Concrete Pipes
ROAD STRUCTURE LAYERS
SURFACING AGGREGATE
ASPHALT AGGREGATE
9 GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE PRECAST CONCRETE PIPES
1. SUSTAINABILITY
Precast concrete pipes outperform other pipeline solutions in a number of the environmental impact categories, such as human toxicity levels and chemical or hazardous waste generated. The CO2 emissions from concrete production are relatively small compared to other building materials. Some 95-99% of ingredients used in the production of concrete pipes are sourced locally, so a considerable positive impact on the carbon footprint and fuel consumption associated with transporting these materials can be achieved.
2. STRENGTH
Precast concrete pipe is more durable than any other kind of pipe. Hence, it can carry more load at any given time and gains strength over time. It cannot be weakened by heat, moisture, mold or pests, nor will it rust. Precast concrete pipe will not rust, burn, tear, buckle or deflect, have the ability to resist chemical attacks and is immune to most environmental elements. A general lack of pipe stiffness is the biggest contributor to deflection and deformation problems in plastic pipes.
3. QUALITY
Since precast concrete pipes are produced in highly controlled plant environments under rigid production standards and testing specifications, they achieve consistent high quality levels of performance.
4. FIRE RESISTANCE
Being naturally fire-resistant, concrete forms a highly effective barrier to fire spread and it does not emit any toxic fumes when affected by fire. It will not produce smoke or drip molten particles. Therefore, in the majority of applications, concrete can be described as virtually ‘fireproof’. Due to its inbuilt fire resistant properties, concrete not only maintains an airtight construction that stops smoke spreading, but also has the ability to keep its strength during a fire.
5. WHOLE LIFE VALUE
Due to its amazing structural properties and functional benefits, precast concrete pipes tend to attract lower insurance premiums than those built from other construction materials. The natural strength of precast concrete pipes enables recycled aggregate to be used as a bedding material, significantly reducing installation costs and the elimination of waste disposal costs. Plastic pipe products may have lower initial costs, but they are not as cost-effective as concrete pipe. Over the long term, plastic pipe has a shorter service life, and requires premium bedding and backfill. Installation procedures have to be precise for the bedding and backfill to take on the required structural characteristics. During and after installation, inspection of plastic pipe systems is critical to performance, and mandrel or laser/video testing is mandatory in many jurisdictions. In general, the true cost (installation, maintenance and replacement) of plastic pipe can be twice that of concrete based on a 50-year or greater service life. Precast concrete pipe is the strongest drainage product available, the most hydraulically efficient, and has great current and future value as an infrastructure asset.
6. BEDDING PERFORMANCE
The superior strength of concrete pipes enables recycled aggregate to be used as a bedding material, thus reducing costs and environmental impact during installation. Since a full trench depth of granular material can actually be more expensive than the pipe, significant pipe bedding savings can be achieved when using a concrete pipe instead.
7. HYDRAULIC EFFICIENCY
The rigidity and mass of precast concrete pipes (within the pipe & pipe joints) allows it to retain its shape over its long service life, preserving structural integrity & hydraulic efficiency, by minimizing the resistance to water-flow that often occurs when the shape or integrity of a plastic pipe is compromised through deformation.
8. INSTALLATION
The primary purpose of a conduit is to move a certain amount of storm water from one point to another. A precast concrete conduit, in conjunction with the surrounding soil, provides the structure the installation must provide. Concrete pipe far outperforms plastic pipes. Concrete’s rigidity and mass allow for easy and secure placement in the ditch, without disrupting line/grade. Precast concrete pipe joints are easily assembled, which help minimize the time needs for installation. Precast concrete pipe is a rigid pipe system that is over 85% dependent on the pipe strength & only 15% dependent on the strength derived from the soil envelope, thus installation is made easy. Unlike plastic pipe, where up to 95% of the structure must be painstakingly designed & installed in the field.
The installation of plastic or metal pipes can take longer than precast concrete pipe. That’s because the structural & hydraulic integrity of plastic pipes rely heavily on how well you prep the surrounding soil at installation, rather than on their own inherent brute strength. Plastic pipe installation requires carefully selected backfill material, high compaction of the backfill, on-site inspection and post-installation laser testing which all increase the overall time and cost of installation. The longer lengths of pipe require close control of bedding material, grade and compaction during installation, or high & low spots or deflection may occur.
9. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Precast concrete pipes and manholes are resistant to sulphate & chemical attack. Concrete pipeline products with higher design chemical classes need special instructions and sulphur resistant cement which are capable of withstanding ttack from aggressive ground environments ttack from aggressive ground environments.
