Complex deep-depth, high-volume soakaway tank solution 

ViaCon UK provided a unique soakaway tank solution at Newlands Park, Luton in the UK  

The Challenge

As planning and construction on the “Junction” gateway at Newlands Park commercial development was getting underway, a few challenges presented themselves for the design of the soakaway tank. 

However, initial borehole testing showed that the ground didn’t have sufficient percolation at a standard seven-metre IL/CL. An additional percolation test revealed a need for a ten-metre IL/CL depth. 

This posed a unique design challenge, requiring deeper depth levels while also achieving the volume levels required for storage. 

The Solution

By working on several different design variations to accommodate the depth and volume requirements, the ViaCon UK technical team developed a solution that both stores the required volume while also allowing water to permeate into the surrounding soil.   

In a ViaCon first, ViaCon delivered a 3300mm/3.5mm gauge perforated soakaway tank. It is the only system in the UK market that works structurally at 10m IL/CL. An additional challenge was finding a way to punch the steel at a 3mm gauge. This wasn’t possible with third-party providers, so ViaCon UK found a solution in-house. 

The ViaCon Advantage

The benefits of working with ViaCon include:   

  • Bespoke solutions to match unique needs 
  • Expert consultation  
  • A full suite of design drawings complete with structural calculations 

Technical specifications 

Fabricator: ViaCon UK  

Contractor: Glencar 

Design: Fairhurst    

ViaCon solution: 

  • Soakaway to provide 2056m3 
  • 3300mm pipework c/w dished ends 
  • X4 legs 
  • Tank dimensions 49.274m x 15m 
  • IL/CL 9.75m