Wheel washing system
Wheel washing systems can be installed on construction sites to enable the wheels of plant, trucks and other vehicles to be cleaned before leaving the site. This is used to control and eliminate mud, slurry and other pollutants being deposited on public roads.
A requirement for wheel washing may be identified as part of an environmental risk assessment carried out prior to work beginning on site. It can also be particularly important on sites that contain land that is contaminated, and may be a requirement of planning permissions.
The system is typically located near to the site exit and instructions given to site operatives, delivery drivers and visitors that they are to use it before leaving.
There are two main types of wheel washing system:
- Roller: Each set of wheels is placed on the rollers and rotated as water sprays out from strategically-placed nozzles.
- Drive-through: The vehicle drives through and a sensor triggers the washing process.
The sludge which is washed off may be directed into a recycling tank, with the sedimentation of the solids accelerated by the use of flocculants. The solids which settle at the bottom of the tank are removed by an automatic scraper or excavating plant. The aim is for clean water to be used for every wash.
There are also 'environmentally-friendly' systems available which are stand-alone units involving water filtration and recirculation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.