Pipe project portfolio

CE News presents this annual special report to help civil engineers begin sorting through all of the pipe choices they face when designing water and tunnel projects. National associations representing concrete, concrete pressure, corrugated steel, ductile iron, fiberglass, polyethylene, PVC, and vitrified clay pipe manufacturers provided information about recent projects featuring each type of pipe.

Pipe manufacturer lists have been compiled from association member lists as well as outside sources. Contact manufacturers for information about product lines, specifications, and manufacturing and distribution locations. To update, correct, or add a listing, contact Editor Bob Drake at bdrake@stagnitomedia.com.



Concrete pipe

Q: Briefly describe a recent significant project that used concrete pipe.

A: A 5-1/2-mile portion of Utah State Route 92 is being reconstructed and widened in 2010 as an expressway to improve mobility. The design-build project includes commuter lanes to provide direct access to I-15 without signalized intersections. Since post-installation testing of joints was a critical specification for the project, nearly 12 miles of concrete pipe were used based on the pipe’s ability to meet the tests.


Approximately 300 feet of 72-inch, Class 5 concrete jacking pipe was used on the Utah SR-92 project.


Different types of concrete pipe — reinforced, non-reinforced, and jacking pipe — were used for different sections of the project, all with gasketed joints for a water-tight connection. Nearly eight miles of 18-inch to 36-inch-diameter non-reinforced concrete pipe (NRCP) are being used on the project. NRCP was chosen for its cost, which was lower than the alternative materials. Additionally, the designer and contractor chose to use in-line concrete tees instead of manholes and cleanouts. These underground junctions saved money and provided convenient access locations for future maintenance. This project was an example that design-build projects need to be built to a performance standard.

Q: What characteristics of concrete pipe made it particularly suitablefor this project?

A: Approximately 300 feet of 72-inch, Class 5 concrete jacking pipe was used on the SR-92 project. The pipe was made with self-consolidating concrete (SCC) for improved outer smoothness and end squareness. The finished grade of the jacked pipe was constructed to within 0.02 inches of the design grade, demonstrating that concrete pipe can be jacked without an exterior casing. Where standard open-excavation installation techniques may not be feasible, concrete jacking pipe becomes an option. The use of SCC makes for a smooth pipe exterior that allows the contractor to push the pipe further with less force. The lubricant connections that were designed into the pipe allow the contractor to pump lubricant onto the outer surface if needed.

Although steel bell bands are not required, they allow a higher surface area of the pipe and much better end squareness between joints. Both of these features provide the contractor with additional stability and directional control that helps control alignment and grade. By providing a greater surface area of concrete for the connection between joints than a typical bell and spigot joint, the pipe has a much higher axial thrust capacity.

Q: What performance properties of concrete pipe set it apart from other types of pipe?

A: Reinforced concrete pipe has more than one jointing system to meet design needs. Key performance characteristics of joint design include resistance to infiltration and exfiltration; accommodation of lateral or longitudinal movement; strength to handle shear or vertical movement; pipeline continuity and smooth flow line; and ease of installation.