Bufferblock
Due to climate change, more and more heavy rainfalls will occur and many cities are now facing the problems of streets being flooded because of the stormwater. Our innovation gives these cities a cost-effective solution which provides high amount of stormwater storage in little space needed.
The Bufferblock is a solution for stormwater drainage and buffering in the urban area. The function is similar to that of infiltration crates, but because of the high strength a much thinner top layer is needed. This results in a less deep installation depth, higher buffering capacities and a more cost-effective solution.
ProSystem prototype demonstration in operational environment.
Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6 by requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment.
Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6 by requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment.
A pilot with Bufferblocks is placed at the Green Village in Delft since March 2018, where several exprimental test have been performed on the blocks. After succesful results the Bufferblock has been optimized and made ready for mass-production.
In May 2020 the municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel (near Rotterdam) has been the launching customer.of the Bufferblocks. The Bufferblocks have been used here in a residential area to prevent urban flooding and minimize soil settlements. With online sensors the blocks will be monitored to check the water levels inside the blocks and te soil settlements. This data will be shared with other municipalities who want to know more about the effects of the Bufferblocks in preventing urban floodings and minimizing soil settlements.
How does it work?
The concrete Bufferblocks are designed to be placed underneath a permeable/porous street layer, but it is also possible to use closed pavement stones or asphalt on top when water is directed to the Bufferblocks via a street gully. During heavy rainfall the stormwater will go through the permeable top layer or via the street gullies inside of the Bufferblocks where the stormwater is stored and eventually infiltrates into the ground or is redirected to a sewer system. Because the stormwater is temporary stored inside of the Bufferblocks, the main sewer system will not get overloaded by a peak in water discharge due to the rainfall.
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