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What Is A French Drain?

Posted On : Jan-08-2013 | seen (539) times | Article Word Count : 537 |

When surface water and ground water collect in areas with no drainage, serious soil stabilization and flooding issues can result.
When surface water and ground water collect in areas with no drainage, serious soil stabilization and flooding issues can result. In areas that are vulnerable to these types of water collection, necessary precautions must be taken to avoid water problems. One way to deal with these issues is with the use of a French drain. Also known as a land drain or a rock drain, a French drain is constructed when a trench is dug and filled with a perforated pipe. The pipe is then covered with rock or gravel. The pipe is used to direct accumulating ground water or surface water away from an area.

What Kind Of Damage Can Be Prevented Using These Drains?

Often, surface water and ground water can cause major damage to the foundation of a building. Repairs for damage of this type are costly and can take a long time. A French drain trenchcan help to redirect water away from the foundation of the building, preventing penetration and serious damage. In a sewage treatment system, a French drain trench is often used as an outlet to distribute excess water. When a retaining wall is built, ground water pressure behind said wall can become a serious problem. A French drain can help to relieve the water pressure beyond the retaining wall.

What Variations Of French Drains Are Possible To Construct?

The basic structure of a French drain can be used in several alternate constructions which function for specific purposes other than those of the standard drain. For example, the filter drain creates a drainage area for ground water. A collector or interceptor drain allows surface water or water run-off interception to combine with drained ground water. This drain can have a direct connection to underground pipes in order to divert surface water in a more rapid fashion. This type of drain does require a filter that can be cleaned in order to avoid pipe clogs resulting from surface debris accumulation. A dispersal drain takes the waste water from a septic tank and distributes it.

What Other Drainage Methods Can Be Used For Soil Stabilization?

One drainage method that is comparable to the creation of French drains and works just as effectively is a bio polymer drain. This type of drain uses a hydraulic excavation system to dig a drainage trench and then employs a polymer slurryto support the walls of the trench. The trench is then back-filled as the slurry is reversed to water and a totally functional drainage trench is created. The polymer slurry method is often used when a dry installation method is simply not possible or is too expensive for the project being considered. Bio polymer drains can be used to collect leachate at landfills, generate barriers that are reactive, generate much needed toe drains for dams and to collect groundwater for treat and pump systems. One advantage of using bio polymer trenching is the ability to create drains with a depth of up to 80 feet. The use of bio polymer drains is both effective and safe for the environment and the drains can be used in many applications in which a French drain could also be used.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What Is A French Drain?_243785.aspx

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Keywords : French drain trench, polymer slurry,

Category : Business : Business

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