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Concrete Pipe Improves Disaster Resilience & Readiness

Mar 19, 2025

Communities rely on well-designed stormwater management systems to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and natural disasters. Disaster-resilient infrastructure can help keep roads clear, prevent erosion-related collapses, and return to service quickly following floods and wildfires.  

The inherent strength and durability of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) makes it a reliable solution for critical infrastructure.  

Durability 

Unlike flexible pipe materials such as metal or plastic, concrete won’t burn, rust, tear, buckle, or deflect, and is immune to the attack of most elements, whether buried or exposed. Concrete pipe offers exceptional structural integrity, with a service life ranging from 70 to 100 years and requiring minimal maintenance. Its longevity reduces the need for infrastructure replacement and allows for seamless integration with system expansions or modifications, even years after installation. 

High Flow Capacity

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Since RCP can be manufactured in larger diameters than other materials, infrastructure systems built with RCP can be designed to handle higher volumes of water. This can reduce the risk of floods overwhelming the sewer system and backing up onto roadways and into businesses.

Floatation Resistance

The greater mass of concrete, as compared to flexible pipe materials, helps it resist flotation during floods. This keeps critical infrastructure in place and helps prevent roads from washing out. In contrast, flexible pipe materials are susceptible to displacement if ground cover washes away.

Disaster Resilience

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Reinforced concrete pipe helps communities withstand and recover from natural disasters by keeping essential infrastructure intact. When stormwater systems fail, roads can become impassable, delaying recovery efforts for homes and businesses. Disaster-ready infrastructure built with RCP minimizes damage, reducing the need for extensive repairs. After floodwaters recede, RCP often remains intact and can be quickly restored, allowing communities to rebuild faster and resume normal operations sooner.

County Materials manufactures and delivers large diameter round and elliptical reinforced concrete pipes to communities around the Midwest. In the event of a flood, our skilled drivers and dispatchers can coordinate and execute product deliveries within hours to help repair damaged infrastructure.

Use County Materials’ Reinforced Concrete Pipe for your next project by contacting our Customer Service Team.