LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/107181
Corrugated metal pipe is advantageous in rural areas where land is still available – it can be a cost savings to use more land area to capture the intended volume. Large corrugated metal pipe requires the use of heavy equipment, and lots of gravel, which may increase installation costs. They may or may not need filters, and if large enough, maintenance workers in Hazmat gear can enter the tubes. Corrugated metal pipes are not usually used for controlled release or water reuse. Concrete arches and vaults are best used in applications where a load rating higher than AASHTO H-25 is required. Concrete vaults require the use of heavy equipment, and usually will not need water filtration. The downside to no water filtration is that sediments build up in the bottom and require constant cleaning. When using a concrete vault, the inside will need periodic cleaning due to the anaerobic environment. For all product categories, manufacturers have experienced failures in their systems and 99 percent of this is due to either the design or the installation. Consult with the manufacturer on design – ensure design follows the manufacturer's procedures before bidding or installation. When considering one product over another, do not ask the competition. Rumors abound. Ask each manufacturer to discuss their advantages and pitfalls. Ask for references and for installations that have longevity. I have worked for a chamber supplier for 10 years and have seen many new products on the market. It can be a challenge to know which product to use – but the bottom line is: after due diligence, the landscape architect will specify to use the product that best fits their needs. Top At a naval base in Jacksonville, Fla. a reuse tank captures water used to wash helicopters. Bottom Between 2006 and 2008 EcoRain Systems installed tanks along a 2.6-mile bioswale at the Los Angeles International Airport runway. February 2013 139