Critical Analysis of International Precast Concrete Pipe Standards

Abstract

Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) standard guidelines and industry practice have rather been disconnected from the end-users' expectations. No genuine effort has so far been made to create synergy between the expertise gained and advances made around the world. With the advent of strong competition from flexible pipe products and changing end-user expectations, a critical look at the current state-of-the-art is needed. In the present paper, RCP standards from a study area representing a quarter of the world's population (Canada, United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia and New Zealand) were critically analyzed. Comparisons were made in terms of product and material requirements, structural load testing, hydrostatic performance, and durability requirements. It is shown that the RCP sector lags modern developments in concrete technology, standard code advances and materials innovations. The analysis also revealed various knowledge gaps in terms of the mechanical, hydrostatic and durability performance of RCP. Recommendations emanating from this critical analysis aim at tailoring performance-based guidelines that can better capture current market needs and user expectations.

Smart self-sensory TRC pipes—proof of concept

“…Results of the crushing tests including the load versus time associated with the cracks' width, and schematic strain profile at the end of the experiment of the three smart TRC pipes are given in figure 5 and summarized in table 3. The results yield the following observations: First, it is observed that generally the macro-structural responses of all three pipes are similar and follow a known response of concrete pipes [33,[37][38][39][40][41]. Four cracks were formed in each pipe.…”

The Effect of Microbiologically Induced Concrete Corrosion in Sewer on the Bearing Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Pipes: Full-Scale Experimental Investigation

“…Accordingly, the ultimate load and D-load of the concrete pipe can be calculated, both of which are usually specified to describe the bearing capacity of concrete pipes [28]. The D-load is defined as the load required to result in a 0.01-inch (0.3 mm) crack in a pipe, and the ultimate load (referred to as the D u ) is the maximum load a pipe can bear before it fails [29].…”

Biofilms in the gravity sewer interfaces: making a friend from a foe

“…Since the '50 s of the twentieth century, significant enhancement has been made in this field as many new materials have been introduced. Nowadays, modern gravity sewer systems are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), corrugated steel (CSP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), fiberglass, steel-reinforced high-density polyethylene (SRHDPE), or metal pipes (Wong and Nehdi 2018). However, all of these materials are exposed to microbial activity and biofilm formation.…”

“…In addition, it is also non-flammable and resistant to rusting, tearing, buckling, or deflection. On the other hand, the long-term durability of modern plastic materials has not yet been confirmed because these materials were developed in recent decades and still are being tested (Wong and Nehdi 2018). However, the long operating time of concrete sewer systems exposes them to biogenic corrosion.…”

“…Therefore, various mitigation techniques have been proposed and tested. This research activity resulted in publications related to estimating the material's life cycle to determine the most optimal sewerage system technology (Zhao et al 1988;Wong and Nehdi 2018). High rehabilitation costs forced three main procedures to mitigate the problem: renovation, replacement, or repair, depending on the corrosion state of the We have proposed five approaches that may be adapted for sewer systems in future studies 3 Advantages, disadvantages, and knowledge gaps of the proposed approaches have been discussed…”