Duraslot or Duraslot XL: Choosing the Right Solution for Your Drainage Project

Stormwater management is an essential aspect of infrastructure development, ensuring the efficient collection and conveyance of rainwater runoff to prevent flooding and erosion. Trench drains play a crucial role in stormwater management systems, capturing surface water and channeling it away from sensitive areas.

Two leading trench drain solutions offered by ADS are Duraslot® Slotted Drains and Duraslot XL. Both products provide effective stormwater management capabilities, but they differ in size, load rating, and suitability for specific applications. This article will explore the similarities and differences between Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains and discuss their respective applications.

Both Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains share several key features that contribute to their effectiveness in stormwater management:

Durable Construction: Both products are manufactured from high-quality HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a material known for its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and resistance to chemicals and UV rays. This ensures that Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains can withstand the harsh conditions of various environments.

Efficient Water Capture: The aluminum slot design employed in both Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains facilitates efficient water capture and conveyance. The slots allow stormwater to enter the drainage system while preventing debris such as leaves and twigs from clogging the system.

Variety of Grate Options: Both Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains offer a range of grate options to suit different applications and load requirements. Grates are available in various designs ranging from ADA and Heel Proof options to open top slots that allow for more inlet capacity. Duraslot XL offers a decorative pattern grate that is AASHTO HS-25 load-rated and ADA compliant, but you can also substitute with several third-party grates to customize your design.

Cost-Effective Solutions: Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains are designed to provide long-lasting and cost-effective solutions for stormwater management. By utilizing 4”-36” pipe diameters, there is no need for a secondary mainline pipe system. This reduces the amount of excavation required by the contractor to complete the installation and saves time and money.

While Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains share many similarities, they also exhibit distinct differences that make them suitable for different applications:

Inlet Capacity: Duraslot XL offers 5” wide, ductile iron grates with increased inlet capacity over Duraslot drains with a 1.75” wide opening. Duraslot XL comes with an ADA and Heel Proof decorative grate and a typical slotted grate for the highest inlet capacity. Duraslot slot drains can come with an expanded galvanized steel grate for ADA compliance or with an open top for more inlet capacity.

Load Rating: Duraslot XL is designed to be used in mixed-use applications with up to a load rating of AASHTO HS-25, whereas Duraslot slot drains can withstand up to FAA loading with proper concrete encasement. This makes Duraslot XL the perfect fit for parking lots, gas stations, or pedestrian areas such as plazas with decorative pavers. At the same time, Duraslot is the go-to option for industrial, airport, warehouse or infrastructure projects.

Both Duraslot and Duraslot XL trench drains offer effective and reliable stormwater management solutions. When selecting the appropriate trench drain for your project, carefully consider the specific requirements of the application, including the expected stormwater volume, traffic load, and aesthetics.