CONCRETE PIPES
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.
CONCRETE PIPES
GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE PRECAST CONCRETE PIPES
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
ADVANTAGES OF CONCRETE PIPES
»The designer has more control over pipe strength than any other facet of theproject.
»There is less reliance on quality installation by the installer.
» There is lower embedment material cost.
» There is less compaction required.
» It is easier to maintain grade and alignment.
» There are no excess deflection concerns.
» There is a lower life cycle cost of the project.
» There is a lower maintenance cost over the design life of the project.
» There is a reduced likelihood of failure.
»A lower risk for the specifier, designer and owner of the project, and reduced overall
liability to the public after the project has been commissioned.