Corrugated Aluminum Pipe: Proven Performance in Salt and Brackish Environments

When it comes to drainage solutions in aggressive environments, material selection makes all the difference. Traditional galvanized corrugated metal pipe often struggles to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, brackish water, and hypersaline soils. That’s where Corrugated Aluminum Alloy Pipe (CAP) stands apart.

Why Aluminum Pipe?

CAP is engineered for durability, offering superior corrosion and abrasion resistance compared to galvanized alternatives. Its strength comes from a rugged 3004-aluminum alloy core, clad on both sides with 7072-aluminum alloy. This cladding provides both physical and electrochemical protection, forming a natural oxide barrier that resists corrosion. Over time, the oxide layer builds into a tenacious, grayish-white coating that enhances long-term performance.

The result? A pipe system capable of thriving in environments where other materials fail—especially salt and brackish conditions.

Real-World Proof: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Few places on earth present a harsher test for drainage products than the Bonneville Salt Flats, located west of Utah’s Great Salt Lake. This hypersaline environment contains up to ten times the salt concentration of the Pacific Ocean, creating conditions where most life cannot survive—and where many common culvert materials rapidly deteriorate.

Despite these challenges, CAP has been successfully installed here for decades. The first corrugated aluminum pipe in the region was placed in 1962, with several installations following, including under Interstate 80.

• After 57 years of service, an aluminum pipe east of Wendover, UT remains in excellent condition despite continuous exposure to standing saltwater.
• The original 1962 installation and subsequent culverts continue to perform without signs of significant corrosion or failure.

This proven record demonstrates that CAP provides unmatched service life in hypersaline environments where reinforced concrete and corrugated steel would not endure.

A Reliable Choice for Harsh Environments

Whether your project faces the challenges of saltwater, brackish wetlands, or corrosive soils, Corrugated Aluminum Alloy Pipe offers:

• Long-lasting resistance to corrosion and abrasion
• Proven performance in more than five decades of field applications
• Confidence that your drainage solution will stand the test of time

For your next project in a salt or brackish water environment, specify Corrugated Aluminum Alloy Pipe—a material with a track record of success where durability is non-negotiable.