Family business develops new drainage system for sports fields

Founded in 1950, the company has played a major role in civil engineering and public works (buildings, road and bridge construction, metal and water works) since 1965. Both construction of bridges, towers and sports stadiums, as well as special techniques, assembly and trading are among its specialties.

Emergo-Group has two sister companies: Emotec & Emotrade. Emotec, run by son Paul De Neef, specializes primarily in small and large metal structures, ranging from lifting frames to complete bicycle bridges - think of the recent bridge at the Oosterweel link. In addition, the "special techniques" department represents, among other things, Maurer SE's high-quality products for bridges of all sizes. Emotrade, run by its two daughters Caroline and Leen De Neef, covers preventive waterproofing of buildings, finishing and industrial protection, seals, anti-corrosion protection and geo-plastics. The latter include geotextiles, geogrids, waterproofing mats and drainage mats. These mats can be used very efficiently under Belgium's many sports fields.

Water damage

Water can be the cause of premature damage to structures. Therefore, proper drainage of water is taken into account in proper design. The proper drainage system is therefore of great importance. But even for the many sports fields, thoughtful drainage of water is primordial for extended life. Just think of the enormous damage our soccer fields have to deal with every year and the expensive grass fields that have to be replaced halfway through the soccer season. Because Belgium is not exactly a subtropical country and at certain times of the year it has to deal with a serious flow of rainwater. And this should preferably not be left lying around, but drained as quickly and effectively as possible.

Emodrain-Q under artificial turf

The ideal solution to deal with pesky water puddles is artificial turf combined with drainage mats - Emodrain-Q from Emotrade - under the grass. Two versions of these revolutionary mats have been developed: Emodrain-Q 8EE and Emodrain-Q 8E+. 

For Type 8EE, longitudinal trenches are used under the artificial turf for horizontal drainage. This version comes with an additional waterproofing membrane. The drainage mat type 8E+ is connected via the longitudinal channels to a waterproofing membrane for horizontal drainage as well as waterproofing. 

For both versions, it is also possible to add suitable materials to the soil itself, if necessary. Which makes the new Emodrain-Q the ideal system for avoiding annual moisture problems on soccer and other sports fields.