Our team partnered with an Illinois-based developer for the construction of a new housing community in upstate Pennsylvania. The project required an efficient and durable stormwater drainage system to support the community’s infrastructure, within a price point that fit the already tight budget. After considering traditional options such as concrete culverts and gabion baskets, the project team decided to move forward with Hartman Products’ drainage and retaining walls due to their cost-savings- both upfront and maintenance/installation cost. The uniformity of design was a plus as well, though not the primary benefit.
Culvert Drainage Needs
The development company sought an affordable and effective drainage solution while ensuring that the project stayed within budget and on schedule. While this sounds easy, the specifics added a layer of complexity- the budget was tight, and the timeline was short. Three main goals were conveyed to our team: reducing costs, simplifying installation, and achieving a uniform design aesthetic that matched the rest of the community’s modern appearance. Given the scope of the project and the tight timeline, finding a culvert wall solution that addressed these requirements was essential.
Hartman Products’ Solution
Our plastic SIP culverts provided substantial savings compared to concrete culvert walls, both in terms of material costs and labor costs. Since the units were significantly lighter than traditional concrete- about 40 pounds for the heaviest piece- transportation costs were lower, and the ease of handling eliminated the need for heavy machinery, reducing labor and equipment expenses. Using Hartman Products drainage system, this phase of development was able to boast a 32% reduction in budgeted costs. The long-term savings are equally advantageous; being resistant to rust, corrosion, and weathering, regular maintenance costs are dropped to nearly zero.
In terms of installation, Hartman’s plastic SIP culvert walls proved to be highly efficient. Their lightweight, intuitive design allowed workers to quickly assemble the walls without the need for large crews or complex equipment, with almost no learning curve at the beginning of installation. This streamlined process reduced labor requirements substantially, enabling the phase of construction to be completed in under the projected time.
In contrast to gabion baskets, which can have a varied and inconsistent look due to the irregularity of the rocks, the plastic SIP walls delivered a smooth, modern finish that was visually consistent throughout the development. For this project, the developers chose to go with a custom color rather than our default gray. This color better matched the construction and surrounding environment, blending seamlessly and complementing the architectural style of the community. Minimally impacted by environmental factors, our retaining walls and culvert walls maintain their appearance over time, without cracking or color degradation often seen with other systems.
Project Outcome
The development successfully met its landscape drainage goals for cost, timeline, and design with Hartman Products’ plastic SIP culvert walls. The installation process completed ahead of the project timeline, and the materials cost and installation cost were both well within budget. The culvert walls not only performed their essential drainage function, but added to the visual appeal of the community, proving that practical infrastructure can be beautiful as well. The low-maintenance, durable plastic construction further reduced the long-term costs associated with the culvert system, making it a sustainable and financially sound choice for the community managers. Once again, Hartman Products reinforced their system’s standard for integrating efficient drainage solutions into housing developments quickly, reliably, and affordably. Interested in Hartman Products for your community development project? Read our property-wide installation guide.