Ausdrain 30mm HexCell Drainage Cell – Standard Duty 550 is a high-strength, lightweight drainage system designed to provide efficient subsurface water management beneath landscaped areas and soil profiles.

Manufactured from Reprolene™ or HDPE, the 30mm HexCell creates a continuous drainage void between the concrete slab and overlying soil profile. Its open-cell structure provides 70% surface void space, allowing water to flow towards designated drainage outlets and helping reduce water accumulation beneath landscaped surfaces.

Unlike traditional gravel drainage systems, which rely on smaller void spaces between individual stones, the HexCell provides a consistent 30mm drainage cavity with a stated flow rate exceeding 14,400 litres per hour per square metre. This high-capacity drainage design makes it particularly suitable for applications where efficient water removal and reduced structural loading are important.

Lightweight and space-efficient design

Weighing approximately 2.15 kg/m², Ausdrain 30mm HexCell offers a substantial weight reduction compared with conventional gravel drainage systems. The manufacturer states a weight reduction of up to 98% over gravel, making it particularly beneficial for weight-sensitive applications such as roof gardens, planter boxes and landscaped podiums.

Its reduced drainage profile also provides a stated 5:1 reduction in drainage medium height, allowing greater soil depth and more flexibility in landscaping and planting design.

High compressive strength

Despite its lightweight construction, the 30mm HexCell has a specified compressive strength of 70 tonnes/m². This provides structural support beneath the overlying filtration and soil layers.

For applications involving vehicles or machinery, a minimum 300mm cover over the drainage cell and filter fabric layer is required before trafficking, in accordance with the supplied installation instructions.

Designed for waterproofing and landscaping systems

The HexCell can be installed over waterproofed concrete surfaces as part of a complete drainage and protection system. It also acts as a membrane protection layer; however, Ausdrain recommends installing a 3mm protection board between the waterproofing membrane and drainage cell for additional protection.

When combined with suitable filter fabric and a 50–100mm layer of coarse washed river sand, the system helps filter water before it enters the drainage cavity, reducing the risk of staining from gravel, stone and soil materials.

Practical interlocking panel format

Ausdrain 30mm HexCell is supplied in pallet-optimised 1100mm × 1100mm panels, comprising four individual 550mm × 550mm sections. The panels can be easily divided or cut to accommodate smaller areas, curved sections and perimeter details.

Filter fabric is available in 2m and 4m roll widths, allowing coverage across the drainage installation with recommended 150mm overlaps at fabric joins.

Manufactured in Sydney, Australia, Ausdrain products are available Australia-wide, supported by local manufacturing, customer service and logistics.

Typical applications include:

• Planter boxes and raised garden beds
• Roof gardens and green roofs
• Landscaped podiums and terraces
• Concrete slab drainage systems
• Commercial and residential landscaping
• Other horizontal drainage applications

Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and ensure the drainage system is designed with suitable falls, outlets, filtration and waterproofing protection for the specific project.

• Minimum cover requirements: A minimum 300mm cover over the drainage cell and filter fabric layer is required before vehicles or machinery are permitted to traffic over the installation.
• Waterproofing protection: The drainage cell is installed over a waterproofing membrane. A 3mm protection board is recommended beneath the cell to provide additional membrane protection.
• Filtration requirements: Filter fabric should be installed over the drainage cell with 150mm overlaps at each seam. Additional fabric should be allowed around perimeter edges and wall junctions.
• Sand filtration layer: The installation procedure specifies a 50–100mm layer of coarse washed river sand over the filter fabric before placing the soil profile.
• Cutting and installation: Panels may be cut to suit edges, curves and smaller areas. Ensure the drainage layout provides appropriate connections to designated outlets.
• Application suitability: Select the appropriate drainage system and structural design for the project. Do not assume the stated compressive strength alone determines suitability for every traffic or loading condition.
• Installation requirements: The drainage cell must be installed as part of a properly designed drainage, filtration and waterproofing assembly, following the manufacturer's recommendations.