A sustainable parking solution for heavy equipment
For the expansion of their site in Ghent, Boels Rental invested in new parking facilities that not only provide sufficient load-bearing capacity for their heavy rental machinery, but also comply with the strict infiltration regulations of the City of Ghent. The challenge was twofold:
- The site is located in a flood-prone area, meaning the environmental permit could only be granted on the condition of demonstrable water infiltration.
- The paving had to be extremely durable, resistant to the continuous movement of excavators, cherry pickers, and other heavy vehicles.
Deschacht as a thinking partner in the permitting process.
Because classical pavings such as asphalt or dense concrete did not meet urban requirements, Deschacht actively joined the table with architect Koen De Rycke (Archiotec) to arrive at a technically and legally feasible solution. Thanks to the patented system
the project could be approved after all. The water-permeable structure guarantees sufficient infiltration and prevents peak runoff to the sewer system — a crucial requirement of the City of Ghent. All other proposals were rejected by the city; only Drainix Traffic met the necessary infiltration criteria and structural strength requirements.
Drainix Traffic: the standard for heavy-duty permeable paving
For this project, 4,000 m² of Drainix Traffic 20 cm was installed — the newest variant within the Drainix range, specially designed for heavy traffic. The key features:
- Increased compressive strength through extra reinforcement and a height of 20 cm, making the structure resistant to heavy rolling stock.
- Open concrete cellular structure that allows direct infiltration of rainwater into the subsoil.
- Sustainable concrete quality that extends the lifespan of the pavement, even with intensive use.
- Compatible with water-permeable foundations for maximum infiltration and minimal maintenance requirements.
The result: a sturdy, permeable concrete parking lot that effortlessly supports the weight of heavy machinery while simultaneously contributing to sustainable water management.
Betocor: experienced supervisor with Drainix
The construction of the parking lot was carried out by Betocor, a contractor with extensive experience in working with Drainix systems. Thanks to their expertise, the installation went smoothly and a perfectly even, water-permeable surface was achieved. Betocor has meanwhile completed several projects with
executed and will rely on this innovative system again in the future.
Sustainable profit for Boels and the city of Ghent.
Thanks to the collaboration between Deschacht, Archiotec, Van Moer Hector, and Betocor, Boels today has a sustainable, robust parking solution that:
- meets the strict infiltration requirements of the City of Ghent,
- sustainable water management guarantees,
- and is resistant to heavy traffic.
A textbook example of how smart engineering and innovative products like Drainix Traffic contribute to future-proof infrastructure.
