The Pipe Blog

America’s Wastewater Infrastructure is currently rated at a D+, according to the 2025 ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. The Wastewater category includes both piping for the collection systems and the wastewater treatment plants the piping leads to. The collection system alone experiences 3.3 failures per 100 miles of pipe every year, putting pressure on maintenance teams to identify suspect pipes for either complete replacement or pipeline rehabilitation. This article will focus on the design and construction considerations necessary when a pipeline owner determines they will be rehabilitating an existing pipe.

Unlike circular pipes, arch-shaped culverts present a unique challenge when it comes to structural rehabilitation. Their non-round geometry and sometimes integrated parapet walls mean that standard sliplining methods don't always apply. However, just because a culvert isn’t round doesn't mean it can’t be effectively relined.

We are often asked, “How much does a reline project cost?” While this is a straightforward question, the answer depends on multiple factors. Before attempting to provide a cost estimate, it’s important to consider the broader perspective—particularly in comparison to traditional open-cut replacement.

Corrugated steel pipe (CSP) has been a staple in various infrastructure projects due to its strength and flexibility. However, its durability has historically been a point of concern, particularly with galvanized steel, which has shown suboptimal performance in certain environments.

Choosing the right culvert or buried bridge structure is crucial for any site application. While this may seem straightforward, it involves numerous practical and functional considerations. Project engineers and site developers must address these factors early in the planning stages.

When it comes to designing extensive storm sewer conveyance systems, engineers and agencies are constantly seeking innovative alternatives to traditional reinforced box culverts. Contech, a leading player in drainage and stormwater, has been at the forefront of exploring efficient and effective solutions for moving stormwater across the country. While concrete has been the default choice for larger systems, there's a compelling alternative worth considering – Smooth Cor™.

DuroMaxx® SRPE emerges as an important solution for containment needs, offering cost-effectiveness and mitigating schedule impacts caused by supply shortages in the market for FRP, CIP, and pre-cast concrete containment tanks.

Proper pipe jointing is a critical aspect of designing and installing sanitary sewer systems – especially in the sizeable diameters of 30” and larger. The large joints of these systems play a pivotal role in preventing issues related to infiltration and exfiltration, which can have detrimental effects on the overall functionality of the infrastructure. Inflow and infiltration (I&I) during rain events can lead to capacity issues at wastewater treatment plants, causing severe backups in the system and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).

The notion of bolstering safety factors in pipe design to compensate for subpar installation practices is a complex issue with various considerations. The effectiveness of buried flexible metal and plastic pipe systems hinges on a synergy between pipe strength and the surrounding soil support. Design procedures already integrate safety factors, emphasizing the vital role of proper installation in ensuring performance. Relying solely on increased pipe wall strength in design won't mitigate poor installation practices.

The world of sanitary and storm sewers has seen a growing need for larger diameters to carry water. As pipe sizes increase, designing manway access becomes more challenging as larger pipes necessitate larger manholes or concrete boxes. It's not uncommon to resort to cast-in-place structures as the primary solution, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. However, with ongoing technological advancements and the increased use of thermoplastic pipe materials, alternative manhole solutions have been steadily gaining popularity. Many designers and regulators are recognizing the benefits of exploring alternatives to the traditional standard concrete manhole or box structures.