Stormwater solutions / GRAF EcoBloc
Underground Stormwater Infiltration Systems
Capture rainfall below ground and let it return gradually to suitable surrounding soil. GRAF EcoBloc modular infiltration systems give engineers and developers flexible underground storage while keeping valuable surface space available.
What is stormwater infiltration?
Manage runoff on-site. Keep the surface usable.
An underground infiltration system collects stormwater, stores it temporarily, and releases it gradually into the surrounding soil when site conditions allow.
EcoBloc creates high-capacity storage beneath parking areas, landscaping, public spaces, and other developed land. Its modular layout lets project teams adapt the chamber to the required volume and available footprint.
Explore the GRAF EcoBloc system ↗Figures refer to EcoBloc Inspect SMART 402500. Verify the applicable product specification and project loading requirements before design.
How the system works
Four steps from rainfall to infiltration
A properly designed infiltration system manages incoming runoff and allows controlled infiltration into suitable surrounding soils.
Collect
Runoff from roofs, paved areas, and other drainage surfaces enters the collection system.
Pretreat
Appropriate sediment and water-quality treatment helps protect the underground chamber and soil.
Store
Interlocking EcoBloc modules create a temporary underground storage volume sized for the site.
Infiltrate
Stormwater moves through permeable geotextile and gradually infiltrates suitable surrounding soil.
Design note: Infiltration rate, groundwater separation, pretreatment, and emergency overflow must be assessed for each project.
Why EcoBloc
Underground storage built around your project
Choose a compact, modular solution with access for future inspection and maintenance.
High storage efficiency
Approximately 96% storage coefficient for the standard Inspect SMART module helps maximize usable underground storage.
Modular configuration
Arrange and stack modules to suit the specified storage volume, footprint, depth, and project constraints.
Inspectable design
Integrated channels and suitable access points allow camera inspection without excavating the system.
High-pressure cleanable
Purpose-designed inspection channels support suitable high-pressure cleaning as part of maintenance.
Traffic-load options
Engineered configurations can accommodate vehicle loading with verified cover, soil, and structural design.
Lightweight modules
Compact, stackable modules simplify handling, site logistics, and assembly compared with heavy structures.
Concept illustration. View product page for actual images and specifications.
Featured system
GRAF EcoBloc Inspect SMART
Interlocking polypropylene modules create underground storage chambers for infiltration, detention, or rainwater harvesting. Use a permeable geotextile assembly when designing an infiltration application.
Smart Plus and Smart Ultra options are also available for project-specific structural requirements. Confirm cover, depth, loading, and soil conditions with the project engineer.
Applications
Suitable for a range of development projects
EcoBloc systems can be configured for infiltration where local regulations and site conditions permit.
Residential developments
Collect roof and hardscape runoff while preserving yards, green space, and usable surface areas.
Commercial properties
Integrate underground stormwater storage into site drainage for offices, retail, and mixed-use projects.
Parking and hardscape
Use surface space efficiently with a structurally verified underground storage configuration.
Schools and institutions
Incorporate on-site stormwater infiltration into campus and public-facility drainage designs.
Parks and green space
Support distributed stormwater management beneath suitable landscaped and public spaces.
Municipal infrastructure
Configure modular systems for site-specific sustainable drainage and capital works projects.
Plan for performance
Is stormwater infiltration right for your site?
Every infiltration design starts with local site conditions. Soil permeability, groundwater, runoff quality, setbacks, and the required storm event determine whether infiltration is appropriate.
Limited infiltration capacity? Detention with controlled discharge, or a hybrid system, may be more appropriate. BARR can help you compare EcoBloc application options with your design team.
- ✓Soil infiltration testing and seasonal groundwater levels
- ✓Required storage volume and design rainfall event
- ✓Runoff pretreatment and groundwater protection
- ✓Available footprint, cover depth, and anticipated surface loads
- ✓Maintenance access, overflow, and municipal approvals
Complete system
More than a storage module
An infiltration chamber combines EcoBloc modules with the accessories and site works needed for long-term performance.
EcoBloc modules
Interlocking storage blocks configured for the project's required volume, layout, and loads.
Baseplates and connectors
Compatible components support assembly and integrate the modular chamber layout.
Geotextile and pretreatment
Permeable wrapping and appropriate upstream treatment help protect the chamber and receiving soil.
Inspection and access
Suitable shafts and inspection channels support inspection and planned maintenance.
Project example / Vancouver, BC
Stormwater Management for Freedom Mobile Arch
BARR Plastics’ expertise in stormwater management solutions ensured that the Freedom Mobile Arch at PNE could meet both its operational and sustainability goals while maintaining a safe and functional event space for Vancouver’s entertainment industry.
View BARR projects ↗Technical resources
Bring EcoBloc into your next design
Review product information, design support, and installation guidance for your project.
Frequently asked questions
Stormwater infiltration FAQs
What is an underground stormwater infiltration system?
It is an underground system that collects and temporarily stores rainwater, allowing it to move into suitable surrounding soil over time. A modular geocellular chamber provides storage volume without a large surface pond.
What is the difference between infiltration and detention?
Infiltration lets stored runoff soak into the soil. Detention stores runoff and releases it through a controlled outlet. A site may use both methods, depending on soil conditions and local requirements.
Can EcoBloc go beneath parking areas?
Suitable EcoBloc configurations can be used beneath vehicle-loading areas when the structural design, burial depth, soil, and installation conditions meet the applicable product requirements. Loading must be verified for each project.
Does an infiltration system need pretreatment?
Pretreatment should be selected for the runoff source and applicable water-quality requirements. Sediment control and any additional required treatment help reduce clogging and protect groundwater.
How do you inspect and clean EcoBloc?
EcoBloc Inspect SMART modules have inspection channels. With correctly specified access points, operators can use compatible inspection cameras and high-pressure cleaning equipment. Pretreatment units also require maintenance.
What if the site has slow-draining soil or high groundwater?
Infiltration may not be suitable. An engineer should assess soil infiltration rates, seasonal groundwater separation, overflow, and municipal requirements. A lined detention system with a controlled outlet may be more appropriate.
Let's work together
Planning a stormwater infiltration project?
Share your site details with BARR Plastics. Our team can help review the right EcoBloc application, storage configuration, available accessories, and project supply requirements.
Request project assistance
For a useful first review, include as many of these details as you have:
- Project location and type
- Drainage area and design storm, if known
- Required storage volume or site drawings
- Available infiltration or geotechnical test results
- Proposed installation timeline
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