When communities plan stormwater infrastructure projects, cost is a major decision factor. To accurately calculate the cost of an infrastructure project, many factors must be taken into consideration, such as material cost, service life of the system, and replacement cost.
Reinforced concrete pipe and precast products offer long-lasting, cost-effective solutions for stormwater management infrastructure.
Concrete pipe’s service life can exceed 100 years, making it the most durable pipe material available. Throughout its long service life, concrete pipe requires little to no maintenance. It’s capable of withstanding heavy loads and enduring challenging underground environments. Additionally, it won’t burn, rust, tear, buckle, or deflect. In the event of a flood, concrete pipe resists flotation and stays in place even if ground cover over the pipe is washed away.
Because concrete does not steadily depreciate over time or require additional investment in repairs, maintenance, or replacement, the cost of ownership during its lifetime is less than alternate materials. In fact, concrete has been shown to become stronger and more resilient over time, which means it can sometimes be reused for future infrastructure upgrades or reconfigurations, saving taxpayer dollars in the long run. For example, the City of Sheboygan recently evaluated a section of their sewer system composed of nearly 90-year-old RCP and concrete manholes to see if it warranted replacement. After discovering that the pipe was stronger than it was when it was installed, the city decided to leave the pipe in service with minimal repairs.
When communities choose concrete pipe for infrastructure projects, they’re investing in an asset that will hold its value during the design life of the project.
To learn more about using County Materials’ Reinforced Concrete Pipe for your next project, contact your regional County Materials facility:
Florida - (352) 343-8488
Indiana and Illinois - (317) 323-6000
Iowa and Wisconsin - (608) 244-1381
Minnesota - (715) 749-3927
Missouri Pipe - (314) 892-7400
Missouri Precast Structures - (618) 482-3283