Major flood events are becoming more common as the population grows and existing infrastructure becomes overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, the frequency of which is being driven upwards by climate change. Currently, 2.8 million properties, residential and commercial, in England are vulnerable to surface water flooding.
Culverts are the nation’s first line of defence in hazard mitigation. Their purpose is to reduce the chances of flooding; however, they only fulfil this task when correctly installed and maintained.
Culverts need to be installed at the right height with inclines and declines that are not too steep. They also need to be kept free from debris build-up and defects throughout their life. If flow rates are lowered by as little as 20%, a pinch point is created, and flooding will occur.
Major flooding then impacts residential estates, business parks, wildlife, and transportation, from road to rail. So, how do we prevent major floods?
Flood Prevention
Whether water flows swell because of heavy rain or melting snow, it is essential to take action before the weather event occurs. Landowners must ensure culverts on their estates are regularly maintained and repaired.
A typical culvert inspection first identifies if the culvert is undersized. An undersized culvert is likely to cause erosion, which over time can cause subsidence to surrounding structures and roads.
Debris build-up plays a large part in culvert performance. Inspection and clearance not only includes the culvert itself but the nearby streams and brooks that run into the culvert. Cleared from sand, gravel, soil, branches, mud, rubbish, and ice, flow capacity is maintained throughout the year.
Particular attention needs to be given to access road culverts, which tend to be smaller. These small culverts are more prone to fine materials settling, and the risks are greater when private landowners have not optimally installed them.
Regular CCTV culvert inspections also play a vital role. These check the structural integrity, including headwalls and pipes. Floatation devices or robotic camera trolleys might be used. The CCTV footage will highlight pipe decay, metal culvert corrosion, shape deformations in plastic culverts, changes in alignment, and masonry or stone deterioration.
Modern Culvert Inspection Techniques
The RWB Tech system is 100% accurate and produces high-resolution video footage that is transmitted wirelessly, in real-time, to those above ground. The analysis identifies abrasive wear, perforations, coating loss, and a loss of joint tightness. Any defect is geographically mapped.
Inspections and maintenance help avoid expensive future repair works or culvert replacement. Cleaning is conducted using high-powered water jets to break up hard accumulations. If a repair is required, relining is often an option that helps landowners avoid expensive dig costs.
Contact RWB Group for Major Flooding Advice
Need some advice on how to deal with major flooding incidences? Give us a call on 0800 488 0658 or you can send us a message here.
