By: ViaCon
The Challenge: Rainwater Retention Needs in Kaunas
This project in Kaunas, Lithuania, presented a unique challenge: an overwhelming amount of rainwater accumulating on the property. The site generated significantly more rainwater than the existing infrastructure could handle, creating a potential flooding hazard. Effective rainwater retention was crucial.
The Solution: Innovative Rainwater Retention System
To address the need for rainwater retention, ViaCon Baltic engineered a large-capacity retention tank constructed from spirally corrugated steel. This innovative design allowed for the efficient collection and controlled release of excess rainwater. Furthermore, a flow regulator was integrated into the system to manage the discharge rate, ensuring that it did not exceed 65 liters per second (approximately 143 gallons per second) into the municipal network.
One of the key features of this rainwater retention solution was the unique flange connection design. ViaCon Baltic specialists adapted the flange connection at the top for external use and the bottom flange for internal use within the tank. This design maximized the tank’s capacity, prevented debris buildup at the connection point, and simplified maintenance procedures such as flushing. Additionally, it facilitated the easy and rapid connection of tank segments during installation. To guarantee a watertight seal for optimal retention, an adhesive Teflon (PTFE) gasket was used in the flange connection.
The ViaCon Advantage: Efficient and Sustainable Rainwater Retention
The ViaCon Baltic solution provided comprehensive rainwater retention management for the entire site. Instead of relying on main collection lines, wastewater was collected directly from all hard surfaces, green spaces, and building roofs and channeled into the retention tank’s collector. Moreover, because the site was characterized by a high water table, the tank was designed to be completely watertight, preventing any external water from seeping in and compromising the retention system.
Beyond its efficiency, the ViaCon solution prioritized sustainability. The retention tank, constructed from steel, offered exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and resilience to temperature fluctuations, all essential for long-term rainwater retention. Importantly, steel is 100% recyclable. Its production has a relatively low environmental impact, requiring less energy and water and generating fewer CO2 emissions compared to other materials.
Technical Specifications: Rainwater Retention on a Large Scale
The retention project utilized a spirally corrugated steel tank with an internal diameter of 1400 millimeters (approximately 55 inches) and an impressive total length of 2 kilometers 100 meters (approximately 1.3 miles). This substantial infrastructure effectively addressed the site’s rainwater management needs.
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