Benefits of using HDPE vs Concrete

EUROFLO? Culvert Pipe

Development of a 20Ha fully master-planned community is underway in Gisborne and EUROFLO? pipes have been selected for the project’s stormwater drainage (Read the full Case Study here).

Stormwater drainage for the Oakview subdivision was originally designed in concrete pipe but Oakview’s lead contractor Matt Mead, director of Earthwork Solutions, was keen to look at alternatives, in consultation with the civil engineers from Aspire and the local project management team from Civil Project Solutions.

When Matt began to research the alternatives to concrete pipe, he expected the efficiencies to come from the installation phase of the project — but the savings started much sooner.

“Plastic pipe options like high density polyethylene (HDPE) have traditionally been more expensive upfront but you got the benefits and savings from an easier, faster install. Now the cost of concrete has gone up and freight costs have gone up, so the product cost of the plastic pipes is actually cheaper and then you get the other benefits.”

But what exactly are all the other benefits of HDPE?

Benefits of using HDPE vs Concrete

? Easy to transport, store and install: Long lengths and lightweight, the best of both worlds, especially arriving on site with no cracked sockets!

? Quick, easy, cost-effective joins: Factory-moulded sockets on the pipe and simple rubber ring seals that you slip on while installing. Often only a two person operation.

? Survival of settlement and ground movement that can cause fracturing of joints: Resilient – meaning flexible/supple/robust. Polyethylene pipe and rubber ring joints are a winning combination for demanding environments.

? Optimum water flow: Extremely low coefficient of friction with smooth HDPE inside ensures the very best flow characteristics. Move more water faster. Flow capacity of the 1200mm at 5% gradient and 95% full is 6.477m3 per second.

? Superb resistance to residue build-up means no expensive cleaning costs: The incredibly smooth bore of EUROFLO? pipes makes it more difficult for anything to adhere and create a residue build-up.

? Invest in durability: All of the outstanding features of EUROFLO? combine to deliver a quality long-life system with peace-of-mind durability.

? Use one product and system right down to small diameters: Available from 2100mm diameter right down to 160mm.

? Minimise installation hold-ups: With the extensive range of fittings available. Bends, Y-Junctions, T-Junctions, Go-ins, and more.?

EUROFLO? is a versatile, strong pipe that is suited for rural, commercial, civil, industrial and residential use. Comprehensive engineering calculations and installation instructions including how to connect EUROFLO? to concrete pipes can be found here.