Design ID served as the Civil & Structural Engineers for this project, which encompassed the installation of a new modular classroom building. This initiative was part of a broader development in South Wales, involving the construction of four new school buildings across three local schools.
The civil engineering requirements for this project included comprehensive drainage design, levels and pavement design, as well as the design of the temporary haul road and working platform.
To enhance sustainability, Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) were integrated into the design. A geocellular soakaway tank was implemented to manage surface water discharge from the roof of the new school building. Additionally, porous hard standings were employed, allowing surface water to infiltrate directly into the ground below, providing natural treatment as it percolates.
Rain garden planters were also introduced at all rainwater pipes (RWPs) to further treat the runoff from the roof.
As the project is situated in Wales, it was necessary to submit a SuDS Scheme Application to the SuDS Approving Body (SAB) for approval. The design was developed in accordance with The Sustainable Drainage (Approval and Adoption Procedure) (Wales) 2018. The SAB approval process is comprehensive, fostering the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to improve surface water management, sustainability, biodiversity, and the overall quality of the project. This thorough approach was also applied to the design and installation of the temporary haul road, with a particular focus on reinstating local plant species and grassland.
The approved application demonstrated that the SuDS features incorporated into the design met the biodiversity, quality, and amenity standards required by SAB.
Contractor: McAvoy Group
Client: Neath Port Talbot
