters for AquaCell partial safety factors for loads have been applied:
units (1) ultimate limit state — vertical dead load, Fdl, 1.40,
earth pressure (horizontal) dead load, Fep 1.40,
Vertical loading Lateral loading
on top face on side face
imposed live load, Fll, 1.60, serviceability limit
state — vertical dead load, Fdl, 1.00, earth
Short-term ultimate compressive
strength at yield (kNm–2) 560 77.5 pressure (horizontal) dead load, Fep, 1.00,
imposed live load, Fll, 1.00. Partial factors of
(1) A partial factor of safety for materials, Fm, of 2.75 for ultimate limit
state and 1.5 for serviceability limit state, should be applied to these values
safety for materials, Fm, of 2.75 for ultimate limit
for a design life of 20 years. state and 1.5 for serviceability limit state have
6
been applied. The AquaCell system can be used 9.8 Care should be taken when the AquaCell
for areas where greater loads are anticipated but system is used for infiltration below trafficked areas
these applications are outside the scope of this and close to structures. It is important to ensure that
Certificate and specific advice should be sought the infiltrating water will not soften the soils or
from the Certificate holder. cause loss of fines and settlement.
9.7 For lightly-loaded applications, the bearing 9.9 When the units are wrapped in geomembrane
capacity of the underlying soils, typically, should and placed below the groundwater table, flotation
not be exceeded by the AquaCell System. may occur. To prevent this the weight of the soil
Therefore settlement of the underlying soils should over the top of the units must be greater than the
be negligible. On weak or compressible soils, the uplift force caused by the unit’s buoyancy in the
bearing capacity and settlement characteristics water. This can be achieved with most types of fill
should be confirmed by a geotechnical engineer. if the depth of cover fill is equal to, or greater than,
Table 9 Maximum installation depths (to base of
the depth of penetration of the units below
units) (1) groundwater level.

Typical soil Maximum depth of installation 10 Geotextiles and geomembranes

type (to base of units) (m)
10.1 A geotextile is wrapped around the
Typical With groundwater Without groundwater AquaCell system in infiltration applications to:
angle of at 1 m below (below base of units)
shearing ground level and — normal case • prevent clogging of the soil which surrounds the
resistance(2) (3) units wrapped in unit with silt present in run-off
(␾) geomembrane
• prevent soil entering the units
Trafficked Non- Trafficked Non-
area trafficked area trafficked and in storage applications to:
(cars only) (cars only)
• protect the geomembrane.
Stiff over 24°
consolidated 10.2 The selection of an appropriate geotextile
clay, eg
London Clay 1.65 1.75 2.35 2.50 for a specific AquaCell infiltration installation
should be considered carefully, with particular
Normally 26°
consolidated reference to the surrounding soil properties and
silty sandy clay, required performance. Points to consider are:
eg alluvium,
made ground 1.70 1.80 2.50 2.65 • pore size — should be designed and specified
to assist infiltration and prevent migration of fine
Loose sand 29°
and gravel 1.80 1.90 2.85 2.95 soil particles
Medium dense 33° • permeability and breakthrough head — the
sand and gravel 1.90 2.00 3.30 3.45 geotextile should not limit flow of water in the
Dense sand 38° system, and should have a similar or greater
and gravel 2.05 2.15 4.10 4.25 permeability than the surrounding materials
(1) Design table is only applicable for car parks or other areas trafficked • puncture resistance — the geotextile must be
only by cars or occasional refuse collection trucks or similar vehicles able to resist the punching stresses caused by
(typically one per week). Assumptions made are:
• ground surface is horizontal
loading on sharp points of contact
• shear planes or other weaknesses are not present within the structure of • tensile strength — the geotextile should have
the soil
sufficient strength to resist the imposed forces
(2) Loosening of dense sand or softening of clay by water can occur
during installation. The designer should allow for any such likely effects (eg from traffic).
when choosing an appropriate value of ␾.
10.3 The geotextile should be selected according
(3) The design is very sensitive to small changes in the assumed value
of ␾, therefore, it should be confirmed by a chartered geotechnical to specific site conditions. However, typically a
engineer. In clay soils, it may be possible to utilise cohesion in some cases. 300 g non-woven material will be suitable for most
situations. Specialist advice should be sought if
Table 10 Minimum cover depths over top of AquaCell surrounding soil characteristics exhibit a high
units (1) degree of fines/low infiltration capacity and/or
Location Minimum cover depth
there is risk of damage from ground contaminants.
(m)
10.4 A geomembrane is wrapped around the
Non-trafficked areas, eg landscaping 0.50 AquaCell system in attenuation/storage
Car parks, vehicle up to 2500 kg gross mass, applications where infiltration is not possible or
AquaCell system up to three units wide in trench 0.60 permitted and functions to:
Car parks, vehicle up to 2500 kg gross mass • prevent release of attenuated/stored water to
AquaCell system greater than three units wide 0.75
surrounding ground
(1) Assumes 27° load distribution through fill material and overlying
surface of asphalt or block paving, and trafficking by occasional refuse
• prevent inflow of pollutants from contaminated
collection trucks or similar vehicles (typically one per week). subsoil into the storage reservoir.
7
10.5 The specification and selection of the Management Design and Installation Manual,
impermeable geomembrane must be correct for the 2002. It is recommended that all air vent
installation envisaged, to ensure it performs to the installations in storage applications (using a
level required. It is essential that the specified geomembrane) are made using a flange adaptor.
material: Adhesive or double-sided tape should be used
• withstands the rigours of installation between the geomembrane and flange adaptor to
• resists puncture ensure a watertight seal.
• resists multi-axial elongation stress and strains
associated with settlement 12 Resistance to chemicals
• resists environmental stress cracking 12.1 An assessment by the BBA indicates that the
• resists damage from ground contaminants components of the system are suitable for use in
• remains intact for the full design life. contact with the chemicals likely to be found in
rainwater.
10.6 Geomembranes less than 1 mm thick are
unlikely to meet these criteria(1), and are not 12.2 An assessment of the suitability for use of
recommended for use with the AquaCell system(2). AquaCell units on brownfield sites should be made
A specification for a typical polypropylene only after a suitable site investigation to determine
geomembrane is shown in Table 11. the possibility for chemical attack. Particular care
(1) Except in shallow, domestic installations. must be taken where acids and organic solvents
(2) For further details contact the Certificate holder. are present at high concentrations. For further
information contact the Certificate holder.
Table 11 Typical specification for a polypropylene
geomembrane 13 Maintenance
Property Value Test method 13.1 The customer is responsible for maintenance.
Thickness ±10% (mm) 1.0 ASTM D 751
Density (min) (g cm–3) 0.9 ASTM D 792
13.2 For soakaways to individual houses, the only
Tensile stress at break (min) (Nmm–2) 18 ASTM D 638 necessary maintenance of the system is to keep
Elongation at break (%) >700 ASTM D 638 gullies clear of debris such as leaves.
Puncture resistance (min) (N) 150 FTMS 101C
Method 2065 13.3 For large installations or where the receiving
Tear resistance (min) (N) 60 ASTM D 1004 waters are environmentally sensitive, a system of
Dimensional stability (max) (% change) ±2.0 ASTM D 1204 regular inspections should be established to prevent
1 hour at 100°C
siltation of the system which, if allowed to develop,
Stress crack resistance (%) 100 ASTM D 5397
Volatile loss 5% 0.2 ASTM D 1203 would reduce effectiveness. They should also be
Loss max Method A inspected after every major storm event.
Ozone resistance No cracks ASTM D 1149
Carbon black content 2–3% ASTM D 1603 13.4 It is recommended that a silt trap is
Moisture vapour (gm–2day–1) <0.1 ASTM E 96 incorporated into the pipework at the inlet to the
Friction angle 21° Shear box tank (see Figure 6). There must be a maintenance
(non-woven geotextile)
plan that ensures regular cleaning of the trap to
Methane permeability 0.11 European Standard
(gm–2day–1/atm) ensure correct performance. Silt traps for use with
Methane transmission rate 0.8 x 10–9 BRE this system are outside the scope of this Certificate.
(m3m–2s–1atm–1)
Permeability coefficient 1.8 x 10–12 13.5 For all flow control devices it is sensible to
Application temperature (°C) >4 incorporate access (via a manhole or similar) to the
location of the pipe entry, orifice or vortex control.
10.7 To ensure total impermeability, joints between This will enable easy removal of any blockage. The
adjacent sheets of impermeable geomembranes orifice itself may be protected by a debris screen.
should be sealed correctly using proprietary
welding techniques. The integrity of joints should 13.6 Paved surface areas above an installation
be demonstrated by non-destructive testing(1). should be inspected at the same time to ensure the
(1) Advice on seam testing is given in CIRIA SP124 Barriers,
units continue to provide the required structural
liners and cover systems for containment and control of land support.
contamination.
14 Durability
11 Venting
The structural properties of polypropylene
11.1 Adequate venting must be provided to the used in the components of the system will
AquaCell structure. One 110 mm diameter air vent deteriorate with time and should be taken
is required per 7500 square metres of into account at the design stage by the application
impermeable catchment area to be drained (see of suitable safety factors. In the opinion of the BBA,
Figure 5).
the AquaCell Stormwater Management System,
11.2 Typical air vent connectors and pipework when used in accordance with this Certificate, will
can be seen in the Certificate holder’s Stormwater have a life in excess of 50 years.
8
Figure 5 Typical air vent design

Figure 6 Typical silt trap Installation

15 General
The system should be installed in accordance with
the Certificate holder’s Stormwater Management
Design and Installation Manual, 2002.

cover and frame 16 Procedure

150 mm side fill as dug ⫺ 1.2 m deep use 6D.935
material with no particle ⫺ greater than 1.2 m deep
16.1 The hole or trench is excavated to the
sizes larger than 40 mm use 6D.939 with reduced required depth, dimensions and levels. It must be
opening of 350 mm ensured that the plan area is sufficient to allow
compaction plant access around sides to compact
backfill material (300 mm minimum). The base must
be smooth and level without sharp drops or humps.
shaft 500 mm Slopes must be cut to a safe angle or adequately
supported and safe access must be provided to
160 mm 1250 mm allow personnel to enter the excavation.
OsmaDrain
16.2 The base must be inspected for soft spots in
the formation — any present must be excavated
450 mm
and replaced with compacted granular fill material.
16.3 A 100 mm thick, bedding layer of coarse
sand is laid on the base and sides of the
excavation. The geotextile protection fleece is laid
100 mm bed as per pipe
bedding specification
if required for geomembrane (attenuation).
16.4 The geomembrane (or geotextile, if in an
infiltration system) is laid over the sand bedding
layer and up the sides of the excavation. The
geomembrane is inspected for damage and all
welds are tested as required. Joints between
adjacent sheets of impermeable membrane should
9
be sealed correctly using proprietary techniques
with a minimum lap of 50 mm. Jointing with tape is Technical Investigations
not recommended as this places reliance on the
mechanical properties of the tape to maintain the The following is a summary of the technical
integrity of the system. investigations carried out on the AquaCell
Stormwater Management System.
16.5 The AquaCell units are installed in
accordance with the installation schedule for correct 17 Tests
orientation. Wherever possible continuous vertical
Tests were carried out on the system to determine:
joints should be avoided. The units are arranged so
that pre-formed sockets are in the correct alignment long-term and short-term resistance to loading
for inlet and outlet pipes. For single-layer performance and durability of geosynthetic
applications, Wavin clips are used and for multi- volumetric capacity and discharge rate.
layers Wavin clips and shear connectors are used.
18 Investigations
16.6 The geotextile or geomembrane 18.1 The manufacturing process was examined
encapsulation to base, sides and top of installation, including the method adopted for quality control,
including protective geotextile (where required) is and details obtained on the quality and
completed. Geomembranes should be welded with composition of the material used.
double seams. The geomembrane is inspected for
18.2 An assessment of the system was made in
damage and all welds are tested as required.
relation to:
16.7 Drainage connections are made to the material properties
installation using proprietary adaptors. Pre-formed design procedures.
socket positions for pipe connections must be
located at the correct position for receiving 18.3 A site visit was made to assess the
pipework. Alternatively, flange adaptors are used practicability and ease of installation and connection.
attached to AquaCell units with adhesive tape and
self-tapping screws (flange adaptors cannot be Bibliography
used at invert of AquaCell units into the pre-formed
socket). It is recommended that all connections and ASTM D 638 : 2002 Test Method for Tensile
air vent installations, in attenuation applications, Properties of Plastics
are made with a flange adaptor, using adhesive or ASTM D 751 : 2000 Standard Test Methods for
double-sided tape to form a seal. Alternatively, Coated Fabrics
drainage connections are sealed into a pre-formed
ASTM D 792 : 2000 Test Methods for Density
socket using proprietary seals approved by the
and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by
geomembrane manufacturer.
Displacement
16.8 The installation is backfilled with Type 1 or 2 ASTM D 1004 : 1994 Standard Test Method for
sub-base or Class 6P (side fill only) selected Initial Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting
granular material in accordance with the Manual of
ASTM D 1149 : 1999 Standard Test Method for
Contract Documents for Highway Works, Volume 1.
Rubber Deterioration–Surface Ozone Cracking in a
The backfill is compacted in 150 mm thick layers.
Chamber
16.9 A coarse sand protection layer 100 mm ASTM D 1203 : 1994 Standard Test Methods for
thick should be placed over the top of the units that Volatile Loss From Plastics Using Activated Carbon
are wrapped in either a geotextile (infiltration Methods
system) or a geomembrane with protective
geotextile (attenuation system). Backfilling is ASTM D 1204 : 1994 Test Method for Linear
continued with: Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic
Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperatures
Trafficked areas (eg car parks) — Type 1 or 2
sub-base material compacted in 150 mm layers in ASTM D 1603 : 2001 Test Method for Carbon
accordance with the Manual of Contract Black in Olefin Plastics
Documents for Highway Works, Volume 1. ASTM D 5397 : 1999 Standard Test Method for
Compaction plant over top of system not exceed Evaluation of Stress Crack Resistance of Polyolefin
2300 kg per metre width. Geomembranes Using Notched Constant Tensile
Landscaped and non-trafficked areas — selected Load Test
as-dug material with size of pieces less than ASTM E 96 : 2000 Test Methods for Water Vapor
75 mm compacted to 90% maximum dry density. Transmission of Materials
Compaction plant over top of system must not to FTMS 101C : Method 2065 Puncture Test
exceed 2300 kg per metre width.
Manual of Contract Documents for Highway
16.10 The pavement construction or landscaping Works, Volume 1 : Specification for Highway
is completed over the AquaCell system. Works : May 2001 edition
10
 (b) continue to be checked by the BBA or its
Conditions of Certification agents; and
(c) are reviewed by the BBA as and when it
19 Conditions considers appropriate.
19.1 This Certificate:
19.4 In granting this Certificate, the BBA makes
(a) relates only to the product that is described, no representation as to:
installed, used and maintained as set out in this
Certificate; (a) the presence or absence of any patent or
similar rights subsisting in the product or any other
(b) is granted only to the company, firm or person product;
identified on the front cover — no other company,
firm or person may hold or claim any entitlement to (b) the right of the Certificate holder to market,
this Certificate; supply, install or maintain the product; and
(c) has to be read, considered and used as a (c) the nature of individual installations of the
whole document — it may be misleading and will product, including methods and workmanship.
be incomplete to be selective; 19.5 Any recommendations relating to the use or
(d) is copyright of the BBA. installation of this product which are contained or
referred to in this Certificate are the minimum
19.2 References in this Certificate to any Act of
standards required to be met when the product is
Parliament, Regulation made thereunder, Directive
used. They do not purport in any way to restate the
or Regulation of the European Union, Statutory
requirements of the Health & Safety at Work etc
Instrument, Code of Practice, British Standard,
Act 1974, or of any other statutory, common law
manufacturers’ instructions or similar publication,
shall be construed as references to such publication or other duty which may exist at the date of this
in the form in which it was current at the date of Certificate or in the future; nor is conformity with
this Certificate. such recommendations to be taken as satisfying the
requirements of the 1974 Act or of any present or
19.3 This Certificate will remain valid for an future statutory, common law or other duty of care.
unlimited period provided that the product and the In granting this Certificate, the BBA does not
manufacture and/or fabricating process(es) thereof: accept responsibility to any person or body for any
(a) are maintained at or above the levels which loss or damage, including personal injury, arising
have been assessed and found to be satisfactory as a direct or indirect result of the installation and
by the BBA; use of this product.

In the opinion of the British Board of Agrément, the AquaCell Stormwater Management System
is fit for its intended use provided it is installed, used and maintained as set out in this
Certificate. Certificate No 03/4018 is accordingly awarded to Wavin Plastics Limited.
On behalf of the British Board of Agrément

Date of issue: 28th March 2003 Chief Executive

11
British Board of Agrément For additional information about the
©2003 Certificate, tel: 01923 665300.
P O Box No 195, Bucknalls Lane For information about Agrément
Garston, Watford, Herts WD25 9BA Certificate validity and scope,
e-mail: [email protected] tel: Hotline 01923 665400, or
Fax: 01923 665301 website: www.bbacerts.co.uk check the BBA website.