Precast Solutions - March/April 2008 - (Page 17)

future, the FWHA further mandates that all new culverts (and other structures) shall be designed by LRFD Specifications after Oct. 1, 2010. It seems likely that the more design time required for a particular product, the less likely the product will be specified. RCP VERSUS HDPE PIPE: IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT … There are engineers who would agree that reinforced concrete is the preferred product for large stormwater drainage systems under high-traffic roads and that RCP is a proven structural product with a long service life. Engineer’s knowledge of materials. Most civil engineers do not study plastics as a structural material in college. Concrete and steel courses are offered in engineering programs with a construction emphasis, but these courses are not required in most civil engineering undergraduate programs. Whether or not an engineer/specifier has academic training in reinforced concrete or polyethylene materials, recognition and understanding of the differences in the fundamental material properties between available products and their life-cycle cost analyses are no longer optional tasks. As technology advances, more and more state transportation departments are ensuring that their engineers are adequately trained in new product technologies and relevant material science. While some have selected HDPE pipe for its perceived low initial price, ease of installation and inert qualities, plastic pipe is structurally sound only when it is properly installed within its soil envelope and tested for deflection. Beyond the ongoing structural integrity debate between RCP and HDPE, if the bottom line is cost, the specifying engineer is well-advised to assess the total, not just initial, cost of both products and to be knowledgeable of competing products, including service life and strength. It remains for the specifying engineer to continually learn about the material properties of available construction products, be aware of the relevant standards, understand the ramifications of installation and inspection, and to keep an eye focused on sustainable design. Sue McCraven, NPCA senior technical consultant, is a civil engineer, technical writer and editor, and environmental scientist who has contributed numerous articles and studies to prominent scientific journals. YOU GO IT ADE. YOU GOT IT MADE. U OT DE. Tricon Tricon o ers two precast bridging solutions ers two precast bridging solutions that arrive ready to install, saving time, labor and that arrive ready to install, saving time, labor and prolonged tra prolonged tra c disruptions. Tricon’s Redi-Span™ disruptions. Tricon’s Redi-Span™ Bridge System allows you to quickly construct a strong Bridge System allows you to quickly construct strong and handsome alternative to box culverts. The patented and handsome alternative to box culverts. The patented Con-Struct™ Prefabricated Bridge System drastically Con-Struct™ Prefabricated Bridge System drastically ru i reduces erection time while saving money, in contrast reduces erection time while saving money, in contrast to longer span bridges or box culverts. Not only do our to longer span bridges or box culverts. Not only do our products er construction advantages, they also incorporate products o er construction advantages, they also incorporate Tricon’s known reputation for quality and reliability. Tricon’s known reputation for quality and reliability. Visit w w w.triconprecast.com or call 1-877-387-4266 to discove Visit www.triconprecast.com or call 1-877-387-4266 to discover simple bridging solutions and for more information on the Redi-Span simple bridging solutions and for more information on the Redi-Span™ and Con-Struct™bridge systems. Con-Struct systems. ™ T R I C O N P R E C A S T, LT D . Copyright 2006 Tricon Precast,, Ltd. All rights reserved. “Tricon Precast”is a registered trademark of Tricon Precast, Ltd. “Redi S Copyright2006TriconPrecast,Ltd.Allrightsreserved.“TriconPrecast”isaregisteredtrademarkofTriconPrecast,Ltd.“Redi-Span” and the “TPL” logo are trademarks of Tricon Precast Ltd. “Con-Struct” is trademark of Nelson Engineering Services, LLC. and the“TPL”logo are trademarks ofTricon Precast,, Ltd.“Con-Struct”is a trademark of Nelson Engineering Services, LLC. MARCH/APRIL 2008 | PRECAST SOLUTIONS 17 http://www.triconprecast.com http://www.triconprecast.com

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Precast Solutions - March/April 2008 Contents Smooth Move Riding the Waves Comparing RCP With Plastic Pipe Cost-Value Analysis of Storm Sewer Pipe Concrete Testing On a Grand Scale Building Confidence

Precast Solutions - March/April 2008

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