Hwy Drainage System Outfall

The outfall of a Highway 401 drainage system in Kingston, Ontario was a persistent maintenance issue, as water and debris frequently overflowed the drainage banks during heavy rainfall, spilling onto a CN railway line. Previous attempts to control the flow using shattered rock were ineffective, and alternative solutions required extended railway shutdowns, risking costly delays and disruptions.

The Titan Solution

In November 2017, Pomerleau installed 170 sq. m of Concrete Canvas (CC8 Bulk) as an outfall lining for the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Site preparation included compacting the ground and placing Jersey Barriers to redirect water flow. CC was rolled out using an excavator, seated into the embankment, laid transversely across the drainage course, and sealed with dual beads of sealant. Hydration was completed using runoff water and a water tank, with the entire installation completed in overcast conditions at 6°C.

Concrete Canvas® (CC) is a Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM), a factory-produced material combining cement within geosynthetic layers that hardens when hydrated for erosion control and weed suppression.

Achievement

The installation was completed in just 5 hours by a crew of five workers and one excavator operator, with minimal disruption to railway operations. Concrete Canvas provided a fast, effective, and low-impact solution that successfully reinforced the outfall banks and redirected water flow, meeting both MTO and CN Rail requirements.