Durable firefighting surfaces in Belgium

Properties

Firefighting areas at Kortrijk Hospital (Belgium) – Durable and permeable with ECORASTER

For the hospital in Kortrijk (Belgium), large-scale fire access roads and operational areas were constructed to meet high functional requirements—both in terms of load-bearing capacity for heavy emergency vehicles and in terms of drainage capacity and ease of maintenance. Two different types of elements from the ECORASTER system were used in this project to optimally accommodate the various types of surfaces.

The perfect combination

The fire department access areas were completed in 2017 and comprise a total of approximately 7,750 m² of permeable paving. Approximately 5,000 m² were paved with ECORASTER E50, which is characterized by high load-bearing capacity and durability for heavy emergency vehicles and is particularly suitable for fire department access roads, emergency routes, and high-traffic areas. ECORASTER E40 elements were used for an additional 2,750 m², providing a functional complement as all-purpose grid for paths, perimeter areas, and lighter-traffic areas.

Thanks to the open structure of the grids, the surface remains permeable and allows water to seep through, so that rainwater and firefighting water can be drained directly into the ground. This reduces surface runoff and supports sustainable on-site water management. At the same time, the modular design ensures that even large areas remain functional and usable without traditional paving.

Features and benefits

• High load-bearing capacity: By combining E50 and E40, the appropriate system type can be selected for different levels of stress—especially in areas where heavy emergency vehicles regularly operate.
• Permeability: Rainwater and firefighting water can seep directly into the ground, thereby reducing surface runoff and relieving pressure on the sewer system.
• Flexibility in the area: Thanks to the modular grid elements, fire service areas, perimeter areas and paths can be designed in a coherent overall concept.
• Sustainability: The design allows for installation without soil sealing, offering environmental and water management benefits.

The fire department areas at Kortrijk Hospital demonstrate how functional requirements for emergency vehicles, drainage capacity, and durable outdoor reinforcement can be effectively combined using ECORASTER paving grids. By strategically combining ECORASTER E50 in high-traffic functional areas and ECORASTER E40 in adjacent areas, a durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable solution was created that meets the high demands of fire department access roads.