At the closing gala of the American Public Works Association, which was held from September 4th to 7th, 2018 in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, Soleno received the Public Works Innovation Award 2018 for its linear drainage solution Filcoten Infra.
This project, executed in the summer of 2017 in the City of Halifax, captured the attention of the jury. Halifax had decided to convert two commercial streets in the Down Town area in shared streets with pedestrian section. This embellishment project transformed Argyle and Grafton streets in public spaces which focus primarily on the pedestrians, prioritizing them over motor vehicles, which can only drive in shared limited areas.
The Filcoten Infra linear drainage solution, which allows the perpendicular collection of surface water over the entire width of the surface to be drained, was key to the success of this concept. Indeed, in a cold climate characterized by repeated freeze-thaw cycles, it is particularly important to quickly capture and evacuate rainwater before it accumulates and freezes on paved surfaces.
The Filcoten Infra channel made of high performance fibre-reinforced concrete is resistant to freezethaw cycles and de-icing salts, which are essential for the drainage of snowmelt water. The pins and bolts holding the Filcoten channel grating prevent any longitudinal displacement, thus promoting a durable installation of the system in place. Unlike the installation of a catch basin used in the design of a traditional storm sewer system, the installation of Filcoten Infra drainage channels requires little slope, ideal for the new urban development of Argyle and Grafton streets.
