Milbank Concrete Products Supplies and Installs Hollowcore Planks at Attenuation Tank on New Housing Development

In September, the Milbank Concrete Products team was on site in Watton, Norfolk, helping to install an attenuation tank at a new housing development for DAB Civil Engineering on behalf of Bennet Homes.

An attenuation tank is a large holding container that temporarily holds excess rainwater. The tank slows down the flow of water, preventing it from collecting on a site in one go and ultimately minimising the risk of flooding.

These are ideal for new housing developments where space is limited as they are installed underground. Given the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the increasing demand for new homes, such innovative flood management techniques are likely to grow in importance.

Milbank Concrete Products’ hollowcore planks are ideal for the construction of these attenuation tanks, offering several benefits. These include quick and efficient installation compared to traditional tank roofing, with completion typically achieved in just a few days. Additionally, hollowcore planks have a long lifespan of around 30 years and are designed to withstand long-term water exposure, adhering to Exposure Class XC2—wet, rarely dry conditions.

At this project, we supplied around 190 hollowcore planks of 250mm depth covering an area of 1,021m2 to form a safe and secure lid for the tank. Once completed and in use, the tank has the potential to hold up to 2,750 litres of water and the surface will be covered to become a green space for the residents to use.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

In addition to mitigating flood risks, attenuation tanks play a crucial role in promoting sustainable water management. As climate change drives more extreme weather patterns, including heavier rainfall, managing stormwater in built up environments becomes increasingly critical.

By temporarily holding and gradually releasing rainwater, these tanks help to reduce the pressure on local drainage systems and natural watercourses, minimising erosion and pollution runoff into rivers and streams.

In addition, our hollowcore planks contribute to sustainability efforts. Our production process is more energy-efficient than traditional concrete methods, thanks to our investment in sustainable operations, including solar panels and HVO fuel. Whilst, the fabrication of our hollowcore creates 21% less CO2e thanks to our cement replacement technology.

Plus, the integration of green spaces above attenuation tanks can help to enhance urban biodiversity and supports local ecosystems, further aligning with sustainable building practices.

Find out more about our hollowcore planks and their use for attenuation tanks here.