Maintenance, Integrity and Durability

Integrity, durability and resistance to damage are main requirements for any pipeline system. Concrete pipes and manholes offer the most inherently strong option. Unlike vulnerable flexible pipe alternatives where the structure of the system will need to be built around the pipeline, the robustness of a concrete pipe makes it less susceptible to the effects of poor bedding and installation. This is one of the main reasons why a concrete pipe and manhole can serve for well over 100 years.

However, developers are not only looking for inherent strength, they will also be looking for other advantages that can be associated with this strength. With concrete pipes this could mean a number of things: it means that the product can be less affected by damage caused by jetting (with 5,000 psi jetting resistance) or rodent attack. Concrete pipes can also withstand impact damage caused by solid objects being carried through the system during floods and normal operation. 

Other advantages include resistance to degradation from heat or normal UV light. With advances in mix design, concrete drainage products manufactured today have considerable resistance to thaumasite sulphate attack. This was proven at a recent “Partners in Innovation” research project conducted by BRE where concrete pipeline systems proved to be resistant to soil sulphate content of the vast majority of grounds in the UK.

Sewer Pipes and Resistance to Jetting This factsheet offers crucial information on water jetting requirements for different sewer pipeline systems, explores the various views and limitations set by different bodies in the industry, and poses a number of questions on the issue.

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 concretepipeline system. The paper also looks at a number of different specifications and studies addressing this important subject.