ABT Trench Drains
ABT Trench Drains

Linear Trench Drainage Systems for Stormwater Control
ABT Trench Drains provide efficient water removal with durable, easy-to-install designs.
Nexterra's ABT Trench Drains deliver industry-leading surface water management engineered for the toughest commercial, industrial, and municipal applications. These precision-crafted, elongated channel drains capture and redirect stormwater runoff with unmatched efficiency, safeguarding infrastructure and enhancing site safety through innovative design and durable materials.
Engineered Function and Durable Construction
ABT Trench Drains combine rugged strength with engineering flexibility to meet site-specific demands. Available in both cast-in-place and pre-cast forms, these systems withstand severe environmental stress and deliver reliable performance. Key advantages include:
- Steady, effective water capture across diverse paved and hardscape surfaces, eliminating pooling and controlling runoff
- Proven success in municipal, commercial, and industrial settings where trusted drainage is critical
- Comprehensive selection of premium materials such as ductile iron, galvanized steel, stainless steel, brass, and thermoplastic, balancing appearance, load requirements, and corrosion resistance
This blend of modularity and precision ensures a trench drainage system that protects investments, enhances safety, and provides lasting value.
Versatile Grate Options
Grates are more than just covers. They define site safety, durability, and overall aesthetics. Every ABT grate is engineered for secure footing and heavy load endurance while enhancing your project's appeal. Choose from these options, each meeting strict safety and load standards for demanding applications:
- Cast iron and ductile iron grates deliver proven strength and reliability, ideal for high-traffic environments.
- Galvanized steel grates offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them a smart choice for harsh exterior or industrial sites.
- Decorative stainless steel grates provide architectural appeal alongside robust, long-term durability.
- Heel-proof perforations increase safety while keeping walkways pedestrian-friendly.
- Locking mechanisms offer secure, maintenance-friendly installation and compliance with stringent regulations.


Strong Flow and Smart, Modular Design
When it comes to drainage, one size never fits all. ABT Trench Drains provide unmatched modular flexibility paired with robust durability so you can design specifically for your site's hydraulics and structural demands:
- Choose between fast-install pre-cast polymer concrete channels or the fully customizable cast-in-place forming system
- Tailor trench widths, depths, slopes, and finishes without compromising strength
- Leverage modular channel sizes ranging from 6 to 24 inches and lengths in full or half meters for quick, precise installation
- Install grates meeting AASHTO M306 ratings to handle heavy vehicular traffic confidently
- Count on PolyDrain polymer concrete's chemical and environmental durability to maximize system lifespan
Hydraulic and Structural Performance You Can Trust
ABT Trench Drains are designed to deliver reliable, efficient drainage and structural integrity that stands the test of time and load:
- Built-in 0.6% slope encourages consistent, self-cleansing flow to reduce standing water
- Smooth, 4-inch interior radius bottom accelerates drainage and lowers clog risks
- Precision tongue-and-groove joints ensure secure channel alignment and water-tight seals
- Full-length anchoring ribs mechanically lock the channels to surrounding concrete for superior stability
- Compatible with sealants to create fully sealed drainage systems where required


Upstream and Downstream Considerations
Proper installation orientation is vital. Begin channel installation at the downstream discharge point, ensuring flow direction aligns precisely as marked. Set channels on stable bedding, progressing upstream while maintaining alignment and slope continuity to guarantee peak hydraulic function and minimize maintenance:
- Arrange channels so flow arrows point downstream toward the outlet
- Use pre-sloped or neutral channel sections as required to accommodate site topography
- Secure channels with anchoring systems and rebar to prevent misalignment during concrete placement
- Connect discharge ends to catch basins, pipes, or retention systems to complete the stormwater conveyance path
Understanding and respecting upstream-to-downstream flow dynamics ensures ABT Trench Drains integrate seamlessly and perform optimally within the entire drainage network.
Applications Suited for ABT Drains
Stormwater challenges require versatile, durable solutions. ABT Trench Drains excel at managing water in the harshest and most demanding environments, making them trusted across:
- Warehouse loading zones where quick spill containment and efficient wash water removal are mission-critical
- High-traffic parking lots and road edges subjected to repetitive tire wear and stormwater flow
- City streets, intersections, and urban infrastructure demanding robust, long-lasting drainage
- Industrial plants coping with chemical load exposure and intense washdown processes
- Commercial property perimeters where high-capacity drainage preserves foundations, landscapes, and investments
Tested for Heavy-Duty Performance
Field-proven across hundreds of installations and backed by rigorous testing, ABT Trench Drains consistently exceed HS-25 load ratings and meet airport traffic standards. This durability and compliance provide heavy-duty drainage reliability that withstands the toughest urban and industrial stresses over the long term.
Support Material
Nexterra Environmental partners with leading manufacturers to deliver the industry’s most trusted solutions.