With the Type I self-supporting drainage channels, the market for drainage channel systems has changed completely

As an internationally operating trading company, Diederen Afwateringstechniek BV has a comprehensive product range for GWW, residential construction, utility construction, installation technology and industry. In addition, it offers excellent technical advice and strong service. As an importer of Stradal, a French concrete manufacturer whose drainage gutters are part of its extensive range, Diederen offers the unique self-supporting gutter. With the invention of the self-supporting "I-type concept," Stradal totally changed the market for drainage gutter systems. 

Marcel Diederen, director at Diederen Afwateringstechniek: "From the contractor market, the demand arose for a drainage channel that is quick and easy to install, as well as strong and durable. The frequently used M-type has to be cast in place, which involves more work and is weather-dependent. People are also wary of breaking the concrete. With the self-supporting I-type gutters, Stradal has developed a drainage solution that is quick and easy to install, durable and reliable, and meets the most stringent requirements in terms of area planning.

Technical revolution

Within the I-range, Stradal has developed three types in high-performance concrete: the HRI, mainly used for heavy traffic loads such as in port areas or airports. With an internal width between 200-700 mm and a maximum height of 1.5 m, large areas can be drained in a single line channel. In addition, the HRI can also be adapted to industrial requirements. Then there is the RI, with an internal width of 100 mm. Both types meet traffic class D400 kN and F900 kN. "And finally, there is the URBAN-I," Diederen adds. "A reliable and flexible solution that combines advanced technology with modern design."

Enriches the streetscape

The Urban-I is a drainage system that meets the most stringent technical and aesthetic requirements. The collection consists of four grid designs inspired by the dynamics of the city. The wear-resistant URBAN-I is available in 140 RAL colors and has an extensive choice of finishes, making it endlessly versatile. "For example, the aesthetic aspect of the area design can be enhanced by applying the URBAN-I self-supporting grid gutters."

Easy to install

The installation of I-type grid gutters does not require additional installation materials, making it faster and cheaper. "Because it only needs to be set, it reduces the number of operations and therefore the number of work interruptions," Diederen says. "Because no concrete needs to be poured and the product lasts many times longer, it is also ecologically interesting."

Buffer capacity

"With increasing rain intensity, it is not only important to drain the excess water quickly, but it must also be able to be stored. Because we -as the only one in the Netherlands- can implement the gutters in a width of 600-700 mm, it is possible to do this in the gutter without having a separate system for this." Diederen concludes, "With Stradal, there is always a suitable solution depending on the type of project and drainage requirements. Stradal can also provide good support in making hydraulic calculations and drainage plans."