ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

ChamberMaxx®
Design Guide
 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Table of Contents

Detention System Design Tools............................................................................ 3

ChamberMaxx Overview...................................................................................... 4

System Configurations.......................................................................................... 4

ChamberMaxx Containment Row......................................................................... 6

Inlet Manifold Design........................................................................................... 7

Outlet Manifold Design........................................................................................ 8

Storage Tables.................................................................................................... 10

ChamberMaxx Inspection and Maintenance..................................................... 12

Appendix A: ChamberMaxx Specification with Pretreatment............................ 14

Appendix B: ChamberMaxx Specification with Containment Row..................... 16

ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

2 | © 2017 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Detention System Design Tools

Design Your Own Detention System (DYODS®)

Contech’s DYODS is an exclusive, online design tool that allows you to design your
own detention or infiltration system. DYODS fully automates the layout process for
stormwater detention and infiltration systems and produces CAD and PDF files that
can be used for creating plans and specs, and for estimating total installed costs.

Features of the new tool include:

• Optimizes design and layout for cost efficiency

• “Drag and drop” feature allow users to customize layout
• Design multiple systems per project and save for future use
• Provides instant access to customized, project specific drawings
• CAD/PDF files provided for use in creating plans and specs

The DYODS tool is available at www.conteches.com/DYO.

Online Product Design Worksheet (PDW)

Our in-house team of engineers can support you through the entire permitting
process. Just enter your information into the online form, and one of our in-house engineers will contact
you with specific recommendations for your project.

The Detention Product Design Worksheet

is available at www.conteches.com/detentionpdw

Engineering Services & Support

Contech has regional engineering offices and local stormwater consultants
trained to provide the following services:

• Regulatory guidance and permitting assistance

• Preliminary standard details and/or site specific final drawings and
specifications
• Low Impact Development design assistance
• Engineering calculations for hydraulics/hydrology, buoyancy,
and stage-storage
• Review of preliminary site design, feasibility screening, and layout
assistance
• Value Engineering - cost estimates and options analysis
• Pre-construction support, project scheduling, and contractor
coordination
• Installation and construction support
• Maintenance support, including: guidance manuals, training/demonstrations, and certified contractor
identification

www.ContechES.com/DYO • 800-338-1122 | 3
 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

ChamberMaxx Overview Chamber Manufacturing

The ChamberMaxx corrugated, open-bottom chamber system The ChamberMaxx chamber and virtually all of its materials of
allows you to meet runoff reduction requirements by providing construction are manufactured at ISO 9001 certified US facilities.
economic infiltration. Design your low impact development (LID) The chambers are produced with state of the art structural web
site by incorporating this belowgrade system to maximize available injection molding equipment resulting in a reliable, high quality
land for development or green space. ChamberMaxx is most product. Weighing approximately 80 pounds, the chamber has a
effective on sites where the depth from finished grade to storm minimum average wall thickness of .175 inches (4.45 mm) and
sewer outlet is less than 54-inches (1.37-meters). measures approximately 51 x 30 x 91 inches (1.30 x .76 x 2.31
meters) in overall dimension.
The ChamberMaxx polypropylene stormwater detention/infiltration
chamber has undergone extensive development and structural A ChamberMaxx system is comprised of start chambers, middle
qualification investigation meeting the performance requirements chambers, and end chambers. The end cap of the chamber is
of the ASTM F2418 Standard Specification for Polypropylene integrated into the start and end chambers, thereby making
Corrugated Wall Stormwater Collection Chambers. The following chamber installation fast and efficient.
is a summary of the design qualification.

The ChamberMaxx chamber is produced by an injection

Application-System Configurations
molding process with a high quality UV stabilized co-polymer The open-bottom plastic chamber allows infiltration into
polypropylene which meets the ASTM F2418 material classification surrounding soil, effectively achieving runoff reduction objectives
requirement as PP0330B99945 per ASTM D4101. An extensive often required by an LID design. By utilizing subsurface infiltration,
test program demonstrates that the ChamberMaxx chambers space is preserved for development, runoff is reduced or eliminated
exceed the minimum material performance requirements set and groundwater recharge can occur. The ChamberMaxx is ideal
forth by the product specification for short term and both 50 when you need to maximize storage capacity in a shallow footprint.
and 75 year strength, stiffness, and toughness, including material
environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) which exceeds Subsurface Infiltration
industry requirements. An open bottom plastic chamber the ChamberMaxx allows
infiltration into surrounding soils, effectively achieving runoff
The ChamberMaxx structural qualification to ASTM F2418 includes
reduction objectives often required by in an LID (low impact
a CANDE FEA predicted installed structural performance which
development) design.
safely meets the AASHTO LRFD Section 12 Design Specification for
Buried Structures. As required, performance verification through Best practice designs for subsurface infiltration include pretreatment
full scale installation and monitoring was conducted in successful to reduce cost and frequency of maintenance while ensuring the
support of the safety of the chamber design and installation. infiltration capacity of the facility. Contech has multiple options
for pretratment.
The ChamberMaxx chamber installation was evaluated for safety
with AASHTO load factors for the vehicle and earth fill condition
of 1.75 and 1.95 respectively. The general installation capabilities
in accordance with AASHTO are:

• Live Load AASHTO Design Truck HS25 (HL93)

• Minimum Cover (HS25): 18 in.
• Maximum Cover, 75 years: 8 ft.

96.2” 85.4” 88.5”

(2443 MM) (2169 MM) (2248 MM)
LAY LENGTH LAY LENGTH LAY LENGTH
98.4” 91” 92”
(2500 MM) (2311 MM) (2337 MM)
ACTUAL LENGTH ACTUAL LENGTH ACTUAL LENGTH
(MIDDLE CHAMBER) (END CHAMBER)
(START CHAMBER)

4 | © 2017 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Bioretention
ChamberMaxx is designed with a minimum of 6” stone above and
below the units. The ChamberMaxx can help make bioretention
practical by storing 75.1 CF per unit, including storage in stone,
before discharging back into the surrounding soil.

Detention
ChamberMaxx systems can also be used for detention applications
where infiltraton of stored water is minimized. Minimization of
infiltration can be accomplished by wrapping the entire chamber
system and stone backfill in an impermeable thermoplastic liner.

Inlet Congifurations
ChamberMaxx systems are compatible with various inlet
configurations. The inlet configuration selected for a design
should be based on the site requirements and local regulations.
Pretreatment is recommended for all detention/retention systems
regardless of type. The initial removal of sediment in a pretreatment
device allows easy inspection and unobstructed maintenance.
Contech offers standard inlet pretreatment configurations in the
form of upstream pretreatment devices or the ChamberMaxx
Containment Row.

Pretreatment Devices
In some jurisdictions, it is required to use devices for pretreatment
of stormwater prior to entry to stormwater systems. By pretreating
the stormwater prior to entry into the ChamberMaxx system,
pollutants such as hydrocarbons and sediment may be captured,
thereby extending the service life of the chamber system.
Pretreatment devices vary in complexity and effectiveness. Several
non-proprietary options exist in the form of deep sump manholes,
oil grit separators, and bio-swales. Contech offers pretreatment
devices such as the CDS and VortSentry HS for designs that require
more stringent levels of pollutant removal. See Contech’s website
to design your own pretreatment device: www.conteches.com/
dyohds.

Pretreatment
System Header Pipe

Standard Open
Mid Chamber
Integrated End
Wall Chamber
www.ContechES.com/DYO • 800-338-1122 | 5
 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

ChamberMaxx Containment Row

Hydrodynamic separators and filtration devices provide the most efficient sediment removal and extended maintenance interval, and are
recommended as pretreatment for ChamberMaxx systems. The ChamberMaxx Containment Row should be considered as basic, low cost
treatment strategy and should only be considered where sediment loading to the ChamberMaxx system is assumed to be minimal.

The Containment Row is designed to provide TSS removal by direct screening through 2 layers of AASHTO M288 Class 1 Woven Geotextile,
located between the containment row chamber and the stone bedding.

The ChamberMaxx Containment Row should be designed with a sumped diversion manhole at the inlet of the Containment Row.
The diversion manhole should be designed to allow access for inspection and maintenance of the Containment Row in addition to
diverting the required amount of stormwater into the Containment Row for treatment, and a sump for collection of sediment. Once the
Containment Row has reached capacity, the overflow should then be distributed to the remainder of the chamber rows by a manifold.

Containment Rows can be sized for water quality volume or water quality flow rate. Contact your local Contech representative at
800-338-1122 for project specific sizing of a Containment Row.

(1346 mm)

6 | © 2017 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Inlet Manifold Design

All ChamberMaxx systems require inlet manifolds to ensure that the incoming flow is distributed throughout all chamber rows. The
integral end cap of the chamber system can accept up to a 24-inch diameter (0.61m) inlet pipe.

The inlet manifold should be designed to provide ample conveyance of peak flows without creating an unacceptable backwater condition
on the upstream structures and piping. To reduce the scour potential of the foundation stone under the chambers from the influent flow,
Contech requires the installation of scour protection netting at the manifold entrance to any inlet chamber, extending 1’ (0.30 m) beyond
the outside edge of the chamber.

When designing an inlet manifold for a ChamberMaxx system, the specifying engineer is responsible for confirmation that the manifold
meets the hydraulic needs of the project. The manifold diameter should be equal to or larger than the upstream pipe leading from the
site to the chamber system. Contech offers standard high density polyethylene (HDPE) manifold fittings in various sizes to accommodate
most project needs.

Contech provides Mar Mac Polyseal couplers to connect manifold fittings, please reference www.MarMac.com for additional information
on the provided couplers.

ChamberMaxx cannot accept a pipe directly into the side of the chamber. To accommodate this configuration, the row should be broken
up by use of one end chamber and one start chamber to create two separate rows. The inlet pipe should then be joined to a manifold
tee that connects into the new start and end chambers. Otherwise, all pipe connections should be made at a manifold or directly stubbed
into the end a chamber.

STANDARD MANIFOLD COMPONENTS

AVAILABLE DIAMETERS (IN)
TEE 12 15 18 24
ELBOW 12 15 18 24
DIM A 42 42 48 48
GENERAL NOTES:
1. FITTING MATERIAL TO BE MANUFACTURED FROM
CORRUGATED HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE, AASHTO
M294 PIPE.
2. FITTINGS TO BE FABRICATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE REQUIREMENTS OF AASHTO M294.
3. FITTINGS DESIGNED TO PROTRUDE 8” INTO END OF
THE INLET CHAMBERS.
4. MANIFOLD TEE AND ELBOW JOINTS TO BE
CONNECTED UTILIZING MAR-MAC POLYSEAL
COUPLERS. REFERENCE WWW.MARMAC.COM

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Outlet Manifold Design

Some ChamberMaxx systems may require an outlet for volumes in excess of the chamber system capacity. An outlet manifold should be
designed to ensure that excess volume or peak flows can be conveyed to downstream structures.

In circumstances where infiltration into the surrounding soil is not an option, an underdrain may be used to completely drain the stone
bed below the invert of the chamber. The underdrain should connect to the downstream drainage structure and should accommodate
free drainage as required.

Other outlet scenarios may include outlet pipes located higher than the invert of the chambers to allow a designed volume to infiltrate
through the base stone before exiting the system, or an outlet control structure external to the chamber system to achieve the same effect.
These are common scenarios used for recharging groundwater and replicating a site’s pre-construction runoff characteristics.

Outlet manifolds should not directly connect to a Containment Row but should be connected to as many standard chamber rows as
required to achieve the desired hydraulic conditions. The outlet manifold fittings provided by Contech are the same HDPE fittings used for
inlet manifolds and should be installed and connected in the same way.

Foundation Requirements
ChamberMaxx systems require a bedding of at least 6 inches (152.4mm) of crushed stone below the chambers. With a 6 inch (152.4mm)
bedding depth a soil bearing capacity of 4 ksf (191.52 kPa) is required for 8 feet of cover over the top of the chambers and a soil bearing
capacity of 2ksf (95.76 kPa)is needed for 18 inches (457.2mm) of cover over the top of the chambers. If the soil bearing pressure does not
meet the minimum requirements, a geotechnical engineer should evaluate the application and make the appropriate recommendations
to improve the bearing capacity to suit the application.

System Sizing
ChamberMaxx systems store water in the chamber itself and also in the void space of the stone backfill. The “Installed Storage Volume”
in the table below shows the water storage capacity for the chamber and stone system assuming a 40% stone void ratio.

The ChamberMaxx DYODS (Design Your Own Detention System) is available for online sizing of ChamberMaxx systems. This tool can be
found at www.ContechES.com. For assistance sizing a ChamberMaxx system, Contech Design Engineering services can be contacted at
1-800-338-1122 or through your local Contech representative. Modeling for the ChamberMaxx system is also available in HydroCAD®.

Sizing a ChamberMaxx System

The steps outlined below provide the necessary calculations to size a ChamberMaxx System.

1. Determine the Storage Volume (Vs).

Required Storage Volume should be determined by the design engineer per project requirements.

2. Determine the number of chambers required (C ).

Chamber Width Height Weight Actual Length Installed Length* Storage Volume Installed Storage
Part Volume*
in (m) in (m) lbs (kg) in (m) in (m) cf (m3) cf (m3)
Start 51.4 (1.31) 30.3 (0.77) 83.0 (37.65) 98.4 (2.50) 96.2 (2.44) 50.2 (1.42) 78.1 (2.21)
Middle 51.4 (1.31) 30.3 (0.77) 73.0 (33.11) 91.0 (2.31) 85.4 (2.17) 47.2 (1.34) 75.1 (2.13)
End 51.4 (1.31) 30.3 (0.77) 76.0 (34.47) 92.0 (2.34) 88.5 (2.25) 46.2 (1.31) 74.1 (2.10)

* 6” (152 mm) of stone above and below chamber, 5.6” (142 mm) chamber spacing and 40% porosity.

8 | © 2017 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

To calculate the number of chambers needed to store the required 4. Determine the amount of stone (Vst).
volume (Vs), divide the storage volume by the volume of the To determine the amount of clean, crushed, angular
chamber. For systems with a predetermined number of rows (r), stone is required for the ChamberMaxx System, multiply
multiply the sum of the start and end chamber volumes by the row the number of start, middle, and end chambers by their
count to determine the remainder of middle chambers required. respective stone volumes in the table below.

C = Cstart + Cmid + Cend Amount of stone Amount of stone

Chamber Type needed per chamber needed per chamber
Cstart & Cend = number of rows, r
(cubic feet) (cubic meters)
Cmid = Vs / [(Vstart + Vend)*r + Vmid] Start Chamber 78.69 2.228
Middle Chamber 69.85 1.978
End Chamber 72.36 2.049
For systems with an undetermined number of rows, the chamber
count can be estimated by using the volume of the middle
chamber, ignoring the start and middle chambers.

C = Vs / Vmid

3. Determine the system footprint.

To determine the system length: Divide the number of
middle chambers required (Cmid) by the number of
rows (r), rounding up (n). This will be number of middle
chambers required in the longest row. Add up the installed
lengths of 1 start, 1 end, and the required count of middle
chambers. After adding the length of perimeter stone
around start and end chambers (minimum 12”or .3048 m),
the total length is the system length.

n = Cmid/r

L = 12” + Lstart + n*Lmid + Lend + 12”

(.3048m + Lstart + n*Lmid + Lend + .3048m)

To determine the system width: Multiply the chamber width

(51.4” or 1.31 m) by the number of rows (r). Add the total
chamber width plus chamber spacing multiplied by (r-1) and
the perimeter stone (minimum 12” or 0.30 mm). Standard
spacing between chambers is 5.6”(396.2 mm). The resulting
sum is the system width.

W = 12”+ r*51.4” + (r-1)*5.6” + 12”

(.3048m + r*1.306m + (r-1)*0.3962m + .3048m)

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Stage Storage Table

Elevation Chamber Storage Volume Stone Storage Volume Cumulative Volume Increment Cumulative Storage Volume
(in) (m) (cf) (m3) (cf) (m3) (cf) (m3) (cf) (m3)
42.30 1.07 47.20 1.34 27.94 0.79 1.13 0.03 75.14 2.13
41.30 1.05 47.20 1.34 26.82 0.76 1.13 0.03 74.02 2.09
STONE

40.30 1.02 47.20 1.34 25.69 0.73 1.13 0.03 72.89 2.06
39.30 1.00 47.20 1.34 24.56 0.70 1.13 0.03 71.76 2.03
38.30 0.97 47.20 1.34 23.44 0.66 1.13 0.03 70.64 2.00
37.30 0.95 47.20 1.34 22.31 0.63 1.13 0.03 69.51 1.97
36.30 0.92 47.20 1.34 21.18 0.60 0.62 0.02 68.38 1.94
35.00 0.89 47.20 1.34 20.56 0.58 1.13 0.03 67.76 1.92
34.00 0.86 47.20 1.34 19.43 0.55 1.13 0.03 66.63 1.89
33.00 0.84 47.20 1.34 18.30 0.52 1.13 0.03 65.50 1.85
32.00 0.81 47.20 1.34 17.18 0.49 1.56 0.04 64.38 1.82
31.00 0.79 46.48 1.32 16.34 0.46 1.76 0.05 62.82 1.78
30.00 0.76 45.43 1.29 15.63 0.44 1.83 0.05 61.06 1.73
29.00 0.74 44.26 1.25 14.98 0.42 1.90 0.05 59.23 1.68
28.00 0.71 42.97 1.22 14.36 0.41 1.96 0.06 57.33 1.62
27.00 0.69 41.58 1.18 13.79 0.39 2.02 0.06 55.37 1.57
26.00 0.66 40.09 1.13 13.26 0.38 2.07 0.06 53.35 1.51
CHAMBERMAXX CHAMBERS

25.00 0.64 38.53 1.09 12.76 0.36 2.11 0.06 51.29 1.45
24.00 0.61 36.89 1.04 12.29 0.35 2.15 0.06 49.18 1.39
23.00 0.58 35.18 1.00 11.84 0.34 2.18 0.06 47.03 1.33
22.00 0.56 33.42 0.95 11.42 0.32 2.22 0.06 44.84 1.27
21.00 0.53 31.60 0.89 11.02 0.31 2.24 0.06 42.63 1.21
20.00 0.51 29.74 0.84 10.64 0.30 2.27 0.06 40.38 1.14
19.00 0.48 27.84 0.79 10.27 0.29 2.29 0.06 38.11 1.08
18.00 0.46 25.90 0.73 9.92 0.28 2.31 0.07 35.82 1.01
17.00 0.43 23.93 0.68 9.59 0.27 2.33 0.07 33.51 0.95
16.00 0.41 21.92 0.62 9.26 0.26 2.35 0.07 31.18 0.88
15.00 0.38 19.88 0.56 8.95 0.25 2.37 0.07 28.83 0.82
14.00 0.36 17.82 0.50 8.65 0.24 2.39 0.07 26.46 0.75
13.00 0.33 15.72 0.44 8.36 0.24 2.40 0.07 24.08 0.68
12.00 0.30 13.59 0.38 8.09 0.23 2.42 0.07 21.68 0.61
11.00 0.28 11.43 0.32 7.82 0.22 2.45 0.07 19.25 0.54
10.00 0.25 9.23 0.26 7.58 0.21 2.47 0.07 16.81 0.48
9.00 0.23 6.99 0.20 7.34 0.21 2.50 0.07 14.34 0.41
8.00 0.20 4.71 0.13 7.13 0.20 2.52 0.07 11.84 0.34
7.00 0.18 2.38 0.07 6.93 0.20 2.56 0.07 9.32 0.26
6.00 0.15 0.00 0.00 6.76 0.19 1.13 0.03 6.76 0.19
5.00 0.13 0.00 0.00 5.63 0.16 1.13 0.03 5.63 0.16
STONE

4.00 0.10 0.00 0.00 4.51 0.13 1.13 0.03 4.51 0.13
3.00 0.08 0.00 0.00 3.38 0.10 1.13 0.03 3.38 0.10
2.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 2.25 0.06 1.13 0.03 2.25 0.06
1.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 1.13 0.03 0.00 0.00 1.13 0.03

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

ChamberMaxx Flow Routing

Proper design of any detention system typically requires that flow routing be performed. Engineers at Contech can be a valuable resource
when designing a ChamberMaxx retention system. Typically, stage- storage curves are utilized in the analysis. A Contech stage-storage
calculator is available for download on www.ContechES.com. This information can simply be inserted into common hydrology/ hydraulic
software such as HydroCAD, HydroFlow, PondPack or TR20. This makes a flow routing design with ChamberMaxx just as simple as an
aboveground pond design.

ChamberMaxx - Backfill Detail

H
)

www.ContechES.com/DYO • 800-338-1122 | 11
 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Inspection And Maintenance

ChamberMaxx Safety
Manifold System Inspection
Before entering into any storm sewer or underground retention/
The main manifold pipe can be inspected from the diversion
detention system check to make sure all OSHA and local safety
manhole upstream. When a quarter of the pipe volume has been
regulations and guidelines are observed during the maintenance
filled with sediment the header system should be maintained.
process. Hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots and any other
appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn at all Visual Inspection
times.
Maintenance or further investigation may be required if any of the
following conditions exist:
Inspection Frequency
Inspections are recommended at a minimum annually. The first year • Evidence of an unusual amount of silt and soil build-up on the
of operation may require more frequent inspections. Frequency of surface.
inspections will vary significantly on the local site conditions. An
• Clogged outlet drainpipe.
individual inspection schedule should be established for each site.
• System does not drain to the elevation of the lowest pipe in
Inspections dry conditions.
Inspection is the key to effective maintenance and is easily • Evidence of potholes or sinkholes
performed. Inspections may need to be performed more often
in the winter months in climates where sanding operations may
lead to rapid sediment accumulations, or in equipment washdown
areas. It is very useful to keep a record of each inspection. A sample
inspection log is included for your use.

The entire treatment train should be inspected and maintained.

The treatment train may consist of an upstream sump manhole,
manifold system or pre-treatment HDS device. Inspections should
start at the upstream device and continue downstream to the
discharge orifice if incorporated into the chamber system.

Pre-Treatment Device Inspection

Inspection and maintenance procedures provided by the
manufacturer should be followed for pre-treatment systems such
as a CDS®, Vortechs®, VortSentry® or VortSentry® HS. Expected
pollutants will be floatable trash, sediment and oil and grease. Pre-
treatement devices are recommended for all detention/ retention
devices regardless of type.

Containment Row™ Inspection

The optional Containment Row consists of a diversion concrete
manhole with a weir, and a row of chambers placed on woven
geotextile. The diversion weir directs the first flush flows into the
Containment Row of chambers. The majority of sediment will be
captured in the Containment Row due to the extended detention
time which allows the particles to settle out. Higher flows overtop
(bypass) the weir into the manifold system.

The Containment Row will typically be located in the first row of

chambers connected to the diversion manhole. Inspection can
be done through accessing the diversion manhole and visually
inspecting the Containment Row through the inlet pipe. Inspection
ports throughout the system can be used for visual observation
and measurement of sediment accumulation using a stadia rod.
When the depth of sediment accumulates over 4-inch (102 mm),
cleanout is recommended.

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

Maintenance Containment Row™ Maintenance

Underground stormwater retention/detention systems should be If maintenance is required, a JetVac truck utilizing a high pressure
inspected at regular intervals and maintained when necessary nozzle (sledge dredging tool) with rear facing jets will be required.
to ensure optimum performance. The rate at which the system Insert the nozzle from the diversion manhole into the Containment
collects pollutants will depend more heavily on site activities rather Row through the inlet pipe. Turn the water feed hose on and
than the size or configuration of the system. If accumulated silt feed the supply hose until the nozzle has reached the end of the
is interfering with the operation of the detention system (i.e.: Containment Row. Withdraw the nozzle slowly.
blocking outlet pipes or deposits significantly reduce the storage
capacity of the system) it should be removed. The tool will backflush the Containment Row forcing debris into
the diversion manhole sump. Use the stringer vacuum hose to
It is easiest to maintain a system when there is no flow entering. remove the sediments and debris from the sump of the diversion
For this reason, cleanout should be scheduled during dry weather. manhole. Multiple passes may be required to fully cleanout the
Containment Row. Vacuum out the diversion manhole and remove
A vacuum truck or other similar devices can be used to remove all debris. See Figure 1.
sediment from the treatment train. Starting upstream, maintain
manholes with sumps and any pre-treatment devices (following
manufacturer recommended procedures). Once maintenance
is complete, replace all caps, lids and covers. It is important to
document maintenance events on the Inspection and Maintenance
Log.

Header System Maintenance

If maintenance is required, use a high pressure nozzle with rear
facing jets to wash the sediments and debris into the diversion
manhole. Use the vacuum hose stinger nozzle to remove the
washed sediments from the sump of the diversion manhole. It is
important to not flush sediments into the chamber system during
the maintenance process.
Figure 1. Containment Row shown with high pressure cleaning
nozzle.

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

APPENDIX A: ChamberMaxx Specification with Pretreatment

SPECIFICATION: 2.0 MATERIALS

ChamberMaxx 2.1 The chamber shall be constructed of injection molded

polypropylene copolymer formulated for high impact
Underground Detention and Infiltration Standard Specification
and stress cracking resistance and sustained structural
with Pretreatment Device
performance during high temperatures. The chamber shall be
1.0 GENERAL designed and manufactured in accordance to ASTM F-2418
and F-2787.
1.1 This item shall govern the furnishing and installation
of ChamberMaxx underground detention and infiltration 2.2 The chamber shall be designed to AASHTO LRFD Bridge
chamber systems. Design Specifications (Section 12), as applied to material and
performance requirements for buried thermoplastic pipes.
1.2 Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment Design live load shall be the AASHTO HS-20 and HS-25 truck,
and incidentals necessary to install the ChamberMaxx system, including multiple lane presence factors, over a minimum
appurtenances and incidentals in accordance with the cover of 18 inches and chamber row spacing of 5 inches or
Drawings and as specified herein. greater.

1.3 A stormwater treatment device upstream of the 2.3 The chamber system shall be comprised of three chamber
ChamberMaxx system is recommended as the appropriate configurations: The MIDDLE chambers shall be open-ended
means of pretreating for the purpose of extending the to allow unobstructed hydraulic flow, inspection, and
maintenance interval on the ChamberMaxx system and maintenance. The START and END chambers shall each have
reducing the life cycle cost. Both engineered solutions shall an integral end wall designed to resist loading at the start and
be provided by a single supplier/manufacturer. Filtration by end of the chamber rows. The chambers within a row shall be
wrapping a chamber row with geotextile is not an acceptable installed with overlapping end corrugations.
means of pretreatment.
2.4 The nominal dimensions of the START chamber shall be
1.4 Applicable provisions of any Division shall govern work in 51.4 inches wide, 30.3 inches tall, and 98.4 inches long. The
this section. nominal dimensions of the MIDDLE chamber shall be 51.4
inches wide, 30.3 inches tall, and 91.0 inches long. The
1.5 Related Standards nominal dimensions of the END chamber shall be 51.4 inches
wide, 30.3 inches tall, and 92.0 inches long. The nominal
1.5.1 ASTM 2418 “Standard Specification for
storage volume inside the chamber shall be 77 cubic feet
Polypropylene Corrugated Wall Stormwater Collection
when utilizing 6” of stone above and below chamber with
Chambers”
40% stone porosity per ChamberMaxx standard detail.
1.5.2 ASTM F-2787 “Standard Practice for Structural
2.5 The chamber shall have a continuously-curved, arch-
Design of Thermoplastic Corrugated Wall Stormwater
shaped section profile.
Collection Chambers”
2.6 The START and END chamber integral end wall shall be
1.6 Site layout drawings, product specifications, materials,
structurally suitable for cutting and inserting inlet pipes and
hydraulic storage data and supported calculations of
shall provide a range of pipe diameter indicants up to 24”
proposed alternatives shall be submitted to the Engineer of
diameter as cutting templates.
Record (EOR) for review at a minimum of 10 working days
prior to bid closing. 2.7 The chamber shall be a corrugated, open-bottom design
and top vent orifices for hydraulic pressure equalization.
1.7 Shop drawings shall be annotated to indicate all
Corrugation valleys and crests shall be sub-corrugated to
materials to be furnished and installed under this section,
increase stiffness.
and all applicable standards for materials, required tests of
materials and design assumptions for structural analysis: 2.8 The chamber shall have a circular cut line for an
optional reinforced inspection port configured to accept a 4”
1.8 Before installation of the ChamberMaxx system,
Schedule 40 pipe.
Contractor shall obtain the written approval of the EOR for
the stormwater system and the installation drawings.
2.9 The END chambers shall be capable of being cut to
1.9 All proposed alternatives to the ChamberMaxx system
shorter lengths to accommodate site specific requirements.
shall conform to applicable above referenced ASTM
specifications. 2.10 The chamber shall be supported by integral structural

14 | © 2017 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC

 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

footings comprised of load dispersing toe ribs and 3.4.3 Selected pretreatment stormwater device shall
longitudinally aligned stiffening ribs. incorporate a physical barrier capable of capturing and
retaining trash and debris (i.e.: floatable and neutrally
2.11 The manufacturer of the ChamberMaxx system shall be buoyant materials) for all flows up to the treatment
one that has regularly been engaged in the engineering design capacity of the device.
and production of these systems for at least eight (8) years
and which has a history of successful production, acceptable 3.4.4 The application of wrapping a system with
to the Engineer of Record (EOR). In accordance with the geotextile of any branding or material type, that allows
Drawings, the ChamberMaxx system shall be supplied by: the passage of stormwater, shall not be regarded as an
acceptable treatment or pretreatment device.
Contech Engineered Solutions
9025 Centre Pointe Drive 3.4.5 The manufacturer of the selected Stormwater
West Chester, OH, 45069 treatment device shall have been regularly engaged in
Tel: 1 800 338 1122 the engineering design and production of systems for
3.0 PERFORMANCE the physical treatment of Stormwater runoff for 15 years.

3.1 The ChamberMaxx system proposal shall be sized in 3.4.6 In order to not restrict the Owner’s ability
accordance to the design provided and approved by the to maintain the stormwater pretreatment device, the
Engineer of Record (EOR). Any Contractor deviating from the minimum dimension providing access from the ground
design shown on the plans, to include: material, footprint, surface to the sump chamber shall be 20 inches in
etc., shall provide to the EOR a summary report on stage- diameter.
storage curves, design calculations, HydroCAD modeling and
engineering drawings. 4.0 EXECUTION

3.2 ChamberMaxx row spacing and stone base thickness 4.1 The ChamberMaxx system shall be installed per the
cannot be altered with consultation from Contech Engineered Contech “ChamberMaxx Stormwater Retention System
Solutions, LLC. Standard Installation Detail”, available from local Contech
representative or from www.conteches.com.
3.3 The ChamberMaxx system shall be designed so as the
hydraulic grade line will increase evenly throughout whereas 4.2 For temporary construction vehicle loads, an extra
transverse movement from one storage compartment to amount of compacted cover may be required over the top of
another shall not be permitted. All storage compartments the chambers. The Height-of-Cover shall meet the minimum
shall be connected via manifold (or connecting pipe) versus requirements shown in the Contech “ChamberMaxx
by entirely transporting stormwater through stone. Stormwater Retention System Standard Installation Detail”.
The use of heavy construction equipment necessitates greater
3.4 A stormwater pretreatment device is recommended protection for the chambers than finished grade cover
upstream of the ChamberMaxx system as follows: minimums for normal highway traffic.

3.4.1 Infiltration: Where feasible, the selected 4.3 The contractor shall follow Occupational Safety and
stormwater treatment device upstream of an infiltration Health Association (OSHA) guidelines for safe practices in
system shall be a filter system and have General Use executing the installation process in accordance with the
Level Designation (GULD) for Basic Treatment by the manufacturer/supplier installation recommendations.
Washington State Department of Ecology or demonstrate
equivalent performance in independently verified field 4.4 Contractor is required to participate in an on-site
testing following a peer reviewed testing protocol, and preconstruction meeting with the supplier prior to the
must be sized consistent with the system producing scheduled delivery date of the ChamberMaxx system.
those results.

3.4.2 Detention: Where feasible, the selected

Stormwater treatment device upstream of a detention
system shall be a separator system and have GULD for
Pretreatment by the WADOE or demonstrate equivalent
performance in independently verified field testing
following a peer reviewed testing protocol, and must be
sized consistent with the system producing those results.

www.ContechES.com/DYO • 800-338-1122 | 15
 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

APPENDIX B: ChamberMaxx Specification with Containment Row

ChamberMaxx 6.0 MATERIALS

Underground Detention and Infiltration Standard Specification
6.1 The chamber shall be constructed of injection molded
with Containment Row
polypropylene copolymer formulated for high impact
5.0 GENERAL and stress cracking resistance and sustained structural
performance during high temperatures. The chamber shall be
5.1 This item shall govern the furnishing and installation designed and manufactured in accordance to ASTM F-2418
of ChamberMaxx underground detention and infiltration and F-2787.
chamber systems.
6.2 The chamber shall be designed to AASHTO LRFD Bridge
5.2 Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment Design Specifications (Section 12), as applied to material and
and incidentals necessary to install the ChamberMaxx system, performance requirements for buried thermoplastic pipes.
appurtenances and incidentals in accordance with the Design live load shall be the AASHTO HS-20 and HS-25 truck,
Drawings and as specified herein. including multiple lane presence factors, over a minimum
cover of 18 inches and chamber row spacing of 5 inches or
5.3 The containment row of the ChamberMaxx system is greater.
recommended as the appropriate means of pretreating for
the purpose of extending the maintenance interval on the 6.3 The chamber system shall be comprised of three chamber
ChamberMaxx system and reducing the life cycle cost. configurations: The MIDDLE chambers shall be open-ended
to allow unobstructed hydraulic flow, inspection, and
5.4 Applicable provisions of any Division shall govern work in maintenance. The START and END chambers shall each have
this section. an integral end wall designed to resist loading at the start and
end of the chamber rows. The chambers within a row shall be
5.5 Related Standards
installed with overlapping end corrugations.
5.5.1 ASTM 2418 “Standard Specification for
6.4 The nominal dimensions of the START chamber shall be
Polypropylene Corrugated Wall Stormwater Collection
51.4 inches wide, 30.3 inches tall, and 98.4 inches long. The
Chambers”
nominal dimensions of the MIDDLE chamber shall be 51.4
5.5.2 ASTM F-2787 “Standard Practice for Structural inches wide, 30.3 inches tall, and 91.0 inches long. The
Design of Thermoplastic Corrugated Wall Stormwater nominal dimensions of the END chamber shall be 51.4 inches
Collection Chambers” wide, 30.3 inches tall, and 92.0 inches long. The nominal
storage volume inside the chamber shall be 77 cubic feet
5.6 Site layout drawings, product specifications, when utilizing 6” of stone above and below chamber with
materials, hydraulic storage data and supported 40% stone porosity per ChamberMaxx standard detail.
calculations of proposed alternatives shall be submitted
to the Engineer of Record (EOR) for review at a minimum 6.5 The chamber shall have a continuously-curved, arch-
of 10 working days prior to bid closing. shaped section profile.

5.7 Shop drawings shall be annotated to indicate 6.6 The START and END chamber integral end wall shall be
all materials to be furnished and installed under this structurally suitable for cutting and inserting inlet pipes and
section, and all applicable standards for materials, shall provide a range of pipe diameter indicants up to 24”
required tests of materials and design assumptions for diameter as cutting templates.
structural analysis:
6.7 The chamber shall be a corrugated, open-bottom design
5.8 Before installation of the ChamberMaxx system, and top vent orifices for hydraulic pressure equalization.
Contractor shall obtain the written approval of the EOR Corrugation valleys and crests shall be sub-corrugated to
for the stormwater system and the installation drawings. increase stiffness.

5.9 All proposed alternatives to the ChamberMaxx 6.8 The chamber shall have a circular cut line for an optional
system shall conform to applicable above referenced reinforced inspection port configured to accept a 4” Schedule
ASTM specifications. 40 pipe.

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

6.9 The END chambers shall be capable of being cut to 8.0 EXECUTION
shorter lengths to accommodate site specific requirements.
8.1 The ChamberMaxx system shall be installed per the
6.10 The chamber shall be supported by integral structural Contech “ChamberMaxx Stormwater Retention System
footings comprised of load dispersing toe ribs and Standard Installation Detail”, available from local Contech
longitudinally aligned stiffening ribs. representative or from www.conteches.com.

6.11 The manufacturer of the ChamberMaxx system shall be 8.2 For temporary construction vehicle loads, an extra
one that has regularly been engaged in the engineering design amount of compacted cover may be required over the top of
and production of these systems for at least eight (8) years the chambers. The Height-of-Cover shall meet the minimum
and which has a history of successful production, acceptable requirements shown in the Contech “ChamberMaxx
to the Engineer of Record (EOR). In accordance with the Stormwater Retention System Standard Installation Detail”.
Drawings, the ChamberMaxx system shall be supplied by: The use of heavy construction equipment necessitates greater
protection for the chambers than finished grade cover
Contech Engineered Solutions minimums for normal highway traffic.
9025 Centre Pointe Drive
West Chester, OH, 45069 8.3 The contractor shall follow Occupational Safety and
Tel: 1 800 338 1122 Health Association (OSHA) guidelines for safe practices in
executing the installation process in accordance with the
manufacturer/supplier installation recommendations.
7.0 PERFORMANCE
8.4 Contractor is required to participate in an on-site
7.1 The ChamberMaxx system proposal shall be sized in preconstruction meeting with the supplier prior to the
accordance to the design provided and approved by the scheduled delivery date of the ChamberMaxx system.
Engineer of Record (EOR). Any Contractor deviating from the
design shown on the plans, to include: material, footprint, END SECTION
etc., shall provide to the EOR a summary report on stage-
storage curves, design calculations, HydroCAD modeling and
engineering drawings.

7.2 ChamberMaxx row spacing and stone base thickness

cannot be altered with consultation from Contech Engineered
Solutions, LLC.

7.3 The ChamberMaxx system shall be designed so as the

hydraulic grade line will increase evenly throughout whereas
transverse movement from one storage compartment to
another shall not be permitted. All storage compartments
shall be connected via manifold (or connecting pipe) versus
by entirely transporting stormwater through stone.

www.ContechES.com/DYO • 800-338-1122 | 17
 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

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 ChamberMaxx Design Guide

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www.ContechES.com/DYO • 800-338-1122 | 19
 ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

800-338-1122
www.ContechES.com
Support
• Drawings and specifications are available at contechstormwater.com.
• Site-specific design support is available from our engineers.

© 2017 Contech Engineered Solutions LLC, a QUIKRETE Company

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC provides site solutions for the civil engineering industry. Contech portfolio includes bridges, drainage,
sanitary sewer, stormwater and earth stabilization products. For information on other product offerings, visit www.conteches.com or
call 800.338.1122
NOTHING IN THIS CATALOG SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS A WARRANTY. APPLICATIONS SUGGESTED HEREIN ARE DESCRIBED ONLY TO HELP READERS MAKE THEIR OWN EVALUATIONS AND DECISIONS,
AND ARE NEITHER GUARANTEES NOR WARRANTIES OF SUITABILITY FOR ANY APPLICATION. CONTECH MAKES NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATED TO THE APPLICATIONS,
MATERIALS, COATINGS, OR PRODUCTS DISCUSSED HEREIN. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED BY CONTECH. SEE CONTECH’S CONDITIONS OF SALE (AVAILABLE AT WWW.CONTECHES.COM/COS) FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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