Pipe

Strength -Precast concrete pipe is the strongest drainage pipe available.
Resilience -Concrete pipe is resilient and durable. Through a proven track record, it is able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration. With concrete pipe, durability deals with the life expectancy and characteristics of the materials used in the manufacturing process.
Dependability -Concrete pipe’s long-term performance is proven, not theoretical. Innovation has made concrete pipe more reliable and dependable than ever. This innovation includes improvements to concrete mixes, pipe design and manufacturing processes.
Structure -Concrete pipe is a rigid pipe that provides both structure and conduit when it arrives on site. Unlike flexible alternatives, concrete pipe has little dependence on the surrounding soil for its structural performance.
Performance -Concrete pipe will not burn, corrode prematurely, deflect or reduce hydraulic performance, or collapse under loads designed into the pipe structure.
Cost and Value -Concrete pipe will easily meet the demands of Life Design as it remains the strongest, most hydraulically efficient, durable and environmentally friendly pipe available today. In short, concrete pipe’s attributes yield a lower long-term cost and more value for the owner.
Environmental / Sustainable Considerations -With its long life, use of natural/recycled products and local availability, concrete pipe is extremely environmentally friendly. The pipe’s capability to perform as expected for the design life of a project is a fundamental engineering consideration, especially in today’s economic environment, where requirements have been set in place to ensure a sustainable buried infrastructure.
Ease and value of installation -Concrete’s strength facilitates successful installation. This lessens the liability on the owner, engineer and contractor. When proper installation is specified and inspected, concrete pipe has the lowest installed cost compared to alternative products.
Design/Construction Flexibility -Whether the project is open-cut, deep or shallow burial, tunnels or complex alignments, concrete pipe has the design and construction flexibility to meet the challenge.
Mass and Hydraulic Performance -Concrete pipe has a number of built-in features that benefit design, installation and performance. The pipe’s mass makes it more durable to install and resistant to flotation. Precast concrete pipe’s rigidity and mass allow it to greatly outperform flexible pipe systems hydraulically.

There are five key steps in proper Installation of Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP). Handling, Trench Excavation, Preparing the Bell and Spigot, Installing Reinforced Concrete Pipe, Backfilling.
Handling Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP)
Reinforced concrete pipes must be handled and moved carefully to prevent damaging the bell and the spigot. It is best if the pipes are unloaded with the use of a nylon sling or other certified lifter that can support the weight of the pipe. The pipe must be balanced precisely in the sling for safety and to prevent damage.
Trench Excavation
Trenches for RCP should be wide enough to accommodate at least two pipes. This provides sufficient room to verify the required slope, and it helps ensure that any subsequent trenching will not impact the pipe installation or compromise worker safety. The grade (pipe slope) is established during trenching, followed by laying down a bedding material. The bedding should be free of debris and must provide a uniformly level surface.
Preparation of the Bell and Spigot
Clean all dirt, dust and foreign matter from the gasket bell and spigot surfaces. Take extra care to clean the spigot shoulder and gasket. Place the gasket as per the manufacturer’s recommendations around the spigot end of the pipe. The gasket must be placed tight to the spigot step.
Installing the Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP)
When setting the RCP into the trench, the pipes should not be supported on their bells, as this can damage them. A hole must be dug in the subbase to accommodate the bell. Next align the spigot of pipe with the bell of the pipe previously laid. Pipe should be aligned so the gasket is in contact with the flared bell surface around the entire circumference. Joints on smaller pipe, up to 24″
diameter, usually can be barred home. Place a block of wood across the invert of the pipe to protect the bell. When the subgrade is not firm enough to allow barring, the use of a comealong may be necessary to pull the joint home. This method should be used for larger pipe.
Backfilling
Granular material should be placed and compacted up to the spring line over the entire length of the pipe. The granular material is placed evenly in lifts plus compacted on both sides of the pipe. Once the pipe is adequately backfilled and compacted, the trench can be filled up to grade, per the project specifications. At any stage during the backfilling process, heavy construction equipment should not drive over the pipe until adequate backfill is in place or the pipe is deep enough that it will not be damaged.