Below is a sample of the courses we can provide to engineers, contractors and installers to improve the storm and culvert systems designed and installed. Please contact Kim Spahn at kspahn@concrete-pipe.org for more information or additional classes available.
When looking at concrete pipe during post installation inspections, you will see cracks in concrete pipe. Why? This is because, concrete pipe is designed to crack. The presence of a crack doesn’t indicate a failure, but rather an indication that the reinforcement and concrete are working together as intended. So what size crack should be evaluated? AASHTO Section 27.6.4 states “Crack widths greater than 0.10” may indicate overloading or poor bedding.” This course will discuss the pattern and sizes of cracks in concrete pipe and what indicators those provide for inspectors to determine severity of cracks in concrete pipe.
“Generally, Manning’s “n” for a given sewer, after some time in service, will approach a constant which is not a function of the pipe material but represents the grit accumulation and slime build-up on the pipe walls. This “n” will be on the order of 0.013. A coefficient which will yield higher friction losses should be selected for sewers where disturbing influences are known or anticipated. Because of the empirical nature of each formula, conservative design is prudent.” (The American Society of Civil Engineers, Manual of Practice No. 60, “Gravity Sanitary Sewer Design and Construction”, page 101, Article b, second paragraph). This course will discuss proper selection of Manning’s “n” for design of storm and sewer applications.
The function of a pipeline generally determines the performance requirements of the pipe joints. Whether the purpose is to convey sanitary sewage or storm water, joints are designed so that when sections are laid together they will make a continuous line of pipe with an interior free from irregularities. Joints can be designed to provide soil-tightness, silt-tightness, or leak resistance with the ability to accommodate lateral or longitudinal movement, and strength to handle shear or vertical movement. This session will discuss the basics of types of joint system, best practices of storage/handling and joining the pipe, testing the joints as well as a checklist for inspectors and contractors on the jobsite.
Precast concrete pipe the strongest pipe available. It can be designed and plant tested to resist any load required. Unlike flexible pipe, it has minimal reliance on installation to support loads; it relies primarily on its inherent brute strength manufactured into the pipe. That adds up to a tremendous difference in the design, the installation and the long-term success of a project.
The Army Corp of Engineers recommends a design life of 70-100 years for precast concrete pipe, and there are countless examples of installations that surpass those numbers. This means the expectation for precast concrete’s functional life is at least twice as long as lesser materials. The reasons for this go far beyond concrete’s innate strength. Concrete also won’t burn, rust, tear, buckle, deflect, and it’s immune to the attack of most elements, whether the pipe is buried or exposed. We will discuss these benefits in further detail during this course.
Rigid pipes are designed on the premise of an established relationship of pipe structural capacity to the installed conditions in which the majority of the load is carried by the pipe wall. On the other hand, flexible pipes are designed on the premise of a soil-pipe stiffness in which the majority of the over burden load is carried by the surrounding soil embedment by means of passive soil resistance. Rigid and flexible pipe materials have unique design method(s) and considerations which must be employed during installation. This presentation provides an overview of rigid and flexible pipe design and installation methodologies.
Different types of pipes experience different signs of distress. After understanding the importance of proper installation specifications, the decision must be made after the pipe is installed as to whether it was done properly. The ACPA has recently developed a Post Installation Evaluation Manual that will be an excellent resource to any professional called upon to evaluate Post Installation Inspection Data. It sets forth a great decision process for the evaluation of cracks, joint integrity, and other structural issues for concrete pipe.
This presentation will allow the audience to obtain an overview of the ACPA PII Evaluation Manual and suggestions on how to best utilize this resource in your evaluations.
Circular precast concrete manholes, tees and wye sections are versatile in the construction of buried structures. Manholes provide access to buried pipelines, act as junction chambers, or create reservoirs or wetwells for pump stations. Concrete wyes and tees provide ease to adapt to the needs of local project layouts. The use of precast concrete special products will reduce construction time and labor costs compares to cast-in place or alternative material products.