What we were asked to do
To provide a water drainage system capable of withstanding extreme dynamic stresses (braking, tight maneuvers, punching shear stress) generated by heavy vehicles, while ensuring durable structural integrity in a tropical marine environment (subject to intense rainfall and salt spray).
It was also essential to identify an optimized logistical solution to reduce maritime transport costs for materials and facilitate the construction site operations.
The context
Port des Grives is the main logistics hub of Martinique, a vital infrastructure that handles approximately 190,000 containers and over one million tons of goods every year. The docks and storage yards are subject to permanent and particularly heavy industrial traffic. Daily, these areas are crossed by gantry cranes, straddle carriers, reach-stackers for handling heavy containers, port tractors, and fully loaded articulated lorries, which generate constant fatigue stress on the pavements and drainage systems.
The project
The project involved the installation of a new rainwater drainage line in high-traffic areas that operate 24/7.
The intervention required careful engineering planning to address climatic challenges (rapid and heavy tropical rainfall) and the logistical complexities associated with supplying an island territory.
The operation was supported by BCM Conseils et Développement through BG-Graspointner.
Greenpipe's solution: BIG I nS
The technical choice fell on the installation of drainage channels BIG I nS in widths of 300 and 400 mm.
To counteract repeated mechanical stresses and the high corrosivity of the brackish environment, cast iron gratings were used.
In this specific port context, cast iron ensures significantly superior stability and robustness over time compared to galvanized steel, which is more sensitive to impacts and the action of salt.
A key role in the success of the order was played by the 2-meter element format.
This specific length allowed for the optimization of maritime container loading departing from Europe, maximizing the linear footage transported per single unit and reducing shipping costs, while significantly speeding up installation operations on-site by facilitating manual and mechanical handling and improving the installation rate without interrupting port operations.
