In the United States each year, there are an estimated 250,000 pipe breaks. The trends shown in recent ruptures lead to the implication that product specification has been based on short-term, low-cost solutions and less on the sustainability of our infrastructure and ultimately our country. Whole lifecycle cost assessment is important for all products, and must be backed by evidence and science. What we are seeing is continued use – and failure – of products that aren’t adequate. Now we are finding that such pipe products for stormwater and wastewater management aren’t being properly tested and some are defective before being put in the ground.
Being a part of this industry for more than 35 years, my team and I take responsibility for the quality of products we manufacture and expect the same of other companies. Lack of integrity, responsibility and obligation to our nation’s backbone, will prohibit our nation from achieving a sustainable infrastructure. There needs to be a change in the way manufacturers are testing and promoting their pipe products. Decision makers such as city officials and specifiers have the power to influence testing procedures and the products chosen to transport our most precious resource, water.
One recent step in the right direction is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) acceptance of the American Concrete Pipe Association’s (ACPA) proposed post-installation deflection testing specifications for all projects that allow use of flexible/plastic pipe. Pipe deflection refers to the amount of deviation or degree of bending in the pipe due to applied stress or weight. Now, all HDPE and PVC pipe must have a deflection rating of no more than 5 percent, versus the former 7.5 percent. The revised specifications by the USACE reflect the continuous increase in breaks and cracking well before pipes are reaching their intended life expectancy. Typically, deflections exceeding five to seven percent constitute structural failure and require removal.
So why are we seeing pipes with 50-, 90- and 100-year service life break in only one year? Well, while breaks can and will happen before the intended life expectancy, this increasing number is due to improper product testing, claims and careless specification. But perhaps those choosing what products we put in the ground either aren’t as concerned with these facts, or are too trusting of a promised service life and products that show “economical benefit.”
It is extremely important that all pipe products meet every specification before being put in the ground. This is especially true for flexible pipe, which unlike rigid pipe such as concrete or steel, depends heavily on factors such as soil condition and the installation process in order to be successful.
Every manufacturer should take responsibility to conduct the proper tests and assessments in order to produce quality products that support our infrastructure and a sustainable future. Specifiers must be knowledgeable about material properties for all pipe products in order to prevent leakage in stormwater installations. While both flexible and rigid pipe have the ability to perform properly, both products need to be adequately assessed to determine which option offers the best and most efficient operation. Dating back to the Roman Empire, concrete may be the “older” option, but it has maintained the most impressive performance record as a strong and durable product ITHOE. With continued advancements in design, technology and analysis, it is also an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice.
It’s not about saying one product is better or will last longer than another – it’s about choosing the right product for the longevity of our infrastructure and environment and for the specific job and avoiding unnecessary risks. Sustainability is the responsibility of all manufacturers, city leaders and citizens. We must continue to modify our products and testing to ensure satisfactory quality that aligns with engineering standards and economic analysis.
Tags: Hanson Pipe & Precast, Infrastructure, Lifecycle Cost Assessment, Manufacturing, Pipe Breaks, Sustainability
Richard,
What do you think is the most effective way to get this message out to the public? I know that you write op-eds and respond to newspaper articles and of course this blog is a message to the public, but no one seems to get it…how can we fix this issue and educate the public?
Great points – Installation is also key – besides the responsibility of the owners/engineers to understand products, evaluate life-cycle costs, and require stringent specifications and post-testing; one of the main causes of failure is installation practices. The lack of on-sight educated inspectors from owners/engineers results in inadequate install practices (often unintentional by utility contractor) that will possibly pass an initial or near future deflection test but premature failure and unnecessary costs to owner eventually. The entire process must be addressed and managed for ultimate value.