When Edinburgh City Council invested in its waste recycling facilities for residents in 2016/17. Part of the programme saw a £9 Million project to redevelop its facility at Seafield, on the Firth of Forth.
The redevelopment has added a new collection depot, waste transfer station and staff ccommodation block to the site. It has also extended parking capacity for City of Edinburgh Council’s refuse vehicles, with a steel-framed vehicle building and 34 canopy bays.
This project was delivered through Scape Group’s National Major Works framework. Scape Group is a public-sector organisation, dedicated to creating ongoing efficiency and social value via the built environment.
Construction work was undertaken by Robertson, with its Civil Engineering division responsible for installation of a new deep drainage system and other infrastructure. They chose Clark-Drain to supply approximately 500 metres of D400 and F900 Polymer Concrete Drainage Channel.
Alison McGowan, Site Manager at Robertson, Civil Engineering says: “These channels met our needs in terms of load handling, with the 90-tonne rating necessary for the site. We were also attracted by the fact that they were very light and therefore easy to install.”
Sustainability and long-term performance were also important factors in the project. The drainage infrastructure has been designed with the possible effects of climate change in mind. The drainage channels themselves are wider than might have been specified, in order to ensure they have the capacity for increases in rainfall and storm events.
The drainage channels were all sourced via Keyline, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of civil and drainage material to the construction industry. Jackie Wright, Senior Sales at Keyline, explains why they recommended Clark-Drain’s products for this project: “We have supplied Clark-Drain products many times and have always been impressed by their product variety and quality.
“In this case, it was also particularly important that they could provide extensive product information in response to our initial enquiry. They sent us detailed spec sheets that included all the technical information our customer needed.”
Alison McGowan was subsequently impressed with the level of customer service provided by Clark-Drain: “Clark-Drain’s account manager for Scotland was on site several times. His involvement started at a very early stage, ensuring suitability of the three types of channel supplied across the site. He then coordinated delivery of the channels at suitable times throughout the project so that we always had them when we needed them.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh City Council said: “This new facility at Seafield will not only provide a more comfortable, suitable depot for staff, but will enhance the service by simplifying route management. Investment in our portfolio of depots is essential for providing a modern, efficient waste and cleansing service.”
WHY THESE PRODUCTS WERE CHOSEN
Hard wearing – Polymer concrete has greater tensile strength and resistance against corrosion than traditional concrete, while ductile iron slotted grates and galvanised steel edge rails also ensure long-term durability.
Security – Clark-Drain’s drainage channels are available with optional security features including catchlock clips or locking bars and bolts.
BS EN1433:2002 – Load handling performance is rated at 90 tonnes, making the channels durable with strength to spare in an area used by a range of vehicles including cars, refuse vehicles and fuel tankers.
Quick installation – The Polymer Concrete Channels are lighter and easier to handle than traditional concrete alternatives, so installation is simpler, resulting in savings of time and cost.