French Drains And How They Help Building Stability

A French drain construction is nothing but simple ditch lined with gravel

, rocks etc., that takes away water from a building's foundation. This system protects the stability of houses and structures. Water draining from septic tanks, supporting retaining walls, and assisting gardens for moisture retention are jobs attended by French drains. It is a shallow drainage system that helps to keep basements and buildings dry, and strengthens foundations by preventing formation of cracks/harm to houses.

Principle and Design

Gravity is the principle force behind the functioning of the French drain. Their layout is such that its gradient is 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 away from area to be drained; so there is flow of excess ground/surface water through the drain to areas where water has to be redirected. Avoiding clogging of drains is looked into by provision of lining of perforated clay pipe to the drain and encompassing it with landscaping textile.

Normally hidden below ground, the French drain trench is covered with sod and takes the water to a dry well, to assist build-up of ground water; or to rain gardens, using wetland plants for absorption and later transpiration of excess water. These systems are useful especially when city water systems or other wastewater areas cannot be used.

Varied structures within French drains give them the roles of filter drains and collectors. They enable its use as dispersal drains for water from septic tanks; and as interceptor drains to avoid surface debris and clogging and as fin drains. Depending upon runoffs-rain or surface, or redundancy of pipes or choking, multiple pipe installation can be considered.

French Drains Techniques and Advances

Using them for external sides or installing underneath on the inside perimeter of basement for foundation strengthening is a great benefit of French drains. There are a few civil engineering techniques to be followed for installing French drains around the inside perimeter after house construction. Interior French drains require sump pumps to make them water proof. French drains have developed from being hand-dug ditch to ceramic tiles, PVC pipes; further modernizations are Grate Channel and Water Guard arrangements.

by: William Hauselberg

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