Environmentally Friendly
Precast concrete drainage products have a reputation for strength and durability. They will not burn, corrode prematurely, deflect or move off grade to reduce hydraulic performance, or collapse under loads designed into the pipe structure. Comprised of the world’s most commonly used building materials, precast concrete infrastructure is quickly integrated into ecosystems. This is clearly demonstrated by the use of three-sided precast boxes used to accommodate the natural channels of streams at road crossings, and precast concrete pipe for storm sewers and outfalls in valleys and shorelines.
Today, being recognized as a green material or product is growing in importance to many specifiers. Concrete pipe is suitable for LEED projects and it fits sustainable development.
Unlike plastic pipe, concrete is produced with benign, natural materials. Manufacturing of concrete consumes less energy than plastic fabrication. It’s also recyclable and has little if any environmental impact. And, when you use local resources, concrete can also provide lower fuel cost for delivery.
Pipelines, and in particular culverts, are often used in temporary applications to facilitate drainage during construction. While designers often try to minimize the cost of these facilities, one of the overlooked components is the salvage value of the pipe. Salvage value of pipe is closely related to its inherent strength and ability to survive the abuse of installation and removal.
The rigid nature of concrete pipe makes it ideal for removal and replacement. In terms of life cycle costs, it is prudent to account for the salvage value of the pipe when planning a temporary line for drainage.
The benefit of salvaging concrete pipe does not stop on the construction site. There are projects where concrete pipe has been excavated in industrial areas after decades of use, cleaned and re-installed to continue performing as storm sewer pipe. The pipe was examined in laboratories and tested. It was found to be stronger that originally tested, since concrete gets stronger over time.
