Air Force Base Trench Drains
Air Force installations operate around the clock under high-load, high-security, and high-compliance conditions. From aircraft aprons and fueling stations to maintenance hangars and motor pools, reliable drainage is essential to mission readiness. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are engineered for extreme mechanical loads, chemical exposure, and weather extremes, ensuring safe, compliant, and long-lasting performance across all air base environments — from flight lines to logistics yards.
Key Requirements
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Load Rating
Typically E600 to F900, meeting or exceeding DoD and FAA pavement standards.
• Runways, aprons, and taxiways: F900 for aircraft wheel and landing-gear loads.
• Maintenance hangars and wash bays: D400–E600 for service vehicles and equipment.
• Fueling and refueling zones: F900 with sealed, chemical-resistant joints.
• Motor pools and logistics areas: E600–F900 for tracked and wheeled vehicle loads.
Drainage systems must resist impact, vibration, and jet-blast conditions while maintaining hydraulic efficiency.
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Material Durability
Air Force facilities expose trench drains to jet fuel, lubricants, de-icing chemicals, and temperature extremes.
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) or Polymer Concrete channels for high-strength, low-deflection performance.
• 316L stainless steel channels and grates for fuel and chemical resistance in wash and maintenance zones.
• Ductile-iron grates rated F900 for aircraft wheel loads and ground equipment.
• Epoxy or galvanized edge rails for corrosion resistance in outdoor areas.
• Locking hardware and anti-vibration systems to prevent movement from jet thrust or heavy equipment.
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Site Conditions
• Continuous exposure to jet-fuel vapors, hydraulic fluids, and extreme thermal gradients.
• Surfaces must be graded (1–2%) to direct runoff toward trench systems for immediate evacuation.
• Drainage must integrate with oil/water separators and containment systems per EPA SPCC and UFC 3-270-01.
• Freeze–thaw, UV, and high-impact resistance are mandatory for open-air airfield zones.
• Drains must maintain watertight seals to prevent contamination of groundwater or sub-grade infrastructure.
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User Requirements
• Strength: Handle aircraft, refuelers, and ground support equipment without deformation.
• Chemical resistance: Resist fuels, lubricants, and cleaning solutions.
• Compliance: Meet DoD, FAA, and ASTM C857 design requirements.
• Safety: Flush-mounted, slip-resistant grates for both air and ground personnel.
• Maintenance: Modular, removable grates and baskets for easy cleaning.
• Environmental control: Integration with spill containment and filtration systems for full compliance.
• Longevity: Multi-decade lifespan with minimal service requirements.
Recommended TrenchDrainCo Systems
TrenchDrainCo FRC Airfield Series
Heavy-duty fiber-reinforced concrete trench drain system rated up to F900 — ideal for runways, aprons, and taxiways.
TrenchDrainCo Stainless Air Base Series
316L stainless steel trench drain for wash bays, chemical zones, and hangar applications.
TrenchDrainCo LEO 1200
Ductile-iron grate and frame system for heavy vehicular areas and refueling points.
TrenchDrainCo HDPE Tactical Series
Lightweight drainage for auxiliary or interior maintenance facilities.
Engineering Notes
When designing trench drains for Air Force bases:
- Specify F900-rated systems for all aircraft and vehicle zones.
- Seal joints with fuel- and solvent-resistant elastomers to maintain containment.
- Use anti-vibration locking grates near taxiways and maintenance areas to prevent rattle and uplift.
- Integrate trench drains with SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) systems for environmental protection.
- Confirm hydraulic capacity aligns with FAA AC 150/5320-5D surface drainage guidelines.
- Use stainless steel or epoxy-coated reinforcement in coastal or salt-laden environments.
- Include clean-outs and sediment baskets for simplified maintenance by base civil engineering units.
Mission-ready drainage. Engineered for air superiority.
Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system designed for Air Force bases, airfields, and defense infrastructure.
📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com