Specification

Section 3 - Highway Drainage

301: Types of Pipe
The Developer shall construct the pipe drainage using the following types of pipe. Only one
type of pipe shall be used within any individual drain length between manholes.
Clay pipes shall be 'British Standard Surface Water' pipes manufactured in accordance with
the requirements of BS 65 supplied complete with the manufacturers' watertight flexible
joint. The pipes shall be manufactured to extra strength quality.
Concrete pipes shall comply with the requirements of BS 5911 Part 1 and shall be
manufactured with granite aggregates of extra strength quality and be unreinforced pipes,
complete with manufacturers flexible joint.
Unplasticised polyvinylchloride UPVC pipes shall comply with the requirements of BS 4660,
BS 5481 or Agreement Certificate 92/20 and shall be used with rubber sealing ring joints, and
shall be installed in accordance with BS 5995 part 6.
Pipes for use in filter drains shall be porous pipes as specified in BS 1194, slotted or
perforated pipes in materials specified in BS 4660, BS 5481 and BS 65.
*302: Excavation for Pipe Lines
Trenches for pipes, other than those forming part of a filter drain shall be excavated to a
sufficient depth and width to enable the pipe and any specified or agreed joint, bedding
haunching and surrounding to be accommodated. Trenches shall be of width not exceeding
the outside diameter of the pipe plus 600mm but not less than the outside diameter of the pipe
plus 300mm.
The sides of the trenches, chambers and other excavations shall be adequately supported at
all times. The material excavated in forming pipe drains, other than filter drains shall if
unacceptable as defined in Clause 401, be run to spoil and replaced with acceptable material
as defined in this Clause. All acceptable material shall be set aside for use as backfill.
Acceptable material shall be as defined in Clause 401 but specifically excluding clay, large
boulders, rock or other similar hard material.

For drains not exceeding 1.5m cover below finished level dia + 300mm.

For drains not exceeding 1.5m cover below finished level dia + 450mm.

303: Bedding and Laying of Pipes

Immediately following excavation of the trench, pipes shall be laid and jointed on back-fill
material complying with Table 1, having a minimum depth of 100mm. Brick or other hard
material shall not be placed under the pipes for temporary support.

15-7

Specification

Trench widths for filter drains shall be as follows:-

Specification
TABLE 1: Granular Materials to BS 882
Nominal Pipe
Diameter (mm)

Not exceeding 140

Exceeding 140
but not exceeding 400
Exceeding 400

BS 882 Coarse Aggregate (Table 4)

Graded Aggregate
ranges (mm)

Single sized Aggregate

sizes (mm)

10

20 to 5 or 14 to 5

10, 14, or 20

14 to 5, 20 to 5
or 40 to 5

10, 14, 20 or 40

The bed haunch and surround of the pipes shall be brought up equally on both sides of the
pipe first to the level of the centre of the pipe line and then up to a height 300mm above the
top of the pipe barrel. These operations shall be carried out immediately for all lines of piped
drains. The backfill material up to the level 300mm above the top of the pipe barrel, shall be
placed in layers each not exceeding 150mm thickness and shall be carefully compacted for
the full width of the trench with hand tools.
Pipes shall be laid so that each one is in contact with the bed throughout the length of its
barrel, bedding material being scraped away at each socket in the case of socketed pipes so
that the socket does not bear on the bed. Pipes for filter drains shall be bedded on grade ST2
concrete as shown on the standard details. Pipes for filter drains shall otherwise be laid
generally in accordance with the requirements for other drains.
Pipes to be bedded on or surrounded with concrete shall be supported on precast concrete
setting blocks, the top face of each block being covered with two layers of compressible
packing.
Concrete provided as protection to pipes shall be grade ST4 placed to the required depth in
one operation. At each pipe joint the concrete protection shall be interrupted over its full
cross section by a shaped former of compressible material.
304: Jointing of Pipes
Individual lengths of clay pipe to BS 65 and of concrete pipe to BS 5991 Part 1 shall be
coupled together by means of flexible joints of a type recommended by the manufacturer of
the pipe and fitted in the manner recommended by the manufacturer of the joints.
305: Backfilling of Trenches
Backfilling shall wherever practicable be undertaken immediately the specified operations
preceding it have been completed. Acceptable material as defined in Clause 401 shall be
deposited in layers each not exceeding 150mm thickness and each compacted as specified in
Clause 409 using power rammers or vibrating plate compactors. Except in carriageway

15-8

Specification
pavements or footways backfill material shall be brought up to ground level. When the
ground surface in the line of the trench consists of topsoil and the backfill is required to be
brought up to ground level the final layer shall be topsoil of the same thickness as the topsoil
adjacent to the trench.
For trenches within adoptable areas, a high grade acceptable material approaching the grading
of MOT Type I & II material will be required. The backfill material shall be brought up to
the formation level. The remaining reinstatement shall be in the materials of the adjacent
pavement or as agreed by the Engineer and to the widths agreed by the Engineer.
Trenches for filter drains shall be backfilled with Type A material complying with Table 2.
The Material shall consist of hard, clean, crushed rock, crushed slag or gravel having a
grading within the limits of Table 2. The aggregate crushing value of the material shall not
exceed 30 per cent. The fill material shall be deposited in layers each not exceeding 225mm
loose depth and each lightly compacted.
TABLE 2: Grading Requirements for Filter Drain Material
Percentage by mass passing Sieve
BS Sieve Sizes
Millimetres
63

37.5

Type A
Type B

20

10

100
100

85-100

0-25

Microns
5

1.18

600

150

60-100

15-45

0-25

0-5

0-5

306: Connections to Existing Sewers and Drains

Where a pipe of 300mm diameter or larger is to be joined to an existing brick catchpit or

inspection chamber the opening and the pipe shall be protected by the construction of a brick
arch of two rings of bricks on edge.
Before entering or breaking into an existing highway drain the Developer shall give
reasonable notice of his intention to the Highway Authority. Connections to existing foul
sewers are not covered by this Specification. The Developer shall consult with the
appropriate Water Utilities for specific requirements relating to such connections.

15-9

Specification

Where the new highway drains are connected to an existing highway drain the connection
shall be properly jointed to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Where existing highway drains
are severed by the works and are required to be connected to the new highway drains, all such
connections shall be made during the construction of the new highway drain and shall be
properly extended, connected and jointed to the new highway drain. A record of each
connection shall be handed to the Engineer as each connection is completed. Where pipe
connections are made to a brick concrete or masonry culvert the pipes shall be firmly built
into the concrete, brick or masonry work and be so placed as to discharge at an angle not
greater than 60 degrees to the direction of the flow of the main drain and with the end of the
pipe carefully cut to the necessary angle.

Specification
307: Catchpits and Inspection Chambers
Catchpits, inspection chambers and draw pits shall be constructed of pre-cast concrete
sections, complying with BS 5911 Part 1 or of brickwork. Bricks shall be clay engineering
bricks conforming to the requirements of BS3921 for Class B bricks. Foundations to
catchpits and inspection chambers shall be of concrete of the quality and dimensions
indicated on the Oxfordshire County Council standard drawings and shall finish flush with
the catchpit sides. Channels shall be formed in concrete finished smooth or pre-formed half
circle channels and flaunched up to the manhole sides in neat cement.
Brickwork shall be built in Class 1 mortar made in accordance with Clause 1009 in English
bond. The joints of brickwork where exposed shall be finished with a neat flat joint as work
proceeds. The ends of all pipes shall be neatly built into the brickwork and finished flush with
cement mortar. Where the diameter of a pipe is 225mm or more a 112.5mm brick arch shall
be turned over the end of the pipe for the full thickness of the brickwork.
Where the depth of the invert of catchpits and inspection pits exceed 1m below the finished
surface of the carriageway or adjacent ground, iron steps as specified in BS1247 shall be built
in at a vertical interval of 300mm with alternate steps in line vertically and at 225mm centre
to centre horizontally.
Where catchpits and inspection chambers are constructed of concrete sections complying
with BS 5911 Part 1, the backfilling of excavations for shallow catchpits, inspection
chambers and the chamber sections of deep catchpits shall be of mix ST2 concrete to Clause
1001. The shaft sections of deep catchpits shall be surrounded with ST4 concrete to Clause
1001 to a minimum thickness of 150mm and the remaining backfilling of narrow excavations
where mechanical compaction is impracticable shall be carried out with ST2 concrete to
Clause 1001.
All catchpits and inspection chambers shall be watertight on completion. Frames and covers
for catchpits and inspection chambers shall be in accordance with BS497. Covers to be Grade
A double triangular or rectangular in carriageways footways, and verges etc and shall be
clearly marked 'SW'. Frames shall be set in cement mortar in accordance with Clause 1009.
Two sets of keys shall be delivered to the Engineer for each pattern of cover supplied.
308: Soakaways
Soakaways where permitted shall be constructed of pre-cast concrete sections, complying
with BS 5911 Part 2 and wrapped in a filter geotextile as detailed on the Oxfordshire County
Council standard drawings.
The ends of all pipes shall be neatly built into the concrete sections and finished with cement
mortar.
Step irons shall be provided as for catchpits and Inspection Chambers. Frames for soakaway
covers shall be set in cement mortar. Two sets of keys shall be delivered to the Engineer for
each pattern and cover supplied.
The depth and size of any soakaway shall be agreed with the Engineer after soakage tests
have been carried out. The test is detailed in Appendix C of Appendix 1 of the Design Guide.
15-10

Specification
309: Trapped Gullies and Connections
Gullies shall be either pre-cast units of concrete with gratings, or ribbed plastic units, frames
and rodding eyes. Pre-cast concrete gullies shall be unreinforced and shall be 450mm
diameter by 900mm deep, certificates of compliance with the requirements of BS 5911 Part
2 shall be furnished for each delivery. Gully covers and frames shall be ductile iron (kite
marked or equivalent to clause 50.7.9).
Gully units shall be laid on and surrounded with 150mm thickness of ST1 concrete to Clause
1001.
Junction pipes for gullies which are laid but not immediately connected to gullies shall be
fitted with temporary earthenware/plastic stoppers or seals and the position of all such
junctions shall be clearly defined at surface level.
310: Testing and Cleaning
The bore, linearity and jointing of all drains and service ducts less than 350mm diameter shall
be checked by drawing through each completed length of pipe a mandrel or similar device as
agreed by the Engineer.
Where required by the Engineer, the Developer shall test each length of drain before
backfilling of the trench by compressed air. The length of pipe under test shall be plugged at
both ends and a glass U tube connected to the appropriate plug. Air shall then be pumped
into the pipe until a pressure of 100mm of water represented by the difference in levels of
water in the two legs of the U tube is recorded. Five minutes after pumping of air has ceased,
the difference in water levels shall not be less than 75mm. Any lengths failing the tests shall
be made good and re-tested until a satisfactory test is obtained. When required by the
Engineer the above procedure shall be repeated after completion of backfilling and
compaction.
On completion of the works, or earlier if the Engineer agrees, all catchpits and drains other
than filter drains shall be flushed from end to end with water and left clean and free from
obstructions.
On completion of the cleansing a CCTV inspection of all pipelines will be carried out at the
Developers cost by an approved company. A video record is to be submitted to the Engineer
for his approval.

Filter drains shall at all times be kept free of obstructions, both as regards the pipes and the
filter material.
311: Intercepting Ditches
Intercepting ditches and filter drains having a similar function shall where practicable be
constructed in advance of the excavation of cuttings and forming of embankments.

15-11

Specification

Where faults are discovered (by the use of CCTV or by any other method) the cost of any
subsequent inspection necessary to check the repair shall be borne by the Developer.

Specification
312: Existing Land Drains
Existing land drains severed by the Works shall be located and connected into new pipelines
provided for the interception of surface and ground water.
Such land drains shall be cleaned out from the pipeline trench face and any disturbed pipe relaid to ensure a free discharge into any new pipeline. The disused end of the intercepted land
drains shall be sealed with puddle clay or other approved materials.
313: Headwalls
Headwalls, wingwalls and aprons shall be constructed where the ends of any pipe connect to
or discharge into open ditches or watercourses as detailed on the Oxfordshire County Council
standard drawings, or the standard drawings issued by the Water Utilities or National Rivers
Authority.
314: Oil Interceptors
Oil interceptors are required on every pipeline draining to a soakaway borehole and outfall
pipe. The minimum type of oil interceptor is detailed on the Oxfordshire County Council
standard drawings. Covers to be Grade D400 double triangular in carriageway and
rectangular in footways and verges, all covers shall be clearly marked 'OI'.
315: Pre-cast Combined Kerb and Drainage System
Blocks shall be of pre-cast concrete, with the exception of certain fitments and gratings.
Blocks, other than special fitments, shall comply with the strength test requirements of Clause
501:10 of the Department of Transport Specification for Highway Works, Sixth Edition. The
Top Blocks shall also comply with the strength test requirements for grey iron kerb-type gully
covers and frames as specified in BS 497: Part 1: 1976. Blocks shall be appropriate to the
respective horizontal curve radii, both external and internal.
316: Cover Plates
Cover Plates shall be manufactured from 12.5mm thick grade 43A1 mild steel to BS 4360:
1990. Dimensions shall be appropriate to the horizontal curve radii. On straight lengths,
Plates longer than 500mm may be permitted (max 2 metres) subject to the Engineer's
approval.
Cover plates shall be hot-dip galvanised in accordance with BS 729: 1971 (1986) and shall
be suitably protected before and during installation in order that the protective coating is not
damaged. Where cutting is necessary, one or two Plates shall be cut so that no single Plate is
less than 250mm. Cut or damaged Plates shall be renovated using Defcon Z, or similar
approved, in accordance with BS 729: 1971 (1986) Appendix D.
Cover Plate jointing tape shall be Denso Tape, or similar approved, minimum 50mm wide.

15-12

Specification
317: Outfalls, Silt Traps and Access Covers
Covers and frames shall be of ductile iron and shall be used in all Outfalls, Silt Traps and
Access Covers unless otherwise specified. Covers and frames shall comply with the strength
test requirements in BS EN 124, 1994 (kitemarked or equivalent) Group 4/class D400.
Covers and frames shall be specified as either nearside (N/S) or offside (O/S) to be
compatible with the traffic direction. Gully gratings and frames used over Base Blocks in the
carriageway shall be as described.
318: Stop Ends
Stop Ends shall be built using Class B engineering bricks and Clause 1009 mortar with insitu
concrete surround.
319: Vertical Joint Sealant
Vertical joint sealant shall be Bituminous Mastic.
320: Construction Details
Excavations shall be carried out as necessary to permit installation of the Blocks and
Gratings. Where Base Blocks and Cover Plates are to be installed beneath new pavements,
the pavement shall be completed to top of roadbase level for flexible construction, or to top
of sub-base level for rigid construction, before excavation for the Blocks is commenced.
Base Blocks, Outfall, Junctions and Bends shall be laid to correspond to carriageway channel
levels or, where beneath the carriageway, be laid to a straight grade. Base Blocks shall be
used at vehicular crossings. Blocks shall be bedded directly onto a freshly mixed concrete
foundation or alternatively bedded on a layer of Clause 1009 mortar not less than 10mm and
not more than 40mm thick on a previously prepared concrete foundation. Base Blocks shall
be laid commencing at the outfall with adjacent invert levels corresponding. A complete line
of Base Blocks between Junctions/Access Covers/Stop Ends shall be approved by the
Engineer before installation of the Top Blocks, Cover Plates or Gratings.

Top Blocks and Gratings shall be laid commencing at the outfall, firmly bedded on the Base
Blocks using Clause 1009 mortar. Gratings shall be bedded on epoxy mortar. The whole of
the joints shall be completely filled with compacted mortar and the joints shall be pointed
both inside and out and within the cast iron Grating slots. Surplus mortar shall be removed
from inside the units as work proceeds. Unless otherwise stated in the Contract, Top Block
and Gratings shall be close jointed with adjacent top and front faces corresponding and any
unit deviating more than 3mm from line or level shall be made good by lifting and relaying.

15-13

Specification

Jointing between adjacent Base Blocks, Outfalls, Junctions and Bends shall be effected by
applying sufficient vertical joint sealant onto one or both faces of the joint, and drawing or
tamping the adjacent Blocks to make a watertight joint. The maximum thickness of
compressed sealant shall be 8mm. Surplus sealant shall be removed from the inner surface
of the Block as work proceeds.

Specification
Where cutting is necessary, one or two units shall be cut so that no single unit is less than
200mm in length. All cutting and trimming of the units, other than cast iron Gratings, shall
be carried out with a concrete saw or disc cutter. Base Block Junctions and Outfalls shall not
be cut unless directed by the Engineer. Any cut Top Blocks shall be laid with the drainage
opening away from the carriageway and shall be protected to prevent backing concrete
entering the System.
Cover Plates shall be bedded on Clause 1009 mortar and surplus material shall be removed
from within the Base Blocks as work proceeds. Cover Plates shall be close jointed and sealed
with Cover Plate jointing tape, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Outfalls, Silt Traps and Access Covers shall be constructed using the appropriate type of Base
Block. Blocks shall be bedded on sufficient Clause 1009 mortar over a gully pot to make a
watertight joint. Where necessary insitu smooth concrete benching shall be shaped to the full
depth of the Base Block. In Silt Traps, the pipe shall be bedded into grade ST4 concrete
which shall be fully compacted to make a watertight seal.
Cable Duct Blocks shall be bedded on Clause 1009 mortar.
Insitu concrete haunching or surround shall not be placed until the installed units have been
inspected and approved by the Engineer. The haunching/surrounding shall be carried out as
one operation to complete lines of Top and Base Blocks, Base Blocks and Gratings or Base
Blocks and Cover Plates. Where cast iron Gratings are used at vehicular crossings, Base
Blocks shall be used. Any areas of overdig which cannot be filled with acceptable material
and adequately compacted by mechanical means shall be backfilled with grade ST4 concrete.
The concrete surround for Base Blocks and Cover Plates under new carriageways shall be
finished level with the top of the roadbase. Construction plant or vehicles crossing the Blocks
shall be suitable in relation to thickness of concrete cover so that damage is not caused to the
Blocks, Cover Plates, concrete bedding or haunching. Methods of protection for heavy axle
loading shall be agreed with the Engineer.
Adjacent carriageway and/or footway construction shall not be commenced within 3 days of
any jointing or haunching/surrounding concrete being placed. Base Blocks, Outfalls,
Junctions or Bends not covered by fully bedded Top Blocks, Cover Plates, Gratings or covers
and frames, shall be adequately supported against loadings imposed by construction traffic.
Methods of protection shall be agreed with the Engineer.
Where flexible surfacing is laid less than 120mm below the top of the Top Block, it shall be
cut and shaped after rolling when partially cooled at each Top Block drainage opening to form
a smooth chamfer (see Note 6).
On completion of the works, unless otherwise agreed with the Engineer, the system shall be
cleaned out by high pressure water jetting (100-150 bar at 200L/minute minimum) and left
free from obstructions and all Outfalls and Silt Traps shall be emptied. Top Block drainage
openings and Gratings shall be covered by timber boards, or other approved method, during
jetting operations. The cleaning process shall be repeated where necessary after the
completion of any remedial works.

15-14

Specification
321: Porous Block Paving
Porous block paving where permitted shall be blocks manufactured from C40 concrete and
will allow water through the surface at a rate of approximately 4500 mm per hour.
Lined system
The blocks will be laid on 50 mm depth of 5 mm clean stone bedded on a geotextile
membrane. Underneath the geotextile membrane there will be 350 mm depth of sub- base.
The whole system is encased in an SC polythene membrane. Discharge is achieved by a
perforated PVC-U pipe positioned at the bottom of the sub-base. The pipe will exit the
system via an approved seal through the membrane.
Infiltration system
In this system the whole construction is encased with a Geotextile and omits the perforated
pipes. This system is to be used where the sub grade is free draining and where storage of
surface water is not required.
Subgrade
The soil shall be excavated down to the appropriate depths and shaped to provide 1:100 - 1:30
fall to pipes if required.
The subgrade will be compacted with a vibrating roller or vibrating plate, all soft spots will
be removed and filled with a suitable material.
Should the subgrade by the nature of the soil be uneven then a 50 mm sand capping layer to
prevent the SC membrane from being fractured will be required.
The SC membrane shall be laid to have 300 mm overlapping joints. All joints to be taped.
Where infiltration is required the SC membrane and the sand will be omitted and replaced
with a 13/12 Geotextile.
Sub base material

15-15

Specification

The sub base will consist of crushed gravel, rock or concrete. It shall be sound, clean, non
friable and free from clay or other deleterious matter. The material must be non plastic when
tested in accordance with BS 1377 Test No 4.

Specification
The material must have a minimum 10% fines content with a minimum crushing value of 150
kn.
Grading of granular sub-base material
Sieve size

% Passing

100 mm

100

80 mm

80-100

60 mm

60-80

40 mm

30-50

20 mm

0-20

10 mm

0-5

The sub-base will be laid in layers not more than 200 mm thick - minimum depth
350 mm overall.

The depth of sub-base will be increased subject to CBR of the sub grade.

The material will be compacted with a vibrating plate, type DVP 75/22 plate or
similar.

Laying course
A 13/12 Geotextile will be laid over the sub-base material, where joints are required the
geotextile will be overlapped by 200 mm.
Lay and loose screed to level, approximately 50 mm depth of 5 mm single size stone to BS
882 (1992) on top of the geotextile.
Note: it is important that the 5mm stone level is accurate. The particle shape of the 5mm
stone will also affect the compaction and a small trial area should be laid to determine final
level.
Laying of blocks
Blocks will be laid in a 90 herringbone pattern, butt jointed ensuring that the blocks are a
tight fit.
A stretcher course of blocks is required at all edges of the paved areas, including separately
restrained areas.
All blocks should be cut to a tight-fit and no block shall be cut smaller than 30% of the unit
block size.
Note: cuts must be across the 100 mm dimension and never along 200 mm dimension.
15-16

Specification
Blocks will be cut vertical to the top surface and not underscored. Blocks will be cut with a
disc cutter (or similar).
Kiln dried sand will be applied to the block work to a distance of 300 mm from any
restraining edge.

15-17

Specification

Lightly vibrate the block work down with a vibrating plate type DVP 75/22" or similar fitted
with a rubber foot. Brush off any debris. Excessive vibration should not be used to
compensate for incorrect levels, as this may induce damage to the blocks.