A Complete Guide to Reinforced Concrete Pipe - Rinker Materials

Utilities—we don't always think about what runs beneath our feet, diverting water and sewer systems. But the use of proper storm sewers and culverts is essential to keep our cities functioning, clean, and safe.

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Whether handling amounts of waste, accommodating sudden onsets of water runoff and flooding, or carrying water into agricultural sectors to irrigate crops, utilities are the veins beneath a city's concrete surface.

One of the most commonly used types of pipe is Reinforced Concrete Pipe, or RCP.

Reinforced concrete has been a common material for pipelines and water conveyance systems for centuries.

Concrete itself has been used as a construction material for even longer—a couple of thousand years, in fact. RCP is a sustainable product with a proven lifespan of more than 100+ years. This is why it is often the product of choice by specifiers and builders.

RCP is a type of piping used for directing the flow of liquids or water underground.

These pipes are typically used in roadway and site development, as they are designed to convey a very large amount of liquid volume and built to withstand environmental stressors.

Because of Reinforced Concrete Pipe's (RCP)

•   Strength
•   Reliability

This piping is ideal for infrastructure projects such as storm sewer conduits—RCP can handle large amounts of any runoff, flooding, or storm surges, safely diverting it from city or industry sectors.

Due to its innate resilience, RCP remains strong even through disruptive events and stressors. RCP has impressive durability, sustainability, and proven 100 year lifespan, allowing installations to remain functional and effective for many years.
This means that residents and road users will not be disturbed by unnecessary infrastructure rehabilitation or pipe replacement.

Where is RCP Used?

RCP is a go-to for any utility project because it is one of the strongest and most durable building materials available.

Because of RCP's proven lifespan, often lasting more than 100 years, uses of concrete pipe include all types of major projects, such as:

Culverts

Sanitary Sewers

Storm Sewers

Contractors, engineers, and transportation departments across the country can rely on RCP to be the most durable selection in pipelines that last for well over a century. They can trust RCP's structure, rigidity, resilience, and dependability for many years.

What makes RCP?

RCP is constructed from concrete materials, as the name suggests. More specifically, the concrete materials tend to be,

Locally sourced
for each production location

Using
aggregates

Cementitious
materials

Domestic
steel reinforcement

As much eco-friendly
material possible

RCP is resilient and sustainable, leaving a lighter carbon footprint and minimal negative environmental impact than other pipe materials such as plastic.

What is RCP's Lifespan?

Concrete pipe is proven to have an incredibly long lifespan—you can expect RCP to last at least 100 years.

Because of RCP's inherent strength, durability, sustainability, and resilience to environmental factors, it will last well into the future.

RCP can handle both large liquid volumes and external loads, therefore the extensive lifespan of RCP means less disruption to its environment and roadway users, as the pipeline won't have to be replaced or repaired as frequently as other pipe materials. RCP is resilient even through disruptive events and can resist many different types of stressors.

Unsurprisingly, concrete is not a new invention. Ancient cultures like the Egyptians and Romans utilized concrete thousands of years ago. So, it's no wonder that we have learned to depend on concrete products for many construction needs and critical infrastructure projects.

The Origins of Concrete

One of the first recorded applications of what we now call concrete can be traced back to the Roman Empire, around the 2nd century BC. They began mixing volcanic ash, lime, and aggregates to create Opus Caementicium, the first truly effective concrete.

Volcanic Ash Lime Aggregates

Opus Caementicium The first truly effective concrete

From this original concrete mixture, the Romans were able to mix a variant, known as Pozzulana, that performed incredibly well when submerged in sea water. Caesarea Maritima

The earliest known example of underwater concrete technology

Pozzuolana's use in building the seaport of Caesarea Maritima is the earliest known example of underwater concrete technology.

The Original Concrete Piping Systems

The first underground application of pipes and culverts to manage water and sewer flow is also attributed to the Romans. When ancient Rome became too overpopulated for a surface sewer ditch system, work was begun on a massive underground concrete culvert and pipe system that drained local marshes to remove the waste of Rome and carry it into the River Tiber.

Cloacae Maxima

Rome's main sewer system

And so, the Cloacae Maxima (lit. “Greatest Sewer”) was constructed around 300 BC as Rome's main sewer system.

The eleven aqueducts that fed water into the city were also harnessed to help flush out the system, and separate pipes were installed to channel this fresh water to various public fountains.

Today, portions of such Roman concrete masterpieces are still standing and in use—parts of the Cloacae Maxima are visible, as are the underwater concrete ramparts at Caesarea Maritima.

Some two thousand years later, these concrete structures remain sturdy even with continuous exposure to water and liquid erosion.

The Evolution of Concrete Use

John Smeaton discovered a more efficient way to produce hydraulic lime for cement

In more modern times, a major breakthrough was made in when John Smeaton discovered a more efficient way to produce hydraulic lime for cement, using clay that contained limestone.

Invention of Cement

Joseph Aspdin invented Portland cement.

First apartment built

First apartment building using steel-reinforced concrete was built in Paris.

The number of large-scale concrete projects increased

The Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam also joined the ranks of large-scale concrete projects in .

First Uses of Concrete Pipe

The earliest recorded use of concrete pipe

But the first appearance of modern-day concrete sewer systems in the USA came about during the mid-19th century. In Mohawk, N.Y. The earliest recorded use of concrete pipe was installed as a sewer system in . In close succession, other east coast cities began to install concrete pipelines throughout the second half of the 19th century, with many of these pipelines still in use today.

Sorry, your browser does not support inline SVG. Joseph Monier created wire-enforced concrete & attained his first patent for iron-reinforced concrete

In the s, a French gardener and inventor named Joseph Monier created wire-enforced concrete when he was experimenting with building a stronger type of pot to withstand plant root pressure. He presented his invention at the Paris Exposition of , and obtained his first patent for iron-reinforced concrete on July 16th, .

More patents followed in the next few years

Further patents followed, including iron-reinforced concrete pipes and basins in , iron-reinforced concrete panels for building façades in , and reinforced concrete beams in .

Other development breakthroughs in concrete pipe include the very first reinforced concrete pipes

Other development breakthroughs in concrete pipe include the very first reinforced concrete pipes, incorporated in

• France in
• America in
• Australia in

Of course, these early instances of RCP were much different than what we use today. The early process of constructing a large reinforced concrete sewer via open trench and concrete poured directly in place and cured onsite.

The origin of the method of casting concrete pipe

Later, during the s, as sturdier motorized vehicles became more prevalent in the industrial sector, reinforced concrete pipes were no longer cast and cured at the jobsite, but were transported from regional casting factories to the site.

In modern construction methods, though RCP is still used for many of the same applications such as water drainage and sewer systems, the process is more streamlined. Because concrete is the most durable and strong building material on the market today, RCP can be found in countless infrastructure and drainage projects.

Applications in City Planning

City sewer systems are one of the essential planning aspects of any metropolis. Sewage is a guaranteed waste product in any community, and city planners have to take this into account to ensure the sanitation of the city and the safety of its residents.

Because RCP is known for sturdiness, high joint performance, and resilience; entrusting drainage and runoff management to this product is the best option for storm sewers and construction applications.

RCP is ideal for conveying liquids, it remains strong through disruptive events and external stressors, and lasts for decades—up to 100+ years, and can serve for even longer under the right conditions.

100+ yrs

Under normal usage

150 yrs

Under right conditions and usage

Due to this lifespan and resiliency, the integrity of roadways and infrastructure is maintained without the need for unnecessary overhaul and repairs.

Storm drains are another crucial factor in city planning and should be designed to handle proper drainage flow rates in case of emergencies, especially if the city is in a documented flood, hurricane, or monsoon zone.

It's essential for city water-shed systems to have adequate accommodation in allowable slope velocity and open-channel hydraulics to deal with any excess water movement.

RCP allows for heavy waterflow with minimal erosion and dependence on soil support, making it ideal for storm drainage.

Applications in Construction

Apart from moving non potable water within cities, RCP is used for transporting non potable water underground over long distances.

Because RCP can be installed in either a trench or embankment conditions, it has incredibly versatile applications in construction.

It can even be installed by jacking or micro-tunneling when open-cut is not feasible.

For instance, culverts are an important part of roadwork considerations, placed in areas where water needs to flow under man-made structures.

They have to withstand heavy pressure loads from the construction atop them, high amount of water flow inside, and the pressure from surrounding soil and other materials, therefore RCP is ideal for these installations.

Applications in Irrigation

With the ability to transport large amounts of water quickly and efficiently, RCP provides a leading solution in agricultural settings.

The installation of buried RCP can help with irrigation efforts and environmental management applications, rather than using surface level piping that has to deal with uneven topography of textured soils.

Because of its lifespan of over 100 years, RCP buried pipe is an excellent choice for irrigated agriculture in farming and will last for endless rotations of crops and their associated runoff.

Furthermore, the buried pipe is free of environmental issues such as freezing, blockages, or roadway interference to which open channel irrigation systems or above ground piping would be subjected.

Now that the applications and usage of RCP have been discussed, let us investigate more practical aspects of concrete pipe. When it comes to RCP, the physical aspects of handling, installing, and the actual joints and diameters of the pipes themselves are crucial to the strength, efficiency, and longevity of the pipe system.

RCP Measurements: Sizes and Uses

General RCP specifications for projects are as follows:

Standard RCP

Diameters (D) = 12” to 144”

12” to 144” diameters are typical for conveyance of sewage, storm drainage, and culvert systems. Other applications are irrigation systems and treatment plant piping.

Elliptical RCP

Diameters (D) = 15” to 144”

15” to 144” round equivalent diameters of elliptical pipe are excellent choices for spatial restrictions, clearance limitations, or when a piping system requires greater flow capacity for shallow conditions. Elliptical RCP has a geometric, flattened ellipse shape that can be orientated to have either a horizontal or vertical major axis.

Arch Pipe

Diameters (D) = 15” to 84”

15” to 84” round equivalent diameters, with sizes up to 144” equivalent diameter available in some locations, arch pipe is similar to elliptical pipe in use, including for various storm water applications. Shaped into an arch form, this pipe is good for limited cover conditions and improved hydraulic capacity at low flows.

Installing RCP

When installing sections of RCP, 2 workers, 1 foreman, and a backhoe or crane operator are necessary. Workers securely manage the pipe and with the assistance of a crane or backhoe, it is lowered into place.

Two

workers

One

foreman

One

backhoe/crane operator

The spigot end of the new section is typically slotted into the bell end of the previously installed pipe. It is essential to place and join the sections of RCP correctly and securely.

A properly fitted pipe system will be able to withstand external pressures, environmental considerations, and corrosion, leading to longer lasting pipes that will serve their purpose for several decades with no issues.

RCP and Concrete Joints

Any joints for a concrete pipe system need to be able to withstand pressure, structural stressors, possible erosion and environmental concerns, and other considerations. Joints are important for limiting inflow and infiltration in a closed system. Some of the most commonly used joints in RCP systems include:

These kinds of concrete pipe joints each have unique advantages that include inherent strength, flexibility, soil-tightness, and leak resistance.

Concrete joints are designed to control the positioning and compression of the sealing materials or gaskets, allowing the rigid nature of the joint to govern the hydraulic characteristics of seals, bends, and junctions. Further, joint deflection allows the flexibility of the pipe joints to the minimum angular deflection specified, to form a long radius or to return to grade. Even with larger degrees of angular deflection within specification limits, pressure on the joints is bearable and supported by the pipe material itself.

Governing Standards

ASTM International

Joint Performance Characteristics

Concrete pipe joints are manufactured according to ASTM International standards, providing project appropriate joint designs that can include the following performance characteristics:

•   Ease of installation
•   Strength to handle shear or vertical shift
•   Pipeline continuity and smooth flow without interruptions.
•   Resistance to infiltration of groundwater or backfill materials
•   Resistance to exfiltration of sewage or storm water

Why Choose Concrete Pipe?

For decades, concrete pipe has been the first choice of contractors, city planners, engineers, and transportation departments.

Not only is RCP an incredibly versatile pipe material, but its proven long lifespan also means that any large-scale installations will remain reliably in place and save costs on unnecessary repairs or replacements.

RCP design can be applied to essentially any project, and the range of applications makes it the number one choice.

Other benefits of RCP's inherent resiliency and sustainability include locally sourced material, reinforcements and pipelines that are resistant to disruptive events. These benefits provide RCP installations that will last for more than 100 years with few problems.

Cost and Value

Because RCP continues to be the strongest, most durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly pipe available, these attributes yield a higher value over the course of its lifetime.

Dependability

Longevity of RCP is a proven fact, and no pipe material on the market is currently better understood and more frequently relied on than concrete piping.

Plus, the continuous research and development of RCP within the industry continues to enhance its uses and instill confidence in installing concrete pipes.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Jianhua Holdings Group sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Construction/Design Flexibility

Because RCP provides reliable pipeline solutions for a variety of projects, including deep burials, open-cut trenches, shallow burials, trench-less, tunnels, or complex alignment changes, concrete piping is the solution for all drainage needs.

Concrete pipe provides versatility in many project applications since it is available in a variety of shapes and sizes and is more forgiving during the installation process.

When it comes to design, RCP is manufactured in a variety of sizes, shapes, seal options, and joint designs.

Lining and coating options also allow concrete pipes to handle even the most aggressive environments.

Durability

RCP is made to last for decades. Project owners can expect concrete piping to last 100 years, and in some cases, RCP has proven to last even longer.

This is due in part to the durability of concrete as a material, and its resistance to environmental issues.

RCP's design compressive strengths of

4,000-6,000 psi
met within 24 hours of curing time

RCP's design compressive strengths of 4,000 – 6,000 psi are generally met within 24 hours of curing time and the concrete's strength and durability only continue to increase once installed.

Ease and Value of Installation

RCP's mass and rigidity make for a relatively easy and very secure placement in the ground.

Concrete joints are easy to assemble and attach, making instillation of the entire system efficient and minimizes the time and effort needed by paid workers.

Environmental Considerations

With a long lifespan, use of relatively natural products, and local availability, RCP is very environmentally friendly.

It is well documented that the cement used in concrete pipe will absorb up to 50% of the CO2 emissions associated with production over its lifespan in a process called 'carbonation'.

Concrete is the world's most commonly used building material, so precast concrete pipes can be quickly integrated into ecosystems and are generally benign to the surrounding environment.

Hydraulic Performance

RCP has several built-in features that benefit installation and performance.

The pipe's mass makes it more durable to install and resistant to flotation. RCP's rigidity allows it to greatly outperform other flexible piping systems in terms of hydraulics and liquid mass conveyance.

Joint Performance

The variety of joints applicable to RCP are a beneficial aspect of using concrete piping—from soil-tight to pressure gaskets, RCP joint integrity is monitored by certification boards and ASTM and AASHTO standards. Joint integrity lessens the likelihood of substance infiltration or embedment intrusion.

American Society for Testing and Material

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Lifespan

Many sources document the incredible lifespan of concrete piping, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to transportation inspection agencies.

RCP lifespan and durability has been widely accepted to be over 100 years, and construction companies around the world attest to the use of RCP as a long-term pipeline product.

RCP's Lifespan
100 years

Mass Considerations

This is an important consideration when it comes to laying pipelines through marshy, boggy, or low-laying environs, where buoyancy can become an issue.

Buoyancy of buried pipelines depends on pipe mass and the weight of water it displaces. The performance of RCP is excellent, given that the mass of concrete pipe typically counteracts buoyant force, and the mass of liquid carried by RCP is enough to securely anchor it.

Non-Flammable

It might seem obvious, but concrete piping is immune to damage from exposure to flame and heat, unlike its thermoplastic counterparts.

This makes RCP a great option for safety considerations in all sectors, including public, private, and government.

The non-flammable nature of RCP means that fire and toxic fume hazards, and water contamination, are removed from the equation.

Quality Control

The production of RCP is a highly regulated and standardized industry.

Standard setting bodies such as ASTM and AASHTO are able to exert quality control standards over RCP products and each step of their production.

Regulated RCP production includes computer-controlled proportioning and mixing systems, absorption testing, and automated recording systems.

In fact, the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) implements an on-going quality assurance program called the “Quality Cast” Plant Certification Program, or Qcast for short. Additionally, precast RCP is manufactured in a controlled environment where each piece receives a quality check prior to shipping.

Resilience

RCP is ideal for today's economic environment, being designed for long-term and sustainable project performance.

RCP resilience is a major factor in its excellence, even during exceptional weather events RCP will not buckle, burn, deflect, tear, or rust, and is immune to most environmental elements.

Strength

RCP is the strongest pipe available, and is factory tested to resist any specified design load.

The compressive strength of RCP typically ranges anywhere between 4,000 and 8,000 psi, allowing it to meet various project requirements while still meeting all relevant ASTM and AASHTO standards.

RCP strength

4,000-8,000 psi
still meeting all relevant ASTM and
AASHTO standards.

Structure and Conduit

Unlike flexible piping alternatives, RCP does not depend on the surrounding soil to support its structural performance.

This means rigid RCP immediately provides structure and conduit when it arrives onsite, with minimal need for buttressing.

Sustainability

Because RCP can last for over 100 years after installed, concrete pipes are a very sustainable material for construction projects and infrastructure.

By maintaining structural integrity for decades, RCP reduces the costs of replacement and any environmental harm due to unearthing the pipelines and additional construction.

One of the main considerations of any construction material or product is how long it will last before replacement is needed.

This applies to discussions of cost efficiency, maintenance expense, and the hassle of entire replacement. But many sources do attest to the sturdiness and life-cycle cost benefits of reinforced concrete piping, leading to longevity of 100 years or more. So, what are some specific factors in the durability and lifespan of RCP?

How Long Will RCP Last?

As previously mentioned, RCP has many factors that make it a long-lasting product. But what specific lifespan estimate can you expect from RCP once it has been installed?

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has attested to a usage lifespan of up to 100 years for a reinforced concrete pipe, and has documented numerous instances of installations that have lasted even longer than these parameters. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, concrete pipes will last at least 100 years, and very large pipes can be expected to last for several centuries.

100 years

usage lifespan attested by
US Army Corps of Engineers

So, between its resilience and resistance to environmental factors, the Estimated Material Service Life of RCP exceeds alternative materials.

Material Service Life of Piping

When it comes to measuring pipeline lifespan, regardless of the material, “serviceability” is the key consideration—defined as the period of time for which a product can function at its intended role.

For example, the serviceability of sewers or culverts running underneath roadways would have to be considered as a conduit to transmit water and as a structure to support roadwork above.

The Canadian Ministry of Transportation's Gravity Pipe Design Guideline (GPDG) lists the following as factors in material degradation product wear:

•   Abrasion
•   pH Level
•   Slow Crack Growth
•   Soil and Water Resistivity
•   Electro-Chemical Corrosion of Steel
•   Acid, Chloride, or Sulphate Corrosion

Ultimately, these factors are the determinants for a pipe's life cycle analysis, or LCA, which refers to the number of years that a structure, system, or material will provide adequate service before needing replacement.

Understanding the factors that affect the estimated life span of pipelines is important to determining the longevity of RCP, and because of its natural strength and resistance to many environmental stressors and corrosion, concrete piping has one of the best serviceable lifespans, with serviceability of at least 100 years.

Abrasion

Effluent velocity does not create problems for RCP within the normal flow ranges, so abrasion damage to concrete piping is generally not a concern.

Acid Damage

Though acid is a factor in piping durability, any acid attack of RCP is usually benign.

The acid typically only attacks the surface of the pipes and be neutralized there by the concrete's alkalinity. So, without further acid replenishment, the reaction halts and the pipes are safe.

Freeze-Thaw/Weathering

Because this type of damage is caused by water penetrating the concrete and freezing, a well-made reinforced concrete pipe will not have an issue with this due to the high density and quality of the concrete.

Additionally, RCP is typically buried with the earth providing insulation from the elements and from rapid temperature changes. Thaw damage is a concern for more porous types of concrete that are exposed, such as asphalt or segmental retaining wall blocks.

Sulphate & Chloride Damage

With both of these corrosives, in order to actually damage RCP, the solutions must permeate the concrete in high concentrations, and have a supply of oxygen.

This is unlikely to occur with concrete piping, and no evidence has been reported that documents chloride-induced corrosion issues in RCP. Because of the additives and liners that can be incorporated in production, RCP in sanitary applications successfully resists corrosion attacks and H2S degradation, meeting or exceeding the100 year design life.

Because pipelines and the construction industry are always innovating and pursuing the newest in manufacturing technology, you can always expect enhancements to RCP. Let's take a look at some of the latest developments in RCP production.

Innovations in RCP Structures

In terms of future RCP trends, there have been experiments with synthetic fibers imbedded into the concrete itself in order to minimize the need for steel reinforcement, lessening any potential issues with steel corrosion that could occur in rare circumstances.

Luckily, you can keep abreast of the latest news and innovations in concrete piping with websites like the American Concrete Pipe Association's “Latest News” section.

Concrete pipe

• Significant structural strength Concrete pipe is rigid, with a significant structural strength.
• Double load barring capacity after installation The load carrying capacity of RCP can more than double after it is installed, because of the benefit gained by the bedding supporting the pipe.
• Adjustable structural strength of RCP The structural strength of RCP can be adjusted in several ways, by varying the wall thickness, concrete strength, and the amount and shape of the steel material reinforcement.

Because RCP does not have vulnerability to such damages, and has such a high structural integrity when installed, RCP is a more versatile, reliable, and long-term choice for various installations and infrastructure projects, with service lasting at least 100 years.

RCP is a standard pipe material utilized in countless industrial projects and construction applications. Used for sanitation systems, storm sewers, irrigation, culverts, water management, and treatment plant channeling, reinforced concrete piping is a mainstay in modern city planning and industrial work. RCP has undeniable, proven benefits, including its inherent strength, durability, resistance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation.

One major consideration of RCP is its incredible lifespan of over 100 years.

Choosing RCP for construction and industrial applications is the best option for expense, environment, and longevity.

Forterra / About Author

American Standard ASTM A252 is pipe piling material standard that has been widely used in constructions and structural buildings. A252 specification includes three grades (1, 2, and 3), Grade 3 pipe piling material is the most used option.

ASTM A252 definitions

ASTM A252 is the standard specification for welded and seamless steel pipe piles. It covers the nominal wall thickness of cylinder shape steel pipe, rectangular pipe is not included. These round pipes are used for piling purposes, playing as a permanent role of load carrying and bearing the pressure. Further more, to act as a tank shell to fill with the concrete piles at sight of the project.

This standard stated the values units in inch-pound (also could be translated to SI units), which provides the reference A252 pipe data to engineer or designer, for a strength base of the constructions.

Chemical composition and mechanical properties of ASTM A252 pipe

The standard has a limit for element P (phosphorous) maximum 0.050%, since P will make steel fragile, and most important is not good for welding performances. ASTM A252 standard specifications only defines the conten of phosphorous, other elements accord with general carbon steel material.

Mechanical Properties of A252 pipe

Enlongations

Reference standards for making ASTM A252 pipe

• ASTM A370 inspection methods and definitions for mechanical test of steel products.
• ASTM A751: Chemical analyze test methods.
• ASTM A941: Terminology for carbon, alloy and stainless steel.
• E29 practice for to use significant digits in test result to decide the conformance with specification.

ASTM A252 pile pipe material and manufacturing types

Considering on the manufacturing types, ASTM A252 pipe piles could be made by seamless or welded processes.

Seamless pipe pile

Seamless pipe pile referred as hot rolled or cold drawn and thermal expanded seamless pipe.

Welded pipe pile

Welded pipe pile including ERW (electric resistance welded), flash welded, fusion welded or sub-merged welded SSAW or LSAW. Longitudinal or helical spiral welded.

Raw material making process

Raw material iron and steel could be made through the process of Open-hearth, Basic-oxygen, Electric-furnace.

What information would be required before purchase A252 pipe pile

Before purchase the pipe piles under ASTM A252 specification, below information will be required:
a. Quantity in feet, meter, or number of lengths
b. Material Name in steel pipe pile
c. Manufacturing types in seamless or welded (ERW, EFW, LSAW, SSAW)
d. Grades (There are three levels of ASTM A252 Grade 3, 2, and 1)
e. Size (OD and nominal wall thickness, schedule in ASME B36.10)
f. Length in SGL, DGL or fixed length.
g. Ends types beveled or plain ends
h. Inspection related and shipping mark

Defects allowance

Generally the surface imperfections that exceed 25% are called defects, and for the defects that do not exceed 22.5% of the nominal wall in depth could be repaired by welding. Before do butt welding for two pipe pile, these defects shall be removed completely.

A252 steel pipe pile has three grades

Based on the tensile strength and the yield strength the ASTM A252 is classified into three categories/grades:
a. ASTM A252 Grade 1
b. ASTM A252 Grade 2
c. ASTM A252 Grade 3

ASTM A252 Grade 3: Most used pipe piling materials

In three grades of this standard, ASTM A252 Grade 3 pipe piling is the most common and used in piling activities. Because it has a higher tensile strength (455 Mpa or 66,000 psi) and yield strength (310 Mpa or 45,000 psi).

Testing Requirements for A252 steel pipe piling in seamless and welded

It includes:

Material analysis

Heat Analysis: Limits to elements P, and heat result shall be reported in MTC to customer.
Product Analysis: Test frequency shall be determined by the pipe diameter, where, under 14 inch 2 samples per 200 pieces, 14 to 36 inch 2 samples per 100 pieces, above 36 inch is 2 per ft.
Tensile requirements: Values shall be complied to the above tensile strength and yield strength. It shall be noted that if got a vague yield point, then to test yield strength corresponding to a permanent offset of 0.2% of the gage length of the sample specimen, or to test a total extension of 0.5% of the gage length under load.

Weight and dimension tolerances

Pipe pile weights per units (Feet, meter or lengths)
Tolerance allowed: A252 pipe pile weight shall be in +15% or -5% of theoretic weight. OD tolerances at +/-1%, wall thickness +/- 12%.
Lengths: As specified SRL, DRL, or fixed length 20 ft or 40 ft and customized.

Different than other pipelines

Hydrostatic test is not specified in ASTM A252 pipe specification, as normally piling pipe is filling with cement and concrete and forming, not for liquid transmission, so hydrotest is not required.

Different test methods for seamless and welded pipe piles

Seamless, welded, (Longitudinal or helical welded) test methods are different. Check ASTM A252 pipe standard specification for more details. But all of these types are tested in a room temperature.

Pipe piling Prospective and Applications

Nowadays pipe piling is developed to a direction with deep distance and big diameters usage, because the constructions, buildings, bridges now is getting higher even super higher. In United States or Japan steel pipe pile length has reached to 100 meter, diameters reach to mm. And in China even more.

Pipe piling applications

They have the expertise to maintain highly qualified materials are delivered to the customers that will assure high profits for them. The steel pipe pile provided by them is ASTM A252 pipe that has a cylindrical structure that carries the load and is ideally suited for many applications like

• Buildings
• Retaining walls
• Different structures that need a tough base

This ensures that the structure is solid, dependable with the highest quality that will guarantee the toughness which meets the international quality requirements.

Octal Steel supply ASTM A252 pipe pile

We supply steel pipe pile in ASTM A252 standard as below ranges:
Grades: 1, 2, and 3
Dimensions: Up to 48 inch seamless and welded
Thickness: Schedule STD, 40, XS, 80, XXS, 160
Length: Single random / Double random and uniform length
Ends: Beveled, Plain
Coatings: FBE, 3PE, Galvanized

Want more information on High Strength Concrete Pipe Pile? Feel free to contact us.

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