In 2002 OFWAT estimated that replacing/ renovating the UK’s 309,000 km sewerage and drainage network would require £200 billion. The average cost can be considerably high for the larger sewer pipe ranges exceeding 300mm in diameter. With such high stakes, the serviceability and design life of sewerage/drainage pipeline systems is an important topic for the water and sewerage industry. Sewer asset design life is still an under-researched area. Due to the considerable number of factors affecting the performance and serviceability of sewers, there is still a level of uncertainty about the design life of different types of pipeline systems.

While concrete pipes have a proven track record and a specified service life exceeding 100 years, plastic pipes are relatively new and may need further research on the area of design service life.

Concrete and Plastic Pipes, the Durability Question This technical paper offers a comparative description of the durability credentials of concrete and plastic pipeline products. The different factors affecting the serviceability and reference life of both types of pipeline are described. The paper also looks at a number of different specifications and studies addressing this crucial subject.

The Service Life of Concrete Pipeline Systems This technical paper offers substantial information on the estimated service life for a concrete pipeline system. The paper also looks at a number of different specifications and studies addressing this important subject.