Flexibility by Design: Custom CMP Layouts for Challenging Sites

Stormwater design isn’t always straightforward. Between utility conflicts, easement restrictions, odd property lines, and topography, most sites require more than a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where the flexibility of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) comes in.

Unlimited Layout Options:

CMP offers unmatched versatility when it comes to system design. Pipes can be fabricated with custom tees, elbows, and manifolds, giving engineers the freedom to bend, angle, or curve layouts to navigate around obstacles with ease. Unlike precast structures or plastic chambers that often demand rigid, perfectly aligned systems, CMP’s weldable construction adapts to the land instead of forcing the land to adapt to the system.

This adaptability is especially valuable for retrofit and redevelopment projects, where existing site constraints rarely allow for clean, linear designs. Whether weaving around utilities, threading through narrow easements, or working within steep slopes, CMP makes it possible to maximize usable space while still meeting stormwater storage requirements. The ability to configure custom shapes and layouts also reduces the need for costly site regrading or utility relocation, streamlining installation and minimizing project risk.

Customizing for Strength and Storage:

One of the greatest advantages of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) systems is their ability to be tailored to both structural demands and storage requirements. Engineers aren’t locked into a single product size or configuration—they can adjust pipe diameters, corrugation profiles, and wall thicknesses to match site-specific loading conditions and burial depths. This flexibility ensures that the system can handle everything from light residential traffic to heavy highway or industrial loads without compromising performance or safety.

Storage efficiency is another area where CMP stands out. By scaling up pipe diameters, engineers can dramatically increase capacity while reducing the total number of barrels, joints, and fittings required. This not only simplifies installation but also minimizes potential maintenance points. For example, doubling the diameter from 48 inches to 96 inches doesn’t just double storage—it quadruples the available volume per linear foot, delivering exponential gains in efficiency.

This scalability makes CMP particularly well-suited for projects where land is limited or expensive. Instead of sprawling systems that consume valuable space, larger-diameter CMP can consolidate storage into a smaller footprint while still meeting stormwater management goals. Whether the need is for high-volume detention, infiltration, or conveyance, CMP provides a customizable solution that balances strength, capacity, and constructability.

Smarter Layout = Cost Savings:

One of the practical benefits of CMP systems is the ability to design with longer continuous pipe runs. Fewer joints mean less time spent connecting sections in the field, which translates directly into reduced installation labor. It also minimizes potential leak points, enhancing system durability and performance over the long term.

Longer runs simplify manifold design as well. Instead of requiring multiple distribution lines to feed shorter barrels, engineers can streamline the layout with fewer connections and more direct flow paths. This not only reduces material usage but also creates a system that’s easier to inspect and maintain.

With CMP, the pipe works around the site, not the other way around. For engineers facing spatial constraints and cost pressures, the ability to custom-design a system layout is one of CMP’s greatest advantages.