Dear Tech Abby:  Do I have to use a crushed stone backfill for my PVC sewer pipe installation?  --That 70’s EngineerDear That 70’s Engineer:  Good question… the answer is “maybe”…Well, let me expand on that.  First, when talking about PVC sewer pipe, remember that PVC products are commonly used in both gravity flow sanitary and storm sewer

As a corrugated metal pipe culvert or storm sewer ages, it is common for the invert to bear the brunt of the corrosion and abrasion damage.   Paving the invert with concrete can be an inexpensive way to extend the service life of the structure if done right and at the right time.  A non-reinforced paved invert with no mechanical attachments could

All too often I am reminded of the American industrialist, J. Paul Getty’s quote, “In times of rapid change, experience could be your worst enemy.”  Even though Mr. Getty was an oil baron, these words ring true within the civil engineering community.  How many times have you been in a meeting and heard an experienced person make a comment like, “we

Resistivity has to be one of my top ten favorite words used in the engineering community, and today I would like to dive a little deeper into how important this factor is in the longevity and durability of a pipe’s life cycle – hence the reciprocity or  “give back” of resistivity.I was thinking about the questions I often have to field with regard

HistoryWhat sanitary sewer pipe on the market today was first installed while John Kennedy was our nation’s president?  TRUSS PIPE is the answer.                            After WWII and the Korean War there was an explosion of residential and commercial building along with sanitary sewer across our country.  With all the new building