Putting It All Together: Some Examples
Arena design is a complex subject, but the best way to learn is by example. Here we consider three designs for a 20m x 40m arena -- two raised, and one sunken.
1a) Raised Option with Geotextile
In this raised design, the arena is built up within a timber kicker or topsoil or turf bank. This maximises lateral drainage and removes the need for expensive trenching and pipelaying.
Plan View:
N.b. In this and in the other diagrams on this page, right-click or press the menu key to zoom.
Cross sectional view:
1b) Raised Option with Graded Filter
In this raised design, the geotextile is replaced with a graded filter.
Plan View:
Cross sectional view:
2) Sunken Option
Sometimes, usually for aesthetic reasons, it is desirable to have the arena lie flush with the ground level. Such arenas are harder to drain, and so require a perforated pipe drain. For our 20m x 40m arena, a 100mm diameter perforated pipe drain, at a minimum 1% gradient to clear 40m x 20m x 100mm/hr = 80,000 litres/hr, would be required.
Plan View:
Cross sectional view:
N.b.: A gravel manege option can be constructed by increasing Filter Layer 2 to a depth of 100 to 200 mm and omitting the overlying layers.
Disclaimer: The foregoing is a design guide only, material properties can vary. Site conditions can impact substantially on a design. Professional advice is recommended
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