Storm Water Attenuation, Flood Prevention Projects Completed in Saudi Arabi

A storm water attenuation and underground storage project has been completed 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 expansive infrastructure projects.

In contracts totalling $5 million, Hydro Intl. 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.

More than 18,000 cubic meters of storage has been created in seven underground tanks with discharge to the sewer network controlled at 270 l/s by a Hydro-Brake Optimum vortex flow control. Geocellular storage blocks from the company provided a solution to handle peak storm flows and high sediment content in storm water runoff.

The storage block offers perforated distribution pipes. The technology is designed to prevent sediment suspended in the storm water from entering the storage tank and instead wash it through the pipe network. This means the storage tank is effectively 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, providing savings on construction costs.

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 Abudullah 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.