I-CRATE Advanced Water Management System
Professional Water Attenuation & Infiltration Solution
The I-CRATE by IBRAN is a modular water management system for both attenuation and infiltration. Our heavy-duty soakaway crates can handle high loads, making them perfect for sustainable drainage in all soil types, even difficult clay.
Water Management for Any Project
You can use I-CRATE for many different jobs. It works well for garden drainage, commercial rainwater tanks, or driveway soakaways to stop flooding. Each unit creates a strong underground structure that manages water effectively.
Effective Attenuation Tanks
I-CRATE works as an attenuation system by catching extra rainwater during storms and letting it out slowly to prevent floods and damage. Our crates work in all soil types, including clay where normal drainage often fails.
Complete Soakaway Solutions
Building a soakaway is easy with I-CRATE. The system gives you everything you need for rainwater soakaway installations. Each unit has plenty of space inside for maximum water storage. Our drainage pit design ensures water can sink into the ground while keeping its shape, even in tough conditions.
Better for the Environment
The I-CRATE system helps the environment by reducing runoff, stopping floods, and allowing groundwater to refill naturally. You can set it up for many uses, including septic tank soakaways, for responsible wastewater management.
Built to Last
Made from recycled polypropylene, I-CRATE is strong and durable with a 95% void ratio and high load-bearing strength. Whether you need a small garden soakaway or a heavy-duty commercial system, our units will perform reliably for years.
Easy to Install
Installing a soakaway with I-CRATE is straightforward. Each unit weighs under 25kg, so you can handle it without machines. The modular design lets you arrange it in different ways to fit any project, from small home jobs to large commercial ones.
Soakaway/Attenuation Crates Specifications
| Product Name | I-CRATE 40-10 |
| Nominal Size | 1000mm x 1000mm x 400mm |
| Water Storage Capacity | 400 Litres (2.5 units per cubic meter) |
| Unit Weight | 21kg |
| Void Ratio | 95% |
| Compressive Strength | 240 KN/m² |
| Lateral Strength | 100 KN/m² |
| Material | Recycled polypropylene (recyclable at end of use) |
| Manufacturing Standard | Made in UK to ISO9001 Quality Standards |
| Minimum Cover (12t axle) | 600mm |
| Minimum Cover (10t axle) | 500mm |
| Minimum Cover (5t axle) | 400mm |
| Minimum Cover (2t axle) | 350mm |
| Minimum Cover (1t axle) | 300mm |
| Minimum Cover (pedestrian) | 250mm |
| Maximum Installation Depth | 4000mm below ground level |
| Applications | Attenuation systems, infiltration systems (soakaways), water storage |
| Connectivity | Special clips for joining units (3 per adjacent unit, 1 per unit for multi-layer) |
| Inspection Capability | Inspectable systems available |
What is the difference between attenuation and soakaway systems?
Attenuation systems temporarily store rainwater during heavy rainfall and release it slowly into existing drainage networks. They have a waterproof membrane (geomembrane) to prevent water from escaping into the ground.
Soakaway systems allow collected rainwater to gradually seep into the surrounding soil. These systems use a permeable geotextile that lets water pass through while keeping soil particles out.
Can I-CRATE be used in areas with clay soil?
Yes, I-CRATE systems work effectively in clay soil conditions. However, proper design is crucial as clay has lower permeability. For soakaway systems in clay soil, you may need a larger system to compensate for slower drainage rates. Our customer support team can provide guidance specific to your soil conditions.
How deep can I install the I-CRATE system?
I-CRATE can be installed at depths where the base is up to 4000mm (4 meters) below ground level. The minimum cover depth depends on the expected traffic load above the system - ranging from 250mm for pedestrian-only areas to 600mm for areas with heavy vehicle traffic (up to 12 tonnes axle weight).
How many I-CRATE units do I need for my project?
The number of units required depends on the volume of water to be managed and site conditions. As a general guideline, you need 2.5 I-CRATE units per cubic meter of water storage (1000 liters). For accurate sizing, we recommend following industry standards (CIRIA C522, R156 & BRE 365) or contacting our technical team for assistance with your specific requirements.
Can I drive vehicles over an installed I-CRATE system?
Yes, I-CRATE systems can support vehicle traffic when properly installed with the correct cover depth. The required cover depth depends on the vehicle weight:
- 600mm minimum cover for areas with 12-tonne axle weight vehicles
- 500mm minimum cover for 10-tonne axle weight
- 400mm minimum cover for 5-tonne axle weight
- 350mm minimum cover for 2-tonne axle weight
- 300mm minimum cover for 1-tonne axle weight
- 250mm minimum cover for pedestrian-only areas
How long does an I-CRATE system last?
I-CRATE systems are designed for long-term durability. Made from high-quality recycled polypropylene, they maintain structural integrity and performance for decades when properly installed. The exact lifespan depends on specific site conditions and installation quality, but they are engineered to provide reliable service throughout the life of most construction projects.
Do I-CRATE systems require maintenance?
I-CRATE systems generally require minimal maintenance. However, it's recommended to include a silt trap in your design and inspect it regularly to minimize debris entering the system. For attenuation systems, inspection chambers and access points for CCTV/backjetting are recommended to ensure optimal performance over time. Regular inspections can help identify and address any potential issues before they affect system performance.
Can I-CRATE be used for water harvesting?
Yes, I-CRATE can be configured as a water storage system for rainwater harvesting. When wrapped in an impermeable geomembrane, the system captures and stores rainwater for later use in applications such as toilet flushing, garden irrigation, and vehicle washing. This setup requires appropriate filtration and pump systems, which can be integrated with the I-CRATE storage structure.
How easy is it to install I-CRATE systems?
I-CRATE is designed for straightforward installation. Each unit weighs less than 25kg, eliminating the need for mechanical handling equipment. The modular design allows for flexible configurations to suit specific site requirements. Installation involves excavation, preparing the base, laying geotextile and/or geomembrane, assembling the crates, making connections, and backfilling. Detailed installation instructions are provided with every order, and our technical team is available for support.
Are I-CRATE systems environmentally friendly?
Yes, I-CRATE systems support sustainable water management and environmental protection in several ways:
- Made from recycled polypropylene and can be recycled at the end of use
- Help prevent flooding and water pollution
- Support groundwater recharge (soakaway systems)
- Reduce strain on municipal drainage systems
- Enable rainwater harvesting and reuse
- Comply with sustainable drainage (SuDS) requirements