Strong and resilient evacuation routes are essential to protecting Americans from natural disasters such as floods or wildfires, and stormwater systems play a critical role in protecting their functionality.
Drainage pipes help maintain clear roadways and prevent erosion-related collapses during floods. However, pipes made from flammable materials, even when buried, are a liability during a wildfire. Plastic pipes can melt under extreme heat, leading to potential roadway failures. When plastic melts, it can ignite, intensifying the fire and releasing toxic chemicals into the environment, even after it has been extinguished.
When stormwater infrastructure is damaged in a fire, it can take longer for a region to recover. Burned areas are more susceptible to flooding and landslides because of altered drainage patterns, reduced soil absorption, and a lack of vegetation to slow down water, which can cause further damage and stall recovery efforts. Stormwater infrastructure helps manage excessive runoff and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
Many communities invest in fire-resistant stormwater systems to protect roadways during natural disasters. The durability and inherent fire resistance of reinforced concrete pipe make it a reliable solution for critical infrastructure. When installed before a natural disaster, concrete pipes can help mitigate flooding and erosion during and after wildfire events.
Reinforced concrete pipe is designed to withstand various underground environments and effluent profiles. Its dual function as a conduit and a structural element distinguishes it from other materials. Concrete pipe is manufactured in larger diameters than other materials, offering greater flow capacity to reduce flooding and prevent erosion. During a flood, the weight of concrete pipe helps it resist flotation, unlike lighter pipe materials, which can be displaced by rapid flood waters.
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. Concrete is resistant to the effects of most environmental elements and doesn’t burn, rust, tear, buckle, or reflect. Unlike other materials, concrete pipe can withstand tensile and compressive stresses, flammability, and hydrostatic forces.
Use County Materials’ Reinforced Concrete Pipe for your next project by contacting our Customer Service Team at (800) 242-7733.