Lined Microtunnel Pipe and Lined Jacking Pipe
The Strength of Concrete with Superior Corrosion Resistance
As urban development intensifies and the demands on infrastructure systems grow, underground construction projects increasingly require solutions that combine structural strength with long-term durability. Lined concrete pipes—particularly lined microtunnel and jacking pipes—are essential in meeting these challenges. These advanced concrete pipes not only offer the robust structural support needed in underground applications but also provide exceptional resistance to corrosion, thanks to their internal protective linings.
Concrete has long been a preferred material for underground infrastructure due to its inherent strength and longevity. However, in environments where the pipes are exposed to corrosive substances such as sewage, chemicals, or groundwater, unlined concrete can degrade over time. Lined concrete pipes address this issue by pairing concrete’s strength with a protective liner, offering the best of both worlds: durability and corrosion resistance.
What is Lined Microtunnel Concrete Pipe?
Microtunneling is a trenchless construction method used for installing pipes underground with minimal surface disruption, often in densely populated urban areas. Lined concrete microtunnel pipe is specially engineered for this application. These pipes consist of a concrete body that is lined internally with a protective material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), that shields the pipe from corrosive chemicals and gases.
The concrete provides the necessary structural strength to endure the installation process and the external forces acting on the pipe, while the internal lining protects against internal corrosion from transported fluids, such as wastewater or stormwater.
Key Benefits of Lined Concrete Microtunnel Pipe:
Structural Integrity of Concrete: The high compressive strength of concrete ensures the pipe can withstand both the external loads from the surrounding earth and the mechanical stresses of the microtunneling process.
Corrosion Resistance: The internal lining protects the concrete from degradation caused by corrosive substances such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), common in wastewater and sewer systems.
Longer Service Life: By protecting the concrete from corrosion, lined microtunnel pipes offer a significantly extended lifespan, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Cost-Effective Solution: The combination of concrete's affordability and the long-term protection of a liner makes these pipes an economical choice for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Lined Concrete Jacking Pipe: The Backbone of Trenchless Installation
Lined concrete jacking pipes are another vital component in trenchless construction, specifically designed for pipe jacking methods. This process involves pushing or "jacking" concrete pipes through the ground without the need for extensive excavation, making it ideal for installation in busy urban settings or beneath existing infrastructure.
Concrete’s compressive strength allows the pipes to withstand the significant axial loads generated during the jacking process. The addition of an internal liner ensures that the pipes maintain their integrity in environments where they may come into contact with corrosive materials.
Key Benefits of Lined Concrete Jacking Pipe:
Superior Strength: Concrete’s high compressive strength ensures the pipe can endure the jacking forces while maintaining alignment and integrity throughout the installation.
Corrosion Protection: The internal lining prevents corrosive damage from fluids transported through the pipe, ensuring the long-term performance of the pipeline.
Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan: Concrete's durability, coupled with the internal liner's protective properties, minimizes the need for future repairs or replacements.
Efficient Installation: Jacking pipes can be installed beneath existing infrastructure without extensive excavation, reducing disruption and project timelines.
The Importance of Concrete in Lined Pipe Applications
Concrete is a time-tested material for underground infrastructure due to its ability to bear heavy loads and withstand external pressures. In trenchless applications like microtunneling and pipe jacking, the strength of concrete ensures that the pipes can be installed deep underground or beneath existing structures without risk of collapse or failure.
However, concrete alone is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to certain chemicals or gases, particularly in wastewater and sewer systems. By adding an internal liner made of materials like HDPE or PVC, the pipes are shielded from internal corrosion, significantly extending their service life while maintaining the strength that only concrete can provide.
Applications of Lined Concrete Microtunnel and Jacking Pipes
Lined concrete pipes are ideal for a variety of underground infrastructure projects, especially in situations where both strength and corrosion resistance are required. Some common applications include:
Sewer Systems: Lined concrete pipes are frequently used in underground sewer systems, where they provide both the strength to support deep installations and the corrosion resistance necessary to handle corrosive gases like hydrogen sulfide.
Stormwater Drainage: The combination of concrete’s load-bearing capacity and the liner’s protection against chemical runoff makes lined concrete pipes an excellent choice for stormwater systems.
Industrial Pipelines: Facilities that transport chemicals or corrosive fluids benefit from lined concrete pipes, which provide the durability needed to handle aggressive substances.
Utility Conduits: In high-density urban areas, lined concrete pipes serve as utility conduits, protecting essential services from external pressures and internal corrosion.
The Role of Professional Installation in Maximizing the Benefits
Proper installation is crucial for lined concrete microtunnel and jacking pipes, especially in trenchless applications. The success of these installations relies on precise alignment, pressure control, and expert handling of the jacking or microtunneling equipment. Partnering with an experienced contractor and sub-contractors familiar with the nuances of lined concrete ensures that the pipes are installed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with local engineering standards.
At Engineered Containment, we bring decades of experience in lined concrete and it's use in trenchless installation. Our team of certified engineers and technicians is well-versed in the complexities of the concrete protective liner scope of microtunneling and pipe jacking, ensuring that your project benefits from the strength and corrosion resistance of lined concrete pipes.
Lined concrete microtunnel and jacking pipes represent the future of underground infrastructure by combining the unparalleled strength of concrete with advanced corrosion protection. As infrastructure demands continue to grow, these pipes offer a cost-effective, long-lasting solution that minimizes maintenance and maximizes service life. We have worked with precast producers and microtunnel contractors across North America to deliver trunklines with a 100 year design service life!
