Concrete Pipe Provides Long Term Cost Advantages

Communities planning infrastructure projects must take into account more than just the material cost when evaluating the total cost of the new system. Installation efficiency, durability of the pipe material, and hydraulic performance over time must all be factored in to accurately assess the cost of each option.

Concrete pipe is a cost effective investment for stormwater infrastructure projects because it is the strongest, most durable, and most hydraulically efficient type of pipe available today.

Installation Efficiency

Unlike flexible pipe materials, which heavily rely on soil compaction to ensure adequate strength, concrete pipe derives 85 percent of its strength from its own rigid structure, according to the American Concrete Pipe Association. Because it requires less soil cover and minimal soil compaction, installation requires less excavation and involves less risk, which can reduce the overall project costs.

Long Service Life

Since stormwater infrastructure is buried under roadways, communities can incur significant costs if buried infrastructure requires replacement before the roadway surface above it has reached the end of its service life. To maximize their investment in both their roadways and the stormwater infrastructure below them, communities must choose pipe materials that offer a longer service life than the roadway materials. Concrete pipe can remain in service for up to 100 years, far longer than any roadway surface.

Hydraulic Performance

A major factor that determines how long a drainage pipe can remain in service is its hydraulic performance. Over time, buried flexible pipes can deflect or develop ripples in the pipe wall that diminish the hydraulic capacity of the stormwater system. Concrete pipe does not deflect or lose strength during its service life. Additionally, concrete pipe does not burn and resists flotation during floods, making it more disaster resilient than other pipe materials.

County Materials manufactures reinforced concrete pipe and precast products, such as manholes, box culverts, catch basins, inlets, end walls, and other specialty precast components that are used to build reliable stormwater infrastructure. Use County Materials’ Reinforced Concrete Pipe for your next project by contacting our Customer Service Team.