Factors That Affect the Design of Corrugated Metal Pipes Used in Drainage Systems

Several factors will be considered during the development of specifications for the design of the corrugated metal pipes that will be used as stormwater drains on your industrial property. This article discusses the key factors that the designer will put into consideration.

Abrasive Forces

Some corrugated metal pipes fail prematurely because the designer of the system didn't pay adequate attention to the abrasive forces that are likely to be encountered by the pipes as they transport fluids. Stormwater usually contains abrasive particles, such as metal fragments and gravel particles. The system designer usually estimates how much abrasion is likely to be encountered at different drainage pipe locations. This information helps the designer to select the most appropriate metal and gauge to withstand that abrasion. For instance, the designer may specify galvanised metal of a wide diameter in order to reduce the impact of abrasion on the corrugated metal pipes.

The Soil-Side Environment

Drainage system designers may also pay special attention to the environment outside the corrugated metal pipes as they decide which type of pipe will be the best for your application. Factors to consider on the soil-side of the pipes include an examination of soil samples to establish whether there are substances present that can attack the coatings that are used outside corrugated metal pipes. The test results help the designer to select coatings that will resist the substances present in the soil around the drainage pipes. For instance, galvanised corrugated steel pipes may be selected for soils that create hard water around the drainage pipes. This is because hard water deposits scale on the pipes. Scale helps to shield the pipes from corrosion agents.

Pipe-Side Chemistry

The water that will be transported by the corrugated metal pipes is also analysed in order to establish its chemical qualities. For instance, the samples may be tested for acidity or alkalinity (pH). These tests can help the system designer to select materials and coatings that have the ability to withstand the chemical composition of the water transported in the corrugated metal pipes. For instance, an asphalt coating may be applied inside the pipes in order to increase the pipes' capacity to resist corrosion by the stormwater's acidic constituents.

As you can see, each drainage system requires corrugated metal pipes that have been specifically fabricated for that particular application. You should therefore avoid imposing your personal preferences on the system designers. Defer to their expert advice so that you get a drainage system that will stand the test of time. For more information, contact companies like Corrugated Metal Pipe Manufacturing PTY LTD.


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