Precast Solutions - July/August 2008 - (Page 30)

PRODUCT PROFILE PRECAST CONCRETE PIPE PRESERVING OUR GROUNDWATER. Throughout the world, concrete pipe is instrumental in helping to convey sanitary wastewater and stormwater while preserving the surrounding groundwater quality. Concrete pipe is available in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. The flexibility and modularity of concrete pipe make it possible to meet the needs of any sanitary wastewater or stormwater project. With its long history of proven performance, precast concrete is the material of choice for piping projects. EASE OF INSTALLATION Because concrete pipe can be manufactured well in advance, it is ready for transportation to the job site at a moment’s notice. Concrete pipe is quickly installed using a crane and a small crew. BUOYANCY With a specific gravity of 2.40 and superior frictional resistance, concrete pipe resists the buoyant forces associated with underground construction better than all other pipe materials. Alternative materials such as HDPE SUPERIOR LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY have lower specific gravities, causing potential buoyancy problems. The strength of concrete gradually increases with time. Other materials can deteriorate, experience creep and stress relaxation, lose strength and/or deflect over time. The load-carrying capacity of concrete is derived from its own structural qualities and does not rely on the strength or quality of the surrounding backfill material. FIRE RESISTANCE Concrete pipe is noncombustible. Materials other than concrete and steel are flammable and/or do not perform well at elevated temperatures. Fiberglass begins losing structural integrity at 200 F; HDPE begins to melt at 266 F. WHY PRECAST DURABILITY – LONG SERVICE LIFE MODULARITY Because of the modular nature of concrete pipe, piping systems of nearly any size can be accommodated. Concrete pipe is designed and manufactured for simple connection to reduce installation time. CONCRETE? • Superior strength • High degree of quality control • Availability and ease of installation • Environmentally friendly • Concrete mass resists buoyancy • Can be designed for corrosion resistance Studies have shown that manufactured concrete products, such as concrete pipe, can provide a service life in excess of 100 years. For severe service conditions, additional design options are available that can extend the life of the concrete product. This is extremely important when calculating life-cycle costs for a project. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE Concrete is resistant to most substances. Concrete pipe HIGH-LEVEL QUALITY & UNIFORMITY can be designed to withstand anticipated corrosive agents. Concrete pipe is produced in a plant-controlled environment using repeatable processes. The design and manufacture of concrete pipe is covered by many ASTM International Standards to help ensure quality. AVAILABILITY With hundreds of manufacturers throughout North America, concrete pipe can be ordered from most cities and regions. Concrete pipe is produced in advance and readily available when needed at the job site. This ensures a competitive market and a ready supply. WATERTIGHTNESS Concrete products manufactured in a quality-controlled environment are watertight. Standard watertight gaskets and sealants are formulated to adhere to concrete, making multiple-seam waterproof structures possible. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Besides water, concrete is the most frequently used material on earth. It is nontoxic, environmentally safe and composed of natural materials, so groundwater quality is not affected after installation. 30 PRECAST SOLUTIONS | JULY/AUGUST 2008

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Precast Solutions - July/August 2008 Contents What You Should Know About UHPC A Winning Hand Fresno Federal Expanding U.S. Wind Power Precast Concrete Pipe

Precast Solutions - July/August 2008

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