Hydro Provides Storm Water Solutions for Saudi Arabian Rail Project

Hydro Intl. has provided storm water attenuation and underground storage as part of the Al Haramain Mecca to Medina rail project, securing high-capacity flood prevention for the new stations being constructed in one of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure projects.

In contracts totalling $5 million to date, Hydro has provided geocellular storm water storage along with Hydro-Brake Optimum flow controls for underground storm water storage tanks for the Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City Stations.

The solution follows the signing of an official agency agreement with Jeddah-based Centex Arabia, part of the Alkhorayef Group of Companies.

More than 18,000 sq meters of storage has been created in seven underground tanks with discharge to the sewer network controlled at 270 liters per second by a Hydro-Brake Optimum vortex flow control. Geocellular storage blocks from Hydro Intl. provide a solution to cope with peak storm flows and high sediment content in storm water runoff.

The Hydro storage block offered advantages over other underground storage options considered for the project because of its perforated distribution pipes. The technology is designed to prevent sediments suspended in the storm water from entering the storage tank and instead wash them through the pipe network. This means the storage tank is self-cleansing and requires minimal maintenance.

Due to the sizing capabilities of Hydro-Brake Optimum, engineers were also able to minimize the storage area required on site, thus providing savings on construction costs.

“Providing robust protection to prevent flood damage to new infrastructure is a high priority for the Saudi Government,” said Hydro’s Middle East Sales Manager Ezzat Natsheh. “Heavy sand and silt loadings, combined with high peak rainfall events are typical of the Saudi Arabian climate. So identifying the best technologies from around the world to address the country’s needs is essential.”

Construction of the 449.2-km high-speed Al Haramain railway began in 2009 to link the Muslim holy cities of Medina and Mecca via King Abdullah Economic City, Rabigh, Jeddah, and King Abdulaziz International Airport. Each of the five stations planned has an aesthetically striking modern design that echoes Islamic architectural traditions. Each station will have shops, restaurants, mosques, car parking, a helipad and VIP lounges.

Source: Hydro Intl.