Parking lot drainage

Parking Structure & Parking Lot Trench Drains

Parking structures and lots are exposed to heavy vehicular loads, weather extremes, and continuous runoff from rain, snow, and de-icing salts. Proper trench drainage prevents ponding, freeze hazards, and concrete deterioration while ensuring long-term structural performance. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are designed for strength, corrosion resistance, and maintenance efficiency — providing dependable surface water management for garages, parking decks, and open-air lots.

  • Load Rating

    Typically C250 to F900, depending on traffic and site configuration.

    Light-duty parking lots: C250 for passenger vehicles and small trucks.

    Commercial garages and ramps: D400–E600 for consistent vehicular traffic.

    Bus terminals, freight, or emergency vehicle access: E600–F900 heavy-duty rating.

    Each drainage system must resist wheel loads, vibration, and structural movement.

  • Material Durability

    Parking applications involve exposure to salts, fuels, oils, and freeze-thaw cycles.

    Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) or Polymer Concrete channels for high compressive strength and minimal deflection.

    HDPE channels for lightweight retrofit or secondary areas.

    Ductile-iron grates in drive lanes and traffic zones.

    Galvanized or stainless steel edge rails for impact resistance and corrosion protection.

    Epoxy or resin coatings for high-chloride environments such as parking decks.

  • Site Conditions

    • Outdoor lots require systems with sufficient hydraulic capacity for heavy rainfall events.

    • Parking decks must use watertight trench drains to prevent leakage through structural slabs.

    • Expansion joints and flexible sealants accommodate temperature and movement stresses.

    • Slabs should be pitched 1–2% toward drains for efficient runoff.

    • Systems must integrate with catch basins or stormwater management infrastructure.

  • User Requirements

    Safety: Slip-resistant, ADA-compliant grates to prevent pedestrian hazards.

    Durability: Handle repeated wheel loading without edge damage or grate rattle.

    Chemical resistance: Protect against oil, salt, and fuel exposure.

    Ease of maintenance: Modular channels with removable grates for quick cleaning.

    Longevity: Engineered to preserve structural integrity and pavement life.

    Swiftdrain 300 Channel With Ductile Iron Grate

    TrenchDrainCo 300 Series

    Fiber-reinforced concrete trench drain with ductile-iron grates — rated D400–F900 for parking decks and high-traffic areas.

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    leo 1200 cast iron rate

    TrenchDrainCo LEO 1200

    Heavy-duty ductile-iron system for open-air parking lots and drive lanes.

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    Swiftdrain 600 Ductile Iron 632 Grate 4

    TrenchDrainCo HDPE 600 Series

    Lightweight, corrosion-resistant channel for secondary lanes and pedestrian zones.

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     Model 100 Polymer Grate

    TrenchDrainCo Epoxy-Lined System

    Polymer concrete with epoxy lining for chloride-rich or coastal environments.

    Shop Model 100
    Parking structures

    Engineering Notes

    When designing trench drains for parking lots and structures:

    • Confirm that trench drains align with traffic flow to reduce impact and noise.
    • Use corrosion-resistant materials in areas exposed to de-icing salts or fuel runoff.
    • Specify watertight trench drains for elevated decks or multi-level garages.
    • Incorporate sediment baskets and access points for routine cleaning.
    • Ensure compatibility with stormwater detention or treatment systems to meet local codes.
    • For open lots, design high-flow trench systems to manage sheet runoff from large impervious surfaces.
    Parking lot drainage

    Protect your pavement and prevent ponding

    Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system engineered for parking structures, garages, and open-air lots.

    📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
    📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com

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