Overview
The construction and operational phases of national road schemes have the potential to impact on the surface and groundwater quality and quantity if sufficient protection is not provided. This is of particular importance in vulnerable areas such as karstified limestone, where the bedrock aquifer is more susceptible to pollutants as pathways are exposed on the surface. This research project consists of a review of the different geological conditions encountered in Ireland, an evaluation of the performance of different road drainage systems, and the development of design guidelines for different drainage systems suitable for the different geological, hydrogeological and hydrological situations in Ireland.
The objectives of this research include:
- Review the different geological conditions encountered in Ireland
- Evaluate the current road drainage design systems in use in national road schemes
- Develop design guidelines for the different drainage systems that can be used in Irish road schemes
The project will examine the different drainage options available including kerb and gully, French drains and a variety of different vegetated systems (SuDS) such as swales and constructed wetlands.
Funding
Results
Outcomes of the research included the development of guidelines for the design of effective road drainage systems. This includes an evaluation of different options available and a process to select the most appropriate system for the particular site conditions.