The installation of a linear prefabricated drainage channel system is primarily divided into eight steps:

1. Excavation of the foundation trench
Prior to installation, first determine the elevation at which the drainage ditch is to be installed. The dimensions of the trench and the reinforced concrete elements on both sides of the ditch directly affect the load-bearing capacity. Using the centerline of the drainage ditch as the reference, locate the midpoint of the trench width and mark it before commencing excavation.

The specific dimensions of the reserved space shall be determined in accordance with the design load requirements of the drainage system and the concrete grade; refer to the table below.

Click to learn about the detailed load classifications under EN 1433.

2. Irrigation of the foundation trench
Pour concrete at the bottom according to the load-bearing class specified in the table above. For sections with special design requirements, such as trench structures requiring an E600–F900 load capacity, Section H shall be reinforced with an 8-mm steel reinforcement mesh (15 cm × 15 cm). The foundation trench bottom shall be concreted with cement concrete to the dimensions and specifications that meet the required load-bearing class.

Note: A small diversion slope shall be constructed at the bottom of the foundation trench in accordance with the design requirements. The diversion slope shall slope downward from high to low, directing water toward the system’s drainage outlet (e.g., the connection point to the municipal drainage system).
 

3. Install the trench body
Once the centerline has been established, stretch a guideline to mark the installation position. Since the concrete poured at the bottom of the foundation trench has already set, prepare a batch of concrete with the proper consistency—neither too dry nor too wet—and place it at the bottom of the drainage channel. This will ensure a seamless bond between the channel’s base and the surrounding ground-level concrete. Next, thoroughly clean the male-and-female grooves on the drainage channel body before joining the sections. Apply structural adhesive at the joints between the male and female grooves to prevent any leakage.

4. Installation of catch basins and inspection chambers
Catch basins are critical in the operation of prefabricated linear drainage ditch systems, with a wide range of applications.
1. When the water conduit is excessively long, a collection well shall be installed at the midsection and directly connected to the municipal drainage pipe.
2. Install a catch basin every 10–20 meters, equipped with a removable inspection port that can be opened to clear blockages in the drainage ditch.
3. Place a stainless steel debris basket inside the catch basin, and lift and empty the basket at scheduled intervals to remove trash, thereby keeping the trench clean.

5. Install the cover板
Before installing the cover plate, the drainage ditch must be thoroughly cleaned of debris. To prevent the ditch walls from being compressed after concrete is poured, the cover plate should be placed first to provide support for the ditch structure, thereby avoiding difficulties in installing the cover plate or compromising its aesthetic appearance due to such compression.

6. Concrete pouring on both sides of the trench
When placing concrete on both sides, first protect the cover plates to prevent cement residue from blocking their drainage holes or falling into the finished drainage channels. Depending on the load-bearing requirements, steel reinforcement mesh may be laid on both sides and embedded in the concrete to ensure adequate strength; during placement, the concrete height must not exceed the previously specified limit.

7. Paving Layer
Whether or not tiling is required depends on the environment in which it will be installed. If tiling is necessary, the following points must be observed: the tiles should be laid 2–3 mm higher than the drain opening; a sufficiently thick layer of cement mortar must be applied beneath the tiled surface to prevent loosening; and the tiles adjacent to the drain opening must be laid neatly and tightly against it. Only in this way can the overall quality and aesthetic appeal be ensured.

(Illustration of a gap-type cover plate)

(Illustration of a grating-type cover)

8. Inspect and clean the drainage ditch.
After the drainage system has been installed, the drainage channel covers and inspection chamber covers must first be removed, and all debris inside the channels and chambers must be thoroughly cleaned out. Once it is confirmed that the channels are completely unobstructed, the covers should be replaced and securely fastened with screws. Special bolts must then be used to connect and secure the covers to the channel structure; only after verifying that everything is functioning properly may the drainage system be put into service.

Maintenance and Management of the Drainage System
The drainage system shall be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure its proper hydraulic performance and structural integrity.
Inspection items:
1. Check whether the cover plate screws are loose and whether the cover plate is damaged.

2. Open the inspection port, clean out the debris in the sump, and verify that the outlet is unobstructed.

3. Clean debris from the drainage ditches and inspect them for blockages, deformation, settlement, cracks, or disconnections.

4. Clean the drainage ditch: if there is sludge buildup inside, use a high-pressure water jet to flush it out, directing the sludge from the upstream section of the ditch into the downstream inspection chamber, and then have a sludge suction truck remove it.

5. Repair all damaged areas and conduct inspections at least twice a year to ensure the waterways remain unobstructed.