The Pipe Blog

Corrugated steel pipe (CSP) has been a staple in various infrastructure projects due to its strength and flexibility. However, its durability has historically been a point of concern, particularly with galvanized steel, which has shown suboptimal performance in certain environments.

Choosing the right culvert or buried bridge structure is crucial for any site application. While this may seem straightforward, it involves numerous practical and functional considerations. Project engineers and site developers must address these factors early in the planning stages.

When it comes to designing extensive storm sewer conveyance systems, engineers and agencies are constantly seeking innovative alternatives to traditional reinforced box culverts. Contech, a leading player in drainage and stormwater, has been at the forefront of exploring efficient and effective solutions for moving stormwater across the country. While concrete has been the default choice for larger systems, there's a compelling alternative worth considering – Smooth Cor™.

DuroMaxx® SRPE emerges as an important solution for containment needs, offering cost-effectiveness and mitigating schedule impacts caused by supply shortages in the market for FRP, CIP, and pre-cast concrete containment tanks.

Proper pipe jointing is a critical aspect of designing and installing sanitary sewer systems – especially in the sizeable diameters of 30” and larger. The large joints of these systems play a pivotal role in preventing issues related to infiltration and exfiltration, which can have detrimental effects on the overall functionality of the infrastructure. Inflow and infiltration (I&I) during rain events can lead to capacity issues at wastewater treatment plants, causing severe backups in the system and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).

The notion of bolstering safety factors in pipe design to compensate for subpar installation practices is a complex issue with various considerations. The effectiveness of buried flexible metal and plastic pipe systems hinges on a synergy between pipe strength and the surrounding soil support. Design procedures already integrate safety factors, emphasizing the vital role of proper installation in ensuring performance. Relying solely on increased pipe wall strength in design won't mitigate poor installation practices.

The world of sanitary and storm sewers has seen a growing need for larger diameters to carry water. As pipe sizes increase, designing manway access becomes more challenging as larger pipes necessitate larger manholes or concrete boxes. It's not uncommon to resort to cast-in-place structures as the primary solution, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. However, with ongoing technological advancements and the increased use of thermoplastic pipe materials, alternative manhole solutions have been steadily gaining popularity. Many designers and regulators are recognizing the benefits of exploring alternatives to the traditional standard concrete manhole or box structures.

Fall is finally here! The sun rises a little later and sets a little sooner, the days and nights become cooler. This causes the leaves to change color, and we get to see the brilliance of nature. This is my favorite time of the year for several reasons but most especially it means it’s Football season. The gridiron of gladiators is truly the best sport on the planet. September, October and November tailgates at the stadium are awesome that is, of course, if it isn’t raining.

As a Gen-Xer, I am old enough to remember a time without cellphones, when getting connected with someone on the telephone literally meant being confined to a corded phone. Sometimes this was not very enjoyable - like trying to have a conversation with your crush on the kitchen wall phone (it had the longest cord) without mom trying to listen in or travelling in an unfamiliar area desperately searching for a working payphone.

When a culvert or storm sewer reaches the end of its useful service life, the option to excavate and replace is commonplace. However, having the additional option to reline the existing structure to provide a structural solution can save significant time and money. A key to determining whether or not to excavate and replace or to structural reline an existing pipe is to assess the condition of the current pipe.