Reinforced concrete pipes are created to withstand high temperatures and pressures. The pipes are made from reinforced concrete that has been specifically designed to resist cracking and distortion under extreme conditions. The pipes are also often coated with a heat-resistant material, making them ideal for use in locations that experience high temperatures or excessive pressure.

Reinforced concrete pipe are the most common pipe used in the water and wastewater industry. They have many advantages over other materials such as steel and PVC. Some of these advantages include:

• Reinforced concrete pipes are robust and can withstand high pressure.
• They are corrosion resistant and can last for many years.
• They are easy to install and do not require much maintenance.

Properties of reinforced concrete pipes:

Strength

Strength reinforced concrete pipes are ideal for various transportation and infrastructure projects. Reinforced concrete pipe has a long history of use in both the United States and Canada. Concrete pipe is made by casting cylindrical concrete molds with an inside diameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe desired. After the concrete has cured, the line is cut into standard lengths and then transported to the job site.

Durability

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregate. When it is poured into a form and allowed to harden, it becomes a strong building material. Concrete is used to make both reinforced and non-reinforced pipes. Reinforced pipes are made with steel bars inserted into the line while wet. It increases the pipe’s strength and makes it less likely to burst or crack under pressure.

Corrosion resistance

Concrete pipes are often used to convey water and wastewater. Various coatings and linings are applied to protect the concrete from deterioration and failure. Reinforcing steel is also embedded in the pipe to provide strength and resistance to cracking. The use of corrosion-resistant steel can further extend the life of the line. 

Seismic resistance

Concrete pipe is not a new technology, but reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) for oil and gas pipelines is growing in popularity due to its seismic resistance. RCP offers several advantages over traditional steel pipes, including lower weight, reduced installation costs, and longer life expectancy.

Installation and maintenance

Installation and maintenance of reinforced concrete pipe is an important part of ensuring a pipeline system’s efficient and long-lasting operation. To install a reinforced concrete pipe, the trench in which it will be placed must be excavated to the correct depth and width. The line must then be carefully lowered into the ditch, ensuring that it is level and aligned with the rest of the pipeline. Backfill material must then be used to fill in around the pipe and tamp it down, leaving no void space. Finally, a concrete slab may be poured over the top of the pipe to provide additional protection.