Breaking the Linear Mold
Designers love curves. Contractors hate them. This is because the natural flow created by curvilinear design looks great on paper but can be difficult to translate into full scale real world results.
But today advances in technology are helping to bridge the gap between design and execution. Allowing contractors to more easily take concepts from paper to patio. This shift has left designers free to move away from stolid linear grids and to create bold flowing aesthetics that mimic the calming lines found in nature.
These advances have pushed drainage manufacturers to create architectural drainage options for curved landscape design. In the past landscape architects had to choose between grated trench drains or cast iron area drains. These drains were effective for stormwater management but remained prominent features in the design. Today Radius Drain Slot Drains are able to fully integrate with finished surfaces. Allowing contractors to install curved drainage options that remain hidden in plain sight.
The Landscape Drains Radius Drain is an example of a true Radius Slot Drain. It is custom engineered and manufactured on the radius of a curve rather than using a segmented design. Once installed this drain blends seamlessly with its surroundings and elevates integrated drainage from functional to fabulous.
What is a Radius Drain?
A Radius Drain is a linear drainage system engineered to follow a specific arc or circular path rather than a straight line. It is called a Radius Drain because engineers use a radius in it’s design and manufacture to ensure that it follows a true curve.
In geometry, the radius is the distance from the center of a circle to its edge. This measurement along with others is used during the design phase. In order to produce a Radius Slot Drain some measurements are required. Our engineers can produce a radius drain from either the Radius (R) and Arc Length (L) or the Rise (S) and Chord length (C). Please see the diagram below for a visual representation of these dimensions.
Any true radius drain will require these types of dimensions in order to achieve perfection. Beware of cheap imitations. Some products available on the market are actually segmented linear drains. These drains use small short straight segments with bendable couplers to create the illusion of a curve. A custom made Radius Drain from Landscape Drains is more durable and more aesthetically pleasing than these drains. Landscape Drains Radius Drains are cut and welded to match a specified curve during the manufacturing process rather than being curved on site. As such every Landscape Drains Radius Drain is a custom project.
Advantages of a Radius Slot Drain
Radius Slot Drains simplify grading. Like all linear slot drains, radius drains simplify grading when measured against traditional point drains like curb drains and grated area drains/catch basins. Because linear drains run the length of the graded area, less complex slopes are required in order to move liquids to the drain. This can allow designers to simplify grading from a 4 slope to a 2 slope design.
While slot drains and trench drains both simplify grading, slot drains have the advantage of blending seamlessly with their surroundings. By using a narrow inlet that fits flush with the finished surface, slot drains are often said to be hidden in plain sight. Radius drains take this one step further for curved spaces by providing drainage without disrupting sightlines.
Radius drains provide safety and accessibility. Landscape Drains Radius Drains provide a completely flat surface that is accessible to those with disabilities. Radius Drains are also available in heel proof and ADA compliant designs.
Where to Use Radius Drains
Radius drains can be used anywhere that you can imagine here are a few of our favorites
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Pools and Patios- Matching the curved aesthetic popular with many modern pool designs can easily be achieved with a Radius Drain.
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Courtyards and Plazas- Civic and urban design has moved away from straight grid lines and towards more natural and human spaces. Radius Drains are the perfect complement for these design elements.
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Wineries- Wineries are not just places to produce wine they are often the public face of the company. Open to weddings, tastings and other occasions. Our clients have chosen radius drains within their facilities to match curved and round indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Sports Complexes- Whether it's around the track or the football field sports facilities require curved drainage. Keep your athletes safe and your facility dry with a Landscape Drains Radius Drain.
Why Professionals Choose GDT for Radius Projects
With in-house design and build capability through our engineering, manufacturing and project management teams you can count on precision and quality in every Radius Drain. Made from stainless steel these drains are built to last for generations making them a responsible, durable and sustainable choice in landscape architecture.
Our Radius Drains are custom built to the specifications of your project. Our engineers can bring your curvilinear design to life. Whether it is a single true radius or a natural curve made from multiple intersecting radii our design and manufacturing teams have the skills and experience to help you achieve even the most ambitious curved projects.
Ready to bring your curved design to life? Contact Global Drain Technologies today
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