[INFO#4]
Oct/Nov/Dec 2020
First buffer basin with BIM in Wallonia
Commissioned by New Mecco, general contractor Maurice Wanty NV is currently putting the finishing touches on the construction of a roundabout and a shopping center along the N5 in Gosselies. The mandatory construction of an 855 m³ retention basin must ensure that rainwater on the roofs and the rest of the site is buffered efficiently. Wanty did for this purpose, drawing on the expertise of Deschacht, which provides a combination of Variobox and Controlbox crates with a chose a honeycomb structure. A modern and efficient solution that is also good for a first, because it is the first retention basin in Wallonia that was realized using Deschacht's BIM library.
«All rainwater on the roofs and the road surface is collected via a traditional system of collectors, gullies, and inspection chambers,» says Dimitri Steilen, project manager at Deschacht. The volume of the retention basin is calculated based on the most extreme storms the region has experienced over the past twenty years. «If a severe thunderstorm were to occur, all excess water can be temporarily buffered while the basin simultaneously drains. The latter happens at a small, continuous flow rate—in accordance with the municipality's standards, so the sewer system does not become saturated. The basin is also equipped with an overflow system to prevent the site from flooding during prolonged rainfall.»
Since the realization of such a buffer basin is true specialist work, Wanty approached Deschacht. «It was certainly not our first collaboration,» says Sébastien Abrassart, senior site manager at Groupe Wanty.
Waterproof honeycomb crates
The retention basin consists of a combination of Variobox and Controlbox crates with a honeycomb structure and a BENOR certificate. The Variobox crates can be connected and linked on all sides and are extremely suitable for projects such as large shopping centers with parking lots. The Controlbox crates, in turn, increase accessibility for inspection and maintenance. Dimitri Steilen states: ‘It is a system with an ultra-lightweight honeycomb structure made of polypropylene. The cubic crates are 60 cm high, wide, and deep. The volume of a single cube contains 95 % of free space, with the intention of storing the maximum amount of water in the basin. Depending on the waterproof requirements, not only has a geotextile been installed, but the entire assembly is also wrapped in a waterproof PVC membrane, which is welded shut by a specialized company. The corners are reinforced and resealed, like a gift package that seals everything 100 %,’ Dimitri Steilen explains.
Valuable benefits
The advantages of a basin with honeycomb crates are numerous: a large storage and discharge capacity (the storage capacity is no less than 95 %), modularity and flexibility depending on site conditions (different heights, horizontal and vertical connection). Dimitri Steilen: «The crates also have exceptional load-bearing capacity. If there is heavy traffic, as will be the case here, they can be covered with an 80 cm embankment – without a load-distribution plate – and withstand a weight of no less than 60 tons.» A final advantage cited by the project manager is the following: «Often the available depth to place a buffer basin is very limited, so honeycomb crates come in extremely handy in that case. In Gosselies, the basin is only 1.20 meters high.»
First “BIM” session”
The brand new retention basin in Gosselies is the first digitally designed one on Walloon territory. For two years, since the hiring of a BIM Manager, Deschacht has been developing an intelligent 3D BIM library. Dimitri Steilen: «We draw the retention basins directly in 3D using Revit software. The main advantage is that this allows us to immediately draw up an installation plan, complete with all floor plans, cross-sections, and elevations. We can therefore provide the installer with a clear and accurate plan, which was not always the case previously. And once the basin has been modeled in 3D, the push of a button is enough to deduce a price quote based on all the necessary elements. If an adjustment is subsequently required, for example in terms of sizing, you can implement the required changes with just a few clicks.» The sewerage systems are also modeled in this way, making Deschacht a pioneer in BIM design in this field.
Deschacht innovates
Innovation and specialization are the key to even better service in engineering and construction management. As a contractor or installer, architect or engineering firm, you want to eliminate errors in design and execution. Deschacht supports you in this with its innovative BIM software and library. Building Information Modeling allows you to intelligently automate the design process, as well as the selection and correct integration of products.
More info about this project?
Contact Dimitri Steilen via [email protected] or via 0496 24 37 19.