Case study: Flemish government chooses innovative rainwater storage in Gentbrugge
The Agency for Roads and Traffic can boast a Belgian first. The largest structure ever built in Belgium using Weholite pipes was constructed at its site in Gentbrugge. Producer Tubao and exclusive distributor Deschacht were responsible for the engineering and installation.
Sustainable and eco-friendly
Weholite pipes are manufactured from high-density polyethylene or HDPE. This plastic offers several advantages that make the pipes extremely suitable for applications where durability and ecology are a criterion. First and foremost, the pipes are 100% recyclable into new pipes. Moreover, they are double-walled and resistant to most chemical influences, which reduces the risk of leaks to a minimum (unlike a concrete tank). Any harmful substances thus do not end up in the environment. HDPE itself also does not release any harmful substances or gases. Weholite pipes are therefore certified for the transport and storage of drinking water. Finally, their flexibility and low weight allow for quick installation, with a minimum of transport and construction machinery and a reduction in CO2 emissions as a result.
Innovative design
The Agency for Roads and Traffic of the Flemish government wants to recuperate rainwater at the winter service depot in Gentbrugge to use it for making brine. For the storage of the rainwater, the engineering departments of Tubao and Deschacht conceived an innovative solution: to date, the largest structure using Weholite pipes in Belgium. Three underground tanks were installed with a total volume of 320 m³, complete with all necessary connections and pumps. It goes without saying that the production, assembly, and installation of such a gigantic pipe structure went smoothly because everything was meticulously designed and drawn in advance.
Technical consultation between parties
That also presupposed intensive consultation between Deschacht, Tubao, contractor Hertsens, and pump installer Eco Solutions. With a good result. “Thanks to the good agreements with Deschacht and Tubao, we only needed one day to install and connect the tanks,” looks back site manager Olivier Maes of Hertsens Wegenwerken with satisfaction. And sales engineer Marco Bellemans of pump specialist Eco Solutions also praised the cooperation in terms of planning and construction: “If you can coordinate with all partners in advance, the plans and materials are right the first time.” This combination of innovative, sustainable materials and a well-thought-out design once again demonstrated a fine example of engineering on the part of Deschacht and partner Tubao.
