Warehouse Trench Drains
Warehouses and distribution centers demand rugged, low-maintenance drainage systems that perform under constant heavy loads and traffic. From forklift aisles to loading zones and maintenance areas, trench drains must withstand mechanical impact, thermal expansion, and chemical exposure — all while providing efficient surface water control. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are engineered for industrial reliability, ensuring safe, dry, and compliant environments across every warehouse application.
Key Requirements
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Load Rating
Typically D400 to F900, depending on equipment and traffic intensity.
• Forklift and pallet-jack aisles: D400–E600.
• Truck loading bays and exterior ramps: E600–F900.
• Pedestrian walkways and maintenance zones: B125–C250.
Drain systems must be selected based on live loads, wheel loads, and frequency of passes. -
Material Durability
Warehouse environments expose drains to oils, hydraulic fluids, solvents, and heavy wear.
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) or Polymer Concrete channels for maximum structural performance.
• HDPE systems for lighter-duty or retrofit installations.
• Ductile-iron grates for forklift traffic and point loading.
• Galvanized or stainless steel edge rails for impact and corrosion resistance.
• Epoxy-coated or resin-lined channels for chemical protection in maintenance areas.
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Site Conditions
• Typically flat slabs with slight slope (1–2%) toward drains.
• Must tolerate constant vibration and movement from equipment.
• Expansion joints required for temperature-controlled or large-span floors.
• Drainage should connect to oil/water separators or sump systems for compliance.
• Systems exposed to outdoor loading docks should resist freeze-thaw cycles.
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User Requirements
• Strength: Handle heavy wheel loads without deformation or grate rattle.
• Chemical resistance: Protect against oils, cleaning agents, and mild solvents.
• Safety: Slip-resistant grates for pedestrian and operator zones.
• Low maintenance: Removable grates for easy cleaning and debris removal.
• Longevity: Reinforced edge protection to maintain slab integrity under repeated impacts.
Recommended TrenchDrainCo Systems
TrenchDrainCo 300 Series
Fiber-reinforced concrete trench drain with ductile-iron grates — ideal for forklift and high-load applications.
TrenchDrainCo LEO 1200
Heavy-duty cast-iron system rated D400–F900 for loading docks and transport lanes.
TrenchDrainCo Model 600
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant option for general warehouse flooring and retrofits.
TrenchDrainCo Stainless Washdown System
304/316 stainless steel channels for maintenance or sanitation areas.
Engineering Notes
When designing trench drains for warehouses and distribution centers:
- Position drains perpendicular to traffic flow to minimize wheel impact and improve capture.
- Use FRC or polymer concrete for long-span drains under high point loads.
- Maintain consistent elevation tolerance with slab pour to avoid forklift vibration.
- Add clean-outs or sediment baskets to simplify preventive maintenance.
- Confirm that TrenchDrainCovers meet EN 1433 or equivalent heavy-duty load standards.
- Integrate drainage layouts with loading dock trench systems for full site water management.
Built for strength. Designed for uptime
Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system engineered for warehouse and distribution environments.
📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com
